t0319marge-thomas_feat1_2 — MITHI wore a gown by Amir Sali, a townmate from Jolo and a designer for Saudi royalty (he also became known when he did a beadwork for Korina Sanchez’s gown). The veil is by Renee Salud.

t0319marge-thomas_feat1_1 — A PICTURE of wedded bliss. Mithi was impeccably groomed by Victor Palmos. Tucked in the bouquet are photos of the bride’s parents and children who couldn’t attend the ceremony.

To update her Facebook status, the Filipino bride of a former US envoy to the Philippines changed her name: Mithi Aquino-Thomas. The postings depicted wedded bliss.

MITHI Aquino-Thomas’ simple cake punctuated with a bouquet of pink roses to make a statement

Former US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. and Mithi Aquino crossed barriers of culture, age (a 21-year gap) and legalities, tying the knot last week in an intimate ceremony at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Manhattan.

Close Filipino friends said the couple had originally planned to marry in the Philippines as soon as they got their legal documents. However, Thomas had to leave last fall to assume his new role as diplomat-in-residence at the University of Arizona, and Aquino got her clearance papers to marry him from the State Department.

Designer Paul Cabral revealed that Aquino was already envisioning her wedding gown to be shapely yet understated in elegance. Ultimately, she wore a bustier gown by Amir Sali, who is known for beadwork.

t0319marge-thomas_feat1_5 — PROUDLY Filipino. The couple both wore barong at the rehearsal dinner. Thomas has adopted Filipino culture including the taste for barong.

Crooner Arthur Manuntag, who was part of their circle, was asked to sing at the wedding. Although Manuntag couldn’t fly to New York because of commitments, he sent his video of their favorite song, “Unforgettable,” for the occasion.

Some 70 guests, mostly close friends, relatives and Thomas’ former schoolmates, attended the event. The reception was held at the Lotos Club, a historic and exclusive club in the Upper East Side.

They met in 2011 on a big cruise ship, Holland America Line, when it hosted a luncheon for VIP clients. Thomas was introduced to the staff, including Aquino, who worked as front desk trainer. They met again at the company’s training center. From there, he started pursuing her. They made their first public appearance as a couple at the US Marine Corps Ball.

t0319marge-thomas_feat1_3 — WITH the groom’s family

Cabral recalled how Thomas would invite him for private meals. The envoy would talk about his fondness for Aquino. Thomas was said to have been formerly married to a jazz singer, with whom he has a daughter, while Aquino is a single mother to two teenage children.

At a dinner in the residence of Rep. Gina de Venecia, Thomas pulled Cabral aside and introduced him to “someone special.”

Throughout the courtship, Cabral saw how Aquino evolved from a modest professional to someone with qualities needed of a diplomatic spouse—poise, social skills and flexibility. Meanwhile, Thomas adopted Filipino ways, such as recognizing the importance of tradition and quality time with loved ones. Marge C. Enriquez, contributor