The Accursos
Although it’s not singer Dessa’s first time to get hitched, she felt like a blushing bride just the same.
The petite belter with those powerhouse pipes tied the knot with American engineer PJ Accurso in Las Vegas, Nevada, last June 30.
“It feels nice to be a new bride,” Dessa told the Inquirer, via Facebook Messenger, squeezing in this interview while on honeymoon in Coron, Palawan.
She recounted: “This is my second marriage, but it’s my first time to wear a wedding dress, walk down the aisle and have a ceremony.”
Dessa and husband PJ had been a couple for two and a half years, but have been friends for a year longer.
“We met in 2015 in Vegas at work, a part-time job in a call center,” she recalled.
She described PJ as “very broad-minded, a loving, caring and selfless individual. He is patient and kind to others. He is also strong, brave and stands up for himself and his family.”
Most importantly, he adores her kids, Noshka and Jay Mathieu, from her previous relationship “as if they are his own.”
As bonus, she en thused, “he is handsome!”
Dessa noted that what spelled the difference this time is the fact that their union is based on a firm foundation of “communication, patience and a healthy dose of fun.”
She explained: “Despite our cultural differences, we are similar in a lot of ways. We both have very open minds and love to try new things. When you meet your soul mate there aren’t many differences to overcome, or at least things are made easier.”
The newlyweds with kids Jay Mathieu and Noshka
PJ Accurso (left) and Dessa in Vegas
Not even their height “difference” posed a problem. He’s 6’2”; she’s 4’11”.
“Height doesn’t matter,” she quipped. “Our connection is way more than physical. And besides, we are the same height lying down! Charot!”
Dessa herself was surprised by the swift but joyous turn of events. “It all just sort of happened naturally with a lot of love and support. We got engaged December last year and got married five months later.”
Through it all, her family stood by her. “They are supportive and very happy for me. Same with his family. My in-laws took care of all the arrangements for our ceremony in Vegas.”
For their honeymoon in Palawan, they took teenage son Jay Mathieu along with them. “Just the three of us,” she said.
She envisions herself shuttling between Manila and Vegas from hereon. “My career and fan base are here. I have to remain loyal to my supporters and my country as we both love the Philippines. My husband supports and understands [me]. This is who I am.”
She has several shows and recording sessions lined up soon. “Thank God, I still have offers here and there. As long as they want me here, I’ll continue doing what I love to do, which is singing for our kababayan … and making them happy through my music.”
As for her dreams for her and PJ? “Health, wealth and happiness, along with the ability to help others. To support and protect our children, keeping them safe so they can dream, be successful and grow with the family.”