I built the metrophoto brand primarily as an extension of myself – a self-proclaimed perfectionist and a know-it-all critic. I asked myself, if I were to get married again and could afford the best photographer, what would he/she be like? There were obvious answers and there were very unexpected ones, but by putting them together, one by one, and with a growing team, we were able to create a model that is sincere, beautiful, and most importantly reliable. We like to refer to Metrophoto as a customer service company that happens to take amazing photos (Southwest-inspired).
This set-up faced a huge challenge when I met Gina. Sophisticated (highly), intelligent (Ivy leaguer), and will not compromise (seemingly), she could take apart every aspect of what we do. Of course she is just half of it, Bennett was a blindspot then and an added challenge – he is all those descriptions of Gina, only funnier albeit less sexy and ‘bilugan’.
Surprisingly, while it was very challenging, I was more excited and only slightly intimidated. I felt that these two not only made the right choice, but also in doing so, gave us the chance to again expose Metrophoto to the test.
After two pre-wedding shoots (one out-of-town and another abroad), one family shoot (the entire Yu family), and one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve shot, I’m happy to tell you that this piece ends happily – not perfect because I did miss a deadline on the family photos and have screwed up Bennett’s name in the pre-wedding album (which now tests our after-wedding client response quality) but enough to get feedbacks like; ‘Sobrang benta ka with both our families!’, ‘Aquinos thinking of photoshoot with you’, ‘And my siblings also love your shots!!!’, and recommendations to their friends like; ‘Sabi ko the best ka talaga! No regrets’ and ‘Nirecommend kita sa lahat ng friends ko nung lasing na ako – maski ung may asawa na’. And most importantly; ‘Thanks so much for making us look so good in pictures! It was special for us to have you there kasi sobrang close na tayo! 😘 kept watching the same day edit video Oly..We love it! ❤️❤️❤️ THANK YOU!’. Those give us the most rewarding feeling as our happiness is solely based on theirs. There isn’t a better job in the world when that happens.
After more than a decade, we’ve come a long way in trying to realize a vision, and we aren’t perfect yet as previously mentioned, and we will never be. Every client is a test and a testament. They make us better and keep us inspired. To Gina and Bennett, thanks for testing us, for trusting us, and for treasuring us. We can’t wait to see you again.
Enjoy the photos!
Suppliers:
Wedding Gown: Francis Libiran
Make-up: Lindsay Co-Alog
Coordination: Christine Ong-Te
Robes: Robes by Kim
Flowers and Styling: Teddy Manuel
Video: Bob Nicolas
Emcee: JC Alelis
Ceremony: Manila Cathedral
Reception: Shangrila at the Fort
