Of coffee & romance

When she was a little girl, Angela Raymond Ferreria dreamed of a wedding amidst a field of sunflowers on a sunny day under the bluest of skies with pretty butterflies fluttering about. She continued to dream of it, hopeful that God would see the deepest desires of her heart and answer her prayers.

In God’s good time, a dashing chef named Pierre Ivan Tan came along in 2005 and took her on a delicious journey. Seven years later, he asked her to marry him. 

My siblings and I, who are very close to Anj’s family, were avid witnesses of the couple’s love for each other on their wedding day.

Fr. Art Borja S.J., who has known Anj since she was a baby, held back tears as he solemnized their marriage. He looked affectionately at this simple, helpful, humble lady who never liked drawing attention to herself. Now, Anj took center stage as a radiant bride. Fr. Art commended the couple for choosing such a beautiful gospel about the miracle at the wedding in Cana. “The gospel talks about a symbolism that Jesus blesses us with His presence. May He forever remain a strong member of your family and not just a seasonal guest at your table,” advised Fr. Art.

At their wedding feast, Anj’s little niece Indie Mercado led the prayer before meals as huge butterflies gracefully flapped their delicate wings and circled the white and yellow banners above us in the morning breeze at The Tent at Enderun. The sweet delightful aroma of hazelnut and caramel coffee enveloped the reception area where Anj’s excellent Kaffe Caffe team prepared the most sumptuous concoctions.

Tender photos of Anj and Pierre dotted the walls and I smiled at the love story they told. They first met when Anj’s family opened up a coffee shop on Banawe street in  Quezon City. Their romance bloomed over coffee. Anj eventually took over the management of the coffee shop and learned the ropes about coffee through a pioneering team of baristas, which Pierre was a part of. 

Her passion for coffee was born and there was no stopping Anj from learning as much as she could to develop her skills. She eventually opened up her own coffee shop named Kaffe Caffe. It was a success shared by a dedicated chef and admirer who never left her side. 

Anj finished European Studies at the Ateneo, pursued a master’s degree in entrepreneurship at AIM, a coffee course in Portland and a pastry course in San Francisco. Pierre finished HRM at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde and supplemented his degree with a full culinary course at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management(ISCHAM).

Apart from growing Kaffe Caffe, Anj is also with the management of the Philippine Barista and Coffee Academy. Pierre is currently the sous chef at F1 Hotel under the tutelage of renowned chef Sau del Rosario.

God really knows how to make a good match. Not only do their personalities complement each other, so do their passions.  Pierre is responsible and hardworking, an excellent chef with a loyal spirit and a gentle soul. Angela is a patient, kind, focused and passionate lady. These two also make a great team in the kitchen doing private catering for family and friends. They are two inseparable foodies enjoying all their time together trying new recipes, restaurants and different cuisines.

Anj’s dad, Andy Ferreria, with a naughty glint in his eyes, expressed his deepest wish or rather a tall order for the couple,  “Before anything comes forth, you must deliver... and make that as soon as possible because the table in the house must be filled up... with all my grandchildren.”

To the delight of her parents, Anj wore her mom Agnes Guytingco Ferreria’s wedding gown. It was an original Cora Abella creation made of organza and embellished with flower appliqués and ribbon details. It was exquisitely restored by Patis Tesoro — first for eldest daughter Alexie’s wedding in 2007, then for Anj this year — who changed the style of the top and carefully dyed the dress in tea leaves and added hand-painted flowerettes.

Pierre, son of William and Linda Tan, thanked all their guests for sharing with them the joyous and memorable occasion. He thanked the Ferreria family for welcoming him into their own with a gracious offer. “If anyone needs my help I’m willing to share my time, for anything I can do. I hope this will strengthen our family. Thank you for letting me marry Anj,” he said.

Anj and Pierre got married on Jan. 4, a significant date since this marked the 95th birth anniversary of Anj’s late maternal grandfather Tony Guytingco.

Mary the Queen Church in San Juan City, the venue of their altar date, was a special choice since both parents of Anj and Pierre were married there, too.

Congratulations, Anj and Pierre!

(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com.)