The 2025 “Marry Me at Marriott: Philippine Gratus Gala” proved to be the grandest edition yet of the premier wedding showcase, celebrating Filipino fashion and creativity through a powerhouse collaboration between Marriott Bonvoy and celebrated stylist Gideon Hermosa.
(From left) Rajo Laurel, Marriott International Philippines Market Director of Sales and Distribution Lala Quilantang, Michael Leyva, Vania Romoff, Marriott International Philippines Area Manager Bruce Winton, event stylist Gideon Hermosa, Francis Libiran, Marriott Worldwide Business Council Philippines Chair Dottie Wurgler, Michael Cinco, Marriott Hotel Manila Cluster marketing communications director Archie Nicasio, and Mak Tumang. PHOTOS FROM MARRIOTT BONVOY
Held July 3 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Manila, the event marked a milestone in both Hermosa’s career and Marriott International’s growing presence in the Philippines. Now in its 11th year, Marry Me at Marriott has evolved beyond a bridal show into a platform spotlighting local artistry, design innovation, and event excellence.
Cinco’s ‘The Impalpable Dream of Marie Antoinette,’ a collection inspired by the Rococo period.
“Tonight is a celebration of an important milestone for the reputable event stylist Gideon Hermosa, who is celebrating 15 years of unrivaled artistry and deserves to be honored for his significant contributions to the weddings and events industry,” said Bruce Winton, Area General Manager of Marriott International — Philippines, during the event.
Laurel focuses on the concepts of ease and elegance, excitement and freshness, and escape and adventure.
“The events that follow are expressions of gratitude and a testament to our concerted commitment to providing more winning moments. Marriott International is growing its presence in the Philippines, and we look forward to making a bigger impact,” he added.
Libiran fills the runway with designs that play with linear beadwork, asymmetry, metallics and cut-out details.
Hermosa, who is known for his signature opulent style through his studio House of Hermosa, curated a lineup of the country’s most respected designers for the gala’s runway show: Rajo Laurel, Michael Leyva, Vania Romoff, Francis Libiran, Mak Tumang, and Michael Cinco.
“Our aim is to highlight Filipino creativity — showcasing how unconventional materials and approaches can be used to create world-class aesthetics. It’s about telling a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural pride,” Hermosa pointed out.
Tumang’s ‘Luna Regenta’ features hand pleating and ruching elements adorned with beadwork, laser-cut and molded petals, and structural design details.
Laurel opened the show with a collection centered on ease and simplicity. Models wore full skirts, and bridal coats — pieces designed to take stress out of wedding dressing.
“We all know that weddings are stressful, so I wanted to explore the idea of how I can make this as enjoyable and as stress-free as possible. I concentrated on pieces I love — such as a great shirt, a fabulous skirt, and perhaps, even a coat? I wanted something exciting, elegant, and light, something that brings joy,” Laurel explained.
Using a black and white palette, Leyva plays with textures and patterns using everything from stripes and polka dots to gathered tulle and dancing fringes.
Leyva followed with a black-and-white collection featuring bold patterns and layered textures.
“I’m going to do something different this time. I want to showcase a collection that has never been seen in my past years of designing. I played with patterns and textures — stripes, polka dots, tulle, fringe. I wanted drama, but also a sense of fun,” Leyva said.
Romoff’s collection highlights everything women love about her designs — that ultra-feminine and romantic look.
First-time participant Romoff stayed true to her signature feminine style, presenting clean lines, soft fabrics, and understated silhouettes.
“My collection is all about romance, restraint, and modern silhouettes. It’s a celebration of what women love — pieces that are whimsical, ethereal, and quietly powerful,” mentioned Romoff.
Libiran presented structured gowns with metallic details, sharp cuts, and intricate beadwork.
“I want to showcase my work as a designer, making sure that it speaks to the aesthetic that I have established. The linear beadwork, metallics, asymmetry — they all reflect my design DNA, but with fresh energy fit for today’s bride,” Libiran said.
Tumang introduced “Luna Regenta,” a collection of sculptural ball gowns inspired by nature. Designs featured floral motifs, hand-pleating, and layered texture
Focusing on ball gowns, Tumang further explained, “There are grand sculptural silhouettes that still feel delicate and feminine. It is an ode to nature, which has always been my constant source of inspiration. The pieces are romantic, intricate, and made to celebrate the beauty and strength of a modern Filipina bride.”
The show closed with Cinco’s “The Impalpable Dream of Marie Antoinette,” a collection inspired by the Rococo period. Gowns were made of silk taffeta, organza, brocade, and tulle.
“The fabrics were chosen not only for their elegance but also for how they reflect light and texture, evoking the romantic grandeur of the Rococo period. It’s about fantasy, elegance, and royal drama,” Cinco said.
The gala is just the beginning of Marriott’s month-long celebration of love and creativity. It leads into the Marriott Moments A-Fair: Luxuriant Expo, taking place July 26 to 27 at the MGBX Exhibition Hall, Marriott Grand Ballroom.
“We will not only have a wedding and event expo, but will be introducing to the country the first ‘fashion and arts weekend.’ Now stronger in its fourth season, and with our invaluable partner and co-presenter Themes & Motifs, Marriott Moments A-Fair has been redefined and categorized as a ‘Luxuriant Expo’ this year,” said Lala Quilantang, Market Director of Sales and Distribution, Marriott International – Philippines.
The expo is held in collaboration with the Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week, One Gallery, the Rotary Club Passport One, and the Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the Philippines.
