Handmade with Love and Filipino Wedding Traditions

In Brandon's own words, it took him nine months to ‘convince’ Cintha to start dating him after he first spied her during clinical rotations at Virginia Commonwealth University. When it came to proposing, family was very important to this special moment, so expert planning by Brandon made sure the proposal would be surrounded by both of their families in their sunflower-filled backyard. Once Cintha said yes, it wasn't very long after when the adventure of wedding planning began!

Because of Cintha’s heritage, Filipino traditions were incorporated beautifully into their wedding at the Historic Mankin Mansion in Richmond. The traditional cord and veil ceremony was at the heart of their commitment as a couple, and the arras (coins) were blessed and brought to Brandon and Cintha by their sponsors. In traditional Filipino weddings, a couple's sponsors are chosen by the bride and groom to support their marriage for the rest of their lives. It’s a beautiful way to bring the community into such a special event that continues long after the wedding day.

Photographed by Xiaoqi Li Photography, the homage to family continued into the reception with a money dance that symbolizes lifelong fortune for the new husband and wife alongside sweet handmade details like floral centerpieces and signage crafted by loved ones. While we adore everything about this personalized day, we're especially obsessed with their epic green pistachio and cherry compote wedding cake! If that's not a fun and unique twist on dessert tastiness, then we don't know what is!

Romantic Filipino wedding at Historic Mankin Mansion in Richmond Virginia
Classic wedding venue in Richmond Virginia
Groomsmen in gray suits and navy blue neckties for classic wedding
Bridesmaids in mismatched navy blue dresses with yellow sunflower bouquets
Happy wedding couple at Historic Mankin Mansion in Richmond Virginia
Square solitaire diamond engagement ring with classic wedding bands
Large wedding party with bridesmaids and groomsmen in gray and navy blue for a Filipino wedding in Richmond Virginia
Classic wedding ceremony arch floral swag with white roses and drapery
Filipino wedding traditions with the veil sponsors
Classic wedding ceremony arch floral swag with white roses and drapery
Romantic outdoor wedding ceremony at Historic Mankin Mansion in Richmond Virginia
Round wedding bouquet with blue thistle and calla lilies
Handmade wedding with navy blue and yellow colors at Historic Mankin Mansion in Richmond Virginia
Traditional wedding centerpiece with white roses and babys breath and hydrangeas
Bride and groom at Historic Mankin Mansion in Central Virginia
Handmade wedding with DIY flower centerpieces at Historic Mankin Mansion
Friends TV show inspired wedding favors with green tea and coffee
Traditional Filipino money dance with bride and groom at Historic Mankin Mansion in Richmond Virginia
Delicious and unique green pistachio tiered wedding cake with cherry compote and monogram cake topper
Lovely end of wedding moment with groom in a traditional Filipino barong and bride in second dress

VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Xiaoqi Li Photography | Venue & Rentals: Historic Mankin Mansion | Hair: Lou Stevens | Videography: Golden Hour Visuals | Makeup: Live Fancy Makeup & Nicole Gore Artistry | Photo Booth: Richmond Photo Booth | Bakery: Whisk RVA | Invitations: Minted | Paper Goods: CP Creative Productions | Wedding Dresses: All The Rage Formals & Lulus | Groom's and Groomsmen Attire: Jos A. Bank | Bride's Shoes: Vince Camuto | Bridesmaid Dresses: JJs House | Decor, Veil, & Florals: DIY by Family & Friends | Submitted via Matchology