In the quaint setting of Somerset, England, on October 25, 2023, Matthew Watson, an American from South Carolina and Jenny Cortes Ybañez, a Filipina with roots in Spain and England, united their lives in a beautiful ceremony symbolizing not just their love but the amalgamation of diverse cultures and traditions.
A Meeting Destined by Fate
Their story began in the bustling city of Beijing, China, where their paths crossed in the world of media. “We weren’t looking for love,” Jenny recalls, “but God’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect.” This serendipitous meeting on Jenny’s birthday marked the beginning of a journey filled with love, shared passions, and resilience against the odds, including the trials brought by Covid.
A Multicultural Wedding Celebration in the English Countryside
Despite dreaming of a wedding in her native Philippines, Jenny embraced the idea of an English wedding at the All Saints Lullington Church and Orchardleigh Estate, infusing it with Filipino traditions. “I worked with many Filipino suppliers,” she explains, “bringing our multicultural vision to life.” From the cuisine to the decor, every element reflected their unique blend of cultures.
Classic Chic: A Timeless Wedding Theme
Guided by an online wedding style test, Jenny chose a ‘Classic Chic’ theme. “It was about being stylish, sophisticated, and elegant,” she says. The color palette of white, ivory, champagne gold, and dusty pink perfectly complemented the theme, with every detail meticulously chosen to echo this timeless elegance.
Overcoming Challenges with Grace and Gratitude
Planning a wedding in just five to six months while juggling a full-time job was no small feat. The couple was presented with the extra challenge of living in two different countries. While it was tough, Jenny cites doing the planning together as a way to get everything done smoothly.
Matthew and Jenny also faced some challenges dealing with all the accommodation requests. Their venue required that all the check-in arrangements go through them, so they had to deal with all the details up until the check-in day.
However, despite the little hiccups along the way, they were able to face their challenges in stride. They even created a wedding website to ensure all of the guests (especially those living out of the country) had all the information they needed.
“Give yourself as much time as possible,” Jenny advises. The support of her brother Ron, sister-in-law-to-be Toni, and her parents was invaluable. “And Ate Kristine, a childhood friend who became our wedding coordinator for the day, was a lifesaver!”
A Day of Divine Blessings and Joyful Surprises
The wedding day itself was a tapestry of memorable moments. “God and the Holy Spirit were very much present,” Jenny reflects. From the sun breaking through the rain as she donned her wedding dress to the emotional vows penned on the morning of the wedding, every moment felt divinely guided.
“On the day of the wedding, I felt at peace… The morning of the wedding was pouring rain, and the whole day it was supposed to rain,” Jenny recalls. “But when I put on my wedding dress and veil, and they started to take my solo shots, the sun came out, and it was beaming on my face. It was divine!”
The ceremony blended Christian traditions with Filipino customs, creating a beautiful tapestry of their shared values and heritage. The pair celebrated their matrimony with the unity candle, the veil, cord, coins, anointing of oil, first communion as a couple, and their wedding vows.
Post-ceremony, Jenny and Matthew savored a private carriage ride together, a precious moment of tranquility amidst the day’s excitement. The reception, filled with music, heartfelt speeches, and a dazzling fireworks display, encapsulated the joy and unity of the occasion. Throughout the day, they and their guests were also serenaded by a talented Filipina singer, Emylou Tandigan, with Tagalog and English love songs, which set the mood.
The couple recalls that one of the most extraordinary highlights of that day was seeing their families and friends witness them becoming one, talking to one another, laughing, crying, dancing, and spending time together. “We truly felt like we all became one big family– bonded for life!” gushes Jenny.
Lessons Learned and Advice Shared
The couple’s journey to the altar was a learning experience. As a couple managing a long-distance relationship, Jenny emphasizes regular communication and shared decision-making. Dealing with room accommodations and unexpected customs charges taught them the importance of thorough research.
Jenny extends valuable advice to couples planning their weddings. Firstly, she suggests exploring weekday and off-season dates to capitalize on cost savings. Recognizing the enduring significance of captured memories, Jenny emphasizes the pivotal role of videography and photography as invaluable investments.
In navigating the intricate web of wedding preparations, she advocates for diligent research and negotiation with suppliers. It’s crucial to avoid potential pitfalls associated with choosing family or friends as suppliers. Instead, Jenny advises opting for seasoned professionals with stellar reviews and proximity to the venue. This strategic decision helps mitigate stress and potential disappointments, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying wedding planning experience.
A Final Reflection on their Wedding
As Jenny and Matthew look back on their special day, their message to other couples is clear: “Your wedding day is about you and your partner. Go with whatever makes you happy.” This sentiment resonates through their story, a testament to the power of love, cultural unity, and the magic of a well-planned wedding.
In Jenny and Matthew’s journey, we find inspiration, a reminder of the beauty that arises when two people, from different corners of the world, come together in love and mutual respect. Their wedding was not just a celebration of their union, but a celebration of love’s power to transcend boundaries and create something truly beautiful.
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