From text mates to real-life mates

Charity Muñoz, the hopeless romantic that she is, was determined to find the perfect mate for her lovely niece Fatima Fernandez.

She did not have to look far as her dear friend Rosario de Leon had an eligible son, Romulo de Leon IV, who was more than ready to settle down, raise a family and live happily ever after.

“Chen,” as she is affectionately known to family and friends, is the daughter of Sandra Schuck Fernandez, while “King,” as he is called, is the third son of Romulo and Rosario Muñoz de Leon.

It was one Valentine’s Day when Manila-based Romulo sent a simple hello to Fatima  through his cell phone. Dozens and then hundreds of messages soon followed and in time he found himself on his way to Zamboanga to finally meet his text mate. It didn’t take long for them to realize they had so many common interests. 

A fortnight ago at the Sacred Heart Parish church, with Fr. Edwin Castillo officiating, Romulo de Leon IV and Fatima Fernandez fulfilled their dream of a lifetime.

There were 400 guests who witnessed the exchange of “I do’s” with Fatima looking stunning in her Eduard Teng  haltered lace gown encrusted with pearls and crystals. The groom was debonair in a three-piece off-white tailored suit as he watched his gorgeous petite bride walk down the aisle on the arm of her proud grandfather, Fernando Fernandez.

The 12 female sponsors were the bride’s aunts Charity Muñoz, Jacqueline Rueda, Lorraine Schuck,  Grace Harris, the groom’s aunt  Romeliza Lejano, and friends Angeles Reyes, Edwina Veloso, Ann Hofer, Rosita Furigay, Lenie Mortera, Erlinda To and Mabel Gilo wore beautiful gowns in different hues of lavender.

The male sponsors were Jose Edgar Muñoz, Felix Fernandez, Evelio Jaca, Rolando Rueda, Victor Endriga, Jesus Cabato, Antonio Veloso, Jaime Caringal, Roderick Furigay, Ramon Sebastian, Nilo To and Antonio Legarda, all wearing tailored black suits.

The maid of honor, sister of the groom, was Rhina Rose de Leon; the bridesmaids were Tara Alañon, Samantha Monzon, Xaviera Iglesias, Kringle Schuck, Rea Bilbao and Raluz Antonio, wearing flowing gowns that matched the purple color motif. Not to be outdone were best man Rhone de Leon and dashing groomsmen Piere Fernandez, Omar Fernandez, Annur Tucayad, Anton Rueda, Euben Hallazgo and Mark Anthony Villanueva.

After the endearing ceremonies, guests proceeded to the Casino Español de Cebu, whose entrance to the grand ballroom was decorated with a profusion of greens that covered the majestic canopy. The tables were adorned with tall cones surrounded by enchanting flower centerpieces of red roses and dendrubiums masterfully created by foremost florist Pinky Chang. The wedding party was treated to a fabulous dinner.

Close friends of the couple gave words of wisdom, but the real gems were shared by Chen’s maternal grandfather, Dennis Schuck, her mom Sandra and the groom’s father Romulo de Leon.

The Ricochet Band provided the music for the all-night dancing.