An unexpected proposal

The marriage proposal is the first permanent step towards a lifetime together. It is the final pitch as to whether a union will take place or not. It must be carefully orchestrated to ensure that a positive response is received.

We have heard and seen many unique and dramatic methods to capture the much-desired “yes, I will.” I thought I had heard them all until JP Villegas and his statuesque bride Cielo shared their romantic and daring episode.

It was JP’s 30th birthday and Cielo wanted to surprise him with an unforgettable celebration. Off they went parasailing to Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa. Flying high in the sky, JP pulled out the tiny Hearts and Arrows box and popped the question. Before Cielo could utter a word, the box went tumbling down towards the sea. With mixed emotions of love and yet anger and frustration for such a reckless and awkward attempt, Cielo cried and screamed. But calmly, JP reeled in the engagement ring he had fastened at the end of a transparent string. Exhilarated with joy at the recovery of the precious ring, Cielo without a moment of hesitation said yes, …yes…yes…

The solemn wedding of JP and Cielo sets the standards for how weddings should be planned. The couple’s attention to every detail truly made invitees feel so special.

The moving nuptial ceremony was performed by Pastor Jo Alfafara at the Ocean Pavilion of the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa.  Cielo looked radiant in a simple white chiffon flowing gown by international designer Cebuana Monique Lhuillier while JP chose an off white embroidered shirt topped with a dark suit.

Fifteen sets of principal sponsors included  Raul Alcoseba and Victoria Moraza, Nemesio and Carmen Garcia, Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, Philip and Helen Yap, Nicolas and Susan Torres, Robin and Eveline Uy, Guillermo and Jessie Grace Puangco, Venustiano and Susan Jordan, Jimmy and Doris Colmenares, Ryan and Joann Rivera, Alex and Venus Pacquiao, Anthony and Maricel Pangilinan, Ardy and Vera Abello, Samuel and Pearl Tomale, and Joseph and Rosemarie Bulos. Best Man was the groom’s brother Ping-J and Maid of Honor was Karen Marek.

Secondary Sponsors were Heinz Bulos and Maya Madarang for the sand, symbolizing a joining or mixing of   two lives, Rowell Bulos and Carmina Bulos for the cord, and Hans Bulos and Jennifer Villegas for the veil. Phoenix Cabuay, Ella Bulos and Jasmine Cuasito were the adorable flower girls dressed in dainty white eyelets.

The reception followed at the majestic white marquee of the hotel’s property where sparkling wines and chilled champagne were served.

Floral designer Rose Amores Hudson and her team simply outdid themselves in transforming the venue into an autumn garden. The tables were embellished with elegant and dazzling orange, gold and yellow blooms with personalized napkins to match. The five-tiered  innovative cake complete with animated figurines of the newlyweds parasailing was lovingly baked by Marissa Unchuan.

The newlyweds danced to their song God Blessed the Broken Road, bringing applause and cheer. A touching moment had the groom singing his own composition entitled I love You Too Much, which brought tears to the blushing bride.

 The carefully planned and masterfully created dinner buffet that followed was simply outstanding.

After toasting, dancing and more toasting, the newlyweds retired to their own sanctuary to prepare for their much-anticipated relaxing two-week honeymoon around Asia.

To JP and Cielo, find happiness in the stability of knowing that you both love and care for each other.