The gown, which Assunta describes as "a simple yet elegant ivory strapless affair with a princess cut," was chosen by the couple from a catalogue of designs Vera and her staff presented them during a quick trip to her shop last December.
"We had to make alterations to the design though, para tumugma sa character ko ‘yung isusuot ko. May malaking bow sa waist na parang magiging belt, gaya ng design ng wedding gown ng mommy ni Jules, na minsan nang na-display sa isang restrospective ni Ramoning Valera sa National Museum," Assunta says.
The entourage’s gowns, meanwhile, will be by Patrice Ramos-Diaz while the bride’s veil will be by Rhett Eala. Joseph Francia will do Assunta’s hair and make-up.
Jules’ silver black suit (actually a brocade), is by New York-based Liana Lee.
The couple’s grand church wedding with a coral color motif, will be at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City, on March 14, 7 p.m. Reception will follow at the Makati Shangri-La’s Rizal Ballroom with over a thousand invited guests from showbiz and politics.
A giant billboard (approximately 30 x 40 feet) announcing the nuptials will stand on EDSA for roughly two months.
There will be seven pairs of principal sponsors, led by former Ambassador Eduardo "Danding" Cojuango.
Jules’ best men will be his eight-year-old son Carlos and best friend, Charlie Cojuangco while Assunta’s maids of honor will be Jules’ 12-year-old daughter, Christina and the bride’s sister, Alessandra.
Bridesmaids will be Assunta’s closest showbiz friends, Ciara Sotto and Claudine Barretto.
Robert Blancaflor’s 1816 will take care of the flowers (all local varieties planted as early as six months ago in two major flower farms).
Assunta and Jules’ church wedding takes place a year after they were wed in civil rites in the politician’s hometown — San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on Dec. 14, 2002.