A first and exclusive look at Marion Branellec and Martin de Guzman’s two-ceremony, two-day wedding celebration in Club Paradise, Palawan.
Not a dry eye was on the beach as both Marion Branellec and Martin de Guzman read their vows in front of only 150 family members and close friends, who flew in to the island from different parts of the world to be with the couple during their special celebration. The island was exclusively booked for the couple’s guests only.
There was a Catholic blessing and ceremony on the first day, followed by a sunset barbeque on the beach. With an open bar, lounge chairs, bean bags, and all-night music by DJ Abdel Aziz, the vibe was exactly what the couple wanted—chill and relaxed, with a lot of booze and dancing.
The second day’s celebration started with a wedding ceremony by the beach right before sunset. The entourage walked down the beach towards an altar canopied with fresh blooms. Marion walked down the aisle with her father Jacques Branellec. Her eyes sparkled with tears, and so did her guests’. The emotions and joy continued and overflowed throughout the ceremony, especially when the couple read their vows.
Lifestyle Asia asks the couple what they will always remember about their beach weekend wedding, and all the days that led up to it.
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER…
Marion: Going all over Hong Kong with my mom, sister and nephew to find the perfect wedding dress. We went to so many fittings but ended up going with the very first dress I tried on by Alon Livne. It was a fun and bonding experience for all of us.
Martin: The music. The sound fit the location and occasion perfectly. All our guests were dancing and moving to the eclectic sounds of DJ Abdel Aziz—from the beach party on Friday night to the early hours of Sunday morning after the wedding reception. The arrangement of one of my favorite songs, Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place” while walking down the aisle was unforgettable. It was played by Marion’s brother Jacques Branellec and Brat Pack’s RJ on keyboard. My brother Seb De Guzman and Emman Paredes played the music in the chapel on Friday. And for our first dance, Brat Pack with Jacques on sax and Emman on vocals sang Al Greene’s “Let’s Stay Together.”
Marion: Our guests coming up to us and thanking us for making them part of our wedding. It was so important for us that everyone had a good time. All our friends from different stages of our lives all coming together and getting along was just magical and made the weekend so much more special.
Martin: The colors. While Marion was reading her vows, I looked around and felt extremely grateful for everything at that moment. The colors brought about by the sea, the sun setting and the clear skies just made everything surreal, like a dream.
Marion: Performing a surprise number for Martin with my best friends from high school. After our performance, he told us he was so happy he could die.
Martin: How our ideas all came together. We planned all the details together and we were so happy to see it come to life.
Marion: The ceremony. Our priest, Fr. Bernard gave a very personal and heartfelt celebration centred around love and kindness. Many of our guests came up to us after, saying they were touched and inspired. A few even said they wanted to renew their vows! We were so happy everyone felt connected.
Wedding Details
Wedding Dresses: Alon Livne and Mia Arcenas
Band: The Brat Pack
DJ: Abdel Aziz
Make Up: Sydney Helmsley
Giveaways: Jewelmer, Tilde Handcraft Cafe, Mia Arcenas, Auro Chocolate
Wedding cake and desserts: Tilde Handcraft Café
Coordinator: R Concepts and Events
Photo and Video: Mayad Photography
Read more about Martin and Marion’s Wedding in Lifestyle Asia’s April 2018 issue.
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By Carmen Silverio-Roxas
