The couple first met and starred together on the GMA primetime series “Marimar” in 2007 and officially became engaged last August after Dingdong proposed to Marian on live television. In a year when several other showbiz couples either became engaged or also tied the knot, the wedding of the couple dubbed as “Dongyan” was widely anticipated to be the biggest of the year.
And indeed it was, with no less than President Benigno Aquino III serving as best man, eight bishops and seven priests celebrating the mass, plus 40 principal sponsors, 18 groomsmen and 18 bridesmaids and 20 secondary sponsors in attendance.
Among the principal sponsors of the so-called “royal wedding” were Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Vic Sotto, Ogie Alcasid and wife Regine Velasquez, Helen Gamboa, Celia Rodriguez, GMA bigwigs Felipe Gozon, Gilberto Guavit, Jr. and Lilybeth Rasonable, TV5 executive Wilma Galvante, TAPE, Inc. Chairman Tony Tuviera, producers Wilson Tieng and “Mother” Lily Monteverde, Bench owner Ben Chan, fashion designer Randy Ortiz, directors Joyce Bernal, Mark Reyes and Mac Alejandre and Dr. Vicki Belo.
Those who stood as secondary sponsors included Richard Gomez and wife Leyte 4th District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, KC Concepcion, Senator Bam Aquino and child sensation Ryzza Mae Dizon, who also served as flower girl.
Marian’s close showbiz friends Roxanne Barcelo and Ana Feleo were among her maids of honor while Dingdong’s brother, Jose Angelo Dantes, was among the best men.
Among the showbiz personalities listed as bridesmaids were Agot Isidro, Bettina Carlos, Rochelle Pangilinan and the recently married Bianca Gonzalez. Actor Paolo Contis was also one of the groomsmen.
Spotted in the wedding were Senator Tito Sotto, Anjo Yllana, Alden Richards, Pokwang and KC Montero who posted updates on social media.
Dingdong wore a Randy Ortiz beige-colored suit with a black bowtie and black trousers and arrived at his wedding in style riding a Ducati Diavel Monster 1100EVO motorcycle.
Marian looked ravishing in a gown especially designed for her by Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco. The gown reportedly cost P2 million.
Marian’s Spanish father, Francisco Javier Gracia, flew in to personally witness his daughter’s special day.
The newlyweds reportedly invited over 700 guests to the reception which was held at the 18,000-seater Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
source: interaksyon.com
