‘Una boda elegantisima’ for Cebu school buddies

Aimil Bowler Gonzalez and Marko Garcia Sarmiento are the best of friends. Not only were they classmates at the Cebu International School, they were even golf buddies during summer vacations. However, their pursuit of a college education kept them apart for the very first time in their young lives. He went to North Carolina in America, while she opted to go to Montreal in Canada.

After graduation, they both rushed back home to Cebu only to declare that distance nurtured their love for each other. One summer evening in Boracay, Marko proposed marriage to Aimil.

So on the 16th of June, Aimil and Marko sealed their 10-year romance with an elegantisima boda at the imposing Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

It was a las seis impunto de la tarde when the wedding procession began, with the Guadalupe Choir heralding the arrival of the bride.

Aimil, como todas las novias, estaba guapisima, radiant with happiness as she seemed to float down the aisle with her father, shipper Ed Gonzalez, by her side.

She chose Cebu’s favorite bridal designer, Philip Rodriguez, to fashion her gown of fitted duchesse satin top with a Sabrina neckline and an off-white gazar skirt embroidered with floral bouquets in lilac, butter yellow and celadon green, all traced with caviar beads. She had her bare back covered by an illusion stretch tulle, adding a dramatic effect.

Aimil carried a classic bouquet of delicate orchids and clustered lily of the valley, crafted by Manila’s sought-after florist Antonio Garcia of Mabolo.

The groom’s uncle, the Rev. Msgr. Cristobal Garcia, celebrated the nuptial Mass. The marriage rite was made more personal and truly meaningful with the adaption of the old tradition of a huppa, a treasured heirloom linking the past with a promise of hope for the future.

Las madrinas were the groom’s aunts Ermelinda Garcia and Ireen Sarmiento, the bride’s titas Susan Dahlman, Evelyn Ugarte, Elizabeth Chiongbian and friend-for-life Mari Villalon.

Their equally distinguished padrinos were the groom’s uncles Ramontito Garcia and Renato Sarmiento, the bride’s tito Bruno Gonzalez and dear friends of the families Mariano Perdices, Jose Mari Moraza and Richard Palou.

Marko’s brothers Arlo and Paolo were best men, while Aimil’s sister Adrianne was maid of honor. Childhood friends Brida Barba, Pamela Villalon, Marijoy Garcia and Martine Sarmiento were the bridesmaids, while Kiyofumi Takahashi, Juan Augusto Syjuco, John Carl Abines and Robin Sarmiento were the groomsmen.

Also in the wedding party were the secondary sponsors Joven Francis Neri and Motome Saito (candle), Marc Gonzalez and Maita Unchuan (veil) and Andre Borromeo and Trina Marie Franco (cord). The little attendants were Brady Chiongbian and August Rafael Panlilio as ring and coin bearers, while Anica Sarmiento was the adorable flower girl.

The cathedral’s exquisite floral setting of yellow, pink and purple mums, with a profusion of fishtail garlands, was artistically duplicated at the grand ballroom of the Cebu Country Club, where the reception took place. Cebu’s leading wedding coordinator no hay otra, Teresin Mendezona, once again outdid herself with such creation of a masterpiece.

The Beehive restaurant, noted for its excellent cuisine for generations, catered the wedding feast, while master baker Marissa Unchuan was responsible for the unique four-layered cake made of miniature rainbow cupcakes.

Soon after dinner, the music began and Aimil and Marko led the dancing.

It was a celebration de amor and happiness. For Margette and Efren Sarmiento, Aimil is the daughter they never had, and for Therese and Ed Gonzalez, they have gained a son every parent longs for. It was certainly a most unforgettable wedding.

To Aimil and Marko, may there be nothing but the best in store for both of you.