Yeyi and Ian's Rocking "I Do" | A Wedding in San Antonio de Padua and Balay Dako

Watch the story behind why this wedding celebration is one for the books!

Mr. and Mrs. Waddell’s wedding at San Antonio de Padua Parish.

It was our first time to cover a couple's wedding that had Metallica's Nothing Else Matters instrumental as the bridal march song. 

Instead of robes, the bride and the entourage were in black t-shirts featuring heavy metal bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, ACDC, Nirvana, etc with matching jeans and boots. 

The ambient song of Velvet Revolver and other similar heavy metal songs during the reception filled the halls of Balay Dako.

The table assignments also went by the name of the said bands, instead of table numbers.

Their cake was black, laced with some flowers. 

Their monogram also took inspiration from their Metallica's logo. It was very apparent from the prenup shoot down to their souvenir.

The intimate yet heartfelt wedding celebration of Yeyi and Ian showed their personality and love for music.

Enjoy this preview to that rocking day, Ian and Yeyi! #YEYIAN1D0

#PogiWedsPogo

When asked what does "Pogo" mean, Abhishake Chandel shared that "she ( Fritze Abarre ) was calling me pogi. So out of impulse, I called her Pogo, which is a cartoon channel in India. I know, it's weird. Haha!"

And in Abhishake and Fritze's wedding thanksgiving, we were moved with three life-changing realizations. Let me start with the last one that was not included in the Facebook post. 

3. Acquaintances and newly-found friends with shared values and zest in life can feel like old friends. The team didn't expect to share so much hearty laughter during the shoot in Escala with Fritze and Abhishake. The couple was so easy and fun to work with and just clicked well with the team, who "nose-bled" and wished they brought "more English."  Haha!   

2. Some people can be more Pinoy in thoughts and actions. Described as "ang Indian na maka-Pilipino," Abhi seemed to already embrace Filipino culture and ways. To name a few, we saw how he: greeted the elders with "mano" when he paid respect to Fritze's older relatives, was being so "malambing" and "carinoso" to Fritze, and ride with "nose bleeding" joke when some folks would talk to him.

1. Sometimes, knowing the value of family and how to love unconditionally can be learned through other people, not necessarily your own. Abhi was a free-spirited individual until he met Fritze, and witnessed the "benchmark" of how to love and care for family through Fritze's love for her siblings.

And have a peek into their special day through these SDE video and photo slideshow.

SDE Video

SDE photo slideshow

Meet the team behind the scenes.

Our heartfelt thanks once again, Fritze and Abhishake, for having us. 

And lastly, cheers to old and new friends for a job well done!

Photo and Video team for Leo+Lira Photography:
Elboy S. Fabra Jr, Aljon Gervacio, Josue Jhoy Rodriguez, ERic BOy Ermita Carpo,  Ethel Diño-Datario, Leo Datario, Tristan Dehesa, Carlo Capila

HMUA: Lyn Tierra

OTD: Event La Vida

Preparation Venue: Escala Tagaytay

Event Venue: Aquila Crystal Palace Tagaytay Events Place

Our first blog for 2017!

2016 was filled with extreme highs and lows, with health challenges in the family. Fortunately, the blessings were more abundant. Part of what we’re grateful for, as husband and wife, were the opportunities to capture family and friends’ life-changing moments. The past year of doing so made us know each other further - both the good and not so good. Experiencing how we were, when under pressure or on a high after accomplishing an event, made us love and bring out the best in each other further. And a very memorable testament to this was during Paul and Chen’s wedding, on December 18, 2016.

Chen and Paul: Once again, huge, huge thanks for making us part of your beautiful celebration and heartfelt union. From a relatively new couple, here’s sharing some of our life’s learnings:

·       As Pastor Rodel said during the ceremony, love endures all things. There will be times when the other is not loveable at all, but endure during these times. You’ll be reminded of the reasons why you chose to love and be with this person.

·       This next one is inspired by Paul and Tristan’s conversation, after the ceremony. Paul said, “8 sentences yung sinulat ko for my vow. Pero yun lang nasabi ko.” Sometimes, things don’t happen the way we envisioned it. But it’s ok. Life is not perfect. And so are we. What matters is that you’re together, in life’s highs or lows.

·       May this life-changing moment be a good excuse for you to start having lots of photos (and selfies?) together. Haha! (For those who need to know why I said this, go here. Kudos again to Niq and team!) . It’s good to look back and reminisce documented memories, most especially when the time comes that you’ll have a child.

Here’s sharing the photo highlights. For more "feels," please view the slide show video in HD and listen with audio.

P.S. Thanks mucho as well to newly found-friends:

Fellow photographer Tristan of Point Sixty Three: 'til the next photo shoot!
The Film Hat: awesome and beautiful SDE video, Niq and team! 
Hoot Designs : we looove the romantic-wild-garden-styling of the place! Please expect a possible Client. We just referred you!
KeyStrings Music: Beautiful and moving music
Queensland Catering Services: Yummy food! 
Stohnenky Pro Sounds and Lights ("bright lights, clear music"): the lights greatly helped in the garden feels of the place
Lamariee Bridal Couture Kebaya: The bride's gown suits Chen's personality well! 
 Bergamo: The groom looked dapper with your suit!
Nor Anonuevo and team of the The Forest Barn: it was a pleasure meeting you! Hope we cross paths again!
Abagatan ti Manila: We'll definitely go back, even if it's for a personal trip.

#YutucMyHeart 
#wedding #weddingsph #photographer #Fujifilmph #Fujifilm#LeoAndLiraPhotography