Jovanni Photography Blog

So here’s the story from A to Z, Verna + Paul had arranged to have lunch at their favorite restaurant, Thai BBQ. Coming from a client meeting, Paul was all dressed up in business attire, so he questioned Verna as she jumped into his car wearing what could be considered house clothes (aka sweats or ‘pang bahay’ for you Filipino type). After a long week, it was great to catch up while having a great meal. As Paul goes to write the check, he flips the receipt over and secretly writes, “Will you marry me?”. He slips it over to Verna, and pulls out the “one ring that ruled them all” at this point in their lives, an engagement ring! Love works in mysterious ways. Serendipity in full effect. Who knew that the mere acquaintance that sat across from you at that same restaurant 14 years ago, would turn out to be your soulmate?

This past weekend family and friends gathered to celebrate the union of Verna + Paul at St Denis Catholic Church in Diamond Bar. This was a special one for us because Verna is Annie’s sister. Annie was once again part of the bridal party, and Jerelle was again the ring bearer. After the ceremony, everyone headed down to Orange Hill Restaurant to take in the breath-taking view, amazing buffet, and the beats from DJ Abel. I want to thank our good friend Sarina for helping me out that day!

Verna + Paul, it’s definitely been a long time coming. We love you guys! May God bless you in this new journey. We will be over to visit often to hang out and get margaritas at Espiau’s. Bring back some some spam flavored macademia nuts and garlic shrimp from Giovanni Shrimp Truck when you come back from your honeymoon in Hawaii!

This next shot was a precious moment. Verna + Paul were having their first dance, and out of no where, Jerelle comes running in and stops to look up at them. When Verna + Paul look down, he starts clapping. That’s our boy! Who taught him that?

Ceremony Venue: St Denis Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Orange Hill Restaurant

Wedding Day Coordinator: Anne Marie Sanchez
Associate Photographer: Sarina of Sarina Love Photography
Florist: Irene Aquino
Linens: C&L Linens
DJ/MC: DJ Abel of Scratch Weddings
Cake: Pacific Bakery Patisserie
Lighting: Invisible Touch Lighting
Photobooth: Foto Cabina
Limo: Classique Limousine

Growing up in my family with 2 boys and 1 girl, it was practically inevitable for the boys to gang up and tease their sister. This may even be the case now =p, but it all gets put on hold when the doors open up to reveal that sister, now such a beautiful bride, in her wedding dress standing with her parents. You know it had to be amazing when at that same moment, the groom let’s out a ‘Wow’ under his breath (it also could have been because the ring bearer (my son), Jerelle was fast asleep in my dad’s arms =p). I know I had tears of joy in my eyes at that moment, and even now just typing and remembering that moment brings a tear.

That’s exactly what happened last weekend, as my sister Corina got married to the love of her life, Jason in the Founder’s Chapel at the University of San Diego. Jason is in the Navy so he was all decked out in his dress whites, and he had his groomsmen that were in the service also wear their uniforms. My sister also wanted me to be in uniform so I was in my ASUs representing the Army. After a traditional Filipino ceremony, guests gathered outside in the courtyard and Corina + Jason were greeted by sword archers, where the rite of passage through each arch was a kiss.

The reception was held at the Naval Air Station North Island Club which overlooked the beach. Everyone had such a great time and there were some amazing surprise performances by Ben and Andrew with their yo-yo exhibition and Zion, Allison and Mel with their songs of love for the couple. Too many highlights to point out and it’s hard to tall which was the best…the archway of guests that Corina + Jason had to get through, an homage to the bar scene from Top Gun with the guys in uniform singing “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” to Corina right before the garter toss, or the 5 different times that Gangnam Style played and the dance floor was out of control! I want to give a huge thanks to our friends Angel + Alex for doing an amazing job in helping me out that day since Annie was in the bridal party.

To Corina + Jason – I must be the proudest older brother in the world! May God bless you both in this new chapter in life. We’re not looking forward to when you move away next year, but that only means we have to do more things together every weekend. =p

It was hard to concentrate with this little fella chasing daddy around everywhere! =p

Ceremony Venue: Founder’s Chapel on the University of San Diego Campus
Reception Venue: NAS North Island Club

Associate Photographers: Angel + Alex of Angels Ink Photography
Hair: Valerie of Tops Salon
Makeup: Janina of AHN Skin & Beauty
Flowers: Diane’s Flowers Please
Cake: Flour Power
DJ/MC: Mabuhay Entertainment Prodctions
Photo Booth: Lovely Photo Booth
Chair Covers: Lovely Chair Covers