MANILA, Philippines - It was a wedding like no other. From the moment Migs Camacho popped the question to Criscy Bautista at Café Maestro one sweet evening in January 2007, with all their friends and family with them, everyone knew their wedding was going to be perfect.

With both of them being meticulous in detail and having a knack for celebrating in style, the couple came up with one of the most memorable weddings Boracay has ever seen.

It was just fitting to have the wedding on the island, because this was where they first met and got to know each other. After a series of dates, Migs realized that, as he put it, “we’ve gone through or even going through both good and bad times together, yet we still find ourselves in love...”

They went steady, and vowed to always make Boracay a special part of their lives.

During the wedding weekend, Migs and Criscy hosted dinners and sunset cocktails at their favorite restaurants. It was a rare chance for the couple to have everyone they loved and cared for in paradise.These guests, numbering 340, were all there to witness Migs and Criscy tie the knot in the afternoon of Dec. 1, 2007.

Happy tears

Some had to hold back their tears when Migs turned up at the altar, looking great in his Roslyn Lagdameo barong set. The entourage and principal sponsors, all excited, entered the lovely church to the tune of “Everytime” by Lustral.

But the happy tears started rolling down guests’ cheeks when beautiful bride Criscy walked down the aisle in a “Swan Lake” gown by Monique Lhuillier, with an April and Karen Yu bouquet. The radiant bride glided down the aisle to the tune of “Kissing” by Bliss.

She was an angel walking down the recyclable coconut husk carpet with delicate flowers around her in full bloom. Frosted trees, whimsical drapings and jewelry décor—the place was made up like heaven.

All eyes were on Criscy at that moment, including those of the groom himself, waiting at the altar with a big smile on his face and a ready heart to make Demetrio Jr. and Cheryl Bautista’s only daughter Criscy his beloved wife.

Atypical reception

The reception was held at Seawind Resort, the very place where they first met five years ago.

“I wanted a reception look that wasn’t a typical one for weddings. I searched and searched for a theme/motif for it until I came across an unusual ad, not even related to a wedding at all, in a travel magazine. It reflected the colors of the sunset: deep orange, burnt orange, golden yellow, bright yellow. From there I told Migs I wanted the motif to reflect the colors of the sunset, since Boracay sunsets are what we always look forward to whenever we are here,” says Criscy.

Guests were given ceramic seashell candle holders and shell vases, among others. Ninongs got customized embroidered shirts by CEO, while the ninangs and entourage were given Aranaz bags. The rest of the male entourage received Havaianas key chains.

This whole preparation wouldn’t have been possible without the help of their friends and family, headed by the generous and creative Tita of Migs, Chacha Camacho.

During cocktails, guests feasted on scrumptious oysters, Roasted Calf by Primebeef, Canape spreads by Connie’s Kitchen, Pata Negra, Manchego Cheese, Salchichon and chorizos flown in from Spain. MC Hammers (Migs-Criscy Hammers), originally Jam Jars, were served as well. And that was just cocktails!

As guests got ready to take their seats, a grand surprise appeared on the horizon: a chopper with a huge banner congratulating Migs and Criscy hovered above the azure waters of Boracay’s White Beach. It was a surprise gift by Migs’ parents, Teodoro and Teresa Camacho IV.

More surprises

Over dinner, more surprises transpired as friends and family showcased their talents.

Hosts Dominic Uy and Criscy’s cousin Marta Garcia-Morera introduced video presentations by Migs’ brother Ted and his fiance Nina.Mommy Nards (Migs’ lola) and Rep. Charlie Cojuangco sang a duet to everyone’s delight. Migs’ uncles Lito and JR Camacho formed a trio with Migs’ father Teodoro and sang beautiful melodies as well. Even Leo Camacho, Migs’ youngest brother, played the saxophone with the band as a surprise number.

All throughout the program, there was endless supply of alcohol. The 400 bottles of wine and 30-year-old Blue Label scotch were all wiped out.There also was a special stand that served Chorizo Burger, a favorite snack of the couple whenever they were in Boracay, so they named it “Migs & Criscy’s Bora Burgers.”

Migs and Criscy capped the evening with their first dance, to the tune of “Love Falls Into Place” and “Got To Give It Up.” Then they offered heartfelt toasts to each other.

The rest of the evening was left to partying as the Brass Munkeys band kept the happy mood going.

“The night after the wedding,” Migs now recalls, “close friends and family had a seafood barbecue by the beach at Whitehouse. We lit Krathongs, which are hot-air balloons made out of paper. This is a good luck ritual in Thailand. The night sky was lit up with these things that looked like glowing jelly fishes!”

Seeing the couple during that wedding weekend, you could see their love every time they gazed into each other’s eyes. You could also see it in the memorable, one-of-a-kind wedding they created for themselves.