WEDDING IDEAS

To honor the couple‘s Filipino roots, Sharon asked that the bouquets and floral arrangements only be comprised of blooms native to the Philippines. The bridesmaid‘s vivid bouquets of gerbera daisies, vanda orchids, and Asiatic lilies popped against their crisp, white, strapless gowns by Watters & Watters.

The groom and his five groomsmen wore traditional Filipino Barong Tagalog shirts in ivory with hand-painted leaf designs in dove gray for Patrick, and olive for the guys. The groomsmen accented their formalwear with boutonnieres of snapdragon and hypercium berries.

Sharon‘s bouquet was a larger version of her maids‘ bouquets, with Asiatic lilies in pink, coral, white, and magenta. El Nido Resorts Lagen Island, where the couple was married, arranged for a local florist to create all of the bouquets and floral arrangements.

Sharon and Patrick were married in the resort‘s garden chapel surrounded by lush forest greens and 80 of their closest family and friends. They recited traditional Catholic vows mixed with Filipino traditions, such as the exchanging of the rings and dowry coins, lighting of the candles, and the placing of the veil and cords. Sharon and Patrick also had traditional wedding sponsors (similar to matrimonial godparents), referred to as ninongs and ninangs.

The reception was held poolside at the resort adjacent to the beach. Floating flowers decorated the pool, and hanging bamboo lamps provided extra lighting. A presidential table, which seated the wedding party, aligned one side of the pool, while the rest of the tables were arranged along the other sides.

Miniature banca boats, decorated with various Filipino blooms and illuminated by candlelight, served as centerpieces.

During the cocktail hour, guests noshed on traditional Filipino pica pica (appetizers), such as kinilaw (the Filipino version of ceviche), and sipped the signature wedding El Nido Bellinis, made from champagne and mango juice. For dinner, two of the highlights were the cooking stations by the pool, which served up Mongolian barbecue and stir-fry. In keeping with Filipino tradition, Sharon and Patrick also had two lechon (pig) roasts.

Costumed dancers performed a traditional Filipino culture show, while one of Manila‘s top DJs spun an eclectic mix of ambient, hip-hop, electronica, and ballroom rhythms.

The three-tiered cake definitely spoke to the bride and groom‘s interests. As avid divers, Sharon and Patrick topped off their banana chocolate chip confection with a boy and girl scuba diver cake topper. "The Philippines has the most amazing underwater world," says Sharon. Channeling that passion, Sharon also asked the baker to design the outside of the cake to look like the ocean floor, complete with sea creatures.

Sharon and Patrick‘s evening was capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the South China Sea.

Sharon wore a classic strapless ball gown by Demetrios. The detail was in the floral and lace embroidery and the gown‘s cascading folds.

Sharon & Patrick in El Nido, Palawan

Sharon and Patrick planned a cultural celebration in Palawan.

Photos By: Gene Higa Photography, San Francisco

Location: El Nido Resorts Lagen Island, Palawan

Before their three-year engagement and four-month, long-distance courtship, Sharon and Patrick's first relationship challenge was probably the most meaningful: Patrick's sister, Rachel, had to approve.

The Bride: Sharon Gonzalez, 32, director of project management
The Groom: Patrick Gonzales, 30, senior developer
The Date: March 16

The two first met while Rachel was visiting her friend Sharon in New York. Because Patrick went to school at NYU, the trio would often hang out together. Fast-forward six years after that first meeting to when Sharon and Patrick found themselves single at the same time, and a relationship was born. "Rachel thought it was hilarious, but she gave us her blessing," says Sharon. Not wanting to wait much longer, Patrick proposed a few months later on the beach beneath a full sky of stars.

-- Christa Vagnozzi