Michael & Jessica // Camp Henry, Manila, Philippines
Michael & Jessica
know how to party!
#mbnjs #icansythebells #mylava
We had the privilege of travelling to the Philippines earlier this year to celebrate and capture the wedding of Michael and Jess! And boy what a celebration it was! Michael and Jess created the most incredible experience for their Destination Wedding as they welcomed their Australia friends and family to the place where they grew up. From exploring the historical sites at Intramuros to a beach getaway along the Hamilo Coast at Pico de Loro. The celebrations spanned karaoke nights & cocktail parties until the wedding day arrived. As a perfect reflection of Micheal and Jess the wedding was filled with good food, good people and lots of love. The private residence of Camp Henry provided the perfect backdrop for their wedding with a “surprise” troop of Bernese Mountain Dogs to frolic with on the golf course greens and the most picturesque marquee that housed the party of all parties before the fireworks ended the day as brilliantly as it deserved!
Story
Michael met Jess online as a result of their sisters, Jan and Lauren, not being technologically savvy enough to set up an online video call. Little did they know this would the start of a long and worthwhile love.
Jump to a year later, Michael and Jess find themselves in the same high school. While they didn't share any classes, but their school was small enough that they knew of each other. After a few run-ins and casual teasing, Jess asked Michael to the school's Sadie Hawkin's Dance (a fun girl-ask-guy school dance). That's right, Jess made the first move.
A few dates later and in a different country, Jess and Michael have been together for nearly 8 years. Now, they're ready to start the next chapter of their lives together.
Tidbits
Q. What was your most memorable date?
M - Subic Bay. Luke Bugbee and I took Jess and his now wife, Juliette, to Subic Bay, a few hours away from Manila, where we set up a thousand candles on a boardwalk that lead to a gazebo overlooking mangroves. There Luke and I had prepared a candle-lit dinner with the sunset in the background.
J - Every date is memorable, but if I had to choose one, maybe I'd go with something involving ice cream.
Q. What's your favorite activity together?
M - Hunting down the best ice cream parlour around & sitting pool side with a cocktail of our choice!
J - We love chatting and throwing chat. I don't know if that counts as a favourite activity, but I think we just enjoy doing life together and trying new things together.
Q. What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
M - Took a chopper to a beautiful Philippines island! Spent 1 Week in pure bliss with family.
J - I loved when we went skiing in Lake Tahoe, until I fell over and couldn't move my leg. Still memorable though.
The dream team:
Wedding coordinator: @cotevents http://cote.com.ph/
Photos: @jajasamaniego jajasamaniego.com
Video: @mitchbirchallstudios www.mitchbirchallstudios.com.au
Florist/stylist: @eventstyles_kathysyking
Makeup: @lindsaycoalog
Hair: @hairbyrowenasonido8
Dress: @pninatornai www.pninatornai.com from @kleinfeldbridal www.kleinfeldbridal.com
Reception Dress: @hannahkong www.hannahkong.com
Bridesmaids’ dresses: @evangeline_label evangelinelabel.com
Celebrant: @chris_ensbey
Invitations: http://www.printdivas.com/
Caterer: https://florabel.ph/
Fireworks: http://www.platinumfireworksinc.com/
Mitch Birchall Studios specialises in capturing authentic & candid weddings. We believe real moment are the best ones & in capturing your story for all that it is - if that sounds like you then you’ve come to the right place!