This wasn’t just a styled shoot – it was a whole mood. A love letter to the Philippines, a spotlight on multicultural beauty, and proof that weddings don’t have to be about pure perfection. Instead, they can be about the vibe: the laughter, the music, the chaos, the joy. Planned with intention and captured with soul by the talented Dove and Fox Photography, this shoot shows what happens when you let go of the checklist and lean all the way into the experience.
"We imagined something more alive — a wedding weekend filled with fashion, movement, friendship, and play. Not just two people in love, but a whole crew of bridesmaids in red, dancing, laughing, diving into the sea. Tradition, yes. But also chaos, champagne, and modern joy."
Fashion
The team collaborated with James Larnelle, one of the region’s rising-star designers, who designed the statement bridal gown that was worn in the first series at The Ruins. The silhouette was sculptural – dramatic yet timeless, making it the undeniable centerpiece of the shoot.
Hair was styled in a sleek, pulled-back look,chic and practical for the tropical climate. Makeup, created by Ar Lachica Ebot, brought together an “old money” elegance with a radiant island glow. The result was fresh and polished, allowing the gown’s striking presence and the venue’s historic charm to shine.
Equally striking were the bridesmaids in vibrant red gowns, paired with matching parasols. The bold color brought fire and energy to the editorial, creating a perfect visual contrast against the architectural backdrop and the bride’s sculptural white gown.
The Philippines’ Hidden Gem
This shoot was more than just aesthetics — it was personal. For Josh and Ciara of Dove and Fox Photography, both of whom come from richly diverse cultural backgrounds, the vision of a culturally mixed couple wasn’t just inspiring, it was essential. Between them, their heritage spans French, Italian, Russian, Chinese, American, Filipino, British, and Spanish roots — and honoring that mix of identities has always been central to their work.
The setting was none other than the iconic The Ruins (Mansion of Don Mariano Lacson) — a skeletal landmark steeped in history. It was the perfect stage to contrast with modern styling, vibrant color, and movement. Old-world grandeur met fresh, fashion-forward energy — and the result was pure magic.
From Ruins to Island Dreams
From there, the journey continued to Lakawon Island, famous for its glassy turquoise waters and stretches of white sand — a dreamlike, open-air contrast to the stone grandeur of The Ruins. Shooting in both locations allowed the team to explore a dynamic duality: history and heritage on one side, island fantasy on the other.
The design direction leaned minimal, modern, and deeply local. A rustic beach tablescape came to life with tropical fruit stalks and raw, organic textures, while the cake, crafted by a local cake artist, felt effortless and natural, kissed by sun and sea breeze.
For florals, the vision was clear: something strong and graphic, with zero pastels or dainty arrangements. Red anthuriums stole the show — bold, sculptural, and refreshingly unexpected in the bridal world. Over 100 of them were sourced locally and arranged, creating a dramatic and unforgettable statement.
"The main decorative through-line was people: friends, fashion, joy. This shoot is a blend of those ideas — grounded in legacy but unafraid to be playful and provocative."
A Wedding Weekend Like No Other
The team’s vision for the shoot was sparked by the concept of a “wedding weekend” – less about one formal ceremony and more about an extended celebration with friends and family. It reflects a growing shift in how couples are choosing to marry: prioritizing connection, experience, and joy over tradition. They intentionally steered clear of classic wedding color tropes, instead drawing inspiration from the vibrant flowers, fruit, and energy of the Philippines.
Another key influence was Crazy Rich Asians – that sense of cinematic elegance, international romance, and unapologetic cultural glamour. The mood they wanted to capture was high-energy and fashion-forward: a groom proudly introducing his radiant bride to his loved ones, with the wedding unfolding as a living, breathing celebration of love, heritage, and modern style.
"As artists, we’re always drawn to contrast: mixing old and new, raw and refined, high style with real intimacy."
Dancing on Water in the Philippines
One of the most challenging and unforgettable moments of the shoot came with the final ocean shot: the couple dancing on a table in the sea as the sun melted into the horizon. The team had scouted the location several times, with the tide always sitting perfectly. But on the actual day, the water receded far too quickly, exposing coral and forcing everyone to drag the entire setup further out into the ocean, inch by inch. By the time it was ready, only a sliver of light remained, and the last boat back to the mainland was minutes away. The pressure was immense — but what could have been a disaster transformed into a breathtaking moment. Sometimes, chaos delivers pure magic.
"As artists and as a couple, we believe creativity is sacred — a way to connect legacy with vision, people with place, and art with emotion. We produced and directed this entire shoot ourselves, collaborating with local talent and friends we admire."
PRODUCERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Dove & Fox Photography | VENUE The Mansion of Don Mariano Lacson aka The Ruins, Lakawon Island Resort | BRIDAL GOWN James Larnelle | BRIDE Elizaveta | GROOM Mathew Realizan | BRIDESMAIDS Jasmine Mahilum, Bernie Larit, Rose | ART DIRECTION & STYLING Dove and Fox Picnics | ADDITIONAL CASTING IDL Model Management | PRODUCTION MANAGER Kekoa Moya | VIDEOGRAPHY John Rigil Kent Javier | HAIR & MAKEUP Ar Lachica Ebot
