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A Fairytale Romance: No Distance Is Too Great for This Couple

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David Rainey and Glaiza de Castro find their way to each other, no matter where they are.

This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s March 2023 Issue.

A chance meeting in Siargao and a mutual love for music are what it took to bring Glaiza de Castro and David Rainey together. Their unwavering commitment stands the test of time and distance. Even when miles apart, they made the relationship work, proving that love truly knows no bounds.

David Rainey and Glaiza de Castro
Glaiza de Castro and David Rainey

READ MORE: Choose Happiness: Why This Couple Surrounds Themselves With The Ones Worth Keeping

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ONCE UPON A TIME

While on a birthday beach trip with her friends, Glaiza took notice of a man playing a Primal Scream song. David was in Siargao for only three weeks for a surf trip. Little did he know he would meet the love of his life right there and then.

Glaiza de Castro at her wedding
David Rainey and Glaiza de Castro Wedding

Fast forward a couple years later, Glaiza and David have now been together for five years and have tied the knot not
once, but twice. Glaiza recalls the day David proposed to her while they were in Ireland. It was a cold morning, right at sunrise, and David suggested they should go out for a breakfast picnic.

David Rainey at his wedding

He took Glaiza to a local surf spot with a 360-degree view of the ocean. “The ocean is so special to us so this was
perfect,” Glaiza tells Lifestyle Asia. The night before, David had already prepared the spot with fairy lights in a
cave nearby and champagne to celebrate the joyous occasion.

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David Rainey and Glaiza de Castro Wedding

Read more by purchasing a copy of the Lifestyle Asia March 2023 magazine via SariSari.shopping or select newsstands in National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Subscribe to the E-Magazine via Readly, Magzter, and Press Reader.

Photos by Nice Print Photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

The couple is Ria Prieto, a prominent Filipino fashion figure, and Ned Ryan, an Australian professional. Their romance began after meeting through mutual friends in Manila, eventually evolving into a multi-year long-distance relationship spanning the Philippines and Australia.

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The wedding was held at the Palazzo Albergati in Bologna, Italy. The venue’s 16th-century Baroque architecture, sprawling frescoed halls, and dramatic candlelit interiors provided a naturally regal, “fairytale” atmosphere that required minimal additional decor.

The primary challenge was synchronizing logistics across three continents (Asia, Australia, and Europe). Managing vendor communications and site inspections remotely required immense trust in their planners and a commitment to frequent digital coordination.

Ria wore a sculptural, avant-garde gown by Filipino designer Rajo Laurel, inspired by “modern romance” and the architectural grandeur of Italy. Ned wore a classic, sharp tuxedo by Zegna, reflecting a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic.

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They blended their cultures by hosting a traditional Catholic ceremony in an Italian basilica while incorporating Filipino hospitality through a curated guest experience. The reception featured a fusion of Italian culinary excellence and heartfelt speeches that honored both their Filipino and Australian roots.

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