Building Blocks of Marriage

#WERealweddings featuring MICHAEL HARRY S. CHENG and AXELLE F. PABELLANO

We cancelled our December 20, 2020 destination wedding in Bohol to an earlier date of August 20, 2020 to coincide with our 14^th year anniversary. From a little more than a hundred guests, we had to narrow down the list to ten because of the pandemic protocols. Out of the ten family members, only five made it to the celebration – Mike’s brother, my parents, my sister and my brother-in-law. A full wedding with only this number of guests may be unthinkable. But what really mattered to us was the essence of the celebration.

We were ready to let go of the many traditional beliefs in the preparation of the wedding. I have commissioned Mich Dulce to design my wedding dress that would flaunt my lovely curves. As she was in the UK that time, we had to collaborate the fittings virtually between him and his one-woman team in the Philippines, Ate Lea.

We did not know where the community lockdowns would lead us to. Exchanging of marital vows was done at the sala of a good Judge friend at the Valenzuela Metropolitan Trial Court. It was significantly solemn. Reception was inspired from a wedding we went to in Tuscany where Aperitifs were highlighted. We did not have the Italian string quartet and centuries-old castle for a setting but we had great food served. Margarita Fores. Need we say more?

The beautiful interiors of Las Casas in Quezon City made up for the Mediterranean ambiance. There was no one unified theme but bits and pieces of our personal interests. The cake design modelled a concrete cylinder and cupcakes had tile patterns to showcase our architectural side. Lego’s bride and groom brick heads for our cake toppers were highlighted details of the video film. Dried flowers were used for the bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere as well as on tablescapes. The neutral colours complemented the Old Filipino interiors of Casa Juico in Las Casas, a house designed by National Artist, Architect Pablo Antonio.

Curated plants in clay pots by Tanya of The Pot Dealer were our wedding favours. And to go by the pandemic mode we had a Pandemic Survival Kit – a collection of protective items of nano fabric mask, face shields, bamboo wet wipes and aroma spray of our favourite disinfectant in custom labelled trigger spray bottles, for additional giveaways.

Overall, we had put together everything we believed we needed to make it a most memorable celebration of our union. We had a good thing happen on a most trying time. A grand blessing of food and laughter. To everyone, Mike’s departing words: “Go eat some more!”

Mike and Axelle’s DREAM TEAM: Ceremony: Valenzuela Metropolitan Trial Court | Reception: Las Casas Quezon City | Caterer: Cibo di Marghi | Cake and Cupcake: Lucille’s PH, Cupcakelab PH | Stationery: By bride and groom | Tablescape: Coramina Manila | Photography: Amady Manila | Videographer: Red Sheep Cinema | Gown designer: Mich Dulce | Bridal shoes: Tish Sevilla  | Bridal purse: Aranaz and Origami by Mich Dulce | Suit designer: Ziggy Savella | Groom’s shoes: Blackwing | Rings: Imelda’s Jewerly | Make up: Bev Siongco | Flowers: Iris Blooms Decor Shop | Favors: The Pot Dealer, Auro Chocolate | Invite inserts: Photobooth.ph | Lechon: Habanero Kitchen Bar  | Graphics (Couple art): Aico Casaje @signedby.aico