Dream Themes: Fernwood Gardens Tagaytay

by Shaharaine P. Abdullah

Gardens have always been a great way to showcase nature’s inherent beauty. Since beauty dwells in romance (and vice versa), gardens are, by extension, the ideal place to celebrate weddings. Operating on this notion is Mr. Al de Veyra, creator and owner of Fernwood Gardens. After the success of their locations at Quezon City and Alabang, De Veyra decided to put his years of designing world-class garden settings to use by opening another events venue at Tagaytay.

Dubbed as the “new royal garden of the south,” Fernwood Gardens Tagaytay is the new premier destination for dream weddings outside the metro. Situated within a 5-hectare property on a ridge overlooking the magnificent Taal Lake, Fernwood Gardens Tagaytay is made up of abundant flora and vegetation on landscaped grounds, a deck that overlooks the stunning scenery and a massive glass and metal structure resembling an upscale greenhouse which houses big events.

Fernwood Gardens Tagaytay’s plush premises set against Taal’s unique backdrop evokes a dreamlike atmosphere, inspiring Amante Fleur’s Jc Villamante to create a storybook wedding reception.

The existing profusion of flowers at Fernwood Gardens meant having to scale down his floral arrangement, but Villamante accomplished an elegant statement with his choice of flowers and color palette. A plethora of pink, peach and pastel bouquets propped up in towering brass topiaries are arranged in a row at the principal table, interspersed with bronze and glass candlesticks. Meanwhile, an assortment of crystal ornaments and decanters in varying shapes and sizes dotted the table, along with glass bowl vases filled with fresh-cut pink flowers.

Folded champagne-colored napkins are artfully tucked with pink orchids inside asymmetrical soup bowls that are laden on top of classic white plates and gold plate chargers. Blush pink tablecloth accented with sheer white table runner and complementary copper side chairs complete the rest of the dainty table setting, along with customized menus and name cards, courtesy of Print Divas.

Graphic artist Fernando Permejo of Print Divas used gold, blush pink and copper for the details and gray for the texts to echo the space’s minimalist floral design. For the main invite, he used parchment paper in 100gsm and Old Mill Bianco paper in 300gsm for the details, rsvp and other printables. As a final touch, Permejo used a bronze wax seal and blush pink envelope to cohesively tie everything together.

The rest of the area is taken up with small round guest tables that echo the same color palette and table setting as the principal table. Positioned on one of these tables is the wedding cake, courtesy of Joy San Gabriel. The three-tiered confection is a simple fondant cake that comes in plain cream and pink accented with a garland of matching flowers that artfully cascade on one side.

Chef Jasper Versoza of Josiah’s Catering prepared the food served at the venue. Deciding on “outdoor feast” as the food theme, Versoza began with flaked smoked trout cakes with dill and caper sauce, followed by a rustic bean and chorizo soup with fresh baguettes and homemade butter. For the main course, there’s USDA beef tenderloin with gremolata and tarragon beer sauce, served with a side order of baked potatoes and summer vegetables. To top off the meal, chefs Chris and Ian created Honey Walnut scones with strawberry filling, which will surely fulfill your sweet craving.

Villamante also designated a seating area for the bride and groom on one side, which doubles as a focal point and possibly a picture-taking area for guests afterwards. He used a plush princess-style chair upholstered in the same blush pink shade that permeates the majority of the setup, bordered in a gold frame and accented by pink floral garland on one side. For the backdrop, Villamante used a huge gold and circular metal frame that is sparsely decorated with massive gold flowers intertwined with sprigs of pink blooms at the top, coordinating with the rest of the design.

With its delicate tri-color theme of pink, white and copper, Amante Fleurs’ subtle approach doesn’t overpower a place that’s already brimming with color, effectively enhancing the stunning locale. The voluminous ferns and fronds dramatically cascading from the sunlit glass ceiling, the terracotta tiled floor, the imposing balustrade, the glamorous crystal chandelier – all these exquisite details add up to a surreal scene straight out of a fairytale. And like any storybook romance, Fernwood Gardens Tagaytay is a dream come true for any couple seeking a place to begin their happily ever after.