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Aaron Favila captures bride wading through flood for wedding in the Philippines

other · 2026-05-20

Associated Press photographer Aaron Favila, based in Metro Manila for nearly 30 years, documented a couple getting married at Barásoain Church in Bulacan, Philippines, despite severe flooding from a monsoon in July 2025. The couple, from a flood-prone area, had been told the church might be underwater but proceeded with their plan. Favila learned of the event from a photographer friend who was covering the flooded historic church and heard about the wedding. He had one hour to reach the location. The image shows the bride wading through floodwaters in her wedding dress, highlighting the increasing frequency of floods in the Philippines due to climate change.

Key facts

  • Aaron Favila has worked for the Associated Press in Metro Manila for nearly 30 years.
  • The wedding took place at Barásoain Church in Bulacan, Philippines.
  • The church was flooded due to a monsoon in July 2025.
  • The couple were from an area prone to flooding and stuck to their plan.
  • Favila learned about the wedding from a photographer friend on assignment.
  • The ceremony was scheduled for 3 PM, giving Favila one hour to get there.
  • Floods in the Philippines have become increasingly common.
  • The image shows the bride wading through floodwaters in her wedding dress.

Entities

Artists

  • Aaron Favila

Institutions

  • Associated Press

Locations

  • Metro Manila
  • Philippines
  • Bulacan
  • Barásoain Church

Sources