Dream Themes: Tropical Vision

While the halcyon days of destination weddings remain uncertain in the post-pandemic world, couples continue to find ways to circumvent lockdowns and travel bans in order to make their wedding getaway wishes come true. For city dwellers, adopting a luxe tropical theme at their wedding reception is the obvious solution. By combining the idyllic elements of a stunning tropical backdrop and the convenience of a hotel setting, couples can get the best of both worlds.

With its picturesque oceanfront view and luxurious amenities conveniently integrated into a sprawling hotel resort complex, Okada Manila is a prime spot for couples hoping to indulge their beachside wedding celebrations without having to travel.

Villa Boracay, one of Okada Manila’s private villas, was temporarily transformed by event stylist Teddy Manuel and his team into a tropical vision, exquisitely detailed with a vibrant array of fresh blooms and greens, textured with natural rattan elements.

Manuel’s verdant setup teemed with fresh monsteras everywhere, tempered by a soft color palette composed of pink, blush, lilacs, purple, peach, and yellow.

Guests are welcomed at the entrance with a Victorian trellis-inspired green panel that features a dramatic floral arch composed of silk white and red flower arrangements. The floral theme extends to the table setting, which features a tablecloth with a charming floral print design, draped on the antique principal mahogany table with Bentwood Chairs in walnut. The same goes for the round guest tables.

Meanwhile, abundant clusters of baby blue hydrangeas, salmon peonies, light peach Shimmer Ecuadorian roses, soft pink Christa Ecuadorian roses, white Dendro orchids, blue Vanda orchids, pink carnations, lisianthus and anthuriums in woven baskets and porcelain vases serve as the low flower arrangement. As for the round guest tables, alliums, pink anthuriums, lisianthus, and gladiolas are placed instead.

For the centerpiece, tall Panama candelabras made of stainless steel in gold powder finish and acrylic glass sticks are filled with fresh palmera and kamuning leaves, adding height, as well as flair.

Manuel kept the tableware rustic by pairing the simple white and pink dishware with Nito charger plates, bamboo-inspired cutlery and goblets in shades of yellow and green. Rafia placemats and blue crystal votive candles add a festive touch.

Topping off the table accoutrements is the stationery, courtesy of Calligraphy by Den. The menus and welcome signage sport a minimalist design so as to not overpower the whole setup, with the name cards printed on kraft paper with custom calligraphy, complementing the theme. The invitations also evoke the same handcrafted appeal, featuring handwritten calligraphy on handmade paper painted with florals.

The gourmet spread came courtesy of Okada Manila, beginning with a cold appetizer of
Tringle of Herb cheese, Caramelized Grapes, Roasted Macadamia Nut, Cream of Celeriac Veloute with pickled apple and smoked dill salmon soup, hot appetizer Poached Boston lobster, Grilled Watermelon, Caviar, Mango Vanilla Dressing, mid course Vodka sorbet with key lime granite, the main course Grilled A5 Wagyu Rib eye Center cut, Chou farci, Potato 2 ways, Cognac sauce and a Trio of Chocolate Lava, Green Tea Parfait with berries compote, and Mango Ice Cream.

For the sweet finale, Audrey’s Pastries created an elegant, three-layered wedding cake adorned with handcrafted, locally available florals and foliage to match the theme.

The floral arrangement includes hand-painted variegated leaves and palms, sugar bougainvillea, phalaenopsis and peach lisianthus, all delicately placed against the clean white fondant canvas.