They may have started their lives thousands of kilometers apart, but Jeff and Inez ended up together through a mix of fate and sheer perseverance in their pursuit of love.
“If he wanted to, he would.” If you’ve been on the Internet, you have probably seen that quote somewhere. People on TikTok share stories of being pursued persistently, regardless of the circumstances. For Inez Lebron and Jeff Cole, their love story is a series of serendipitous events sustained by sheer perseverance and love, and living proof of the Internet-famous quote.
A story that began on opposite sides of the world, fate brought them together to write a new chapter in their lives—this time as Mr. and Mrs. Cole. In an exclusive interview with Lifestyle Asia, Jeff and Inez shared their love story: how the relationship started, how it blossomed, and the details of their lovely wedding.
READ ALSO: Invisible Strings: Chuckie and Jy Antonio’s Love Story
A Tale of Two Worlds
A Jewish-American boy from Chicago and a Catholic Filipina from Manila may seem like a far-fetched pairing. Living on different continents, in two seperate countries, and separated by thousands of kilometers, the chances of Jeff and Inez meeting were close to zero. Yet, when fate intends for two lives to intertwine, no distance is great enough to stand in the way of love.
“I was a 34-year-old entrepreneur and digital artist who had practically married my work—and my business partner, Mark,” shares Jeff, the self-confessed workaholic. “Art and entrepreneurship consumed my life.”
Since childhood, Jeff had been a creative force—starting his art career in elementary school by selling his designs, building a business, and establishing a significant presence in the art world. His passion for the arts and entrepreneurship runs deep.
On the other side of the world, Inez was steadily paving the path she would soon walk. At 21, she had already mastered two spheres—navigating both motherhood and a demanding career in luxury real estate. During the pandemic, she accomplished a remarkable feat that showcased her impressive resilience. “She stood out—independent and confident, a natural at making things happen,” Jeff describes her.
Serendipity And What Comes After It
In October 2022, their worlds finally collided because of an impulsive decision. At the time, Jeff was based in Arizona and looking to unwind; after all, he had been working nonstop for months and wanted to celebrate a recent achievement. He was originally supposed to go to Spain, but his business partner Mark convinced him to go to Bali instead.
“Reluctantly, I agreed. Two weeks before leaving, a co-worker encouraged me to switch my location on Hinge to Bali just to see who I might meet there. Fatefully, I matched with Inez, whose profile was also set in Bali, even though she was actually in Manila,” he shares.
They instantly clicked, talking almost every day until they finally met in person in Bali. The trip was magical for both Inez and Jeff. However, with the world slowly emerging from a global pandemic, they weren’t sure how their connection would survive the distance. In the end, it concluded on a bittersweet note.
“Life took us in different directions; I had my biggest career opportunity yet, directing a global Adidas campaign with Leo Messi, which further separated us. But something kept pulling us back together. After the campaign wrapped up, we reconnected, and I spontaneously booked a flight to Manila to see her again,” Jeff says.
Jeff’s coming to Manila was the game-changer in their relationship. “It was then that I promised myself—and her—that I’d prioritize our relationship, commit fully, and overcome any obstacle in our way,” he adds.
Jeff’s proposal was straightforward. He and Inez worked together to design the engagement ring. He then proposed to Inez at The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila—where Inez’s parents had special memories and, coincidentally, was Jeff’s father’s favorite hotel as well.
Designing a Wedding of Intent and Intimacy
Jeff and Inez’s fairytale wedding happened in Angelfields Nature Sanctuary in Silang. According to them, deciding where to get married was an easy decision. “Inez had dreamt of marrying there since long before we met. Her uncle, Bernie, owns the sanctuary, and it holds sentimental value for her,” Jeff shares.
The lush gardens, open-air setting, and intimate atmosphere allowed the couple to bring their dream wedding to life. Moreover, coming from two different worlds sparked an opportunity for them to blend their cultures in their wedding. Aiming for authenticity and merging their individual cultures and personalities, they created a deeply personal and memorable celebration.
The couple was hands-on with the wedding planning. They wanted to ensure that both cultures and both sides of the wedding party would equally enjoy the celebration. “We personally chose every supplier, every detail, designed our own graphics, narrated our own program, and tailored every activity to our diverse crowd of American and Filipino guests,” Jeff shares.
“It was crucial to us that our guests truly connected—so we took risks, like hosting a casual Jewish ceremony during cocktail hour, complete with my close friends leading the rituals. We also had unconventional experiences, like tattoo artists at the reception, which sparked unexpected joy and connection between our unfamiliar guests,” he adds.
One of the couple’s greatest joys was seamlessly sharing their interfaith backgrounds. The Roman Catholic ceremony at the church and the Jewish rituals later in the evening complemented each other beautifully. Each guest, whether Jewish or Catholic, had the opportunity to experience both traditions in an open-minded way—proving that faith, love, and respect can coexist harmoniously.
A Night of Surprises and Special Moments
For the Filipino crowd, an unexpected informal Jewish ceremony, seamlessly integrated during cocktail hour, was a big surprise. However, it was Jeff and Inez’s way of blending their cultures. The couple brought something unfamiliar into a familiar setting. Filipinos always celebrate occasions with drinks, and incorporating a Jewish ceremony into this familiar Filipino custom bridged the cultural gap between the crowd.
“My friends Josh and Alexis beautifully introduced Jewish traditions to our mostly Catholic guests, setting the tone for a fun, inclusive night. Immediately afterward, Inez and I spontaneously got matching tattoos, inviting anyone daring enough to join us—around 30 guests did,” Jeff happily shared.
“Another standout surprise was our MC, Julio Banzon. Initially hired just to perform guitar solos and provide mellow music, Julio ended up stealing the show with impromptu comedy, including the unforgettable ‘Cole’s Kiss Cam’—an interactive moment that had guests laughing and sharing affection throughout the night. It perfectly bridged our two cultures through humor and spontaneity and our shared cultural love for sports,” Jeff added.
Ultimately, a large LED board played an integral role in their wedding. It narrated their relationship through fun facts and games, and it also displayed photos, videos, and wedding wishes—highlighting each fleeting moment as a core memory they would cherish forever. The giant screen was a way for the couple to share their story, from long-distance struggles to navigating immigration, marriage planning, and eventually building a home together.
“Reflecting on our wedding, I’d describe it simply: intimate, authentic, and unforgettable,” Jeff looks back.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Jeff and Inez’s relationship is a testament to the reality that love knows no bounds. Their wedding is not merely a ceremony or a celebration; it is a declaration of their commitment to each other. They persevere through whatever may come their way, this time as a couple bound by an eternal covenant.
“If I could share one takeaway, it’s that true love doesn’t require perfection; it thrives on resilience, understanding, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone,” Jeff shared. Their relationship may have lasted through a global pandemic and across thousands of kilometers; however, their journey together is just beginning with this brand-new chapter.
“I can’t imagine navigating that journey with anyone else but Inez.”
Jeff Cole
Photographer Proud Rad
Videographer Short Story Two by Jason Magbanua
Venue (Ceremony and Reception) San Antonio de Padua Parish, Angelfield’s Nature Sanctuary
Events Planner Rina Sarmiento of Zilla
Wedding Dress Pronovias for Ceremony; Rosa Clara for Reception
Wedding Suit Designer Cornell’s
Make-up Christian Ray
Hair Patty Cristobal
Caterer Angelfield’s
