The Larroza – Calayag Nuptials: A Modern Love Story

By: Maria Girlie-Pascual

 

Imet this dashing young man almost ten years ago, a very motivated, unusually tall Filipino male who became one of my son Kristoffer’s good friends. So good that my son was one of his groomsmen last December, 2022, when he finally married the woman of his dreams, the beautiful, smart, animated and lovely Nadine Larozza at the Royalton Riviera Resort in sunny, Cancun, Mexico. Not to be “THAT AUNT”, but after meeting Nadine back in 2020, I really felt that this might be “it” for Mark, and it was. The set up was traditional, in the age of swiping right or left, Nadine was introduced to Mark by mutual friends who just knew that they would be a perfect fit, an introduction strongly spearheaded by one of their closest friends, Yvonne Choi, who sadly passed before they were wed. Here is what Nadine and Mark wanted to say to those that were witnesses to the blossoming of their relationship, and its ultimate celebration last December:

Nadine wrote in her email:

We met through mutual friends who insisted we would both be great for each other. Especially by our late friend and Angel of Honor, Yvonne Choi. Mark made a beautiful proposal at the Garza Blanca in Cancun on September 24, 2021 with a platinum Tacori ring. We were married on December 12, 2022 at the Royalton Riviera Cancun. We want to thank everyone who attended and helped us with the wedding especially our Bridal Party and our parents: Noel Larroza, Avelina Estrada, Verna Larroza and Dr. Bernardita Calayag, Romualdo Calayag. All of you made this a extraordinary and truly unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever. Advice when planning a wedding: PATIENCE is key. Something will go wrong but everything will work itself out. Just breathe and remember that this is your moment and all of the stress & hardships will be worth it in the end. “Great marriages don’t happen by luck or by accident. They are the result of a consistent investment of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, prayer, mutual respect and rock-solid commitment between a husband and wife.

This writer rests her pen. The bride has said it all. CONGRATULATIONS MARK and NADINE! Hopefully, you will all be blessed with a new addition for Kuya Christian to help take care of..just a wish and a hope.

Sealed with a Kiss!

Money Dance!

Introducing the Calayag Family: Mark, Christian & Nadine Calayag.

Noel Larroza (Father of the Bride) giving his daughter away to Mark and be wed by Pastor David Quilatan.

The Groom & his son Christian getting ready.

Parents: Noel Larroza, Romualdo Calayag, Mark & Nadine Calayag, Christian Calayag, Avelina Estrada, Verna Larroza, Bernardita Calayag.

Nadines Family (Left to Right): Apollo Garvin, Brian Larroza, Athena Garvin, Noel Larroza, Mark & Nadine Calayag, Christian Calayag, Avelina Estrada, Verna Larroza, Patrick Larroza, Liz Rodriguez, Donna Nguyen.

Marks Family (Left to Right): Derek Kloog, Deimonte Calayag, Bernadita Calayag, Michael Calayag, Romualdo Calayag, Iskra Calayag, Mark & Nadine Calayag, Christian Calayag, Manny Quilatan, Grace Quilantan, Samantha Tsui, Anthony Tsui, Nikki Quilatan, David Quilatan.

(Left to Right) Bridal Party: Derek Kloog, Alfredo Barlan Jr., Paul Bulik, Nick Guerrero, Phil Roldan, KC Chau, Brian Larroza, Kallan Wade, Kris Wildoer, Rico Grino, Mark & Nadine Calayag, Kristine Tiangco, Christine Kim, Van Huynh, Alex Zimmerman, Tatiana Navarro, Linda Le, Bianca Hervias, Melissa Colon, Jasmine Isela, Patrick Larroza.

(Left to Right) Bride Tribe: Bianca Hervias, Linda Le, Jasmine Isela, Van Huynj Nadine Calayag, Kristine Tiangco, Christine Kim, Alex Zimmerman, Melissa Colon, Tatiana Navarro, Patrick Larroza.

Bride Tribe

Bridal Party

Grooms Squad

(Left to Right) Grooms Squad: Kris Wildoer, Nick Guerrero Jr., Phil Roldan, KC Chau, Derek Kloog, Mark & Christian Calayag, Alfredo Barlan Jr., Brian Larroza, Paul Bulik, Rico Grino, Kallan Wade.

Best Man and Maid & Matrons of Honor (Left to Right): Kris Wildoer, Rico Grino Kristine Tango, Christine Kim, Van Huynh.

The Wedding Guests.

Surprise Garter Dance Choreographed by the Groom: Mark Calayag, Alfredo Barlan Jr., Paul Bulik, Nick Guerrero, Phil Roldan, KC Chau, Brian Larroza, Patrick Larroza, Rico Grino, Mark Calayag, Christian Calayag

Father & Daughter Dance with Noel Larroza & Nadine Calayag.

Mother & Son Dance with Bernardita Calayag & Mark

Their wedding guests that flew from all over and a huge reason this was the best day of their lives. The love and support that Mark & Nadine felt & received from all of these people and from abroad was impeccable.

Beautiful Cake to match their theme decorated by bridesmaids Linda Le & Jasmine Isela. Cake topper: Benjamin Outland; Flutes: Melissa & David Colon.