Wedding: Antonio & Pressia, Waterfront Davao

Wedding Photography by Ryan Macalandag
Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City, Philippines



Antonio and Pressia were already married in Spain right after the Christmas of 2007. But since most of their friends were in the Philippines (and couldn't go to Spain for the wedding), the couple decided to hold a wedding party here in the Philippines.

Which was really good. I had always wanted to go to Davao for so long a time. Antonio invited me to go and be the official wedding/party photographer. I grabbed the invitation, of course.



The party was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City. It's one of the bigger hotels there.





After more than half a day of travel (from Bohol to Davao, via Butuan), we arrived in Davao City around lunch time. After a super heavy lunch in SM City Davao, we dropped by downtown to grab some stuff and went ahead to the hotel after. So I really didn't have time to rest. By 3pm, I started preparing for the shoot, scouting for locations, casing the joint..the beach wasn't that nice, I noticed. By 4pm I proceeded to the couple's room to start shooting preps.





The venue was in an open-air bar at the end of a narrow walkway just off the hotel's beachfront. The couple marched the walkway and were greeted with percussionists beating the drums and chanting.







As soon as they reached the throng of guests, a simple ceremony was started. Again, as they were already married in Spain, a prayer for the couple was made and greetings were said. It was short but sweet.

The party which followed the buffet dinner was a blast. It really helps that guests are close friends. Everyone stayed on 'til late and had a helluva great time.





Party music was provided by - none other than - (the great) DJ Bodo himself.



No wonder "YMCA" was such a great hit.



And the people were out and proud with their 80's dance moves.



Even Antonio who was never a dancer (he claims), burned the dance floor away.





All in all, we had a great time and tons of fun...especially the couple. Of course, especially the couple!






For the rest of the photos in this set,
Flickr Album.
Picassa Web Album