The church, one of Cebu’s most beautiful, was decked with a unique arrangement of lush palm trees adorned with the palest pink anthuriums, heliconias, and bromeliads, definitely a work of art with lots of love by wedding specialist Teresin Mendezona and florist par excellence Pinky Chang. It could not have provided a more charmed setting for the bride who was simply radiant in an ivory piña terno by the city’s top fashion designer Philip Rodriguez.
Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, James Sy Chua, Cebu First Lady Margarita Vargas Osmeña, Cecilio Kwok Pedro, Teresita Dizon, John Yap Young, Victoria Subia Ungco and Henry Kwan Chang, who all stood as principal sponsors, witnessed the romantic union.
Also in the entourage were Bienvenido Gonzalez who stood as best man and May Marie Go as matron of honor. The secondary sponsors included J. M. Pascual and Maribete Ong for the candle, Philip Rodriguez and Joan Tiu for the veil and Randy Manaloto and Yvette Sy for the cord.
The University of the Visayas Choir sang inspiring classical hymns and favorite love songs during the ceremony, while the Peace Philharmonic Orchestra provided music for the reception held at the Atlantic Hall of the Cebu Waterfront Hotel.
At the sit-down gourmet dinner, which was personally prepared by the property’s always-in-demand chef Dietmar Ditrich, who simply outdid himself that evening, a video presentation of the newlywed’s love story unfolded, highlighting the proposal that came four years later, delivered on bended knees, a spray of spring flowers and a serenade by the would-be groom at a quaint café in Hong Kong and sealed with a Tiffany diamond ring.
The impressive five-tiered fondant cake was masterfully created by the bride’s aunt Vicky Tan.
The newlyweds, while going on the traditional round of tables, were so touched that so many of their relatives and friends were present, in good spirits, so utterly unconscious of their new status that the guests shared in their own private exultations. The handsome couple spent their honeymoon in America followed by a leisurely tour of Europe after which they shall make their home in Manila.