IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Carlo Aquino, Charlie Dizon, and the era of surprise weddings
(From left) Ria Atayde, Zanjoe Marudo, Charlie Dizon, Carlo Aquino, Jeremy Jauncey, and Pia Wurtzbach. Images: FILE PHOTOS
When Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon said “I do” at a resort in Silang, Cavite last June 9, a wave of shock swept among fans and other show biz watchers because the couple never let on that they were even engaged, much more, are planning on tying the knot anytime soon.
Aquino and Dizon’s wedding is proof that surprise weddings are becoming a trend in the entertainment industry. But theirs was not an isolated case, as there were many other celebrities before them who pulled a surprise on the public by holding their wedding ceremonies private, if not “secret.” It seemed that the days when celebrities would share a glimpse of their wedding preparations and star-studded guest list leading up to their special day are a distant past. Nowadays, and in the age of social media, many would opt to announce their marriage after the fact, and simply reveal details they deemed fit to make public.
Check out below Aquino and Dizon’s recent wedding, as well as other so-called surprise weddings that shook the entertainment industry.
Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon
Back in February 2024, Aquino told reporters that he is committed to his relationship with Dizon but they have no plans to marry yet. Four months later, the couple said “I do” at the Alta Veranda De Tibig in Silang, Cavite, witnessed by their family and close friends.
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Sue Ramirez was chosen as the maid of honor, while Dizon’s “Pira-Paraisong Paraiso” co-stars Loisa Andalio, Elisse Joson, and Alexa Ilacad carried the candle, veil, and cord, respectively. On the other hand, Belle Mariano, Kaila Estrada, and Adrian Lindayag were among the bridesmaids.
Article continues after this advertisementKetchup Eusebio and Ramon Bautista were tapped to be part of Aquino’s groomsmen.
The relationship of Aquino and Dizon has always been public knowledge among show biz watchers, but the couple has always been intentional in choosing which details to make public — including their engagement and later on, wedding. Many are aware the actor confirmed their romance only in January 2023, but beyond that (and a few social media posts), the couple chose to keep from the public.
Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde
Before Maine Mendoza said “I do” to Arjo Atayde on July 28, 2023, the couple spared a lot of effort in making sure details of their wedding were strictly kept private. Not much is known about the solemn wedding at the Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges and the reception at the Baguio Country Club, with guests even sworn to secrecy, only sharing glimpses of their special day on social media after the wedding.
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Not even the star-studded guests — including Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Allan K., Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Lorna Tolentino, Eula Valdes, Korina Sanchez, Ice Seguerra, Liza Diño, Kristine Hermosa, Oyo Sotto, Ciara Sotto, Sheena Halili, Ogie Diaz, Miles Ocampo, MJ Lastimosa, and Thou Reyes — revealed any details about their special day.
Angelica Panganiban and Gregg Homan
Another couple who pulled off a little surprise to fans was Angelica Panganiban and Gregg Homan who said “I do” at a small ceremony in the US on New Year’s Eve in 2023. The tight-knit occasion, with close friends Kim Chiu and Bela Padilla among guests, witnessed the couple showing their love for each other in an intimate setting.
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The couple tied the knot again in a bigger ceremony in Siargao four months later, with more of their celebrity friends, loved ones, and relatives in attendance. This time, more details of this particular ceremony were known to the public.
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Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo
Following in her brother’s footsteps, Ria Atayde exchanged vows with Zanjoe Marudo at a civil ceremony at the Quezon City Hall on March 23, 2024, which happened to fall on Atayde’s birthday.
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The surprise wedding, attended by their loved ones, happened a month after the couple announced their engagement, with no traces of the fanfare that most celebrity weddings are known for. It was simply a family affair, with Atayde and Marudo’s love taking center stage.
Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey
Another textbook example of a secret wedding done right was Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey, who tied the knot at a beach ceremony in Seychelles, East Africa, in March 2023. Even their marriage came as a surprise as it was announced two months later.
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Apart from Wurtzbach’s wedding gown and highlight reels, much of the couple’s ceremony was done secretly, with only three witnesses present, including their friends Michael Gray, Georgia Ma, and a priest.
Maja Salvador and Rambo Nuñez
Many show biz watchers were aware of Salvador and Nuñez’s destination wedding in Bali, Indonesia back in July 2023. But only a discreet few knew of their civil wedding at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig on Valentine’s Day of last year.
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In an interview with the fashion magazine Preview, the actress said “no more than 60 people” were invited to their wedding, and among the reasons why they decided to hold a separate ceremony was how the Philippines wouldn’t honor their Bali ceremony.
“Dapat talaga isang beses lang. Pero, since pinili namin to have a destination wedding, hindi kasi [ino-honor] ng Philippines ’yung wedding namin sa Bali (We were supposed to get married just once since we chose to hold a destination wedding. However, the Philippines won’t honor our wedding in Bali),” she was quoted as saying.
Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo
Arguably, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo’s secret wedding back in April 2009 kickstarted the wave of secret weddings in the entertainment industry, with many being shocked about the couple’s ceremony at the time. Guests were asked to come to a special place in Batangas, and were enjoined from disclosing the event to the public.
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The wedding, which took place at the San Juan De Nepomuceno church and Balai Resort in the province, was heavily guarded by security. It has since been featured in several lifestyle magazines shortly after.
But apart from the officiant, star-studded guests, performers, and wedding ensembles, not much of the couple’s wedding is publicly known to this day.
