Before the dinner program starts, guests can have cocktails and explore the different wedding stalls and essentials displayed just outside the ballroom. Stylish and unique wedding cakes were on hand from Marriott Manila’s own cake designer, Chef David. Marriott’s in-house Event Studios crafts and designs their own dream weddings cakes for couples who decide to stage their grand wedding at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. 

Accompanying me that evening was a soon-to-be Marriott bride herself, Ms. Bettina Bacani of Life in Technicolor, who will be having her wedding at the Marriott Grand Ballroom next May. This event is just perfect for her as she is in the process of choosing the wedding suppliers and designers for her big day next year.

Some of these suppliers included Tris Events, Twin Princess Gems, Jo Malone, Caliber King Photography, Pat Dy, Jason Magbanua, Periwinkle, The Good Goods, and many more.

The ever-radiant Michelle Garcia, Cluster Director of Marketing and Communications for Marriott Manila, welcomed me and all the guests as we excitedly entered the grand ballroom for the start of the show which was directed by Robby Carmona.

The Marriott Grand Ballroom revealed another majestic masterpiece as it played host to this elegant dinner fashion show which seated over 700 guests that evening. The unique 200-feet catwalk easily fits inside the ballroom which was turned into a sparkling venue enchanted with ceiling accents by famed event stylists Gideon Hermosa, Michael Ruiz and Teddy Manuel.

The special four-course dinner was prepared by Marriott Manila Executive Chef Meik Brammer in line with their culinary advocacy promoting sustainable seafood (Read: Marriott Manila Launches Philippines Sustainable Seafood Week 2018), paired with lovely wines from Emperador Distillers. This is just how beautiful and romantic it could be when you choose the Marriott Grand Ballroom as the venue for your wedding reception.

Our first course was the Sustainable Shrimp with chili spiked tomatoes, ricotta and chives puree, plus frisee salad. This was paired with a glass of Gallo Chardonay with its dry and crisp finish and well-balanced round bright flavors of green apple, citrus and lemon.

Next was the Velvet Cauliflower Soup, poured onto a plate with crispy mushroom rangoon and orange zest infused olive oil. his second course was paired with Canyon Road Chardonnay and its crisp notes of apple and ripe citrus plus a hint of cinnamon spice.

For our third and main course, we had the Grilled U.S. Beef Tenderloin Steak with caramelized onions, truffle potato puree, and porcini cabernet pan sauce. The steak was cooked medium rare and is absolutely tender, especially with its smoky, beefy flavors enhanced by the dark cabernet sauce.

Our steak was paired with a glass of Gallo Merlot, a fruit-filled combination of red cherry, boysen berry and plum with chocolate notes and mid tannins.

For our dessert course, we were served the Mango and Guava with guava cremeux, mango white chocolate cream, chocolate sponge and platelets, coconut milk gelee, and meringe kisses. This was then paired with the Barefoot Moscato, a delightfully sweet wine with a lush and fruity aroma, full of juicy peach and ripe apricot flavors plus citrus hints of lemon and orange.

Special award and prizes were also given to lucky guests that evening as Marriott Manila partnered with several luxury brands to make the evening more memorable. Some of the prizes given were lippies from Bobbi Brown, scents from Jo Malone London, jewelry from Twin Princess Gems, and overnight stays at different Marriott properties in the Philippines.

The program was opened by Marriott Cluster General Manager Bruce Winton, starting with the collection of the Romanticist, Ms. Rosenthal Tee.

Miss International Philippines 2018 Ahtisa Manalo led the runway with models wearing beautiful designs that highlight their figures and embodies the soul and spirit of adventure.

Celebrity actress Lovi Poe stood out as the muse for Rosenthal Tee and she regalled the crowd with her presence and charisma.

The next designer featured at Marry Me at Marriott 2018 was the modernist, Mr. Mak Tumang. Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann opened the second act which featured the designer’s modern techniques, haute couture, and his continuous pursuit of luxurious elegance.

The highlight of the evening came when Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray slowly walked down the runway in a sparkling Mak Tumang creation.

The Philippines’ representative to the next Miss Universe pageant was the obvious Star of the Night as she gracefully worked the crowd in her elegant and shining evening gown.

Last but definitely not the least was another upcoming local talent, the Prince of Beads, Mr. Amir Sali. His collection has some of the more unique and eye-catching designs of the evening.

His muse was Miss Grand International Philippines 2018 Eva Patalinjug who even walked down the runway with a cute and charming kiddie model. 

The night’s festivities ended with a parade of all the models wearing their beautiful gowns and dresses. Marriott Hotel Manila has once again made Marry Me at Marriott 2018 the talk of the town. Congratulations to all the designers and congratulations to Marriott Manila for another successful evening.

Marriott Hotel Manila

2 Resorts Drive, Newport City, Pasay City

988-9999

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mnlap-manila-marriott-hotel