"Happiness looks good on you."
This is just one of the many kind words showered on LJ Reyes after photos of her pre-wedding shoot went online on Saturday, August 5, 2023.
The pictures were posted by Nice Print Photo on Instagram and shared by LJ.
The Kapuso actress, who is now based in New York City, is engaged to Philip Evangelista.
The photos show a radiant LJ wearing a white tank top and white pants.
Philip also wore white pants and a white shirt with black stripes to complete the look.
"In God's perfect time. Counting down the days til she becomes Mrs," captioned Nice Print Photo.
In July, makeup artist Mikka Marcaida shared a video on TikTok of LJ being dolled up for her pre-wedding shoot.
Wrote Mikka, “If there’s one bride who deserves a happy ending, that would be LJ Reyes.
"So prep with us as we do her engagement shoot, shot in Northport, New York.”
Mikka also posted two photos of LJ on Instagram, writing, "Glossy and glassy for our bride-to-be."
LJ responded in the comments section, playfully, "Thank you so much Mikka!!! Napaganda mo ang haggard na mommy [laughing emoji] so excited for THE day [heart emoji]"
Read: LJ Reyes all dolled up for prenuptial shoot in New York City
SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT
Many were caught off guard after LJ posted photos revealing her engagement to Philip in May.
The photos were captured during the proposal, with Philip down on one knee in an outdoor setting.
“'For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope," wrote LJ, quoting a bible verse.
LJ's surprise announcement was met with congratulatory messages from her friends in showbiz, including, Marian Rivera, Iza Calzado, Camille Prats, Andrea Torres, Ryza Cenon, and Carla Abellana, among others.
MESSY BREAKUP
LJ left the Philippines abruptly in September 2021 after her controversial breakup with actor and longtime boyfriend Paolo Contis.
Paolo was rumored to be seeing actress Yen Santos, an issue that gained more ground after the two were spotted together in Baguio.
Paolo and Yen were co-stars in the film, A Faraway Land, which streamed on Netflix.
Read:
Paolo Contis on “quiet relationship” with girlfriend Yen Santos: “Super na-demonize kami pareho.”
LJ took with her to the States her two kids, Aki, from her previous relationship with actor Paulo Avelino, and Summer, with Paolo Contis.
Paolo commented on LJ's engagement in a recent interview with entertainment reporter and talent manager Ogie Diaz.
He said, "Of course, I am very happy for her, very happy. Nabalitaan ko on the way na ako sa shoot.
"Feeling ko naman hindi ako 'yung dapat ano... siyempre naiintindihan ko na kukunan ako ng reaksiyon pero again I am very, very happy for her."