A wedding straight out of an Edith Wharton novel

MANILA, Philippines - When US-based Department of Tourism attache Mary Ann Cuevas and lawyer Abraham Lim decided to tie the knot last November here in Manila, they naturally entrusted all the wedding coordination and planning to the bride’s stylish sister and maid of honor Tina Cuevas. Tina, who is at the helm of the renovation of the new Sulo Hotel in Quezon City, envisioned an elaborate, elegant wedding set-up reminiscent of those written about in Edith Wharton’s

Age of Innocence.

Collaborating with event planner Rita Neri and stylist and florist Teddy Manuel, the church and three venues of the Blue Leaf Pavillon were transformed into a visual delight for the bride and groom’s guests. Cut-out wooden panels and silver wrought iron candelabaras in varying heights adorned the venue’s drop-off area, while a chic modern club theme was created for the Silk Pavillon so guests can lounge and mingle while enjoying cocktails. Manuel took advantage of the octagon shape of the pavillon — the ceiling and walls were fully draped with frosted organza, with the circular canopy being the focal point where soft fabrics fully draped down to the floor. Comfortable square and round oversized ottomans, Philippe Starck ghost chairs, daybeds, and hundreds of white calla lilies also adorned the cocktail area.

Working with the bride and groom’s color motif, powder blue, the reception area was festooned with an abundance of flowers — lavish purple and light blue hydrangeas, cool water Holland roses, blush-pink Holland roses, blue iris, cabbage roses, ageratum, purple tulips, agapanthus, matiola, plum carnations, molucella, lilies, ivy leaves and even fruits such as grapes. Three variations of guest table centerpieces were used to avoid monotony: some tables were adorned with lamps with damask patterns and glass crystals, some with silver candelabras in varying heights, and some even had a table-mounted chandelier centerpiece. Manuel also fully-draped the Banyan and Jade Pavillon with soft fabrics and structurally installed two rectangular canopies from ceiling to floor. The two presidential tables were strategically placed under these canopies with hanging crystal chandeliers and rows of silver candelabras. Not a single detail was overlooked, from the table napkins embellished with rhinestones, down to the Tiffany chairs decorated with wreaths of leaves. Even the entourage’s attire was also designed to match by Paul Cabral and TC Alvarez. The groomsmen and principal male sponsors wore embroidered barongs, while the bridesmaids and female principal sponsors wore elaborate beaded gowns in powder blue.

The newlyweds with family friends, ninongs Vice President Jejomar Binay and former President Joseph Estrada

Annie and Abu, as the bride and groom are fondly called, welcomed principal sponsors and dear friends former President Joseph Estrada and Senator Loi Ejercito, Vice President Jejomar Binay and wife Dr. Elenita Binay, Bataan Governor Enrique Garcia and wife Victoria, Leonardo Siguion-Reyna and wife Armida, Joey and Yoly Reyes, Eraño Cuevas and Agnes Sy.

Guests were treated to a fireworks display as Jay Cayuca performed his rendition of Black Eyed Peas’s I Gotta Feeling, and enjoyed a sumptuous feast of pasta, sea bass, Angus rib-eye, cheese and dessert station, and even midnight snacks by culinary icon Margarita Fores, and flowing Bollinger champagne. Jay Cayuca and his band entertained the guests with fun, upbeat music.