St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

Ceremony

Ballroom at the Ben

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

“Everything happens for a reason. The right place at the right time” In the fall of 2013, a beautiful love story would begin. It was Rachel’s freshman orientation at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rachel was excited to start her educational journey and to meet new friends. Little did she know - her journey would also lead her to her Prince Charming. During her orientation, Rachel met Alyssa. The two clicked and became best friends instantly. One day, Alyssa introduced Rachel to her older brother, Lex. He was a senior at Temple University at the time. Coincidentally, Lex and Rachel majored in Kinesiology at Temple. They realized they would have classes together for the fall semester. As the semester went on, the two learned more about one another and realized they had many things in common - they both share an interest in playing basketball, working out, trying new food and exploring the city. As Rachel’s college journey brought her closer to graduation, her friendship with Lex also grew. Lex eventually graduated and Rachel would continue on her college journey. Alyssa and Rachel stayed best friends. Alyssa would even invite Rachel to many of their family get togethers and parties. And of course, Lex would be there too. They’d see one another frequently, growing closer as friends. Eventually, that friendship turned into chemistry. Lex knew Rachel was focused in her studies and he wanted to respect that. Lex was willing to wait to ask Rachel out on a date at the right place at the right time. On February 22, 2017, Lex finally asked Rachel to go on a date. He took Rachel to Han Dynasty in Old City where they had a wonderful time. Their first date was perfect. Rachel and Lex decided to make their relationship official in May of 2017. The rest is history. On July 10, 2021, Lex had a BIG surprise for Rachel. He had been planning this surprise for a couple of months with the help of both of their families. Rachel thought Lex was taking her to brunch in Center City, Philadelphia to celebrate her new job. Little did she know, Lex was taking her to Penn's Landing to propose to her! When the two were walking towards Penn's Landing, Rachel saw her family and Lex's family. Their nieces and nephews were holding signs that said, "Rachel I love you so much!" As they walked closer, Rachel could see her nieces and nephew wearing shirts that read, "Will you marry me" on one side and on the back, the shirts read, "She said Yes!" There were red roses laid out beautifully shaped in a heart, which is Rachel's favorite flower! She was so surprised! Lex got down on one knee and asked the question, "Will you marry me?" With so much excitement and tears of joy, Rachel said..."YES!" That beautiful day will be a day everyone will cherish forever! Rachel and Lex’s story was brought together by love, friendship and fate because everything happens for a reason. And their reason is finding one another. They are each others’ destiny.

Our Story 

Photos

Jessica Yurko

Teisha Gabat

Alyssa Cruz 

Cherry Ann Herbano

Charmaine Puno

Queenly Cruz 

Carmella Gloria

Camille Gabat

Leilani Encarnacion

Alyssa Elwell

Madison Spigner

Kiana Brown

Adrian Cruz

Christian Cruz

A.J. Gabat

Justin Yurko

Brian Galang

Anthony Cicchino

Andre Gran

Rannie Pineda

Romnick Soriano

Ryan Manalang

Rex Abaya

Chad Acuna 

Alina Rose Yurko

Madison Pham

Mikayla Gabat

Mya Manalang

Julien Gabat

Roman Cruz

Wedding Party

Q + A

Group Rates Available: June 29, 2024 through July 1, 2024Guest Room Rates:&nbsp;starting from $189 plus taxGroup Block Closes: May 31, 2024 The Loews Hotel has a salon and spa on site for our guests. If you would like to make an appointment at Joseph Anthony Salon and Spa, please reach out to <a href="mailto:ndesimone@josephanthony.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ndesimone@josephanthony.com</a>. Guests who are staying at the Loews Hotel and utilize services at the salon will receive a 10% discount! Parking at the Loews: $60.02/night

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

It is a 3 minute walk from The Loews Hotel to St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. Make a left when coming out of the Loews hotel then another left on 13th street.

Rachel & Lex

Rachel & Lex

Registry