A heartbroken bride married her murdered boyfriend in a symbolic ceremony during his wake in the Philippines.

Bride Gileen Gutierrez walked down the aisle during her deceased fiance’s Marco Dayao’s funeral in Malolos City, Bulacan province on November 18.

Gileen lovingly placed a ring on Marco’s finger as he rested in his coffin. Grieving friends and family watched the bittersweet moment through their tears.

Wedding cameraman Lester James Vicente Bernardino said: ‘I had no idea it was such a different wedding. I was really shocked.

‘I felt sad and amazed at the same time because I can’t believe she went to such lengths for the person she loves.’

The couple were scheduled to exchange vows on December 19 this year. However, Marco was shot dead by an unknown assailant in front of their home just a month before the big day.

Police believed the shooting was related to online gambling on cockfighting matches, which Philippine gaming authorities are struggling to regulate.

During the ceremony, a weeping Gileen promised to watch over their two children whom Marco left behind. She said: ‘I will stay strong for our children, because I know that’s what you want for us.’

Police have not arrested anyone in connection with the death.