A rich Moroccan wedding

Imagine an altar covered with a profusion of rich greens and blooming with white dendrubiums, mums, calla lilies and roses. Such was the romantic setting when Melany Faith Mercado and Marc Edward Gonzalez got married recently.

It was during a visit to Seattle, Washington that Marc first came across Melany who was on a brief break from busy New York. It was not long before they fell in love.

A radiant Melany exchanged wedding vows with Marc at the Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish where incidentally the groom's parents got married twenty nine years ago. Marc was baptized there, as well. Monsignor Cristobal Garcia of the Society of the Angel of Peace H.P. performed the mid-afternoon ceremony.

The bride wore an off-white Chantilly lace and French illusion tulle gown accented with a silk champagne taffeta sash by Cebu's foremost designer, Philip Rodriguez. The groom looked equally dashing in a custom-made dark suit.

The principal sponsors were the bride's uncles Roger Mercado, Damian Mercado and Jose Pascual, while the groom's godfather Antonio Lozada and uncle Efren Sarmiento also made the list. Marc's aunt Betsy Chiongbian, dear family friend Vicky Moraza, Melany's godmother Riza Almendras and aunt Alicia Rudd 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 Adrianne Gonzalez, Christina Kyamko, Karen Caballes and Blisyl Seno. Groomsmen Jose Unchuan, Paolo Borromeo, Raci Franco, while Jose Marko Sarmiento escorted them.

Jose Miguel Borja and Mia Faye Singson lit the candles, Ceferino Villegas and Emily Mercado pinned the veil; Nacional Mercado and Lizli Tomada were cord sponsors.Flower girls were Ysabella Rose Unchuan, Justine and Anica Sarmiento. Adorable brothers Santiago and Eduardo Unchuan were ring and coin bearers.

Cebu's sought after wedding planner Teresin Mendezona, together with florists Le Fleur and Celebrations, simply outdid themselves in putting together the unforgettable, truly memorable once in a lifetime event. The ballroom of the Cebu Marriott Hotel, where the reception was held, was transformed into a magical Moroccan setting. Lanterns in all the glowing colors of a beautiful sunset from gold, yellow, salmon, red and fuchsia hang from a towering tree. It was simply a sight to behold.

After the celebratory toasts, Arlo Sarmiento wasted no time in striking a lighthearted, full of love and humor speech.

The newlyweds will make their home in Cebu after a weeklong honeymoon in Hongkong.

To Marc and Melany, may your wedding be the perfect start of a wonderful life together.