Every bride-to-be wants to personalize their wedding, and this bride from Taguig did just that. She planned a unique wedding entrance that captured everyone’s attention—a boat to forever. This viral moment showcased her creativity.
Lai Balderrama, a 31-year-old bridal gown and suit designer, and her husband Geff Endozo, a 31-year-old IT professional, have captured the hearts of netizens with their enchanting love story and their Instagram-worthy wedding. Their journey from childhood sweethearts to life partners is proof to the power of love and the beauty of growing together.
Their love story began in their early years, as they navigated the challenges of “young puppy love.” Despite the ups and downs, Lai and Geff’s bond remained unbreakable.
“We’ve been together for 17 years before we got married. We have been together since we were young (elementary days to be exact.) We were childhood sweethearts and have gone to the same schools since then. We went through break ups but we always ended up together,” Lai shared.
The lovebirds shared a love for exploration and spent countless hours together, traveling to different beaches and islands, basking in the beauty of the sea. Their love story took a major turn when Geff proposed after 15 years of dating.
Lai and Geff took two years of planning their wedding, meticulously crafting every detail of their dream wedding. On March 8, 2024, surrounded by loved ones, the couple exchanged vows at the picturesque Mithi Resort and Spa in Panglao, Bohol.
One of the highlights of their wedding was the couple’s “boat wedding grand entrance.” Lai and Geff knew that getting married on an islet in the middle of the ocean was the perfect way to seal their love. Lai, on her boat ride to the ceremony venue, savored the moment alone, taking in the surreal experience of seeing their dreams come to life.
“My now-husband showed me the resort a few years before, even before he proposed and it became our goal to get married there. It was love at first sight and we didn’t look for any other venues,” she narrated, adding, “We really wanted to get married at the beach and there is nothing like an islet venue. It was just really surreal to be married in the middle of the ocean!”
With a guest list of 69, the newlyweds’ wedding was an intimate affair filled with love and joy.
Lai, being a talented bride, created the stunning attire for the entire wedding ceremony. Her own wedding gown was a masterpiece; it featured handmade 3D flowers and sentimental details, with a detachable cape bearing her favorite verse, “In His Perfect Time.”
“I actually designed my own wedding gown as well as the groom suit, entourage, parents, everyone in the entourage and some guests. It was another dream come true to be able to pull that off,” she shared. Her personalized touch was evident in every detail, from the attire to the program flow, souvenirs, decorations, music, and activities. The goal was to create a wedding that truly represented their love story and made their guests feel special and included.
For future brides-to-be considering a grand entrance like Lai and Geff’s, her advice is “to dare to dream and have the courage to bring that dream to life. Embrace your unique vision and don’t be afraid to take risks or face judgment. Remember, it’s your happiness that matters the most. Wedding planning may present challenges, but putting your heart into it and infusing personal touches will create a once-in-a-lifetime moment that you will always cherish.”
Geff and Lai Dream Team: Photography: Nyaman Photography | Video: Artline Studio | Florist/Styling & Coordination: Chandelier Wedding Coordination and Events | Bridal Gown, Suit, All Entourage and Parents Attires: Lai Balderrama Designs | Bridesmaids Robes/Prep attires: It Girls’ Closet by Lai B. | Makeup: Tfaith Teves Gesite & Team | Bridal Hair: Ruben Ravanilla Bolatete Dunn | Entourage hair and make up: tfaith gesite team ft. Nikki Leigh | Lights & Sounds: Tripler’s Audiolights Services | Host: Odessa Pusta-Rodriguez | Venue, Catering & Accommodations: Mithi Resort & Spa, Bohol | Entertainment (Firedancers): Flow Extreme Panglao | Mobile Bar: Sip Mobile Bar | Bridal shoes: Kara Zapatos Bridal | Wedding Content Creator: Shiella Estareja | Souvenirs and personalized decor/details: Recherchè Crafts
