Actress and entrepreneur Kiray Celis surprised the internet last November 24 when she posted what looked like dreamy, cinematic wedding video with her longtime boyfriend, Stephan Estopia. Dressed in a wedding gown and posing in the timeless scenery of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, the couple sparked instant congratulatory messages from fans and fellow celebrities who believed the pair had finally said “I do.”
But a week later, Kiray broke her silence to reveal the truth that she is not yet married to Stephan. On November 30, the former child star clarified on Instagram that the photos were part of a music video shoot, one that many fans had mistaken for a real wedding.
“Akala niyo kasal na kami no? Para sa music video ito ni baby KRYZL! Eto yung original song niya na dedicated samin ng kuya tepan niya at sa lahat ng nagmamahal. Thank you dito baby! Excited nako mapanuod ang full video sa Dec 2! Ngayon palang, CONGRATS na! ❤️🥰,” she wrote.
The music video features “Kayong Dalawa Lang,” an original song by 9-year-old CEO and Purple Hearts founder Kryzl Jorge. The bridal-themed shoot and even a clip of Kiray and Kryzl dancing to Taylor Swift’s “Opalite” in the events place had fans convinced the couple had already tied the knot.
READ: Kiray Celis shares wedding guest list | PUSH TV
Long before the viral photos, Kiray had already been openly preparing for her real wedding day. In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN in May, she shared that people often ask whether her future wedding will be star-studded. She admitted she’s more focused on inviting those closest to her, revealing an early guest list that includes her best friend Christian Antolin, soon-to-be godparents Marian Rivera, AiAi Delas Alas, and Gary Valenciano, and bridesmaid Arci Muñoz. She also shared her hope that Enchong Dee would join Stephan’s groomsmen, to which he assured her, “definitely present.”
“Nakakatuwa lang na hindi sila nag-isip. ‘It’s a yes’, parang ganon. Ang saya. Ang sarap na talagang yung lang yung paulit-ulit kong sasabihin, na yung mga mahal ko mahal din talaga ako. Kaya sobra akong swerte na tao. Kaya I’m so excited,” Kiray said, grateful for the overwhelming support she receives from her closest showbiz friends.
In another exlusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN in August, Kiray shared their preparations and admitted that she feels overwhelmed with the things they needed to prepare for the upcoming wedding.
"Nagulat ako kasi noong una, parang kalmado lang ako na mag-aayos ng kasal. ‘Di ko alam na ang dami palang kailangan bayaran... Pero as much as possible nga, parang siya, ‘Sige, ako na ‘to.’ So, parang ako pa rin ‘yung nag-aasikaso kasi nga gusto ko may touch ng ako—hindi niya,” she said.
Although Kiray did not mention the exact wedding date, she hinted that they only have a few months left to prepare for everything and that she found out how hard it is to prepare everything. "Akala ko madaling ikasal. Akala ko madaling magplano. Ang hirap! Grabe. Kaya, ang ikli ng — hindi ko pa puwedeng i-share kung kailan — pero sobrang hirap kasi months lang ‘yung preparations ko."
READ: Kiray Celis shares wedding preparations | PUSH TV
Just this November 5, Kiray and Stephan also posted elegant prenup photos taken in Japan, looking every bit like a couple counting the days to their real wedding. In one post, Kiray captioned, “SA LAHAT NG TAO SA MUNDO, IKAW ANG PINAKA PABORITO KO.”
The couple got engaged last April 21, after Stephan proposed in a touching beachfront moment that Kiray later shared on Instagram. Stephan began by telling her, “To my loving partner, best friend, soon to be wife, sa 5 years nating pagsasama, ang dami na nating napagdaanan, kulitan, tawanan.”
He continued, his voice breaking, “Narealize ko na hindi ko kaya na mabuhay nang wala ka. Hanggang sa magka-anak tayo, hanggang sa tumanda tayo, hinding hindi magbabago ang pagmamahal ko sayo, Mommy… Mahal na mahal kita.”
Finally, he knelt down and asked, “Mommy, Johanna Ismael Celis, will you marry me?”
Kiray, moved to tears, replied, “Of course, Dy.”
READ: WATCH: Kiray Celis shares proposal story with fiancé Stephan Estopia
Kiray initially hoped to get married in December, just in time to celebrate their 6th anniversary together, but arranging the schedule challenged the couple.
“'Yung gusto ko na date 'yung ina-eye... ang hirap po, fully booked na. Ang dami pong gustong ikasal ng December tapos sobrang busy pa ng mga tao, kasi 'yung mga Christmas party kaya wala na sa gusto ko," she stated.
Despite this, Kiray said that the wedding will still push through this year and that it will be held in Manila for accessibility.