Featuring the engagement of Erwin Lim and Jiana Lopez
Words as told by the bride
Our story didn’t begin with a grand gesture, it grew quietly, almost unnoticed, from something familiar. We had been block mates and friends for five years before anything romantic ever crossed our minds. It was only after graduation, when life started to feel both exciting and uncertain, that we found ourselves turning to each other more often.
What began as simple conversations and shared routines slowly deepened into something more meaningful. In the middle of busy, ever-changing days, we became each other’s constant. Looking back, what felt like an ordinary beginning became the kind of love that grows naturally. One that is steady, sincere, and deeply rooted.
On October 26, 2024, we got engaged in Melbourne, surrounded by family, a moment that felt both surreal and grounding. A little over a year later, on November 30, 2025, we celebrated our tinghun, bringing together tradition, family, and the story we’ve built together.
One of the most defining choices we made was our color palette. While tinghun celebrations are traditionally dressed in red, we leaned into shades of blue and dove gray, softened with hints of red and pink.
We wanted the celebration to feel modern and light, something that reflected joy without feeling too formal. It was important to us that our guests felt relaxed, as if they were simply sharing in our happiness.
We poured ourselves into the details, especially the ones that felt most personal. As self-proclaimed food lovers, we carefully selected every dish and giveaway, hoping each bite would reflect a piece of who we are.
One of my favorite touches was the custom scent we created with my aunt. We infused it into our giveaways so that long after the celebration, a single note could bring our guests back to that day.
For me, scent is like seasoning, it gives life, depth, and memory to an experience. Music was just as intentional. I curated the entire playlist, filling it with songs we love. I walked down to Sweet Nothing, while he entered to The Days, moments that felt undeniably ours.
Even the traditional 12 boxes were reimagined; instead of textiles, we filled them with ready-to-wear pieces we chose together, turning a custom into a shared memory.
What made the day unforgettable wasn’t just the planning, but the energy of the celebration itself. From guests proudly wearing temporary tattoos to laughter erupting over a mini game and even a spontaneous moment when my partner accidentally ate ceremonial candy…everything felt real, warm, and joyfully imperfect.
In the end, our tinghun became exactly what we hoped it would be: a reflection of us.
Thoughtful, personal, and grounded in both tradition and modernity made even more meaningful by the people who shared it with us.
Erwin and Jiana’s Dream Team:
Tinghun Prep : City of Dreams Manila
Tinghun Ceremony and Reception: East Ocean Palace
Coordinator: Tinghun Genie
Cake: Sugarcraftmnl
Invites: Popgram Printing
Event Stylist: Kathy Sy King
Photographer: Amady
Videographer: Amady
Gown designer: Vee Tan
Suit designer: Rhod Francisco
Makeup artist/s: Lee Aquino
Host: Trina Yam
Light and Sounds : JL Lights and Sounds
Perfume giveaway: Dear Jocelyn by Acolyte
