Yearend Special: Celebrity weddings, engagement that headlined 2023

Meeting the love of your life is fate. But choosing to stay with them for the rest of your life is a decision. And these celebrities decided to be with their chosen one in 2023, as you will find in this yearend special.

Apart from the messy scandals and cheating allegations that plagued the year, these celebrity couples are proof that true love still exists. Their respective paths to “I do” were not easy — especially for some who were previously involved in painful breakups — but it doesn’t mean hope is lost. It even led them to meeting the person who will stay for life.

Take a look at the couples who decided to take their relationship further by getting engaged, and those who finally took the plunge this year.

ENGAGED

Catriona Gray and Sam Milby

Engagement speculations hounded Gray and Milby since December 2022, but it was only after two months when they announced they will be Mr. and Mrs. Milby soon.

The couple, who will wed sometime in 2024, confirmed their engagement through a photo of them about to kiss while holding a pair of coffee cups where the words “Mr. Milby” and “Mrs. Milby” were written on their respective Instagram accounts in Feb. 16.

Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque

Another couple who decided to spend the rest of their lives together are Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque. The Kapuso actor proposed to the actress in the guise of a photoshoot at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan last July.

The moment Alonzo turned her back from the camera became an opportunity for Roque to say “Hi, hon,” kneel down, and for the actress to say yes and hug her partner in tears.

Laureen Uy and Miggy Cruz

Using a Wes Anderson-inspired announcement video on Instagram, fashion vlogger Laureen Uy confirmed her engagement to non-showbiz boyfriend Miggy Cruz after six years of dating in May of this year.

Miggy’s proposal — complete with a princess-cut diamond ring — took place at Joshua Tree National Park in California, US, where they were witnessed by gigantic trees, desert flora, and a breathtaking sunset.

Samantha Bernardo and Scott Moore

Shortly after Valentine’s Day, Miss Grand International 2020 first runner-up Samantha Bernardo is set to enter a “new chapter” in her life after getting engaged to her non-showbiz boyfriend Scott Moore.

It seems that Bernardo has been engaged to Moore for quite some time as they were spotted getting intimate in their respective posts in the days leading up to the announcement.

Kiana Valenciano and Sandro Tolentino

An ecstatic Gary Valenciano and Angeli Pangilinan announced their daughter Kiana, whom they refer to as their “forever princess,” is getting married to her US-based boyfriend Lisandro Zaragoza Tolentino last Aug. 8.

“So much I want to tell you Kiana… but I think I will save that for a day when you and I can just sit and talk,” Gary said. “My heart tugs but not with sadness my dearest princess… but with the joy of the Lord for how He has orchestrated your life… and how He will continue to do so.”

Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi

Many fans were shocked after “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown, who just turned 19 last February, announced her engagement to Jake Bongiovi, son of American rock legend Jon Bon Jovi two months later.

The former child actress was in lovestruck bliss while expressing her love for Bongiovi, whom she had been in a relationship with for three years before accepting his proposal — complete with a huge princess cut diamond ring.

“I’ve loved you three summers now, honey, I want ‘em all,” she wrote on Instagram, in apparent reference to Taylor Swift’s hit song “Lover.”

Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott

“New Girl” star Zooey Deschanel opened up her heart once again to forever after getting engaged to Jonathan Scott, host of the Canadian reality show “Property Brothers” last Aug. 15.

A report from US-based entertainment outlet People said Scott proposed to the actress-musician during a trip to Scotland with her family, where the latter’s children Elsie and Charlie, were present.

Deschanel has been married twice prior to her engagement with Scott: first with Ben Gibbard from 2009 until their divorce was finalized in 2012, and then to Jacob Pechenik from 2015 to 2020. Scott was previously married to Kelsy Ully.

MARRIED

Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert

After a decade-long romance, Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert finally tied the knot in two ceremonies, although the date of the first affair was not revealed to the public.

Abrenica and Albert’s first wedding took place at what seemed to be an intimate ceremony at a church in January, where their daughter Avianna Celeste was among the highlights of their special day.

The couple then said “I do” at the lavish Club Ananda, which takes on the shape of a glass house, in Tagaytay.

Song Joong-ki and Katy Louise Saunders

In Jan. 30, K-drama heartthrob Song Joong-ki sent fans into a tailspin after revealing his promise to “continue his life together” with British actress Katy Louise Saunders through a handwritten letter on his fancafe.

“I have promised to continue life together with Katy Louise Saunders, who has been by my side supporting me and who I have spent valuable time with while cherishing each other,” his letter read. “She has a kind heart, and she has lived her life passionately. She is a sensible and amazing person to the point that I revere her.”

The actor, who was previously married to “The Glory” star Song Hye-kyo, also surprised fans with a revelation that Saunders is pregnant with their first child together, which they welcomed in June.

Chris Evans and Alba Baptista

After going public with his relationship with “Warrior Nun” star Alba Baptista earlier this year, Chris Evans proved he is a man full of surprises after confirming they got married in two ceremonies in Massachusetts, US and Portugal last October.

Evans, who was seen wearing a gold wedding band, didn’t delve too much into the details of his special day, but he blissfully shared at a Comic Con appearance that it was a “wonderful” event.

“I got married… It was really, really great. We kind of had two ceremonies on the East Coast. We did one in Portugal. My wife is Portuguese. They were wonderful and beautiful,” he said.

Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde

Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde tried as much as they can to keep their wedding private in Baguio, wherein guests were sworn to secrecy up until the intimate ceremony was over.

Staying true to their special date July 28 — which witnessed their first meeting and engagement — the couple first said “I do” at an intimate ceremony in Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges before dancing the night away at the Baguio Country Club.

Among their celebrity guests include Maja Salvador, Maricel Soriano, Allan K., Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Lorna Tolentino, Eula Valdes, Korina Sanchez, Ice Seguerra, MJ Lastimosa, and Kristine Hermosa, just to name a few.

Maja Salvador and Rambo Nuñez

Another union sworn to secrecy was Maja Salvador and Rambo Nuñez as they tied the knot in a civil ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig on Feb. 14, before celebrating their marriage at a destination wedding in Bali, Indonesia last July 31.

The couple — which considered Apurva Kempinski Bali resort — as the main celebration of their union was an emotional time for the couple as they solidified their commitment to stay true in their love for another.

Celebrities present at the event were Maine Mendoza, Arjo Atayde, Richard Gutierrez, Sarah Lahbati, John Lloyd Cruz, Kathryn Bernardo, and Janella Salvador, among many others.

Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey

Also keeping their lips sealed until the end of their wedding was Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey, who got married at an intimate ceremony in Seychelles, East Africa last March. The couple, however, made the confirmation two months later.

Wurtzbach walked the aisle in a breathtaking tube wedding gown by New York-based designer Bessie Besana, which was crafted with the help of Jauncey’s preferences as some sort of inspiration.

As seen from the video, their wedding didn’t have a long guest list, just an officiant and a few witnesses, and it seemed the couple had no regrets on how it turned out.

Lovi Poe and Monty Blencowe

Lovi Poe and her husband, film producer Monty Blencowe, continued the trend of keeping their guests’ lips sealed until their wedding day was over, as they said “I do” at the Cliveden House in Berkshire, England on Aug. 27.

The actress, who looked breathtaking in her backless high-necked gown with long sleeves, carried a bouquet of flowers containing the pendant of her father, late Action King Fernando Poe Jr. as a reminder of him accompanying her throughout her special day.

LJ Reyes and Philip Evangelista

After going through a controversial breakup with Paolo Contis, it was an emotional moment for LJ Reyes who said “I do” to her husband, businessman Philip Evangelista, in New York last October. Their wedding came months after the actress announced her engagement to her partner, while introducing him to the public for the first time.

Reyes was teary-eyed during the ceremony, as seen from the photos posted by guests on social media, as her wedding seemed to be the fitting end to a love story written by God after her past trials.

“We remain in God’s presence and now He has granted us with His great promise, a gift that we will treasure even beyond this lifetime,” she wrote on Instagram. “It was a day full of laughter and full of love — not just between us but from our family and friends who came to celebrate with us. And, I can’t ask for more! I can’t wait for what this new beginning holds for all of us.”

Lee Seung-gi and Lee Da-in

Another Korean superstar crossed off the market as singer-actor Lee Seung-gi tied the knot with fellow actress Lee Da-in at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul on April 7.

The intimate ceremony was a star-studded affair, with Seventeen’s Joshua and Hoshi, Cha Eun-woo, Yoo Jae-suk, Kang Ho-dong, BTOB’s Yook Sung-jae, Lee Dong-hwi, Kim Nam-gil, Jay Park, and Lee Dong-wook being among the guests.

Dominique Cojuangco and Michael Hearn

Dominique Cojuangco, daughter of Gretchen Barretto and business tycoon Tonyboy Cojuangco, got married to businessman Michael Hearn last March at the San Agustin Church, while reception followed at the National Museum of Natural History, where both fall in the capital city of Manila.

The wedding was a gathering of celebrities and high-profile socialites as Sofia Andres, Ria Atayde, Paolo Stefano, Rica Plaza, and Mimi Que were among the few well-known names included in the guest list.

Ella Pangilinan and Enrique Miranda

Ella Pangilinan, eldest daughter of Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan and sister of Donny Pangilinan, said “I do” to her non-showbiz partner Enrique Miranda at a lavish Filipiniana-inspired ceremony in Intramuros, Manila.

Among the stars of the ceremony include the breathtaking Filipiniana wedding gown of Ella, as it was a restored version of her mother’s wedding dress, as revealed by designer Rajo Laurel on social media.

“We said a lot of no’s to honor our yes’s, and now, in God’s perfect timing — I have the privilege of becoming yours. Enrique, my husband — forever and always — I love you,” Ella said on Instagram, as she looked back on her special day.

Glaiza de Castro and David Rainey

Glaiza de Castro said “I do” to her Irish husband, businessman husband David Rainey, again last Jan. 23 in Zambales, two years after tying the knot in an intimate ceremony in Northern Ireland during the height of the pandemic. On her special day, she looked breathtaking in a Filipiniana wedding gown with a high slit by Jo Rubio and Jefferson Si shoes.

The actress was surrounded by her closest friends, including celebrities Alessandra de Rossi, Sheena Halili, Isabel Oli, Chynna Ortaleza, Rochelle Pangilinan, and Angelica Panganiban as her bridesmaids.

Carlo Gonzalez and Luane Dy

Another second-time wedding that happened in 2023 was Kapuso star Carlo Gonzalez again solidifying his commitment to former “Unang Hirit” anchor Luane Dy at the Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Pasay City. The reception was held at the Marriott Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, also in Pasay.

The wedding, which took place in February, was a star-studded event with Dingdong Dantes as Gonzalez’s best man, with Rochelle Pangilinan, Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto, Tito Sotto, Marian Rivera, Jak Roberto, and Mikee Quintos as some of the guests.

The couple got married at a civil ceremony in 2020, and welcomed their child Jose Christiano in May of the same year.

Nica del Rosario and Justine Peña

2023 is seemingly the year of couples exchanging their vows for the second time as singer-songwriter Nica del Rosario, who wrote former vice president Leni Robredo’s campaign song “Rosas,” wed Justine Peña in the Philippines.

Del Rosario and Peña hosted a second wedding at the Our Haven Events Place in Indang, Cavite in front of 150 guests, including Robredo, last February. The couple previously got married in August 2022 in Sydney, Australia, where same-sex marriage is legal, even for couples with tourist visas.

Alodia Gosiengfiao and Christopher Quimbo

It was an unforgettable Valentine’s Day for Alodia Gosiengfiao and her husband, businessman Christopher Quimbo, got married in a lavish outdoor-themed ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

The ceremony was every inch of a fairytale, as Gosiengfiao looked breathtaking in a white turtleneck ballgown adorned with lace from the collar to the bodice, completed with a veil and silver tiara. The content creator’s partner was a princely vision in a white tuxedo jacket and black pants.

Verniece Enciso and James Alfred Dichaves

After being together for almost a decade, lifestyle influencer Verniece Enciso got married to Alfred Dichaves at the Christ the King Parish in Green Meadows, Quezon City last March 26.

“I was always the type of girl who never believed in love. After getting my heart broken many times I never thought the right person would come along. But one night on my 22nd birthday, I called God & made an order,” Enciso said, to which she revealed is part of her wedding vow. “Fast forward to 2017, little did I know my prince charming would be packaged in a Chinese take out box.”

The Winter Wonderland-themed ceremony, which was brought together by celebrity event stylist Gideon Hermosa, was witnessed by the couple’s family and friends including Tim Yap, Elisse Joson, McCoy de Leon, Alodia Gosiengfiao, and Janeena Chan, just to name a few.

Cathy Garcia and Louie Sampana

Opening herself to another lifelong commitment, filmmaker Cathy Garcia said “I do” to cinematographer Louie Sampana last May 2, attended by their family, friends, and closest showbiz colleagues at a beach ceremony in Zambales.

The star-studded wedding, which witnessed Kathryn Bernardo catching the bridal bouquet and Daniel Padilla getting the cord, was attended by Ian Veneracion, Alden Richards, Joross Gamboa, and Janus del Prado, among others.

Lee Da-hae and Se7en

Eight years after getting together, “My Girl” star Lee Da-hae said “I do” to her longtime partner Se7en at a star-studded ceremony in Shilla Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on May 6.

Reports from Korean media said comedians Kim Jun-ho and Jo Se-ho, BigBang’s Taeyang, Gummy, and S.E.S.’s Bada were among the guests in the ceremony.

Patch Magtanong and Joshua Cordoves

Binibining Pilipinas International 2019 Bea Patricia “Patch” Magtanong got married to Joshua Cordoves in a simple and intimate event last July, although the beauty queen-lawyer said they will wed in a bigger ceremony sometime next year.

“Thank you for the well wishes everyone!! We decided to have a simple and intimate ceremony with just our families first! We’re excited to celebrate with the rest of our family and friends next year during our big wedding,” she wrote on Instagram.

Following their wedding, Magtanong is now the sister-in-law of Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves, who is the sister of her husband.

Maxine Medina and Timothy Llana

Another beauty queen who said “I do” to the love of her life is Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina to her non-showbiz partner, diving instructor Timothy Llana, at two ceremonies held one week apart in October.

The couple, who were together for more than five years, got married at a civil ceremony in Antipolo last Oct. 3, before holding their “dream wedding” at the Club Paradise Resort in Palawan seven days later.

“Dear God, we are so thankful as we remember our dream wedding. It was so beautiful and memorable, just like we hoped. Looking at our photos, we see how you helped make it all happen,” Medina said of her wedding on Instagram.

Jomari Yllana and Abby Viduya

Jomari Yllana and Abby Viduya tied the knot in an intimate wedding at the A Little White Chapel in Las Vegas in November, which was attended by their closest friends and loved ones.

Viduya, who was previously known as Priscilla Almeda, was a radiant bride in her earth-tone off-shoulder gown, while Yllana was a dapper groom in a black suit.

Prior to their wedding, the couple dated when they were still teenagers but their relationship didn’t last. They eventually crossed paths on social media in 2016 and rekindled their romance three years later.

Janeena Chan and Morgan Say

Sparkle rising star Janeena Chan and her non-showbiz partner Morgan Say kicked off the holiday season in a blissful note, as they tied the knot at a Christmas-themed ceremony at the Santuario de San Jose Parish church in East Greenhills, Mandaluyong City last Dec. 2.

The ceremony, which was done in a festive-themed flair, was witnessed by the couple’s loved ones and friends, including socialite Small Laude and celebrities such as Bea Alonzo, Marian Rivera, and Dingdong Dantes.

Venus Raj and North Orillan

The fourth beauty queen to say “I do” to the love of her life is 2010 Miss Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj. Raj wed her non-showbiz partner North Orillan last Dec. 12.

Noting their wedding as a day the “Lord has made,” the couple solidified their commitment to one another in a Christian ceremony in Pasig City, to which Raj noted their romance as a “beautiful” moment in their lives — before announcing their eventual wedding.

“For 8 years, God allowed me to be single… In a few days, I will be spending the rest of my life with this man of God that my Father has brought me to… My prayer is that, together, we will journey towards God’s will in fulfilling His purpose for our union,” she said in her wedding announcement on Instagram.

Miguel Benjamin Guico and Karelle Bulan

Miguel Benjamin Guico, vocalist of folk-pop band Ben&Ben, found his “lifetime” in his non-showbiz partner Karelle Bulan last Feb. 11, which was witnessed by families and loved ones — including his twin brother Paolo Benjamin Guico, and their bandmates Poch Barretto, Toni Muñoz, Jam Villanueva, Agnes Reoma, Andrew de Pano, Patricia Lasaten and Keifer Cabugao.

“Umaga na sa ating duyan. Sa hirap at ginhawa, lungkot at ligaya. Ikaw ang kasama, ang aking mahiwaga,” he wrote on Instagram.