A modern Filipiniana wedding in Chicago.
2023

I'm soooo in love with how full of personal touches our recent bride, Angelica had at her wedding. I'm very honored to have been a part of something so personal and special, even, as the bride said, I'm an ocean away.

A true celebration of love and their heritage with a touch of pumpkin spice latte, Angelica wanted a filipiniana wedding dress that will act as the centerpiece of her autumn in the Philippines theme. For those unfamiliar, Filipiniana is the female traditional dress of the Philippines often characterized by the an engineered cross between puff and leg of mutton sleeves that’s evolved into this architectural sleeve we simply call the Filipiniana sleeves.

Featuring this precious art piece of hand-embroidered pina callado barong textile that Tita Belle, her mom, sourced all the way from the artisans of Taal in Batangas, we collaborated on a design that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, something reflective of their unique experience as Filipino Americans. We incorporated sexy and flattering corset details with silk satin piping and, as the bride's personal request, an electric pleated skirt in silk organza that resembles anahaw leaves and abaniko or traditional Philippine fans. To finish the look, I had my team hand stitch chevron-like peaks on the sleeves made out abaca fibers from Davao Oriental.

We also had the pleasure of Tita Belle’s Filipiniana dress which is also made of pina callado also from Taal that we personally hand dyed to rust for that chic autumn look.

What better way to wear your heritage with so much pride and love than by literally wearing the entire Philippines on a dress.

Congrats and best wishes again to Angelica and Dennis!

I wish you an amazing life together.

Photo beautifully captured by Emma Peterson Photo
https://emmapetersenphotography.com/