Love reigned at Martin-Shin nuptials

Set to take a much-needed break within the next few days, the island of Boracay was at its most beautiful last April 18. The sun shone bright with an inviting warmth. The sand was soft like talcum powder and whiter than usual. And how the evening glowed with firefly lights from boats on the water, glaring neon from the nightspots around and from stars in the sky that seemed so close, you could reach up and pick one.

Little wonder that when West End star Rachelle Ann Go decided to marry Martin Spies, she was dead set on doing it in Boracay, where her fiancé proposed last August, 2017.  When told she needed a change of venue because Boracay was going to close, she clung to faith and prayed hard. She got her wish. The wedding was held at the blissful garden of the Shangri-La Hotel, while the reception was flowing cocktails and dinner of so much variety at the sand-filled lobby of Discovery Suites.

Rachelle Ann or Shin to family and friends, met Martin in a church in New York while she was doing the role of Gigi in Miss Saigon on Broadway. The attraction was instantaneous and couple was soon engaged and planning the wedding in Boracay. And so it happened in an elegant ceremony before 70 guests, all of whom had been part of their journey towards their most important date.

Love and sincerity filled Boracay during Shin’s wedding dates. Those, plus kindness, gratitude and other virtues were constantly in evidence. This was in the monogrammed tote bags filled with beach essentials that thoughtfully greeted guests on arrival in their hotel rooms, to the way friends and relatives from the UK, Canada, South Africa and the U.S. of A. and of course, the Philippines gladly set aside personal lives to be with them, to the way they obeyed her request not to put out pictures until after their pastor Bruce Ho had pronounced them man and wife.

These were also in how Shin’s couturier brother Oz Go was up wielding needle and thread with so much love for several nights to perfectly outfit the wedding party and most especially Shin. He succeeded. Like most everything about the event, the bridal gown, a romantic, low-backed number was perfect and the bride was at her most beautiful. 

Oz said: “We wanted to do a modern silhouette with a little touch of the ‘80s, a good balance between intricacy in the details but not looking heavy. We wanted to achieve that dreamy, ethereal goddess look while some embroidered leaves and beaded branches symbolize life and growth.” Shin prepared for her wedding in a lacy robe by Oz and danced at the reception in an off-shoulder sequined dress with light feathers on the bodice again by Oz.

Here is wishing Martin and Shin a continuation of all the peace, kindness, gratefulness, happiness and everything beautiful that filled Boracay during their stay all their lives.  The couple left last week for London where they will make their home.

Boracay is now at rest but is expected to rise up, recovered from all ills and be even more beautiful in six months time.