So, when son Anthony, sole heir to a chain of successful businesses of Winglip and Pinky Chang, married his beloved of six years Xacah Alessandra, daughter of erstwhile Cebu residents and currently US-based Johnny and Julie Kiener, at endearing rites officiated by Msgr. Adelito Abella, it was certainly more than a joyful occasion.
The expectations were high.
Pinky, Cebu’s foremost florist, together with event organizer, lady-of-style Teresing Mendezona, architect with a zest for life Tessie Javier, and talented landscaper Jaime Chua transformed the stately Redemptorist Church into a classical garden with a profusion of white poinsettias specially raised for the event and hundreds of huge calla lilies flown in from Baguio.
Xacah’s breathtaking gown, a Philip Rodriguez masterpiece in duchess satin, was artistically beaded with nacre sequins and Swarovski crystals that highlighted the floral pattern of the Chantilly lace that bordered the bodice.
In keeping with honored tradition, Xacah had initially a full fine veil, which Anthony, in an embroidered piña barong by the same designer, lifted after the vows, showing her radiant happy face decked with a pair of beautiful diamond and pearl drop earrings and a stunning necklace to match.
Soloist Isa Atillo and the Voice of Praise of Carmel filled the church with music that will be difficult to forget.
The principal sponsors, who observed the proceedings intently, were the groom’s godparents Earl Kokseng, Ricardo King and Oscar Chua, his uncles Cesar Mozar Jr. and Wington Chang, the bride’s titos Carl Singson, Alex Arcilla who proxied for Rodolfo Singson, and friends Aljoe Alfonso, Mario Medina and California residents who came just for the wedding Florentino Atillo III and Irma Lim Atillo. The madrinas were the groom’s relatives Mona Li, Anna Wright and Lydia Chang, the bride’s titas Kathie Javellana and Linda Knobbe and family friends of long standing Gina Aboitiz, Tina Fonacier, May Go and Mila Cabiluna.
Sarita Pimentel was the matron of honor, while Richard Joseph Li stood as best man. Bridesmaids were Danika Javellana, Layla Kiener, Vanessa Deen, Inez Reformina and Brooke Iskra. They were escorted by groomsmen Paul John Kiener, August Molina, Liland Mañacap, Matthew Morrell and Alexander Wright.
The Grand Convention Center, which is partially owned by the Changs, was the venue of the reception.
As the giant doors leading to the ballroom were opened after the relaxing cocktails, the invitees were awed at the dramatic setting. Butterflies made out of tulle in different colors and sizes were suspended from the ceiling, while others were intertwined among the meters of silk that draped and swayed across the room.
Nothing but the best of gourmet dishes and delectable desserts from Beehive, the house of hard-to-beat pastries, filled the buffet tables. Individual carrot almond fondant cakes by Cebu’s most-sought-after and well-meaning baker for milestones-in-one’s-life Marissa Unchuan were distributed.
After the toasts, dancing followed with the Pyramid Band providing the music. Past midnight, when the guests slowly started to retire, crystal chopsticks from China were given as memento of a truly memorable affair.