It all started with a stolen shot.
Sometime in 2013, acclaimed Negrense photographer Engineer John Kimwell “Jake” Laluma took a photo of former GMA TV Bacolod reporter Ariane Jane Gasataya while covering the MassKara Festival Arena Dance Competition.
A year later, a common friend introduced the eye behind the camera lens to an unexpected subject that eventually became his most favorite one. Their paths crossed, a beautiful image of a love story then started to appear.
A landscape photographer for 10 years now, Jake, who also works as a college teacher and web developer, began courting Jane in 2015. Two years later, they officially became a couple.
Moving forward to 2022, the 35-year-old gentleman from Bacolod City and the 31-year-old lady from Kabankalan City who now works at the provincial government exchanged marriage vows. Together, they formed a wonderful portrait of love. A stolen no more, but a collaboration of two hearts willing to be shared by both.
Joined by their families, relatives and closest friends, Jake and Jane tied the knot in a solemn rites held at San Antonio Abad Parish in Bacolod City in one fine Saturday afternoon, November 12.
“Dear Jane, much has been said and done. The journey towards this very moment has been nothing but exciting. We had our share of victories, heartaches, and everything in between. We are now standing at a crossroad. Whatever happens from this day forward, I can assure you that you will still have the Jake that you knew,” Jake told Jane said in his vow.
“The thoughtful Jake, the sweet Jake, the smart Jake, the passionate Jake, the annoying Jake, and all of the other Jakes that you came to know and love since 2015,” he continued.
Jake also assured Jane that “I’m far from perfect but I will strive to be the best that I can be. Not only to you, but to our families, and more importantly to Him. We have come a long way, but all I can say is that the best is yet to come.”
Jane, in response, said “Dearest Jake, I am beyond grateful that God allowed our paths to cross. You are one of the greatest blessings the Lord has given me. I always thank Him for your life and how blessed I am to be part of it.”
Recalling their experiences together, Jane also thanked Jake for showing her the kind of love that is calm, gentle and kind. “Thank you for your endless patience and for respecting my boundaries. Thank you for being the wind beneath my wings, my backbone and my support system.”
Jane also expressed gratitude to Jake “for loving my family as much as you love and respect yours.”
“In front of God and all our loved ones, I vow to be a good and loving wife. To honor you and to respect you. I vow to celebrate your success and to comfort you in your sorrow. In hardships and in failures, I promise to love you even more,” she told Jake.
Jane added that “I know that Tatay, who is watching from heaven, is happy and proud that I’ll be married to a good man. My dear, together, may we grow in love and glorify God for the rest of our lives. I love you so much.”
The exchange of these vows was witnessed by their parents -- Retired Police Chief Inspector Castor Laluma and Mrs. Ethelda Tulusan for the groom and Mrs. Wilma Gasataya for the bride --- along with other families, relatives and friends, among others who were present during the wedding rites officiated by Rev. Fr. Romeo S. Tayco.
Serving as principal sponsors were Capt. Bienvenido Pedregosa, Teodolfo Lamila Jr., Hon. Greg Gasataya, Hon. Roldan Gamao, Engr. Christpher Taclobos, Engr. Rolando Escalona, Retired Major Melegildo Sanogal, Engr. Felix Querubin, Mark Jamandre, John Gamboa, John Javier, Jesus Geollogue, Ruth Pedregosa, Marian Lamila, Cheryl Uy, Dr. Nieves Pepito, Melinda Montano, Gilda Abian, Dr. Ma. Lina Sanogal, Ma. Chona Gosiaoco, Olive Jamandre, Massah Gamboa, Jesusa Dela Paz, Maria Joezette Obtinall, Hottie Gatoc, Divina Peraren, Lyneth Geonigo and Nemia Heria.
The wedding reception followed at the May’s Organic Garden in the city’s Barangay Pahanocoy. The newly-wed couple led the meaningful and fun celebration where they expressed their gratitude to all who took part in the special occasion.
There, Jake also showed his "Dear Jane" photographs with his wife as the subject taken since the first day they met and captioned with words expressing his unceasing love for her. Attendees were also treated to some surprises like trivia game and raffle.*