Featuring Stephen Philip Cefali and Samantha Pacita Acuna
An unforgettable union of cultures, memories, and magic in Coron, Palawan.
When Stephen and Samantha matched on Bumble in February 2021, they had no idea their first adorably awkward date would lead to forever. It was the height of the pandemic in San Francisco, and Samantha had just moved into Steve’s neighborhood—only three blocks away. At first, she “friendzoned” him. But Steve’s quiet determination, expressed in simple, thoughtful gestures like delivering food during her 80-hour work weeks, eventually melted her heart.
“He showed me what steady, intentional love looks like,” Samantha shares.
On their fourth outing, Steve—ever the bold romantic—declared he wanted Samantha to be his wife and the mother of his children. That early spark ignited a love that weathered everything from a hike injury in Hawaii to quarantining with COVID in Croatia. So it was only fitting that Steve proposed lakeside in Monteverde, Costa Rica in December 2023, sealing their “across oceans” love story.
Their magical destination wedding in Coron was nothing short of extraordinary. Set on a private island, it brought together 160 guests—over half from abroad—for a weekend of joy, culture, and connection.
The celebration was a beautiful fusion of Filipino and Jewish traditions. From the hora and glass breaking under Steve’s grandfather’s tallit, to the Catholic veil, candle, and cord rituals, every detail symbolized their united heritage. Guests experienced balut tastings, tinikling dances, and even joined a piñata competition, while wearing custom barongs and dancing to Hava Nagila by the beach.
“The theme of our wedding was a true reflection of our vibrant personalities and the journey we’ve shared. Our welcome party in Coron was styled as a Sunset Soiree, where the golden glow of the setting sun bathed the venue in warmth and magic. We were the only ones adorned in pink amid the other sunset hues—a playful, personal touch that set the tone for the rest of the festivities.”, shares Samantha.
But what made the wedding truly unforgettable were the deeply personal touches—like the debut of their custom song, “Across Oceans of Love,” and heartfelt toasts that brought laughter and tears.
“We turned every space into our own,” Samantha recalls. “From welcome banners at the airport to our wedding logos across the island—it was all us.”
Unscripted moments like a pool jump after the welcome party and a sunrise dance floor filled with friends-turned-DJs added to the magic. “We were adults in dress clothes jumping into the pool like kids,” Samantha laughs.
Yet beyond the beauty and celebration, their wedding healed old wounds, reunited families, and reminded everyone of love’s power to bring people home—to themselves and to each other.
It wasn’t just a wedding. It was a legacy of love, written across oceans and sealed under a moonlit sky.
Stephen Philip Cefali and Samantha Pacita Acuna’s Dream Team: Church: No church but beachside venue is Discovery Coron (formerly, Club Paradise) | Ceremony: Discovery Coron (formerly, Club Paradise) | Caterer: Discovery Coron (formerly, Club Paradise) | Coordinator: Amanda Tirol | Cake: Discovery Coron (formerly, Club Paradise) | Invites: San Francisco company, Hyegraph | Event Stylist: Gideon Hermosa | Photographer: Mayad Studios | Videographer: Mayad Studios | Gown designer– Welcome Party & Reception/After Party dresses: Rajo Laurel | Prenuptial & Wedding Ceremony dresses: Francis Libiran | Suit designer: Francis Libiran | Outfit Stylist: Cath Sobrevega | Caricature Artist: Kabayan Caricature | DJs: Katsy Lee & TOONS | Band: Mojo Nova | Photos: HoloFoto | Performances: Cultural Dancers from Discovery Coron , TRON Dancers | Makeup/Hair– Prenuptial & Entourage: Jha Abellano’s Team from Coron | Welcome Party & Wedding Ceremony: Anthea Bueno & Jay Aquino | MC for the whole weekend: Sam YG | Officiant: Christopher Sablay
