Cover A love rooted in faith: Maritess Rodriguez, Simon Greatwich and their journey as a couple
A love rooted in faith: Maritess Rodriguez, Simon Greatwich and their journey as a couple
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Discover how Simon Greatwich and Maritess Rodriguez turned a chance encounter into a profound love story
Fate brought Simon Greatwich and Maritess Rodriguez together on a football field at Bonifacio Global City in April 2022. Their first encounter was a curious one—both masked, their identities partly concealed.
“I only saw his eyes and heard his accent. I found both sexy, but I assumed he was young and wouldn’t be interested in me,” Rodriguez recalls. Greatwich, on the other hand, admits, “I was also wearing a mask and had on what was likely the worst outfit imaginable… so I suppose she didn’t care about me one bit.”
Yet, impressions were made.
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Above Maritess Rodriguez and Simon Greatwich
Above The bride dazzles in a stunning gown by Julienne Syuco
Maritess Rodriguez and Simon Greatwich
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Above The Rodriguez family: Nick, Edwin, Helena, Luis, Maritess, Pettie, Kian, and Mimi
Above The Greatwich family: Chris, Clive, Simon, Carolina, and Sam, along with the little ones Nico, Julian, and Joia
The Rodriguez family: Nick, Edwin, Helena, Luis, Maritess, Pettie, Kian, and Mimi
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As their relationship blossomed, Rodriguez came to admire his cleverness, dedication and spirited approach to life. “I appreciate his ability to keep things lively, willingness to learn and competitive spirit,” she says. For Greatwich, her spiritual maturity and unwavering support were pivotal. “She played a key role in my journey to becoming a Christian and has always supported me, regardless of the challenges we faced in our relationship,” he reflects.
Above Guests at the Ascott Hotel for the joyous occasion
Guests at the Ascott Hotel for the joyous occasion
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Above Invitations designed by Simon Greatwich himself
Above A masterpiece of a wedding cake by Honeyglazecakes
Invitations designed by Simon Greatwich himself
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Above A breathtaking venue setup by Gideon Hermosa
A breathtaking venue setup by Gideon Hermosa
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During a friend’s wedding in Baguio on February 8, 2024, the conversation shifted to their own nuptials. Rodriguez mentioned September 30, Greatwich’s birthday, as a potential date, but Greatwich, feeling guided by divine signs, proposed August 8. “Why not choose 8.8? We’ve received so many signs from God associated with that number,” he suggested. The decision was swift and heartfelt, and their guest list began to take shape that very same day.
Above The radiant bride and groom
Above Dr Hayden Kho, Jr and Dr Vicki Belo
The radiant bride and groom
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Above . Dr Cathy Placido, Dr Vicki Belo, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Jessica Everingham, Christine Babao, Michelle Jepezzen, Katz Santos
Above The wedding entourage
. Dr Cathy Placido, Dr Vicki Belo, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Jessica Everingham, Christine Babao, Michelle Jepezzen, Katz Santos
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The proposal itself was nothing short of divine. On February 24, 2024, just after Greatwich’s baptism to Christianity, Rodriguez’s birthday celebration became one for the books. “I had no idea he would reveal the ring during this special moment and propose in front of our pastor, mentors and those we hold dear,” she recalls. “I felt emotional and wept like a child,” Greatwich adds.
Though not without its challenges—ranging from selecting the perfect stylist to navigating minor coordination hiccups—their wedding at Ascott Hotel BGC, where they attend church every Sunday, was unforgettable for its heartfelt moments. Greatwich’s recounting of his spiritual journey during the ceremony moved many to tears, and their expression of gratitude to their parents was the perfect finishing touch.
Above Priscilla Estrada, Rikky Mathay, Vina Morales, Christine Lhuillier, Gerry Pablo, Sherry Faller
Above Anton Del Rosario, Kim Atienza, Simon Greatwich
Priscilla Estrada, Rikky Mathay, Vina Morales, Christine Lhuillier, Gerry Pablo, Sherry Faller
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Above Jessica Everingham, Michelle Jepessen, Tim Yap
Above Party in full swing
Jessica Everingham, Michelle Jepessen, Tim Yap
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“We see our marriage as a way to glorify God and honour Him through our union,” Rodriguez shares. “Our goal is to embrace this purpose and recognise that we did not marry simply for our own happiness, but to serve God,” Greatwich declares. As they look forward to welcoming a child, they embrace each day with intention—their love strengthened by the faith that brought them together.
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Credits
Photography: CHISSAI BY PAT DY
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
