Some weddings are true love stories... and Dominique and Stephanie’s celebration at Sands Hotel & Spa felt like a tribute to every person who helped write theirs. Inspired by the idea of honoring their community, the couple transformed the entire property into a private oasis where family and friends could settle in for a weekend of fun and unforgettable surprises.
Their relationship began with a swipe—Stephanie was Dominique’s first and only Tinder date. Four years later, Stephanie orchestrated a proposal disguised as a family Christmas game night, ending with a reveal Dominique never saw coming.
That spirit of delight carried into the wedding day. Guests discovered hidden wedding rings beneath select chairs, turning loved ones into surprise ring bearers. The ceremony opened with a piano rendition of the classic iPhone ringtone before unfolding into a stylishly non-traditional celebration. Each bride secretly selected the song her partner would walk down the aisle to, creating an emotional exchange before vows were even spoken. Both love birds rocked personal collections of vibrant florals: purple, blue and hot pink in hue.
Throughout the day, Filipino heritage and personal storytelling were woven into the experience. Family members wore traditional Filipiniana attire and Barongs, a Filipino money dance energized the reception, and every place setting featured a handwritten memory paired with a Polaroid photograph. Natural table runners were formed from long banana leaves and topped with rattan-inspired table numbers. The evening crescendoed with a Backstreet Boys sing-along, a packed dance floor and, finally, a collective leap into the pool—wedding attire and all. For the newlyweds in all their fresh-and-funky glory, it was the perfect ending.
