Love in the city that never sleeps
New Yorkers take Valentine’s Day seriously. You can tell because as early as January, the city is already decked out in heart-shaped decorations, and restaurants are rolling out special packages for the big day. Love is definitely in the air, except that sometimes, a little too much.
“Sobrang PDA (public display of affection) ang couples dito! You see them kissing in every corner,” said Jervy Santiago, a Filipino professional photographer who moved to the United States in 2023. “But what fascinates me is how different cultures express their love. Most Asian couples aren’t as showy.”
Since making New York his home base, Santiago has worked with hundreds of couples eager to immortalize their love against the city’s iconic backdrops. “What I love most about New York is its diversity. As a wedding photographer, it’s both a feast and a privilege to capture different traditions, cultures, races, ethnicities, and genders,” he said.
“Even if I don’t understand their languages—Hindu, Spanish, Swahili, or Russian—I make it a point to connect with the emotions and meaning behind each celebration. After 23 years in wedding photography, I’ve learned that love is a universal language,” he said. “I enjoy shooting both during the day and at night throughout the year. Each season brings a different mood and theme, making every wedding unique.”
To break the ice with new clients, Santiago often starts with a little storytelling. “I usually share my photography journey from the Philippines and talk about our country. More often than not, people have nice things to say about the Philippines and Filipinos. Eight out of ten times, they have a Pinoy friend—or at least a friend of a friend—so there’s always that instant connection. For me, New York isn’t just a place or a feeling—it’s a brand,” he pointed out.
For this Valentine’s Day issue of Lifestyle, we asked Santiago to recall his most unforgettable romantic shoots around the island—our original request was five, but he had a hard time narrowing it down. This is what he came up with.
Tom and Tyba
This NYPD couple had their proposal shoot at Central Park. “The biggest challenge was to keep the area clear. I had to politely ask people to move away from time to time,” Santiago said, laughing.
Chris and Dee
This elopement wedding at Central Park was special for Santiago, too—not just because of the couple but also because of the backdrop. “The San Remo! Some of my idols, like Steven Spielberg, Bruce Willis, and Bono, have lived there.”
Chris and Dee’s story started in Siargao, where she was a wedding guest and he was on a business trip. A chance meeting at a prewedding party led to instant sparks. “They bonded over being Spurs fans,” Santiago said quoting Dee.
Jem and Jane
“From churchmates to soulmates,” was how Santiago described the couple. He photographed them at Pier 17, South Seaport. “This shot of them eating ice cream looks so organic. I staged it, though,” he admitted, “but it turned out to be really cute.”
JJ and Marissa
The couple agreed to a winter shoot on 6th Avenue, braving -7 degrees Celsius temperatures. “It was brutal for me because I’m not used to the cold. But the beauty of the city lights got me excited,” he recalled.
Justin and Tara
This shoot at Planting Fields Arboretum in Long Island stood out for Santiago. “They agreed to sit on the white gravel. Long Island folks are usually traditional with their poses, so I was thrilled that it worked out,” he said. Tara recalled to Santiago how she and Justin, an air traffic controller, met through a mutual friend at a bar.
Kim and Ivan
They are former flight attendants from the Philippines who now work as nurses in the US. Santiago said he loved this shot at One Vanderbilt outside Grand Central Station. “The background lighting was just perfect.”
Jayze and Jane
An autumn photoshoot at Central Park was tricky—barren trees everywhere, Santiago said. “We had to make them look extra happy and playful. Otherwise, the photos would’ve looked too sad,” he explained.
Kota and Hyejin
Kota (Japanese) and Hyejin (Korean) have been in a long-distance relationship for six years. “They only see each other once a month. Either he flies to Korea or she flies to Japan. Ang daming budget! It’s as if they’re just traveling from Quezon City to Tagaytay,” joked Santiago, who captured their romance in Dumbo, Brooklyn.
To see more of Santiago’s work, visit www.jervysantiago.com.
