Meant to be: inside the soulful wedding of Christine Tiu and Clifton Esteban

To find a church, the couple was pragmatic. The groom created a spreadsheet of 28 churches across Metro Manila. Their desired date, May 25, 2025, narrowed the list dramatically, and only one church had an opening: San Sebastian Basilica. Tiu calls it destiny. Although under renovation at the time, the church’s faded grandeur and quiet mystery drew them in immediately.

There was also a more profound, almost mystical connection. The couple had met on July 16, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and only later discovered that its original 1618 image is enshrined in San Sebastian. “It was truly the perfect church for us—more special and meaningful than we could have ever imagined,” she enthuses. 

As for the wedding, the couple veered away from a traditional formula, prioritising choices that reflected their personalities. A colour palette of orange and blue paid homage to Esteban’s fire sign and Tiu’s water sign. The invitations were a work of play and art: hand-illustrated and dotted with “easter eggs” hidden throughout, made especially for those close enough to decode them.

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The bride wore a custom gown designed by her sister-in-law, fashion designer Sari Lazaro, while her veil was repurposed from her mother’s 1983 wedding dress. “It felt both sentimental and seamless. People complimented it without even knowing its history—it just quietly carried meaning,” Tiu says. As the founder of Amami, a Filipino heritage jewellery brand, she proudly showcased local artistry through her accessories, the groom’s mother-of-pearl cufflinks and even the sponsors’ gifts.

The couple opted to host their intimate reception at Nobu Manila, transforming it into the largest omakase-style setup the restaurant had ever seen. Guests were greeted with both a sense of occasion and ease as the newlyweds entered to the lively beats of Hakuna Matata, skipping a romantic ballad for something funny and lighthearted. They also skipped the common same-day video edit and instead shared a concept film, a humorous reenactment of one of their favourite memories: dressing up as Mr Bean and Teddy for Halloween.

The bride’s brother, Christian, deejayed and kept the energy high throughout the evening. The occasion never dulled, even during the father-daughter dance choreographed to Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. “It was our way of sharing his fun side and making the moment feel true to who we are,” she explains.

From their chosen wedding choir, Minstrels of Hope, to the bride’s prenup shoot look by Vinta Gallery and a cake made by her former classmate, each element was carefully handpicked. “We made a conscious effort to support friends, local brands and small businesses,” Tiu comments.

The speeches were especially moving. “It was the first time my mum and Clifton’s dad gave public speeches,” she shares. “Having all our loved ones—including some who flew halfway across the world—together under the same roof to celebrate our union was a rare and precious memory we’ll always cherish.”

As they enter a new chapter, the couple is focused on a meaningful life. They say, “We’re most excited to carry forward our shared dream of a life that’s intentional and purpose-driven: filled with growth, adventure, deep connection and making a positive impact in our community.”

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