Gorgeous couple, Iza Calzado and Ben Wintle turned their special day into a fashionable fête on the shores of one of Palawan’s most idyllic islands
A reflection of these couples’ romantic histories and commitments, four brides share how their dream weddings came to life. Shauna Jay Popple Williams takes you along for the nostalgic ride and culls invaluable advice for future brides-to-be
How did you meet?
Ben and I met in 2011 at the launch of Esquire magazine in Manila, which I was hosting.
What or when was that big moment that you realised that he was “the one”?
Ben was an obvious perfect match for me as he balanced and brought out the best in me and vice-versa. It was when he started writing messages on our blackboard (almost) every day starting February 2017, I told myself he was a keeper. That, for me, was a great idea because affirmations are my love language and he’s not very vocal with affirmations–so written format is the best way for him to get to me.
How did Ben propose?
It was supposed to be a lovely Sunday lunch with family at Sonya’s that turned into a beautiful emotional surprise with friends and family!
What was the overall look and theme of your big day?
Nature, dreamy, and love-filled. Boho feels mixed in with sea elements. Our logo is that of a seahorse because it is the only species in the world wherein the male carries the baby and is monogamous. A few years back, we jokingly said that our lives would be even more amazing if Ben and I were seahorses!
Who did you wear and how did you decide on this? What was the process like?
I wore a beautiful Rajo Laurel creation made with lace that we sourced from Paris, which was hand-carried by my stylist and good friend, Kat Cruz. Rajo posted about it on his blog and House of Laurel account. I am so grateful that Rajo made my dress because he knew exactly how to bring out the best in me and my body.
Which wedding Apps, sites and bridal Instagram accounts did you follow for inspiration?
A bit of Pinterest was all I did. Honestly, Gideon [Hermosa] and Teddy [Manuel] did most of the presenting after I told them what felt I wanted and we just worked on everything together. They are both brilliant!
As far as the wedding planning went, what did you insist on doing yourself and what did you delegate to the planner and bridal entourage?
Organising the rooms was very stressful as they were so limited so that was one of the most difficult parts of the planning which we really had to be on top of from both ends. I am so grateful that we got Amanda Tirol and her team. Working with her made me feel so secure that things would go really well. I don’t know if I delegated anything to my entourage before the wedding day but I know that Kat Holigores kept telling me to fix my registry and she also officiated the wedding so that was a very big task!