The Wedding of Verniece and Alf

We’ve shared so many photos and stories about the wedding journey of Verniece and Alf that you’d think we’re done or that there is nothing new to share anymore. But a photographer-couple journey like this is so unique that we can never be done or run out of things to share about it.

This wedding has been featured everywhere already – on blogs, in all forms of social media, and in the more prestigious of publications, but this feature of us, by the official photographers, is always going to be also interesting because of our story of the story that we capture.

We met Verniece and Alf more than two years ago at the wedding of Vern and Ben. It wasn’t a quick build-up, but after the wedding of Verniece’s sister, we met them again at the wedding of Alf’s brother and then shot them with Vito Selma in Siargao. It was just one great encounter after another that led to us being there for Alf’s proposal in Pawalan more than a year ago. Considering the prenup shoot in Korea and the magazine bridal cover shoot in Dubai, we can say that we’ve been everywhere and shot almost everything with these two.

Thus their wedding was the culmination of a very involved, often-time crazy (tsismis-laden also), and immensely fulfilling affair. And today, we share with you the entire set of photos (and some more) from a coverage of a celebration that lasted one day but, for us, started a few years back. I hope that you notice and appreciate how there is MORE in each photograph because we know these two very well and process our thoughts and our hearts with our talents as photographers with every press of the shutter. We absolutely know that no other thing can replace that photographer-client bond. This is a moving-on post per se, but in reality, there is no moving on from the wedding of Verniece and Alf; just adding to our journey with them because theirs is a story worth telling over and over again.

A Bridge to Forever|Danica and Brandon

Pre-wedding photoshoot sessions have evolved through the years. We are all for amazing and show-stopping concepts that are truly breathtaking. However, this evolution will not take away from the luminosity of storytelling in its simplest and purest splendor. To be in a moment beautifully suspended in time, with the romance that surrounds it, allows us to get a glimpse of the love that grew between two lovers.

The shooting locations of Danica and Brandon created a perfect sequence of scenes right out of a fairytale. First is a bridge surrounded by a sea of blooming water lilies and tall grasses that sway with the gentle breeze against the backdrop of a serene afternoon sky. A bridge holds so much symbolism – it connects two places, and in this case, two hearts on their first chapter towards their own version of forever. Being in that moment is like having a prelude to what lies ahead, a ceremony that opens a new book to be filled with stories, memories, and milestones together.

 From a sea of water lilies to a vision of the sea, the waves seem to capture the love that united Danica and Brandon – the waves are unwavering and never-ending. The waves, no matter how long a day could be, will always have a promise that it will always touch the sand. These are the moments when you know that love is there, and you can almost hear the constant heartbeat that emanates from the photos.

Love comes in different forms, and for Danica and Brandon, it comes by building a bridge between two souls finding each other in a sea of strangers. 

Photo: Rae Cabradilla
Styling: Cath Sobrevega
Make-Up: Ennah Trinidad
Hair: Mycke Arcano

An Intimate Baliuag Bulacan Wedding Photographer | Kate and Jeff

Nothing says I love you more in Kapampangan than literally “Kalugurán daká” – a true and tested phrase that our lovebirds for today’s feature have used from their childhood in Pampanga all the way to the day they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Bulacan with all they hold near and dear.

Kate and Jeff’s love story began and blossomed in Pampanga, under the shadow of the great Mt. Arayat. Because of their intertwined roots, they initially wanted to celebrate their union in Pampanga, but due to the pandemic it proved difficult to find the perfect venue. Fortunately, we found a lovely space in Bulacan for them to hold both their prenup shoot (view here) and wedding. Upon laying eyes on the venue, Kate and Jeff let out a sigh of relief and happiness that despite the challenges, they were going to be able to have the wedding that they’ve always wanted: warm, intimate, and filled with light and love.

This golden day went by with so much ease and breeze, the kind where all the shots of Kate and Jeff captured not only the glowing love between the two, but also their uncontainable excitement and joy in building their home with one another; which was made evident when they unconventionally decided to give each other a first look before the formal ceremony, reminding us all of exactly what marriage is about when no one else is around.

This was the first wedding shoot I’ve led since the onset of this perpetual lockdown, and I was deeply honored to witness and capture these moments of tenderness between Kate and Jeff; it was especially moving when Kate sang a special song to Jeff that symbolised part of her personal vows for him. And as far as symbolism goes, pushing forward with the most important day of their lives despite the growing uncertainty of these times will serve as a lifelong reminder for Kate and Jeff that no matter where life takes them next, their rightful home will always be in each other’s arms.

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Photo: Rae Cabradilla
Video: D’Clare Photography
Make-up: Caren Garcia
Planning: Love Momentos Events
Event Stylist: Eena Hernandez

A Bulacan Pre-wedding Photographer | Kate and Jeff

I have always believed that we should never forget where we came from. Today’s feature is all about going back to our roots. It’s a testimony of how our past contributes heavily on who we are at present. 

Kate and Jeff both grew up in Pampanga under the shadow of the great Mt. Arayat.  It was also there that they met and started their love story.  So as we were discussing possible venues where they were to have their pre-nup shoot, it was only natural for them to think of the mountain which was a big part of their journey.  Not being able to find a location in Pampanga that met their expectations, we went to Bulacan where the mountain was also visible.  With excitement in her eyes, I knew we chose the right place to do their prenup shoot.

Having Mt. Arayat as the backdrop for their shoot, the happy memories all came back to them and this was very evident in their smiles and countenance. I hope you see the significance of the mountain for them just as I saw it when I was taking their photos. 

Enjoy!

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Photo: Rae Cabradilla 

Make-up: Terence Buenaventura

Hair: Gelo Bibrian

Stylist: Sydney Yap

Trina ‘Hopia’ Legaspi and Ryan Jarina | A Metrophoto Special

Preparing to propose has to be one of the most nerve-wracking things to plan for. To do it in the middle of a pandemic with all the uncertainties is proof that Ryan knew what matters to him.

Ryan wanted it to seem like a casual date—a quick meeting with their coordinator and a run to the barbershop for a haircut. You will see in the photos that Trina (a.k.a. Hopia) was completely clueless and taken by surprise. She initially thought the proposal setup was for someone else and quickly left the place. It took a little convincing by Ryan to get her to go back inside. When she did, she broke into tears of happiness and excitement, especially upon seeing her family there to celebrate with them.

Congratulations, Ryan and Trina! We’re always humbled and thankful to document moments like this. Allow these photos to take you back to this heart-warming event. Enjoy!

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Suppliers:
Photo: Rae Cabradilla
Coordinator: Events Embassy
Video: Treehouse Story
Location: The Union Station Barber Cafe
Balloons: Balloonery by Liz