YAO - SANTOS

A Celebration of Love

Lester Yao and Patricia Santos met through a friend and started dating. “We have been together for four years now,” Santos says. Yao proposed in Azulik, an eco-resort in Tulum, Mexico.

Due to the pandemic, the two decided to change their original wedding plans and instead marry civilly. “Our civil wedding was held in a small private backyard that transformed into a magical Parisian inspired garden. It felt like a fairytale, a dream come true,” says Santos, who is a fashion designer. The wedding rings were from Cartier, with non-matching bands. “We want it to represent how we are getting married as two different people respecting each other’s individuality,” she adds.

Because the wedding already had a limited guest limit, there was no need for a coordinator. Nevertheless, Santos went to Gideon Hermosa when it came to styling. “He’s a good friend, and I trust him 100 percent,” she says. “I showed him my pegs and the idea I had in mind, and I was completely stunned on how he transformed everything.”

Santos designed her gown as well as her sisters’, her mother’s, and mother-in-law’s. “I used organic linen and chose nice pastel colors to make things more fun since it’s a garden wedding,” she says. The bride also did her own hair and makeup. “The area where I got ready didn’t have much space, and we had to limit the people since we have to follow safety protocols,” she explains.

As the event was already intimate, the couple decided they didn’t need a program and a host. The ceremony and dinner was the first time their families had met each other formally. “It was our pamamanhikan and wedding in one,” Santos says.

While they had to make compromises on their special day—they had to let go of some ideas and do most of the planning themselves—santos believes that their wedding was still a celebration of love. “We decided to marry no matter what and have our wedding in a small backyard with our immediate family,” she says. “Because to us, that’s all that matters.”

The couple is thankful that everything turned out perfectly, and in fact, was more than what they expected. “We are happy that after a long wait, so many changes of plans, and the stress we had to go through because of the pandemic we are finally married and we don't have to worry anymore.”

Bridal Gown GOWN PS OFFICIEL BRIDAL

Bridal Shoes BOTTEGA VENETA AND JACQUEMUS

Bridal Skin BELO BEAUTY

Bridal Hair ICONIC STAR HAIR

Bridal Nails KIYOSA JAPANESE TOTAL BEAUTY

Bridal Jewelry MEI DIAMOND JEWELRY

Groom’s Suit CHRISTIAN DIOR

Groom’s Shoes DOLCE AND GABBANA

Wedding Rings CARTIER

Wedding Stylist GIDEON HERMOSA

Wedding Caterer K BY CUNANAN CATERING

Wedding CAKE NOMNOM OVEN

Wedding Drinks MOËT & CHANDON

Tableware CASA LUXIA

Videographer SPOTLIGHT CREATIVES

Text SARA SIGUION-REYNA Photos METROPHOTO

1 Sapphire and diamond jewelry set from Mei Diamond Jewelry 2 The bride's sister, Samantha Enriquez, attaches her veil. The bride is wearing a custom gown from PS Officiel Bridal 3 The groom's Dolce & Gabbana shoes 4 The groom and his mom Joceylyn Yao 2

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1 The civil ceremony was presided by the Honorable Judge Don Ace Alagar 2 Paolo and Samantha Enriquez, Lizette Santos, the bride, the groom, Nikki Santos, PJ Montelibano, Antoinette and Paolo Narciso 3 Wedding rings from Cartier 4 The couple signing the registry 5 The private backyard wedding was attended by 18 people, which included the bride's and groom's immediate family, and their judge and his wife 2

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6 6 The newlyweds cheer for their future with a stunning champagne tower by Casa Luxia

8 A champagne tub from Moet & Chandon 8

7 Guests marveled at the beautiful Parisian gardeninspired set up by Gideon Hermosa from House of Hermosa as they enjoyed a wonderful meal from K by Cunanan Catering 7