Sunset at the beach

The Wedding of Cebu’s premiere wedding cake designer Kerri Gail Ong to young businessman Mike Guico

By: Joan Pearl A. Lapus

(This content originally appeared in my column at the Cebu Goldstar Daily Newspaper)

Larger than life, the centerpiece at the Rosal Ballroom of the Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu was the 7-layer cake that the bride herself made and hand-painted with the help of one of her bridesmaids. From the engagement to the wedding day, everybody was expecting big from Kerri’s wedding cake being one of Cebu’s premier wedding cake maker and designer who graduated at California Culinary Academy and Wilton Cake Decorating Classes.

Mike Guico and Kerri Gail Ong were college friends who fell head over heels in love.

Although they did not realize that while being in school together. It was only after they both returned from their studies abroad. Mike went to Australia to further his studies, while Kerri studied in London before finally pursuing her passion for cake decorating in California. Their paths crossed again and they were inseparable since. Mike finally got his dream girl and Kerri’s dream came true when Mike proposed to her over a romantic setting overlooking the city in Hong Kong.

The intimate Christian Wedding ceremony was held at the Ocean Pavilion of the Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu and was attented by one hundred fifteen people. After saying their lifetime vows to each other, they spent some time as a couple, while friends and families proceeded to the cocktails. It was a surreal setting as it started to drizzle in the misty green and the sun was setting.

An intimate setting for the reception was created by Shangri-La with table centerpieces matching the wedding theme – Sunset at the beach. For the wedding favors, Kerri crafted a capiz shell with the guests’ names which we used instead of putting place cards on the tables. Individually hand-made embellished evening bags were the gifts for the ninangs while leather wallets were given to the ninongs.

Prettiest and imported blooms composed the bouquets made by Simple Wishes for the entourage and the bride. The gowns were made by Jonas Navarro. With his ability to bring out the best in every bride, Jonas used an ivory-colored luxury chiffon and and demure French lace. Embellishments of pearls and swarovski crystals added a touch of romance.

The event’s photographer was Rolando Pascua. With an approach that is personal and professional it is no surprise then that Rolando is recognized as one of the most reputable photographers in Cebu garnering excellent reviews and recommendation from his peers and satisfied newly weds.

At the end of the night it was very heartwarming to hear guests say, “this is the most intimate and most romantic wedding I’ve attended”.

Message from the writer:

This is the first article for my wedding features here on Gold Star every Tuesdays. This comes to you bright and early in the year with hopes that we can help you start in planning the dream wedding of your life. In this column every Tuesday, you’ll discover many more established players in the wedding industry. We also hope to tug at your heartstrings with the love stories of couples in real wedding features.