Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people have now been opting for simple gatherings in lieu of grand celebrations. This particular couple had to let go of their dream wedding that was supposed to be held next month at a beautiful chapel atop a hill in Baguio knowing that their friends and family wouldn’t be able to make it. So they decided to push through with a civil ceremony—of which they entirely DIY-ed!
They admitted how much of a challenge it was with just three weeks of prep time and having to juggle it with work. But, in the end, they were able to make everything they ever wanted a reality.
Here’s how they did it!
Location
“We searched and booked the place ourselves using Airbnb,” the bride, Nikka Angela Matibag, shared with When In Manila. “In looking for a venue, the first thing that I considered was that it should be near our house. We were lucky we have this beautiful property just few kilometers away so all of our guests, who are mostly relatives and friends, didn’t have a hard time going to the venue. The venue was perfect. It has a nice pool with a view and the wind was so crisp and cool.”
Theme
“We didn’t follow any theme. We just know for sure that we want a dreamy, classy, intimate vibe for our wedding. So the glasshouse with a breathtaking view, the beautiful indoor lights, all the fresh flowers, and the cold Baguio-like weather all contributed to the overall look and ambiance of the place. Many of our guests complimented how we have put it together.”
Dessert Corner
“We carefully thought up everything you can find in our dessert corner. We did look for pegs but I was very hands-on in terms of the design and execution. I have a three-tier cake decorated with beautiful and imported fresh flowers for my main wedding cake. I also included a couple of quarantine-themed cake [toppers] just so when we look back, we can be reminded that our wedding happened during the pandemic.”
Program
“I asked my best friend, Erika Oro, to come up with a short program just so we can hear some heartfelt messages from our parents. I’m lucky that my best friend was born talented and can ‘wear many hats.’ She served as our Emcee during the wedding, and it was quite memorable because she also hosted my debut more than a decade ago.
“Then I hired the great violinist, Butchoi. I let him audition online (haha) and he sent me links to his YouTube channel where you can watch him playing violin. I love how his music set the ambiance that evening. Another good friend of mine, Harlene Magsino, who was a natural singer, was also a guest in my wedding so I asked her to sing our favorite songs.
“During the program, my Mom and Dad personally gave their messages. On the other hand, Marvin’s parents couldn’t fly home because of the pandemic so they sent us a recorded message, which we showed to everyone using a projector. Overall, I loved how the program went. It was short but sweet.”
Giveaways
“Everything you can find in our giveaway box was sourced individually. Marvin picked up each item from different places before finally putting them together. We’ve got these beautiful mugs, coffee beans, pure honey, and minimalist cakes with thank-you notes for the guests.”
“Things have been really crazy, but it was amazing seeing it all come together. Hearing people compliment the intimate event—a product of hard labor and patience from both me and Marvin—was really flattering and fulfilling,” Nikka told us. “Even with restrictions, we still manage to achieve the wedding we have imagined. We barely slept throughout the whole planning but everything was worth it.”
“Through it all, I’ve confirmed how good of a team we made. I’m proud how we managed the pressure and I celebrate these little discoveries we see from each other. At the end, love indeed conquers all, even the pandemic,” she ended.
(ALSO READ: LOOK: We Are in Love with These Dreamy Photos of a Couple’s Simple ‘New Normal’ Airbnb Wedding)
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