MANILA, Philippines - She was a gorgeous girl and he was a handsome man, both super-achievers in their chosen careers. But they were somehow still looking for fullness in their lives. Then through their involvement in Singles for Christ, they crossed paths and discovered what they were looking for?a deeper relationship with God and the gift of finding each other, palanggas.

Such was the story of brilliant entrepreneur José Pio L. Hernandez, son of José N. Hernandez and Eva Katigbak Luz, and gorgeous Katherine ?Kate? Anne R. Manalo, daughter of Rodrigo P. Manalo and Norma Tuason Ramos.

Aprés seven years of dating, they had their dream wedding on the feast of the Immaculate Conception (both are devotees of Our Lady of Mediatrix) at Santuario de San Antonio in posh Forbes Park, dahlings.

The church was like a garden in full bloom. Song was provided by the award-winning Kilyawan 30 Boys choir, whose angelic voices were accompanied by the Velvet Mood String Quartet.

When the choir sang ?Through the Years,? the absolutely radiant bride gracefully entered the church in her awesome silver Pitoy Moreno gown, no less. It was beaded with rhinestones, crystals and Mother of Pearl beads. She held a bouquet of white tulips from Holland while the proud groom watched her from the altar, dahlings.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Fr. Joel E. Sulse, OFM, and was witnessed by hotshot namedroppables.

Principal sponsors were Makati Mayor Jejomar C. Binay, Abelardo C. Licaros, banker Ramon Y. Sy, Gil V. Guanio, Romeo P. Enriquez, Francisco M. Tuazon, art connoisseur Danilo L. Dolor and Ramon M. de Leon.

The sponsors were with Evie L. Costa, Mary Anne P. Felipe, Ma. Felisa S. Valdez, Lita C. Aleonor, Nancy T. Lim, Marylouise B. Gumatay, Pacita G. Monteclaro and Tatler?s Irene Martel Francisco, who represented Belen Ticson-Martel, dahlings.

Cocktails

Once the wedding was over, the rich and famous rushed over to outside of the Rockwell Tent for cool cocktails. They nibbled on Le Soufflé?s yummy Buffalo Chicken Wings, Sauteed Mushrooms in Herbed Crepe Pouch and Tapenade of sun-dried Tomato on Endive.

Soon after, they were ushered inside and into Winter Wonderland!

The Tent had been transformed into a snow field?complete with fog, snow-covered pine trees, chandeliers, and ice crystals from the ceiling.

A wishing well was placed on the center aisle so that guests could make a special wish for the bride and groom.

The Winter Wonderland theme was inspired by the couple?s travels abroad during the winter season. They had wanted to share their experience of winter with all their invitees.

Instead of flowers, the tables were adorned with vases filled with eye-catching fresh green and red grapes, and apples dusted with confectioners? sugar for that added wintry feel. Many of the chi-chi guests almost cleaned out the center table?s grapes and apples, dahlings.

Crystals, snowflakes

All 350 napkin rings had designs of crystals and snowflakes. They had been especially designed and handcrafted weeks before the wedding by the bride herself; they doubled as gifts for the guests.

In addition, winter mints in tin cans had been flown in from the US. Printed on the covers were the words ?Mint to Be.? Got it?

A gourmand?s dream dinner was served by Le Soufflé?an excellent six-course menu consisting of Roast Duck Salad (in orange sesame served with a panache of assorted lettuce and crispy poppadom), Vegetable and Seafood Cioppino, Baked Cream Dory Fillet with Spinach (in Mariner Sauce), Frozen Grapes and the superb US Black Angus Roast Beef (not for me) in creamy pepper sauce served with double balled potato and steamed asparagus spears.

There was an endless flow of wine and the bubbly champagne, natch. A special dessert bar of assorted pastries and cakes was placed on both sides of the Tent for the invitees to momentarily forget their calorie-watching and dig into, palanggas.

The lovebirds? love for travel was also represented in a four-layer luggage cake with a bride, a groom and a winter bear on top.

Then Pio and Kate took their first dance to Ray Conniff?s ?Christmas Bride,? amidst snow falling on the beautiful couple. Then it was time to rock as the invitees trooped to the dance floor amid the awesome sounds of ?Behind Closed Doors.?

And where did the couple go for their honeymoon? You guessed it?a cold winter trip to the United States and to romantic Europe. A beautiful start to their happily-ever-after and so-cool married life.