A Wedding of Two Cultures

The idea that opposites attract has always held a certain appeal. Rea Manalo Joseph was born in America while Lyle Gillamac Gonzalez was born in the Philippines. Although raised on opposite ends of the globe with different cultures and traditions, both adhere to Filipino values and spiritual faith instilled in them by their loving parents.

A chance meeting in the United States brought this lovely couple together and eventually a steadfast love for each other was born. Then there was marriage to look forward to.

The bride arrived at the St. James the Great Parish dressed in an all white beaded, one-of-a-kind gown masterfully created by international fashion designer, proudly Cebuano, Cary Santiago. The groom was equally dashing in a black pin-striped suit by Hugo Boss. The solemn ceremony was presided over by Monsignor Gerry Santos assisted by Father Matthew Fernandez.

The principal sponsors were Gloria Garcia, Merce Willard, Grace Manalo,  Lucrecia Alvarez and Rosemarie Rafael. They were joined by Ralph Joseph, Ramon Manalo, Alan Gillamac, Julio Gonzalez and Victor Gonzalez. Maids of Honor were Riza Joseph and Eunice Tan while Best Men were the groom’s brothers Byron and Sergei Gonzalez.

After the nuptial ceremony, guests proceeded  to the Bellevue Hotel for cocktails where Montes wines flowed endlessly and expectedly  considering the brothers Joseph own Ralph’s Wines and Spirits.

Prior to the sit down dinner, Rea’s precocious eight-year-old brother River delivered a heart warming prayer he composed for the occasion. The well-orchestrated menu included slivers of salmon, followed by a creamy carrot soup, a refreshing lemon sorbet and choice beef with sidings.

Invitees enjoyed a fabulous performance by the acapella singing group the Akafellas followed by a captivating onsite AVP by  videographer Bob Nicolas.

The couple took to the dance floor for their first dance after which Bobby Joseph stepped in and  effortlessly guided Rea to the tune  of Jim Brickman’s love music, The Gift.

One of the highlights of the evening was the surprise birthday cake wheeled in  for Rea’s dad Bobby  who was celebrating his birthday. Warm felicitations and toasts were showered for the newlyweds and the birthday celebrator. 

For the newlyweds, the party did not stop there. They flew to Boracay for a few days of loving, fun and sharing before returning to their home in Southern California where Rea continues to work for LA County and Lyle as a physical therapist in an area hospital.