By Vennette Lailani Seprado
Society couple Tessa and Dennis Valdes certainly know how to throw a party. The dynamic duo has been wowing everyone with their themed soirees over the years and for their 25th wedding anniversary where no detail was spared as they brought Africa to Manila to celebrate their renewal of vows.
On June 24, 2019, the couple renewed their vows at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati City. Following a parade of masked African figures, the couple marched hand in hand with the bride wearing a multi-colored couture creation by one of her dearest friends, designer Rajo Laurel from the House of Laurel clutching a bouquet of exotic blooms. The groom, also in Rajo’s design complemented his flamboyant bride clad in a black ensemble with vibrant tribal details.
Guests were later ushered to the grounds of the ultra-exclusive Manila Polo Club where event stylist Gideon Hermosa and his team magically transformed the venue into a luxurious Safari-themed space complete with golden African animal statues, exotic skins, and vintage luggage trunks. The reception hall was a heady mix of dramatic lighting, savanna grass, and tables lined with candles, floral arrangements, exquisite flatware, and plates with animal prints as well as tiffin boxes by Casa Luxia.
Chef Castillo Fuentes Cakes made the visually striking 9-tier cake featuring hand-painted African tribal motifs and sugar accents depicting native African wildflowers.
For the reception, Tessa changed into a stunning, fully-sequined Cherry Veric number.
Guests at the event were as game as their hosts in donning festive African-inspired frocks. Feathers, beads, statement jewelry and textiles with print on print were commonplace adding to the uniqueness of the festivities. Some of the most recognizable guests who celebrated this milestone with the couple were celebrity Dr. Vicki Belo with Hayden Kho, Rustan’s president Donnie Tantoco with wife Crickette, eventologist Tim Yap, Dawn Zulueta, Tatler Editor-in-Chief Anton San Diego and Fila CEO Cris Albert.
In true Wakanda Royal style, the evening included various performances, dancing and to cap things off, a dazzling fireworks display for the couple. Here’s to 25 years and more!
