A MATCH made in the “cloud” – [a term used to describe a global network of servers].The advent of technology has made possible the ‘long-distance love affair’ of newly-wed couple Julio Emmanuel Espina and Audrey Sybill Cruz and used a dating application to communicate.Having met on a dating site, the modern technology made them closer together despite their almost 5,000 miles distant.Espina is the eldest son of a journalist Ma Ester “Mate” Espina, who works as a business development manager in a firm in Manila while his wife Audrey works as an international flight attendant based abroad.As she only comes home during long breaks, their relationship faced many challenges and was further tested when the pandemic struck.The only consolation they had was when Cruz was granted a long break from her flight schedule as she has to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine period before and after embarking on international trips.In one of his posts to Cruz, Espina wrote, “There might be about 5,000 miles between us currently, but I haven’t felt that one bit (and) if anything, the only consolation in the distance is that it makes the wait for that day when we both land at the altar much more rewarding than it already is.”But as they say, when love strikes, everything is possible, and the two egged on until they were sure they were committed to capping it with marriage.On May 22, 2021, Espina proposed to his girlfriend after getting the nod of her parents, Arnel and Shirley Cruz.Their wedding plans constantly changed because of lockdowns, however, both decided that whether there is a pandemic or not, it had to happen.Almost a year later, they wed at the San Antonio de Padua Parish Church in Nasugbu, Batangas, on April 19, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.Standing as principal sponsors were; Noel Iligan, Rommel Ng, Rolando Espina Jr., Nestor Evaristo, Martin Jingco, James Alexander Alderdice, Oscar Velarde, Renan del Rosario, Lulu Abelido, Toks Lopez, Malou Espina, Dr. May Irene Espina-Rife, Aileen Villasper, lawyer Amparo Haynes, Leonora Olalia, and Judaline Canlas.The best man was Giancarlo Pasolini, Espina’s younger brother.Unfortunately, Giancarlo, who is based in Canada, could not come home; thus, lawyer Trisha Isabelle Fernandez-Co, the lone female among the groomsmen, took his place.Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor were Dr. Sabrina Alexis Cruz and Dr. Shani Abigail Odiamar, Audrey’s sisters.Groomsmen were lawyer James Primicias, Errol John Cristales, Rolandrei Viktor Varona, Carl Caspe, Lester Abella, Robbie Marc Escobar, Dr. Norbie Mendoza, lawyer Matias Monico Palu-ay, Jeremiah Chua, and Robert William Soriano.Bridesmaids were Pauline Michaela Gunther, Patricia Nicole Carpio, Nathalie Ann Salcedo, Rianne Natividad, Mariel Anne Grace Sumulong, Margaret Anne Gonzales, Rosa Elaine Luna, Andrea Nicole Perez, Katherine Joy Navarro, Jayne Roan Mislan and Michelle Gustilo.Junior groomsman and jJunior bridesmaid were Andrei Daniel Villasper and Sophia Dominique Varona.Secondary sponsors were Andro Paollo Bantatua and Noelle Engallado for the candle, Andrew Simon ,and Alexandra Louise Enage for the veil, and Dr. Gilbert Arcilla Jr. with Renee Isabel Alfornon for the cord.Damien Elliot Alderdice stood as the Bible bearer, Pablo Javier Ojeda was the ring bearer, while Vitto Sebastian Varona’s coin bearer.Flower girls were Samantha Andrei Varona and Ava Audrina Isabel Espina, Julio’s eight-year-old daughter.A reception followed at the Terraza Bar and Grill at Balay Dako in Tagaytay, Cavite, where sumptuous Negrense cuisine was served. The night before the wedding, the Espina and Cruz families bonded over dinner at Casa Alegria in Tagaytay, owned by Bacoleno Alvin Carranza, a childhood friend of the Espinas.