Bride Walks Down Aisle in Flooded Church During Typhoon in the Philippines
In a remarkable display of love and determination, a bride in the Philippines walked down the aisle of a flooded church on Sunday, as deadly typhoons wreaked havoc across the country. Dianne Victoriano, the bride, glided down the aisle of Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan province, with her white dress and long veil submerged in ankle-deep water.
Footage captured inside the church shows the bride beaming as she walked through the water, clutching a bouquet of pink and white roses. Guests surrounding her also adjusted their attire to accommodate the flooded venue, with some wearing gum boots and others pairing flip flops with rolled-up trousers.
Victoriano’s wedding took place amidst the onslaught of two back-to-back storms, Typhoon Doksuri (locally named as Egay) and Typhoon Khanun (locally named as Falcon). These storms displaced tens of thousands of people in the country, bringing gale-force winds, torrential rain, and power cuts before making landfall in China.
According to Filipino officials, the storms have resulted in at least 52 deaths, including 27 from a capsized boat, with over 50 others still missing. Bulacan province was declared a state of calamity due to the heavy rains and flooding.
Mac Lazaro, one of the wedding photographers, described the day as “crazy” but emphasized the couple’s deep love for each other. The area surrounding the church was severely flooded, making it difficult for the couple and their guests to reach the venue. Lazaro and his team had to go barefoot to capture the couple’s special day.
In a Facebook post after the ceremony, Victoriano expressed her gratitude to the guests for joining them “despite the storm and floods.” She also credited her wedding coordinator, Eilleen Bautista, for helping her stay positive and calm before taking her vows.
Bautista, in a separate Facebook post, shared her account of the decision to proceed with the ceremony despite the challenging circumstances. She explained that careful planning with her team ensured everyone’s safety and allowed the wedding to proceed as planned. Bautista believed that the wedding served as a reminder that love can be celebrated even in the face of adversity.
This is not the first time flooded weddings in Bulacan province have gained attention. In 2018, a bride tied the knot during monsoon season, walking through brown water amid heavy rains from Tropical Storm Yagi. Despite her gown getting wet and heavy, the bride compared it to walking on a red carpet.
The story of Dianne Victoriano’s flooded wedding serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Filipino people, who continue to find joy and celebrate love even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Regine Cabato and Jintak Han contributed to this report.
Why did Dianne Victoriano’s flooded aisle become a symbol of hope and resilience, and how did her story serve as a reminder of the enduring power of love in difficult times
Force winds, heavy rains, and severe flooding to many areas.
The couple had originally planned to tie the knot in a different location, but due to the extreme weather conditions, they were forced to move the ceremony to Barasoain Church. Despite the challenges, Victoriano and her groom, Emil Pasco, were determined to exchange their vows on their scheduled wedding day.
The couple’s decision to proceed with the wedding in the midst of the typhoons was met with admiration and support from their friends, family, and even strangers who heard their story. Many were inspired by their resilience and the symbol of love that their marriage represented amidst the chaos and despair.
The photos and videos of Victoriano’s flooded aisle quickly went viral on social media, with netizens calling her a “bride of hope” and applauding her for her strength and positive spirit. The heartwarming images served as a reminder that love and determination can triumph even in the face of adversity.
The typhoons in the Philippines brought devastation to many communities, with people losing their homes and livelihoods. However, Victoriano’s story serves as a reminder that even in the midst of tragedy, there are moments of hope and joy that can provide solace and inspiration.
As the bride walked down the aisle, the water splashing around her created an ethereal atmosphere, adding a unique and unforgettable element to their wedding. It was a powerful symbol of their resilience and commitment to each other, a testament to the strength of their love.
Despite the challenges posed by the typhoons, Victoriano and Pasco remained focused on what truly mattered – their love and commitment to each other. Their wedding will undoubtedly be a cherished memory, not only for the couple but for all those who witnessed their remarkable act of love and determination amidst the devastation.
Dianne Victoriano’s walk down the flooded aisle will forever be remembered as a symbol of strength, resilience, and love in the face of adversity. Her story reminds us that even in the darkest of times, love has the power to endure and bring hope to those in despair.
