Brewed, baked, and beautifully bound

Featuring Anthony John B. Santos and Winona Audrey S. Almogela

Before AJ became Winona’s husband, he was first a customer. Their story began in Batangas City, where Winona was doing her informal bar review while baking and selling cookies on weekends to destress. AJ, who was selling coffee beans at the time, reached out to buy her baked goods. They met to exchange cookies and coffee, and while Winona saw him as “just another customer,” AJ clearly saw something more.

When Winona moved to Manila for her formal bar review, AJ remained consistent. She held back at first, focused on passing the Bar. But life had a plot twist prepared. “Little did I know that apart from passing the Bar, which I prayed and worked hard for, I would also meet my husband,” Winona shared.

In June 2024, during their birthday trip to Hong Kong, AJ proposed at Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui. Winona had a hunch it was coming, but the moment still felt surreal. A month later, they began planning their wedding, choosing a two-year engagement so they could book their dream church and suppliers.

For Winona, it was meaningful to marry just before turning 30. For AJ, the long engagement became a season of preparation, not just for the wedding, but for their home, future, and married life.

On their wedding day, everything unfolded with heart, heritage, and just the right amount of personality. Before the ceremony, they honored the Batangueño tradition of “dulot,” but gave it their own modern upgrade; fruits, rosé, pastries, lechon, and steaks for their principal sponsors.

AJ also followed the classic rule of not seeing Winona in her gowns before the ceremony, though Winona, proudly “maarte,” helped with his barong and shoes.

Their “something old, new, borrowed, and blue” details were both elegant and funny, from heirloom jewelry and luxury timepieces to blue underwear. Winona even wore pearls despite old superstitions.

“Mas malaki ang tiwala ko kay AJ kaysa sa pamahiin,” she said. “I know I picked a good man.”
The reception was styled in elegant dusty pink and navy blue, their favorite colors. Winona had one clear reminder for guests: “Bawal ang underdressed. Overdressed, pwedeng-pwede. Basta huwag mag-white!” The ballroom looked dreamy, the speeches were heartfelt, and the celebration felt like a beautiful mix of elegance and personality.

And lastly, the afterparty was a total blast. Even when Winona was already feeling sick, the energy stayed high because of their “crazy friends.” One of her good friends, JP, somehow managed to sing each and every song played by the DJ. The couple and their guests could not stop laughing, even asking, “JP, karaoke ka ba? Bakit alam mo lahat ng kanta?” It was chaotic, hilarious, and unforgettable in the most Gen Z way.

Tired, emotional, and overwhelmed in the best way, Winona described the day as dreamy and touching. For AJ and Winona, what made it unforgettable was seeing all the people who mattered gathered in one room; a rare, beautiful reminder that love is not just celebrated by two people, but witnessed by a whole community.