We can all agree that 2023 was truly an eventful year. There might be plenty of unexpected and heartbreaking things that transpired, but we cannot also discount the beautiful things that happened – such as the whimsical weddings of our favorite celebrities. Let’s revisit five of them in this Kapamilya Snaps feature!
Lovi Poe and Monty Blencowe
Her character Mokang in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo may be regretful of the choices that she had made when it comes to her love life, but Lovi, in real life, has been enjoying every moment she spends with her British husband Monty Blencowe.
It was in June 2019 when Lovi first posted a photo with Monty as they attended the Royal Ascot, an annual British horse-racing and social event held in Berkshire, England. In her media interviews, she recounted that their love story started when he accompanied her on one of her trips to the United States, as requested by one of their common friends.
They might have to be apart most of the time since Lovi is based here in the Philippines, while Monty works in the US as a Hollywood film producer, but they’re able to prove that long-distance relationship is definitely possible. They just make sure to spend quality time together whenever they have the chance.
Last August, Lovi revealed that she and Monty had been engaged for a couple of years already. Later that month, on August 26, they got hitched at the charming grounds of Cliveden House Estate in Berkshire. It was attended by some of their closest family and friends, including her siblings Senator Grace Poe, Mariel Tung, and Ron Poe, and celebrity pals Rhian Ramos, Bela Padilla, Vicki Belo, and Hayden Kho.
Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey
It was in June 2020 when Pia and Jeremy “hard launched” their relationship by appearing on a magazine cover together. But even prior to that, speculations regarding their romantic connection had been going around as early as January.
After going on countless adventures around the country and the world, the happy jetsetter couple announced their engagement in May 2022, which happened during their getaway in Amanpulo, Palawan.
And one year later, in May 2023, the Miss Universe 2015 titleholder and businessman endeared fans when they shared photos taken from their completely intimate and romantic beach wedding that took place at the picturesque North Island in Seychelles.
Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza
The love story of Arjo and Maine is definitely one for the books, as it attests to the power of manifestation, especially in the part of Maine. From tweeting “Arjo cutie [crying emoji] in July 2013, she finally got the opportunity to meet him for the first time in July 2018 during the story conference of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles,” in which both of them were part of the cast.
They apparently formed a tight bond, which eventually led to a romantic affair. Arjo then confirmed in an interview in January 2019 that they were exclusively dating. Amidst the challenges that came their way, the couple held on to their lowkey relationship with full support from their respective families and loved ones.
Three years later, the award-winning actor finally popped the question in July 2022, to which Maine said “Yes!” A star-studded wedding held in Baguio City ensued last July 28, which was attended by some of their closest loved ones in-and-out of showbiz. Their chosen wedding date was truly special to the couple because it is the exact day when Maine posted that viral “prophetic” tweet of hers 10 years ago, when they met for the first time five years ago, and got engaged a year ago.
Zeus Collins and Pauline Redondo
The year 2020 might have been a fateful one for many of us, but it was when Zeus’ life started to change forever. It was in March 2020 when he first introduced Pauline, who is a flight stewardess for a local airline, to his followers on Instagram.
While others took years before being able to decide that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with their partners, Zeus got to figure it out for only two years as he proposed to her in May 2022 in front of the crowd watching the Star Magic All-Star Games.
More than a year later, they exchanged “I dos” at a beautiful sunset beach wedding last December 9, which was attended by some of their beloved family and friends, including It’s Showtime hosts Vice Ganda, Ion Perez, and Jackie Gonzaga, as well as his fellow Hashtag members such as Ronnie Alonte, McCoy de Leon, Nikko Natividad, and Jameson Blake. Loisa Andalio and Elisse Joson were also there.
Venus Raj and North Orillan
Years after stepping out of the limelight, not much had been known nor written about the Miss Universe 2014 4th runner-up – until she shared recently that she finally found the man to whom she would spend the rest of her life. And the lucky one is none other than North Orillan, a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker.
Early this December, she surprised fans when she posted pictures from a prenup shoot, in which she revealed that she had remained single for eight years before dating North and that they would be getting married. And just a few days later, the couple tied the knot last December 12 through a private ceremony in Pasig City.
We are certain that these celebrity couples will surely have an exciting 2024 and the years to come.
Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds!