THE much-publicized Showbiz Wedding of the Year successfully unfolded – with minor hitches like a short drizzle just before it began at the the Tagaytay Highlands golf course.

Members of the entourage wore pink except for Maricel Soriano, who wore a lavender gown. Even the guys wore pink shirts under their dark suits.

For the principal sponsors, there was no such thing as a network war because Felipe Gozon was paired with Malou Santos, and Eugenio Lopez III with Wilma Galvante.

The most applauded pair was Johnny Manahan and Vicki Belo. It was the first time Johnny was seen in a dark suit, and only for Claudine did he march as a ninong. Whenever he would be a sponsor in other celebrity weddings, Johnny would be in the OB van busy directing the TV coverage.

The Christian-style rites lasted for about an hour. Some 300 guests attended, composed of close family and friends.

Raymart cried first when he professed his love for Claudine. This was partly because his wedding date, March 27, was also the 46th wedding anniversary of his parents, Pablo and Cielito Santiago. Pablo, a film director, has passed away.

Claudine was radiant. Her hair, done by Celeste Tuviera, was in a bun. Her make-up by Juan Sarte was refreshing. Randy Ortiz came up with a bustier white wedding gown with a very long train with roses (same material as the gown) on the back. Raymond Isaac supervised the photography. At the reception, Claudine took off the veil and wore a beaded bolero over the gown.

The ABS-CBN chopper hovered above and scattered rose petals right after the vows.

Four pastors from the Victory Christian Fellowship offered prayers for Claudine and Raymart.

When they were pronounced man and wife, they kissed and hugged four times for everyone to witness.

Gary V sang “The Prayer,” and right after the ceremony, another drizzle was interpreted as a “shower of blessings.”

Guests proceeded inside the tented area for the reception. Gaita Forescatered and the menu consisted of Waterspinach Raviolo, Mushroom Trifolati (mushroom ravioli with cream sauce), Pan-roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Green Apple Sgroppino (green grape sorbet in a shot glass), Roast Beef Tenderloin Tagliata and The Duetto – Crepe Millefoglie and Tiramisu Croccante (dessert of poached red grapes and chocolate lava).

There was a buffet spread of desserts by Hizon’s with matching chocolate fountains.

Randy Santiago and Agot Isidro hosted the program. Performers were Piolo Pascual (“The Gift”), Kuh Ledesma (“Evergreen”) and Kuh and Gary V (“To Have and To Hold,” the wedding song specially composed by Trina Belamide).

Prizes were given to the “newest” married couple, won by Willie Revillame and Liz Almoro (who looked like she has never given birth); and the “longest” married couple, won by a Japanese couple married for 50 years.

All single men and women were called up front for a “game,” but everybody was just so happy to each take home a Timex watch.

Guests were asked to proceed back to the ceremony area where Claudine danced with Raymart and her father, Miguel. Which was followed by a magnificent fireworks display.

Comfort food like salpicao and goto were served by nightfall. There was a lot of drinks as a band played dance music.

Giveaways consisted of bonsai plants (overseen by Raymart, an avid bonsai grower/collector) and colored bread sticks (because with bread, we are all one).