Unforgettable Celebrity Weddings
(via Manila Bulletin) Filipinos love a good romantic story. This is why it is not hard to imagine the whole archipelago heaving a collective sigh when young Sharon Cuneta exchanged “I do’s” with heartthrob Gabby Concepcion at the Manila Cathedral in the 80s, or when Christopher de Leon vowed to love Nora Aunor forever at a beachfront nuptial early in their careers.
And although these two marriages ended up in smoke, the public still aches for that perfect love story from and of their admired actors and actresses.
Manila Bulletin Online lists five celebrity couples who have not only proven that love conquers all, but have given the public some of the most unforgettable weddings of all time.
Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo
“Hindi ko naman ipinagdadamot kundi gusto ko lang ng payapa, maayos at eleganteng kasal. Ayoko ng magulo, ayoko ng ‘di komportable ang mga tao lalo na kami. Kasi for the past 22 years alam naman nila lahat sa akin. Akin na lang po muna ito,” implored Judy Ann Santos before her much talked about hush-hush wedding to Ryan Agoncillo.Judy Ann got her wish. On April 28, 2009, at 7 am at the San Juan Nepomuceno Church, San Juan, Batangas, the actress became Mrs. Ryan Agoncillo in solemn, elegant and media-free rites. It was no mean feat given that both Judy Ann and Ryan have a huge fan base.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta stood as their matron of honor. Agot Isidro, Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid added sparkle to the event by singing love songs to the couple.
Other than the said stars, the wedding was intentionally low-key yet at the same time, and as TV host Suzi Entrata-Abrera puts it, truly exceptional and very creative.
It was in 2004 when Judy Ann and Ryan’s love blossomed in the set of the ABS-CBN TV series, “Krystala.” Ryan proposed to Judy Ann on May 11, 2008, her 30th birthday.
Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago
Unlike the Agoncillo-Santos nuptial, celebrities Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto were very vocal and happy to share their wedding plans to the media.
Months before the wedding, the two even hosted a unique wedding entourage party at the classy Gazebo Royale along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City.
From then on, details of the wedding were an open book to the public: that the reception will be at the posh Tagaytay Highlands Country Club; top designer Randy Ortiz will suit up the groom, bride and the whole entourage; Gary Valenciano and Kuh Ledesma will sing a song specially composed for the wedding by known composer Trina Belamide; a shower of rose petals from a helicopter and fireworks will signal the end of the rites; and so on.
Asked to comment on a rumored P25 million expense, Raymart quipped: “Sobra naman ‘yon, tsismis lang ‘yon. We’ll spend P24.5 million lang!”
Claudine, then on top of her game as an actress, was asked on how she arrived at her decision to marry. “I’m not getting any younger dahil 26 na ako,” she said. “Also, Raymart is so mature and responsible I am sure he will be a good family man. I’ve never been more at peace in my life than when this fell into place.”
The two tied the knot on March 27, 2006; a date which coincides with the wedding anniversary of Raymart’s parents, the late director Pablo Santiago and wife Cielito.
Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres
Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres’ wedding was virtually celebrated by the whole city of Ormoc where Lucy hails.
Describing it as a big celebration might even be an understatement. A motorcade was held that brought the couple and their 1,000 guests to the Ormoc Super Dome. Printed shirts which read “I was there at the Richard-Lucy Wedding, Ormoc City, April 28, 1998” were sold for P25 on the streets.
The actor first met the mestiza model at a commercial shoot in 1993. He did not court her until 1997 though – and after yet another commercial shoot!
As it turned out, Lucy was a long-time fan of the handsome actor and so eventually, Richard married Lucy at the St.Peter and Paul Parish Church in Ormoc.
Did you know that two days after the wedding, another party was held at which CDs with songs close to Richard’s heart were given away to guests?
Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez
After being linked to many actresses, it was big news when actor Aga Muhlach announced his plans to marry beauty queen Charlene Gonzalez in 2001.
The two met at the set of the defunct ABS-CBN sitcom, “Oki Doki Doc” in 1993. From then on, they forged a good friendship that lasted through years of intrigues and individual successes, including Charlene winning the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe title in 1994.
On May 28, 2001, the friends became husband and wife, exchanging their “I do’s” at the St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Pacdal, Baguio City. The reception was held at Camp John Hay Club House with Le Souffle catering the sit-down dinner.
Baguio City then was turned into a festive place complete with colorful buntings to celebrate Aga and Charlene’s day. A three-day golf tournament at the Camp John Hay ushered in the wedding.
During the wedding, the groom, who looked dapper in a Giorgio Armani suit, was described as more nervous than the bride.
“Next to God, you are and always will be the most important person in my life. I commit myself in building our marriage, our home, and our happiness. I will forever be faithful and constant to you; with my love, I will give you my life and all that is meaningful to me,” Aga said in his wedding vow.
Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz
Despite a rocky marriage, husband and wife Cesar “Buboy” Montano and Sunshine Cruz could boast of having one of the most beautiful and lavish celebrity weddings of all time.
Set in an intricately designed open-air venue, and with the beautiful Manila sunset as backdrop, the well-admired actor and the sexy actress had vowed that their love was for keeps on September 14, 2000 at the beachside of Manila Bay. Cesar wore an Armani flown from Italy while Sunshine was in an Eric Pineda creation. The reception was held at Coconut Palace.
Buboy and Sunshine met at a film shoot of “Bullet,” the former’s directorial debut.
Years later, and after going through shared failures and problems including Cesar’s loss at a senatorial bid and Sunshine’s bitter word-war with Cesar’s sister, Sunshine was quoted to have said what sounded like concise paraphrase of her wedding vow: “I’ll do anything for Buboy.”