CEBU, Philippines - It started some 17 years ago when Anton and Lili Florendo with children and among them daughter Maita in tow visited their long standing friends, the Alcantara couple and their brood which included son Gerard in America. Maita was only eleven and Gerard fourteen. They instantly became the best of friends.
The years rolled by. Maita soon followed her dream and became a full pledged teacher while Gerard first trained as a chef in Australia, achieved his goal and pursued further studies in food science inVirginia, USA. They happily nourished and enhanced their friendship through email, overseas calls and occasional home visits. It was only but natural that their platonic relationship blossomed into a romantic one.
Recently, Maita and Gerard exchanged marriage vows at simple yet elegant rites officiated by Pastor Macky Sabayle of the Bradford Church at the Salon de Madrid of the Casino Español de Cebu.
The setting was simply awesome. It was filled with lilies and mums while the background was lighted with hundreds upon hundreds of Tivoli lights. The doting bride’s mom Lili Florendo outdid herself in the décor.
The bride was a picture of youthful loveliness in her Arcy Gayatin original creation which was encrusted with pearls and crystals. The groom alongside his Best Man Roderick Jaurigue, looked dashing in a dark tailored suit.
The Maid of Honor was the bride’s sister Leanne Florendo . The bridesmaids, Melissa Florendo, Charise Fruelda, Christina Lacaba, Nicole Herrera and Rhodalyn Wani wore infinity dresses which were designed by the bride.
The Groomsmen were Giovanni Teves, Duane Sy, Lorenz Florendo, Robert and Gideon Alcantara and Marc Sanidad.
The principal sponsors were Secretary Margarito Teves and Russian Honorary Consul Armi Garcia, Pat Veloso and Isabel Garcia, Raoul Viray and Marites Pamintuan, Rosauro Boromeo and Evelyn Abad, Jaime Magbanua and Czarina Teves, Youman Uymatiao and Susan Tenorio, proxied by Janice Gaston, and Arnolfo Teves and Salome Garcia proxied by Erlyn Campos. The reception immediately followed at the Salon de España . Guests were utterly spellbound by the magical setting which was once again meticulously done by Lili Florendo. The walls were covered with rich brown and wine red flowing material that likewise reflected the wedding theme. The tables were adorned with tall glass cones surrounded by enchanting flower centerpieces of red budding roses. Four antique chandeliers illuminated the ballroom to perfection.
There were lots of pleasant and heartwarming surprises throughout the evening but what surely got the most applause was the duet of Anton and Lili Florendo followed by a short musical entertainment by Junior Bridesmaid Annika Florendo and the adorable flower girls Laela and Andrea Garcia.
As the happy celebration came to a close and surrounded by family and dear friends, Gerard and Maita started their new love affair as man and wife. The newlyweds will make their residence in Concord, California. ?