It’s still two years to go before my silver wedding anniversary, but I’m already planning my gown.
Having been married for over two decades, I vaguely remember the details of our wedding ceremony and reception. But I can still describe every inch of my wedding gown, created by fashion master designer Inno Sotto.
I was pretty much a rebel bride back then. I defied tradition and requested Inno to include black lace embellishments in his Medieval-inspired, voluminous creation with a rich, intricately brocaded gold veil. Veering away from the traditional Filipiniana-themed wedding, the gown’s every detail had touches of a “Game of Thrones” costume.
Twenty years later, my wedding anniversary gown was still nontraditional and even more dramatic. It was a rich, blood-red gown by fashion designer and TropAfrica travel buddy Rajo Laurel.
Today, with just two years to go before my 25th anniversary, I’m already brainstorming with Rajo on possible styles.
Options, inspirations
So, the recent launch of the Bridal LOOKbook of Inquirer Lifestyle had me all excited about gown designs. The event showcased over 30 wedding gowns by Philippine fashion’s masters and millennials.
The Bridal LOOKbook gives today’s brides all the various options and inspirations for them to have that ultimately dreamy wedding gown.
For the launch, I went into bride mode, wearing a Maureen Disini wedding gown. Maureen’s LOOKbook entry was an off-white, crepe blazer with matching elephant pants.
The Theatre Lounge of Solaire Resort and Casino was transformed into an instant fashion runaway showcasing several designer wedding gowns. Apart from the Bulgari showcase, two beautiful table settings were on display, done by the Solaire team and Cyndi Fernandez of Moss Manila.
Another wedding guidebook
The well-attended soirée also launched the second volume of Philippine Tatler Weddings. “A Wedding Affair,” as it was aptly called, was graced by young brides and soon-to-wed ladies.
Philippine Tatler Weddings, whose maiden issue was launched middle of last year, is a specialty publication of the Philippine Tatler group. It features the lovely Fatima Rabago on the cover in a Vera Wang number, shot on location at Solaire’s lush rooftop garden.
Gorgeous Mikaela Lagdameo Martinez was also part of the cover bridal fashion editorial, joined by the lovely “bridesmaids” Ava Diaz Daza and Laura Lehmann.
A handy, tote-sized compendium of ideas and tips as well as informative and inspirational features, Philippine Tatler Weddings is an essential guide for the modern-day couple as they plan the luxe wedding of their dreams. This amazing edition enjoyed the valued support of the country’s top luxury brands which cater to and help the affluent bride realize all her bridal needs and dreams.
Expect vibrant and extensive features on beautiful weddings and enlightening interviews with five recently-wed ladies: Rima Ostwani-Najjar, Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, Cristalle Belo-Pitt, Isabelle Daza and Cris Villonco-Valderrama. You’ll also enjoy comprehensive articles on the best wedding venues as well as honeymoon destination suggestions, and even tips for decorating your first home!
Seasoned wedding host RJ Ledesma emceed the program for the evening and introduced Philippine Tatler managing director Irene Martel Francisco. She was joined by weddings editor Shauna Jay Popple Williams and fashion editor Monique Madsen as they unveiled the second edition.
Wilcon gets listed
Speaking of wedding anniversaries, lovely couple Hans and Gi Sicat will be celebrating their 30th this October. Hans and I were together at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) for the listing ceremony of Wilcon Depot last March 31.
Wilcon is the newest listed company at the PSE. I personally trust Wilcon for my home and building needs. I’ve also been blessed to represent the brand for a number of years.
The listing was my first time to be in the PSE and I was thrilled to listen to Titoy Pardo, chairman of the PSE, and William Belo, chairman of Wilcon, talking about the bright future for the building supplies company.
Year 2017 is truly a promising one for Wilcon as it turned 40. Its status in the industry has been “cemented.”
This summer, I plan to enjoy as many weekends in the beach as I can. As I relax in one of the beautiful islands in Coron, Palawan, I wish you many happy adventures and lazy days in the sun!
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