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Real Virginia Weddings: Riza & Jof

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  • Bride: Riza Panlaqui | 39
  • The Groom: Jof Panlaqui | 41 | Wedding Photographer
  • Date: April 18, 2026
  • Location: Leesburg, Virginia
  • Guest Count: 45
Riza and Jof. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

The Greatest Gift

Twenty years ago, a mutual friend introduced Riza and Jof. In 2026, 15 beautiful years into their civil marriage, the couple held a convalidation ceremony to exchange vows in the context of the church.

“The greatest gift was celebrating with the family and friends who witnessed the beginning of our love story and our civil wedding, and who stood by us again as we exchanged our vows before God in our convalidation ceremony,” the couple shared. “Most special of all was having our two boys there to witness it and be best man and ring bearer.”

The couple exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

First Impression

Riza and Jof used delicate, detailed stationery to set the tone for their special day and invite guests to share in their celebration.

“Our invitation suite was the first glimpse into the heart of our celebration, so it was very important to us that every detail reflected the feeling we hoped to create on our wedding day — soft, romantic, elegant, intimate and unmistakably us,” they said.

Custom, handmade stationery wowed guests. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

The suite featured calligraphy, silk ribbons and handmade deckled paper in soft champagne.

The Details

The couple envisioned a romantic, intimate celebration inspired by a spring garden bursting with blooms.

“We were drawn to the feeling of a romantic spring garden, filled with blooms that hold meaning and beauty in our lives,” Riza explained.

Details were pretty in pink. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

Lily of the Valley, representing new beginnings, starred in the bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere. Baby’s breath, a flower the couple often keeps in their home, complemented tulips, ranunculus, anemones, garden roses and orchids.

An orchid display directed guests to their seats. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

Riza’s ceremony gown from Rebecca Vallance featured a structured corset bodice with a sweetheart neckline and full A-line skirt in soft ivory. She added a lace topper, sourced from Shona Joy, to soften the gown’s silhouette.

She completed the look with a chapel-length veil, slingback heels, an opal ring borrowed from her mother and a gifted gold rosary necklace.

For the reception, Riza changed into another Rebecca Vallance dress. She loved the vintage-inspired gown’s off-the-shoulder neckline and puff sleeves.

The bride wore a vintage-inspired reception look. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

Jof wore a black double-breasted tuxedo and black bow tie. The couple’s sons also donned tuxedos, pairing them with practical white sneakers.

Meaningful Moments

Usually behind the camera, wedding photographer Jof enlisted friends and colleagues to capture meaningful moments between himself, his bride and their boys.

“We intentionally chose places close to home, beloved corners of Leesburg that have long been part of our story,” the couple shared. “It was equally important for us to be photographed by people close to our hearts. Juli and Karina’s warmth, talent and friendship allowed us to feel at ease.”

The Day

Riza and Jof exchanged vows in the historic Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, a Leesburg landmark since 1878. In reverence for the space, they kept decor minimal, lining the aisle with clusters of baby’s breath and framing the entrance with simple arrangements.

“To honor our Filipino heritage, we included the traditional veil and cord ceremony, a beautiful symbol of unity and God’s blessing over our marriage,” they shared. “The veil represented being clothed as one in faith and love, while the cord, placed around us in shape of a figure eight or infinity, symbolized our lifelong bond and commitment.”

Furry friends made an appearance. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

At the request of their youngest, the family traveled to the reception in a limousine.

Candlelight and lush florals created an elegant reception atmosphere at Shutters on King. Guests sampled from a selection of Champagne, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and bespoke cocktails.

Soft decor created a warm atmosphere. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

Dinner included braised short rib, seared salmon and pesto rigatoni accompanied by seasonal risotto, roasted vegetables and golden beet salad.

A tiered cake from Sweets by E included the family’s favorite flavors — marble cake with Nutella cream and vanilla cake with strawberries and cream.

The cake featured family favorite flavors. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

From the Heart

Riza and Jof treasured a toast offered by their eldest son. “His words had us laughing through tears and filled our hearts with pride, a beautiful reminder of the family we’ve built together,” they said.

The couple’s youngest son also honored his parents. He sang their favorite song, the Beatle’s version of “Till There Was You” by Meredith Willson, accompanied by Noah from N.S. Harmonics on the violin.

N.S. Harmonics provided live music. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

Wise Words

Once the wedding day has passed, the marriage remains, Riza and Jof noted.

“Our advice is simple: plan a wedding that feels like you,” they said. “Choose details that hold meaning, surround yourselves with people you love and focus on your marriage more than the event itself. At the end of the day, your guests may not remember every detail, but they will remember how your wedding celebration made them feel… and maybe what they ate!”

Wedding Ingredients:

Tags : convalidation ceremonyfamilyfloral focusReal Virginia Weddingsmall wedding
Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland

The author: Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland

Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland is a freelance writer and editor. When she’s not poring over manuscripts and searching for misplaced commas, Elizabeth can be found reading in a cozy chair with her cats, performing onstage at her local community theatre or antiquing with her husband.

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