These celebs show us how pandemic micro weddings can still be romantic

When quarantine started, engaged couples worried about needing to postpone their weddings. But rather than stopping weddings altogether, the pandemic brought a rise in intimate ceremonies. If you and your S.O. are looking for inspo on getting hitched in style despite the current setbacks, let these local celebrities show you how you can work through limitations.

Angel Locsin and Neil Arce

Our fave actress-activist Angel Locsin and film producer Neil Arce got married on Aug. 7. The couple announced the news in BTW fashion by sharing a montage of wedding photos at the end of their “Lipat Bahay Gang” vlog.

While a Christian wedding is still part of their plan, it seems that their civil wedding (officiated by Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano) was a bit of a surprise decision. Locsin shared a snippet of her conversation when she asked best friend Dimples Romana to be her witness. “Anong kailangan mo? Anong isusuot?” asked Romana. “Pants lang mars. Kung ano lang ang suot mo. Kahit naka-slippers,” Locsin replied. The bride wore a white blazer over a black shirt and black jeans. Super casual.

Their official wedding photos were taken at a village parking lot while they were on an ice cream run. As for the wedding reception, the 10-person takeout dinner affair was done in a backyard. The couple requested for a no-flower set-up since they both had allergies. 

Yam Concepcion and Miguel Cuunjieng

Yam Concepcion and businessman Miguel Cuunjieng held their New York wedding on July 24. Their intimate civil ceremony was held on a yacht with the Statue of Liberty in view. It seems that Concepcion didn’t feel the need to have her bridesmaids fussing over her hours before the wedding, and had pre-wedding photos with her beloved dog instead. She wore a LoveShackFancy square neckline dress and paired it with a veiled straw hat. Adding a personal touch, Cuunjieng (who loves fishing) tied an olive zonker and a Rogue foam stone fly on the bridal hat. 

The reception was held at the Gallow Green roof lounge. They were able to invite a number of friends since protocols are different in New York, though the rustic setting helped keep the vibe cozy. They also plan to have a Catholic ceremony in the Philippines.

Sam Pinto and Anthony Semerad

Sam Pinto and basketball player Anthony Semerad held their rooftop wedding on March 8 at Conrad Manila in Pasay. From the photos, it seems that they were only joined by close family.

The reception was also celebrated on the rooftop. Apart from the floral arch and other decorative flower arrangements, fairy lights adorned the deck. Pinto wore a Michael Leyva gown and had her hair down in waves. The couple plans to have a bigger wedding in December.

Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano

Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano got married on Feb. 21 at The Farm at San Benito in Batangas. The garden civil wedding (officiated by Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa) was attended by a small group of friends and family members. In a vlog on Mendiola’s YouTube channel, the attendees are seen wearing face masks during the ceremony.

Mendiola wore a PS Officiel backless dress with Jefferson Si shoes while Manzano donned a custom Paul Lazaro pink 3-piece suit. They have decided to move their bigger wedding to December.

Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati

Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati postponed their grand wedding that was set on March 14 last year in favor of an intimate civil ceremony in Taguig. Some of the planned wedding decor had already been at Shangri-La The Fort days prior; these were taken down and given away. Flowers that would have been part of elaborate arrangements, for instance, were sent out to hospitals.

While the original guest list included big names in politics and showbiz, the actual ceremony had less than 20 attendees. The dinner reception was held at Samba located in Shangri-La with a small gathering of friends and family. The couple has yet to confirm the new date for their grand ceremony.

 

Art by Pammy Orlina 

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Amrie Cruz: Amrie is a nonbinary writer who likes to talk about politics and viral animal videos. They have a dog daughter named Cassie who doesn’t go to school.