We often hear about how ‘love is hard’—and how it’s a choice worth fighting for the right person. How it’s about finding someone who’s worth every challenge, every compromise, and every tough conversation.
But the beauty of being in love is knowing that there is no one path to take, and no two couples will ever be the exact same. Dare I say, some love stories don’t tread a rocky path. Sometimes, in some cases, love is effortlessly easy. With the right partner, the pieces just click; understanding flows, and companionship feels as natural as breathing.
Lucky and Waltz, partners in love, in business, in life, and possibly, in everything else, are proof that there are times when love takes the easy road.
“We met when I received an email from a company asking for a collaboration,” Lucky shares. “They were interested in delving into the travel and travel video scene and wanted to see if I was open to collaborating. I said yes, because at that time, Discover MNL was just about two years old and I was primarily focused on photography, not really skilled in professional video—just the usual mobile videos.”
“The person I met with was their sales representative, who was also a friend of his [Waltz]. We had our meeting, finalized everything, and agreed on the collaboration. And then, just as the meeting ended, Waltz arrived—late,” she laughingly shares.
Discover MNL is a platform founded by Lucky, dedicated to showcasing the best of Manila and the Philippines. In it, they highlight everything from hidden culinary gems and cultural spots to popular tourist attractions that provide valuable insights for both locals and visitors.
When Waltz arrived late to the meeting, having taken the bus, the formalities had already concluded.
But as they started talking about their educational backgrounds, they discovered more and more similarities—they had both attended the same university, shared the same student ID number, and were involved in the same organization during their college years.
‘Serendipity’ laid the groundwork for their relationship, and highlighted a plethora of common interests and connections that extended beyond their professional lives. Although their initial interaction was platonic, it was filled with the excitement of discovering shared histories that would later on mark the beginning of their partnership.
From the outset, both of their skills complemented each other perfectly. Lucky brought her creative vision and local expertise, which meshed seamlessly with Walter’s technical prowess and professional experience in photography and videography.
Lucky says, “The moment we met, it was always so complimentary. What he does is something that complements what I do. We didn’t know that was what we needed. But when we met each other, everything kinda just made sense.”
For Waltz, his feelings for Lucky deepened significantly when he witnessed her compassionate nature in action. Observing her commitment not just to their mutual acquaintances but to the broader community sparked something special within him. He recalls thinking, “Kasi nakita ko siya, iba yung love niya sa community, hindi lang for the people around her, but for the whole community.”
This realization marked a significant moment for Waltz; he saw in Lucky a partner whose values aligned deeply with his own. It was then he knew their connection was destined for something long-lasting. “Sabi ko, ito na yun,” he reflects on how clear it became that he wanted to be with her for good, well before he ever voiced his intentions.
Lucky also began to see Waltz in a new light as they worked together. She noticed how caring he was with everyone around him, whether they were old friends or new acquaintances.
“Sobrang maalaga niya with everybody around him, regardless kung matagal na kayo, or recent friend, or common friend. He’s really a reliable person through and through,” she explains.
Is it difficult working together and separating the professional from the personal?
A big part of their relationship is how working together doesn’t feel like a chore; rather, it’s an extension of their bond that they genuinely enjoy. “For us, working together is something that we enjoy doing. It’s not na it’s a responsibility na, we don’t feel like we have to drag ourselves to work together. Working together for us always feels like a part of a date. It’s always fun,” she says.
“So, if things are getting a bit stressful, too much na siyasabihan din naman ako ni Waltz na wag na muna natin sagutin yan, rest muna tayo. That’s also very important.”
Lucky and Waltz approached their wedding planning the same way they did their relationship–with ease, joy, and a deep emphasis on caring for others.
She says, “We love taking care of people. Alam ko naman, lagi sinasabi nila, ‘the day is about you, don’t think about the guests’, masyado parang isipin nyo kung ano yung makapagpapasaya sa kanila. Pero kami kasi, at the end of the day, seeing our guests happy would make us happy also.”
Alongside the abundant food, the couple made sure of the comfort and entertainment of their guests with coffee carts, milk tea stations, and a photobooth among others. This was so there was never a dull moment and that everyone felt special and engaged throughout the celebration.
Waltz’s choice of wedding attire was as unique and personal as their love story. He donned a customized barong that narrated their shared journey, incorporating elements that highlighted significant aspects of their lives together.
It featured intricate embroidery of their story—the places they’ve traveled, the camera that symbolizes their work, their heartfelt proposal, and even their beloved dog, Mochi. Other elements like the ‘I Make Lemon Bars’ stitching, a business venture they created during the pandemic, was also included.
Meanwhile, Lucky’s attire was no less special in capturing the essence of their shared experiences and heritage. She collaborated with Happy Andrada who is known for her modern takes on traditional Filipiniana to create a unique robe. She wanted to incorporate local elements to honor their travels around the Philippines together, even though their wedding theme wasn’t strictly Filipiniana.
Lucky remarked, “She added a train. Actually, pinabongga niya…It was so simple at first, just the right length for a robe. But she made it grander, more beautiful.” This turned the robe into a standout piece at the wedding, so much so that her bridesmaids and photographers mistook it for her gown. Proudly, she said, “No, it’s my robe. It’s very special to me.”
As for the theme of their wedding, they aimed to highlight the celebration itself over the decorations. “Clean. Parang, we just wanted it to be all white,” Lucky described. Their choice ensured that the colors remained muted to allow the emotions and joy to stand out.
The venue was adorned with white drapery, white flowers, and nearly white everything. Subtly, the couple added Filipiniana elements like the barong for the entourage and abaca bags from Legazpi as gifts for the bridesmaids. “We injected a few Filipino stuff there because it also reflects us as a couple, where we met, what we do,” Lucky explained.
And their vision came to life—a day that wasn’t just about them but about everyone they love, a celebration filled with meaning, joy, and the little details that made it uniquely theirs. It was proof that love, when built on trust, friendship, and shared dreams, can feel easy.
Then again, this isn’t us saying that an “easy” love means that there won’t be struggles. There will of course be challenges, tough conversations, and days that require more patience and understanding.
But isn’t that what makes it all the more special? All the more remarkable? When you’re with the right person, those struggles don’t feel like roadblocks. They feel like just another part of the journey, one that you don’t have to go through alone.
Lucky and Waltz have already shown how well they discover life together, whether in work, travel, or the simple joys of everyday life. And their wedding wasn’t the start of their love story, but rather a continuation of the partnership they had already built—one where love is fun, fulfilling, and yes, oftentimes, can feel incredibly and wonderfully effortless.
Looking back, it’s clear that Waltz wasn’t late—he arrived just in time to start the greatest chapter of their lives together.
Photographer: ProudRad / Videographer: Treehouse Story / Bridal Robe and Groom’s Barong: Happy Andrada / Groom’s Barong Illustrator: Risa Rodil / Groom Styling: Cutting Class PH, James Florencondia / Bridal Gown: Heleyna / HMUA: Isabelle Rubio / Bridal Glow Team: BloomDerm, Apostol Dental, The Narvaez Clinic / Stylist: BLOOM by AV / Host: Trina Yam / Souvenirs: Balay Baler / VIP Gifts: Euro Rich Foodtrade / Preps Salads and Gourmet Sandwiches: Hey! Salad / Cake: Cakes by Karen Mari / Original Wedding Song: Tara, Deonne Gavieres / Onsite Studio: PORTRA / Photo Prints: Fujifilm Instax / Lights & Sounds: Suigeneris Sound and Lights / LED Visual Designer: Always in Motion Live / Wedding Dance Choreography: Victoria Centric & T / Invites & Newspaper Design: Cathy Berces / Wedding Band: Ana & The Barong Five’s Paul Miko Eugenio, Will Encarnacion, Fitz Manto, Ana Alemario, Choi Padilla, Archie Pangilinan, Aaron / Food Carts: Serenitea, Get Up Coffee, Kangkong King, Puffles, Potato Corner, Dippin Dots / Entourage Gifts: Celebrasyon by Ruyag PH, Sunnies Studios, Mom Side Hustle / Wedding Preps Venue: Somerset Alabang / Ceremony: National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians Parish / Venue: The Palms Country Club / Coordinator: Kiss The Girl Events
