By Denise Sy

Both pilots by profession, Jonathan Go and Karen Kay Bayawa officially tied the knot on Sept. 19 at the Ocean Front Apurva Chapel at the Apurva Kempinski Bali in Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Dali, Indonesia.

Not ones to shy away from adventures, it’s no wonder the couple chose a destination wedding for this milestone occasion in their lives! Even the “JK” insignia on their wedding invite was inspired by a compass representing the numerous new journeys they would embark on together!

In keeping with wedding tradition, a romantic tune started playing as the bride prepared to walk down the aisle. A non-professional rendition of “wise man says...” caught everyone by surprise as the groom turned out to be the one belting out the lyrics, having decided to perform the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” himself as his personal love song for the bride while she made her grand entrance.

The ceremony was solemn and intimate, with only 70 of the couple’s closest family, friends, and loved ones. The newlyweds were also honored with the presence of notable godparents who took their precious time to fly all the way to Bali to witness their exchange of vows, such as Dioceldo Sy, Herbert Sy and Robina Gokongwei Pe.

In his vow, Jonathan, who endearingly refers to Kay as his “Pumpkin,” committed to honor and cherish her as forever companions in this “beautiful adventure called life.” He shared that “despite the challenges that arise to us, I will always choose you above all else.”

On the other hand, Kay, who lovingly calls Jonathan her “Bao Bao,” confessed that she had long given up on the dream of a fairytale wedding, let alone get married at all. “My life, my aspirations, my perspective of the world all changed when you came into my life,” she said, thanking God for teaching them the lesson of waiting on His perfect time, feeling blessed that fate finally brought them together.

The reception dinner was nothing short of spectacular! Held at the Candi Ballroom of the same resort, the couple had dressed their entourage in hues of navy blue and sky blue while the ninangs arrived in beautiful champagne formal gowns. According to Jonathan, the colors were not only his favorite, but were also carefully selected to illustrate “A Sky Full of Stars,” after his favorite Coldplay single.

Guests were served exquisite plated Balinese fusion dishes, including Seabass Pomelo for the appetizer, Prawn Binte Soup, and two mains: Thai Fish (a steamed barramundi marinated in Thai curry paste) and Gulai Kambing (an Australian lamb eye loin with vegetable wrap crumble, gulai sauce, and Jimboran sambal placenta). For dessert, an Ivoire cheesecake was dressed up with berries gel, pistachio microsponge, raspberry, and meringue flakes.

Kay’s father, Ernesto Bayawa, was particularly emotional that night. He was grateful to the groom for the grand celebration Jonathan had organized to honor his union with Kay. As his eldest child and only daughter, Ernesto declared Kay as his life inspiration. He extended his well wishes to the new Mr. and Mrs. Go, and that Kay might serve as a beacon of light in Jonathan’s life too, as she had to her father, when they navigate life’s ups and downs together.

Just as Jonathan and Kay seamlessly coordinate flight plans as captains in the skies, surely they can face any storm that comes their way together. With love as their compass and support as their fuel, the new Mr. and Mrs. Go are co-pilots for life!