John Prats and Isabel Oli got married twice in one day
by Marla David
When Isabel Oli, 33 (real name: Maria Olivia So) walked down the aisle and married John Prats, 31 (John Paulo Prats) last Saturday, May 16, not just once but twice on the same day, she wore flats because she stands an inch taller than John. The twin event was held in Batangas, first via church rites at 10AM at the Nuestra Señora Dela Soledad Parish in Tanuan, Batangas, followed by, as the invitation described it, “a scrumptious lunch” at the Prats’ family owned Nayomi Sanctuary Resort in nearby Balete town; and then it was followed by a Christian rites at 3:30PM at the Manggahan, followed by an “adult dinner” reception at the Main garden of the same resort. Only the immediate family members and friends were invited to the church wedding but more than 700 to the Christian wedding.
Staying true to their ‘Four Seasons of Love’ wedding theme, John and Isabel were able to complete the four seasons theme in one day. The couple first had a winter themed wedding ceremony with a summer-inspired luncheon. It was then followed by a Christian ceremony with calla lilies chandeliers adorning the ceremony area to create a sunset in spring theme. And lastly, they had an autumn themed dinner reception.
For the church wedding, Isabel wore a Pronovias’ gown and then later changed to a gown by Vera Wang for the Christian wedding. John and Isabel decided to get married twice as a nod to their religion. He’s a devout Catholic while she’s Christian.
The wedding(s) capped a two-year romance that sealed John’s colorful single-blessedness. Before Isabel, John was romantically linked to Heart Evangalista (now happily married as Mrs. Chiz Escudero), Shaina Magdayao, 2008 Miss Earth Karla Henry and former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Bianca Manalo. Isabel went steady with fellow Cebuano Marco Alcaraz (now Precious Lara Quigaman’s husband) and Paolo Contis (separated from her dancer-wife). She was also once linked to basketeer James Yap before he courted Michela Cazzola.
Isabel is John’s avid fan. When they first met, John was already making a name as actor/dancer/TV host while Isabel was not yet in showbiz. She was disappointed when she didn’t get John’s autograph and have a photo with him during that meeting.
“Their second meeting was at my husband Chris’ birthday party,” said actress Sherilyn Reyes-Tan. They were both fancy-free. They exchanged phone numbers and, you know what happened. “I’m happy for them,” added Sherilyn. “Bagay na bagay sila. They are close to their (respective) families.”
John stunned Isabel with a “flash mob” proposal at Eastwood , Quezon City, in September last year.
They are the 10th couple to wed this year, after Heart Evangelista (incidentally was John’s ex) and Sen. Chiz Escudero (Feb. 15) in Balesin Island, Quezon Province. Among the Principal Sponsors from showbiz were Boy Abunda, director Ruel Bayani, Ben Chan, Ramon Chuaying, Laurenti Dyogi, Edgar Mortiz, Martin Nievera, Christopher Tan (Sherilyn’s husband, a basketball player), talent manager Arnold Vegafria, former Sen. Miguel Zubiri and Maria Socorro “Cory” Vidanes. Sam Milby was a Best Man, Angelica Panganiban “Best Lady” and John’s sister Camille one of the “Honorable Maidens.”
Mr. and Mrs. John Paulo Prats will be spending their honeymoon in Europe.
