MADDEN AND OPTINA NUPTIALS
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Solemn, Elegant, Star-Studded, Symbolic, Romantic, Fun and Intimate, A Real Work of Art – these descriptions easily found its way into the wedding celebration of Christi Marie Optina and Robert “Arbie” Madden held on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Arbie and Christi first met on July 14, 2018 in Chicago. Both made their relationship official on August 3, 2022, four (4) years after. Arbie proposed to Christi on November 19, 2022 and the rest is a beautiful story of a celebration of love pictured in a fairytale-like gathering where flowers were exquisite, music was angelic, and everything seemed perfect.
Tagbilaran City’s St. Joseph Cathedral, was chosen by the couple as the sacred place to articulate the marriage vows. The church was appropriately adorned without lavish trimmings. The church rites started at 3:00 in the afternoon with Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog as the main celebrant.
Our bride in focus is Christi Marie Optina from Tagbilaran City, Bohol. She is the eldest of two siblings and she is the daughter of Geve Optina – Kapirig. Christi is a Flight Attendant Supervisor and is presently connected with Qatar Airways.
Her groom is Robert “Arbie” Madden from Seattle, Washington. He is the youngest of three and the son of Bruce Leon Madden (+) and Lourdes Madden. Arbie is connected at the Lead Technical Facilities Management in The City of Seattle.
The wedding banquet was held at the new Convention Center of Be Grand Resort in Panglao, Bohol. It is now THE PLACE for wedding receptions.
“SMILE”, Philippines under the direction of Gloria Leodivica Ines Araneta handled full event planning and coordination. Other personalities and suppliers composed the support group for the wedding event as handled by “SMILE”, Philippines, and they were present: Belle of a Bride for the styling; Superseven as the photo and video services provider; Koro Seraphim for the church choir; Janna Zapatos as the church commentator; Yan Tiempo&Company for the hair & make-up; Jazel Sy for the bride’s outfit and accessories; Pons for the groom’s outfit; Budz & Bags for the lady entourage’s outfit; Disco Record Center for the lights and sounds, trusses, dance floor & low-lying fog; Solely Simple Band for the entertainment; Denrick’s for the food packs; Lola Lilia’s for the wedding cake; Estrella for the cocktails & grazing; Bohol Vintage Cars as the bridal car provider; Neo as the DJ; and Ralph Klynn Solis as the choreographer.
The guests were touched and awed by the Bride-Grandmother dance featuring Charito Optina, and Christi (of course).
Chandymar Araneta Batoy of “SMILE”, Philippines acted as master of ceremonies of the post wedding reception under the management of Gloria Leodivica Ines Araneta, both of The Bohol Tribune and Station dyTR..
The new couple, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Madden (nee Christi Marie Optina)
Arbie and Christi in one of their postnup shoots
Christi with her lady entourage
Arbie with his male entourage
The couple with the bride’s immediate family
The newlyweds with all the members of the entourage
Arbie and Christi with their Principal Sponsors