This Couple’s Wedding Doubled as a Celebration of Filipino Artistry
They enlisted the vision and talent of Filipino designers Zia Wycoco, Randolf, and HA.MU to bring their tropical and modern Filipiniana motif to life.
by Kyla Villena
Published on May 8, 2026
When two people decide to tie the knot, it's with the intention of doing so only once in a lifetime. From there comes a growing pressure for it to reflect who they truly are, both as individuals and as partners—but don’t be mistaken, that pressure is rooted in love and the desire to do things right according to their definition of it.
For Miko Villena and Roan Guzman-Villena, there is a heartwarming sense of satisfaction in hearing their guests say that their matrimony felt so much like them. Roan describes herself as having a Type A personality, while Miko is Type B, but for their special day, their goal of bringing a shared vision to life was enough to set those differences aside. Their personalities permeated every corner and detail, including their affinity for Filipino creativity.
The couple’s wedding also served as a platform for Filipino designers to shine. Ahead, gather inspiration from the details of their thoughtfully curated wedding looks.
On one sunny Tagaytay day, guests stood in anticipation by the pews, painting the church in a tropical color palette of oranges, pinks, and greens. Miko shed tears at the aisle as the doors revealed Roan in her wedding dress. The ensemble played a moving rendition of Eraserheads’ “With a Smile.” They met at the altar, sealing the moment they became husband and wife.
From the ceremony to the after-party, it’s easy to tell that the couple didn’t choose Filipiniana as their theme just because. Rather, their wedding doubled as a showcase of Filipino creativity.
The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra serenaded the guests, while a local artist, @renananca, created custom stickers commissioned for the celebration. Pamaypays were chosen as giveaways, and friends shared personal stories over dinner, echoing the Filipino tradition of lingering conversations over meals.
This sensibility extended to their sartorial choices as well.
“One thing was non-negotiable for me,” said Roan. “I wanted my dress to be made of heritage piña. From there, I knew Zia Wycoco would be the one.” In preparation, the bride tried on different gowns across various studios to earn a grasp of the silhouette that would suit her best.
She then presented these in her consultation with the fashion designer. She added, “Her designs are also very girly, playful, and fun, which really reflect my personality.”
After expressing her style and preferences, Roan then entrusted Zia to visualize and interpret them. “In her own very Zia way, she sketched a beautiful piña basque-waist gown, with lace underneath to add character and a big bow at the back—just exactly how I liked it.”
Practical as can be (given her Type A personality), Roan’s wedding dress came with thoughtful details. The design initially featured straps, which were detachable. “That actually came in handy because, on the day itself, I chose to wear it as a tube. I love how it gave the dress a different look!” The big bow was also detachable.
“Effortlessly beautiful” is how Roan describes the dress of her dreams, which Zia brought to life. It reflected so bright that the people closest to hear often said, “Roan, ikaw na ikaw 'yung dress mo!”
The couple explored designers whose style would match the overall vibe they were aiming for, and RJ Santos’ Randolf certainly checked the boxes.
“When we came across Randolf’s work, we immediately knew it was what we were looking for. His designs feature colorful, meaningful embroideries, which really align with our theme.”
Miko has a deeply embedded love for music, being a former DJ. If there was another factor that confirmed Randolf was the perfect choice for his barong, it was the way RJ asked for his Spotify playlist at their consultation. Using music to further his understanding of a client’s personality has become a known creative process for the Preview Best Filipino Fashion Designers (BFFD) 2023 honoree.
Photos: Toto Villaruel, courtesy of Roan Guzman-Villena
photos to expand
Notable details on his barong include Mount Fuji, where he got down on one knee and asked for Roan’s hand in marriage. Their adorable dogs made an appearance as well, alongside references to his interest in cars and passion for music.
“We always kind of knew we’d go with HA.MU,” Roan tells Preview. “Their designs just felt very us, and perfect for the energy we wanted for that part of the celebration.” According to the bride, the energy displayed by Abraham Guardian and Mamuro Oki immediately proved them right.
The couple’s brief called for subtly matching ensembles. With that, the fashion designers—who were also recognized as Preview BFFD 2023 awardees—sketched pieces adorned with their signature floral details in tones of cream and off-white.
Roan specifically requested for a halter neckline, and a silhouette that was “playful and easy to move in.” That way, she could “really enjoy and dance during the afterparty.”
The afterparty dress was also characterized by a statement tie-up bow, bringing cohesion to Roan’s wedding looks. She gushes, “I remember trying it on for the first time and wanting to cry again—it was exactly how I envisioned it!”
As for the groom, his primary request was to have a piece that he could still wear even after the wedding, which resulted in a comfortable polo shirt that could easily be dressed up or down.
Throughout the special day, one thing remained constant. Guests saw and felt the couple’s individuality in every detail, even as they were celebrating their unity. “That really meant a lot to us,” Roan says, “because these pieces were very personal.”
Their sartorial choices became the thread—tying together their shared appreciation for the arts, creativity, and heritage.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.