Internationally acclaimed and favored by celebrities worldwide for her bridal collections and red carpet gowns, Monique Lhuillier, a sterling fashion designer, remains a genuine Filipina at heart especially with her family-oriented values.
She gladly dropped everything at her busy atelier in Los Angeles and flew to Cebu to be with her dearest parents — Michel Lhuillier and Amparito Lhuillier to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
Amparito’s exquisite wedding gown was designed by her accomplished daughter. “The dress was simply inspired by my mom’s gown way back 50 years ago. An interesting mix of two bridal traditions — something old and something new —it allowed my mother to pay tribute to her old bridal attire by Pedrito Legaspi while remaining relevantly fashionable in the contemporary times,” Monique reveals.
In addition, her mother, with her own sense of personal style, continues to influence her designs. “Minimalism and no overstyling,” Monique continues. “For future brides, always have an open mind and the patience to try all kinds of silhouettes.”
“She gorgeously incorporated the long train from the original, used tulle and lace, and embellished it with crystals and beads to craft an entirely new dream creation,” Amparito Lhuillier adds.
The night before the event, at the city’s most desirable home — some fondly call it an exclusive country club, others a palacete of dreams, with the awesome view of the ever-growing metropolis at a distance — an intimate dinner was graciously hosted by the accomplished couple together with their children and grandchildren.
Friends from the nation’s capital city flew in for the occasion — for we must not forget that Amparito is Manila-born and bred but Cebuana by choice. Among those in attendance were Ana Ortigas Olondriz, noted interior decorator for dream homes and boutique hotels; Bambi Lammoglia Harper, heritage advocate and author; honorary consuls Mellie Ablaza representing Guatemala and husband Louie Ablaza of the Republic of Zambia. Other guests were Vicki Belo, derma doctor to the stars and proponent of Philippine medial tourism, with Hayden Kho; Villa Escudero Plantation Resort’s “Lord of the Manor” Ado Escudero; Boling and Fred Reyes; Nini and Abe Licaros; Connie and Linggoy Araneta; and Conchitina and Jaime Ladao.
Manila residents with Cebu roots present were most- sought-after pediatrician Mike Celdran with Backie, an endangered animal preservationist; Ingrid Sala Satamaria, internationally acclaimed pianist; Mila Antunez Wales who does homes for good friends only; and Miguel Aboitiz with wife Barbara.
The affair was highlighted by the endearing musical presentations of the 10 grandchildren complete with choreography.
The following evening, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was decked with beautifully arranged ferns and gigantic candles from the main entrance door all the way to the grand magnificent altar.
At exactly 6:45 p.m. the entourage made their way down the aisle, led by the couple’s four children — eldest son Charles Lhuillier with lovely daughter Nicole, his wife Joanna with their two well-behaved children Veronique and Marcel; Yvette Lhuillier-Warnod and Frank Warnod with loveable kids Maxime and Bianca; Michael Lhuillier and Joanna Lhuillier with their three grownup and good-looking sons Michael James, Matthew and Myles; and youngest daughter Monique Lhuillier Bugbee and husband Thomas Bugbee with adorable children Jack and Sophia.
Standing as principal sponsors were Pilar Zaragoza escorted by her son Vinchi, philanthropist couple Carlos Yeung and Mariquita Yeung, Amparito’s younger sister Anna Marie Dizon with husband Johnny Dizon, Michel’s siblings Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Philippe Lhuillier and Margie Lhuillier, and childhood friends, the ageless Rosebud Sala and event specialist Teresin Mendezona.
The Mass was officiated by Fr. Ernesto Javier.
The grand reception was held at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. GM Hans Hauri was more than challenged to produce and execute an extraordinary evening for his discerning guests. His attention to detail on every aspect of the preparation and execution ensured a truly remarkable event. It was exceptionally grand, sophisticatedly elegant, and also genuinely fun.
Setting the romantic note were fields of lush green ferns with touches of white calla lilies, phaleanopsis, and dendrubiums lovingly put together by Cebu’s sterling florist Pinky Chang and party planner Mendezona.
A well-orchestrated video clip chronicling Amparito and Michel’s memorable moments through the years featured their happy childhood, their wedding day in Manila in 1964, exciting travels here and abroad, and unforgettable family gatherings. All four children spoke from the heart and shared their love and admiration for their parents who undoubtedly raised them all to be exemplary individuals.
Prominent Cebuano invitees included realtor Annie Aboitiz with daughter Mary Anne Arculli, former Cebu Provincial Governor and now Congresswoman Gwen Garcia, Congressman Raul del Mar, lawyer Danny Deen, civic leader Elo Fernan, university chancellor Candice Gotianuy, publisher Eva Gullas, cardiologist Francisco Chio, fashion designers Philip Rodriguez, Oj Hofer, and Arcy Gayatin, and well-respected pediatrician Vivina Chiu.
For the entertainment, Ogie Alcasid, talented singer and endorser for M Lhuillier pawnshops for the past 11 years, rendered the couple’s favorite songs. Meanwhile, the gifted scholars of the Amparito Llamas Foundation likewise did several upbeat song and dance numbers that delighted everyone.
In thanksgiving and in lieu of gifts, guests were asked to give a donation to the following charities: The children of Cebu Foundation, Little Bamboo Foundation, and the Amparito llamas Lhuillier Education Foundation.