Have you ever prayed for a partner? Or if you’re already in a relationship, have you prayed with and for your partner? If not, perhaps it’s something worth holding close in the days, weeks, and years ahead. Life often surprises us with moments far beyond our control. Coincidences that, in truth, are no coincidence at all, but the quiet hand of God working on our behalf.
Davin and Vanessa are living proof of how prayers and blessings shape a love story. From the outside, their journey might look smooth, almost effortless. But behind it all were countless prayers whispered in faith, unwavering belief in God and in each other, and the courage to face both the highest waves and the deepest valleys together. And here they stand, hand in hand, joined at last in holy matrimony.
The Holy Matrimony
It’s rare to witness a wedding ceremony this majestic, one that carries both grandeur and holiness in equal measure. Drawing inspiration from royal celebrations like that of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Davin and Vanessa created a moment that was entirely their own. A red carpet led the way down a pristine aisle, reserved solely for them. No photographers, no videographers, just the two of them, fully present. The atmosphere was set with dramatic lighting, a soaring church choir, towering stage pillars, white orchids at the altar, and a breathtaking gown with a cathedral-length veil by Yefta Gunawan. That day, GMS Surabaya felt transformed into something both regal and sacred.
And then came the most tender of moments. Vanessa’s father, Pastor Philip Mantofa, stepped forward to bless his daughter. It was a love born decades ago, one that nurtured her, guided her, and prepared her for this new beginning. No words could capture the depth of it. It was a moment beyond words, one that will live forever in memory.
The Night of Old Hollywood
For the reception, Vanessa’s love of film, music, Disney, and timeless classics came to life. With Nuansa Concept and Sion Decor, the Westin Surabaya ballroom was transformed into a scene straight out of Old Hollywood. Guests entered not just a wedding, but an experience stepping into a world of cinematic elegance where every detail felt like part of a film.
The Dress
Before she was a bride, before the world knew her name, Vanessa was her father’s beloved daughter. He had watched her grow, guarded her steps, and prayed over every dream she carried. On her wedding day, he gave her a gift unlike any other: a gown painted with his own hands. Just as Jacob once gave Joseph a robe of many colors (Genesis 37:3), this was his way of saying, “You are my treasure, my delight, my forever blessing.”
Every brushstroke was a prayer, every detail a piece of her story: the music she adores, the dogs she cherishes, and scripture to remind her of her worth. This gown was more than fabric; it was her father’s heart poured into art, a love letter stitched in color and memory. A promise that wherever life takes her, she will always be his little girl.
Photographer: AXIOO Tonny
Videographer: AXIOO StevenGun
Wedding Organizer: Project Art Plus
Concept: Nuansa Concept
Decor: Sion Decor
Gown; Yefta Gunawan
Make-Up Artist: Franky Wu
Suit: Johanes Wongso / Wong Hang Tailor
Jewellery: The Prince Jewellery, Leciel Design
Multimedia: Lasika Production
Visual: DFactory
Cake: Angies Cake
MC: Edric Tjandra, Ary Kirana
Venue: Westin Hotel Surabaya
