CARLA CHRISTINA Enage and Alfredo Jose ?Boey? Cruz said their ?I dos? in an elegant, solemn ceremony at Santuario de San Antonio Church.

Carla looked radiant in a vintage-style gown by Randy Ortiz, which was exquisite in its simplicity. Inspired by her work at Avon, where she handles the jewelry business, she picked a theme of rich jewel tones. Brilliant hues of sapphire, emerald, amethyst, turquoise, ruby and crystal glittered throughout the night.

The eye-catching invitation, with swirls of blue sapphire, was also designed by the bride.

Close famille and friends were principal sponsors: Ising Madrigal-Vazquez and Dr. Daniel Vazquez, Dr. Elenita Binay and Mayor Jejomar Binay, Consul General Vince Carlos and Linda Floirendo-Lagdameo (represented by mother Nenita Floirendo), Helen Yuchengco-Dee and Elpi Cuna.

The entourage was led by best man Aaron Gaborro, the groom?s first cousin and super pal. Ring and coin bearers were the groom?s adorable nephews, Mateo and Alvaro Bautista. The cutie-pie flower girls were Adrienne Yabut, the groom?s goddaughter, and Mia Yilmaz, the daughter of the couple?s good friends Mr. and Ms Sinan Yilmaz.

Matron of honor was Tisha Cruz-Bautista, the beautiful sister of the groom, escorted by dashing husband Andy Bautista. The groom?s eight-year-old nephew, Xavier Bautista, who was born the year the bride and groom fell in love, was an endearingly cute sight as he escorted Carla down the aisle.

Dr. Paul Dumol, the groom?s tutor since first grade at Southridge and confidante, was lector. The readings were by Charlie Cuna and Rhoda Salas, the groom?s childhood pals.

Après the church ceremony, a stylish reception was held at Conway?s of Makati Shangri-La, where we were treated to an excellent menu and great music.

The groom?s mother, the one and only southern belle, beauty Baby Cruz, magically transformed the venue into a jewel-colored haven. Conway?s sparkled with drapes of shimmery organza, hanging crystals, turquoise lights. Its glow was matched only by the likes of precious guests Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, Rosie Valencia, Lourdes Tinio, lawyer Antonio Meer and Sonia Mathay.

Family in attendance were the Gaborros-Aquiles: Aida with kids Aaron, Maridee and Aileen, Alex, Joy and Babette; the Cruzes-Jun: Didi and Lito, and Bing; the Alejandrinos-Vicky: Nana and Lyndon with kids Carisa, Amanda, Kathryn, Paquito, Robera and Tomas, Rica and Chiclet with kids Paco and Tyler, and Carlo and Mona. Also present were the couple?s friends ? Charlie and Cyndy Cuna, Howard Vitas and Gaile Robredo, Dax and Sheila Carlos, Barbara and Don Figueroa, Marla and Vince Mariano, Donna and Andrew Marcelo, Leslie and Mark Ramos, Rico and Anna Francisco, Raymond and Bea Lacdao, Javi and Lexi Berenguer-Testa ? who had a great time with the sumptuous feast of Shangri-La?s finest gastronomic creations.

Especially concocted for the fun reception were jewel-hued shooters which were served nonstop, which totally got the invitees on a roll.

Dinner entertainment was provided by 92AD and the Strings Minstrels. The party then revved up as RP and the Multivitamins took center-stage with Avon head honchos ? Sarah and husband Allen Macintosh, Bob Briddon, Nina Santiago, and the whole South East Asia Fashion and Home group ? dancing ?til dawn.

Other special guests were Shangri-La?s GM Reto Klauser and vivacious wife Marguerite. Conway?s Manager Leon Keekstra was on hand with his entire staff.

For keepsakes, we all went home with a jewel of our own ? an amazing giant blue-sapphire key-chain ring, inspired by the bride?s engagement ring.

Yes, the bejeweled evening with 290 guests, super well-put-together by talented wedding coordinator Rita Neri, was magical and special. But best of all, Boey and Carla went home with the most precious gemstones in the world ? each other.

Cheers to the new Mr. and Ms Boey Cruz!