Catherine & Jeff’s romantic Filipino wedding in Florida was absolutely breathtaking. It was full of details carefully curated by Valerie Pritt, Owner of Fleur de Lis Event Consulting. They were married in a March wedding where they were met with gorgeous weather in sunny Pensacola, FL. With the bridal party in floor length teal dresses, the bride stood out in her impressive fit & flare gown complete with a sweetheart neckline. The stunning florals by Sunshine Design were vibrant, full of color and truly eye catching.
Photography by Alp & Isle
How Did You Two Meet?
Jeff and I met at FSU in Tallahassee in 2005. He was a sophomore and I was a freshman in college. We both were involved with the student organization the Filipino Student Association. We became really close friends and few months later in October 2005 we became boyfriend/girlfriend. Jeff proposed in July 2012 and we got married in March 2015, almost 9.5 years later of it all beginning!
Tell Us About Your Bridal Style
My dress was a fit & flair style with a corset back and sweetheart neckline by Private Collection by G. I wore a semi- cathedral train paired with classic strap silver & glitter heels by Kelly & Katie.
How Did He Propose?
I was in my 3rd year of medical school at that time. It was July 12, 2012 and I had just finished taking part of my board exam in Atlanta. After the exam, Jeff told me that we would celebrate it being “my day” and told me he made dinner reservations at the Sun Dial restaurant (which is a restaurant like 72 stories above the ground and rotates 360 degrees within 1 hour). So we went later that night and had a 3-course dinner. During the main entree, an asparagus had fallen off of Jeff’s plate onto the ground. When dessert came, Jeff told me that he was going to pick up the aspargus off the floor and asked me to stand up (all the while he is actually kicking the asparagus farther and farther away from him). So I stood up, he bent over as if he was going to pick up the asparagus but then went down on one knee and popped the question. 🙂
What Was Your Vision for Your Wedding Day?
Soft, elegant, romantic … a day where everyone would have a fun time.
What Were Some of the Cultural Traditions You Incorporated?
Jeff and I are both Filipino and our families came from the Philippines. So we had a few cultural traditions:
1) Coins: A bundle of 13 coins were blessed and passed from Jeff to me during the ceremony. The coins represent prosperity and the couple’s committment to mutually contributing to their relationship and future children.
2) Veil: A long veil was placed over the bride and groom during the ceremony. The veil symbolized unity and that the couple are “clothed as one.”
3) Cord: A cord in a figure of 8 was placed around the bride and groom’s necks. It symbolized the couple’s bond and eternal fidelity to each other.
4) Money dance: A Filipino wedding reception wouldn’t be complete without a money dance! In exchange for a dance with the bride or groom, a guest pins money on the bride/groom. Some guests get creative and make a crown/sash/ring out of the money.
What Was Your Favorite Moment of the Day?
– Bride: Seeing all of my friends and family.
– Groom: Dancing.
What Was Your Favorite Part of the Planning Process? Any Advice to Other Couples?
Being able to work with my creative/artistic side and having the chance to meet and work with some of the best vendors in Pensacola. If you have a certain vision or want something in particular, it’s OK to spend a little bit more and possibly go over your budget (within reasonable means) just so that you can get that certain thing. You only get married once and in the end, you will be happy that you spent a little bit more extra money on that special something.
What Song Did You Use For Your First Dance?
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.
Vendor Credits:
Photography – Alp & Isle | Wedding Planning – Fleur de Lis Event Consulting | Florals – Sunshine Design | Ceremony Venue – St. Paul’s Catholic Church | Reception Venue – Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center | Catering – Portabello Market | Cake – Sweet Lisa’s Cakes | Videography – StoryLive Productions | Hair – Arrow Spa & Salon | Makeup – Eliza George | Dress Shop – Bridal’s & More | Bridesmaids Dresses – French Novelty | Entertainment – Music by Matt | Transportation – Bay Limo | Photo Booth – Magic Memories
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