Julian Favila & Vianca Anonuevo: Roman holiday

MANILA, Philippines - The Vatican, Roman Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Plaza Venezia and many other attractions were just some of the highlights of a Roman holiday — and a wedding for this couple.

For Julian Favila, son of Annette B. Favila, and Vianca Anonuevo, daughter of Marivic E. Anonuevo and the late Roy Nilo T. Anonuevo, a destination wedding in the Eternal City of Rome was a dream come true. 

The couple wanted something different — a small intimate gathering of friends and family in a beautiful place with historical and spiritual significance. The idea was born when they heard of a religious pilgrimage being organized in Greece and Turkey by a family friend who owns a travel agency.

They chose a wedding in Rome since both of them were enthralled by the history of the city, and love reading and watching historical books and shows about Rome. It was the perfect place.

The priest in charge of the pilgrimage was Fr. Gerry Tapiador, a close friend and advisor, and so it was the perfect way to start their life as a newlywed couple — to be with God and their families in a religious pilgrimage. 

Having this wedding abroad wasn’t easy. First hurdle they had to face was inviting their families to join them on this adventure. As much as they wanted all of them to be there as they walked down the aisle, Rome was not an easy destination. Because of this, they were able to come up with the perfect solution — get married in Rome and have their reception back home in the Philippines. 

Thus, they planned a wedding 10,000 kilometers away — a task made easier by hiring wedding planner Brenda Babcock, owner of Italia Celebrations (www.italiacelebrations.com), a former director for Vera Wang in New York who is now based in Rome and handles destination weddings all over Italy. 

Julian, like any other groom, had his doubts about trusting suppliers they had never met. Because of this, they started hiring a well-known photographer first. They figured, if an internationally award-winning photographer, Rochelle Cheever (www.rochellecheever.com), recommended these suppliers then they were in good hands.

After only six months of preparations, the couple was wed on April 24 at Sant’ Andre Al Quirinale, a small baroque church considered by its architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini as his most perfect work. The nuptial Mass was officiated by long-time family friend, Fr. Gerry Tapiador, and concelebrated with Rome-based Fr. Rex Fortes, CM.

The Loved Flock Choir, composed of talented kids of Filipino migrant workers in Rome, was requested to sing at the wedding — the couple’s way of still keeping with traditional Filipino weddings even in a different country.

The wedding sponsors were handpicked by the couple from people who were really close to them: Edwin Anonuevo, Martin Favila, Peter Favila, Rizalino Favila, Antonio Lim, Nestor Mangio, Dr. Augusto Reyes, Stella Cabalatungan, Leonora de Jesus, Norma Dinglasan, Dr. Erlinda Echanis, Maria Teresita Favila, Felecitas Fragada and Milagros Eustaquio-Syme.

The best men were Juan Miguel Domingo and Armando Racelis while the maids of honor were Annalyn Alejo and Christine Caparras.

A mini-reception followed at Ristorante Antica Pesa, a Michelin-rated historical restaurant frequented by Holywood celebrities (the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Al Pacino) at Rione Di Trastevere where the couple and their guests dined on traditional Roman cuisine.

The following day, the couple was privileged to be given Sposi Novelli tickets by Fr. Ricky Roma, which gave them special seats assigned for newlyweds near the altar during the Papal audience, allowing them to receive special blessings from Pope Benedict.

Capping the entire adventure was a religious pilgrimage all over Italy. Their journey of la dolce vita started in Rome to San Giovanni, Assisi, Padova, Pisa, Venice, Milan and finally back to Manila where they then celebrated their reception party with all their beloved friends and family who could not join them in Rome.