The longest-running showcase of bridal services and wedding creatives has returned! The Marry Me In Ilocos 2023 Bridal Fair, also known as Ilocos Norte Wedding Expo, is one of the major events of Ilocos Norte Event Suppliers Association (INESA). This event was introduced on 2013 under the initiative of the late Mr. Dennis Raquiza, a prominent event stylist and wedding enthusiast in the province. After ten years of this event's inception, we were able to commemorate his contribution and celebrate his passion in gathering all event suppliers to publicize their works, market the province as a wedding destination and promote the industry's role in making every occasion remarkable and memorable!
On this year's edition, more than fifty suppliers participated in the three-day exhibition which ran on October 20-22 at Robinsons Ilocos Mall as its annual venue. New and exciting activities were also held to draw the crowd's attention and to learn more from the industry. Thus, Team #ApplauseNCHeERs joined as an exhibitor for the first time!
On its first day, an opening program hosted by yours truly was held in the morning to officially start the fair. Ilocos Norte's Vice-Governor, Hon. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and Philippine Councilors' League President, Hon. Handy Lao graced the occasion as special guests. The exhibition activities began after the ribbon-cutting ceremony by our local dignitaries with the INESA President, Ms. Katrina Mandac. We were humbled to have been visited by our special guests at Booth No. 4 as they have taken a peak of what me and my co-booth exhibitors offer.
Later that day, the Bridal Make-Up Competition was administered by the team of Mr. Naser Riveral where twenty contestants battled for the championship. Shortly after, it was followed by the Bridal Fashion Show where ten of the finest local designers presented their wedding collections onstage. Hosted by me and Ms. S Pacheco, it was an evening of class and loveliness where all masterpieces are gathered in one venue. Not to mention, the stunning barong-styled bomber jacket of Ira Baylon (thank you so much) that I wore that day was also iconic and a lot of people have been asking about it! Everything was truly a sight to behold!
If the first day was jampacked with surprises, October 21st is a day of food treats and learnings! With around twenty food and beverage suppliers, the launching of the Grand Food Tasting was a resounding success. From appetizers to desserts, coffee to mocktails, it was a time of pure tummy delight with Ms. Mico Sadorra as we both hosted this activity and have roamed around to check, taste and know more about what our exhibitors served. With so much energy for the day, we were again gathered to learn about event planning and management through the lecture of Mr. Richard Samson of Chef d' Oeuvre ('masterpiece' in French). The two-hour Event Planning Workshop gave us insights, advices and even exciting prizes! And did you know that our very own #StarHostLei was one of the raffle draw winners? For the first time, she took home and tasted the delicious ensaymadas of Tita Kit's!
Continuing and completing the three-day fair, the third day was still packed with workshops which featured two of the most interesting services in the industry - Photography and Videography. Hosted with #StarHostLei, the morning started with Mr. Nikko Quiogue's lecture on Photography Workshop. As the man behind NQ by Metrophoto, he shared some trends, work ethics and stories where local photographers can discover about wedding shoots and client management. This was also followed by the Videography Workshop by Mr. Sherard Yu of Wishing Well Films.
Concluding this year's wedding expo, we had our closing program that featured the legacy of the late Mr. Raquiza, awarding of certificates to exhibitors and announcement of winners for the Wedding Package Promo where the lucky couple can save around 100,000 pesos on their wedding day! Yours truly is also one of the sponsors who pledged for this prize.
What more can I say? Congratulations to everyone! Take a peak on some of the awesome moments that happened that during the three-day fair by clicking here. For more updates, follow Ilocos Norte Event Suppliers Association on Facebook.
See you again next time, future newlyweds!