Joseph Tay, Jr.-Stephanie Coyiuto: A journey of true love from Shanghai to Sydney
MANILA, Philippines – The union of businessman Joseph Tay, Jr. and Philippine STAR writer Stephanie “Stenie” Coyiuto last June 20 marks the happy ending of a beautiful love story that began in Shanghai, had its cheesy moments in New York, and got its most romantic high in Sydney. The ceremony was held at 2 p.m., Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park, with sunshine finally breaking through after weeks of rain. The proud parents of the groom — Joseph Tay, Sr. and Faustina Tay of Prince Ventures — and the parents of the bride — Peter Coyiuto and Elena Tan Coyiuto of First Life Financial — were beaming with happiness.
Sponsors were Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. and wife Gretchen Cojuangco, Guia Gomez, Manuel Pangilinan, Carlos Chan, Clinton Campos-Hess, Dr. Rolando Hortaleza, Milagros How, Robert Coyiuto, Jr., Elisa Lim, Emilia “Bien-Bien” Yang, and Dr. Queena Lee-Chua. Former President Joseph Estrada joined the sponsors in the reception. Also present were Claudio Condotta and Stella Chua of Moroso, representing the Italian designer furniture brand the newlywed couple will soon be bringing to Manila.
From seeing them grow up, their first meeting, then witnessing the courtship process; to being their teacher, helping them set up the venue for the marriage proposal, and advising them on their personal lives, careers and business ventures — all was remembered as the couple invited each ninang and ninong to take a special role in the soon-to-be newlyweds’ lives.
The groom was greeted with cheers and applause and the doors opened to welcome the radiant bride. The chorale group 92AD started singing a haunting version of Sting’s Fields of Gold, and there was not a dry eye in the church.
The Mass was beautiful, tinged with humor and love. The couple’s officiating priest and good friend Fr. Johnny Go (director of Xavier School, Greenhills) delivered an inspiring homily and so graciously shared the love story of the couple. Adding a special touch, as Joseph and Stenie both studied in Ateneo de Manila University, Fr. Bienvenido Nebres (president of Ateneo) and Fr. Nemesio Que (director of Ateneo’s Office of Admission and Aid) concelebrated the Mass, graced by Bishop Jimmy Afable’s presence.
Here’s their love story as narrated by Fr. Go:
“The couple met five years ago in an art gallery in Shanghai. Carlson Chan, a friend of Stenie’s, was participating in a furniture show. Joseph had just arrived to explore some work opportunities there, and being new in town, he wanted to meet other Filipinos with whom he could connect. Little did he know then that he was about to meet the girl who would change his life.
“On their way to a restaurant that same night, Joseph managed to sit beside Stenie in the car and was immediately impressed by this girl, whom he described as “highly intelligent, straightforward and very cute.” After only five minutes of conversation, he already felt that Stenie was someone he wanted to see again. True enough, under the pretext of a tourist who wanted to see the sights, he asked Stenie out on what for him anyway was their first date. On their third meeting, he decided that he was already in love with Stenie. Joseph certainly wasted no time there.
“But at that time, Stenie was just fresh out of college and had many other things on her mind, such as her plans to study. And so for her, it wasn’t yet quite the right time for a serious relationship, especially considering all her travel plans.
“But Joseph just wasn’t the type of guy who would let distance get in the way. The following years saw Stenie in Europe, the United States, Australia and Singapore. Do you think Joseph let all this stop him? No way! While Stenie was pursuing her master’s degree in New York, Joseph was pursuing her long-distance. And in 2007, at the proper time — and after saving up all his salary for the trip — he flew all the way to New York, and together with a group of friends, they drove to Cape Cod for a short vacation. That special time together allowed them to get to know one another better, and before she knew it, Stenie caught herself actually considering moving back to Asia just for Joseph — a clear sign that she was now open to a special kind of relationship with him. What finally sealed the deal was when Joseph invited Stenie to a walk through Central Park, and after finding the perfect spot, he formally asked Stenie to be his girlfriend. And so, needless to say, with all the combined soundtrack of every romantic movie shot in New York playing in her head, Stenie — quite helplessly — said yes. Years later, she rationalizes her response by saying, “But what girl would not fall for such cheesiness?
“Finally, during a trip to Australia with both their families, Joseph took Stenie out for dinner somewhere overlooking the Opera House in Circular Quay, and invited her for a walk by the sea. Then he got down on one knee in front of the Opera House and just as fireworks lit up the night sky, asked her to be his wife. Stenie was so impressed with Joseph’s perfect timing that she immediately said yes.
“When we think about it, those of us who see through eyes of faith know that there is really no such thing as a coincidence. Through all the apparent accidents and chances, through all our decisions and even mistakes, God moves in our lives and He guides us even if we know it not. Listening to the story of Stenie and Joseph, a journey that has spanned several major cities in the world and that has today led us here to this altar, I am convinced that our Lord, through all of eternity, has created — no, custom-made — Stenie and Joseph for each other. It will be a moment of moments: a moment you both have hoped for and dreamed of, a moment both your parents have prayed for all these years, a moment that God from all of eternity has worked for.”
The bride wore a seamless, gorgeous, lace-topped Paul Cabral gown. The entourage, also in Paul Cabral, was a refreshing sight of multi-pastel colors with a one-shoulder silver beaded strap. The flower girls, “mini-brides,” were in all-white gowns — all in line with the Mediterranean/Greek–inspired theme the couple envisioned.
The ceremony was serene and elegant, and the couple’s personal touch was seen in each and every detail. As expected, a lot more surprises were in store for guests at the reception later that evening at Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Despite the number of people present, with Rizal Ballroom being packed to the brim, the wedding party felt intimate. Shangri-La’s Rizal Ballroom was shimmering in its trademark gold, accented by the green tablecloth and lamp centerpieces all decked in beautiful white flowers arranged by Jing Tañada.
As guests were seated, the ballroom went dim, then a short photo montage of the couple was played. In a dramatic moment, a spotlight then shone on the groom Joseph, who was seated behind the grand piano. The groom beautifully played the Broadway piece ‘Til There Was You, and when he finished, The String Minstrels continued playing the piece as the bride entered the ballroom. The groom and bride walked toward each other for their first dance to the tune of Feels Like Home.
During dinner, images of the earlier ceremony were shown by the internationally acclaimed photographer Lito Sy. The couple shared their story through dramatic and emotional videos created by master videographer Jason Magbanua.
The best part of the evening was when the couples’ family and friends delivered their speeches. The father of the bride Peter Coyiuto brought the house down with his trademark quips and insightful advice on love. Peter ended with a toast, telling his daughter Stenie “Though I gave you up today, I didn’t give up easily. But this no one can take away from me — not even your beloved Joseph. You will always be my baby girl, and I love you very, very much.”
The party continued with special numbers from Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez Seña. Special guest Jose Mari Chan serenaded the audience with a duet of Unexpected Song with Isay and a solo number of Love to Last a Lifetime. The bride and groom, together with friends, gave a delightful dance number to a roaring audience, performing an unexpected tribute to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean and Thriller complete with top hats.
The entire evening was a “fairy-tale story come true,” according to friends. The event was expertly organized by Rita Neri and her team. Hosting was done by friends of the couple, the ever-witty RJ Ledesma of Philippine STAR and the charming Jennifer Kelly.
Guys went home with a personalized bottle of wine made from the vineyards of Ninong and Ninang Eduardo and Gretchen Cojuangco, Jr. in Australia. Girls were given a bowl lined with spring and autumn leaves painstakingly collected from a farm in Australia and handmade in Bacolod.
In her wedding vows, Stenie declared that Joseph made her believe in love. Well, the union of Joseph and Stenie made the audience believe in love.
