The engagement of Mark Lim and Yllana Santos
The engagement of Mark Lim and Yllana Santos was not just a celebration, it was a moment that felt both deeply rooted and quietly personal, unfolding with intention from start to finish.
Their story leading up to the Ting Hun had been years in the making. Having been together for quite some time, this milestone felt less like a beginning and more like a meaningful confirmation of a bond already strong. More than anything, it was a day that brought two families together, effortlessly, warmly, and without hesitation.
When it came to planning, the couple knew exactly what mattered to them. As architects, Mark and Yllana naturally approached the celebration the way they would a space, thoughtfully, deliberately, and with a clear point of view.
“Blending tradition with personal style was all about design intention,” Yllana shared. “We followed all the traditional Ting Hun customs, but expressed ourselves through texture, form, and styling.”
The result was a setting that felt both classic and distinctly their own. Red, the color of tradition, remained at the heart of everything, but it was layered in a way that felt refined rather than overwhelming.
Yllana’s gown featured modern pleats inspired by fans, a detail that subtly echoed throughout the décor. “It felt culturally rooted, but still very ‘us,’” she said.
In honoring the ceremony itself, the couple chose not to skip any traditions. From the exchange of gifts and dowry presentation to the tea ceremony and jewelry offering, each part was carried out with care.
For them, it was a way of showing respect, not just for the customs, but for the families who valued them. “Respecting tradition was part of respecting family,” they explained.
The same thoughtfulness extended to the dining experience. The menu, chosen by the groom’s parents, reflected the usual symbols of prosperity and longevity, but also something more heartfelt.
“Prosperity also means abundance in care, making sure everyone felt well-fed, welcomed, and celebrated,” Mark shared.
As the day unfolded, what lingered most was not just the beauty of the details, but the feeling in the room. There was an ease between both families, a sense that they had already come together long before this day.
“There was no hesitation, just warmth, respect, and unity,” the couple recalled.
In the end, their Ting Hun was not only about tradition or design. It was about honoring the past, embracing the present, and stepping into the future, together, and already as one.
WE Tip: The most meaningful Ting Hun celebrations are the ones that feel true to you. Keep the traditions that matter, then personalize how they’re expressed, through your styling, your pacing, and the details you choose. It’s in that balance where your story truly comes to life.
Mark and Yllana’s Dream Team:
Coordination: Tinghun Tris
Event Stylist: Kathy Sy King
Venue / Food: East Ocean
Photographer: Rae at Metrophoto
Videographer: Filmeo
Host/Emcee: Jerome Go
Attire Designer: Weareasy
Suit Designer: Franz Javier
Makeup Artist: Lee Aquino
