"Mom-in-law’s labor of love"
Sun.Star Davao, Sept. 15, 2007

The bridal gown is certainly one of the most important dresses that a woman will ever wear in her life. After all, this special gown will forever be associated with the memorable wedding day and symbolizes the bride’s ideal image of herself.

Dentist Jill Tan-Lao took this into account when she conceptualized her Japanese-inspired wedding with husband Jason Lao last month.

Jason, 27, is the owner of 8telcom, a SMART E-load distributor of Mindanao and wholesaler/retailer of cellphones, MP3s as well as call cards.

“I wanted the details to project minimalism and elegance at the same time. I envisioned my gown and that of my entourage to come close to my personality and reflect simplicity”, she shares.

So, it was quite imperative that she could work smoothly with a couturier to help create and realize her dream gowns.

Fortunately for Jill, she found an amazing ally in the person of her mother-in-law, Edna Gayta-Lao.

No ‘monster-in-law’

“Jason and I are high school sweethearts and have been together for almost 10 years. Since our relationship began, I’ve always felt welcome and comfortable with Mama”, the 24-year old bride discloses.

Jill describes her mother-in-law as a bubbly, kikay mom who loves dresses and making them. Aside from that, she's also into ballroom dancing and never misses a Saturday night out with her equally kikay friends”, Jill relates.

Although, she did not formally study designing, being the owner of Rozelli Boutique and having nine years of experience were enough to develop her skills in producing casual and formal wear. She is currently venturing into making company uniforms as well.

“Mama and I thought that a collaboration would be a good idea since I wished to design my own wedding gown and she has always wanted to do a bridal entourage creation”, the Cebu Doctors’ University graduate adds.

The most important dress

For nearly six months, they closely monitored two beaders and three dressmakers to make sure the designs were executed well.

The ivory cream bridal gown consisted of a tube accented by a bolero top and double full balloon bubble skirt. The simple yet sophisticated gown is highlighted by an origami-inspired Swarovski-embellished belt with ivory satin appliqued camer band at the back to match the bolero.

On the other hand, the maid of honor's gown is incorporated with a bolero ensemble, teal wrap-around waist band and a striking brooch for a dramatic accent.

Likewise, the bridesmaids’ cream-colored dresses had basically the same structure and details such as the teal obi belts as well as whimsical floral cut-outs on their full balloon skirts and shrugs.

The flower girl dresses also had floral cut-outs below their chests that are straps weaved to resemble a woven-basket effect.

In contrast, turquoise blue georgette and teal chiffon cloth were used for the secondary sponsors’ gowns. Chiffon strips were draped according to their individual designs adorned with copper, turquoise blue and teal satin cut-outs festooned with blue copper sequins and gold cut beads.

Turning Japanese

“Our wedding was inspired by a Japanese garden. I wanted a bit of an oriental touch here and there”, reveals the meticulous bride.

The solemn wedding ceremony was held at the Saint Francis of Assisi in Maa. White calla lilies and gerberas adorned the garden-themed church.

Jill’s three beautiful bridal bouquets composed of cymbidiums, blue iris, yellow tulips and hyacinths were especially ordered from Holland.

For the impressive wedding reception at the Davao Convention and Trade Center, the floral arrangements on stage and the presidential table were the details that Jill really fussed about. Thus, the talented Noel Tanza of Golden Touch deliberately took his focus on the bride’s interest, Ikebana.

Yellow calla lilies and echinops decked out the presidential tables together with gorgeous lisianthus, alstroemerias, hydrangeas, snapdragons and liliums.

The artistic finishing touches were the Zen-like landscaping, waterfalls, trees and the dendrobiums hanging from the grand chandeliers of the reception venue.

The 5-tiered gold and teal fondant wedding cake by Beverly Sanz of Cake Creations was decorated with dainty gum paste flowers and stamped with various circular and floral shapes.

“For the giveaways, I have this obsession with wenge-colored wood, whether it is a furniture or home accessory, so I thought a custom-made wooden jewelry box with chocolates inside would be perfect since both Jason and I love chocolates too”, gushes Jill.

Labor of love

Jill recounts that the wedding preparations paved the way for she and her mother-in-law to know each other better.

“Wearing my bridal gown became even more meaningful because it was a labor of love by my mother-in-law”, the pretty bride reveals.

Although Jill made all the other wedding preparations, once in a while Edna checks on her as did her mom, Elmie, and husband, Jason.

“Our exchange of ideas, excitement and wedding jitters allowed us to get closer. Mama has constantly been nice to me ever since yet I see her in a completely different light now, she's more like a friend to me than a mother-in-law but of course, the respect will always be there”, Jill says.

“Over all, the wedding was splendid. Although, there were tiny details I wished I elaborated on more, but still everything's just the cherry on top. God has always been good to Jason and me. Nothing else is more important or worth celebrating than that”, she happily concludes.

Rozelli’s Boutique is located at Door 12, Amgar Plaza, Ilustre Street. Tel. no. 222-1680.

Special thanks to Davao’s pride, ace photographer Lito Sy, for the spectacular wedding photos you see on this page.

(For your comments and suggestions, you may e-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com)