Franz Fricke & Junnie Unson: A love story from Anilao to Hong Kong to Greece to Bali
MANILA, Philippines - THE GROOM: Franz J. Fricke is managing partner of Synergy Media Specialists, an international media agency that produces country and industry-focused reports for foreign publications.He is the son of Fred Fricke, former president of Chaine des Rottiseurs, and Baby Girl Fricke, president of Artemis.
THE BRIDE: Junnie A. Unson was deputy store operations manager of Adora with over 10 years of retail experience. She is now a personal shopper and importer of beautiful items, which she finds on travels with Franz. She is the daughter of Edmundo L. Unson Jr. who passed away when she was 11, and Rosalinda A. Unson.
HOW THEY MET: “We met while scuba diving in some resort in Anilao about 10 or 11 years ago,” says Franz.
LOVE STORY DRAMA: “I wish it were that simple... Things didn’t work out as planned despite my best attempts to ask Junnie out. Two years later I saw her again and reminisced how she looked in that pink bikini. Unfortunately, she still wasn’t interested. A few months later, she started appearing in Pravda (a well-known bar which was then managed by one of the groomsmen, Paolo Trillo) and I think I started making an impression on her. Still, it was difficult and I decided to forget about it,” sighs Franz.
“Until Andie Quila, a good friend, set us up. A bunch of us watched Matrix Reloaded in Rockwell and that was the beginning. It was 2003. A bittersweet time for me because as we may have been on the verge of getting serious, I left Manila to live off a suitcase.
“A long distance relationship ensued. It worked out for a while... she called it off... then she visited me in Hong Kong...we stayed in touch... called it off again... got barely back in touch then finally,... a three- year hiatus. No calls, no emails, until one day, a short comment on Facebook. That was in 2008.
Sunset photo with friends: JC Gonzalez, Tracy Gonzalez, Sabine Gonzalez, Miko Javier, Mark Reyes, Eman Pineda, Karlo Laurel, Pia Bacungan, Franz Fricke, Junnie Unson, Paolo Trillo, Rissa Trillo, Daniel Geiger, Jacqui Morales, Monch Espejo, Ana Espejo, Tanya dela Paz, Quad dela Paz, Michelle Lao “There was still a lot of uncertainty because of my nomadic status. But thanks to divine intervention, my charm and Ginny del Rosario, a close friend, who repremanded Junnie to stop making pakipot. In May of 2009, we went to Boracay and that was the start of a two year road trip.We travelled through Bali, Europe, South America, the Far East and the Middle East together.”
THE PROPOSAL: Greece. May 14, 2011.Sunset in a cliff somewhere in Santorini, where Junnie said “yes” to Franz.
THE WEDDING ATTIRE: Junnie chose a Pronovias gown from Mi Sueno Bridal.The groomsmen’s suits were bought off the rack. The gowns of the bridesmaids and the couple's mothers were done by Mich Araullo.
THE SETTING: The wedding ceremony was held at the FX Xaverius Church in Kuta Bali and the wedding reception was at Villa Phalosa in Seminyak. Close to the water, with the beautiful Bali sunset in the background.
THE FOOD: Caterer Lynley Marston prepared Balinese food with live food stations.
THE FLOWERS: “Bali Nature Florist was easy to work with. For the flower arrangment, tent layout and over all reception layout, I worked closely with Franz’ mom, Baby Girl Fricke and Franz’ sister, Tania Lichauco before finalizing details with suppliers,” says Junnie.
THE PROGRAM: Upon entering the villa, guests were greeted with rindik music players and chilled lemon grass juice. Canapes and cocktails were served during sunset as soft lounge music began playing.Dinner began at 7:30 and the groom's close friend Miko Javier was the MC for the evening. Speeches were made by the matron of honor, Renee U. Acosta (the bride's sister), best man Monch Espejo, the groom’s sister Tania Lichauco and the bride’s good friend, Bea Ilusorio. Beautiful song numbers were done by Chito Cantada (The More I See You and More), Aia de Leon (The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson and The Way You Look Tonight) and Vicky Baluyut (Girl from Ipanema).
THE BEAUTIFUL ENDING: Silver and blue balloons were distributed to the guests after the songs. Small pieces of paper were attached to the end of the strings for wishes for the couple. The balloons were released to the song Beautiful Day by U2 in the villa garden.Then dancing went on and on.
