When love blooms in the in-between

Featuring Lance Tan and Isabel Lim

Some love stories are written in grand, sweeping gestures—but Lance Tan and Isabel Lim’s began with quiet glances across campus as Ateneo freshmen. For years, they were each other’s silent “what if”—until life, and God’s perfect timing, aligned their hearts.

Their relationship blossomed over nearly a decade, anchored in shared faith, growth, and trust. On the cusp of their 10th anniversary, Lance surprised Isabel with a trip to Korea.

What she thought was a birthday getaway became a defining chapter: a proposal under a golden sunbeam in Seoul Forest, just as dandelions began to drift in the breeze. “It was as if the world paused for us,” Isabel recalls. That magical moment became the heart of their wedding story.

Their theme, Moments Before Spring, speaks of transitions—the gentle space between winter’s quiet and spring’s awakening. It symbolizes the evolution of a relationship that never rushed, but unfolded patiently and purposefully. Their chosen palette of winter-pale blues, greens, and silvers reflected a love rooted in stillness, yet reaching toward light.

Dandelions appeared as a recurring motif—symbols of wishes, childhood wonder, and healing. “They remind us that love, like a dandelion seed, can take root and bloom anywhere, even after the harshest season,” Isabel shares.

What made their wedding truly unique was the leap of faith they took. Both their church and reception venue were unfinished when they made their decision—spaces still under construction. But rather than seeing uncertainty, Lance and Isabel saw an opportunity to surrender to God’s plan. “If it’s meant for us, it will be ready,” they believed—and it was.

Their ceremony was reverent and deeply personal. Every reading, song, and prayer was selected to reflect a love centered on grace, humility, and intention. The church, where they often prayed together, was also where Lance’s parents were married, adding a powerful layer of legacy to the moment.

For the reception, Ardesia Resort wasn’t just a venue; it was where their business, Albero (their furniture business), found one of its first loyal partners—turning professional ties into personal milestones.

One of the most memorable details was their Same-Day Edit video, which featured Lance’s sister Lorin singing a heartfelt rendition of Always on Time—a beautiful reminder that true love never arrives early or late. It comes exactly when it’s meant to.