Ciara Sotto can't find the right words to describe how she feels as Mrs. Jojo Oconer: "Hindi ko alam, e... It's a feeling that you can't explain. When I met him in the States na parang, I feel so special to him right now, all of a sudden...Tulad nga ng sabi ni Direk Mike, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Akala ko after nun wala na, nakakagulat din pala na pag-uwi ko, talaga palang yun ang plinano ng Diyos para sa akin." On his part, Jojo tells PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal): "Ako naman, early on in our relationship, I felt that I wanted to end up with her. Ngayong January 17 kami kinasal and March 20 ako nag-propose, it was just a matter of timing...But in terms of who I wanted to end up with, I knew it was her early on."
Ciara Sotto and her dream wedding with Joe Oconer
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
11:49 AM
Rating
The weather blends perfectly with the special affair held at the Westfield Manila Polo Club in Forbes Park, Makati City, last Sunday, January 17.
Since the guy's proposal last March 20, 2009, Ciara Sotto and Jojo Oconer went hands-on in preparing and organizing their wedding. The coordinator, courtesy of Solutions Events, only came in during the big day itself.
Ciara tells PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "I just have my ideas. Of course, you need people like Tita Ana Tueres of Solution Events and Margarita Fores para ma-materialize kung ano ang gusto kong theme..."
WEDDING DETAILS. The theme is 1940s-inspired "old English" because the bride loves anything vintage. The motif is lavender, which is the bride's favorite color.
Jojo, according to Ciara, is "dedma about the concept." The groom laughs and counters, "I'm actually starting to like it because of her. Yung mga vintage-vintage na 'yan, and even yung inspiration niya for this wedding, British tea party. So yun, I'm starting to appreciate it na rin."
The gowns of the bride and entourage are all creations of Ciara's close friend, Mich Dulce. Of course, they're also vintage-inspired.
Ciara relates, "I've always been amazed ever since A League of their Own na movie, favorite ko yun, e. Noong bata ako, paulit-ulit kong pinapanood yun. So, hanggang sa naging friends ko si Mich. Tapos yung idea niya na, it's okay to dress like you live during the 1940s. So yun, parang lumakas ang loob ko..."
The youngest daughter of former Senator Tito Sotto and singer-actress Helen Gamboa chooses Lala Flores to do her makeup, and Celeste Tuviera, her hair.
From Manila Peninsula Hotel, a vintage car brings the bride to the open field.
And around 4:00 p.m, everything comes to a standstill. The bride—smiling, and at one point, shedding tears of joy—makes her bridal walk.
THE ENTOURAGE. It's a star-studded wedding!
Sharon Cuneta, the bride's cousin and considered as the eldest in their family, is the Matron of Honor, along with Danica Sotto-Pingris, Ciara's closest cousin. Cat Bautista, the non-showbiz best friend of Ciara is the Maid of Honor.
Jojo chooses the sons of Mr. T or Mr. Tony Tuviera of TAPE, Inc. and APT Films, to be his Best Men—director Mike and Eduardo Tuviera.
Ciara's sisters, Diorella Maria and Romina, are the Secondary Sponsors. The former lights the candle with Nestor Leynes III, while the latter handles the veil with JP Castillo. Bearers of the cord are Pops Fernandez and Ernesto Calanoc.
KC Concepcion shows up, and is later seen putting and removing the veil of the bride and groom.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen have an interesting mix of couple's friends in showbiz, politics, and non-showbiz. The six pairs are Mich Dulce and Kim Honasan, Julia Clarete and Diosdado Arroyo, Erica Silva and Erwin Dy, Marie Aquino and Manuel Tamayo Jr., Joy Sotto and Gian Sotto, and Jocelyn Oconer and Sherwin de Leon.
The coin bearer is Dawn Zulueta, whose son Jacobo Lagdameo is the Bible bearer. Ring bearer is the nephew of Ciara and son of Gian, Edrigu W. Sotto.
Flower girls are Nadia Tuviera, Mariel Daniella Sophia Pangilinan, Helena Maria de Leon, and Simone Francesca Emmanuelle Pangilinan. They are escorted by Vicente Sotto IV, Victorio Generoso, and Romino Generoso.
The couple have eight pairs of sponsors, who are all close to them and their parents: Sen. Gringo Honasan and Ms. Letty Tan, Mr. Ramon Ang and Mother Lily Monteverde, Cong. Romeo Jalosjos (represented by his son Bullet Jalosjos) and Ms. Kitchie Benedicto-Paulino, Mr. Antonio Tuviera and Ms. Madeleine Tuviera, Mr. Roberto Barreiro and Ms. Lisa Alvenida, Mr. Vic Sotto and Ms. Malou Choa-Fagar, Mr. Joey de Leon and Ms. Evelyn Roxas, and Mr. Harry Tan and Mrs. Natividad Cheng.
THE CEREMONY. Aside from the vows, one unforgettable part of the entire ceremony is the thank-the-parents portion, which is a suggestion of the officiating pastor Bernard Marquez.
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