CHAPTER 12: THE WEDDING OF THE DECADE
April 22, 2000 – San Agustin Church & Malacañang Palace
The bells of San Agustin Church rang across the cobbled streets of Intramuros, echoing into a blue April sky. Bougainvillea bloomed over old stone walls, and vintage kalesas waited at the gates like a scene from an old Filipino film.
Inside the centuries-old church, hundreds of guests sat in stunned silence, awash in candlelight and grandeur. Every pew was filled with luminaries—from senators to singers, legendary directors to industry newcomers, all gathered to witness the most anticipated wedding the country had seen in years.
It was a live broadcast on all major networks. But for Bella and Enzo, time slowed.
Today wasn't for the cameras.
It was for them.
THE BRIDAL PROCESSION
Enzo stood at the altar, hands clasped tightly in front of him. He wore a custom ivory barong embroidered with sampaguita vines, a nod to his late grandmother's hometown. His eyes searched the aisle. His heart pounded.
The orchestra played "Ikaw" softly, the strings swelling as the church doors slowly opened.
And there she was.
Bella. In a traditional terno gown, elegant and glowing, her veil cascading like water over her shoulders. The embroidery shimmered with every step she took. But it wasn't the dress that stole the moment.
It was her smile.
The kind of smile you only give to someone who knows every version of you and loves you still.
She walked down the aisle with her father, Vicente Santiago, who held back tears. Halfway, he whispered, "You've made me proud every day. But today… you've made me whole."
When Enzo finally took her hand at the altar, he didn't blink. He was afraid he'd miss a moment.
THE VOWS
They had written their own.
The priest nodded. "You may begin."
Enzo took a deep breath, voice breaking slightly as he began.
"Bella, from the day I met you, the world shifted. I didn't know love could feel like coming home, but with you—it always has. I vow to make you laugh when you forget how. To stand by you when storms come. To kiss you every morning before coffee, and every night no matter how tired I am. I vow to love you not just in the moments everyone sees, but especially in the ones no one does."
Tears glistened on Bella's cheeks.
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
"Enzo, you were the unexpected miracle in the middle of a life I thought I already had figured out. You saw me—not the image, not the name, just me. I promise to keep your dreams close to my heart. To raise our family with your kindness. To choose you in the quiet, in the chaos, and in every lifetime after this one."
They exchanged rings—hers now set beside her engagement ring, his a simple band inscribed with "Isang Buhay. Isang Tahanan."
MESSAGES FROM THEIR FAMILIES
After the ceremony, as guests moved to the grand reception at Malacañang Palace, two surprise messages played on the wide screen behind the stage.
First, Bella's parents.
Vicente Santiago: "Bella, anak, you've carried the weight of our legacy with grace. But today, you start a new chapter—one you'll write with your own family. Enzo, salamat for loving our daughter like she deserves."
Elena Santiago: "You two remind me of the old films—timeless, full of heart. I pray your love remains grounded, playful, and true. The greatest role you'll ever play is as each other's partner."
Then came Enzo's parents.
Enzo's father (a quiet man not often in the spotlight): "Son, you were always steady. But since Bella, you've been joyful. That's how we knew it was real. Bella, thank you for bringing that joy to our family."
Enzo's mother, teary-eyed: "When I first met you, Bella, you were already a star. But in our home, you shine not because of lights—but because of how you love. Welcome, anak."
THE FIRST DANCE
In the grand ballroom, beneath chandeliers and a sea of fairy lights, Bella and Enzo shared their first dance to "Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko," performed live by Gary Valenciano. The floor faded. All they saw was each other.
He whispered in her ear, "How's our little one doing in there?"
She smiled, resting her cheek against his. "Dancing with us."
He laughed softly. "Figures. Already got your rhythm."
A MOMENT AWAY FROM THE CROWD
Later that night, as guests danced and the cameras rolled, Bella and Enzo snuck out to the palace balcony, escaping the attention for just a breath.
The city glowed beneath them. From afar, they could hear their names chanted, toast after toast echoing through the halls.
"Mrs. Rivera," Enzo said, gently turning her toward him.
"Mr. Santiago-Rivera," she replied with a smirk.
He wrapped his arms around her, resting a hand on her growing belly. "This is our beginning."
She leaned into him. "And I wouldn't trade it for any movie ending in the world."