Brian and Margie’s wedding brings together showbiz and politics

Sept. 8 is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and last week, it was also the day Rep. Brian Poe-Llamanzares of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list tied the knot with Margarita “Margie” Gutierrez, undersecretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Both come from prominent political families. Brian is the only son of former Sen. Grace Poe and Neil Llamanzares and the grandson of the late Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces. Margie, meanwhile, is the daughter of former DOJ Secretary and Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

Much has been said about Brian and Margie’s relationship, including their nine-year age gap. Margie, who turned 43 last July 13, is nine years older than the 34-year-old Brian. Another noticeable difference is their height. At 5 feet 10 inches, Margie is tall and statuesque. She was once a ramp model and later served as president of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines. She earned her law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, while Brian is 5 feet 4 inches and a graduate of Columbia University.

But rather than focus on their differences, the couple has chosen to build their relationship around their shared values and commitment to public service.

Their church wedding was held at Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills and officiated by Fr. Tito Caluag. The nuptials brought together a long list of well-known personalities, with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Tessie Sy-Coson, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Cory Vidanes, Annette Gozon-Valdes, Tootsy Angara, Rep. Aubrey Zubiri, Rep. Florabel Ong-Yatco, Marga Nograles, Ronna Reyes Seih, Dr. Violeta Celis and Julia Montes among the principal sponsors.

The male principal sponsors included Sen. Tito Sotto, House Speaker Bojie Dy, former Sen. Frank Drilon, Rep. Toby Tiangco, Sec. Rex Gatchalian, Ramon Ang, Lance Gokongwei, Associate Justice Midas Marquez, DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida, Kang Min Xin and Coco Martin.

The church was beautifully decorated with white flowers, and Margie arrived in a vintage Cadillac. As she walked down the aisle, the choir sang Kumusta Ka?, the song popularized by Nonoy Zuñiga, and one that has long been associated with FPJ.

Secondary sponsors were Raj Sadhwani, Calvin Li, Michael Gutierrez, Patricia Javier, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and his wife, Diana Domagoso. The best men were lawyer Majid Marohombsar, lawyer Xavier Aseron and Tino del Rosario, while Dr. Anilene Akiyama-Ho served as maid of honor.

The couple’s groomsmen and bridesmaids were close friends, among them, Rep. Sandro Marcos, Ana Carina Sideco Nicolas, Rep. Javi Benitez, Lou Muñoz Cabawatan, Rep. Ryan Recto, Shermaine De Ramos, Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Kate Coseteng, Samel Aboitiz, Michelle Panemanglor-Onrubia, Asst. Ombudsman Mico Clavano, Joan Carla Guevarra, Sam Jones, Michelle McTavish, Augusto Javier Campos, Hanna Llamanzares, Ralph Chong, Nikka Llamanzares and Maristel-Farrel.

After the church ceremony, the reception followed at Foro de Intramuros, a new events venue at Fort Santiago. Despite the rain and traffic, more guests arrived to celebrate with the newlyweds.

The ladies came dressed in formal Filipiniana or elegant evening gowns in muted shades of powder blue, dusty blue, sage green, blush pink, lilac, pastel yellow and beige. The gentlemen looked equally dashing in their formal barongs.

It was a beautiful gathering of family, friends and public figures, but at the heart of the celebration was a couple embarking on a new chapter together. With two families whose names are deeply woven into Philippine public life, Brian and Margie begin married life with not only a shared commitment to public service but, more importantly, a shared commitment to each other.

To Brian and Margie, wishing you both a long and lasting union blessed with love, happiness, success and good health. May your life together be filled with many years of laughter, companionship and meaningful moments.

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