Lexi Fernandez, 28, and Charles Harry Cordingley, 26, now relishing the wedded bliss, were introduced to each other by Lexi's cousin, Anton, around 2010.
However, their love story took its time to unfold and develop into what it is today.
"We met when I was around 15, he is two years younger, if I’m not mistaken," Lexi recalled in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) via Instagram's direct message.
"Harry is the best friend of my cousin who is basically my brother so he was actually always around family events, etc."
Back then, Lexi perceived Harry as a "bad boy but also very shy toward me!"
For his part, Harry revealed to PEP.ph that he was already captivated by Lexi's beauty, and this likely accounted for his shyness.
He reminisced, "As kids, [my first impression of her] was genuinely, 'Wow, this girl is beautiful!'"
Lexi and Harry, however, lost touch for a while.
This break occurred when both of them were immersed in their college studies. Lexi dedicated herself to obtaining her bachelor's degree in Child Development and Education at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).
Read: Former Kapuso actress Lexi Fernandez graduates from college
Meanwhile, Harry pursued his studies in the UK, completing his undergraduate degree in business management and earning a master's degree in real estate finance and investment.
Many years passed before their paths intersected again in late 2019, during Lexi and her family's vacation.
Experiencing their second "first impression" as adults, Lexi was impressed.
She remarked, "When we reconnected as adults, I thought he was well-educated and he had this quiet confidence about him that I found very attractive."
As for Harry, his view of Lexi stayed consistent.
He said, "When we reconnected as adults? 'Wow, she’s still so beautiful!'
"I never told her this but right before we reconnected, I had actually planned on staying single for a while but God had other plans."
Following their reconnection, destiny had alternative plans for them, and they started dating on December 31, 2019.
Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the love between the two continued to thrive.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- The Engagement
- Lexi Fernandez and Charles Harry Cordingley: The Wedding
- The Bride
- The Groom
- The Wedding Rings
- The Perfect English Wedding
THE ENGAGEMENT
Fast forward to April 2023, the couple took to their social-media accounts to announce that they were tying the knot.
Harry proposed to Lexi at their family beach house in Morong, Bataan, in the presence of the people they hold dear.
Read: Lexi Fernandez announces engagement to non-showbiz partner Charles Harry
When questioned about what convinced Lexi that Harry is "the one," she expressed, "He loves Jesus more than he loves me.
"Harry is a man of service and always puts the people he loves before himself. He truly brings out the best in me and makes me want to be the best version of myself."
Similarly, what Harry values most about Lexi is her "pure heart," above many other qualities.
In his words, "She has so much love to give and is one of the most caring and empathetic people I have ever met.
"When she walks in a room you can feel all eyes on her, and for good reason!
"She radiates good energy, is drop-dead gorgeous, and makes sure everybody is comfortable and at ease around her.
"How did I know she was the one? I just knew. It’s true what they say!"
LEXI FERNANDEZ AND CHARLES HARRY CORDINGLEY: THE WEDDING
Seven months after their engagement, Lexi and Harry sealed their union in an intimate wedding ceremony in the U.K.
The couple exchanged their vows at the Church of St Cyr and St Julitta in Newton Saint Cyres, United Kingdom, on November 18, 2023 (November 19, Philippine Time).
THE BRIDE
Lexi was a radiant bride in an elegant gown crafted by her close friend Tinni Garbes-Naguit of TINNI Bridal.
In a post on Instagram following the wedding ceremony, Lexi revealed that she didn't have a specific dream wedding gown in mind, but had two specific considerations: first, it's not white, and second, she can re-wear it to her Manila wedding with minor alterations.
In the caption, she wrote, published as is: "The Dress—@bytinni.bridal
"As soon as I got engaged, I knew immediately in my heart that I wanted @tinnigarbes to make my dress.
"I didn’t have a dream dress whatsoever.
"All I knew was that I didn’t want it to be white & that it evoked a classic and timeless, yet vintage vibe.
"Something I could wear to both my UK & Manila weddings with minimal changes/alterations.
"Tinni made my dream dress. I felt comfortable, beautiful & most importantly, myself. I couldn’t have imagined wearing anything else [emoji] #bridalbytinni #bytinni."
Lexi's off-white bridal gown featured long sleeves, an off-the-shoulder draped pleat detail, buttoned-down accents leading to a long train, and a bow at the back.
She complemented her wedding gown with classic white sandals from the local brand Tutum Shop.
Lexi prepared for her wedding with the assistance of her mother, Maritoni Fernandez-Dayrit, and her bridesmaids, Sasha (not pictured) and Kristina.
She personally did her bridal make-up, and sought the expertise of Nicky from The Hair Boutique in Exeter for her hair.
Before flying to the UK for the wedding, she had her hair cut and colored at Salon by Jomar.
Lexi held a bouquet of flowers meticulously arranged by Divine Flowers & Crafts Ltd, located in Crediton, Devon.
THE GROOM
Harry looked incredibly handsome in his gray suit from the British brand Moss.
THE WEDDING RINGS
Their wedding rings were sourced by Ynna Asistio of Radiant Lux Jewelry.
THE PERFECT ENGLISH WEDDING
Lexi and Harry wanted their wedding to be "simple, cozy, and intentional."
As weddings are often associated with the brides, Lexi admitted that she didn't have a dream wedding in mind.
She only began forming ideas about what she wanted for her own celebration after she got engaged.
Lexi said, "I don’t recall ever having a specific dream wedding, if I’m honest.
"I think the dreaming about the actual wedding started when I got engaged.
"Once I was engaged, my Pinterest boards filled up! I did have a dream marriage, though.
"I knew what I wanted in a spouse and I’m blessed enough to have found that in Harry."
In attendance at their wedding were Lexi's parents: her biological mom, Maritoni Fernandez-Dayrit, and stepdad, Mon Dayrit, as well as her biological dad, Alex Alvarez, and his wife, Amanda Alvarez.
Harry's parents, Peter Cordingley and Ann Quon, were also present.
L-R: Amanda Alvarez, Peter Cordingley, Alex Alvarez, Lexi Fernandez, Charles Harry Cordingley, Maritoni Fernandez-Dayrit, Ann Quon, and Mon Dayrit
Lexi shared her mom Maritoni's advice on marriage, which is "to remember to grow together & to choose each other every day—especially when it’s hard."
Following the ceremony at the Church of St Cyr and St Julitta, their wedding reception took place at Agricultural Inn, an 18th-century pub nestled in the picturesque Brampford Speke, Devon.
Divine Flowers & Crafts Ltd also worked their magic to enchantingly transform one of the function rooms into a dreamy and romantic wedding reception venue.
During the wedding reception, the newlyweds and their guests savored a heartfelt, home-cooked dinner prepared by Country Bumpkin Catering.
Additionally, they indulged in a delicately designed floral cake crafted by Lisa Sallis of Boho Cakes.
Lexi conveyed her appreciation to her mother-in-law, Ann, for her assistance in preparing everything.
She said, "My mother-in-law actually took charge of our UK wedding, together with Harry, as I was in Manila almost the entire planning process.
"They did amazing. It was the perfect little English country wedding."
When asked about any obstacles they encountered, Lexi highlighted that the only issue was the chilly weather.
She commented, "For the UK wedding, the biggest challenge is probably the weather but that’s to be expected."
Lexi and Harry also express their appreciation to Emily and Steve Photography for capturing their special moments.
They're also in the process of planning a wedding in Manila to celebrate with more friends and family.
"Our Manila wedding will definitely be bigger as almost all my friends & family are based in the Philippines.
"Only both sets of my parents & cousin were present from my side of the family in our UK wedding so we will make up for that and celebrate with everyone back home in 2024."
PEP.ph inquired about Lexi and Harry's plans as a married couple. The two revealed that they intend to reside in the Philippines, and help manage the family business.
Lexi said, "We will be based in Manila moving forward and working for Herb-All Organic Trading Corporation, the company my mom, Maritoni, founded in 2008."
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