Jan Nicholas Santos, “Nikko”, an Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist and Donna Gatmaitan, a passionate Medical Technologist and Entrepreneur, recently tied the knot in a magical ceremony that marked the culmination of their seven-year love story. The couple, who endured a five-year long-distance relationship, finally sealed their commitment in a civil ceremony in the United States on July 15, 2022. However, their dream of a church wedding had been on hold, tangled in the complexities of immigration and the global pandemic. Now, almost seven years since they first met, Nikko and Donna celebrated their love in a fairy dreamy ceremony at Santuario De San Jose Parish-Greenhills, followed by a reception at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan.
Nikko and Donna envisioned their wedding to be an elegant affair adorned with lush greens and the warm glow of fairy lights. The theme was a nod to Donna’s love for plants and nature, creating an unexpectedly sophisticated ambiance. The color motif, fittingly, was green—a choice that echoed the couple’s connection to nature and symbolized growth, harmony, and renewal.
Challenges in Long-Distance Planning
One of the most significant challenges the couple faced was the distance—8,000 miles apart with a 12-hour time difference. The logistical nightmare of planning a wedding from such a distance was eased by the expertise of their chosen wedding planner and coordinator, Rhed Sarmiento. With Rhed at the helm, the planning process flowed seamlessly, turning a potential challenge into a stress-free experience. Donna notes that having Rhed on board was the best decision they made. Rhed ensured every aspect of the wedding was handled with precision and care.
The Wedding Day Unveiled
From the intimate preparations at the hotel, where Donna was artfully styled by Justine Balagtas, to the ceremony’s enchanting bridal march accompanied by the Sound Salad’s soulful rendition of “Araw-araw” by Ben & Ben, every moment of Nikko and Donna’s wedding day seemed like a highlight. The weather, which had been rainy for the previous two weeks, graciously cleared up on their special day, adding to the enchantment.
The couple expressed their gratitude for the exceptional work of Kreative Machines, the videographer. Also, to Shootme Photo, the photographer, who beautifully captured every memorable moment. Nikko and Donna emphasized how enjoyable the process was. They attributing it to the harmonious relationship they developed with all their suppliers, especially with their wedding coordinator.
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Styling Dreams Into Reality
Drew Menor was responsible for the styling of both the church and reception. He played a pivotal role in making the wedding visually stunning. Donna vividly recalls walking into the church and being captivated by the simplicity yet sophistication of the setup. The reception venue, with its grand and lavish appearance, surpassed the couple’s expectations. Drew turned their envisioned dreams into a breathtaking reality.
The Heartwarming Reception
The reception, orchestrated by a team of dedicated coordinators, unfolded flawlessly. Nikko and Donna cherished every detail. The sound and lighting, the music, the host were vividly remembered. The catering service, and even the drinks from the mobile bar, was unforgettable. High praises and compliments poured in from the guests. These affirm that their wedding day was as beautiful and smooth as they had hoped.
Timelines, Wise Choices, and Trusting Your Gut
Reflecting on their wedding planning journey, Nikko and Donna shared valuable lessons. They emphasized the importance of having a timeline. They cred Rhed and Axel of Rhed Sarmiento Event Planners and Coordinators for keeping everything on track. The couple also stressed the significance of choosing suppliers wisely, investing time in understanding their preferences, and trusting their instincts.
Cherish Every Decision
For couples embarking on their wedding planning journey, Nikko and Donna offer advice born out of their own experience. Take time to decide, know what you want, and understand how you envision your special day. They advocate for understanding the value of each chosen supplier and stress that quality aligns with the investment. In their words, a wedding is a one-day dream come true. Every detail will seamlessly fall into place when approached with thoughtful consideration.
Nikko and Donna’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love; it was a testament to the power of meticulous planning, wise choices, and the magic that happens when dreams are turned into reality. As they step into this new chapter of their lives, the couple leaves behind not just memories of a beautiful day. They also share a roadmap for future couples embarking on their own wedding journey.
