Real Wedding | Margaret + Francis

This sassy couple tied the knot in Tagatay, Philippines with 95 of their friends and family - captured by The Backyard Studios. Margaret is a Chef whose life revolves around the kitchen, while Francis is an aspiring lawyer. The couple, who is known to think about the box, wanted a ceremony to reflect their own personalities - even if this meant their wedding day would be different to what was expected.

"Our ideas make it hard for people to relate to us at times, but we never let that bother us! We are two distinct, strong and opinionated people who love enjoying each other’s company as spouses, and best friends. We celebrate our differences as much as we do our similarities, and it makes the whole ride enjoyable!"

It was very important for the couple to choose a venue they both loved, as they are both firm believers that a great celebration starts with a fantastic venue. The combination of lush gardens and an intimate dining area at Antonios Restaurant, made it an easy selection for the couple. The couple wanted keep their day as personal as possible and were married by Margaret's father, who is a mayor in the Philippines.

Margaret chose ShuShu Tong, a Shanghai based brand focusing on feminine style with a twist - which perfectly reflected her personality. She wanted to feel bold and feminine, yet also relaxed. Francis had a 3-piece grey suit custom-made from a local master tailor. "I always told my wife that I would only dress up for very special occasions, and this of course includes my wedding to her, above all!"

The most important aspect of their wedding planning was communication. "It may take a lot of planning, but always remind yourself it is your day, so make decisions for yourselves. Our vision was to eat well and have lots of fun with family and friends, and that’s what we did!"

What advice do they have for other couples getting married? "Be honest. Not just to each other, but to yourself. Listen to what you really want. It's okay to break tradition if you want to do something unconventional - and don't be afraid to do so. It is YOUR day, so make decisions that best reflect you as a person and as a couple!"