Pandemic love story culminates in union
Oct. 10, 2026, or 10-10-26, proved to be an auspicious date for Lyle Villarmino and Dresh Santos as they exchanged wedding vows at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. The celebration continued with an elegant reception at the Diplomatic Hall of the Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport World Resorts, where 130 guests gathered to celebrate the couple’s union.
Lyle and Dresh’s love story began during the pandemic, when a mutual friend introduced them. What started as casual conversations on Facebook Messenger gradually blossomed into something more as restrictions eased and they began meeting in person. They became exclusive in September 2020 and officially became a couple on Oct. 10 (10-10) of the same year. Their first proper date followed on Valentine’s Day 2021.
On Feb. 1, 2025, Lyle orchestrated a surprise proposal at Estancia de Lorenzo in Marikina City. He invited both families under the pretext of celebrating his brother’s upcoming birthday on Feb. 6. While Lyle’s sister-in-law, Danica, distracted Dresh by asking her to accompany her to the restroom, Lyle slipped away to prepare for the big moment.
When he finally popped the question, Dresh was thrilled. The proposal was everything she had dreamed of, made even more special by the ring she had always hoped for. It was a heartfelt gesture that reflected how well Lyle knew her and how attentively he listened to her wishes.
For Dresh, one of Lyle’s most endearing qualities is his sense of humor. She also treasures the way he cares for her and makes her family feel equally valued. Lyle, meanwhile, describes Dresh as loving, affectionate and caring. She expresses her love through selfless acts of service and cherishes being close to the people who matter most to her.
Beyond their shared joys, Lyle and Dresh have also found strength in one another through life’s most difficult moments. Both have experienced the loss of a parent: Dresh lost her mother, Hazel Villaflor, a dear friend of mine who passed away two years ago, while Lyle lost his father, Gerrico Villarmino.
Having known Hazel personally, I find it especially touching that Dresh has found in Lyle a partner who understands her grief and gives her the space to heal in her own time. Rather than rushing each other to move on, they learned to respect one another’s individual grieving processes. They offered comfort, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, gently encouraging each other to find hope even on the darkest days. They also learned to be patient when grief unexpectedly resurfaced.
In each other, they found not only a life partner but also someone who understood the weight of loss and the importance of allowing love and healing to unfold in their own time.
On her wedding day, Dresh walked down the aisle in a custom-made, fairy-tale-inspired gown by renowned designer Leo Almodal. Adorned with Swarovski crystals and shimmering embellishments, the gown fulfilled her dream of looking and feeling like a princess.
Leo was a particularly meaningful choice for Dresh, as her late mother had chosen him, believing in her heart that her daughter would one day marry Lyle. The gown thus carried with it a touching reminder of the mother whose love remained part of the celebration.
Lyle complemented his bride in a dashing black suit by Francis Libiran.
As guests gathered at the foyer of the Diplomatic Hall, they enjoyed an assortment of finger foods and cocktails, along with offerings from Annitta Café and The Cheese Florist. For a memorable take-home gift, guests could choose their own perfume from Florescent PH.
The reception hall offered a spectacular welcome. A canopy of pink and lilac blooms, exquisitely styled by renowned event designer Gideon Hermosa, transformed the venue into a dreamy floral haven. Hydrangeas, pink roses and white orchids adorned the tables, creating an atmosphere of romance and understated grandeur.
The inspiration was Paris at night, a setting that had captured the couple’s hearts during a family trip with Dresh’s family. Drawing on Dresh’s favorite color, purple, Gideon recreated the enchanting mood of the City of Light, complete with the dreamy floral arrangements that have become a signature of his work.
The Manila String Machine provided the evening’s musical accompaniment as host Issa Litton welcomed the guests. Three long, wavy banquet tables accommodated the attendees, setting the stage for an intimate evening of fine dining and heartfelt celebration.
The dinner began with Atlantic Salmon Terzetto, featuring miso-cured salmon, horseradish crème, lumpfish caviar, smoked chives mousse in saffron crepe, salmon tartare, tomato glaze, pumpernickel crumbs, Granny Smith apples and tarragon aioli.
A hearty shrimp bisque with herb cream cheese crumble followed. For the main courses, guests enjoyed oven-baked Australian barramundi fillet served with carrot and potato mousseline, green asparagus and lemon butter sauce. Raspberry sorbet provided a refreshing interlude before the centerpiece dish: pan-fried US tenderloin prepared scampi-style in duck fat, accompanied by scallops, pea purée, layered potato casserole and fresh garden vegetables. Cheesecake brûlée provided a sweet finale to the sumptuous meal.
As dinner was served, guests watched a video presentation chronicling Lyle and Dresh’s journey from childhood to their engagement. Heartfelt tributes followed from the best man, Keil Villarmino, Lyle’s brother; matron of honor Loisel Canada, Dresh’s sister; and maid of honor Daphnie Villaflor, Dresh’s cousin.
The evening was made even more memorable by a special performance from Amiel Sol, a good friend of the groom. He serenaded the newlyweds and their guests with his hit songs Sa Bawat Sandali and Nahanap Kita, adding another romantic touch to the celebration.
It was a beautiful evening celebrating not only the union of two people but also the love, patience and understanding that had brought them to this moment. May Lyle and Dresh’s marriage be filled with enduring love, abundant happiness, and the blessings of a beautiful, healthy, and happy family in the years to come.
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