This was the culmination of a seven-year courtship, which was sealed with a marriage proposal at The Bellagio in Las Vegas over a romantic dinner by candlelight some moons ago.
Eight principal sponsors marched with flair. They were Ephraigm and Aurora Genuino, Thadeo and Linda Oauno, Deogenes and Brumenehilda Derama, Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, Richard and Linda Mercado, Thadeo Durano and Marissa Fernan, Manolette Dinsay and Farla Empemano, Ben Yapjoco and Olivia Yanson.
The couple’s best friend Haidee Panao was maid of honor, while Richard Mercado stood as best man. Secondary sponsors included John Melendrez and Amanda Quisumbing for the candle, Kester and Sofia Lim for the cord, and Alan and Lunelia Tayo for the veil.
Rev. Fr. Roderick Salazar gave personal color to the occasion with his humorous yet philosophical sermon.
After the ceremony, the invitees proceeded to the Chateau de Busay in the hills of Cebu for the dinner reception where the solemnity gave way to a festive atmosphere. Guests feasted on the tenderest roast beef cooked to perfection, vegetable bouquet, a selection of salads and a variety of pasta, while deliberately making room for desserts galore of an assortment of delectable sweets and the freshest of fresh fruits. The three-tiered fondant cake was made by Sarah Verdon.
The floral arrangements had roses in the palest pink, which complemented the fuchsia color motif. They were executed by foremost florist Pinky Chang.
Music at the church and entertainment at the reception was provided by the multi-awarded University of the Visayas Choir
The celebration was highlighted with heartfelt speeches by the groom’s grandfather, the former Cebu Governor Pablo Garcia, and uncle Winston Garcia. Gwen Garcia, radiant in a Philip Rodriguez creation, stood ever so proudly as a mother casting off temporarily her official duties as the first lady governor of Cebu.
Towards midnight, a fabulous fireworks display lighted the skies in every imaginable colors of the rainbow. Here’s another cheer, another toast for Michele and Paulo.