Rachel Alejandro's season of love

BORACAY , Philippines  — Ten years ago, Rachel Alejandro sang, “There’s only us there’s only this. Forget regret or life is yours to miss. No other road. No other way. No day but today.” She was taking Singapore by storm playing Mimi Marquez in Rent. And now, many years and many shows later, she was living by that mantra as she walked down the aisle against a beautiful sunset backdrop in Boracay. Waiting for her at the end of that sunlit aisle was her real life leading man, Carlos Santamaria.

The ceremony started a little past 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at the Shangri-La resort in Boracay. Carlos and Rachel wanted to keep the ceremony small and intimate, so it was mostly family members and very close friends who were there. Girlie Rodis and I were her principal sponsors. Her sisters and her good friends Ricky Rivero and Geneva Cruz made up the entourage. Officiated by the Mayor of Boracay, the beautiful ceremony moved everyone to tears. The grooms parents who flew in from Spain smiled with pride as they welcomed a new daughter to their family. And the bride’s extended family welcomed with open arms their new son. Geneva, Rachel’s best friend, couldn’t contain her tears as Rachel walked down the aisle. Girlie, who almost always never cried, finally gave in when she gave a beautiful speech and toasted the two newlyweds.

 An abundance of food, dancing, singing and love filled the air for the rest of the night.  Rachel and Carlos were both smiling from ear to ear. Their family and friends laughed and enjoyed the wonderful evening they had prepared for their guests.

There was so much love and goodwill in the air. It was an honor to be there and to celebrate the beautiful day with them. Thank God that photographer Raymund Isaac (and unofficial paparazzi Girlie Rodis) documented every moment of the day.

They will soon be off to the Maldives for a quick honeymoon before Rachel returns to Manila to begin rehearsals for the Elton John/Tim Rice pop-rock musical Aida, where she takes on the role of Princess Amneris.

In Avenue Q, Rachel sang that there was a fine, fine line between a lover and a friend. If you’re as lucky as Rachel is, you end up finding both in one person. Congratulations to the newlyweds and may every day feel like your wedding day!

The wedding invitation