Bride-to-be Catherine Huang (third from left) with her mother Nedy Tantoco (third from right) and her Tantoco aunts (from left) Marilen Tantoco, Maritess Enriquez, Menchu Lopez and Marilou Pineda —PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEDY TANTOCO

Flowers bloomed at the bridal shower for Catherine Huang held on May 8. They appeared on the edges of the white tablecloth, decorated charger plates, and were arranged in low, fragrant clusters on the table set for afternoon tea—the handiwork of the bride’s cousin-in-law Pam Lopez.

Huang, general manager of Marks & Spencer Philippines, is set to wed Dr. David Endriga, an orthopedic spine surgeon.

The intimate party was hosted by Huang’s aunts, Tokie Enriquez, Menchu Lopez, Merl Pineda and Marilen Tantoco.

Venue was Menchu’s airy, sunlit home, with catering provided by Gourmet Garage.

The floral theme spilled over to the menu as guests nibbled on fried squash blossoms filled with three cheeses and served with a tomato dip. Savories included baked escargots, prosciutto panini, and lobster and caviar toast.

There were home-baked scones served with fruit preserves and French butter, and Gourmet Garage’s version of chocolate fondue. This one, made with classic Toblerone, was flecked with edible gold flakes and served with cubed and skewered fruits.

The bride is the youngest child and only daughter of Rustan’s chair and CEO Nedy Tantoco and Commonwealth Foods president Anthony Huang.

The groom is the son of former Cultural Center of the Philippines president Bal Endriga and wife Tessie. —RCK