A Celebration of Cultures, Love, and Pure Joy

Featuring Colin Laufmann and Winona Jan Colina

For Colin and Winona, love began in the most unexpected of places—the fish sauce aisle of a Filipino grocery store in Seattle.

What started as laughter over a first impression blossomed into a love story that crossed oceans, cultures, and families. Winona famously declared that Colin was “white-white”

From the very beginning, theirs was a connection that felt meant to be.

“I never imagined Colin would be the person I’d go on the greatest adventure of my life with,” Winona shared.

“But from that first date, I knew he was someone I could trust with my heart.”

When Colin proposed in May 2024, he retraced their love story through all the places that mattered to them, from Seafood City to their favorite viewpoint overlooking Seattle. His heartfelt words, a Montana sapphire ring, and the joyful surprise of family waiting nearby made it a day to remember. Later, he re-proposed in the Philippines with a diamond ring, blending both their worlds into one story of commitment.

Though they were already married in the U.S., Colin and Winona knew their celebration in Cebu had to be something different: a wedding not bound by tradition, but one that honored their love, their cultures, and their families.

With Colin’s father officiating, the ceremony was deeply personal. Unity rituals like the veil, cord, coins, and candle were given thoughtful meaning, especially when the unity candle remained lit to symbolize two lives joining while keeping their individuality.

The reception was nothing short of magical. Styled by the talented Hans Berdejo, it was a tropical celebration of Cebu’s beauty, with vibrant flowers and even fresh fruits woven into the design.

The highlight came when drums and dancers burst into a Sinulog parade, leading the couple and their guests to the reception with music, color, and joy.

“It felt like the rain paused just for us,” Winona recalled. “That moment captured everything we wanted for our wedding…fun, authentic, and full of life.”

For Colin and Winona, their wedding was more than just a union; it was a celebration of community, culture, and pure happiness.

“At the end of the day, what mattered most was seeing our family and friends laughing, dancing, and celebrating love with us,” said Winona. “That’s the kind of joy we want to carry into our marriage—rain or shine.”