The hopelessly romantic Charity Muñoz, was determined to find the perfect mate for her lovely niece Fatima Fernandez. She did not have to look far as her dear friend Rosario de Leon had an eligible son Romulo who was more than ready to settle down, raise a family and live happily ever after.
It was February 14, when Manila-based Romulo sent a simple message of hello through his cell phone to Fatima. Hundreds of messages soon followed and before long he found himself on his way to Zamboanga to finally meet his text mate. It didn’t take long for them to realize they had so many common interests.
A fortnight ago at the Sacred Heart Parish church, with Reverend Father Edwin Castillo officiating, Romulo de Leon IV and Fatima Fernandez fulfilled their dream of a lifetime.
There were 400 guests who witnessed the exchange of “I do’s” with Fatima looking stunning in her Eduard Teng haltered lace gown encrusted with pearls and crystals. The groom debonair in a three piece off white tailored suit watched his gorgeous petite bride walk down the aisle on the arm of her grandfather Fernando Fernandez.
Chen, as she is affectionately known to family and friends, is the daughter of Sandra Schuck Fernandez while King is the third son of Romulo and Rosario Muñoz de Leon.
The 12 female sponsors, the brides aunts Charity Muñoz, Jacqueline Rueda, Lorraine Schuck, Grace Harris, the groom’s aunt Romeliza Lejano, and tried and tested friends Angeles Reyes, Edwina Veloso, Ann Hofer, Rosita Furigay, Lenie Mortera, Erlinda To and Mabel Gilo wore beautiful gowns in different hues of lavender.
The male sponsors, Jose Edgar Muñoz, Felix Fernandez, Evelio Jaca, Rolando Rueda, Victor Endriga. Jesus Cabato, Antonio Veloso, Jaime Caringal, Roderick Furigay, Ramon Sebastian, Nilo To and Antonio Legarda all stood tall and handsome in their tailored black suits.
Maid of Honor, sister of the groom Rhina Rose de Leon with bridesmaids Tara Alañon, Samantha Monzon, Xaviera Iglesias, Kringle Schuck, Rea Bilbao and Raluz Antonio wore long, flowing gowns that perfectly matched the purple color motif. Not to be outdone were dashing groomsmen Piere Fernandez, Omar Fernandez, Annur Tucayad, Anton Rueda, Euben Hallazgo and Mark Anthony Villanueva.
After Chen and King were pronounced husband and wife, everyone proceeded to the Casino Español de Cebu. The entrance to the grand ballroom was decorated with a profusion of greens that covered the majestic canopy. The tables were adorned with tall cones surrounded by enchanting flower centerpieces of red roses and dendrobiums masterfully created by foremost florist Pinky Chang. The guests feasted on a fabulous, well-orchestrated dinner prepared for the special occasion.
The immediate families and close friends of the couple all contributed something in their own special way. But the real gems shared were the words of wisdom and love from Chen’s maternal grandfather Dennis Schuck, her mom Sandra and the groom’s father Romulo de Leon.
The couple performed their first dance, a beautiful waltz number. Parents and family joined in and soon all were on the dance floor enjoying the beat of the Ricochet Band.