Featuring Faheem Badr and Aiza Gonzalez
Faheem first met Aiza during his pre-residency training in General Surgery. In a hospital bustling with urgency and pressure, she stood out. “She was a 4th-year medical student from FEU, and in the middle of all that chaos, she was this calm, composed light,” he said. “I told myself I wasn’t ready for anything serious, but something about her made me curious.”
His first move was playful. “I had too much on my plate, so I asked her to take over a task—dressing a burn patient. Of course, I had to follow up, so I got her number,” he laughed. But that was it. “Deep down, I knew I wasn’t ready. I needed to focus on becoming a surgeon.”
More than a year later, in another hospital, fate intervened. This time, they were both assisting in a surgery. “She noticed the UST logo on my coat and asked about it. That sparked a conversation, and then so much more. We shared the same birthday—July 22—and quickly found we shared a lot more than that.”
Their love, like many real ones, wasn’t without its trials. “I made mistakes. I hurt her. But when she gave me another chance, I held on to it. I wasn’t going to lose her again.”
His first proposal happened during a road trip to Baguio. She wasn’t ready. “I told her I’d wait. And I meant it.” Three years later, he proposed again. “This time, in a simple, quiet way—and she said yes.”
Their wedding was a warm, soulful celebration inspired by the beauty of a garden—lush greenery, candlelight, and lights overhead like stars. “We wanted a space that felt alive and comforting, just like the kind of love we share.”
Their wedding bands had their names engraved in Dari, Faheem’s native language. His Afghan heritage was honored through a traditional Attan dance performed by his cousins.
One unforgettable moment: Faheem played bass while Aiza sang Until I Found You. “I’ve never felt so seen, so loved.”
More than anything, what made the wedding unique was their intention. “We invited people who left a mark on our lives—some in big ways, some in quiet ones. It wasn’t just a celebration. It was our way of saying: You matter. You’re part of our story.”
Faheem and Aiza’s Dream Team: Church: Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus | Caterer: Manila Marriott Hotel | Coordinator: Bespoke Manila | Cake: Manila Marriott Hotel | Invites: Print Divas | Event Stylist: Gideon Hermosa | Photographer: Shoot Me Photo | Videographer: Roadtale | Gown designer: Patty Ang | Makeup artist: Rick Calderon
