Key Points:
- A couple in the Philippines waded through floodwaters to get married during Storm Wipha.
- Their wedding held at the historic Barasoain Church went on, even with guests soaked.
- The groom called it a “sacrifice,” while the bride said it proved their strength as a couple.
Love Conquers the Storm
Nothing could stop Jade Rick Verdillo and Jamaica Aguilar from saying “I do” — not even a flooded church or a strong tropical storm.
On Tuesday, July 22, the couple tied the knot at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, despite heavy rain and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Wipha.
Wipha had earlier been a typhoon before weakening, but still brought days of non-stop rain and floods across the Philippines.
Guests Waded Through Water to Witness Love
The couple didn’t let the weather ruin their special day. Photos from the ceremony showed Jamaica walking through knee-deep water in her white lace dress and veil.
Jade stood waiting in his Barong Tagalog shirt, also soaked.
Children, flower girls, and guests also walked through water to attend. Some even left their shoes behind on a bench to avoid ruining them.
Bride and Groom Explain Why They Carried On
Jade said, “We just mustered enough courage.” He explained, “We decided today because it is a sacrifice in itself. But there will be more sacrifices if we don’t push through today.”
Jamaica added, “I feel that challenges won’t be over. It’s just a test. This is just one of the struggles that we’ve overcome.”
Their story quickly touched hearts online.
Wedding guest Jiggo Santos said, “You will see love prevailed because even against weather, storm, rains, floods, the wedding continued … It’s an extraordinary wedding.”
A Country Battling More Than Just Love’s Test
The Philippines has been facing harsh monsoon rains since last week. Reuters confirmed the rains led to floods, landslides, and tidal surges in many areas.
Over 80,000 people are currently in emergency shelters.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first wedding during a flood at the same church. Last July, PEOPLE reported that Dianne Victoriano and Paulo Padilla also exchanged vows inside the water-filled building, during two typhoons.
A cousin of the bride shared that moment on social media, showing another bride walking through ankle-deep water.
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