Inspiration, Vendor Friends

Dancing under the moonlight: NASA-themed Filipino-American Wedding

When I first met Justine, it was with her friends at our San Francisco Trunkshow. Her friends were so supportive and the bridal appointment was filled with laughter and cafe86 ube treats. I love it when a bridal appointment is filled with unconditional love and support- with every dress that Justine stepped into, her friends would cheer on, appreciating her beauty and elegance in every single one. What amazed me so much is how her friends are like her family. They loved each other so much and it was just pure love.

We spoke about our shared Filipino-American experience and our stories wove from entrepreneurship ventures to speaking about the downfall of our beloved San Francisco city. Silviyana was founded on my deep need to connect with my roots, as a Filipina who grew-up on the fringe of many cultures, I always felt left out in stereotypes related to being a Filipina. I am happiest when I get to chat with brides and connect with them to better understand what it means to be a modern Filipina.

I will leave you with photos of Justine’s big day. She is wearing our beloved Flora, a hand-woven vegan dress that blends Philippine cotton with abaca (a Philippine variety banana plant) fabric, with sampaguita floral details embroidered on the dress. The belt and sleeves are hand-braided abaca fibers woven together to create intricate lace-like designs. What you will see in these photos is the raw imagery of true joy and bliss. You will see how Justine and Jonathan’s friends are like family. How so many people came together to truly celebrate their beautiful NASA-themed union on the backdrop of Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, California. Dancing under the moonlight, coordinated by Filipino-American wedding coordinator, Fairytales on a Budget. Her au-naturel make-up and hair finished by Filipino American Ann Paris Beauty.

Captured beautifully by wedding photographer, Ditto Dianto Photography.

Candid photographs are captured moments in still 2-D form. Time-stamped memorabilia to help you rekindle and relive that very moment. Tones of blue and pinks, cute and elegant – the beautiful blend of contradictory aspects mirroring what it means to be Filipino-American. Celebrating two different cultures but all in union as one.

 

The coin and veil sponsor is a significant Filipino wedding tradition. What I love about this tradition is not just the symbology around the ties to our Catholic/Christian beliefs, but what is wonderful is how the coil and veil sponsors will help you through your new life in matrimony. Sponsors are couples that the bride and groom look up to for inspiration and moral support in this new stage. This communal declaration of supporting one another is just beautiful and so important in our world right now. As people say, it takes a village to raise a child, it truly is the same for marriage – it takes a village to build a healthy marriage.

   

Justine switched to a more comfortable dress by Nastygal and danced the night along with Daft Punk music.

Thank you again Justine & Jonathan for choosing Silviyana & Co. It was an honour to be part of your big day! We encourage all brides to find wedding vendors that truly understand their unique personal style, culture, traditions and values and help them and their fiancés encapsulate this in their once-in-a-lifetime celebration of love.