It was an elegant Saturday afternoon wedding for Alessa Borromeo and Francis Michael Alvez VI at the Sacred Heart Parish, which was filled to capacity with a horde of friends and relations.

She is the daughter of Gerard “Dindo” Borromeo and Lisette Garcia y Aberasturi of Cebu. He is the son of the Hon. Juan Alvez and Kamla Jeswani Alvez of Manila and Cebu.

Monsignor Roberto Alesna and Fr. Rafael Borromeo, SJ, grand uncle of the bride, officiated the ceremonies.

The principal sponsors were the following: Dennis and Cristina Garcia, Gil Antonio and Dr. Norma Chua, Apolinar Jr. and Camille Suarez, Dr. Joseph and Dr. Maria Mercedes Cruz, Gabriel Neri and Marisse Garcia Serafica, judge Rogelio and Fely Angeles, Charles and Bernadette Garcia, Dr. Kiat and Dr. Peace Chan, Francis Garcia and Honey Jarque Loop, Floriño Sr. and Lydia Mendoza.

Kirsten Cuenco was matron of honor and Dr. Nicole Tseng was maid of honor, while Victor Cuico stood as best man. The bevy of bridesmaids included Delice Garcia, Christianne Kuizon, Joana Marie Sobenrano, Nina Tiongko, Susie Marie Sumalinog, Ma. Chandra Mercado, Aleena Suarez and Joyce Wong.

Complementing them were the dashing groomsmen: Ian Martin Borromeo, Gian Cortina, Victor Platon, Kevin Tan, Patrick Pelayo, Carlo Suarez, Nikkolo Capalongan and Johann Ong.

Little attendants were flower girls Adrienne Fernandez, Kyniska Ho and Akeisha Mejares; and the pages—Domingo Angeles, Gustavo Larrañaga and Vincenzo Mendoza bearing the rings, coins and bible, respectively.

Attending the bridal couple as secondary sponsors were Rogelio Angeles and Berdyn Garcia for the candle; Angelo Cosme and Melody Wong for the veil; and Allen Suarez and Katrina Zosa for the cord.

To celebrate the happy occasion, there was a grand reception at the Radisson Blu hotel, starting with cocktails and tapas at the lobby lounge. Dinner was served at the Santa Maria ballroom where the décor was clearly by Teresin Mendezona.

Holding court and receiving as many congratulations was the bride’s paternal grandmother, Flora Villacarlos Borromeo, who wore a queen’s ransom in emeralds.

Scuba-diving pair

Joey Suaco and Jelly Macachor also chose a Saturday afternoon for their wedding at the beachfront of Chateau by the Sea in Punta Engaño, Mactan. It was their choice, as they love the ocean and scuba diving.

Jelly is the daughter of Ronnie and Linda Macachor, while Joey is the son of José Suaco and the late Lynn Cañizares Suaco. Present on this occasion was José’s second wife, Rita Cabalfin Suaco.

Fr. Ernesto Javier, SJ, said the nuptial mass on a platform that jutted out to the sea, and on which a full sun shone amid parasols and a flurry of large pay-pays.

Sponsors were Ramontito and Liz Garcia, Dennis Cabalfin and Rosario de Veyra Utzurrum, José Mari Cañizares and Gloria Cañizares, José Maria and Maria Luisa Castro, Daniel and Elizabeth Ybañez.

There were two matrons of honor, Leslie Anne Zamora Alberca and Dr. Ira Dominique Alatraca-Malonzo; and two best men, Martin Suaco and Allister Cañizares.

In the entourage were flower maidens Siobhan, Shannon and Roisin O’Connor; flower girl Alessandra Alberca; and ring/coin bearer Mikael Malonzo.

Secondary sponsors were Mary Gittel Pacamalan and Robert Diaz for the candle; Dr. Mary Jane Abao and Alfonso Cañizares Jr., for the veil; Marienne Bravo and José Diego Cañizares for the cord.

The reception cum dinner was held at the main hall of Chateau by the Sea, catered by Creative Cuisine, and decorated by Gizelle Bunagan of Cuckoo Cloud Concepts, who also did the bride’s bouquet.

Jun Escario created the bridal gown and tailored Joey’s summer linen suit. Snoogie Reynes Mata, the event’s coordinator, did a terrific job ensuring the smooth flow of the evening’s program.