Jems Arcenal was not looking for love when she met Josef Mendoza, better known as Anjo to his friends, but as their best man uttered in his speech: “You have to want something to have something.” So even when Jems wasn’t thinking of getting into a relationship anytime soon, Anjo’s efforts, persistence, and patience (Anjo had to court Jems for a whole year!) swept her off her feet and won her heart.
“Despite the odds, circumstances and people around us, you chose and fought for each other. This story taught me that no one is meant to be, no one is made for someone specifically. The universe will present you with opportunities and circumstances, people, and temptations but it’s you who has to know what you want, work for it, and to work on keeping it. You have to want something to have something.” – From the Best man’s speech, Craig Samson”
And as the church doors flew open, the bride walked down the aisle in a custom Francis Libiran dress that features an aisle-long embroidered train, to the tune of “Pangarap Ko Ay Ibigin Ka” by Regine Velasquez. On cue, Anjo’s eyes started to well up with tears at the sight of his beautiful bride, a reaction Jem was not expecting.
“We planned the wedding for more than a year. Right after the engagement, we were so excited to book the suppliers. We were hands on with everything, we did all the bookings for the suppliers and have our wedding planner sorted it out.”
On their fifth anniversary, Anjo proposed to Jems in the Griffith Observatory, overlooking Los Angeles. From this, they drew inspiration for the theme for their reception and is also apparent in the colors of the dresses of her entourage (in midnight blue and gold).
“As the sun set, the city lights started to come on and the sky was full of stars. It was perfect! Just the two of us feeling all the love that moment. “
Church: Madre de Dios Chapel | Reception: Tagaytay Midlands Veranda | Wedding coordinator: Planners Plus Events Co. – Kenny J. Del Rosario | Photographer: Myio Okamoto Photography | Videographer: Bob Nicolas | Prenup Videographer: Forevermine Wedding Films | Gown and suit: Custom by Francis Libiran | Entourage gowns and suits: Desino Dulce stylist: Jenny Tombiga Malto | Venue and Catering: Tagaytay Highlands, AE Armin |Accommodationn: Tagaytay woodlands | Cake: The Delightful Miss Joyce | Wedding stylist: Gideon Hermosa | Lights and sounds: Sensitivity Lights Sounds | Make-up: Ish Sison Makeup Artistry | Hair: RJ Dela Cruz | Entourage hair and make-up: Jeny Cedillo | Host: Eri Neeman | DJ: Ron Poe and Aryan Magat | Mobile Bar: Rue Bourbon | Photobooth: iFlick Photo Booth | Dessert and Cheese station: Bizu Catering Studio | Cheese Station: The Traveling Plate Ph | Fireworks: Dragon Fireworks | Crew meals: Kroo Meals PH – Tagaytay | Music by Johnoy Danao | Quartet: Madz and Dzhei- Events Singers and Hosts | Invitation: Global Invitations | Prints by Printlab Solutions | Principal sponsor Gifts by @marmolstonework
