We usually mention Metrophoto brides or sometimes Metrophoto couples, but rarely do we encounter loyal Metrophoto families. This was the case for the Sy sisters, Shari and Kaira.  The first was Shari and Derrick whose tinghun I shot then Erron did their wedding (See feature here). Then it was the turn of Kaira and Ken to tie the knot and I also had the privilege of being their photographer for both their tinghun and wedding. It was quite a breeze to build a good relationship with Kaira and Ken, aside from the fact that I met them already from her sister’s tinghun. All I had to do was shoot them three times in a span of less than 2 months! I shot their prenup last January 17, then their tinghun a week after (See feature here) then lastly, their wedding last March 1. Kaira and Ken’s big day is definitely a memorable event for them but for me as well because this is the last wedding I shot before the ECQ. Just look at their beautiful wedding photos to see a glimpse of what they say as the “old normal”. Enjoy! ______________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Video: Mayad Studios Gown: Val Taguba Suit: Tiño Suits Coordination: COTEvents Stylist: Nikki Chatto Emcee: Atom Ungson Reception: Shangri-la The Fort

Love and hope—two important things that push human beings to conquer the toughest challenges that life throws at them. That is what Belina and Neilsen had. So, they decided to push through with the original date they had set for their tinghun. Initially, they were supposed to have their tinghun in Rizal Park Hotel with around 30 tables. It was supposed to be a big celebration. Nevertheless, Belina and Neilsen continued the celebration even in the new norm and trimmed down the list of attendees—having only their parents and siblings from both families as their only guests. Masks were worn, and the venue was changed. Still, there were things that remained the same—the main one being the love between Belina and Neilsen. The tradition and the beauty of the celebration, grand or simple, were still intact. Check out the photos, and see how love will never—and can never—be compromised. ___________________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Gown: Hannah Kong Cake: Naked patisserie Coordination: Tinghun Tris Ceremony Table: imajic touch Backdrop: Kathy Sy King

Frieda and Gerik are one of the most down to earth couples I have met. They were both humble and kind. They treated me more as a friend rather than just one of their suppliers. I got to know them deeper during our meetings, their prenup shoot in Ilocos, and during their wedding day. Our friendship became so deep that they were also guests at my own wedding. As we continually built our friendship, I witnessed how tight-knitted Gerik’s family was when they came with us during the Ilocos pre-wedding shoot. I believe that as they have been around in such a close-knit family, Freida and Gerik already have a model to follow in raising their own family. Another amazing fact I found out about these two is that they have been together for the past 12 years (if I’m not mistaken haha!). Consequently, they already knew each other deeply before they tied the knot, right? As you look at Frieda and Gerik’s wedding photos, I hope it’ll give you light and hope during this time. Enjoy! ____________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Video: Project Mayo 7 Gown and Suit: Melaine Yu Make-up: Cherry Pacheco Coordinator: COTEvents Host: Max Tiu Stylist: Kathy Sy King

As I arrived at Charisse’s hotel room, she was surrounded by family and friends congratulating her. This was a momentous day everyone has been waiting for; the day she says “I do.” As I greeted her, something struck me – she looks like Gal Gadot. Shooting a bride who looks like a star was a challenge. I knew that I had to emphasize her beauty more through the pictures I will take. But at the same time, Charisse made it surprisingly easy. Not only was she beautiful, but she was so photogenic that she knew how to pose and angle herself for the camera. Everything was smooth sailing. Another thing that struck me was that Charisse and Christian, who were both based in Australia, went home to Pampanga just to get married. Even though they were living a very comfortable life in the city, nothing beats going back to their roots and getting married where their life started. It was both intimate and well thought-off. Magical, a word that fully defined Charisse and Christian’s wedding. It was something to behold and something to be remembered by everyone, even me. Enjoy! ________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Video: Bob Nicolas Make-up: Mak Qua Robe: La Tercera Gown: Mak Tumang Suit: Edwin Tan Styling: Michael Rueda Coordination: La Belle Fete Host: JC Alelis

As the photographer responsible for the visual storytelling for Mara and Jeric’s union, from their effortlessly elegant pre-nup session that is beautifully translated into one breathtaking wedding ceremony, to say that this wedding is emotional is such an understatement. Shooting weddings may share a similar vein, but there will always be something unique and special about each wedding that makes the heart melt and the eyes well up. An event that started in a relationship that bloomed into an unwavering bond between Mara and Jeric, reaching this momentous event is far from a walk in the park, with venue and alert level changes. However, support from their families and tightly knit relationships with friends made all the troubles seem inconsequential. The event itself was never short of emotions. The moment Mara walked down the aisle in a simple and timeless number is something only she can pull off, with a simple yet sensational aura and glow surrounding her as she moved forward towards Jeric – and towards forever – who was all smiles during the event. There was a different vibe knowing I was shooting for a close friend who I can almost call my sister. This might be the project that got me the most emotional in a very heartfelt way. Even my face mask was blotted with tears during the bridal march! Love is just a force to be reckoned with. It will lead you to what you deserve, just like how Mara and Jeric landed each other […]