An oriental-style wedding

Family and friends gathered at the Sacred Heart Church to witness the union of Ryan Yu, son of Peter and Concepcion Yu and Shieny Co, daughter of Albert and Evelyn Co. The bride was resplendent in a Japanese inspired off -shoulder gown by Jun Escario. The groom was equally dashing in a dark oriental suit also by the same designer.

Monsignor Roberto Alesna and Monsignor Cristobal Garcia performed the solemn rites.

With a little help from friends, Ryan and Shieny were able to personalize their special day from the elegant, predominantly brown invitations to their unique giveaways.

The church which was innovatively decorated with tiny bamboo poles interspersed with atomizers that exuded refreshing fragrances of tropical flowers and Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden was truly a labor of love by much sought after florist Celebration Specialist.

The entourage was composed of principal sponsors, the grooms uncle Dr. Joseph Yu and aunt Aristona Yu, Napoleon Co - founder of Alay sa Dios in Manila and Josephine Gothong, General Surgeon Dr. Crisostomo Dy and Ryan's aunt Loreta Chua, dear friends of the couples' family, Daniel Hwuan and Rosa Go, Lorenzo Cua and Lucy Chua, Vicente Ongchanhoi and Margarita Onglatco, Henry Gocuan and Lourdes Tan, Freddie Go, and Virginia Durano, Stewart Chu and Hannah Alcoseba, Raul Laurente and Doris Marie Lopez.

The Best Men were Ryan's brother Eric Jude and childhood friends Edward Onglatco and Levie Lim. The bride's best friend Ana Concepcion Go was Maid of Honor.

Rounding up the junior entourage were groomsmen Edward Ongking, the bride's brother Albert Co, and friends Dexter So, Kenneth Hing, Drason Chen and Anthony Young. The Bridesmaids were Ryan's sister Faye Sharon, the bride's cousins Galaxy and Clae Quirante, and friends Deborah Sy, Richelle Panganiban and Jade Tao.

The secondary sponsors were Bryan and Shiela Ong (candle), June and Adelina Uy (veil), Joseph Go and Danessa Onglatco (cord). The little attendants were Joshua Uy, (ring bearer), Anthony Louise Nuñez (coin bearer) and Steven Jacob Co (Bible bearer). The Flower Girls were Isabela Apawan, Gail Casipong and Jeanina Co.

After the ceremony, guests proceeded to the Grand Convention Center for a lavish Lauriat dinner. Just as the newlyweds had wished, the reception area had a romantic atmosphere, complete with a Japanese garden and hanging white umbrellas in keeping with the motif.

After five years of courtship and sharing unconditional love, they are looking forward to a lifetime of happiness.

There is a saying that goes, "a good marriage is that in which each appoints the other the guardian of his solitude". And this is what Ryan and Shieny have committed to each other.