Shangri-la’s Veils and Trails
AFTER its successful debut in 2014, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa held this year’s “Of Veils and Trails” last month, to reengage couples seeking to fulfill their dream wedding at Cebu’s most elegant address.
The wedding fair opened with registered couples taken on guided tours, as pictures of their perfect wedding were presented at the resort’s most sought-after bridal venues.
Flaunting the beauty of a tropical seaside venue, the iconic Ocean Pavilion, as styled by Pink Flora, was swathed in bouquets of deeply rich red roses — a perfect contrast to the serene cerulean waters of the Mactan Channel. For couples who wish to have the sun, sea and sand not as mere accents, but focal points in their celebrations, the beachfront was dotted with decorative white twig trees adorned with white hanging lamps and confetti. AW Flowers accented the area with a splatter of red roses and petals and a red nautical-inspired cake by Marissa Unchuan.
A garden setting against the chandelier-draped Mactan Ballroom was both romantic and whimsical, as designed by Simple Wishes. Columns of fresh greens entwined with falling crystals and rose buds stood high above tables laden with roses of the freshest colors — sunny yellows, peaches and pinks. Tasteful flatware and refined table accessories completed the fancifully chic ambience.
Couples were then ushered to The Marquee, where they conferred with Cebu’s finest wedding professionals, from florists, hair and make-up stylists, pastry artists, decor providers, printers, photographers, videographers and bridal jewelry suppliers to lights and sound experts.
While last year’s wedding fair showcased Cebu’s most respected fashion artisans, this year’s celebrations put on stage Cebu’s pool of talented entertainers. Performances by On the Cover, Juleus Gacang, Session Four, John Walt & Axel and Kate Torralba captured the romantic spirit of the day. A finale performance gathered all entertainers for a fitting rendition of “Marry You” to put everyone in a celebratory mood.
Food showcase
The main highlight for this year’s fair was the food showcase staged by the resort’s culinary team.
Several food stations were put on full display as part of the showcase.
On the table for the Philippine Romance station were homegrown favorites that have become part of any Filipino household celebration like empanada (stuffed pastry), pancit palabok (rice noodles in thick shrimp-flavored sauce), tokwa’t baboy (boiled pork and fried tofu), and bibingka (rice cake) and lumpia (fresh spring roll).
For couples who want to make the reception personal and play up on their favorite ingredient or food item, the chefs demonstrated the versatility of Lemongrass. At the Lemongrass station were minced wagyu beef skewer with curry spice, minced Australian lamb skewer with Moroccan spice, tomato relish and mustard seeds, and minced seafood skewer with citrus-lemon Aioli, among others.
The chefs then presented Cebu’s succulent mangoes in a flair of mango-inspired dishes like prawn cocktail in mango salsa, shredded chicken, soba noodles and seaweed with teriyaki mango dressing, crab and mango cocktail, and chili garlic-marinated mushrooms in balsamic vinegar.
Taste buds were taken on a Mediterranean fling with the colorful, vibrant tapestry of the Mediterranean station. Braised lamb with thyme, ravioli seafood butter and sage, turkey meatballs in pistachio sauce, eggplants parmigiana and Spanish paella were some of the dishes that displayed the aromatic, hearty, attributes of Mediterranean cuisine. A whimsical cupcake tower served as the final centerpiece in the food showcase, with two lovely ladies in cupcake gowns adding a playful touch.
Of Veils and Trails was a blissful success. To realize the wedding of their dreams, guests may contact Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu at 231-8165. (PR)
