Against the idyllic backdrop of crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu successfully concluded its highly anticipated wedding fair, “A Vow of Always, A Promise of Forever,” held from April 5 to 6, 2025. Set within the resort’s lush 13-hectare tropical sanctuary, the exclusive, invitation-only event provided couples with an immersive destination wedding experience unlike any other.
The two-day affair brought together carefully curated experiences designed to inspire and guide couples in planning their dream weddings. Attendees explored the resort’s expansive and versatile venues, experienced personalized styling, and engaged directly with top-tier vendors, wedding planners, and culinary experts.
A One-Stop Wedding Experience in Paradise
Shangri-La Mactan’s General Manager, Dave Junker, highlighted the event’s unique value for couples and wedding professionals alike.
“Guests who visit the resort this weekend will not only have the chance to meet our team and talented chefs,” Junker said, “but also engage with wedding planners, florists, organizers, and a variety of trusted vendors. It’s a one-stop shop for everything they might need for their big day.”
He emphasized the convenience of the format, noting that it allowed couples to meet more vendors in one venue compared to the time-consuming process of visiting each one individually.
“Of course, we want them to get married here,” Junker added, “and see firsthand that we offer versatile venues for both large and intimate weddings, indoors or outdoors, whether the couple prefers something elegant or more casual. It’s an opportunity to plan everything in one go.”
Gladys Loret, Director of Marketing Communications, emphasized the curated nature of the event.
“The bridal fair highlights our diverse wedding venues—from the romantic Ocean Pavilion perfect for intimate ceremonies to the Marquee and Grand Ballroom ideal for grand celebrations,” Loret said.
BEACHFRONT: Celebrate Love by the shore. Host a romantic beachfront reception, where waves and sunset set the mood.
CHAPEL GARDEN: A Magical Reception Setting. Explore the enchanting setting for a magical reception, amidst abundant greenery.
BUKO BAR GARDEN: Toast to Love with a View. Experience the charm of a scenic garden, perfect for cocktail receptions with picturesque seascapes.
GOLD-HELIPAD GARDEN: Tie the Knot Amidst Nature’s Beauty. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by open skies and the serene beauty of natural foliage.
OCEAN PAVILION: Say “I Do” in a Stunning Glass Pavilion. Witness the refinement of a contemporary glass pavilion Boasting panoramic ocean views and verdant gardens, ideal for your ceremony.
The Grand Ballroom
The Marquee
She added that each venue was styled in collaboration with partner stylists to bring out its full potential.
“In addition to the venues and styling, guests also enjoyed a culinary preview of the resort’s offerings, and later, a Chef’s Table experience for select media, couples, and VIP guests,” she noted.
Maureen Llacuna-Rendon, Director of Sales & Marketing, explained that wedding planners were invited to bring one couple to join the exclusive Chef’s Table.
“There will be bridal networking for the vendors, for the planners in the Marquee. So that the couples can talk to them as well,” she said.
Heartfelt Ceremonies and Local Collaborations
A highlight of the fair was the moving “Unions of Hope: Love Stories in Paradise,” a mass wedding ceremony for twelve deserving couples held on April 5 as part of Shangri-La Mactan’s CSR initiative. These couples, chosen through heartfelt love letter submissions, were given the chance to celebrate their love in a beautiful setting, with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan officiating.
The second day featured a talk on wedding styling by renowned designer Gideon Hermosa, who shared expert insights into trends in luxury weddings. The grand finale showcased the elegant bridal collection of Cebuano designer Jun Escario, held at The Marquee.
Guests were also treated to the Grand Food Display, a lavish tasting experience that celebrated the resort’s culinary diversity.
“It’s like a salon fashion show. But really the main focus is our food… And then after-party. Because every wedding, there’s always after-party,” Rendon shared.
She emphasized that the food showcase gave couples the opportunity to understand and customize the cuisine for their own celebrations.
Connecting Globally, Welcoming Locally
While most of the resort’s wedding clientele are Filipinos based overseas, Shangri-La Mactan is also intent on reaching the local market.
“There’s a need to have events like this,” said Llacuna-Rendon. “Although our couples are mostly from overseas, Filipinos living abroad who choose to have their weddings here. We want to reach out to local Cebu wedding couples too. We want them to come here and see what we can offer. We want this to be open to them as well.”
To make the event even more enticing, Shangri-La Mactan offered exclusive wedding fair promotions from April 4 to 7, including a PHP 10,000 net per night staycation offer with breakfast and discounts on spa, dining, and watersports. Couples who confirmed bookings during the fair enjoyed perks like credits toward their Master Bill and exclusive stays at select Shangri-La properties.
With its seamless blend of natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and carefully curated experiences, Shangri-La Mactan continues to set the benchmark for destination weddings in the Philippines—offering couples a celebration that is both unforgettable and uniquely their own.
