The newlyweds Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez. Image: Pat Dy via Instagram/@gideonhermosa
Controlling the spread of COVID-19 has put many plans on hold, including events like weddings that can take months of preparations.
Among those affected by the Metro Manila community quarantine were actors Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati, whose nuptials have been a long time in the making.
The couple got engaged in 2017 and postponed wedding plans after finding out they were pregnant with their second child. Finally, this year, everything was coming into place; they released prenup photos over the past weeks in anticipation of their big day.
Pictures of their invitation circulated online, which showed that guests included a slew of VIPs such as government officials and network executives. The date was set for Saturday, March 14 at the Shangri-La Fort—then the community quarantine was imposed days before the wedding.
In light of the public health emergency, Gutierrez and Lahbati announced on March 12 that they would postpone the ceremony “as we do not want to put anyone at risk.”
By that time, however, preparations were underway, event stylist Gideon Hermosa revealed on Instagram Stories yesterday, March 15. Decorations such as chandeliers and drapings were already installed and fresh flowers from abroad had just arrived.
Image: screengrab via Instagram/@gideonhermosa
Image: screengrab via Instagram/@iloveruffag
He recounted that the wedding planner called for an emergency meeting and the suppliers showed support for the couple on whatever decision was made.
With the wedding postponed, the decor in the hotel was taken down and flowers were given away — some to Ruffa Gutierrez, others to hospitals, Hermosa said.
But the next day, it turned out that the wedding would still take place, albeit one that was “simple.”
“Against all odds, @richardgutz & @sarahlahbati decided to have a simple civil wedding. Despite all the virus threat and the community quarantine their love stayed on top of it all,” Hermosa said on Instagram on Saturday.
Photographer Pat Dy said Lahbati’s family was already present, which is what motivated them to go through with the civil ceremony.
Hermosa put together floral arrangements with the remaining flowers he had and made a lily of the valley bridal bouquet.
The stylist’s videos from the small ceremony, which involved about 20 people, showed both sides of the family giving speeches and the couple expressing their love for their parents — both their own and their new in-laws.
Image: screengrab via Instagram/@gideonhermosa
The reception was held at Shangri-La at the Fort’s Peruvian restaurant Samba, with event styling by Teddy Manuel.
As for their grand wedding, the couple said on Instagram last Saturday: “The big gathering to celebrate with all our loved ones, friends and colleagues will have to wait because we care more about everyone’s safety and health.” JB
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