Chapters of Us

For Caterina Lagdameo and Luigi Exconde, love has always been an adventure—one that has taken them across continents, through the highs and lows of long distance and ultimately, to a breathtaking wedding that was nothing short of magical. Their story is one of deep connection, unwavering commitment and a shared passion for both spontaneity and sentimentality.

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Their journey began in medical school at the University of Santo Tomas, where they both enrolled after completing undergraduate studies in the US. Fate intervened one night out, when a mutual friend, introduced them. As members of the same study group, their friendship deepened, eventually blossoming into a love that would stand the test of time.

For 11 years, they nurtured their relationship—two of those spent long-distance when Luigi returned to the US to pursue his career, while Caterina remained in the Philippines to finish medical school. Though distance made things challenging, it also strengthened their bond, teaching them patience, resilience and the importance of communication.

Luigi's proposal was a reflection of their relationship: intimate and meaningful. After a grueling overnight ICU shift, Caterina arrived at the beach to find a fire pit, a blanket, flowers scattered across the sand, a bottle of champagne and their beloved American Bulldog, Zoey, excitedly running between them.

Then, Luigi dropped to one knee and asked Caterina to marry him. Hiding behind a pile of rocks, their friend captured the momentensuring that this beautiful proposal would be remembered forever.

"The casual DIY-ness of it all was so us," Luigi later recalled, reflecting on the raw, heartfelt nature of that unforgettable day.