So, it came as no surprise when Marc chose the same little church-big chapel as the venue to start his new life with Melany Mercado before Monsignor Cristobal Garcia of the Society of the Angel of Peace HP, who performed the mid-afternoon ceremony.
The atmosphere was charged with high emotions as the lovely couple pledged to each other their undying love, while exchanging their vows and matching white gold rings encrusted with diamonds.
Artistically bedecked with a lush profusion of greens and more greens blooming with delicate white roses, Malaysian mums, calla lilies and cascading dendrobiums at each pew end, the church provided a charmed setting for the bare-shouldered beauty in her off-white Chantillly lace and French illusion tulle gown by Cebu’s foremost fashion designer, Philip Rodriguez. The groom looked equally dashing in his tailor made dark suit.
The principal sponsors were the bride’s uncles Roger Mercado, Damian Mercado and Jose Pascual, together with the groom’s godfather Antonio Lozada and uncle Efren Sarmiento. Marc’s aunt Betsy Chiongbian, Melany’s godmother Riza Almendras, aunt Alicia Rudd and dear family friend Vicky Moraza made up the female principal sponsors.
Emmilie Cuizon was maid of honor, while Arlo Sarmiento stood as best man with Jay Unchuan as honorable friend. Bridesmaids included Ardianne Gonzalez, Christina Kyamko, Karen Caballes and Blisyl Senol. Groomsmen Jose Unchuan, Paolo Borromeo, Raci Franco and Jose Marko Sarmiento escorted them.
Jose Miguel Borja and Mia Faye Singson lit the candles. Ceferino Villagas and Emily Mercado pinned the veil and Nacional Mercado and Lizli Tomada placed the cord.
Flower girls were Ysabella Rose Unchuan, Justine and Anica Sarmiento while Santiago and Eduardo Unchuan were ring and coin bearers, respectively.
The dinner reception was at the Grand Ballroom of the Cebu Marriott Hotel, which was beautifully decorated in the sunset theme colors of orange, yellow, gold and fuchsia. Much sought after party planner Teresin Mendezona together with florists Le Fleur and Celebrations simply outdid themselves in putting together the Moroccan-inspired truly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime event.
Melany’s dream of a five-tiered fondant cake was created by Marissa Unchuan. After dinner followed heart warming reminisces with humorous touches by best man Arlo Sarmiento.
To Marc and Melany, bless you both, now and forever.