Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera finally tied the knot in a grand wedding held Tuesday afternoon at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City.

They looked deep into each other’s eyes as they said their vows, and when at last they kissed, it was simply “sweet and solemn” and lasted under 10 seconds. Nothing elaborate or overly dramatic, said a friend of the groom, who was nonetheless moved to tears.

Before the vows, the crowd erupted in ear-splitting shrieks when the dashing groom sped past the barricades and got off a shiny black Ducati motorcycle, wearing a suit by Randy Ortiz. While, Marian arrived around 3 p.m., 22 minutes past her “call time.” She was driven in a restored blue vintage 1976 Mercedes Benz sedan that could barely contain her gown. Marian’s gorgeous wedding gown was designed by Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco.

President Benigno Aquino III served as best man, eight bishops and seven priests celebrated the mass. The entourage was a notable assembly of family, close friends and who’s who in local show biz. Among the principal sponsors of the so-called “royal wedding” were Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Vic Sotto, Ogie Alcasid and wife Regine Velasquez, Helen Gamboa, Celia Rodriguez, GMA bigwigs Felipe Gozon, Gilberto Guavit, Jr. and Lilybeth Rasonable, TV5 executive Wilma Galvante, TAPE, Inc. Chairman Tony Tuviera, producers Wilson Tieng and “Mother” Lily Monteverde, Bench owner Ben Chan, fashion designer Randy Ortiz, directors Joyce Bernal, Mark Reyes and Mac Alejandre and Dr. Vicki Belo.

Those who stood as secondary sponsors included Richard Gomez and wife Leyte 4th District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, KC Concepcion, Senator Bam Aquino and child sensation Ryzza Mae Dizon, who also served as flower girl.

Marian’s close showbiz friends Roxanne Barcelo and Ana Feleo were among her maids of honor while Dingdong’s brother, Jose Angelo Dantes, was among the best men.

Among the showbiz personalities listed as bridesmaids were Agot Isidro, Bettina Carlos, Rochelle Pangilinan and the recently married Bianca Gonzalez. Actor Paolo Contis was also one of the groomsmen.