The Grand Wedding of Nicole & Charles

 CEBU, Philippines - As far as Nicole Liok was concerned, she was to meet up with her aunt Gertrude Abarquez to look at condominiums for sale. Little did she know  her aunt had arranged for a casual chance meeting with Charles Ong , COO of TGU Towers, who also  happens to be the   son of the owner. It was love at first sight for both.

Dinner dates and outings soon followed until they decided  that their enchanting moments promised a magical life together.. And so it came to pass that Nicole and Charles exchanged marital vows recently.

Just before three o'clock, the guests gathered at the imposing Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral . Not a minute late, Nicole appeared stunning and beautiful in a  duchess satin embroidered gown encrusted with pearls, beads and crystals   by fashion designer Philipp Tampus .She joined her  parents George and Sylvia Alvarez Liok  midway down the aisle.

The groom,  debonair in a Hugo Boss dark suit, alongside his parents Jojo and Marilou Ong  stood teary-eyed as he watched his blushing bride timidly approach him. Hand in hand they then  knelt for the nuptial Mass which was   officiated by  Monsignor Roberto Alesna.

Witnessing the union were Bobby Ong, William Jang, James Tan, Eduardo Hitosis, Raladin Mojica, Jose Sy, Nehlby and George Liok, Carol Ai Peng, Janjan Bacaltos, Gertrude Abarquez, Gloria Seno, Amanda and Ana Liok, Tetta Baad,  and this writer.  The groom's brother Neil Anthony Ong was Best Man while sister Crystal Chloe Ong was Maid of Honor.

Immediately after the solemn ceremony, the reception followed at the only five star hotel in the city,  Marco Polo Plaza.  Cocktails  and appetizers were served at the well appointed lobby, prior to dinner.

At the magnificent ballroom, tables were adorned with tall mirrored vases surrounded by enchanting flower centerpieces and scented candles lovingly put together by florist par excellence Pinky Chang. This  set the romantic mood for the rest of the celebration.

The very much in love couple wanted the wedding to be a mixture of Spanish and Chinese  traditions. They did away with the formality of the receiving line and kept the speeches simple.

Over dinner, an AVP presentation shot in Palompon, Leyte, where Nicole had many  happy childhood  memories told of the couple's love  for each other.

The upbeat entertainment was provided by Jay Cayuca, the Filipino violin virtuoso who simply mesmerized and  captivated the guests with his exceptionally superior talent  and boundless energy. The bride then  danced with her father and the groom with his mom which was a moving and endearing  highlight .

The surprise of the evening was the beautifully orchestrated performance   by members of the Ong family from different parts of the globe who sang  a few love songs.

Being surrounded by family and dear friends made the affair  a poignant experience. There was no denying the collective sentiment of the attendees that night who affirmed that the celebration  was  one of the most heartfelt, and fun weddings  they had ever attended. (FREEMAN)