Michael & Sharmaine started planning their wedding soon after their engagement in 2017.

Everything was all set for their grand wedding back in the Philippines where they both grew up in and they couldn’t be more ecstatic! But life had different plans for them — on their wedding year, COVID hit and we know how that went. It’s heartbreaking. But they knew that the delay meant nothing against their love.

Unsure of how they were going to push through with the uncertainties of this world. They had decided to plan a much smaller wedding here in New York, considering they’ll still be surrounded by their family & closest friends. Then again, for the second time, life gave them another setback - but this was different.

In a span of a year, they had to grieve the loss of two of the most important people in their lives.

Walking through life, trying their best to find the good & navigating grief. What a love built on resilience.

Then I came into the picture, when I opened my business early this year - Sharmaine came to me and was the first client to ever put her trust in me - without a portfolio and only carrying the experience of planning my own wedding and I will be forever thankful.

God had completely redirected the course of their lives and their views on it but gave them the best day to start their union in marriage.

Today, they’ve learned to live life fearlessly - because if they were able to get through all that together, nothing could ever keep them apart.

I’m in tears just remembering how I’ve witnessed their beautiful love story and even more when I remember how I was behind the team of making this day finally happen.

The tears & laughs shared throughout this day echoes in my head.

To two of the strongest people I’ve had the privilege of meeting, thank you for allowing me to witness this beautiful day, your vows that brought us to tears and to see the most rewarding smiles.

Finally, Mr. & Mrs. Abeleda!

In loving memory of Lorenzo Abeleda & Kevin Avila.