Love is a choice
Theirs is a match made possible by a dating site and eventually blessed by the heavens. For when two souls—a Filipino and an American—know that they are meant for each other, an instant connection is forged; a silent understanding is already a celebration.
On their first date in September 2020, a simple lunch was already a feast; a table for two became a witness to an enduring trust. They walked to a restaurant. It was to be a walk to forever.
Such is the love story of Luigi Iboleon Dy and McKenzie Ellegood. They both went to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Luigi, a licensed pilot and a university professor, took his undergraduate and master’s degree in aviation and a PhD in technology (with concentration in aviation technology) at this university known for high-tech research work and international programs.
McKenzie, on the other hand, finished Accounting.
Late last year, Luigi and McKenzie tied the knot via a beautiful garden wedding at Cedar Creek, a romantic getaway in the heart of a vineyard in Missouri. It was attended by their parents, Dr. Leni Iboleon-Dy and Jinx Dy, and Ryan and Cassie Courtney.
They also held a Manila reception recently at the Garden Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, where a Chinese lauriat was served.
“I first saw her in the lobby of her dorm building. I was very nervous (when) we walked about two kilometers to lunch from her dorm because she was scared to get in a car with me. It was hot, and I was sweating a lot,” Luigi recalled.
“Our first date was at a local restaurant called Town and Gown (near Purdue University). I was super nervous since it was my first date ever,” McKenzie said.
On Oct. 3, 2020, they officially entered into a relationship with the clear perspective that they would end up at the altar.
“I love her sincerity and humor. I think she has a good heart. She is humble, kind, patient, honest, and well-meaning,” Luigi said of his wife.
“I love that he can make me laugh and we share a similar sense of humor. I also think he really understands me more than anyone else,” McKenzie said of her husband.
During the Manila wedding reception, Leni, a top-notch cardiologist in the Philippines, while addressing her daughter-in-law, said, “If you want to know what kind of a husband you will have, all you have to do is to look at how he treats his mother. McKenzie, you found yourself a good husband.”
Luigi, a self-confessed easy child, told me in an interview in 2024 that the most important value his parents have instilled in him is “to be ethical.” Doing things right and for the right reasons is something “I got from my parents.” From his mom, he learned the value of being studious. From his dad, he learned to appreciate the “fun, technical stuff.”
“Mom and Dad,” McKenzie said, looking at Leni and Jinx, “your generosity toward me is of a kind I’ve never known. When I think you’ve already given me so much, you give more. I am so glad to call you my family.”
Dr. Francis Dimalanta, a developmental pediatrician who emceed the Manila reception, is a ninong of Luigi both at baptism and at his wedding. He said, “It’s a rare privilege to witness someone’s journey from the beginning of life to the beginning of married life. Luigi, watching you grow into the kind, respectful, and remarkable man you have become has been a true joy. And seeing you find your perfect partner in McKenzie is a blessing.”
Luigi and McKenzie are a happy couple to watch. Their body language is subtle poetry. Theirs is a match made in heaven.
“To be married to him means getting to share the fun times and bad times together. (It means having) someone who will stick by my side through the ups and downs,” McKenzie said.
“To be married to her is to be committed to loving her for the rest of my life. I believe love is a choice, and I am committed to choosing to love her every day,” Luigi said.
Such love!
