What kind of bride are you?
Say yes to the dress at Marriott Manila
Joey Mead King ascends the runway in a wedding dress — a corseted halter with a darted bouffant skirt and a cathedral train. She glides, taking her time like a blushing bride to be world, eyes down, hands together, and the room hushes. Hundreds of guests dressed to the nines whip out their phones to document this fleeting moment of fashion magic but it is something none of us can quite capture on phones — something we feel radiating in all 3,000 pillar- less square meters of space, 12 meters high at Marriott Manila’s renovated grand ballroom. King represents the pure happiness that comes w i th true love, tested and realized.
We are gathered here by Marriott Manila as it offers the latest features of their grand ballroom. As guests mingle over cocktails and
hors d’oeuvres, one side of the wall folds up, unveiling an ornate runway. This is a sample of how the Marriott’s Skyfold Technology can be used: a soundproof partitioning system that also enhances acoustics within each section, paving the way for surprises, just like the exciting years to come.
King is wearing a Mark Bumgarner pièce de résistance. Do you see yourself working a similar sleek-yet-romantic aesthetic on your day? Bumgarner is known for his corseting with the puffiest, blooming skirts, and this collection does not disappoint. He also worked with layers of lace and tulle with sweetheart, as well as deep- plunging necklines with panel and serpentine trains, respectively, the latter donned by Maxine Medina who is currently betrothed to her journey as Miss Universe.
Those looking for an ornate ensemble fit for a cathedral wedding — and the train to match — can opt for a Francis Libiran. Libiran chooses to highlight the woman’s back and decolletage, whether bare — as seen on his muses Arci Munoz and Venus Raj — or covered in mesh to give the illusion of it, drawing the eye to it with capes like reigning Miss International Kylie Versoza did. One standout look offers ruffled hems done in Libiran’s classic laser- cut technique, this time with embellishment reminiscent of glistening cathedral Windows and anahaw leaves. For the groom, no less than brocade suits in rich hues of violet.
Meanwhile, Ryan Madamba chooses to design for the modern bride who prioritizes comfort through clean and modern lines to flaunt the ethereal lightness of flowing silk gazar and silk chiffon, decorating the bodice with French lace detail. Its permutations appear in a sheath with a low-cut back and bow, from Sabrina to asymmetric necklines, notably in a princess-cut gown with a deep V-neck and an organdy silk chiffon cape modeled by soon-to-be-wed Rocio Olbes while Tricia Centenera- Valenciano floats in a tea- length A- line look. Stealing the limelight are the flower girls, novices to the catwalk, wandering down the runway in Madamba’s scrumptious empire-cut tulle gowns. Silver bows, whether in hair or on waists, pull all the looks together.
Closing up the bridal showcase is Cary Santiago who presents only three definitive looks, all displaying how he reimagines his structured aesthetic. His signature doily design is reinterpreted in a serpentine piece. A modern-day Grace Kelly number inspires modern-day princess dreams with long lace sleeves and a bouquet of flowers cascading down the cathedral train. Unique to what Santiago has presented thus far in his career is a sleeker number that would be fit for an oriental-themed union with a bodice that calls to mind the intricacy of a traditional fan. It comes with a neckpiece that cascades all the way to the bride’s hair, an exaggeration of the hair ornaments worn by tradition Japanese brides on their big day.
Some 176 programmable pillow lights hang from adjustable ceiling lights (which can go as high as 12 meters or as low as 10) changing into 360 colors, adding sparkle to the grandeur of silver trees as the cast of Annie at Resorts World serenades the audience with musical classics between collections. That elusive happy ending — wouldn’t it be nice if it started with a blissful beginning?