Solemn, romantic Zobel wedding in Madrid—with dancing stallions and royal guests

For the first time in my life, I had hat envy while attending a grand wedding in Spain in which magnificent hats were required.

Parents of the bride, Leo and Michelline Suarez, invited Dennis and me to their daughter’s destination wedding in Madrid.

The three-day festivities started with a flamenco night at Palacio de Santoña, a spectacular 13th-century palace in Madrid with beautiful marble floors, hand-painted walls and a grand staircase.

Top flamenco dancers performed in several rooms while a solo guitarist played for the guests.

For this flamenco night, I wore a red brocade dress by Debbie Co. I matched the gorgeous, Spanish-style dress with a hat and accessories from Ken Samudio.

The second day was called “Asado and Dancing.” The party was held at Finca El Feligres in Arganda del Rey, a torero’s villa.

Endless barbecue

There was a performance of dancing stallions as guests feasted on endless grilled meats and other barbecue dishes. I made friends with the stylish Cosima Ramirez, daughter of designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada.

Wedding day was on Oct. 5. Jaime Zobel de Ayala Urquijo and Alex Espiritu Suarez tied the knot at Los Molinillos, the groom’s family hacienda in Spain.

King Simeon of Bulgaria and his wife Margarita were among the royalty in attendance.

Officiated by Fr. Valentino Pinlac from Bohol and Spanish priest Fr. Jesus de Juan, the solemn, traditional and so romantic wedding ceremony was held at a huge outdoor tent that was rustically decorated with summer blooms and vines.

Touching vows

Their vows were so touching and made me cry again. After celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary a few months ago, it was heartwarming to witness another beautiful wedding.

Beautiful mother of the groom, Bea Zobel Jr., wore a stunning orange feathery hat by top Spanish designer Conchitta Hats. Jorge Vazquez and Conchitta are Spanish designers from Madrid who created her gorgeous look.

Bea’s daughters, Paloma and Monica Zobel Urquijo, also wore Conchitta Hats.

Stunning mother of the bride, Michelline Suarez, was radiant in a green brocade dress with matching fascinator, both by Mich Dulce.

After the ceremony, guests partook of a sumptuous, three-course menu that included wild venison and yummy dulce de leche pavlova and tarta Arabe with cream and almonds.

Touching speeches from the best man and maid of honor were delivered in between the cake-cutting and other festivities. Jaime’s grandmother, Doña Piru Urquijo, gave the best speech that ended with, “Please, love my grandson endlessly because he deserves it!”

We partied the night away at the dance hall while others enjoyed paella at the poolside.

My outfit by Debbie Co and Ronald Enrico was a winner. I was glad that the hat made for me by Ken Samudio was a perfect fit. I did represent the Philippine fashion flag with high ratings.

Epic 11th year

Yesterday’s 11th Red Charity Gala was epic with 10 designers back on stage. We welcomed back Dennis Lustico, Furne One, Michael Cinco, Cary Santiago, Ezra Santos, Jojie Lloren, Lesley Mobo, Chito Vijandre, Joey Samson and Rajo Laurel. More on this next week!

Becca Dosch, Sea Princess and Cristina Davila
Techie Hagedorn, Sea Princess and Junie Peña

Standing: Sharmila Hiranand, Junie Peña, Techie Hagedorn. Seated: Becca Dosch, Sofia Elizalde and Carlos Pertiera
Tisha Espiritu-Garcia and kids Yanna and Aidan
Red Charity Gala director Robby Carmona, Sea Princess, Furne One and Kaye Tiña
Fernando Manso, Bea Zobel Jr. , newlyweds Jaime and Alex Urquijo, and Michelline and Leo Suarez
Viina Francisco and Mons Romulo
Mons Romulo, Miguel Belmonte, Sheila Romero, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, Steven Tan, Sea Princess and Emil Yap
Leeo Onanad, Sea Princess, Usana general manager Cherry Ampig and Joyce Ramallosa
Standing: Buddy Garcia, Gerry Limcaoco , Mikko Rodrigo , Pin Guingona , Jojo Guingona , Zontie Diaz , Mon Diaz , Larry Ocampo , Sea Princess, Vina Francisco. Seated: Marjo Villarama , Sylvia Rodrigo , Kathy Limcaoco and Cristina Garcia
Paloma and Monica Zobel Urquijo
Ezra Santos
Furne One, Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, Lesley Mobo and Joey Samson
Cosima Ramirez and Tim Yap
Gina Roxas, Kit Zobel, Tina Ocampo, Sofia Zobel Elizalde and Becca Dosch
Sea Princess , Michelline Suarez and Vina Francisco
The newly weds Alex and Jaime Zobel de Ayala Urquijo
Happy guests of Jaime Urquijo and Alex Suarez’s wedding in Spain
Rhoda Aldanese , Kit Zobel, Karen Santos, Maricris Zobel, Carol Garcia and Sea Princess
Standing: Alex Floro, Mia Borromeo and Bobby Cuenca. Seated: Kit Zobel
Joey Albert and Rhoda Aldanese
Maitoni Cuervo-Mendieta, Ina Ayala, Gina Roxas, Camille Samson and Kit Zobel

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