Iloilo Destination Wedding | Isabel and Chris

Today’s feature takes us to Iloilo City for the wedding of Isabel and Chris. A favorite from last year, seeing their photos again brings back feelings of joy and nostalgia.

Our entire experience feels like being transported somewhere far, somewhere majestic. Yes Iloilo is already far from Manila but what I’m talking about is beyond that and beyond time. We had the privilege of shooting Isabel’s preparations and the wedding portraits in Nelly’s Garden. An Iloilo website describes the house: Undoubtedly Iloilo’s Queen of Heritage Houses, the Nelly Garden gained an iconic status representing the old grandeur of the city. Within its elegant halls, important personalities dined on sumptuous feasts and danced in grand balls. Its imposing architectural design has inspired the imagination of many Ilonggos and visitors alike for generations. A walk through its halls and gardens, and you’d certainly feel the luxury, the class and the pedigrees that were once present in this imposing Ilonggo mansion. Built way back in 1928, the mansion belonged to the bride’s family and believe me when I say that I have never been in better wedding prep location – like I said it was like being in another place and in another time.

Add to all of these the modesty, warmth and good looks of both Isabel and Chris and I had in front of me a wedding so awe-inspiring, there was nothing left to do but capture the beauty and surreality of it all.

I wouldn’t mind going back to Iloilo, yes traffic is horrendous, but there are so many things left to explore. But to go back there and get excited to shoot another wedding is a different thing. If it must compare to a wedding that’s as glorious as Nelly’s Garden, then surely, it is of no easy feat. Enjoy the photos.