Just Like The Old Days

Old souls Niza Limjap and Arvin Quiazon made their special day an understated yet striking all-white affair

At 25, Niza Sabrina Sophia L. Quiazon found her first love in her very first boyfriend, Arvin Ponce Quiazon. They met in 2015 and a year later, after some rather strenuous work on Arvin’s part, the two became an item. “I am an old school type of girl and it took him half a year of persistence, perseverance, and patience to make me say yes to being his girlfriend!” shares Niza.

They were officially together for over a year before Arvin got down on one knee on her birthday. The couple had been invited by Arvin’s parents to join their Euro trip to celebrate their anniversary. Little did she know that Arvin had secretly planned something as well. On the day of her birthday, the group found their way to Versailles and after they finished the tour inside, Arvin knelt down before the gates of the palace. “It was a beautiful surprise to be engaged on my birthday,” she recalls.

The couple exchanged their vows at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish before 700 of their nearest and dearest. Everyone from the handsome couple to the parents of the bride, the best men, maid and matron of honour, bridesmaids, the flower girls, and bearers donned Jc Regalado. The entourage’s colour theme revolved around blush and neutral colours. “I wanted a classy, elegant couture that is timeless,” shares Niza, adding, “I specifically requested for Mikado silk because it looks clean and classy. Not so much of the usual lace, but more of structural silhouettes with big bows and sleeves.”

Above Principal sponsors: FIRST ROW L-R: Sandra Dee, Tess Yao, Raquel Donila, Evelyn Gamboa, Mellie Ablaza, Venancio Ponce, Vicente Santos, Art Ledesma, Dr. Bong Lacuna, Dr. Nonong Tanchuling, MIDDLE ROW L-R Cris Gamboa, Fati dela Rama, Dolly Lopez, Ofelia Trinidad, Milo Bondoc, Bobby Joaquin, Atty. Sal Panelo, Bonny Vergel de Dios, Henry Yusay, Manolet Escalante, LAST ROW L-R: Beging Soriano, Nedy Tantoco, Virma Vergel de Dios, Tess Golez, Marijean Joquin, Desi Laperal, Omon Maravilla, Alvaro Pertierra, Toto Regalado, Henry Hizon

The ceremony, which was presided over by Fr. Larry Tan, was followed by a glamorous Robert Blancaflor-styled reception, which was held at the Makati Shangri-La.

Employing a simple and clean all-white scheme with touches of green all throughout, the dazzling set-up featured carefully selected details that seamlessly came together to create an elegant timeless look. “I just explained to Tito Robert Blancaflor the look and feel that I wanted and told him what my two favourite flowers are: white Phalaenopsis and gypsophila. He and his team perfectly executed everything that I wanted.”

Above A few of her favourite things

Above The groom's essentials

While the wedding cake, a gorgeous confection created by Nicola Santiago of Nadinescakeart, was certainly a priority, shares Niza, “I don’t believe so much in giveaways so instead we set up a photo booth so our guests could take home printed magnets as remembrance.”

Above The bride with matrons of honour, Maika Esmeralda & Maria Christina Tolentino; maid of honour, Bianca Camille Limjap; and bridesmaids Nica Quiazon, Nisky Ponce, Maricelle Roleda, Anj Donila, Gianes Dolar, Katrina Varela, Tammi Reyes

Guests were in for a theatrical treat what with the illustrious Manila Philharmonic Orchestra performing throughout the reception dinner. “Arvin and I sang “All I ask of You” before we did our first dance. He also gave me a surprise number with the boys and sang “I do” by 98 Degrees—his favourite boy band. Then I sang “I’ll never say goodbye by Barbra Streisand, dedicated to the first man I ever loved, my dad, and to the last man I’ll love, Arvin. After all the speeches and formalities, everyone took the dancefloor to groove to the sounds of 3rd Avenue.

Above Nicola Santiago by Nadinescakeart

Above The all-white styling with a touch of green by Robert Blancaflor

“It is true what most married couples say—that the wedding day goes by so fast. So, every second I had to remind myself to cherish and give attention to every moment from the beginning up until it finished; my mind and heart was present in every detail that unfolded on our wedding. I can vividly remember seeing all our loved ones enjoying and showing how happy they were for us,” says Niza of their special day

Above An emotional moment for the groom

“One of the highlights for me was when I walked down the aisle. It is every brides’ big moment and mine was unforgettable especially seeing Arvin bawling at the end of the altar.”