Political figures, media personalities and thousands of common folk witnessed the much-awaited wedding of Senator Manuel “Mar" Roxas II and broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez at the historic Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City on Tuesday afternoon. Wearing a serpentina-style gown in a Filipiniana motif, a teary-eyed Sanchez walked down the aisle with her brothers taking turns in escorting her to the altar, where a beaming Roxas awaited her. Eschewing tradition, the bride did not wear a veil with her Pepito Albert gown.

The members of the entourage wore native Filipino attire, with men in embroidered barong Tagalog and women in long Maria Clara gowns.

An estimated three thousand people witnessed the wedding ceremony inside the church, while an additional crowd of about two thousand milled outside.

In an interview with reporters, Roxas said he last talked with his bride Sanchez on Monday morning. Roxas said Sanchez sent him this text message on Tuesday morning: “Pray for me so I will not trip (during the wedding)."

Seen in attendance were prominent political leaders including Vice President Noli de Castro, former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Batangas vice governor Mark Leviste, former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney. Media personalities including television host Kris Aquino-Yap and GMA Network President Felipe L. Gozon were also spotted in the church. Aquino-Yap, who arrived with husband James Yap and son Baby James, wished the couple “much happiness and a baby right away." Some people in the crowd outside the Sto. Domingo Church arrived as early as 7 a.m. to witness what they called “the wedding of the year." Joey Bongolan, 47, said he just wanted to see the groom. Bongolan said he was able to interact with Roxas two years ago, when the senator went to Divisoria mall in Manila. “Nandito ako para makita siyang ikasal. Natutuwa ako kahit andito ako sa labas (I’m here to see him get married. I’m happy even if I’m here outside)," he said. More than 10 bishops and priests, including Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Sorsogon Bishop Angel Valera and Bishop Raul Martin of Quezon City, are officiating the wedding mass. The UP Madrigal Singers sang an a capella rendition of “Ave Maria" and “Umagang Kay Ganda" while the bride walked down the aisle. Principal sponsors of the wedding include Senator Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, former Senate President Jovito Salonga, ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez II, Roxas’ uncle Jorge Araneta, broadcast journalist Cecilia Lazaro, Red Cross governor Rosa Rosal, Helen Costales, Ruby Roxas, and Maria Fores. – GMANews.TV