A Love Meant to Be

Featuring Stephen Morelos and Jessm Francisco

Stephen and Jessm’s (Sem) love story began at Mapua University in 2014, a meeting that would change both of their lives. Stephen recalls the moment he first saw Sem; she instantly captivated him, and without hesitation, he boldly asked for a selfie. In true romantic fashion, he jokingly declared in the hallway, “MU na kami” (Mutual Understanding), a declaration that would foreshadow their eventual lifelong commitment.

Their journey was unconventional yet full of charm and spontaneity. There was no grand proposal, no meticulously planned event. Instead, their engagement was born from a mutual understanding and love. After a memorable trip to the U.S., where they stayed with Stephen’s aunt in Florida and Minnesota, they decided to take the next step together—living under the same roof. Upon their return in November 2023, they sought their parents’ blessings to move in together. However, it was on New Year’s Eve 2024, while celebrating at BGC and waiting for the midnight fireworks, that Sem surprised Stephen by asking if they could get married that year. His response? A simple and heartfelt, “YES, SURE!” From that moment, their wedding planning journey began.

Stephen and Sem envisioned an intimate wedding, originally planning a civil ceremony with just their parents and siblings. However, as they began planning, the couple realized they wanted to share the day with more of their closest family and friends. Their choice of a pastel theme, inspired by their love for Korean dramas, created a soft, calming atmosphere. Lilac, baby blue, and baby pink tones colored their celebration, embodying their shared love for a peaceful, joyful life together.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was when Stephen stepped into the reception venue and saw the breathtaking ceiling treatment—flowers cascading from the heights above, a magical vision that brought him to tears. Despite last-minute challenges, their wedding fairy godmother made sure that Stephen’s dream was fulfilled.

The celebration wasn’t just about the couple, but about the coming together of their families. A surprise AVP created by their friends, featuring childhood photos of both Stephen and Sem, added an emotional and nostalgic touch, reminding everyone that this union was not just the joining of two people, but of two families. Their love, joy, and gratitude were felt throughout the night, making it a wedding uniquely theirs—a reflection of their fun-loving, carefree spirits, and the love they share with everyone around them.