A black and white affair

Featuring Carlos Alberto De Jesus Oreta and Amaliya Shukhratovna Shakirova

Amaliya (Liya) and Carlos (Chuck) celebrated a love story that began serendipitously and unfolded with charm, sincerity, and timeless elegance. Their journey started in 2016 at a rooftop bar in Makati City, overlooking the Ayala Triangle. Chuck vividly recalls seeing Liya dancing freely, exuding confidence and joy, a moment that captivated him instantly.

“I asked the DJ if he knew her, and that introduction changed my life,” Chuck shared.

For Liya, however, meeting Chuck at a bar seemed improbable for romance. “I had a rule against meeting guys in clubs,” she laughed, but fate had other plans.

Their engagement was as unique as their love. In a tender moment at home, Liya’s casual inquiry about a proposal led Chuck to surprise her with a ring from their safe. Later, they staged a grander proposal at Dusit Thani Cebu for an Instagram-worthy announcement, a blend of their private and public personas.

The couple’s wedding was a celebration of simplicity and meaning. Opting for a black-and-white city chic theme, Liya and Chuck’s choice of timeless hues symbolized enduring love. Their ceremony at Nuestra Señora de Gracia in Makati City, a church resilient through centuries, echoed their relationship’s strength. Chuck noted, “This church, like our love, has withstood trials and emerged strong.”

“Our theme was B&W City Chic. We told everyone it would be a strict black tie event with a black and white theme, chosen to symbolize timeless love that endures forever. From the attire to the décor, and even the photos and videos, everything adhered to this elegant and classic palette. This wasn’t just a design choice; it reflects our belief that true love transcends time, remaining steadfast and unchanging through life’s challenges.”, shares Liya.

“We wanted our wedding to reflect who we truly are—simple yet elegant. That’s why we chose not to overdo the decorations or add anything that might distract from the natural beauty of our venues. Both the church and Blackbird were already so sophisticated that they didn’t need much embellishment.”, the couple explains.

The reception at Blackbird, a former airport turned sophisticated dining space, added another layer of significance. “We landed in each other’s lives,” Liya shared, “and Blackbird represents the warmth and love we aim to build for our future family.”

Liya and Chuck’s hands-on approach infused their wedding with personal touches. From carefully selected suppliers to a minimalist yet striking aesthetic, every detail reflected their story. The absence of modern gimmicks emphasized genuine connections. “We didn’t want distractions like photo booths or dessert stations. Instead, we wanted our guests to truly engage with each other,” Liya explained.

Their special day, initially planned for Boracay, faced last-minute changes. Canceling their destination wedding five months prior, they rebuilt their plans in Manila, relying on new suppliers they had yet to meet. Against all odds, everything fell into place, exceeding expectations. “It was a miracle everyone showed up, and it turned out better than we imagined,” Chuck marveled.

Memorable moments abounded, from Liya calming her nerves with menthol scent before walking down the aisle to the heartfelt tears of loved ones witnessing their vows. The couple’s choice of a restaurant reception without digital distractions fostered meaningful interactions and heartfelt conversations, making their celebration uniquely theirs.

Liya and Chuck’s wedding was not just a union but a testament to resilience, love, and authenticity. It celebrated their journey, their unwavering bond, and their vision of a life built on timeless values and enduring love.