Ara Mina looked like the queen she is in her wedding with businessman and government official Dave Almarinez last June 30, 2021, in Baguio City. The couple got together three years ago and got engaged last January 2021, and now friends and family were delighted to witness the two exchange their vows.
Ara, or Hazel (her real name), has a very supportive family behind her, and they couldn’t be happier over her marriage to Dave — and it shows! The wedding gown, designed by couturier Leo Almodal, was a gift from Ara’s younger sisters, Heidi Gatmaytan and Cristine Reyes.
Ara, also being a doting sister to all her siblings, played matchmaker to her half-brother, Macky Mathay, and her friend, Sunshine Cruz. Both were there to see the happy couple walk down the aisle and were in charge of putting the veil on the couple.
Ara’s 6-year old daughter, Mandy, was the “little bride” and had a wedding gown made for her that looked almost like her mom’s. That’s a mom-and-me look that no one will ever forget!
Ara’s ex-partner, Bulakan, Bulacan mayor Patrick Meneses, showed his sign of support to the union by attending their wedding, showing that there are no hard feelings between them. According to pep.ph, they are all good friends, and Ara and Dave personally invited him to their wedding.
Mandy was merely three months old when Ara and Mayor Meneses split up, but no matter what, Mayor Meneses will always be Mandy’s father, after all!
Speaking of fathers, Ara also expressed her love for her now-husband last Father’s Day. Dave, like Ara, has children with a previous partner. Ara said that she is excited to have a child with the businessman in her Instagram post:
“Before this day ends, I wanna greet Happy Father’s Day to the man of my heart, the love of my life and my soon to be husband @davealmarinez. One day is not enough to honor how special a father you truly are because you’re amazing and incredible dad.
"I can attest to that. God knows. I am so grateful to have in my life Dave, and honestly I can’t wait to have our own child. In God’s time.
"Thank you for all the love you have given me and to @myamandagabrielle. We’ll always be here for you, my Dave.”
It sounds like they’ll have one big, happy family. Congratulations to the happy couple!
Check out Ara Mina's stunning wedding gown here.