When love feels at home

Featuring Alfonso Kurt Verdeflor and Davilyn Gaviola

Their love story began in the most unexpected way, a simple hello that changed everything. They met at a Filipino restaurant in Manhattan, where the bride first noticed him at the bar.

“I told my friends he’s kinda cute,” she recalls with a laugh. Luckily, a mutual friend introduced them, and from their very first conversation, something just clicked.

Their first date soon followed at another Filipino restaurant nearby, where they talked for hours about their dreams, favorite movies, and the little quirks that make them who they are.

“What made our connection special from the start was how easy it felt,” shares Davilyn.

“There was no pretense, no need to impress, just two people being completely themselves.”

From that moment on, their love grew naturally, strengthened by laughter, shared adventures, and the quiet comfort of knowing they had found home in each other.

When it came time to celebrate their wedding, they wanted a day that reflected not just their love, but the faith and gratitude that had carried them through every chapter.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Bear Brook Valley, their ceremony took place by the heart-shaped pond, a setting that felt like it had been made just for them.

The bride describes it as “everything we had hoped for, heartfelt, intimate, and deeply personal.”

“We added a few creative touches that made the night feel truly ours:

Wedding favor – Our wedding favor is a candle inside a handwoven box. I love candles and I think it’s one of our ways to add personal touches to our wedding.
First Dance – We surprised our guests with a choreographed first dance (yes, we practiced for weeks!).
Audio Guest Book – Instead of a traditional guestbook, we had guests leave a voicemail on our audio guest book which we listened to! We enjoyed listening to them.”

Wearing a modern Filipiniana gown, she walked down the aisle toward Kurt, who stood waiting in his Barong Tagalog. It was their way of honoring their Filipino roots while embracing the beauty of where life had taken them.

The moment was filled with stillness and meaning, the air heavy with emotion and the sound of quiet sniffles from family and friends.

One of the most powerful moments of the ceremony was their foot-washing ritual, a sacred act of humility and faith.

“It was our way to incorporate God’s humbleness and to serve each other through our marriage,” the bride shares.

“It symbolized our promise to always choose love, kindness, and service.”

The celebration that followed was nothing short of magical. Guests were greeted with champagne and serenaded by a saxophonist playing their favorite songs.

Every detail told a story. From the candle favors inside handwoven boxes, an audio guestbook where guests left voicemails, and a choreographed first dance that left everyone cheering.

As the night drew to a close, surrounded by laughter, music, and the warmth of loved ones, the couple took a quiet moment to soak it all in.

“If we had to describe our wedding day in one word,” the bride says softly, “it would be unforgettable. Every moment felt like a dream we never wanted to end.”