Herson Sy and Muriel Orais choose an intimate celebration

Finally, after a decade of getting to know each other, the couple, Herson Sy who leads SM Markets group of companies and Muriel Orais who holds titles such as Miss Earth Philippines-Water 2011 and Philippine Airlines Brand Ambassador, officially tied the knot on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. The church ceremony was held at Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life in Pasay City. Jen Lim’s The Wedding Co handled full-event coordination for the whole day’s wedding festivities.

The designated wedding photographer, Oly Ruiz of Metro Photo, and videographer Kristopher King Caldera of Studio King captured breathtaking content for the beautiful bride in her bridal robe by Eve the Label, including memorable group shots with her entourage.

The bride wore a customized Patricia Santos Officiel bridal gown, which aptly represented her grace and beauty as she walked down the aisle towards the podium to her groom. Muriel envisioned a simple yet classy gown, which the designer was able to bring to life.

Muriel’s makeup was done by celebrity makeup artist Jelly Eugenio who did three captivating looks for the bride. The first one was a simple no makeup-makeup look for bridal prep, while the second was a dewy and radiant makeup look for the Catholic ceremony. The last one highlighted red lips and golden eyeshadow makeup that’s befitting for an intimate dinner reception.

After the church ceremony, the newlywed couple, along with their close friends and entourage, embarked on a short cruise on a yacht hosted by multi-award winning business mogul Rajan Uttamchandani of Esquire Financing. While on board, we were served exquisite gourmet cheese platters and champagne as we watched and listened to Herson and Muriel exchange vows amid the romantic orange sunset landscape of Manila Bay.

All six pairs of principal sponsors were present, which consisted of Naresh Mirani, Board of Directors of FICCI Philippines and his wife Diana; Miguel and Jane Tan who supply majority of SM Bonus Eggs; Dioceldo Sy, founder and CEO of Ever Bilena; Edison and Candy Ng who are lifelong friends of the groom; Teddy and Sandra Ledesma, relatives of the bride from Cebu; Silliman and Leah Sy of PBA’s Blackwater; and Julie Montano who leads operations for Metro Retail.

Notable personalities from the groom’s side included Tessie Sy-Coson, Henry “Big Boy” Sy Jr. and wife Princess, Hans Sy and wife Carol, Harley Sy and wife Debbie, and Elizabeth “Betty” Sy.

The program started with a pyro-fireworks exhibition that ran simultaneously with a surprise dance number from the bride and groom, with Coldplay’s “Sky Full of Stars” playing in the background. This was unexpected by the guests considering that the groom is typically not known for participating in this kind of public displays of affection. Fortunately, Herson pushed through for the love of his bride and in celebration with their guests.

Herson reverted back to his godparents with thanks, and mentioned that he feels “100 percent happiness” about their wedding and marriage so far, and looks forward to learning from their principal sponsors as the couple’s second parents for guidance in life.

The evening ended with a toast from the father of the groom Herbert who extended his appreciation to all who attended. In his speech, he warmly welcomed Muriel into the family as his new and only daughter; note that Herbert has three sons: Herson, Hendrik, and Harper. He described her as an “amazing, amazing lady” whom he admires for having a heart for others and sharing a lot of similar perspectives and values in life as he does.

For his closing remarks, he announced that all the monetary gifts, checks, and red envelopes that the couple received from the guests for their wedding that night, topped up with one million pesos from Herbert, will be donated to the SM Foundation to benefit victims of Typhoon Odette. The recent disaster primarily affected the islands of Cebu—the home province of the bride.

What an inspiration that even on the most important day of their lives, Herson, Muriel and their family have chosen to highlight awareness and take affirmative action for an advocacy that they personally relate to and feel passionate about.