The couple’s wedding celebration had been over a year in the making since Herson Sy proposed to Muriel Orais last September 2020. Herson, who currently leads SM Markets group of companies under his dad Mr. Herbert Sy’s tutelage, had started dating Muriel, Miss Earth Philippines-Water 2011 and Philippine Airlines Brand Ambassador, 10 years ago.
Finally, after a decade of getting to know each other, the two officially tied the knot on Sunday, Feb. 20. The church ceremony was held at Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life in Pasay City. Jen Lim’s The Wedding Co handled full-event coordination for the whole day’s wedding festivities.
As one of Muriel’s bridesmaids, I saw the bride’s preparation firsthand from the start of the day until the late night after-party. Muriel was up as early as 5:00 a.m., as the event stylists entered the presidential suite of Conrad Hotel where she was staying. It was also the venue for the intimate dinner wedding reception for later in the evening.
The brides's entourage from left to right- Madelle Orais, Denice Sy-Munez, Leanne Queniahan, and Chloe Manuel.
The designated wedding photographer, Oly Ruiz of Metro Photo, and videographer Kristopher King Caldera of Studio King captured breathtaking content for the beautiful bride in her bridal robe by Eve the Label, including memorable group shots with her entourage.
Bridal preparation photoshoot of the bride and her mother.
Throughout the morning, Muriel’s mom, Ms. Desiree Ty, could be seen tearing up. She felt a mix of emotions—happiness that her only child is getting married, and the realization that Muriel is truly all grown up and ready to start a family of her own. Since Muriel’s childhood, Desiree shares that it’s been her prayer for her daughter to be wed to a good man that she loves and respects. It was surreal for her to see the dream manifest and unfold.
The bride walking down the aisle in PS Officiel (Oly Ruiz of Metro Photo)
The bride wore a customized Patricia Santos Officiel bridal gown, which aptly represented her grace and beauty as she walked down the aisle towards the podium to her groom. Muriel envisioned a simple yet classy gown, which the designer was able to bring to life.
The bride and the groom's first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Sy. (Oly Ruiz of Metro Photo)
Muriel’s makeup was done by celebrity makeup artist Jelly Eugenio who did three captivating looks for the bride. The first one was a simple no makeup-makeup look for bridal prep, while the second was a dewy and radiant makeup look for the Catholic ceremony. The last one highlighted red lips and golden eyeshadow makeup that’s befitting for an intimate dinner reception.
Left for the bridal prep look, right shows the Church ceremonial look. Photos from Jelly Eugenio
After the church ceremony, the newlywed couple, along with their close friends and entourage, embarked on a short cruise on a yacht hosted by multi-award winning business mogul Rajan Uttamchandani of Esquire Financing. While on board, we were served exquisite gourmet cheese platters and champagne as we watched and listened to Herson and Muriel exchange vows amid the romantic orange sunset landscape of Manila Bay.
Beautiful photo of the bride and groom enjoying the yacht cruise (Oly Ruiz of Metro Photo)
We arrived at Conrad’s Presidential Suite just in time for the reception where I was appointed by the couple to emcee for the close-knit dinner that consisted of fifty seven of the most important people in the couple’s life.
Photo by Oly Ruiz of Metro Photo
All six pairs of principal sponsors were present, which consisted of Naresh Mirani, Board of Directors of FICCI Philippines and his wife Diana; Miguel and Jane Tan who supply majority of SM Bonus Eggs; Dioceldo Sy, founder and CEO of Ever Bilena; Edison and Candy Ng who are lifelong friends of the groom; Teddy and Sandra Ledesma, relatives of the bride from Cebu; Silliman and Leah Sy of PBA’s Blackwater; and Julie Montano who leads operations for Metro Retail.
Godparents are in full attendance to celebrate the union of Herson and Muriel.
Notable personalities from the groom’s side included Tessie Sy-Coson, Henry “Big Boy” Sy Jr. and wife Princess, Hans Sy and wife Carol, Harley Sy and wife Debbie, and Elizabeth “Betty” Sy.
The program started with a pyro-fireworks exhibition that ran simultaneously with a surprise dance number from the bride and groom, with Coldplay’s “Sky Full of Stars” playing in the background. This was unexpected by the guests considering that the groom is typically not known for participating in this kind of public displays of affection. Fortunately, Herson pushed through for the love of his bride and in celebration with their guests.
Dinner reception setup.
Cake cutting and wine ceremony followed where Herson and Muriel were consistently teased by the guests to kiss through their tingling of glasses. I went around the event proper to interview each godparent who all shared their fond memories with the couple, their well wishes, and words of wisdom for the new Mr. and Mrs. Sy.
Herson reverted back to his godparents with thanks, and mentioned that he feels “100 percent happiness” about their wedding and marriage so far, and looks forward to learning from their principal sponsors as the couple’s second parents for guidance in life.
My dad Dioceldo Sy was particularly elated because he revealed that it was, in fact, at his 54th birthday party back in March 2012 that the two first met. And to see their relationship flourish and consummate into a lovely wedding ceremony provided so much pride and sense of fulfillment for Dioceldo as their ninong.
The evening ended with a toast from the father of the groom Herbert who extended his appreciation to all who attended. In his speech, he warmly welcomed Muriel into the family as his new and only daughter; note that Herbert has three sons: Herson, Hendrik, and Harper. He described her as an “amazing, amazing lady” whom he admires for having a heart for others and sharing a lot of similar perspectives and values in life as he does.
For his closing remarks, he announced that all the monetary gifts, checks, and red envelopes that the couple received from the guests for their wedding that night, topped up with one million pesos from Herbert, will be donated to the SM Foundation to benefit victims of Typhoon Odette. The recent disaster primarily affected the islands of Cebu—the home province of the bride.
What an inspiration that even on the most important day of their lives, Herson, Muriel and their family have chosen to highlight awareness and take affirmative action for an advocacy that they personally relate to and feel passionate about.
It’s my honor to have taken a hands-on role in the wedding as their host (as nerve-racking as it was), as a dear friend, and as a witness to the love story and a new legacy that I know Herson and Muriel will preserve and build for their family.
A second wedding ceremony and reception will be held in Phuket, Thailand on Feb. 26, Saturday afternoon.