Featuring Vincent “Vince” Velasco and Kiara Franco
Some love stories begin with a grand entrance. Vince and Kiara’s began beside a freshly washed car.
In summer 2021, Vince had just returned to Washington after graduate school when family friends Patrick and Amoreth stopped by, with Kiara in the car. The moment they left, Vince texted Patrick: “Who was that pretty lady in your car?”
Their promised introduction never happened at the bachelor party. Instead, fate chose Patrick and Amoreth’s October wedding, where Vince was a groomsman and Kiara a groomslady. Between conversations and laughter, something clicked.
Their relationship unfolded through pumpkin-patch dates, family gatherings, Hawaiʻi trips, and quiet days with their dog, Hank. In February 2025, Vince proposed above the clouds at sunrise on Haleakalā. Two months later, they traveled to the Philippines, where Kiara connected with her Filipino roots and received the Catholic sacraments that would prepare them for marriage.
On July 11, 2026, their story came full circle at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Federal Way, the church where Vince grew up, attended Mass, and watched his older sister marry a decade earlier. Kiara walked toward him as he wore a handcrafted barong from Iloilo, a look she had encouraged before he could even suggest it.
At the altar, their Catholic vows were joined by Filipino traditions: the veil, cord, and arrhae. For Vince, the moment carried the full weight of Kiara’s journey. “Standing beside her at the altar, knowing the journey she had taken to reach that moment, made our vows even more meaningful,” he shared.
Then came the most iconic ride of the day. The wedding party traveled to Farm 12 in Washington’s only available traditional Filipino jeepney, a joyful, camera-ready entrance that instantly lifted the celebration.
The reception welcomed 170 guests into “Isla Bukid,” a concept blending island and farm. “Isla” honored their Filipino heritage, Kiara’s Oʻahu birthplace, and the Hawaiʻi memories woven into their love story; “Bukid” celebrated the venue and her family’s Virginia dairy farm. Birds of Paradise, tropical greenery, Jollibee, and peach mango pies made the night feel unmistakably theirs.
Among the happiest witnesses was Kiara’s Nana. Seeing her surrounded by the Filipino traditions once lived by Kiara’s late grandfather made generations feel beautifully present.
“Our wedding was about so much more than the two of us,” Vince said. It was faith, family, culture, and love—all arriving at the same place, right on time. Their forever began exactly where they belonged.
Vince and Kiara’s Dream Team
Ceremony Venue: St. Vincent de Paul Parish Federal Way, Washington
Officiant: Rev. Leonardo T. Pestano (“Father Leo”)
Reception, Cake and Caterer: Farm 12 Puyallup, Washington
Wedding Coordinator & Event Stylist: Marie Sunga of Agape Events & Beyond
Bridal Boutique: Ivoryology Bridal Boutique Tacoma, Washington
Groom’s Attire (Barong): Cornell’s Tailoring Iloilo, Philippines
Photographer: Brittany Janice Renault
Videographers: Tim & Arthur – Blossom in Film
Hair & Makeup: Carol Le
DJ: DJ Crisostomo
Photobooth: LS Studio Seattle
Wedding Transportation (Jeepney): Steve Veltkamp
