Chasing the Stars: A Love Story of Surprises and Northern Lights

Featuring Stanley Go and Sanmae Gan

Stanley and Sanmae’s love story unfolded in the digital age. Stan, a quiet soul with an old-school charm, had his friend introduce him to Sanmae through a carefully crafted message on Instagram. When Sanmae received the message, she was initially skeptical—Stan had no visible online presence, and his Bumble-like introduction seemed more like a gamble than a genuine interest. It was only after confirming Stan’s family’s ties to a hardware store known to her father that Sanmae decided to give their first date a chance.

Their engagement story was one of tender surprises. Stan had originally planned to propose at Club Paradise in Coron, but when Sanmae’s friend Kimberly let slip that Sanmae had caught wind of this plan, Stan had to think on his feet. Opting for Sunlight Palawan, Stan orchestrated a heartfelt proposal. On a seemingly ordinary day, as Sanmae walked back to their villa, she noticed a crowd gathering. Stan, standing by the villa entrance, waited with a grin, and as Sanmae turned to see him, the moment felt magical. The true power of Stan’s proposal lay in his eyes and the heartfelt words he spoke, which melted Sanmae’s heart.

Their wedding celebration was a reflection of their love for each other and their shared dreams. They chose a northern lights and starry night theme, a nod to their deep affection for the color blue and their upcoming honeymoon in Finland to chase the auroras. This theme symbolized the natural and beautiful connection they felt was guided by fate.

One of the most meaningful elements of their wedding was their “first touch,” where they exchanged letters without seeing each other, honoring the tradition of not meeting before the ceremony. This intimate moment allowed them to cherish the gravity of their commitment in silence. Stan also wore a boutonnière with a photo of his late father, bringing a sense of his father’s presence into the celebration.

The personal touches didn’t stop there. A wedding guestbook postcard allowed guests to offer written advice, creating a tangible keepsake for the couple. The pre-wedding video by Romantic Reels captured their love story perfectly, adding a personal touch to their celebration.

The day was full of memorable moments—Stan’s heartfelt Mandarin rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and a surprise performance by Sanmae’s college friend Louie Ngo, who also hosted the event. Despite Sanmae’s meticulous planning, there were spontaneous joys, such as Stan’s uncle’s impromptu singing with the band, making the afterparty a lively celebration.

In the end, their wedding was uniquely theirs—not because of elaborate plans or lavish displays, but because of the heartfelt details that made their day truly special. The northern lights theme, the simple yet significant personal touches, and the overall joy they felt created a celebration that was a true reflection of their love and the natural ease of their relationship.