A Ceremony in the Middle of a Spa: Erik Cua and Jam Chan’s Grand Wedding Celebration at Shangri-La Boracay - The Scene

Erik Cua and Jam Chan were introduced by common friends at Opus Lounge in Resorts World Manila. They were friends at first, before they started dating. “The first time we met, there was an immediate attraction between us, but the timing was wrong,” says Jam. “It was hot and cold at the start, and I thought it wasn’t going anywhere. But to my surprise, he proved me wrong and consistently pursued me.” Today, Erik knows it was worth the wait. “Timing is everything, and in the end, I’m the happiest man,” he says.

The newlyweds, Erik and Jam Cua
The newlyweds, Erik and Jam Cua


The proposal took place with an elaborately staged birthday dinner for a friend at Antonio’s in Tagaytay. “When we got there, there was a tent set up with flowers, candles and LED TVs. I thought there was another event. Then, I saw the TVs started showing our memories and trips together,” says Jam. “Everything happened so fast, my heart was racing and tears of joy started to stream down my face. Then, he got down on one knee and proposed. I was so surprised, I wasn’t even camera ready!” Jam can now laugh at the memory. “Reminiscing back on that day, there were so many signs that I missed. On the way to Tagaytay, he was so nervous, he was sweating in the car ride. On the way to Antonio’s, he was so stressed out, he couldn’t talk to me. All the while, I thought he was irritated at me!”

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The couple were the first pair to be married at the Chi Spa pool
The couple were the first pair to be married at the Chi Spa pool


Jam and Erik had three wedding days. Their big celebration took place at Shangri-La Boracay with 150 of their dearest friends and family. They shared their vows at the Chi Spa Pool, amidst the ambiance of relaxation in an oasis surrounded by hills and nature. “We were the first couple to host a wedding ceremony in that venue, which was no easy feat but made possible because of Shangri-La Boracay’s hospitality.” Jam was determined to hold her ceremony there. “I fell in love with the space, which I first saw during a trip to Boracay. It gave me the chills, and the view was a dream. It felt like being one with nature. Saying our vows amidst God’s creation was what made it so special.”

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The ballroom decorated like a secret garden by Gideon Hermosa
The ballroom decorated like a secret garden by Gideon Hermosa


The reception was at the La Sagana ballroom. Designed by Gideon Hermosa, the look was that of “a secret garden hidden in the island of Boracay.” They dined on a rich four-course dinner, enjoying the sumptuous seafood the island had to offer.

Looking back, Jam says the wedding was special “because it was such a nice celebration of our love and relationship. Everyone special in our lives was there, and the entire weekend was filled with laughter and tears of joy, and that truly made it the most special day of our lives.”

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF JAM AND ERIK CUA’S WEDDING CELELBRATION BY ESTEEMED PHOTOGRAPHER PAT DY…  

The bride says that her Veluz gown was everything she had dreamed off
The bride says that her Veluz gown was everything she had dreamed off
The groom in his Dior Homme suit
The groom in his Dior Homme suit
Michael and Nancy Cua with the groom
Michael and Nancy Cua with the groom
Marc Soong, Louie Ysmael, Warren Liu, Neil Paras, Ricardo Po, the groom, Rajesh Sadhwani, Jacques Dupasquier, Michael Cua, Kevin Tan, GP Reyes
Marc Soong, Louie Ysmael, Warren Liu, Neil Paras, Ricardo Po, the groom, Rajesh Sadhwani, Jacques Dupasquier, Michael Cua, Kevin Tan, GP Reyes
The bridesmaids send off the bride to the journey of married life
The bridesmaids send off the bride to the journey of married life
The ceremony at the Chi Spa Pool
The ceremony at the Chi Spa Pool
The newlyweds with their entourage
The newlyweds with their entourage
Jam looked gorgeous on her wedding night
Jam looked gorgeous on her wedding night
JM Rodriguez, Tim Yap, Olivia Reyes
JM Rodriguez, Tim Yap, Olivia Reyes
Wedding cake by Shangri-La Boracay
Wedding cake by Shangri-La Boracay


WEDDING CREDITS:

Wedding Gown by Veluz
Reception Gown by Francis Libiran
Bridal Shoes by Sergio Rossi
Makeup by Leo Posadas
Hair by Bianca Ann Vergara
Bridesmaid’s Gowns by Boy Kastaner Santos
Groom’s Suit by Dior Homme
Male Entourage’s Suits by Bianca Cordero
Rings by Mabros Jewelry
Wedding Organizer: Amanda Tirol
Wedding Stylist: Gideon Hermosa
Videography by Jason Magbanua
Hosts: JM Rodruiguez and Tim Yap
Cake by Shangri-La Boracay
Caterer: Shangri-La Boracay
Giveaways: Welcome bags with salty and sweet treats, Revita water (for the hangover cure), customized bath essentials, and linen spray

 

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