Beyond ‘I do’: Charting new paths in destination weddings

In a world where love knows no borders, the next chapter in wedding celebrations is being written.

Let’s Celebrate Expo 2025 is a first-of-its-kind showcase of the most prestigious names in weddings, travel and celebration, happening this 16 to 17 August at SPACE, One Ayala, Makati.

Curated by wedding industry tastemaker Marbee Shing-Go, Let’s Celebrate aims to go beyond the traditional bridal fair format to deliver an inspired experience — one that reflects how modern Filipino couples are choosing to say “I do” not just beautifully, but meaningfully.

Whether in the islands of Palawan or the vineyards of Tuscany, the expo spotlights the rise of destination weddings and honeymoons, claiming to be marking a historic first for the Philippine event scene.

And fittingly, it all unfolds at SPACE at One Ayala — the first and only convention center located right at the crossroads of Makati’s central business district. With its seamless access and modern facilities, SPACE offers a refreshing new kind of venue. For couples navigating the modern wedding landscape — and suppliers building bridges between creativity and commerce — the area provides both heart and hub.

Anchoring this milestone edition are the country’s most iconic names in event styling — Teddy Manuel, Gideon Hermosa and Michael Ruiz — industry legends whose visionary work has redefined wedding aesthetics across Asia. Their artistry continues to influence generations.

Joining them are top global planner Teena Barretto and award-winning visual storytellers Bob Nicolas, Mayad Studios, the ProudRad and Nice Print Photo, whose lenses have captured love stories across continents.

Special spotlight: Khim Cruz brings Davao flair to Manila

True to its commitment of championing fresh voices and regional creatives, the expo also introduces carefully-selected emerging talents in styling and photography. 

Among this new wave of talents is Khim Cruz, the highly followed and admired stylist from Davao, making her Manila showcase debut. Known for her distinct creative voice and emotionally resonant styling, Khim has built a loyal following among fellow stylists and brides alike.

Her participation at the expo is more than just a presentation — it is a powerful testament to Let’s Celebrate’s advocacy of promoting local talent across the regions, and a celebration of how creativity thrives far beyond the capital. For many, this is a rare opportunity to experience the work of a rising visionary whose roots, perspective and artistry reflect the rich tapestry of Philippine weddings.

Celebrating love, near and far

Let’s Celebrate claims to be the first expo to showcase both inbound and outbound wedding and honeymoon destinations.

On the local front, a remarkable lineup of properties underscores the Philippines’ rich and diverse offerings for couples planning to wed or honeymoon close to home. Among them are Ayala Land Hospitality’s El Nido Resorts, Huni, and SEDA Hotels, alongside Chroma Hospitality with Crimson Hotels and Resorts in Mactan and Boracay, Timberland Highlands Resort and Quest Plus Clark. Megaworld Hotels & Resorts joins the roster with Belmont and Savoy Hotels in both Mactan and Boracay, as well as the picturesque Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay.

Rounding up the local showcase are some of the country’s most beloved venues and intimate escapes: Arocarria in Alfonso — a modern garden pavilion tucked in the cool highlands of Cavite, the charming Hillcreek Gardens and the newly opened Ardesia Resort & Spa in Pampanga, a fresh entry redefining events in the north. Also taking part are timeless favorites Anya Resort Tagaytay, Club Punta Fuego and Amorita Resort in Bohol — each one known for pairing distinct character with world-class service.

On the international stage, the spotlight turns to COMO Hotels and Resorts, with its acclaimed COMO Uma Canggu in Bali and COMO Castello del Nero in Tuscany — recently awarded a Michelin Key and named Best Hotel in Italy by Condé Nast Traveler. Their participation signals a new era of luxury travel collaborations within the Philippine wedding industry.

Also joining this global conversation are Switzerland Tourism, showcasing romantic alpine escapes and lakeside vow settings; and Etihad Airways, the global airline partner for Let’s Celebrate Expo 2025, offering soon-to-weds world-class access to their dream destinations abroad.

Beyond the booths and displays, the expo will also feature a series of fireside chats with top professionals in the destination wedding space—offering couples real-world insight on logistics, budgeting, guest experiences and cultural nuances of getting married away from home.

A special session featuring regional associations and wedding creatives will also take place, highlighting the vibrant and evolving wedding landscape in the Philippines — from the heritage of Luzon to the hidden gems of Visayas and Mindanao.

A curated vision years in the making

At the helm is Shing-Go, whose experience as a former wedding and travel editor has shaped this new chapter. From documenting iconic weddings in print to traveling the world for love stories, her transition into expo curation is both natural and deeply personal.

“Let’s Celebrate was born from a desire to create not just a fair, but a space. One where creativity meets purpose, and where both icons and emerging voices have room to shine,” Marbee shares. “Whether you’re planning a city wedding, a beach escape, or a mountaintop elopement — this is where vision begins.”

With thoughtful storytelling, curated showcases and a deep respect for both tradition and innovation, the expo is more than an event. It is a movement — one that reimagines how we gather, how we honor love and how we begin forever.