The Adrienne Arboleda and Dean Aquino Wedding Experience

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

“Ladies First”, is a favorite etiquette saying I grew up with, thus, the title. Although Adrienne Arboleda offi cially became Dean Aquino’s bride last May 25, 2018, I let the last name roll off my tongue and on this article, simply because I feel a close kinship to the Arboleda side of the family. Annie Arboleda Sabadaszka is my “Kumare”, one of the few Godmothers at my son’s 2017 wedding, and the aunt of Adrienne, and this is my connection to the bride. Interestingly enough, the bride also works at FedEx with James Delacruz, so we were privileged guests on their special day.

Their love story is simple, direct to the point. They were introduced by common friends, they started hanging out together, and once more, love worked its magic and voila—here comes bride. In her own word, Adrienne writes:

It was Christmas 2005 and we were at a Christmas party with our Goddaughter’s parents. This was the fi rst time we spent real time with each other. Dean loves Portillo’s chocolate cake, and wanted me to try some. Here was this near stranger practically force feeding me cake..with a spoon. Hence our hash tag for the wedding: #itstartedwithaspoon.

From there, we would hang out either alone or with friends and started dating. Although I was not looking for a relationship, I could not help the way Dean made me feel. He was always making me laugh, very attentive, patient, and kind.

Through our 12 years together, Dean wanted to pursue a career in nursing to be able to provide for a family. On May 3, 2016, Dean planned a dinner disguised as a Graduation celebration. That night he proposed to me at Gene & Georgetti’s with some of our family and friends as witnesses.

James and I arrived at the reception when it was just starting. This was held at Noah’s Event Venue in Lincolnshire and approximately 200 guests were in attendance. By the time we entered the door, the open bar had a queue while guests waited for the ballroom to open. The bride was at the center of the foyer, surrounded by her bridesmaids, family and friends, while the groom was chatting with guests as they arrived. The mood was upbeat. A lot of young people made up the majority of the guest list, while family members from both sides and different states seemed to be having a great reunion prior to dinner.

Adrienne wore a modern dress of lace and chiffon, with a scarf bottom design that is on trend for the young bride, while Dean looked dashing in his skinny black tux and white bowtie which complemented his partner to a “T”.

Soon, the doors opened and guests were ushered into the high ceilinged hall with combination round and rectangular tables. Between the roasts, the toasts, the well-wishes and dinner, the DJ kept the dance floor full with both retro and modern tunes, something for everyone. It was one of the most entertaining weddings I have attended and the love, oh yes the love between the bride and groom, their families and friends, all the guests, was palpable and made the evening that much more enjoyable. Congratulations Adrienne and Dean! Thank you for letting us share in your happiness and God bless you and your families.

Here is a special message from the newlyweds:

Dean and I would like to thank all of our friends and family who celebrated with us on our special day; especially those who came from Hawaii, California, Florida, Boston, and Texas.

To our parents and Bridal Party, thank you for participating in our wedding. Thank you for your continued support throughout our journey thus far, and into the next chapter of our lives. You all hold a special place in our hearts. We love you all.

Thank you to Noah’s Event Venue in Lincolnshire, bar service from Shekar & Oinos, the photography team (Maricel, Esteban, and Aaron) from Maricel Cruz Photography, fl owers by our friends Gigi Tello & Liz Ahn, catering from Chef By Request, Ube donuts from Gurnee Donuts, and our beautiful wedding cake & delicious cupcakes from Sweet Velvet Cake Co. in Janesville, WI. To our offi ciant, Samantha Cuya, thank you for such a personalized ceremony. And to our DJ with Momentz Productions, thank you for keeping the party going all night!

You all truly made this day beautiful and unforgettable for the both of us.

Love, Adrie & Dean

Th e Happy Newlyweds Adrie & Dean Aquino

Adrienne Getting Ready for her wedding to Dean Aquino

First Dance of Bride and Groom Adrienne and Dean Aquino

Cupcakes by Sweet Velvet Cake for Adrienne and Dean’s Wedding

Wedding Party Back (L to R): Orlando Salazar, Troy Daquioag, Jonathan Alvaro, Anthonie Arboleda, Conrad Quitoviera, Steven Umanos, Dwight Aquino, Dean Aquino, Adrienne Aquino, Jeniff er Arboleda, Rochelle Alfonso, Chastity Valencia, Amanda Arboleda, Ann Umanos, Bright Alvaro, Michelle Arboleda, Precious Altez; Front (L to R): Jayden Arboleda, Oscar Moreno, Cadence Umanos.

Dwight Aquino (Best Man), Dean Aquino (Groom), Adrienne Aquino (Bride), Jeniff er Arboleda (Maid of Honor), Rochelle Alfonso (Maid of Honor)

Bride & Bridesmaids of Adrienne: Precious Altez, Bright Alvaro, Amanda Arboleda, Jeniff er Arboleda(Maid of Honor), Adrienne Aquino (Bride), Rochelle Alfonso (Maid of Honor), Ann Umanos, Chastity Valencia, Michelle Arboleda.

Arboleda (bride’s family): Back (L to R): Armando Arboleda, Nicole Sabadaszka, Alyssa Arboleda, Rochelle Alfonso, Christopher Arboleda, Jeniff er Arboleda, Amanda Arboleda, Dean Aquino, Adrienne Aquino, Arnold Arboleda, Michelle Arboleda, Anthonie Arboleda, Kaye Pabalate, Jacqueline Arboleda, Agnes Arboleda, Annie Sabadaszka, Arthur Arboleda. Front (L to R): Maribel Arboleda, Evelyn Arboleda, Christian Arboleda, Zarilis Arboleda, Jaycen Arboleda, Jayden Arboleda, Sherry Arboleda, Jose Arboleda, Jr., Jessica Arboleda.