Gernetha Anne & Rajeev

In planning their Winter wedding, Gernetha Anne and Rajeev wanted to create a day that was simple, classic, and comfortable for all of their guests. Achieving this beautifully by holding with tradition, styling with gorgeous neutrals and keeping the details muted with a touch of glam, Lovable Photography captured every moment!

Meeting through mutual friends, the bride and groom became engaged on Gernetha Anne’s Grandma’s 80th birthday. She remembers, ”The proposal happened in Cebu City, Philippines. All the family came home to celebrate my Grandma’s birthday. I didn’t have any idea that Rajeev had a plan already. We all sat down and had dinner, then my Grandma blew out her candles. After that Rajeev asked me to stand up but because I was still eating I got annoyed. I didn’t notice that everyone was already across us and taking photos and videos. When I faced him the whole clan was looking at us, he went down on one knee and asked, and I said YES! My first question was “Did you ask my parents?” and he said my Mum was the one carried the ring the whole time!”

The bride’s gown and bridesmaids dresses were all made by Sew Maui, a Filipino designer. Gernetha  shares, ”The dress was simple, off the shoulder with lace in a two look gown. I planned with my Mum in choosing the bridal gown, her idea and mine, it turned out perfect. The bridesmaid gowns were a nude colour, a simple style and flowy. Sew Maui was very accommodating, all our conversations were online.” The groom chose a dark blue suit, with a white shirt and black bow tie from YD.”

Holding their traditional ceremony at St Mary Catholic Church, East St Kilda, the bride and groom chose readings that spoke of what marriage meant to them both. Gernetha Anne says, ”Both my parents walked me down the aisle, as is a tradition in the Philippines. It is that both parents hand over the daughter to the future husband. The ceremony was also what we both wanted. It was a Catholic ceremony, the readings were all about love, marriage and the commandments which really related to the event.”

Keeping their wedding day elegant and simple, Gernetha chose a simple bouquet including mixed roses for herself with chrysanthemums and gypsophila for the bridesmaids, all in a neutral colour palette. She shares, ”Mina’s Florals did a really good job with all the flower arrangements, from all the bouquets to the church and the wedding venue. I just showed to her what I wanted and it turned out to be more than we both expected.”

With such gorgeous images to share of their day, both the bride and groom were thrilled with Lovable Photography! Happily sharing, ”They really captured our wedding very well. Seeing the photos now brings me back to the moment and it really captured the emotions, I’m very pleased with the result. A very satisfied bride indeed!”

Keen to provide a day that was enjoyable and loved by their guests, Gernetha and Rajeev chose The Brighton Savoy as their reception venue. They tell, ”We chose it because it ticked all the boxes! First the location, because we wanted to be close to the bayside/beach. Secondly, guests were able to stay as it offered accommodation for both local and international guests after the wedding. We chose the Gala room which showcased the ambience. We used the outdoors for canapes which gave it an outdoor-relaxed feel, then inside was decorated with greenery, white flowers and green lights with long table arrangements, which gave it a more intimate feel.”

Keeping important family and cultural traditions alive during their wedding, the bride and groom exchanged a gift before the ceremony. They also had a first look with the bridal parents, and had Principal and Secondary Sponsors. Sharing about their first dance, Gernetha Anne says, ”The first dance was choreographed by Dia Estrada, 15 year old, who is a titled dance winner. She taught us all the steps and the song we chose was ‘Perfect’, by Ed Sheeran.”

Thank you to our gorgeous bride and groom for sharing your beautiful wedding day, and congratulations! Thank you also to Lovable Photography for your images, and Lovable Photography & Video for capturing the day!