The Wedding Project
Forever starts at the Shang
MANILA, Philippines - It’s always a dream sequence; a day when every moment seems to pass by in slow motion and every minute of it a picture perfect tableau of everything good about life — a wedding, an event that can make even the most unbelieving soul light up and, perhaps, hope. This day should be nothing short of perfect. If only preparing for a wedding can be as dreamlike and graceful as walking down the aisle — but we all know that it really takes a village. Wedding preparations can even give birth to “bridezillas,” or if the stress becomes worse than cold feet, a runaway bride.
Fortunately, as the demand for perfectly-captured nuptials steadily rises in the country — especially in this day and age of social media where newlyweds yearn to “share” each moment, if not real-time, right after the celebration — the wedding industry has flourished dramatically. There’s now a plethora of videographers promising filmic same-day edits, photographers, wedding coordinators, and studios offering all-inclusive packages. In fact, a report in 2014 said that the wedding industry in the Philippines was set to hit the 1 billion mark in a few years. This, at first glance, is a good thing, but as the market gets saturated, a question begs to be asked: Who to trust?
“We wanted to gather some of the finest and most trusted wedding experts in the country to help our ever-discerning patrons to create the wedding of their dreams,” said Ms. Lala Fojas, Shangri-La Plaza’s EVP and General Manager.
Indeed, The Wedding Project — which runs from July 15 to 17 and July 22 to 24 at the Main Wing’s Grand Atrium — is set to satisfy the every need and whim of bride and grooms-to-be: from cakes that are artfully done (Wicked, Cakes by Mannix and Wynne’s Cake Company), timeless jewelry (Diamantaire, Golcondia, My Diamond, and Stardust), fine wines (Planet Grapes, Titania Wine Cellar, and Wine Story), unique invitations and great wedding reads (Powerbooks, National Book Store, Paper Thread Studio, Printsonalities, and Print & Co.), vintage bridal cars (MG Cars), to chic flower arrangements and event styling (Holland Tulips, Jo Claravall, and Events by Dave Sandoval), first-class wedding coordination (La Belle Fete Weddings & Events), cinematic photography and videography (Bob Nicolas Wedding Films, Chestknots Studio, and Patrick Uy Photography), premium hair and makeup services (Headzone Salon), and other memorable wedding and bridal favors (Tie Me Up Buttercup, La Senza, Marks & Spencer, Me & U Gift Shop, Rustan’s Department Store, Villa del Conte, Vom Fass, Beyond Stitched, Cactus & Canvas, Cut the Scrap, Grace Home, and Something Personal PH).
With the likes of topnotch videographer Bob Nicolas and couturier Mia Urquico on board, not to mention the five Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts properties in the country to choose from, every couple can surely turn their wedding fantasies into reality — a very tasteful one.
