A Wedding Album from Mexico: The Cuenca-Wong Nuptials

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

The proposal was romantic—a weekend getaway to the beach, a confidante to photograph the event, and voila! Plans started to materialize for Michael Jon Cuenca and the new Mrs. Yvonne Wong Cuenca after he got down on one knee and asked her to be hi s wife. One year later, I was part of a privileged few that were invited to witness this momentous, once-in-a-lifetime occasion. It helped that my son, Kristoffer, was one of the groomsmen. At least, I didn’t have to worry about being outnumbered by “thirty somethings”, or did I ?

The first night was easy. Everyone was in a party mood, it was great to see familiar faces, and let’ s face it, younger people will always be more fun to party with than “ehem”, my generation…or so I thought. Two mojitis, five tequila shots and three after -dinner cocktails sent me straight to bed after midmight, only to hide for the next eveni ng when I was missing in action for happy hour . Still, the fun only started for Mile and Yvonne’s destination wedding at the beautifully intimate Azul Sensatori Resort, next door to the Secrets Akumal in Riviera Maya, where I was just a mere six months back.

The weather forecast indicated rain, but the sun was out in full force and brilliance for Friday and Saturday and family me mbers, guests and the wedding party all found-activities that they can enjoy together, individually or in small groups. The nice thing about a destination wedding, according to three couples that I asked, i s that for less than what a typical hotel or banquet event will cost, the bride and groom will spend less and spend more time with their guests, while the guests get a chance to participate and enjoy an all-inclusive v acation where you check-in, you partake of food, beverage and all the i ncluded amenities, without spending any more than the cost of the stay. Tipping is purely optional, and outside activities beyond the walls of the resort are the extra expenses.

Michael’s groomsmen bonded over volleyball and shots, while Yvonne’s bridal party were happy to cheer them on. Finally , the big day arrives, the morning arrived in glorious warmth, but by the aft ernoon, dark clouds loomed ominously as the resort staf f prepared for plan B. Thankfully, that didn’t go into effect because as soon as the clock hit the appointed hour, lo and behold, the clouds parted, the sun rays broke through the mist, and voila! Nothing but a picture perfec t, drone flying day for a sacred, well-planned and touching exchange of vows between two young people that found out, after ten years, that the altar was their ultimate destination. Amongst a throng of well-wishers, good friends and their parents, Yvonne Wong said “I Do”, to Michael Jon Cuenca, and the rest is history .

Thank you, Mike and Yvonne, for making me a part of this history of yours. Your parents, friends and family all enjoyed being witnesses to your ceremony, and everything turned out to be per – fect. Here’s wishing you both more love, happiness, and the joy of continuing to discover your individualities, and the thrill of tackling life’s curves and surprises together.

Special thanks to Mike’s parents, Julio and Anabelle Cuenca, Yvonne’s mom and dad, Lety and Jemy Wong, who regaled me with stories about their children, to Mike’ s kid sister Julie who glamorized the wedding party, Jay and Mae Mendoza, who were always there to assist, support and party with everyone. Mike’s “boyz” include Nino Noriega, Best Man, Groomsmen Jay Mendoza, Zubair Hussain and my son, Kristoffer Wildoer. Yvonne’s Matron of Honor was bestie Norelle-Torno-Tiapon who flew in from California and the bridesmaids were Hyacinth Balthazar Pearson from Indiana, sis-in-law Julie Lascano Cuenca and Mae Ponte-Mendoza. Little Avery Mendoza was the flower girl, assisted by Lola Judy Ponte. New friends I made th at were part of the Cuenca clan were Flerizza “Rizz” Antonov and Nell Mondia, all of the wedding entourage and most of the guests. Please enjoy the pictures that I took and the newlyweds would like to express th eir deepest gratitude and appreciation for everyone’ s participation at this very special day in their lives.

The new Mr and Mrs. Michael and Yvonne Cuenca

Flower girl Avery with Mom and Dad Jay and Mae Mendoza

The Lovely Bride w Mom Lety and Dad Jemy Wong

A beautiful ceremony after the rain

Welcome Dinner w the Groomsmen L-R Zubair Hussain, Jay Mendoza, Best Man Nino Noriega and Kris Wildoer

Precious Moment w Mother and Son : Annabelle and Michael Jon Cuenca

The Groom’s Parents Julio and Annabelle Cuenca

Pretty Bridesmaid Mae Mendoza w Maid of Honor Norelle Torino-Tiapon

Traditional Moment w the Cake

A little roasting and toasting shows tender moments of fun and lots of loving

Busy bridesmaids Hyacinth Balthazar- Pearson and Style Wiz , Younger Sis Julie Lascano Cuenca

All smiles and best wishes to the newlyweds w (L-R) My nephew Miki Pascual, friend Danny, Yvonne and Mike Cuenca, my son Kris and fiancee Svienna

L to R Mike’s Aunt Rizz Antonov, Mother of the Groom Anabelle Cuenca, Me, and close friend of the Cuencas Krystyn Carmona

Congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs Michael Jon and Yvonne Wong

So relaxed after the wedding .. now the marriage begins Mike and Yvonne Cuenca- God bless and Good Luck!

Rain rain go away! Mike w good friends Alam Rodriguez and Neil Roldan shield him from droplets

Ex Chicagoans except Neil Roldan on the Left, then Svienna Sisaleum w fiancee Kris Wildoer, Brian Lee, KC Chua and Executive Chef Danny Traimas with Mike and Miri SORIANO on the chairs