It was a rainy Saturday afternoon when the seven-year courtship and engagement of David Duro and Rosemarie “Lotlot” Salcedo culminated in a church wedding last January 16 at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City. The New Zealand-based couple, who had a civil wedding ceremony last May, crossed each other’s paths all because of their passion for animals and humanity.
The lovely bride awed everyone when she walked down the aisle donning a Ditas Rodriguez masterpiece while the groom looked dapper in a coat and tie ensemble together with his groomsmen. All the ladies in the entourage wore flowing Grecian-inspired gowns also by Ditas Rodriguez.
Standing as principal sponsors were Gen. Lisandro Abadia and his wife Violeta, Engr. Arturo Duro and Dr. Barbara Baisac, and Atty. Baldomero Estenzo and his wife Mary Anne. Rev. Fr. Orlando Ruiz VI officiated the wedding ceremonies.
The result of the tireless preparations by the couple themselves together with the bride’s parents Arsenio Estenzo and Vigilda Estenzo to make sure that every single detail was addressed was all worth it. Everything went on smoothly, just the way they wanted.
The reception venue, the Monte Carlo Ballroom of the Hilton was dramatically transformed into a crystalline wonderland in veritable blue. The impressive five-layer cake, tastefully adorned with real rose petals and glittering swarovski crystals by Jia Rodriguez was indeed a conversation piece that night. A surprise performance of Cebu’s pride, Dulce brought the house down when she sang a medley of love songs while Lotlot’s nephew, Miguel Inigo Estenzo serenaded the newlyweds with his “Can’t Smile Without You” rendition. The University of Cebu Chorale and Symphonic Orchestra provided live music that lovely evening.
Indeed it was one memorable occasion for David and Lotlot as well as their families and friends. To David and Lotlot, congratulations and best wishes! Cheers to a blissful married life!