While having a church or destination wedding is arguably everyone’s dream, this seems to be not the case for some who opt to get married in simple yet meaningful civil ceremonies for various reasons - or at least prior to their much-awaited big day – just like the celebrities and their spouses featured in this episode of Kapamilya Snaps!
Angel Locsin and Neil Arce
Last August 7, the host and director of the ABS-CBN public service program Iba ‘Yan surprised everyone when they shared on Instagram some of the photos captured from their simple and intimate nuptials that took place at Taguig City Hall.
It was attended by not more than 10 people comprised by their respective families and Angel’s best friend Dimples Romana as witness and was followed by a garden reception, which they revealed in their latest vlog was at their new home.
Yam Concepcion and Miguel CuUnjieng
Another wedding that surprised us recently was of Yam and her longtime boyfriend Miguel, who married aboard a yacht in New York City, USA last July 24. It was attended by some of their families and friends, as well as the Init Sa Magdamag actress’ beloved furbaby Tiny that also served as her cute bouquet.
It took place more than two years after Miguel proposed to her in Niseko, Japan in December 2018.
Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola
Three months after their secret civil wedding in February 2021 held in Batangas, fans were indeed surprised when they announced it last April by posting some of their wedding photos on Instagram. A few of their family members and friends attended, including the seasoned host’s parents Edu Manzano and Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto.
Although they are already Mr. and Mrs. on paper, the celebrity couple still plans on having a church wedding in December.
Alex Gonzaga and Mikee Morada
From unfailingly making us laugh with her hilarious antics in her every vlog, Alex arguably made a lot of hearts flutter when she gave us a glimpse of her and then-boyfriend Mikee’s simple and intimate nuptials on January 17 at the Gonzaga Residence in Taytay, Rizal through a vlog.
That was after around four years of dating and a year of getting engaged. They were initially set to get married in October 2020, but decided to cancel their plans after they both tested positive for COVID-19.
Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati
Due to the coronavirus outbreak in the National Capital Region early last year, the celebrity couple announced on March 12 the postponement of their grand wedding. But instead of totally cancelling it, they decided to go on a civil ceremony in Taguig City two days after, which was described as “simple, intimate, and practicing social distancing by Richard’s older sister Ruffa.
It was followed by a reception at a restaurant in the hotel where their bigger celebration was supposed to be held and was attended by less than 20 guests, including their immediate family members. Even though things did not go as planned, the FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano actor and his wife were still thankful for the opportunity to still celebrate their love in the presence of their loved ones amid the terrible circumstance.
JC De Vera and Rikkah Cruz
From being among the eligible bachelors in the local entertainment scene, JC stunned everyone when he confirmed that he was already a father in May 2018. But little we did know that he also got married that same year to his non-showbiz girlfriend Rikkah, prior to giving birth to their daughter Lana Athena.
He disclosed it during his conversation with La Vida Lena co-star Erich Gonzales in one of her vlogs, wherein he also divulged that they’re planning to have a church ceremony but had to postpone it for now because of the pandemic. It can be recalled that in February 2020, JC shared some photos from their pre-nuptial shoot captured in some of the historic places in the City of Manila.
Georgina Wilson and Arthur Burnard
Two months prior to their lavish wedding at St. Peter Catholic Church in Winchester, England in April 2016, Georgina and her then-boyfriend Arthur had a civil ceremony in February at the Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry in Hong Kong. The supermodel and the British businessman are now happy parents to two adorable young boys.
Bangs Garcia and Lloydi Birchmore
As if one wedding is not enough, Bangs and his non-showbiz boyfriend Lloydi celebrated their union thrice! They initially exchanged “I dos” in a civil ceremony in London in 2016, which was followed by a secret church wedding and a beach wedding in January 2017.
A civil wedding may be a simpler and more practical way to seal your union with the love of your of your life, yet it is still indeed just as sweet and romantic as any grandiose nuptials!