Real Wedding: May & Ruel

How it all started

It was love at first swipe for May, a nurse who moved to Canada from the Philippines, and Ruel, a machinist from Brampton. After meeting on a dating app, the couple shared their first date over dessert at Caffe Demetre. From the moment Ruel saw May, it was love at first sight – and May fell even more in love with him when he introduced her to his family.

One day when May came home from a long day at work, Ruel told her he had a surprise and asked her to put on a blindfold. The song Marry Me by Bruno Mars started playing and, when May took off the blindfold, they were surrounded by their family and friends and Ruel was down on one knee asking her to marry him!

Planning the wedding

May and Ruel always wanted an intimate wedding where they could spend time with their family and friends, and a destination wedding fit the bill perfectly. They loved how fun and different the idea of a tropical wedding was; plus, they knew it would be much easier and less stressful to plan than a wedding back home!

The couple had always dreamed of going to Costa Rica to experience its unique beauty and amazing hot springs. They wanted to relax and reconnect with each other in a beautiful natural destination for their big day. They chose Riu Palace Costa Rica as their wedding resort for its incredible reviews, picturesque facilities and delicious food.

Day details

May and Ruel said ‘I do’ in a Bohemian beachside ceremony on February 5, 2019, with 40 of their family and friends by their side. The altar was decorated elegantly with white tulle and lush floral arrangements that incorporated their dusty blue colour scheme. When May walked down the aisle looking radiant, it took Ruel’s breath away and exchanging their vows in front of their nearest and dearest was a priceless memory the couple will cherish forever.

Wedding day wear

May’s gown: Strapless sweetheart gown with embroidered lace bodice and tulle skirt

May’s shoes: Christian Louboutin

May’s accessories: Veil from David’s Bridal, earrings and a necklace from Peoples Jewellers (a gift from Ruel’s mom)

Ruel’s attire: Dusty blue suit from Surmesur custom menswear

Wedding bands: Peoples Jewellers

The bridesmaids wore: Infinity dresses from Etsy

The groomsmen wore: Shirts from H&M, pants from Banana Republic and Converse sneakers

Small details

Destination wedding consultant: Jessica

Flowers: Tropical flowers with dusty blue accents

Photographer: Wedding Day Story Photography

Hair and makeup: Denise Mindanao

Favours: Etsy

Stationary and invitations: The Polka Dot Paper Shop

Special traditions: Candles to symbolize and honour May’s mother who passed away

Old: Ring bearer cushion

New: Earrings and necklace

Borrowed: Ring bearer cushion

Blue: Garter

Tips for future couples

“Enjoy the moment! The planning and the actual day go by so fast so be sure to cherish the memories and live in the moment. Don’t worry about the little details that don’t go your way – in the end, everything will work out and, on the actual wedding day, you won’t notice the difference. Your wedding day will be beautiful and perfect no matter what!”