Saying “yes” to forever

Featuring Rowen I. Lamban and Bethany Ruth Acabal

Love found its way through patience, persistence, and profound gestures of affection. Rowen and Bethany’s journey began one fateful evening in Cebu, where mutual friends introduced them.

Bethany recalls, “He instantly fell for me (haha).” Despite her initial reservations, Rowen’s steadfast efforts, from delivering home-cooked meals during her hospital internship to seeking out her favorite things through friends, gradually melted her doubts. “I couldn’t imagine someone could give so much love,” Bethany admits, reflecting on Rowen’s unwavering dedication.

After months of courtship marked by patience and sincere gestures, Bethany finally said yes in April 2017, marking the official start of their love story.

Six years later, during their first international trip to a snowy mountain in Japan, Rowen orchestrated a breathtaking proposal. Bethany, unaware of Rowen’s prior conversation with her mother seeking blessings, was taken by surprise. “It made the surprise even more beautiful and special,” Bethany recalls fondly.

Their wedding day, held outdoors amidst the lush greenery of a mountain venue, was a celebration woven with personal touches and heartfelt tributes. “My father passed away two years ago, and it was important for me to honor him,” Bethany shares. Her bouquet, wrapped in her father’s blue handkerchief, served as her something blue, a poignant symbol of his presence.

For the ceremony, Bethany’s bridesmaids wore mismatched pink dresses, reflecting the uniqueness of their relationships. “It was refreshing to see them in outfits that came together beautifully,” Bethany recounts, cherishing the diversity of bonds each bridesmaid shared with her.

Personalized details abounded throughout the celebration, from DIY anahaw fans used as souvenirs to custom pizza boxes that complemented a beloved pizza station. Rowen’s custom barong, a labor of love reflecting his unique style, stood out as a testament to his hands-on approach to the wedding’s design.

Their beloved golden retriever, Uno, played a central role as the coin bearer, donning a custom-made barong that charmed guests with his impeccable behavior throughout the ceremony and reception.

Memorable moments punctuated the day, including Bethany’s emotional reveal to her mother and brother in her wedding dress, and their first dance as a married couple, which showcased their joyful spontaneity.

Despite a weather scare on the wedding day, where dark clouds threatened their outdoor ceremony, the skies miraculously cleared just in time, a moment Bethany describes as “a miracle from God.”

Reflecting on their wedding’s unique elements, Bethany highlights the unconventional exchange of vows in the middle of the aisle before reaching the altar. “It made the ceremony more serene and solemn,” she explains, cherishing the intimate touch that made their union truly theirs.

Bethany and Rowen’s wedding theme, centered on earth tones to complement their outdoor venue’s natural beauty, encapsulated their shared appreciation for simplicity and natural elegance.

“Our wedding was about being fully present in the moment,” Bethany concludes, emphasizing their decision for an unplugged ceremony to allow everyone to immerse themselves in the joyous occasion.

In their union, Rowen and Bethany found not only love but also a testament to patience, personalization, and the beauty of steadfast commitment, creating a day as unforgettable and unique as their journey together.

Church: Victory Christian Fellowship of Dumaguete, Inc.

Ceremony: The Barn at Mango Ranch

Caterer: Mc Neloy’s Catering

Coordinator: W. E. D. (Weddings Exquisitely Designed)

Cake: Aurora Jane Miranda

Invites: Krafted by Kat Banay

Event Stylist: W. E. D. (Weddings Exquisitely Designed)

Photographer: Creative Stills

Videographer: Jason Magbanua

Gown designer: Larry R. Ybesate

Suit designer: Larry R. Ybesate

Bride’s HMUA: Raisa Bercede