Before the walk down the aisle comes a thousand little decisions—the dress, the flowers, the menu, the venue, the music, and the people who help bring a couple’s vision to life, all of which came together at Journey to Ever After: In Bloom, a two-day bridal fair held at Mactan Newtown Beach, and jointly hosted by Mercure Mactan Cebu and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.
Back for its second year, the bridal fair took place on September 26 and 27, 2026, at the Glass Pavilion of Mactan Newtown Beach, bringing together wedding professionals, creative talents, exhibitors, and future newlyweds for a weekend of inspiration and ideas.
The event officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony joined by the General Managers of Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts’ properties in Mactan, Ms. Gwen De La Cruz of Mercure Mactan Cebu and Mr. Josef Victor Chiongbian of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, alongside co-presenter Oro China Jewelry’s Cheryl Ancajas and event partner Belle Mariée Wedding Events, represented by seasoned wedding planner Ms. Joan Aviso-Lapus.
From beauty and bridal fashion to dining, building a life together, and navigating modern wedding planning, the 2-day program explored the many details that shape a celebration as personal as the couple themselves.
Fashion Institute of Design & Arts (FIDA) Mentor and licensed cosmetologist Rhino Deiparine opened the series with “Beauty Vows,” sharing practical tips for bridal look suited to different face shapes, features, and personal styles.
Next, FIDA Mentor and Creative Director Josei Cuizon presented “Choosing ‘The One’: A Stylist’s Guide to the Perfect Bridal Look,” offering insights into finding a gown that complements a bride’s body shape, personality, and overall vision.
As the event continued into its second day, the conversation turned to the other details that make a wedding celebration personal, memorable, and distinctly the couple’s own.
Mercure Mactan Cebu Executive Chef Paolo Aviso led “Perfect Pairing: A Chef’s Guide to Curating Your Dream Wedding Dining Experience,” exploring how food can become part of the story couples tell on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.
For those thinking beyond the wedding day, “A Beautiful Beginning: A Lasting Investment,” session introduced The Mactan Newtown as one of the places couples can consider as they begin building a life together.
The conversations then turned to the growing role of technology in modern wedding planning, with Joan Aviso-Lapus of Belle Mariée Wedding Events sharing insights on how couples and wedding suppliers can embrace AI while keeping human connection and personal stories at the heart of the process.
The two-day celebration culminated in a Bridal Fashion Show at the Ceremony Garden, an open-air venue overlooking the sea that provided a picturesque setting for an afternoon of bridal fashion.
Against the coastal backdrop of Mactan Newtown Beach, models from Shutter Models and Talent Management took to the runway in collections created by FIDA mentors and designers, showcasing contemporary silhouettes, intricate details, and distinct interpretations of the modern bride.
The fashion show was brought to life by Shutter Models and Talent Management, featuring creations by Mel Maria Valerie Alvez, Philipp Tampus, Cris Escobido, Ia Coca, Maria Navarrete, Ayka Lim, Yoko Sato, Jeanom Ursua, Rabbi, and Reynan Paul, under the direction of FIDA Director Ms. Marissa-Gapud Ceniza.
More than a showcase of gowns and wedding essentials, Journey to Ever After: In Bloom brought together more than 30 planners, stylists, designers, photographers, and other wedding creatives, giving couples an opportunity to discover ideas, meet industry professionals, and envision their own journey to the aisle.
The two-day fair was made possible through the support of co-presenter Oro China Jewelry, together with Belle Mariée Wedding Events, Fashion Institute Design & Arts (FIDA), and Shutter Models and Talent Management, as well as the participating exhibitors:
The Mactan Newtown, First of April Designs, Catalina Car Rentals Cebu, Weddings & Events Planner by Jacky Acebes, Moments by Eleanor, Timeless Classic by Small Weddings & Events, Exquisite Styling & Events, Vangail’s Perfect Union, Perfect Match Weddings & Events, Fame’s Wedding, Debut & Events, Concept & Ideas Events Cebu, Unique Weddings & Events, Hath A Way Events, Mr. Spectacular Events Cebu, JACQ Events, Kreative Korner, NRGP Weddings and Events, Happy Shots Photobooth Cebu, Floral Touch by Chaty Archival, Weddings Suppliers Association of the Philippines, Gift Gardens, 360 Events, ISMS Bridal Couture, Anselmo’s Socials and Events, Bridal City, Happy Seven Weddings and Events, NM Events, Panalangin Crafts, Bricko Figlab Cebu, Lormiel Parfums, Knot & Collar, Meeko Coffee Co., Bows and Brides Bespoke, and Dy Light Studio Cebu.
Through every conversation, collection, and connection made throughout the weekend, Journey to Ever After: In Bloom highlighted the many people and thoughtful details that come together long before a couple says “I do.”
And with the sea as its backdrop and Mactan as its setting, this year’s journey to ever after has only just begun.
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