Our very own, Lea Salonga is on the cover of the Fall 2004 issue of Inside Weddings — the insider’s guide to weddings with style.

For the cover shoot, the Broadway star dons her actual Monique Lhuillier bridal gown which the celebrity designer named “The Lea” in honor of her equally talented Filipina client.

The feature is in the Real Weddings section of the magazine and details her wedding vendors, some of which are also celebrated Filipino talents (Juan Sarte, Veloso Brides, Andy Tecson Photography, Rajo Laurel, Lila Almario, etc.).  The article also includes several photographs taken by Tecson during the big day itself.

The cover story, written by Aimee Manis, entitled “Melody of Love“ retells Lea’s love story with Robert Chien from their first meeting, his proposal, and upto the January 10, 2004 altar date in California.  Here’s an except:

“Fitting with her vibrant personality, Lea chose a color scheme of deep cranberry and ivory with subtle gold accents for the elegant winter wedding. To the couple’s delight, the florist executed Lea’s vision perfectly, and created a dramatic, elegant scene filled with a huge number of Black Beauty and Black Magic roses. The glorious setting would demand an equally breathtaking wedding dress, and Lea enlisted Monique Lhuillier to design the gown of her dreams. Lea had admired Monique’s creations in magazines and loved the fact that she had the shared experience of growing up in the Philippines. Lea’s ivory Alencon lace gown was a unique blend of traditional romance with a modern twist, just like the wedding itself. The bridemaids complemented Lea with cranberry hued dresses while the groomsmen sported deep red ties.” [READ MORE…]