Seven Years to Forever

Featuring Peter Chua and Vangie Lim

Peter and Vangie’s love story began with a “kaishao” introduction in 2013, where their parents, who were childhood classmates, thought it might be a perfect match. At that time, Peter, self-admittedly, wasn’t ready for a serious relationship, living a carefree life, while Vangie, still nursing a broken heart from a recent breakup, wasn’t particularly interested.

Though they didn’t stay in touch after the introduction, Peter would reach out every year with a simple, hopeful message: “Kamusta ka? May boyfriend ka na ba?” (How are you? Do you have a boyfriend already?) Each time, Vangie would politely decline any further connection, unaware that the man who consistently checked on her would be the one God had prepared for her.

Fast forward to December 2019, when everything changed. Both Peter and Vangie credit their Christian faith for the second chance at love. As Peter became more grounded in his faith, he felt a strong conviction that Vangie was the one. With the support of their families and divine timing, they began dating, and everything fell into place. Vangie fondly compares their seven-year journey to the biblical story of Jacob and Rachel, saying, “God worked in our lives for seven years before it became forever.”

Peter proposed to Vangie on February 25, 2021, a year into their relationship. The proposal was both intimate and symbolic—set during the pandemic and involving a surprise in a condo Peter had pretended to show her for their future. With decorations secretly prepared the day before and their special song “Collide” playing, Peter asked Vangie to be his forever, and she said yes.

Their wedding, held on September 18, 2021, was just as intimate and memorable. With the pandemic at its peak, the couple wed in front of only 21 guests at East Ocean Palace, which they playfully dubbed “East Ocean Church” due to its sacred feel. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions, their white and pastel-themed celebration was filled with love. Cherry blossom-like trees symbolized eternity, and the purity of the white decorations echoed the completion of their journey as a couple. For Peter and Vangie, the true highlight was not the grandeur but the simplicity—dancing together, surrounded by love and faith, with the closest people to their hearts smiling behind masks.