Luke Yuhico first set eyes on Riza Joseph, the younger sister of his grade school classmate Robi, at the Alabang Country Club. He was nine and she was a petite four-year-old.
Luke and Riza met 13 years later at his grandparents home. A casual encounter led to several informal group dates. It was short-lived as Riza left for the US to continue her studies. However, they kept in touch through long- distance calls and brief get-togethers during the holidays.
After a five-year romantic courtship spanning two continents, Luke, a graduate with honors, cum laude, from the UST Medical School and Riza, who earned an accounting degree with honors cum laude, from California State Fullerton, were wed at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park with Monsignor Gerry Santos and Fr. Matthew Fernandez as officiating priests.
The church, a favorite of many young brides, was aglow, decorated simply to complement the elegant altar. Floral stylist Jennifer Tañada had white calla lilies and roses in low bunches to give guests a clear view of the aisle.
For the couple’s most anticipated day, Luke, son of Delfin and Ma. Mercedes Yuhico, arrived in a tailored-to-perfection black suit and white necktie by JC Buendia. Riza was utterly radiant in her Patrice Ramos-Diaz flowing with a lowered back, sleeveless bridal gown. The finishing touch was Riza’s beautiful bouquet consisting of deep red roses.
She then made her way to the center aisle where proud parents Honorary Consul of Latvia Robert Joseph and his lovely wife Ida who was stunning in red met her.
The UST Choir provided the heartwarming songs that reflected the couple’s love for each other. They didn’t realize was how emotional it made everyone when they recited their vows of commitment, companionship, and unconditional love .
The principal sponsors included Jose Ma. Albert and Linda Ejercito, Federico Garcia and Ma. Lourdes Joseph, Ralph Joseph and Mareeya Lim, Raymond Joseph and Teresa Loreto, Ramon and Azucena Manalo, Francisco and Eileen Manalo, Juanito Remulla and Grace Manalo, Hans Sy and Cynthia Tan, Dylan Tantuico and Merce Willard and Philip and Eileen Yuhico. The bride’s newly married sister Rea Gonzales, the sole bridal attendant, was matron of honor while John Ridon, Carl Van Hoven, and Delfin Yuhico III, yes all three, were best men.
Given special places of honor were the grandparents of the groom Delfin Yuhico and Ma. Esperanza Olivera and the grandparents of the bride Ponciano and Milagros Manalo.
Shortly after the endearing ceremony, guests proceeded to the Mandarin Hotel for cocktails where the finest wines and champagnes from Ralph’s Wines and Spirits endlessly flowed. Dinner followed at the Grand Ballroom. The venue was framed in sheer white drapes interspaced by hanging glass beads. Dozens upon dozens of red, red roses on tall crystal vases served as the center piece for each table.
During dinner, everyone was enthralled by Bob Nicolas’ creative video featuring the couple’s love story through flashback pictures. They were then regaled by the accomplished Strings Minstrels.
The meant-to-be-for-each other newlyweds, have embarked on a two-week leisure tour of Europe for their honeymoon before settling back in their new home in Los Angeles, California.