The wedding of Alyssa Madriaga and Clifford Manaois went viral for its exceptional and unique theme—a crochet-themed wedding that not only showcased their love story but also highlighted Alyssa’s incredible talent.
Alyssa told Wedding Essentials that her passion for crochet started at a young age. And for her wedding, she decided to incorporate her beloved craft in every aspect of the celebration. From her bridal robe to the bridesmaids’ dresses, and even Clifford’s jacket, every detail was meticulously handcrafted with love.
“I’ve always dreamt of having a crochet-themed wedding with many heavily personalized crochet designs, but I knew this idea would be challenging because handmade crochet is time-consuming,” shares Alyssa.
The bouquets, the ceremony altar backdrop, and the reception styling were also adorned with intricate crochet designs, adding a touch of elegance and personalization to her big day. The process of creating these handmade masterpieces was no easy feat. Alyssa also shared with WE that it took her six months to bring her vision to life, starting in June of 2023 of the previous year, ensuring that every stitch was perfect before the big day arrived.
“I have been a maker for most of my life. I enjoy taking full responsibility for planning our wedding day. Do-it-yourself projects are a fun way to add personal touches and have been one of my best experiences. I’m a very hands-on bride. I love to make things, and crochet balances many of the factors I like about creation. Crocheting my wedding dress, bridal robe, bridesmaid dresses, my partner’s crochet sweater, and other wedding details encourages me to incorporate my style and to choose based on personal preferences (such as yarn color and type of structure). Being able to craft means a lot to me because it is my creative self-expression, and turning my imagination into reality is fulfilling. Being creative is such a healing force to me,” she shares.
Crocheting brings old memories
Designing a crochet-themed wedding was not only a creative endeavor for Alyssa but also a nostalgic journey back to her childhood. “My father bought me the first crochet yarn and hook, and ever since that day, I have never stopped crocheting. I remember the yellow thread he purchased for me when I was seven years old. I was making tiny crochet flowers,” she said. “It’s a beautiful memory that grew out of challenging times. My skills as a fiber artist have evolved, and looking back to the moments when I was young, I never would have thought that I had a talent for crocheting.”
Crocheting became an integral part of her lifestyle and a means of self-expression. Since then, she has been doing a lot of crochet projects that are wearable using yarn. While she currently does not sell her creations or accept custom-made orders, she may consider doing so if time allows.
Challenges in crocheting
Like any creative endeavor, crocheting for the wedding presented its own set of challenges. From visualizing the concept to fine-tuning the details, Alyssa faced moments of trial and error.
“The most challenging part of crafting our engagement outfits is the details—deciding the colors, patterns, stitching design, and the overall look. Learning to notice and adjust these details to create the desired aesthetic requires many creative skills, patience, and a lot of trial and error,” she said.
Alyssa makes it a point to follow a schedule and stay organized. “I always make sure that I follow my lists and finish a specific project for that day to move on to the following tasks.”
Her passion for her craft, coupled with perseverance and a belief in her abilities, allowed her to overcome these obstacles and create unique designs that exceeded her expectations. The icing on the cake? “Everyone is happy to see all the details come together because they’ve seen all the preparations I made from start to finish.”
Love binds and blooms
Crocheting most of the wedding details is no easy feat. This includes floral arrangements and mandala decorations. She credits her husband for helping her with the finishing touches. “We work together as a team,” she muses, reminiscing on how they met at Philippine Military Academy where Clifford worked as a military personnel.
“We’ve been dating for more than five years of long-distance relationship,” with Alyssa residing in Baguio and Clifford stationed in Mindanao. Finally, on Dec. 28, 2023, they tied the knot with a crochet-themed wedding that took place at the enchanting Infinity Garden in the Baguio Country Club, followed by a memorable reception in the grand William Cameron Forbes Ballroom.
As the wedding became a true reflection of the couple’s love and Alyssa’s creative spirit supported by Clifford’s unwavering support, it’s not a surprise that they got a lot of overwhelming positive reactions from their loved ones and guests.
Alyssa’s tips for brides
For brides-to-be considering handmade elements for their wedding, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of having a “clear vision” from the start and planning accordingly. “Researching ideas, establishing a budget, and using high-quality materials” are key factors in bringing the vision to life. She also advises couples to stay true to themselves and choose the details that reflect their unique love story.
“If something works for the two of you, that’s all that matters. Planning a wedding that doesn’t fit either of you will cause you more stress than embracing all the extraordinary things that make your relationship unique,” she reiterates. “Remember, do what makes your heart happy and choose the little details that reflect your wedding the most.”
Photos from Alyssa Gene Marie S. Madriaga.
