Seaside Sonata

Fabulous Island Weddings 

 By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

From a small and intimate beach wedding to a grandiose ceremony to hallmark the beginning of a life together as man & wife, Cebu is fast gaining popularity for memorable destination weddings. Just an hour away by plane from Manila, it also has direct flights from a number of key cities in Asia; providing accessibility and a valuable mix of exotic wedding locations to choose from. The province's wealth of wedding professionals and suppliers ensure ease and convenience for a destination wedding: from internationally-accredited organizers, award-winning lensmen, world-renowned fashion designers to providers of bejeweled floral arrangements. Cebu provides all essentials for an unforgettable event. And when in Cebu for an island wedding in paradise, only one property stands out among many – the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa. 

The resort hotel recently unveiled its bridal fair at the posh Greenbelt 5 mall inside the Ayala Center. Simply dubbed “Seaside Sonata,” the event showcased the bridal refinements of Shangri-La resorts in the country. The exhibition area of the mall was beautifully decked with floral arrangements by Robert Blancaflor as well as bride & groom ensembles by Philip Rodriguez and bridal gowns by Jun-Jun Escario and Arcy Gayatin, fashion designers based in Cebu. 

“This is the first time that we mounted our very own show as part of our annual events activity. In years previous, we were simply part of an omnibus bridal fair as a venue supplier. Hopefully, this will become an annual bridal fair of Shangri-La resorts where designers from Cebu and Boracay will be featured. Currently, Shangri-La Mactan offers 60 seats for a ballroom-type wedding and 80 covers for a theater-type setting. We also have an events manager for just that purpose,” apprised director of sales & marketing Michael Jaey C. Albania during the launching ceremonies. 

Tucked in a lush tropical landscape and with a crystalline coastline, Shangri-La Mactan's Resort & Spa, Cebu has an abundance of scenic spots, intricately manicured lawns, a 350-meter private beach cove with white powdery sand, an azure pellucid seascape as well as opulent banquet facilities, making the 13-hectare beachfront property an ideal venue for couples to begin a life-long voyage together. 

Cebu is a cosmopolitan city robust with activity for a wide spectrum of travelers. Couples and their guests will enjoy the vibrant and endless possibilities for shopping, dining, wellness, and more. Those who love to shop will be delighted in hunting for bargains on fashion accessories and furniture by globally-acclaimed local designers. For adventure-loving folks, some of the best diving spots in the world can be found in nearby islands like Apo in Oriental Negros and Balicasag in Bohol. There'll never be a lazy day under the golden Visayan sun. 

The city is also home to a wide array of dining choices for gourmets and gourmands alike. From haute cuisine to the world-famous roasted suckling pig more commonly referred as lechon de leche, an adventurous palate will enjoy a culinary journey that is distinctly Cebuano. The perfect setting for a destination wedding, the Mactan Shangri-La resort offers couples various locales for the wedding of their dreams. Whether they wish for a luxurious classic betrothal, a chic yet sophisticated celebration under the stars or an intimate and down-to-earth beach wedding ceremony, Shangri-La can fulfill every wish, while and/or want. 

Sheltered from the monsoon madness that beset the northern areas of the archipelago, Cebu enjoys sunny weather all-year round. Truly a tropical paradise! Weather worries are the least of every organizer and/or couple's concerns, especially those opting for an outdoor ceremony and celebration. The dream of either an outdoor or indoor wedding may be interpreted to suit an intimate ceremony or a grandiose celebration. The Ocean Pavilion, a high-ceiling and glass-encased area overlooking the horizon, is ideal for small, close-knit gatherings. At this venue, guests can enjoy a view of the tranquil waters of the Mactan Channel, giving a feeling of being closer to Mother Nature without having to worry about the weather. And for the perfect fluvial bliss, couples may want to celebrate romance amidst the gentle breeze of the sea and the soothing lullaby of undulating waves. Also, for a perfect reception under-the-stars, bask in the sheer beauty of nature from the Helipad Garden where the verdure is greener and flowers burst in a kaleidoscope of tropical colors. 

The Mactan Ballroom, on the other hand, with its lush interiors and opulent furnishings is a setting fit for an elegant wedding that truly scintillates. Then there's the Rosal Ballroom, another stylish indoor alternative with interiors that evoke a tropical feel. Either one gives an elegant setting against a backdrop of sparkling chandeliers and gleaming table appointments; adding to the enchantment of the affair. And for a totally grand indoor wedding reception, couples can opt for The Marquee with its air-conditioned high-ceiling tent that assures much needed exclusivity and space for a themed-wedding; turning grand dreams into reality. It provides the perfect backdrop for a grand celebration in immaculate drapes and spacious dimensions. And to ensure that all weddings at the resort run smoothly, a dedicated events management team will guide the proceedings every step of the way. 

Thus, with everything taken cared of, all a couple needs to do is simply pick the wedding package of their choice; fluvial or otherwise. Whatever the ultimate choice may be, bride & groom can say “I do” in either the sun-drenched magical seaside enclave that's Shangri-La Mactan or the equally paradisaical property of Shangri-La Boracay in Aklan. All the aforementioned treasures, complemented with true Visayan hospitality, make Cebu and Boracay a perfect destination for island weddings. 

For inquiries and/or reservations, simply call +32-2318264 or email events.mac@shangri-la.com. You may also visit the Celebrations at Shangri-La boutique inside the plush Greenbelt 5 mall, the off-site center of the Shangri-La group of hotels in the country.