PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARNOLD VEGAFRIA
Angelica Panganiban, one of John Prats’ best friends, said that most of the actor’s ex-girlfriends were jealous of her because of their closeness. But actress-model Isabel Oli was different—she would simply laugh at Angelica’s antics.
That convinced Angelica that Isabel was the perfect girl for John.
John and Isabel were wed in Catholic rites at the Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Parish in Tanauan, Batangas, Saturday morning. A Christian garden ceremony followed at 5 p.m. at the Nayomi Sanctuary Resort, owned by the Prats family, also in Batangas.
Angelica served as John’s “best lady,” with actor Sam Milby as best man. At the reception, Angelica’s speech was the funniest, recalled the couple’s manager Arnold Vegafria.
While reciting his wedding vows, John said he had called all of his past girlfriends as “hon” or “honey,” but referred to Isabel as his “wifey” because he knew that he would marry her, the manager related.
Sam said it was an honor for him to be the best man. “I was with Pratty (John’s nickname) when he started hanging out with Liv (Isabel’s nickname). I accompanied him whenever he would pay her a visit. I witnessed their love story unfold. I know Liv is perfect for Pratty,” Sam said in an interview a day before the wedding.
“They looked so in love,” the manager said, describing the newlyweds’ kiss. He recalled that John had cried during Isabel’s walk to the altar during the morning ceremony.
The couple’s manager said it was sad that Isabel’s father, who died three years ago, was not able to escort her to the altar. “But Liv said that she felt his presence. As she marched with her mom by her side, Liv placed his dad’s photo in her wedding bouquet.”
In a speech made during the reception, the bride’s eldest brother said “Liv was John’s fan when she was a teenager in Cebu City. She once asked her dad to take her to a mall to watch John perform.”
John and Isabel became a couple in February 2013. John proposed marriage to Isabel on Sept. 24, 2014 by organizing a flash mob at Eastwood in Libis.
Isabel wore a wedding gown by US designer Vera Wang, while Prats donned a Paul Smith suit. They had two more outfit changes during the day.
The wedding’s theme was the four seasons.
The church, which had winter as theme, was adorned with buntings, lanterns, flowers and carpet, all in white. The picnic luncheon had a summer ambience, decorated with colorful flowers. The afternoon garden ceremony reminded guests of springtime, and the dinner reception, of autumn.
“The four-seasons theme was John’s idea, but his dad Daniel implemented it,” the manager said.
John paid tribute to his parents in his wedding vows. “John said his mom and dad taught him humility. His dad told him not to buy expensive cars so he could save for his future family,” said the manager.
The reception was hosted by Robi Domingo, Pooh, Pokwang and Nikki Gil.
“After this, the newlyweds will first focus on their respective careers. They have yet to schedule their honeymoon,” the manager said.
(mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)
CUTE cakes at the autumn-inspired dinner reception
ISABEL Oli and John Prats’ garden ceremony evoked springtime bliss.
NEWLYWEDS ham it up on the dance floor.
FROM left: Maid of honor Chynna Ortaleza and matrons of honor Sherilyn Reyes and Camille Prats
BEST man Sam Milby and best lady Angelica Panganiban know the couple well.
FROM left: Manager Arnold Vegafria, Martin Nievera and Juan Miguel Zubiri
FROM left: Hosts Pokwang, Robi Domingo, Nikki Gil and Pooh