“On her wedding day,” famed Venezuelan-American fashion designer Carolina Herrera once said, “a woman should be certain she has found a dress that makes her feel confident, and above all else, beautiful.”

There was plenty of inspiration for the bride to envision her dream wedding dress at the fashion show held on 22 June at the Marriott Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel Manila. It served as the highlight of the Marriott Moments campaign, which combines Marriott Hotel Manila’s annual events, Marriott Moments A-Fair and Marry Me at Marriott.

Celebrated designers Ezra Santos, Rhett Eala, Albert Andrada, Val Taguba and Jaggy Glarino, as well as next-in-line Jezelle Amorado, presented their latest collections that showcase their distinct styles and artistic expressions.

Taguba opened the show with dramatic flair, presenting five pieces in white that all spelled opulence and timelessness. The designer best known for his bridal couture wowed the crowd with his signature Swarovski-encrusted creations, particularly the one with pockets that’s both edgy and practical.

Just like Santos’ background music, which was the theme from the movie Somewhere in Time, his collection was full of romance in various shades and shapes. There were bridal ensembles made of bra tops and pants; some with short or long hemline; a few in serpentina or voluminous ballgowns (one with a peek-a-boo waist); plus lots of soft feathers and glittery crystals.

With Blondie’s Heart of Glass playing in the background, Glarino’s collection was fun and flirty perfect for the creative, daring type of bride. Standouts included cocktail dress with a wide brim hat, pearl-colored gown with veil wrapped the model’s head, bustier gown with a big voluminous hat, and more.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who’s a bride-to-be herself, made a surprise appearance on the runway wearing one of Glarino’s bridal ballgowns.

Eala’s choice of a moving train background underscored the power of his collection to move the audience in awe with a mix of classic and contemporary. There were the whimsical use of layers and layers of fringes, feathers, and florals that may be excite the bride.

The choice of Phantom of the Opera’s theme as background to Amorado’s collection befit the glittery, sexy, and creative touches of the dresses, just like the one worn by Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez.

Andrada’s collection had showstoppers like a trio of pastel-colored ballgowns with matching suits for the groom. He also made head-turning numbers for the reigning Miss Universe Philippines Michelle, Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 Pauline Amelinckx and Miss Charm Philippines 2023 Krishnah Gravidez.