The first time Claudia Squillantini met Gaston Perez de Tagle, she ignored him, paying attention only to her Nokia 3310 (this was in 2002). Years later, they got together. A natural fit with their intelligence and high spirits, they were a fascinating pair to watch. They were together from high school, through university in two different countries, then classmates in Ateneo Law School.
Gaston proposed after he and Claudia passed their bar exams and began their careers as attorneys-at-law. He asked for permission from her parents, mindful of Claudia’s respect towards her family. Happily, they said yes, and so did Claudia.
The historic and newly-renovated Manila Cathedral was the setting of their wedding. Mindful of tradition, Claudia’s “something old” was her mother’s veil; her “something new” was her Monique Lhullier gown; “something borrowed” was a traditional payneta from Chloe Romulo Periquet; and “something blue” was her jewelry.
The ceremony was at Blue Leaf Filipinas, where guests emerged into a fairyland garden. Soft white-gold lighting glowed through pale white clouds, illuminating the green-and-white gold theme. The room was filled with greenery, with giant tree-sprigs mounted in glass. More sprigs were entwined with crystal chandeliers, while gauzy white draping hung from the ceiling, softening the look of the entire room.
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After dining on a sumptuous feast by Chef Billy King and moving speeches from the couple’s loved ones, it was time to hit the dance floor. Claudia, an alumni of Steps Dance Studio and International School Manila’s Dance Co., is an accomplished dancer, and she and friends hit the dance floor to the sound of 8Track’s disco hits. The dancing was so good that some of her friends were mistaken for dance instructors. In order to dance properly, the bride changed into a Madonna-inspired white pantsuit with a sparkly bustier by Mark Bumgarner.
DJ Xavi and DJ Toby Panlilio took over the proceedings, and as the night settled down, guests enjoyed a surprise snack from Potato Corner. The happy couple’s new life together began with the best possible start, filled with well-wishes and good intentions from family and friends.
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SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE PEREZ DE TAGLE-SQUILLANTINI WEDDNIG BY PHOTOGRAPHER CALIBER KING…
WEDDING CREDITS:
Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Reception Outfit: Pantsuit by Mark Baumgarner
Bridal shoes: Guiseppe Zanotti
Makeup: Leo Posadas
Hair: Gen & Ken Elevation Salon
Bridesmaids Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Groom’s Suit: Hampshire Place Tailors
Rings: Bijoux By Lori Hermoso
Wedding Coordinator: Jp Montilla
Flowers & Décor: Jo Claraval
Wedding Photographer: Caliber King
Videography: For You Are Mine
Hosts: Kristine Pasia & Ricky Mirani
Giveaways: Flipbooks
Wedding Cake: Delightful Miss Joyce
Caterer: Chef Billy King
See the full story and more photographs in the May 2018 Beauty, Health & Wellness Issue of Lifestyle Asia, out on leading newsstands now.
