Featuring LGBTQIA+ couple Carmelo Balagtas and Florentin Lenoir
Flo, from France, and Carmelo, from the Philippines, first crossed paths in 2010 through mutual friends while Flo was an exchange student in the Philippines. Despite living on opposite sides of town—Flo attending ADMU and Carmelo studying at DLSU—their connection blossomed into a deep and enduring relationship.
After a decade of dating, Carmelo decided it was time to propose. In October 2022, they met in Amsterdam, where Flo had planned a weekend to visit his best friend and the Anne-Frank museum. On what was supposed to be a simple weekend getaway, Carmelo felt inspired during a solo breakfast in Italy. With encouragement from his best friend, he secured a ring in Rome and flew to Amsterdam. On one of the canal bridges at Westermarkt 20, Carmelo, with the help of Flo’s best friend and his girlfriend pretending to film a vlog, proposed under a rare sunny break in the cloudy skies.
Engagement and Wedding
The engagement led to two beautiful weddings celebrating both their cultures. Their French wedding at Domaine du Lourmarin showcased their love for nature, with gardens and sea views enhancing the festivities. The Lakehall wedding in the Philippines echoed this natural beauty with a lake and golf course setting.
The French chateau represented Flo’s heritage, while the lush green venue in the Philippines highlighted Carmelo’s roots. They honored their grandparents and departed family members by featuring their names on the seat chart and celebrating the values of family and unconditional love during the gathering.
Cultural Fusion and Personal Touches
Their wedding combined French elegance and Filipino warmth. The centerpiece, an all-vegetable spread, paid tribute to Carmelo’s farming family. The choir from Arti Sta Rita performed songs in Pampanga’s local dialect, adding to the cultural richness. The menu featured an 80% Filipino and 20% French culinary fusion, with dishes like organic chicken binakol with foie gras.
“The dinner that was thoughtfully curated with mainly French dishes, and a touch of Filipino for good old ‘chocnut’ for dessert, and a whole goodie bag of Auro chocolates from the Philippines.”, exclaims Carmelo.
Special gifts for their entourage included Parisian-made bow ties for the men and scarves from Bretagne for the women. Their suits were a recommendation from Flo’s father, crafted by the French brand “Tradition.”
“The seat chart featured names of our Grand parents and departed members of the family to commemorate their importance to us. The values they taught us, mainly on Family and unconditional love, were celebrated during the gathering.”, shares Carmelo.
The intentionality behind every detail was felt by the guests, from heartfelt speeches to the unique garden aisle leading to the castle backdrop and ocean-side finale. Carmelo’s surprise performance of “Still the One” by Shania Twain during their vows and “Thank You for the Music” by ABBA to open the dance floor added a personal touch.
Their wedding planner, Sybille, and Metrophoto captured unforgettable moments, including a drone group shot. The celebration was a blend of their cultures, love, and the families that shaped them.
Carmelo and Flo’s Dream Team: Photography: Paolo Nierves at Metrophoto | Words: Kitten Zapata
