Debuts
Marian Almendras
Raffles Hotel
Determined to have a sophisticated and elegant gathering, Marian Almendras came up with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-themed debut with a touch of winter.
The iconic Tiffany blue was mixed with white for the color palette. Guests got a first glimpse of the party via the invitations designed by Print Divas. Cards containing the debut details were printed and placed inside a Tiffany blue box together with some pearls. A white ribbon was tied around the box imitating the packaging of Tiffany & Co.
At the entrance, giant beribboned boxes greeted the guests. The decor of thick white ribbons, faux white leaves, and blooms, was a perfect prelude to a stylish evening. Event designer Nikki Chatto also hung crystal and silver beads with snowflake-like lighting fixtures on the ceiling for a dreamy effect. The stage was decked with layers of fairy lights and silver beads. Gigantic gift boxes similar to those at the entrance were placed on the stage as added props. For consistency, another set of boxes was used as the cake table.
The program started with Rene, father of the debutante, serenading Marian as she entered the ballroom in her exquisite and classy powder blue gown by Paul Cabral. The crowd then sang, “Happy Birthday” as she went straight to the cake table. The 5-layer cake, a masterpiece from Sugarplum Pastries, featured stacked-up gift boxes accentuated with a single lighted layer composed of hanging beads and snowflakes.
Hotel Raffles Makati whipped up a scrumptious buffet which included roasted pumpkin soup, beef burgundy with caramelized shallots, chicken scallopine with wild mushrooms, and baked Atlantic salmon. The pastry department did not disappoint with its mouth-watering desserts which consisted of panacotta, chocolate mousse, green tea eclairs, and mango salted caramel bread pudding.
The evening’s program resumed after Marian re-entered the ballroom in an all-white jumpsuit by young designer, Patty Ang. Speeches and well-wishes from family and friends ensued but the highlight was a special dance number of Marian with her parents, Rene and Marides, and only brother, Noel joining in. Another touching moment was when the debutante surprised her mom with a cake since the latter was also celebrating her birthday a few days after her daughter’s special event.
DJ Carlo Atendido opened the dance floor with everyone partying to welcome Marian’s actual birthday at the stroke of midnight.
Photography and Videography:
Nice Print Photography
Event Stylist:
Nikki Chatto
Gowns:
Paul Cabral and Patty Ang
Makeup:
Ella Tamayo
Cake:
Sugarplum Pastries
Invitations:
Print Divas