A Japanese-themed wedding for Ryan Yu and Shieny Co

Absolutely, definitely, with all my heart," declared Ryan Yu, as he declared his vows and took Shieny Co, his fiancée of five years, to be his lawful wife.

Realizing their dream of a simple yet elegant ceremony, the couple, the children of Peter and Concepcion Yu, and Albert and Evelyn Co, wed at the Sacred Heart Parish Church with Monsignor Roberto Alesna and Monsignor Cristobal Garcia officiating the solemn rites.

The church was artistically decorated with tiny bamboo poles interspersed with atomizers that exuded refreshing fragrances of tropical flowers and Elizabeth Arden’s popular Green Tea scent. Much sought after florist Celebration Specialist created a unique, understated setting in keeping with the Japanese theme.

The principal sponsors included the groom’s uncle Joseph Yu and aunt Aristona Yu, Napoleon Co and Josephine Gothong, Crisostomo Dy and Ryan’s aunt Loreta Chua, dear friends of both families Daniel Hwuan and Rosa Go, Lorenzo Cua and Lucy Chua, Vicente Ongchanhoi and Margarita Onglatco, Henry Gocuan and Lourdes Tan, Freddie Go and Virginia Durano, Stewart Chu and Hannah Alcoseba, and Raul Laurente and Doris Marie Lopez.

The best men were Ryan’s brother Eric Jude and childhood friends Edward Onglatco and Levie Lim. Ana Concepcion Go, the bride’s best friend, was maid of honor.

Rounding up the junior entourage as groomsmen were the bride’s brother Albert Co, and Ryan’s buddies Edward Ongking, Dexter So, Kenneth Hing, Drason Chen, and Anthony Young. Faye Sharon, the groom’s sister, was one of the bridesmaids. Shieny’s cousins Galaxy and Clae Quirante, and friends Deborah Sy, Richelle Panganiban, and Jade Tao joined her.

The secondary sponsors were Bryan and Shiela Ong for the candle, June and Adelina Uy for the veil, and Joseph Go and Danessa Onglatco for the cord. The little attendants were ring bearer Joshua Uy, coin bearer Anthony Louise Nuñez, and Bible reader Steven Jacob Co. The flower girls were Isabela Apawan, Gail Casipong, and Jeanina Co.

The wedding reception followed at the Grand Convention Center where the grand ballroom was transformed into a heavenly paradise of white flowers and inverted white umbrellas that hung from the ceiling.

Ever popular society baker Marissa Unchuan made the elegant white five-layer cake. After a lavish lauriat dinner, and as the bridesmaids helped distribute the unique giveaways of Japanese chopsticks, the SRO Band played enticing music to keep guests on the dance floor for the rest of the night.