The Wedding Anthology: Where Forever Starts

Church doors open, all eyes fixed on the bridal procession, waiting for the much anticipated moment where the bride will walk down the aisle to Mendelssohn’s tune or perhaps Canon in D by Pachalbel. The groom’s heart pounds faster and faster, getting more nervous with every beat as the bride inches her way to the altar, but the promise of love takes all anxiety away to where forever starts.

Weddings are one of the most challenging events to prepare for a couple as it involves not only themselves but also their families and friends who are witnesses to their union.  Even the simplest wedding ceremony takes months and some more than a year to prepare everything, from minute things like invitations, giveaways, flowers, arrhae, veil, cord, specially the rings, to the bigger ones like the guest list, the church, reception venue and food, and of course the gowns and suits.

The month of June, often tagged “The Wedding Month,” is here again. It’s the month where you see couples who will exchange marital vows take on everything that needs to be prepared before they engage in marital bliss. Aside from emotional preparedness, the couple should also be ready for their look.

For impressive ideas regarding their wedding outfit, Tutuban Center, the shopping haven for bargain hunters located at the heart of Manila, recently held “The Wedding Anthology: Formal, Wedding and Evening Wear,” a fashion show that featured Tutuban’s tenants specializing in formal wear for both men and women.

The show kicked off with an array of suits for men for any formal occasion, followed by the ladies’ sophisticatedly designed evening dresses that left most of the audience in awe. The next set featured the most anticipated wedding attires, with men in dashing form wearing classic barong, while the women looked extremely elegant in their gowns studded with elaborate decorations.

                                       

The show was of tremendous benefit for those scouting for the next glossy and trendy look when it comes to formal wear—wedding or not—and the array of remarkable clothes presented during the show made couple’s eyes’ a-glitter with excitement, their hearts a-fluttering as they visualize how they would both look like the moment they are in church in front of the eyes of their families, relatives and friends.

Weddings have always been one of the most anticipated and extraordinary events in anyone’s life, a great moment of celebration for the couple and their loved one.. But more than all the preparations to make a wedding day beautiful and memorable, more than how the wedding should look, what really matters is how the couple would handle the following days of their married life—together, and more importantly, forever.

Tutuban Center is located along historic C.M. Recto Avenue right at the heart of Manila’s shopping district.

EVEA: From Passion to Profession

Greer Lee, owner of EVEA Couture

Success in a particular craft is not always dependent on extensive formal training. Passion and experience, coupled with the right amount of fundamental knowledge, can be enough to turn a leisurely pursuit into a worthwhile business.

“As a child, I already enjoyed making clothes for Barbie dolls. As I grew up, I also designed and made my own dresses,” shares Greer Lee, owner of EVEA Couture, adding that her exposure to a family who loves dressing up contributed to her interest in dress-making. “Back then, people were already consulting me for fashion advice. I realized that I loved styling other people as much as I like to dress up.” Couture for her wasn't so much a career choice as it was a part of everyday life.

Lee has a degree in Management but started her career by working for some of the leading clothing retailers in the country. This experience increased her interest to break new ground in the local industry. She established EVEA to capitalize on her passion as well as to further hone her craft. With the brand, she not only provides a valued creation, but is also able to express her distinct design philosophy.

She describes her EVEA designs as timeless. “We make contemporary designs that are fashionable today and yet several years from now, it will still be in style.” EVEA also prides itself in being fashion for every woman. “Our creations are tailor-fitted to complement the client’s specific personality, style and appeal.

Lee actively involves every client in finishing their gown and entourage’s dresses. “It is their day so it’s important to engage them in the entire process. You have to come up with something that they want and at the same time be honest in your assessment of their preferences. Sometimes what a bride wants and what will look good on her are two separate things, but EVEA will make it work” Lee explains.

And while it is typical nowadays for “packaged” gowns and dresses, Lee believes in the value of quoting based on design, complexity, and materials used. “Offering something that’s ‘de-kahon’ limits the brides-to-be’s choices. EVEA gives clients the freedom to select and ultimately get what they really want.

Lee likewise adopts an entrepreneur's mindset with her business, preferring to build EVEA as a brand instead of investing in her name. “I think of myself as an entrepreneur more than a designer; an entrepreneur who has an eye for beautiful things.”

Aside from made-to-measure bridal gowns and evening wear, EVEA also has a ready-to-wear line that caters to women on the go who wants flexibility and comfort in their wardrobe. EVEA Essentials offers dresses with adaptable designs that you can wear anywhere whether it may be a casual gathering or a formal event.

For details on EVEA, call 0917-8983832 or go to www.evea.ph.