How We Pulled It Off: A Calamansi-Scented Wedding in Cebu, Philippines

"Obviously, my roots are there, so it made sense to (1) pick the Philippines, and (2) pick a place known for relaxation, because we wanted it to feel like a vacation and celebration for everyone. Given Erika's family hails from the capital city of Manila, the couple pondered celebrating around the beachy hubs of Boracay or Cebu before settling on the latter, which is the nation's second-largest city."

"While most of Erika's loved ones would travel from within the Philippines, Erika and Maulik aimed to be as considerate as possible to the Americans and others on the guest list by setting a date and letting everyone know of their plans a year and a half out. Nothing came as a surprise to anyone, according to Maulik, who's Indian-American and from the Midwest originally."

"They were also intentional in their choice of Cebu over Boracay. While both spots offer spectacular beaches, Boracay is only accessible via layovers in Manila or Cebu, while Cebu's airport is bigger and more international, with connections from other maj"

Maulik Joshi and Erika Sabalvoro, a New York City-based couple, chose Cebu, Philippines for their January 2026 wedding of 73 guests at the Shangri-La Mactan. Erika's Filipino roots and family presence in the Philippines made it the natural choice for their celebration. Planning from 8,000 miles away presented challenges, including navigating post-Christmas timing in a Catholic country and coordinating logistics for international guests. The couple prioritized giving guests ample advance notice—a year and a half—to accommodate travel arrangements. They selected Cebu over Boracay due to its larger, more internationally connected airport. The wedding incorporated both Filipino and Indian cultural elements through decor and menu selections, creating an inclusive celebration that felt like a vacation for attendees.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler