Featuring Miguel Jimenez and Kayla Rivera
Miguel and Kayla’s love story began in 2019, during Trumpets Inc.’s musical theater production, Joseph the Dreamer. Kayla was an actress in the show, while Miguel handled the social media campaigns. They would exchange quick hellos during rehearsals, but never had the chance to truly talk. Still, Kayla noticed him, his quiet reliability and hardworking nature.
Their story officially started when Kayla replied to one of Miguel’s Instagram stories. Soon after, they went on their first date, just three days before the Philippines went into lockdown. They spent the day at UCC and ended it at Overdough’s, bonding over chewy chocolate chip cookies.
Kayla still remembers one moment clearly: when Miguel saw her doing sign language with the staff, he immediately asked her to teach him. “One of my cousins that I’m very close with is deaf,” she shared, “so Migs showing that interest meant a lot to me.”
That same day, Miguel gave her an organic hand sanitizer spray, thoughtful and oddly comforting as COVID began spreading.
“That’s something that stayed consistent,” Kayla said. “Migs is always attentive and detail-oriented, giving you things you didn’t even realize you needed.”
When lockdown came, their relationship grew through Zoom yoga mornings, Netflix parties, shared Spotify playlists, online Bible studies, and even terrible dog haircuts over video call. Kayla chose to stay in the Philippines even while her family was in Canada.
“I felt in my heart that staying was the right decision,” she said.
Miguel made sure she never felt alone, sending care packages filled with essentials and handwritten notes. “Everything felt genuine, pure, and peaceful. Migs was my answered prayer.”
On Christmas Eve 2024, after Kayla came home from a performance, Miguel proposed quietly in his room, right by the closet, while their dog Kinjo watched.
“I was screaming yes with tears in my eyes,” Kayla recalled, laughing at how they rushed upstairs afterward to tell her parents.
Their journey led to two weddings: an intimate church wedding on July 26, 2025, and their grand celebration at Lakehall on January 18, 2026.
Miguel and Kayla’s wedding day at Lakehall felt like stepping into a celebration shaped by intention, family, and music, an atmosphere that was both elevated and deeply personal.
After already sharing an intimate church wedding in July 2025, this second celebration became the grand gathering where loved ones from across the world finally came together in one place.
From the morning, Kayla described the day as overflowing with gratitude and awe. “I can’t believe this is our wedding day,” she remembered thinking, as she got ready, surrounded by family who had flown in from Canada, the US, Romania, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and beyond.
The energy was calm but joyful, one that is filled with laughter, warm embraces, and the quiet excitement of what was to come.
Kayla wore an Amsale gown she found online through Still White, a piece she instantly knew was meant for her.
“It fit like a glove,” she said, still amazed that no alterations were needed. Its timeless elegance, delicate bows, and scalloped train felt understated yet unforgettable. She also wore a robe designed by Brandon Chan, made even more meaningful because it was repurposed from the veil she used in their first wedding.
The ceremony space was designed to embrace Lakehall’s natural beauty, with décor by Felix Dela Cuesta featuring bamboo sourced from Carolina Bamboo Garden, the farm of Miguel’s Lola Kay.
The bamboo symbolized strength and resilience, softened by white orchids, iris, cilum, and bamboo leaves. “Lola Kay calls her farm her paradise,” Kayla shared, making the tribute feel especially close to the heart.
As guests arrived, the celebration began early; drinks flowing, food already being enjoyed, and laughter echoing through the venue. ARC Gin by Full Circle and Casa Nostra Pizzeria became instant favorites, while Cocktails to Go kept the mood light and festive even before the ceremony began.
Music carried the entire day. The Don Bosco Choir filled the amphitheater with sacred hymns, while special songs like May It Be played during Miguel’s entrance. Kayla’s bridal march was Best Part of Me by Ed Sheeran and Yebba, performed live by Ninong Mon Faustino with Jam Padilla and Peter Caimbon.
“Miguel and I were singing the lyrics to each other,” Kayla said. “It felt like the most perfect moment.”
Adding sweetness to the ceremony, their dogs Kinjo and Azzie walked down the aisle as flower girl and ring bearer, drawing smiles and tears from the crowd.
The reception was vibrant and emotional, complete with choreographed dances, hilarious speeches, and even a Hamilton-inspired performance by Miguel’s brothers and cousin. Later in the evening, Miguel’s mother serenaded the couple, and Kayla shared a father-daughter dance to You’ll Be in My Heart.
Looking back, Kayla said the most unforgettable part was the rare togetherness of everyone she loved. “Seeing everyone interact, sing, and dance together felt surreal,” she shared. “It reminded us how blessed we are.”
Miguel and Kayla’s Dream Team:
Ceremony + Reception: Lakehall at Nena’s Sanctuary at Santa Elena Golf Course
Caterer: Moment Group Catering
Coordinator: Events Embassy
Cake: Moment Group Catering
Host: Rico Robles
Hair and Makeup: Mama Rhaye Dela Cruz
Invites: Print Divas
Event Styling: Moment Group Catering & Felix Dela Cuesta (Bamboo c/o Carolina Bamboo Garden)
Photographer: ProudRad
Videographer: Pearl Studio
Bridal & Groom Styling: Gabby Wu
Gown designer: Amsale
Barong designer: Raquel’s Pina Cloth
Bridal pre-wedding, MOB and Bridesmaid gowns: Brandon Chan
Engagement and wedding rings: Penny Pairs
Bridal backdrop: Il Fiore by Bhem Meijer
Photo Booth: Beyond The Booth
Bar: Cocktails To Go and ARC Gin by Full Circle Distillers
Ceremony Food: Casa Nostra Pizzeria PH
Wedding Giveaways: Auro Chocolate
Sound and Lights: Soundcheck Inc.
Entertainment: Judith Banal and Powerplay Band | Skylight ft Peter Caimbon and Jam Padilla | Don Bosco Choir
DJ: DJ TOM of Monster RX93.1
