Kulas and Therine’s wedding celebrates love, culture, and identity

For Kyle Jennermann — better known as “Kulas” of Becoming Filipino — life has been a journey not only across islands, cultures, and communities, but into the heart of what it truly means to belong. And as he marked his wedding anniversary with wife Therine, Kulas took a moment to reflect on the celebration that symbolized both their love and his personal transformation from a Canadian traveler to a proud Filipino citizen.

In a heartfelt post commemorating their special day, Kulas shared the details behind their meaningful wedding attire, designed by renowned Filipino fashion house Francis Libiran Bridal. The designs, steeped in cultural symbolism and crafted with intention, told a story far deeper than aesthetics.

A barong that bridges two worlds

For Kulas, wearing a barong on his wedding day wasn’t just a stylistic choice—it was a declaration of identity.

“I knew from the moment we got engaged that I would wear a barong,” he wrote. And this wasn’t just any barong—it was uniquely his.

Embroidered with Canadian maple leaves at the center, radiating outward in a motif that included the sun and stars of the Philippine flag, the garment represented the union of his past and his present.

“I grew up a Canadian, and that will always be within me. But now it is the Philippines radiating out in my life. This barong was me, and what I am becoming.”

It was the perfect embodiment of his ongoing journey—one that led to his official naturalization as a Filipino citizen, a milestone granted by the Philippine Congress and sealed with his Oath of Allegiance earlier this year.

A gown woven with purpose and identity

For Therine, a passionate advocate of Filipino weaving and culture, her bridal gown also told a story of pride and heritage. Made from lyocell and bamboo, the fabric was handwoven in the Philippines, and embroidered with intricate bamboo patterns—a personal tribute to sustainability, tradition, and her own Caviteño roots.

“The gown blew my mind with its elegance, intricacy, and flow… just pure Filipina beauty,” Kulas shared, his admiration evident.

Together, their outfits reflected not just a shared aesthetic, but a shared love for Filipino craftsmanship, values, and identity.

A commitment

Their wedding may be behind them, but for Kulas and Therine, their anniversary serves as a celebration of deeper commitments: to each other, to Filipino culture, and to a shared life that bridges two worlds with joy, purpose, and meaning.

“Just reflecting today on how grateful we were to Francis Libiran Bridal and their whole team,” Kulas added. “Go love!”

A love story that mirrors a nation’s embrace

As Becoming Filipino, Kulas has long endeared himself to the country through his genuine love for the people, places, and spirit of the Philippines. But through his marriage and his journey into citizenship, that love has taken on an even more personal meaning—woven now into every thread of his story.

On this special milestone, Kulas and Therine remind us all that love, like identity, is something we grow into—and that in choosing each other, they also chose to celebrate the heart of the Filipino soul.

Super Apir, indeed.