Wedding Party

The Couple

Alex Manaloto & AJ Aparato

Bride Groom

Arlene Manaloto

Maid of Honor

Arlene Mae, also known as "Ish," is not only my sister but also the epitome of grace and strength—Miss Personality/Queen Canada 2023 and Ms. Petite 2025. She’s always strived for success, and I’ve consistently looked up to her as a role model. Kind-hearted, genuine, and incredibly generous, she is one of the most caring people I know. Whether it’s offering a helping hand, giving advice, or tackling errands together, she’s the first person I call. Although we have our screaming sisterly petty fights one second, just know that we're probably texting each other to get a sweet treat the second after. Just know she will be a sack of tears on the big day, so bring her tissues. I am so thankful to have her as my maid of honour!

Mark Aparato

Best Man

Mark is my Kuya (big brother for the non-Filipinos), though growing up, I outweighed him most of the time - so who was really the 'big' brother? He's tried it all: acting, dental hygienist, flight attendant, mechanic - you name it. He could've been a nurse, but us Aparatos like to break stereotypes. He's the player 1 to my player 2, the drummer to my bass, and the guy who's saved my family and me a ton of money over the years—whether it's cutting hair or fixing cars I don't even own yet. We've got the same humor and love for music, so when we're together, we're on the same wavelength. I was honored to be his best man, and now I'm lucky to have him as one of mine. I wouldn't want to do this without him... mostly because I'll need him to give me a fresh fade before my big day.

Rea Medrano

Matron of Honor

Julius Aguliar

Best Man

I met Rea in 2018 when AJ invited her to our church’s anniversary celebration, but we didn’t reconnect until I started attending Nova Church in 2022. Rea is one of the funniest, yet most ruthless people I know—beware of her roasts! She’s been by my side through many seasons of life, always offering unwavering support. Rea is not just one of my closest friends, but also a sister in Christ. Even though she’s shorter and we are the same age, she is someone I truly look up to. She’s the type of person you can count on, and someone I deeply trust.

We bond over TSITP, organization, our shared love for cats, and a passion for serving God in ministry. I had the honor of being her maid of honor at her wedding, and I’m beyond excited that she’s now going to be part of my big day as my matron of honor!

Julius, also known as Julian, aka Julius the juggler, aka Julius the marathon runner - he's definitely done all these things, so be sure to ask him about it when you see him! We've known each other since 2013, but it wasn't until 2015 when we became best friends. Anyone who knows us can tell you we're a comedic duo with our own language of inside jokes and bits that no one else understands. Our conversations are a mix of laughter and nonsense, rarely staying on topic, but that's just how we do. We're so close that even Lex jokes about being the third wheel sometimes. Julius is always down for a laugh, a challenge, or a random adventure - which is why he's one of my best men. And if you see him, ask him to tell you a joke and you won't regret it (probably).

Michelle Manaloto

Bridesmaid

Michelle is my oldest sister, and despite our 10-year age gap, people often mistake us for twins. She has always reminded me to carry myself with grace and to never forget to be a lady. Her passion for art, dance, and music is evident in everything she does, and it has always inspired me and nurtured my creativity. Throughout my life, Michelle has been a constant source of support, especially when it came to my relationship with AJ. She and I can spend hours on the phone debriefing the latest episodes of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and VPR. She is also one of the most loving and kind-hearted people I know, and even though she’s moved to the island, our connection remains as strong as ever, though I miss her more than words can express. I’m incredibly blessed to have her by my side on this special day, and I couldn’t imagine celebrating without her.

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Brian Lofranco

Groomsman

He'll probably get mad at me for spilling his secret, but have you ever seen Spiderman and Brian in the same room? Maybe that's why he's such a good photographer — always ready to capture the moment, just like Peter Parker. I met Brian in 2022 at Nova Church, and we bonded over board games, worship jams, and endless banter. He's the luckiest, yet unluckiest guy I know - somehow managing to break both his ankles, surviving to tell the tale, and still standing strong with his faith in God. That faith has rubbed off on me too, especially when he's playing devil's advocate. His loyalty, humor, and ability to make every moment memorable make him irreplaceable. And thanks to his photography, he inspired me to capture more moments while I was in Japan. Fun fact: he's terrified of frogs.

Joann Monce

Bridesmaid

Marc Medrano

Groomsman

“Born to be my sister, but forced to be cousins.”

Joann, also known as “Cousin,” has known me my entire life and has been there through every awkward phase I went through growing up. She’s the sister I’ve always wished I had. From childhood, we’ve shared an unbreakable bond and a special closeness. As kids, she’d give me makeovers and dress me up like a doll—thanks to her, I’ve got a great sense of style, and my outfits are always on point! Cousin has always been someone I can trust and rely on. She’s one of the hardest-working, most dedicated people I know. My ride or die, I am so glad that she will be with me by my side on the big day!

Marc might not be a man of many words, but that's because he doesn't need to say much - he's like Ferb from Phineas and Ferb, letting his piano and actions speak for him. He's the most reliable, hardworking, and helpful guy I know - from helping around Nova Church, being our designated driver on road trips, and even capturing Lex and my engagement photos. While I was away in Japan, Marc was also a solid friend to Lex, which meant a lot to both of us. He and his wife, Rea, are amazing friends — always down to play board games or chill after church. I’m lucky to have someone like him on my side — with a big heart, an even bigger smile, and the most impressive parking skills you’ll ever see.

Jenneil Sanga

Lester Trono

Bridesmaid

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jen for over 10+ years. We first met in 2013 at my old church’s family camp. We’ve served together in Worship Ministry + Youth Leadership. Jen is one of my closest friends and has always been a steadfast support in my life, cheering me on in every hobby I’ve tried to pursue lol and always having my back. She’s the kind of person with a huge smile and a contagious laugh that can light up any room.

Though we don’t see each other as often as we’d like—whenever we do catch up, it feels like no time has passed, and we just pick up right where we left off. I’m forever grateful for her friendship, and I’m beyond happy that she’s going to be one of my bridesmaids!

Groomsman

"Cool, cool, cool, cool, no doubt,"

As Kuya Lester would say perfectly captures his easygoing yet unmistakable personality. Though we're not blood-related, he's been like a 'kuya' to me since our days at FCF (my old church) back in 2013 offering not only rides when he didn't need to but also guidance in his own way that somehow always works. A Master Corporal who loves structure but somehow thrives in unpredictability, Lester is the chill Kuya you can count on to keep things spiritually grounded, keep things entertaining, and always bring something unexpected to the table - mostly because he's winging it, but still usually manages to make it look like he had a plan all along.

Abby Lapuz

Bridesmaid

I met Abby in 2014 when I started attending FCF. Over the years, we’ve served together in the Music ministry + Youth/ Young Adult Leadership, attended Sherises events (iykyk), and shared countless lake days. It wasn’t until 2020, during the lockdown, when we started a discipleship life group, that we truly became close. Although she is naturally introverted, her love language of acts of service and gift-giving speaks volumes. She has been a constant source of support, always ready to lend a helping hand, patiently listening to me vent for hours, and showing such thoughtfulness and love in everything she does. I’m so incredibly grateful to have her by my side as one of my bridesmaids on this special day!

Yutaka Takahashi

Groomsman

Without Yutaka, I probably wouldn't have survived my two years in Japan on the JET program, where we worked together at Ritsuryo Junior High School. He was my MVP - from helping with translations, to going to Costco, to even helping me pick up furniture, and dropping me off after work when he didn't have to. Yutaka is one of the chillest and most easygoing teachers I've ever worked with. He's also traveled to 22 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, China, Denmark, Ireland, and even spent some time as an international student in Canada. If you've ever wanted to show off your Japanese skills, here's your chance - just don't be surprised when Yutaka responds in perfect English.

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Chirstelle Dioquino

Flower Girl

I’ve crossed paths with Christelle many times over the years, often just in passing. It’s amazing how interconnected we are through mutual friends. I first met her back in 2018 when she attended my former church’s anniversary celebration.

Since then, Christelle and I have had the joy of serving together in the Worship and Music ministry at Nova Church. Along the way, we’ve shared road trips, camping adventures, and many deep and meaningful conversations. She is funny, wise, and someone I can always turn to for spiritual guidance when navigating life’s challenges.

I’m so incredibly happy to have her accompany my grandma as a flower girl!

Grandma Linda

Flower Girl

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Parents of Bride

Arnold Manaloto

Luzviminda Manaloto

Karl Obcena

Groomsman

I met Karl (with a K) at a YA event in Nova, and we instantly clicked over a game. From there, life took us in completely different directions – I went to Japan, he went to the Philippines – and we kept talking about visiting each other… which never actually happened. Somehow, we still ended up crossing paths again back in Canada, now working construction together at Alpro. We’ve bonded over bigger dreams, worship, and figuring out life one shift at a time, and I’ve gotten closer with him ever since. Honestly, out of all the ways we could’ve reconnected, I didn’t expect it to be in construction – but I’m glad it was. We end up making songs and doing random bits on site, which makes the workdays go by a lot faster.
P.S. After all the songs we’ve made on the job, don’t be surprised if we drop an album someday.