Carla Abellana begins a new chapter with an intimate ‘I do’

Carla Abellana quietly stepped into a new season of her life over the weekend, choosing intimacy and intention over spectacle as she exchanged vows with her non-showbiz partner, Dr. Reginald Santos. Surrounded only by family and a close circle of loved ones, the actress marked the milestone in a private ceremony that reflected her preference for keeping life’s most meaningful moments away from the spotlight.

Details of the wedding surfaced through those closest to her, with her mother offering a glimpse into the celebration and later confirmations affirming that the couple tied the knot on Saturday, 27 December. The ceremony, held in Tagaytay, was set against a serene garden backdrop, an understated yet elegant setting that mirrored the couple’s low-key approach.

True to her refined style, Abellana looked radiant in a minimalist bridal gown accented by a structured neckline and a delicate lace veil, a look that balanced classic romance with modern simplicity. Santos complemented her in a crisp tuxedo, underscoring the formality of the occasion without overpowering its intimate tone.

While the actress chose not to publicly share details of the wedding, fans were offered subtle hints in the days leading up to it. Abellana had earlier posted snapshots from her bridal shower, held at a dermatology clinic in Parañaque, sparking warm reactions online and signaling a joyful countdown to her big day.

Little is known about Dr. Santos, a private individual who has largely remained out of the public eye. What has since emerged, however, is a story that feels quietly poetic. He was reportedly Abellana’s first boyfriend, someone she later reconnected with after life took them on separate paths. Their renewed bond eventually blossomed into a relationship, which the actress confirmed publicly last August.

The wedding also marks a meaningful turning point for Abellana, who has been open about navigating personal change in recent years. She was previously married to actor Tom Rodriguez in 2021, a union that ended after only a few months. Due to Rodriguez’s American citizenship, the couple was able to file for divorce in 2022, with Philippine courts officially recognizing it in June 2024. More than a year later, both have moved forward with their lives. Rodriguez has since shared that he is also married to a non-showbiz partner.

For Abellana, this new beginning is defined less by public declarations and more by quiet certainty. In choosing privacy, simplicity, and a life partner outside the industry, the actress enters a fresh chapter grounded in personal happiness, one unfolding away from cameras, but marked by intention, healing, and hope.