Sunset wedding for LJ and Jimmy

To paraphrase a line from an enduring love song, heavenly shades of night were falling as Lari Jean “LJ” Moreno and Jimmy Alapag exchanged “I do’s” at a sunset Christian wedding at the Catalina Terrace of Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, California, last Aug. 19, officiated by Pastor Robert Johnson.

The rhythmic sound of the waves caressing the shore served as the musical background of the ceremony witnessed by 120 guests that included LJ’s good friend Rufa Mae Quinto who was the bridesmaid, LJ’s brother Francis Ricafort as a candle sponsor, and Jimmy’s hardcourt colleagues Paul Asi Taulava and Eric Menk as groomsmen.

LJ’s mom is Debra Lacsamana, the sister of Alma Moreno (whose real name is Vanessa Lacsamana). It was LJ’s father Ruel Ricafort who gave her away. Jimmy is the son of Crispin Alapag Sr. and Aurora Alapag.

It was a purely non-showbiz affair. Aside from Rufa Mae and Francis, there were no other showbiz guests. The motif was purple.

Every now and then, the groom would wipe a tear while the bride remained calm, sometimes looking at him with fond amusement.

The wedding capped an on-and-off romance. After one of their separations (a.k.a. “LQ” as in Lovers’ Quarrel), the two crossed paths at the wedding of their mutual friend two years ago. They were inseparable since then.

During the reception held at the Pelican Ballroom of the same resort, the guests partook of fillet mignon. Then, the Best Man and the Maid of Honor delivered short speeches in praise of the newly-weds, followed by dancing until way past midnight.

On Aug. 21, the couple flew to Maui, Hawaii, for the honeymoon. There, they must have shared an intimacy with the strains of an Elvis Presley song playing in their minds — Night and you and blue Hawaii; the night is heavenly and you are heaven to me…Come with me while the moon is on the sea…

(Note: Oly Ruiz, a UP graduate, was the exclusive photographer of the wedding. He furnished Funfare the photos that accompany this story. For inquiries about his services, those interested may get in touch with Oly at Metrophoto Studio, The Wedding Lounge, Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Or call +63920-9130299.)

Jessica & David will wed again

Speaking of weddings, Jessica Rodriguez and David Bunevacz will march down the aisle again on Oct. 10 to renew vows on their 10th wedding anniversary.

‘Actually,’ Jessica told Funfare, ‘our anniversary is on Oct. 18 but we decided to celebrate it a week in advance because it’s a good and popular date…10-10-10.’

Only 50 people are invited to the affair which will be held in Beverly Hills.

‘Many people said that it’s rare for a showbiz couple to last as long as David and I do,’ added Jessica. ‘I myself am amazed that we are marking our 10th wedding anniversary. We look forward to celebrating our golden anniversary, and beyond. I feel the true meaning of love only with David. We have survived a lot of trials that only made the bond between us stronger.’

For the renewal of vows, Jessica will wear a low-cut, bare-back gown (see sample at far right, worn by a model at a fashion show). The color is not white but ‘blush.’

‘It’s very sexy,’ she laughed. ‘If it’s not, hindi na ako ‘yon. I have to shed five pounds so I will look sexy. Luckily, David is selling FIT among his products and it will help me lose weight.’

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