You may remember Yomi and Matt from their sweet e-session at Pier 60 in Clearwater beach last winter. They met in 9th grade at Largo High. Circumstances were kind of difficult since Yomi wasn’t allowed to date until she was 18 and out of high school, a traditional Filipino family regulation. So, they remained friends, until Matt decided to ask Yomi to be his girlfriend, old-school style, on a piece of scrap paper! As she read his scribbled words “will you go out with me?” on that piece of paper with two boxes to check off [yes] or [no], her parents’ rule burned  in the back of her mind. Yomi had to say no; at least until she had the permission of her parents. It’s a Filipino custom for the man to visit the woman’s house and ask her parent’s for permission to “court” her. And Matt did just that–bucked up and asked her parents. So, she finally got to check off the [yes] box and gave it to him. They made it official on October 1, 2001.

Many miles and years later, Yomi and Matt chose Clearwater beach, Florida, a location dear to their heart and love story, as their destination to be wed. Yomi and Matt’s wedding day was gorgeous. The sky was a beautiful shade of blue, the wedding colors and the love in the air blended to make the perfect day for this couple to celebrate their unity. I must admit, I wanted Yomi’s family, especially her mom, to take me with them back to Canada! They are the sweetest, most lovely people I have ever met! It was such a beautiful experience to see Yomi and Matt’s families join together and pour their love on this young couple. Matt, an active marine, made a handsome groom in his striking uniform and I may or may not have shed a few tears as 10 hours played and Yomi, looking absolutely stunning in her elegant dress walked down the aisle, with her parents at her side.

Through the years, Yomi and Matt have endured living thousands of miles apart and having to be away from each other while Matt fulfilled his military responsibilities, but their love for each other has only made them stronger and they are embarking on a happy beginning of a beautiful journey as one. God bless them each step of the way.

Yomi and Matt, thank you for letting us be a part of your lovely wedding story.

We created this unique slideshow-website with some of our favorite images and included a little surprise for Yomi and Matt. Head over to take a peek!

Vendor credits:
Coordinator: Desiree Jacobs | Clearwater Beach Mariott Suites on Sand Key
DJ: Breezin’ Entertainment
Officiant: Tom Hudgins | Experience Church
Stationery: (Materials) Paper Place
Stationery Graphic Design & Print: Dave Jumaquio & Meg Lynch
Musicians: Bryant Balatbat, Dave Jumaquio, and Daniel Jumaquio
Flowers and Decorations: Muriel Pastor
Flowers: Brides & Blooms
Make up artist: Carmina Tupe
Wedding Dress: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe
Wedding Shoes: Moda MONTI
Wedding Cake: Queens of Cake
Caterers: Watercolor Steakhouse & Grille Marriott Suites