A fitting climax to a storybook romance?this was the dream wedding held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Manila Metropolitan Cathedral, Intramuros, Manila.

The bride was Rep. Sharee Ann T. Tan of the 2nd Congressional District of Samar, second daughter of Samar Gov. Milagrosa T. Tan. The groom was young businessman-contractor Richard ?Ichie? C. de los Santos of a prominent clan in Legaspi City and the second among the six good-looking sons of gracious matriarch Grace C. de los Santos.

The couple met over a year ago through a mutual friend. Their nuptials, held July 21 at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Intramuros, was presided by the Most Rev. Jose C. Sorra, DD; Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Legaspi; Most Rev. Diogracias S. Iñiguez Jr., DD; Bishop of Calookan, Most Rev. Joel Baylon, DD; Bishop of Masbate, Rev. Msgr. Honesto Moraleda; Rev. Msgr. Jun Cinco; Rev. Fr. Butch Bombase, OP; Rev. Fr. Jose Victor Lobrigo; Rev. Fr. Edgardo Alaurin, OP; and Rev. Fr. Dominador Ontuca.

The bride wore a Helen-of-Troy-inspired all-white Cecilio Abad creation. She was walked down the aisle by younger brother Stephen James T. Tan. Her groom, in a white Randy Ortiz suit, eagerly waited with his brother, engineer Raymond C. de los Santos.

Rep. Edcel C. Lagman of the 1st District of Albay and Rep. Adeline Rodriguez-Zaldariaga of the 2nd District of Rizal, led the principal sponsors.

The sponsors also included Mayor Mario Quijano, Mayor Linda P. Gonzales, Rep. Teofisto Guingona, Jr., Rosario R. Bombales, Gov. Joey S. Salceda, Gloria L. de Leon, Gov. Raul A. Daza, Yolanda C. Santos, Gov. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, Vicky T. Garcia, BID Commissioner Marcelino C. Libanan, Corazon C. Dioquino, Joel L. Altea, Margie Grace T. Ang, Romeo R. Tan, Sarah B. Españo, Mayor Vicente M.. Limpiado Jr. and Josephine T. Pinar.

Looking good in their Grecian-inspired finery and smartly turned-out tuxedos were the secondary sponsors: Rep. Rex T. Gatchalian and Rep. Ma. Carissa O. Coscoluella?candle; Rep. Irwin C. Tieng and Rep. Rachel J. Arenas?veil; Rep. Glenn A. Chong and Rep. Ma. Evita R. Arago?cord.

Arnold C. de los Santos was Best Man, Angelie Tan-de la Cruz was the Matron-of-Honor. Bridesmaids were Thesa Marie T. Pinar, Mary Rose T. Monedero, Elizabeth T. Garcia, Cynthia C. Dioquino, Ma. Lourdes C. Monedero and Arliza C. Garcia. The groomsmen were Reynolds Michael T. Tan, Wilfred C. de los Santos, Edward C. de los Santos, Alfred C. de los Santos, Martin Victor T. Garcia and Manuel Miguel T. Garcia.

Ring bearer was John Michael C. Uy, coin bearer was George Anthony B. Tan, Bible bearer was Karl Daniel O. Sabulao, and the flower girls were Stephie Dawn U. Tan, Sofia Renee E. Ponferrada and Marylourds Bernadette O. Co.

Tribute

The wedding motif of crimson red and gold was reflected in the ladies? gowns. Florist Russel Simfuego of Naga City also made full use of the crimson and gold motif, which dominated the eye-catching flower arrangements.

Almost 1,000 guests, relatives and friends gathered at Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La for cocktails and formal dinner reception.

The program?s highlight was a video tribute to the couple?s deceased fathers, businessman Ricardo V. Tan and contractor-engineer Freddie C. de los Santos.

Entertainment numbers were provided by Asia?s Queen of Song Pilita Corrales and the singer-songwriter and comedian Ogie Alcasid.

Northern Samar Gov. Raul A. Daza and Samar SP Member Bebot Nacario danced the popular Samar dance ?Kuratsa,? usually performed during special occasions.

The bride, a pharmacist, was elected to Congress in May 2007. Then only 26, she became the youngest representative in the 14th Congress.