People meet in different ways and then find themselves falling in love. The most common nowadays are through social media hookups. But who would think of finding your soul mate on stage? It happens when the Lord sets the stage to bind two people for life. Then a beautiful love story is born.
Surprise Encounter on Stage
Sheann Severino is a known professional host in Bacolod City today, hosting weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. Back in 2015, she was tasked to host the first Bacolod for Jesus meet.
All the while, she thought that she will be the only event host. However, as fate would have it, she had to share the stage with a co-host in the person of Daniel Bagayo.
Bacolod for Jesus was a four-hour event, so naturally, the two hosts interacted on and off the stage. Sheann recalls that it was attraction at first sight because she thought that Dan is handsome.
Talking while hosting enabled them to get insights into each other. Sheann thought that Dan is an interesting person.
Unfortunately though, she was still in a relationship at that time so she pushed the thoughts and feelings aside. But before doing so, she did whisper to God, “too bad I can’t get to know him more.” She believes that “getting to know him” would mean cheating on her current partner emotionally.
When God Writes Your Love Story
Fast forward the following year, Sheann encountered Dan again in 2016. “I hosted the debut of my friend where the coordinator was a bit strict. When we (Dan and I) saw each other, we had a short chat and I figured his mom was the coordinator!” So that was her first encounter with her future mother-in-law.
For the second time, Sheann backed off.
But it seems that God was letting them see each other a little at a time while still honing them individually. In 2017, the two met again and by that time, Sheann was already unattached.
They found themselves meeting more often for church ministry events and eventually, they were led to confess their feelings for each other.
Mutual Admiration
As it turns out, both of them already felt that spark during their first meeting. But for obvious reasons, it wasn’t the right time and they didn’t force the issue.
After a month of seeing each other, they finally became a couple. Barely two years into the relationship, Dan popped the question and Sheann accepted without batting an eyelash.
Though their courtship may seem short to some, their love story has already started long before they knew it.
What Makes Them Click
Both being very comfortable on stage, it is needless to say that they have the gift of gab. They like to talk about life, their ministries, the people they care about, and pretty much everything in between. Additionally, both of them are prolific writers.
Sheann had this list of “negotiables” and “non-negotiables” for her future husband.
- Related: Praying for a Future Spouse
She jokingly said that Dan scored 19/20 because he missed out on being “tall”. Needless to say, he isn’t perfect but he is God’s best for her.
While both had their fair share of relationships before each other, Sheann said that she was Dan’s first girlfriend when he became a follower of Christ. He had committed to this order in his life: Master, Mission, Mate — before they got together.
The Calling
“I knew that he was the one because God sends us someone to fit our calling, not my calling to fit his. I found him to be a great companion as I try to achieve my vision in life all because we both wanted the same thing,” Sheann reveals.
Additionally, she recalls that they never manipulated things and events for them to become a couple. Everything just fell into place after several years. “We waited for 2 years without even knowing about it and everything felt PEACEFUL,” she recalls.
During the wedding, Dan revealed that Sheann didn’t want to marry anyone who isn’t into making disciples for Jesus.
In summary, Sheann said she knew Dan was “IT” because he fit her calling and she did not have to look for him. God just put things together for them.
But most of all, what made them agreeable to each other is that they “have the same passion for discipleship. It’s just that his ways are different from mine.”
Having the same goals and passions make the marriage stronger, believe you me.
Their Vision for Marriage
In her own words, I am sharing here the couple’s vision for their marriage, as related by Sheann:
- In a world where people dread getting married for fear that it would imprison them, I would like ours to be a proof that marriage is otherwise. It is in fact the MOST LIBERATING thing.
- We would like our marriage to bring more people to know the LORD because this union is authored by HIM.
- Most of all, we envision our marriage to be purposeful and impactful to our community through our journey with God—both as individuals and as a couple.
So you see, this is not just another love story. It’s a story that aims to please God.
Setting the Stage for their Wedding
Sheann recalls that they only had five months to prepare for their wedding ceremony. Since they are both from Bacolod City, it is without a doubt that their special event will be held here. Their families, friends, and favorite people they asked to become their ninongs and ninangs live in Bacolod.
There was only one setback—Dan was serving in their church in Cebu. Meanwhile, Sheann was in demand as ever with her hosting gigs while keeping a 9 to 5 job.
But they had one goal in the wedding — for the LORD’s glory to be seen by honoring our villages. All the rest of the goals, like the designs and motifs, are just secondary. They know their purpose.
This they achieved with one very heartwarming garden ceremony last January 8, 2020 that gave tribute to the people made them who they are today. These included their parents, their church families, their disciples, and friends.
While there was no dry eye when the rites were being said, everybody present knows that these are all shed for joy and triumph. The people closest to them really know how their story unfolded.
Sheann enthuses, “Our favorite portion during the wedding was the blessing because the words have the power to give life. We felt so empowered by the words released by our family and mentors. I believe this part is often overlooked yet actually the most important in weddings.”
A Beach Honeymoon
The new couple went to Siargao for a restful honeymoon because Dan loves the beach. He especially loves surfing.
Now, the couple just enjoys each other’s company as they work things out in order to be able to finally settle in Cebu. Sheann is especially enjoying the fact that her new husband can cook and prepares breakfast for her.
Since he adores children, Dan wants to have five kids of their own while Sheann would like to have three. But of course, they know that it will still be God’s plans and purposes that will prevail.
And who knows what doors God will open for this passionate young couple as they continue writing their love story.
Best wishes, Mr. and Mrs. Bagayo!
Dan and Sheann Wedding Suppliers
- Venue | Nazareth Activity Hub
- Catering | Cookies n Crumbs by Bing Ermac
- Florist and Styling | The Party Choice by Irene Concepcion-Abong
- Lights and Effects | DJ Kid Elly Sander Ocampo
- Lechon | Emma Roa
- Cake | D’Bakers
- Bridal Gown | Luxesaint by Tia Lacson
- Groom’s Suit and Entourage | Ysabelle’s Bridals
- Bridal Entourage | Jes Dakila and Modish
- Bridal Hair & Makeup | Alee Benson
- Entourage Hair & Makeup | Rey Villasis Cawaling
- Photobooth | Jan Montalbo
- Band | Fuse Acoustic
- Ceremony Musicians | Asaph Lapatha and Patty Valencia
- Host | Anna Francesca Mempin
- Video | Zeal Team (Jerson Javier Rosal, Joshua Albao)
- Photo | Hayag by Quincy John
- Coordination | Bhee.you.tiful Weddings and Events by La Arnie Mallorca Nadal
Wow! The wedding setup is fairytale-like!? And the couple’s story is also one for the books. I agree that if God is the author of the love story, it’ll indeed be beautiful.❤️ Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Indeed it was! The lighting design was so dramatic that everything looked dreamy. Of course, the bride and groom are so good looking together! 🙂
Inspiring love story, binded by loved and aspirations