Concepts for wedding and pre-wedding photoshoots have constantly been evolving. They dance with the trends that often come and go, depending on what is considered hip and modern. However, there are couples who prefer to embrace the classics, and Mara and Jeric are among them.

Mara is one of my closest friends, a rare gem, whom I’ve known as early as grade school. She is a fan of the classics, fascinated by royalty and old-world charm. It’s no surprise that her icon and inspiration is one whose legacy and style are timeless, Diana, Princess of Wales. As a long-time friend, I can see pieces of Princess Diana in the totality of Mara’s personality—the sense of style, the air of quiet confidence, and a distinguished level of class.

Jeric, on the other hand, went full support to embody the royal theme that Mara envisioned. “Happy wife, happy life,” as they say, and he really went above and beyond to accommodate Mara’s every whim agreeing to be the Prince Charles to Mara’s Princess Diana and embodying the elegance that so fittingly reflects Mara’s dream.

Despite the concept of royalty, the main focus of our shoot was not on the luxury nor the opulence so often attributed to society’s elite but rather on the love between Mara and Jeric, so palpable in every frame. No extravagant gowns or anything fancy, just both of them being in the moment and coming as they are—young and in love.

Some people are blessed to find their happy ever after in this lifetime, and witnessing Mara and Jeric’s story since 2014 and seeing how love touched both of them and flourished through the years really warms my heart. They may not be part of the royal family, but I know the family they look forward to building with each other is as good as it gets.

Suppliers: 

Photo: Paolo Nierves
Make-up: Jaypee Daep
Dress: Patricia Pascual Designs
Groom’s Outfit: Jean Jaquet