Boracay BlisS
An iconic island set the scene for this lavish and heartfelt celebration of love.
Family is everything to Jaymie and Jeffrey, whose two daughters even played a part in their engagement story. A few months after the birth of their youngest, Alexandra, the couple was exploring the area around San Juan Capistrano in California when Jeff went down on one knee and asked for Jaymie’s hand in marriage. Amid a teary ‘Yes!” their oldest daughter, Chloe, emerged from her hiding spot where she had been filming the proposal!
While based in California, this pair of travel-lovers looked abroad for their holiday wedding, envisioning an elegant and fun celebration that would bring loved ones together — and a place that would delight adults and kids alike. In Boracay Island, an idyllic escape off the northern tip of mainland Philippines, they found the ideal destination. And in the tropical-luxe Discovery Boracay resort, they found the perfect locale for their 60-strong guest list.
Perfectly positioned on Boracay’s famous White Beach, the resort combines five-star fun and planning prowess. “Getting married in Boracay, with its flour-soft sand, azure waters and island vibe made for a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Jaymie. “And having a hotel with experienced wedding planning was key to help keep our stress level down. The team was excellent in providing a step-by-step outline of what we wanted during the ceremony and reception. When we weren’t sure which spaces would work best, our event coordinator Pauline was helpful in going over the layout for each spot versus what wedding experience we wanted to portray.”
It all came together for the couple’s stunning sunset ceremony, a blend of age-old traditions and heartfelt words which they hold dear in their memories. The bride stepped through billowing white curtains and into a love bubble of golden light, smiling faces and luscious blooms. “The Discovery Boracay florist created a magical experience with the floral design,” she notes of the dreamy scene. A unique focal point was the Wish Stone, a beloved sculpture by local artist Impy Pilapil.
Taking their just-married high all the way to the reception, the couple made a clever call on their wedding party table, positioning it in the middle of the dance floor so they could take in all the reception action. Of which there was plenty! And while they didn’t have much time to savour the delicious buffet (“we were too busy mingling with everyone!”) the Sidecar cocktails went down very nicely.
They also surprised loved ones with a special wedding-day video from their photographer/videographer, Litrato Yan. “You won’t regret choosing Discovery Boracay as your wedding venue … but bring Litrato Yan with you!” says Jaymie. “The same-day video edit was worth every penny as it made everyone cry during the reception.”
While they have a Paris honeymoon in the pipeline, the couple says their kids come first right now. They did manage a memorable minimoon though: a few blissful days of indulgence, relaxation and foot massages at Discovery Boracay then on to another Filipino favourite, El Nido, with Phuket to round out the trip.
Enjoying their first months as husband and wife has also been a chance to relive the experience with family and friends. The couple says feedback has been glowing, with guests highlighting the location, popular Ube wedding cake, exceptional service (especially from Jigs), and same-day wedding edit. “It’s a memory none of us will ever forget.”
DREAM TEAM
Wedding date: 24 November 2024 Location: Discovery Boracay Wedding planner: Discovery Boracay Photography/Videography: Litrato Yan Bridal gown: Casa Blanca Groom’s attire: Sene Entertainment: DJ Lee Dumael, Wedding Host Florist: Florista
