Majakly ever after

Featuring Justin Daniel “Bateng” Arde and Sarah Mae Arde

Some love stories begin with sparks, but this one began with Sunday School.

Justin Daniel “Bateng” Arde and Sarah Mae Arde met as children, bound early by shared faith and friendship.

“I was five, he was seven,” Sarah recalls. “We grew up in church—Youth Ministry, Music Team—we were good friends for years before life pulled us apart.”

Fate stepped in again in 2015, at her sister’s debut. “From friendly chats came driving lessons, and those turned into dates. We were scared to risk the friendship, but we took the leap.”

Long-distance love quickly tested their bond. Bateng worked aboard cruise ships; visits were brief, but their connection deepened through prayer, patience, and perseverance. Then, on June 6, 2021—just a week before Bateng’s next deployment—he proposed quietly in their church’s parking lot. “I was getting a little hangry waiting in the car,” Sarah laughs. “Then he turned to me and asked. I froze, cried, then said yes. It was perfect.”

For their wedding, they brought their personalities to life through a Rustic Autumn theme, with earthy tones, burlap textures, and dried florals. “It reflected our love for nature and simplicity,” Sarah explains. Even her bouquet symbolized endurance.

A standout personal touch? Sharing BatBurgs, the mini burger biz they launched in the pandemic. “We prayed our grazing table would be a blessing like it was to us,” she shares.

Their music roots made a unique appearance too replacing the money dance with a live jam session.

“We sang My Heart by Paramore. Guests joined in, lining up to give wedding “aginaldo” (cash gift). It was pure joy!”, shares Sarah.

Quirky and tender details carried meaning—like their LED-lit hashtag #MajaklyEverAfter, a sweet nod to a BlackBerry autocorrect gone right. Or the “Majakly Handshake,” their signature move to seal milestones, now sealed into marriage.

And then there was that kiss—captured on video, it later went viral, racking up 1.2 million views. “We were stunned. But I guess it was our joy and goofiness that people loved,” Sarah smiles.

The real highlight, though, came from above. “Right before our ceremony, the sky turned from blazing sun to soft shade. Just before our kiss, one sunbeam broke through—right onto us. It felt divine.”

Their union, much like their love, was a perfect blend of laughter, tears, and unwavering faith. “When the time is right,” Sarah whispers, “God really does make it happen.”