I love all things about weddings—the preparations, the gowns, the flowers, the set design, the speeches, everything!
So, at the recently held “Marry Me at Marriott” bridal show, I was delighted to experience the bridal styling of different trade suppliers.
Created by Marriott Hotel Manila, “Marry Me at Marriott” has evolved in the last six years into the annual assemblage of prime movers in the wedding industry, most stylish influencers, media personalities and soon-to-wed couples.
Staged at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, the event has earned its well-deserved trademark as the country’s top bridal show.
The venue’s foyer was turned into a wedding boulevard. The 3rd Avenue band serenaded guests, who posed for selfies at the entrance, where there were nine cake masterpieces by Marriott, each inspired by a unique story.
Free-flowing wine
The show was directed by Robby Carmona and included a four-course, sit-down dinner with wine pairing for 700 guests. Free-flowing Raffa sparkling wines from Emperador Distillers started off the sumptuous meal.
Executive chef Meik Brammer designed a menu that highlighted not just magnificent flavors but also their culinary advocacies like sustainable seafood and organic produce.
New this year was the bridal fair featuring top suppliers such as Pat Dy, Nice Print Photography, Jason Magbanua, Project Mayo 7, Write Impressions, Print Divas, Knotville, The Good Goods, Periwinkle and Lace, Albert Kurniawan, Tris Events, and Christine Ong-Te Events.
Cosmo Skin gave away beauty and bath products, including a skincare gift set for the guests.
There was also a raffle of overnight stays in luxurious suites in Marriott Hotel Manila, at the newly opened Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, Sheraton Manila and Marriott Clark. Also up for grabs were tickets to the musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo” currently running at Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Two stunning ladies won lippies from Bobbi Brown, best-dressed ladies received the latest scents from Jo Malone London, and three couples won jewelry from Twin Princess Gems.
Opulent
Accentuating the grand ballroom’s 12-foot-high ceilings were opulent chandeliers and ceiling treatments by top event stylists Gideon Hermosa, Michael Ruiz and Teddy Manuel, collectively known as the GMT. With the help of Stage Riggers, the production created dramatic vertical movements for the chandeliers.
Opening the show was the romanticist Rosenthal Tee, whose very feminine dresses were worn by Lovi Poe and Miss International-Philippines Ahtisa Manalo.
Modernist Mak Tumang was a breath of fresh air, showing off excellent craftsmanship in the clothes worn by his beauty-queen muses, Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann and Miss Universe-Philippines Catriona Gray.
Closing the night was global talent Amir Sali, whose works have wowed monarchs. Sali flaunted avant-garde and powerful pieces.
Call 9889999 or visit manilamarriott.com.
RCG’s 10th anniversary
On Oct. 27, the Red Charity Gala (RCG) will stage its 10th anniversary show at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. I was thrilled to walk around “Marry Me” and get a feel of RCG’s new home.
Co-chair Kaye Tiñga and I are grateful for several sponsors for our auction at the RCG. One is top optical store Ideal Vision Center, whose mission is to provide excellent eye care and the best range of eyewear.
Ideal Vision Center recently held its 32nd anniversary sale. At the anniversary party held at its Glorietta store, Dr. Joy Go, VP for marketing, talked about the season’s trends, as well as the latest innovations in lenses to further care for the eyes.
Another brand that always supports RCG is Fila, which is always visible at events and product launches. Recently it sponsored a dinner-jazz concert at the ballroom of Fairmont Hotel, a homecoming of sorts for Marlene de la Peña.
Marlene is known as “Marene” in Japan, where she has made a name for herself as as a singer. She starred in the show “Threesome,” together with Japanese guitarist Jiro Yoshida and pianist Makoto Kuriya. It was produced by Brightstage Productions. The jazz concert proved to be an enchanting evening.
Fila also recently partnered with Cloudfone, a homegrown manufacturer of smartphones. Customers who purchased at least a pair of Fila shoes received raffle coupons for Cloudfones. The awarding party was held in Fila’s head office, attended by Eric Yu, Cloudfone’s founder and president, and Butch and Cris Albert, the entrepreneurial team behind Fila Philippines.
Completing a trifecta of events, Fila and Fiorgelato recently launched its newest partnership at SM Makati, where a Fila pop-up store offered 50- to 60-percent discounts on all shoes, and Fiorgelato gave away two free scoops of gelato to all Fila customers.
The tie-up has inspired a Fila x Fiorgelato shoe.
Butch and Cris welcomed Fiorgelato’s president, Ricardo Cuna, to the launch, as well as guests Roxanne Barcelo and Jerald Napoles, Fila’s brand ambassadors. Antonio Aguirre, creative consultant of Fila, was present as well.
See more photos on Instagram: @seaprincess888
