Like a lot of modern, millennial relationships, my friendship with bride Jillian began online. I had seen the
Cosmo.Ph EIC @jillyqg looking her bright, bubbly self in a lot of my friends snaps, so much so that when I first met her, I couldn't help but feel like we were old friends. Consequently, and I believe upon the recommendation of
Cosmopolitan Fashion Director Donna Cuna-Pita & Fashion Editor Happy Lopez, when it became time to plan her special day with beau Chris Cantada, she also found me on Instagram. Needless to say, I was extra excited to get to work with the couple, and am extremely grateful for their trust.
Even before our first meeting, Jillian had already sent me photos of her girls, a short bio, and what silhouettes they wanted to wear, all packaged neatly in a PowerPoint. She had such clarity of vision, truly knowing what look she wanted for her entourage, and yet allowed me and her girls the artistic freedom to create unique ensembles that made each lady feel her prettiest. That, to bride Jill, was the most important part, that the special people in her life feel gorgeous as well.
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| MALEN, TIFFANY, JENNIFER, BRIDE JILLIAN, KARA & CHESKA |
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| THESE BRIDESMAIDS ARE GETTING FIRST DIBS ON THE BRIDE'S BOUQUET! |
Jillian wanted something fresh and blooming for their garden soiree, and ensembles her bridesmaids could wear again. Prompted by the floral pret-a-porter skirts I had been designing, we decided on formal separates for her entourage. It was indeed a challenge to find a botanical print that matched her color scheme of pink and pistachio, but I guess Cupid was on our side and we were able to find one with such a glorious old world feel that we all fell in love with. The Matron of Honor Jennifer, the bride's sister, opted for a floor length ball gown skirt paired with a halter top. The bridesmaids chose their own tops and skirts, everything from crop tops to cutouts to elegant three-quarter sleeved blouses. I really think we were able to showcase each girl's unique style whilst creating a cohesive and elegant look for the wedding.
Having had the privilege of working with such lovely ladies, I was able to make so many new friends. I am thankful for all the chats we had at fittings, the funny stories, the bloopers, the stuff I learned, and all the memories. Some parts of our journey were easy, some hard, but all worth it for the beautiful moment it all comes together and the individual pieces become greater as they become part of the whole.
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| TIFFANY, CHESKA, MALEN & KARA |
And of course, no wedding is complete without an adorable flower girl to sprinkle petals down the aisle. Meet my favourite new friend Ysabelle who looked like a little princess in a cloud of pink tulle. When I first met her, she was still a bit shy. But after our first fitting, after she got to try on her tutu dress, I can say that she really warmed up to me. She gave me the a biggest hug, and waved back to me all the way from my place to their car parked across the street. Being fairy godmother to little girls has its perks, I tell you.
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| THE BRIDE & HER NIECE YSABELLE | RINGBEARER DAMIEN & YSABELLE |
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| THE BRIDE'S SISTER & MATRON OF HONOR JENNIFER, WITH HER DAUGHTER YSABELLE |
And to appease the romantic in me, I also consider it a true act of fate that I got to work with Jillian. Obviously, we had worked in the same publishing company but at different times. But I also learned that Jillian had been studying in New York the exact same time I had been in school there. Furthermore, I would like to give a special shout out to the groom's sister
Cat Cantada. I had heard so much about makeup artist extraordinaire Cat back when I was working in Preview, but in all that time, I never had the chance to work with her. People would book her for shoots before I could, and we always tried to work with different talents each month. I found out that Cat's just as silly as I was, and now I stalk her on Instagram.
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| CAT, ANGELINA, TIFFANY, MALEN, CHESKA, KARA, THE COUPLE & THEIR DASHING GROOMSMEN |
I was equally impressed by our rockstar groom, who is none other than famous YouTuber and drummer Chris Cantada. During his Spongecola days, I learned that he had penned a love song named entitled Jillian. Guys, seriously, can you top that? The couple had been dating for more than 10 years, and sometimes long distance, before this momentous occasion that has brought two beautiful, quirky souls together. Truly, any occasion to celebrate true love is something we each must cherish.
And with these lovely photos by Nice Print Photo taken at Angelfields in Tagaytay, I bid you adieu. I thank you Jillian and Chris for making me a part of your special day, and wish you all the best as you both continue to pen the lyrics to your unique love story.
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| THE BRIDE & HER ENTOURAGE |
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| THE RADIANT BRIDE & HER BRIDESMAIDS | JILLIAN SHARES A MOMENT WITH BIG SISTER JENNIFER |
