Sheila & Matthew's Elegant Filipino Wedding at The Alexandria

Christina Choi
Aug 12
3 min read

Bride in a white gown and groom in a black tuxedo hold hands on a gold-railed staircase, smiling during their Filipino wedding.

Some weddings are beautiful because of their design. Others are unforgettable because of the people. Sheila and Matthew's wedding was both with a celebration that honored Filipino traditions while embracing modern luxury in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

They exchanged vows during a traditional Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral, followed by an elegant reception at The Alexandria Ballrooms, one of LA's most iconic historic venues.

Bridesmaids in pastel dresses hold colorful bouquets in a Bridgerton-inspired look at an elegant Filipino wedding.

Inspired by Bridgerton, the bridesmaids wore soft pastel dresses that paired beautifully with lush florals by Peachy Petals. The look felt right at home inside The Alexandria's historic ballrooms, where the bridesmaids made their grand entrance to the orchestral Bridgerton-style cover of '360', which set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Honoring their Filipino roots was an important part of the day. Sheila wore two custom dresses handmade by her aunt in the Philippines for her ceremony and reception look. To end the night, guests were treated to a late-night Jollibee meal complete with fried chicken, gravy, and rice.

Wedding couple enjoys a late-night Jollibee meal at their lively Filipino wedding reception, surrounded by colorful motion blur.

If you're planning a Filipino Catholic wedding in Southern California, our biggest piece of advice is to choose vendors who understand your vision and can thoughtfully incorporate your culture without losing your personal style. Southern California is home to so many incredible venues and experienced wedding professionals, making it the perfect place to create a celebration that feels authentic to you.

Filipino Catholic Wedding FAQs:

How much does a Filipino wedding cost in Southern California?

The cost of a Filipino wedding in Southern California can vary depending on guest count, venue, catering, and the level of design and production. For a traditional wedding with approximately 150–200 guests, couples can expect to spend roughly $65,000–$95,000 plus, while luxury celebrations can reach $100,000-$250,000 plus. The largest expenses will be the venue and catering, photography and videography, florals and décor, entertainment, attire, and wedding planning or coordination.

What Catholic traditions are included in a Filipino wedding?

Filipino Catholic weddings often incorporate traditions such as the Veil, Cord, and Coins (Arras). Some couples may also include a Unity Candle, special prayers, or other traditions that are meaningful to their families.

Because every family is different, it's important to discuss which traditions you want to include with your parish and wedding planner early in the planning process.

How much does wedding planning cost in Los Angeles?

Couples can expect month-of coordination services to start around $2,500–$5,000, while partial and full-service planning can range from $5,000- $20,000 plus depending on the planner, guest count, and scope of services.

For multicultural or larger weddings, having a planner involved early can be especially helpful when coordinating multiple traditions, family expectations, vendors, and a detailed wedding timeline.

How far in advance should you plan a Filipino Catholic wedding?

We recommend starting 12–18 months in advance for a larger Filipino Catholic wedding in Southern California, especially if you're getting married at a popular venue or planning for a Saturday date.

Catholic churches may also have their own marriage preparation requirements and scheduling timelines, so it's a good idea to contact your parish before booking your reception venue.

Can you have Filipino traditions at a luxury wedding?

Absolutely. Cultural traditions don't have to compete with an elevated wedding aesthetic. The most memorable celebrations are the ones where cultural details are thoughtfully woven into the overall design and guest experience.

Sheila and Matthew's wedding is a perfect example. From Sheila's custom dresses made by her aunt in the Philippines to their late-night Jollibee, every detail felt personal while still fitting seamlessly into their elegant Downtown LA celebration.

It truly takes an amazing team to bring a wedding like this together, and this one was filled with talented creatives.