Catherine and Luke say ‘I do’ with traditional wedding in Sydney

High-school sweethearts Catherine Landayan and Luke Ruaporo wanted to get married, but didn’t realise how much tradition would accompany their ‘I dos’.

The Sydney pair, both aged 26, met eight years before their traditional wedding on June 27, 2015. And while Catherine didn’t hesitate in saying yes to Luke’s proposal, there were several planning hurdles to overcome. “I am Filipino and little did I know there were quite a few traditions to the typical Filipino wedding,” she explains. She travelled to the Philippines to buy all her wedding items, but unfortunately her gown was a flop.

“One of the traditions is you’re not allowed to try on your dress before the wedding,” says Catherine. “I managed to convince mum to allow me to try on the dress – it didn’t fit, nor did it look right!”

“I had to start again and look for my wedding dress and five bridesmaid dresses,” she says. With two failed dresses at home, the third time was a charm.

The ceremony at Holroyd Gardens in the Merrylands was a celebration of love – and food! “Our parents organized a banquet of food for the 180 guests,” says the bride. “The ceremony was amazing with decorations from family and our celebrant Jhunette Lopez was just amazing. We managed to incorporate some Philippine traditions with the rope, candles and veil.”

Photos courtesy of Parkside Productions.

Third time around, Catherine found her “Miranda” gown at Lu Elle Bridal.

Ivan Stepanov Videography captured all the romantic moments for the couple.

As a tribute to the groom’s heritage, traditional Cook Island dancers entertained at the reception.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIfsPcg88uo

Video by Ivan Stepanov Wedding Videography.