Featuring Martin Ulinder and Maxine Maia Ang | Photography Render Studios
Maia and Martin’s love story is a testament to the resilience of long-distance relationships and the power of free airline miles.
They first met in the Philippines in 2016. Since then, they’ve lived together and apart as their careers took them across Manila, Tokyo, and Stockholm where Martin is from.
Deciding upon a wedding venue to host them and 100 of their family and friends was a no-brainer – they chose the luxurious Club Paradise Palawan as a private island destination to host their wedding party for a 3 day celebration.
Everyone chipped in to make the big day both intimate and fabulous for the bridal couple – from the bride’s mom’s close friend JC Buendia who designed an exquisite modern Filipiniana gown (made beach-friendly with breathable lace and the highest slit the bride’s parents would allow), to the couple’s dear and talented friend Denise Que who created everything from the couple’s special logo, to the invites, to the tote bags, and the neon signage.
Perfect weather reigned over the weekend, and the famous turquoise waters of Coron served as the iconic backdrop for Maia & Martin’s celebration. Gorgeous sprays of flowers lined the curved aisle, as the bride walked down to an acoustic version of the Friends theme song “I’ll Be There for You.”
There was not a dry eye to be seen when the groom solemnly pressed the bride’s parents hands to his forehead in a timeless gesture of respect and reverence. As the sun painted the sky in fiery orange hues, the guests enjoyed an open bar and a live band performance – a touching last-minute surprise from the resort to the couple as a wedding gift.
Then it was time for dinner on the beach where guests gladly kicked off their shoes and dug their toes into the sand, feasting on fresh seafood, lots of rice (of course) and local dessert delicacies. Laughter and tears in equal measure came as the heartfelt speeches were held by the couple’s friends from all around the world – Stockholm, New York, Tokyo, London – with everyone lending their unique touches to the couple’s special day.
The audience almost completely lost it when the bride’s siblings held a last-minute speech. What it lacked in preparation, it definitely made up for in heartfelt spontaneity, calculated embarrassment, and a hilarious ending with the bride’s little brother sharing one screech-inducing anecdote after the other.
Finally after the cake-cutting and the couple’s first dances with each other and their parents, the dance floor was officially open. Famous DJ’s from Stockholm Poya Ataei and Olof Rosvall flew in to spin hit after hit, and the beach remained packed with guests dancing under the stars until the early morning hours.
It was truly a fabulous wedding weekend for the couple whose love story carried over oceans and time, and the only kind, that guests said, could have brought 100 people from all over the world to a magical island in the Philippines.
Martin and Maia’s Dream Team: Reception: Club Paradise Palawan | Photo Video: Render Studios Stationery & Calligraphy – CraftedbyDQ | Designer: JC Buendia
