Couple Ties the Knot in Flooded Church Following Devastating Typhoon

In a remarkable display of love and determination, a couple from the Philippines has captured the world’s attention after exchanging vows in a church partially submerged due to severe flooding from Tropical Storm Wipha.

Jade Rick Verdillo and Jamaica Aguilar held their wedding ceremony on July 22, 2025, at the iconic Barasoain Church located in Malolos, Bulacan. Despite facing knee-deep floodwaters filling the church aisle, they chose to proceed with their wedding as planned.

“We gathered all our courage, ” Verdillo explained in an interview with People.“Choosing today for our wedding is a form of sacrifice. But we believe more sacrifices await us if we don’t move forward.” Aguilar echoed his sentiment, remarking, “This is just one of the many struggles we’ve managed to overcome.”

Viral Wedding Amidst a Flood

Footage from the event shows Aguilar delicately lifting her gown as she navigated the flooded church towards the altar, while Verdillo stood waiting in a traditional attire that had already soaked through. Guests adapted to the unusual setting, some going barefoot or rolling up their trousers, while flower girls and family members participated in this unconventional yet heartwarming ceremony.

This incident is not an isolated one for Barasoain Church. As reported by The Washington Post, there was a similar occurrence in July 2023 when another couple wed at the same venue despite ankle-deep water from Typhoon Doksuri.

The ongoing flooding issues in Malolos and surrounding regions of Central Luzon have long been a concern. The area’s flat coastal terrain combined with outdated infrastructure significantly increases vulnerability during the monsoon season.

This couple in the Philippines was determined to walk down the aisle on their wedding day. Even if it meant walking down a flooded one.https://t.co/M3DsHI1kyv pic.twitter.com/b55IMVHiRc

— ABC News (@ABC) July 23, 2025

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan has addressed these issues, noting that much of the sewage system across the country has origins dating back to the early 20th century and is currently around 70% silted or obstructed. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, he described the drainage infrastructure as “very old” and “insufficient” for contemporary needs.

Additionally, as highlighted by The BBC, the persistent garbage disposal crisis in Metro Manila plays a significant role in exacerbating flooding issues. The accumulation of uncollected waste clogs drainage systems and contaminates waterways, further straining outdated infrastructure.

The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly severe monsoon seasons attributed to climate change has turned flooding into a common occurrence throughout the region.

Despite these challenges, the couple’s wedding has taken social media by storm, resonating as a powerful symbol of love and resilience amid escalating environmental challenges.

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