Ella Pangilinan, the eldest daughter of Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan, exuded elegance and sophistication in her wedding gown as she exchanged vows with her longtime boyfriend, Enrique Lhuillier-Miranda.
The couple celebrated their union in an intimate Filipiniana-themed wedding ceremony at Intramuros' Puerta Real Gardens on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Ella strolled down the aisle in a breathtaking Terno by fashion designer Rajo Laurel.
The gown had sentimental value not just for Ella, but also for her mother Maricel, as Rajo highlighted in his Instagram post after the couple's wedding.
In his post, Rajo revealed that the mother-and-daughter tandem entrusted him with the task of upcycling Maricel's wedding gown for Ella's wedding.
Maricel's wedding dress was originally designed by the national artist Pitoy Moreno.
As a dear friend of Maricel, Rajo readily agreed to fulfill Ella's dream of having the perfect wedding gown.
Rajo wrote (published as is), "It is not everyday that one gets to wear her mothers wedding dress for her own wedding.
"This recently happened with the wedding of @ellapangilinanx who happens to be the daughter of my childhood classmate @mommymaricel
"I have known Ella almost all her life. She would always accompany her Mother to my studio and I recall her fascination for fashion and love for design."
Recalling the pivotal moment, he added, "One day I got a call from her both her and her mother asking if we could meet.
"In the meeting Maricel brought out her wedding gown made by Philippine National artist Jose 'Pitoy' Moreno.
"My first reaction was to have Ella try the dress on."
Maricel and Ella granted permission for Rajo to transfer the intricate embroidery from Maricel's wedding gown to a new, modern trumpet-cut Terno designed specifically for Ella.
With great attention to detail, Rajo painstakingly worked on the embroidery, carefully restoring portions for Ella's wedding gown.
The designer wrote, "The gown overwhelmed her petite frame but I though it had the most beautiful and interesting beadwork.
"I thought that if I could salvage this and transfer this into a silhouette that would be perfect for Ella.
"I played around with the idea and it all clicked.
"I then went into a full restoration mode cleaning and bringing the embroidery back to life."
Rajo expressed gratitude for the privilege of creating Ella's wedding gown, emphasizing the importance of heritage and timelessness in his designs.
"It was such an honour to be able to work and study up close the work of people whose shoulders I stand on today.
"From Ella’s very first fitting to her wedding day it was truly a seamless project. She was absolutely breathtaking.
"One of the key philosophies that have always guided my designs are Heritage and Timelessness. Most specially when I design wedding gowns."
Towards the end of his post, Rajo extended heartfelt congratulations to Ella and Enrique, wishing them a lifetime of bliss.
"To be part of ones life’s most important life highlights is a true blessing.
"I am so privileged & honoured to have been able to do this for my friends. congratulations Ella & @enriquemiranda22. Wishing you a lifetime of bliss!
"Thank you from all of us @houseofLaurel #weddings #ellayenrique [heart emojis]"
Last December 2022, Ella announced her engagement to Enrique.
Earlier this month, she celebrated her Amalfi-inspired bridal shower with family and friends, attended by her mother Maricel and her sister, content creator Hannah Pangilinan.
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