High School Friends to Lifelong Partners

Featuring Dexter Johny David and Jeanne Pauline Pineda

Our love story began as high school classmates, just friends navigating the ups and downs of teenage life. Though we attended different colleges, our friendship blossomed into something more, and we became a couple before graduating. Our journey wasn’t without its challenges, as we spent nearly six years in a long-distance relationship. Dexter was working as a nurse in the US while I was in the Philippines. The pandemic, however, brought an unexpected blessing: the chance to work from home and join Dexter in the US. It was during a private moment in Joshua Tree that he proposed, just the two of us, making it an unforgettable moment.

We wanted our wedding to stand out and be remembered by our guests. Rather than the usual monograms, we enlisted our friend, Paulo Borres, a talented graphic artist, to create a custom logo. This logo became the hallmark of our celebration, appearing on giveaways, cards, ribbons, menus, and even on our website and Instagram account. It felt like launching a brand, and we plan to use this logo for future holiday gifts. Guests appreciated the personalized touches, feeling truly special as they found these unique items at their reception seats.

Our love for nature inspired an “under the stars” theme. Initially, we envisioned an outdoor wedding, but the unpredictable Baguio weather led us indoors. Our creative team seamlessly brought the stars inside, and our logo perfectly complemented this celestial theme. We adorned everything from taho cups at the church to photo booth props, mobile bar cups, and drink coasters with our logo, creating a cohesive and personalized experience.

Our passion for travel, especially beach getaways, has been a constant in our relationship. Siargao, a cherished island destination, became the backdrop for our prenup video. During our long-distance years, we always made it a point to visit Siargao together. The video captured us surfing, riding motorcycles, enjoying food trips, and simply strolling along the beach. This film played at the reception’s start, sharing those precious memories with our guests.

One of the most memorable aspects of our wedding was our first dance—a surprise aerial hoop performance. Although I practice aerial as a hobby, no one expected Dexter to join me. Friends and family were astonished, as we had always downplayed the possibility due to venue constraints. Yet, we worked with our suppliers to make it happen, integrating the setup into the theme so that it remained hidden until our dance. This surprise left guests talking for days, marking our wedding as truly unique.

Our wedding was a testament to teamwork and creativity. We worked closely with local Baguio suppliers who executed our vision flawlessly. Highlights included personalized wedding favors, an indoor “under the stars” theme, a photo booth gift from my brother, Cuervo shots in place of wine, and an epic after-party with DJ Rammy. We also received glowing feedback for our giveaways, including succulents for guests and orchids for sponsors. These mementos serve as lasting reminders of our special day.

Incorporating our love for nature and the outdoors, we brought the night sky indoors, creating a wedding that truly reflected who we are as a couple. Our celebration was filled with love, joy, and the unwavering support of our friends and family—a day we’ll cherish forever.