It rained almost every afternoon and/or early evening in Boracay in January. To couples who had planned to tie the knot in a beach wedding in this dream place, such weather could be disheartening. Imagine the time, effort and preparations that simply could be washed out by a downpour.

The couple takes a walk on the powdery sands after the wedding rites

Alvin and Kat exchange “I Dos” under an adorned canopy cum altar

Wedding guests stayed to watch the rites with open umbrellas

Well, it rained when Alvin Ko and Katrina Chua exchanged “I Dos” on the afternoon of January 21 at the beach fronting the Crimson Red and Spa Boracay Hotel in Station Zero. But the intermittent rain, actually drizzles, hardly mattered. Love simply conquered what the weather threatened to ruin. Alvin’s tears of joy and Kat’s winsome smile gave warmth to the chilly day. The droplets in fact provided a magical touch with the pristine sea as a backdrop. It was a lovely sight, a moment to remember and relish forever.

Kat walks down the aisle flanked by her parents, Edwin Y. Chua and Dr. Perleen T. Chua

Alvin is escorted by parents Nicanor T. Hong and Jocelyn E. Hong to the covered altar

The sight as well of the couple’s families, relatives and friends who braved the drizzles and stayed to join Alvin and Kat in this celebration provided a festive mood to lighten the grey sky. And the red umbrellas lent by the hotel staff to keep the guests dry added a bold, joyful hue to the wedding motif. The emotional part came during the exchange of love notes by the couple—Alvin telling Kat what she meant to him and Kat telling Alvin what he meant to her. Simply romantic, beautiful, heartfelt messages between the two.

Their beach wedding was the culmination of a four-year relationship that started when Alvin met Kat at a friend’s gathering. Alvin describes that encounter as something magical, admitting that he realized early enough that she was the one he’s looking for to share his life with. For Kat, the feeling was mutual. In the video shown at the reception, Kat said she felt safe, happy and “at home” with Alvin. Well, they both looked lovely and at home even on a wet day.

The newlyweds with their principal sponsors (from left, standing); Meynard Ko, proxy for Manuel S. Ko, Abelardo S. Ulanday, Merita C. Ko, Josie P. Lualhati, Dr. Willie A. Te, Engr. Mario G. Lualhati, Gilbert Y. Caw, Imelda T. Caw, Dr. Rosalind S. Lim, and Dr. John Q. Lim. Seated (from left): Mary Ann E. Ang and Lourdes W. Solis.

Alvin with his family (from left): Brother-in-law Jeff Chan with son Nixon, brother Jason, dad Nicanor, mom Jocelyn, and brother Justin. Not in photo is sister Dominique.

Kat with her family (from left): brother Kyle Lawrence with his wife Rowena, sister Nicolette Eunice, mom Dr. Perleen and dad Edwin.

The rain might have affected some of the plans Alvin and Kat have prepared for a perfect wedding. But in the end, what mattered was their love and a commitment to live a life forever together. The mild outpour it seemed looks every bit a big boon and blessing to them.

Photos by Jaja Samaniego Photography