Monique and Enrique met after their respective cousins Nikki and Bianca decided to play matchmakers and introduce them. It was a group date and an opportunity to spend time with her cousin, so Monique reluctantly agreed to go.
“My first reaction to my cousin after meeting him” quips Monique “was ““Are you kidding me?!”” Right off the bat, Enrique wasn’t really her type. He was hosting a night out for a group of NBA players and cheerleaders, which included him bouncing around with a microphone and singing to a half dozen cheesy rock songs.
Later on, he invited Monique to an after party that she uncharacteristically agreed to go to. Before she knew it, she found herself enjoying his company and having fun. Soon after the group date, they went on other dates by themselves and found each other to be common wellsprings of good vibes, engaging stories and mutual interests.
“ENRIQUE PROPOSED TO ME IN THE WAY THAT ALL GIRLS IN LOVE DREAM OF THEIR LOVERS PROPOSING TO THEM”
The proposal came after almost 2 years of dating. “Enrique proposed to me in the way that all girls in love dream of their lovers proposing to them” says Monique. It was New Year’s Eve and they were in London. “We love London and have our favorite spots. The Farm Street Chapel is one of them. We took a leisurely walk to the chapel before dinner like we always do. When we got to the Chapel, and asked me: ““Will you marry me?”” I was completely overwhelmed and overjoyed! I hugged him and kept laughing. I was so overwhelmed that I forgot to say “Yes!” We only realized the faux pas when we got back to the hotel. After, we had a very memorable dinner at Helene Darroze, Connaught Hotel” remembers Monique.
According to Monique, the wedding planning process was a very exciting time for her. When they finally decided to have their dream, intimate wedding in Hong Kong, everything started to flow. “We are very lucky to have such supportive and enthusiastic parents who were there with us every step of the way” she remarks. “I was very hands on with the details, but the real miracle worker was our beloved wedding planner and her team, Rita Neri. She was on point all the time, guided us and really made the whole experience beautiful and made me feel like I was on cloud nine.”
The couple decided on The Four Seasons Hotel as the venue. “Their service was seamless, from our very first meeting, to the food tastings all the way to the fourth day when we checked out” says Monique. “The food, oh the food… my husband chose every dish and it was created by Michelin Three-Star Star Chef Chan Yan Tak. You know it was a good wedding when friends still remember how good the food was.”
The majority of vendors and their teams were flown in from Manila. “This made us feel just at home,” says Monique; “it was like we brought Manila to Hong Kong for that day; our Priest, florist, make up team, photographer and videographer.”
Since it was a destination wedding, the couple wanted each of their guests to feel well taken care of. Most of the guests were staying at the same hotel. Arrangements were made for transportation and prepared food in-between the ceremony and reception. For the entourage and family, a welcome dinner was held at China Club, one of the oldest and most exclusive clubs in Hong Kong. It was again, a very intimate gathering and both families got to meet and spend time with each other. There were relatives who flew in from Europe and the United States, so it was a nice way for everyone to be together before the wedding day.
Every moment of the ceremony and reception was a highlight for Enrique and Monique. But they both agree that one of the most special moments was during the ceremony. They chose a nice and quaint Chapel on a hill, Bethanie Chapel. Monique remembers clearly the feeling of the positive energy and love in the room as the doors opened and she slowly walked in. It also felt very intimate and relaxed she says. “I didn’t feel nervous; Enrique too said he felt so at-ease because everything was just perfect. We were about to get married, surrounded with so much love and support from everyone. What more could we ask for?”
The reception turned out to be just as special. Everybody had a grand time. Friends sang on stage and uncles and aunts danced the night away. It was a party for everyone. “Honestly,” says Monique “it felt like a continuous roll of emotions without it ever ending. For us the day started at 7 a.m. and ended at 3 a.m., but even as we retired to bed, we were still on wedding day high. “
WEDDING TALENT
Location, Caterer, Cake and Linen: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Event Planner: Rita Neri Event Planners, Makati, Philippines; Floral Design: Jennifer Tanada, Manila, Philippines; Engagement Ring: De Beers