SEALED WITH A KISS TV host-actress Toni Gonzaga marries longtime boyfriend director Paul Soriano on Friday in solemn rites at the United Methodist Church in Taytay, Rizal province. The ceremony was “filled with love, light and humor,” observed singer-actress Lea Salonga, who was one of the couple’s celebrity godparents. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO FROM OLY RUIZ
Isn’t it ironic that lovers should tie the knot on Independence Day?
But actress-TV host Toni Gonzaga and commercial and film director Paul Soriano chose to exchange “I do’s” at 3 p.m. on Friday, the country’s 117th Independence Day, at United Methodist Church in Taytay, Rizal province, where the bride spent her growing up years.
It was there where the bride first sang before a crowd and was told that she could start a singing career, the bride was quoted in an earlier interview.
The 30-year-old Toni, born Celestine Cruz Gonzaga, looked very regal in a gown by popular American fashion designer Vera Wang. She said she has always admired Wang’s bridal dresses and would often visit the New York-based designer’s boutique when she was abroad.
Soriano, 33, donned a Hugo Boss suit and tie.
READ: LOOK: Toni Gonzaga, Paul Soriano prenup photos
He arrived at the church at 2 p.m., waving at the large crowd gathered outside. His bride arrived a little past 3 p.m.
When the groom met his bride at the altar, he shouted, “I love you Celestine,” in what appeared to be a reenactment of a soda TV commercial in 2001 that featured Gonzaga with actor Piolo Pascual. The commercial opened the doors for Gonzaga’s entry into show business.
Never alone again
“Tin (Gonzaga’s nickname) said, ‘No more good night, no more curfews and Skype [conversations] where Paul would say he was alone again,’” said Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, recalling Gonzaga’s wedding vows.
Valenciano’s husband Gary, one of the principal sponsors who played a big role in the couple’s meeting, sang during the ceremony.
The wedding’s other principal sponsors were Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., ABS-CBN chair Gabby Lopez, ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio, Sarangani Rep. and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Tony Award-winning singer-actress and Inquirer columnist Lea Salonga, TV host Kris Aquino, celebrity cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo and TV host-talent manager Boy Abunda.
ABS-CBN network executives Cory Vidanes, Linggit Tan, Lauren Dyogi and Taytay Mayor Janet de Leon Mercado also served as principal sponsors. Gonzaga’s sister, Alex, was the maid of honor.
Long, loving kiss
The couple wrote their own vows, observed Salonga. “Paul was more spontaneous with his vows while Toni recited hers more deliberately. But they were both crying,” Salonga said.
After sealing their promises with a “long and loving” kiss, the couple gave each other a tight hug.
The ceremony, which began at 3:30 p.m., was “filled with love, light and humor,” said Salonga. “What I remember is the look on Paul’s face when Toni entered the church. He started to cry. Charlene (Gonzalez, actress) and I sat next to each other and we both completely lost it.”
Pastor Paul Chase, who officiated the ceremony, reminded the couple to “keep God in the center of their relationship, that they must love one another as Christ loves His Church,” said Salonga.
The church, which seats 200, was adorned with white and cream-colored curtains. Big white candles encased in glass were meticulously placed along the aisle and were lighted as the entourage did their ceremonial march. Crystal chandeliers were turned on.
Noted wedding coordinator Rita Neri was commissioned to stage the private event while Gideon Hermosa was the event stylist, designer and florist. Black, white and silver were the color motifs.
Some 150 guests were invited to witness the ceremony.
Onscreen father’s advice
In an earlier TV interview, Estrada advised his onscreen daughter and her future husband to “move on from many endeavors or job titles, but never from a marriage.” He costarred with Gonzaga in the 2009 comedy movie “Ang Tanging Pamilya,” in which he portrayed her father.
Abunda told the Inquirer that he wished both Soriano and Gonzaga “a happy life forever. By this I mean a life that’s real, normal and with challenges and bumps.”
Abunda was not able to attend the ceremony because of a prior engagement abroad.
TV host Luis Manzano, one of Gonzaga’s closest friends in show business, said he never had the chance to hang out with Soriano, but “I’ve seen Toni smile because of him. I have never seen her happier than right now. I am thankful to him for loving her, for taking care of her.”
Manzano, who also missed the ceremony, sent this message to the couple: “This union is long overdue. It happened in God’s perfect time. I hope everything will work out the way you planned it. I also wish for you to have many children as soon as possible.”
Actress Iza Calzado said Soriano and Gonzaga will have “a beautiful partnership. I know Toni will be immensely blessed because she has also been a blessing to her family and friends.”
Calzado, who has known Gonzaga since they were in their teens, wished for the couple to start a family soon.
Creative couple
“Both are creative people. I hope that their marriage will enrich them artistically,” said Antoinette Jadaone, director of Gonzaga’s most recent film, “You’re My Boss,” with Coco Martin, her costar.
“They’ve already collaborated on certain projects before getting married, but I hope they continue to do so. I also wish that being married to Direk Paul would not limit Toni, that she would continue to take on roles that will challenge her and will showcase her talent as an actress. Comedy is really her forte,” Jadaone said.
“Paul and Toni’s personalities are very different. She is very outspoken and sociable, while Paul is very quiet. This difference sort of complements them. They are yin and yang,” she said.
Hannah Espia, director of the award-winning indie movie “Transit,” said she has learned so much from working with Soriano, the film’s producer. “He is really one of the kindest people I have ever met and his kindness rubs off on people. I’m so blessed to have him as producer.”
Espia, who is currently in Europe, said she met Gonzaga because the actress had a cameo in “Transit.” She met Soriano in 2012.
Gonzaga is the daughter of Carlitos “Bonoy” Gonzaga, incumbent vice mayor of Taytay.
Soriano is the son of pastor Jeric Soriano, eldest son of the late actor Nestor de Villa.
Gonzaga and Soriano met in 2006 at a concert headlined by Valenciano. He proposed to her on her birthday in January 2015.
“Perfect Together: Paul and Toni’s Wedding Special,” will air tonight on ABS-CBN.
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Originally posted: 03:16 PM June 12th, 2015