Cito Mendoza and Cheskie Ayson dance the night away in Bohol; Basi Ugarte and Nicole Lugtu have an epic weekend celebrating love; Varun Dubey and Janna Vohra create a new world together

Meant for Each Other

2020-02-01 - Text SARA SIGUION-REYNA

Some things are just meant to be— and the union of Cito Mendoza and Cheskie Ayson is one such testament to this oft-used phrase. After a ten-year relationship that culminated in a memorable proposal in the deserts of Morocco, the couple decided to get married amid the tropical setting of Panglao Island, Bohol.

Family and friends flew from near and far to celebrate the couple’s much-awaited marriage. The weekend kicked off with a sunset cocktail affair at the cliff in Amorita Resort that brought all the guests together for an evening of bonding and well-wishes.

The usually quiet and reserved father of the bride Arnold Ayson surprised everyone by taking center stage to share a heartfelt, touchingly funny message. “As your dad, I would like to give you some advice. If you have a misunderstanding, never go to bed angry. Be like your mom and me, stay up all night fighting! Kidding aside, always respect and love one another. Always put God in the center of your marriage,” he lovingly said. This certainly set the tone for the weekend, which was brimming with love and affection for Cito and Cheskie.

The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly that picture-perfect moment when the radiantly beautiful bride walked down the aisle in an exquisite gown of lace and pearls by Zuhair Murad. As the doors of the historic Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Dauis opened and “I

Knew I Loved You” started playing, Cheskie met her parents Arnold and Suzette, who then brought her to the altar to meet the handsome groom Cito and his parents, Carlo and Celina.

The celebration of the mass and the wedding rites were touching and meaningful. The angelic voices of the worldrenowned Loboc Children’s Choir made the rites even more special while the vows that both Cheskie and Cito read to each other heightened emotions and triggered happy tears.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I've pictured myself at this very moment, getting married to the man of my dreams. I constantly prayed for a partner who would sweep me off my feet just like the men I've seen in my favorite movies. The moment you walked into my house clad in your suit almost 11 years ago, I just knew the search was over. It was like I was starring in a real-life fantasy and I was sure it would be us till the end credits,” gushed Cheskie.

Cito expressed similar sentiments and more. “Every night before I go to sleep, I thank God for sharing with me such a beautiful and kind-hearted person. I promise that every time we go to bed and every time you wake up, it is my ‘I love you’ that you'll hear, even when we're going through stormy seas,” he vowed. All this, of course, was sealed with the sweetest kiss.

After the ceremony, guests headed back to Amorita for cocktails and the reception dinner. The resort was transformed into a rustic and romantic enclave, which served as the perfect backdrop for the celebration of Cito and Cheskie’s love.

It was an evening of good food, great fun, and wonderful friendships as guests enjoyed performances by Regine Velasquez, Juris, and even the newly-weds, who presented a rather cheeky and adorable dance number. Everyone joined in and danced the night away until the wee hours of the morning.

“Ten years down and a lifetime to go. We are still in awe of how perfect that weekend was. It will probably take us a while to get over it… but then again maybe we don’t have to,” said the beaming bride.

Well said, indeed. After all, when things are meant to be, everything just falls into place perfectly. ▪

Wedding Gown ZUHAIR MURAD

Wedding Shoes JIMMY CHOO

Reception Gown MARTIN BAUTISTA

Afterparty Dress ARAW THE LINE

Wedding Ceremony Makeup ANTHEA BUENO

Wedding Ceremony Hair JAY AQUINO

Welcome Cocktails Makeup JOHN PAGADUAN

Welcome Cocktails Hair AVRIL SEGUIN

Maids of Honor Gowns MARTIN BAUTISTA

Bridesmaids Gowns BUDA GOMEZ

Groom’s Wedding Suit JOEY SAMSON