Weddings at Westin 2003 held last February 9 at the Grand Ballroom Plaza of the Westin Philippine Plaza was a high impact bridal event that elevates the concept of bridal fairs to a purposeful event that provides practical, professional assistance, networking, interactive workshops and the convenience of having a one-stop-shop of wedding planners, suppliers, service providers and professional consultants.
The event was formally opened by General Manager Shane Cunning and wife Laura Cunning, celebrity couple Albert and Liezel Martinez with a ceremonial toast and cutting of the cake ceremony.
Patricia Puyat-Palanca, director of Catering and Conventions of the Westin Philippine Plaza, then led the couples-to-be and guests inside the sprawling ballroom accommodating over 50 of the country’s best wedding suppliers.
The hallway and the ballroom were dotted with elegant bridal gowns by 12 of Manila’s top designers. In the center were Westin’s different reception set-ups featuring Classic, Indian, Oriental and Zen-inspired themes.
Meanwhile, the bright pinks, lime green and blues of spring and summer characterized the Honeymoon collection of Filipina designer Josie Natori. Models sashayed down the runway in seductive slips and floral robes.
The rest of the afternoon was spent on engaging discussions on relevant topics with celebrity guest speakers. Personality and image consultant Olen Lim hosted the discussions. Media personalities Sonny and Deedee Siytangco and Anthony Pangilinan were on hand to advise couple-to-be Christine Bersola and Julius Babao and the guests on the nitty-gritty of the married life. Atty. Jesse Andres then discussed the legal aspects of getting married.
Stage director Joey Espino and Westin’s Patricia Puyat-Palanca imparted tips and tactics on the wedding preparations. The talks then shifted to the glamorous side of getting married as Miguel Leyva, designer and president of the Njörk Design Group, Arsi Baltazar, fitness consultant and author of Breathe Thin, and Apple Morales of Lancome answered the crowd’s concerns on grooming the groom and making the blushing bride even more breath-taking on her big day.
Hourly raffles contributed to the excitement in the air. Beth Cuneta emerged the big winner with a trip for to two to honeymoon capital Paris courtesy of Air France.
Capping the fair was the much-awaited fashion show of designer Rajo Laurel entitled, Traje de Boda, held at Westin’s unique air-conditioned transparent garden tent. Manila’s muses glided down the aisle in inspiring creations — from fully beaded flowing gowns to 20s inspired flapper dresses. Fireworks and applause marked the end of the fair and the formal launch of Westin’s wedding tent.
 (L-R) Celebrity couple Albert and Liezel Martinez, model newlyweds, Laura Cunning and General Manager Shane Cunning toast to the success of Weddings at Westin 2003. |
 The guests survey Westin’s Zen and Indian-inspired reception set-ups. |
 Floral pink slips for a fun honeymoon. Honeymoon wear by Josie Natori. |
 (L-R) Engaged to be married Julius Babao, Christine Bersola, personality Anthony Pangilinan, host Olen Lim and couple Deedee and Sonny Siytangco discuss the nitty-gritty of the married life. |
 Designer Rajo Laurel acknowledges the praise for his Traje de Boda show at Westin’s new transparent garden tent. |
 (L-R) Rica Peñalosa, public relations manager of Westin and Patricia Puyat-Palanca, director of catering and conventions of Westin award the grand trip to Paris for two courtesy of Air France. |
