First comes love, then comes the dress
Last Saturday, my niece Gillian got married in a joyous celebration at The Old Grove. It was the first wedding in our core family, which made it extra emotional for all of us. There is something about firsts. The first grandchild. The first business. The first big loss. And now, the first wedding.
It sets the tone for the many that will follow, and it gathers everyone in a way that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.
The Old Grove in Lipa was the perfect setting. Surrounded by greenery and open skies, it had that romantic provincial charm without sacrificing elegance. The air felt lighter, the laughter louder, and every hug lingered just a little longer. You could sense how much this day meant, not just to Gillian and her husband, but to the entire clan, too.
If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that I was asked to host the evening. Hosting a family is very different from hosting a corporate gala or a luxury launch. When you are on stage speaking to people who have known you since you were in pigtails, there is no room for pretension. Only authenticity.
I felt comfortable enough to say yes because I knew I would be surrounded by love. But comfort in spirit does not mean you forget about aesthetics. If I were going to move around all evening with a microphone in hand, I needed a dress that was gorgeous and comfortable.
Dressing for the occasion
Months before the wedding, the Dizon girls could talk about nothing else except what we were going to wear. The theme was gems. Imagine that. A family filled with opinionated women and a theme that revolves around gemstones. There were hundreds of colors to choose from: emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst purple, topaz gold… it goes on.
But the more pressing concern was not which color was prettiest. It was which color looked best on whom. And most important of all, no duplicates.
We treated it like a strategic meeting. Skin tone discussions. Fabric considerations. Who photographs well in cool tones. Who glows in warm ones. It was less chaotic than you would imagine, mostly because we all wanted the same thing. To look our best while still allowing the bride to shine the brightest.
This entire wedding made me realize something practical. Where can one get beautiful gowns that are not too costly, fit like a glove, and can be delivered on time? Now, you know I have a long list of fashion designer friends who can create gowns that are absolutely breathtaking.
Couture is a dream. But let us be realistic. With time constraints and the request for five to seven dresses within a limited period, it could become stressful for both client and designer. Weddings already carry enough pressure.
Rosa Clará: Modern and timeless
I suggested a brand I have personally worked with and trusted over the years: Rosa Clará. Their ready-to-wear evening gowns strike that rare balance between elegance and accessibility. Structured yet feminine. Modern yet timeless. Most importantly, available within a reasonable timeframe.
Gillian, after indulging all of us and listening to our unsolicited opinions, tried on about 10 wedding gowns before she found the one that suited her character most. A bride’s gown is not just about beauty. It must reflect who she is. Sweet but strong. Romantic but grounded. When she stepped out in the final choice, there was no debate. It was hers. You could see it in her posture, in the way she smiled at her reflection. That quiet certainty is priceless.
Ginny, the mother of the bride, also chose Rosa Clará for her gown. There is something reassuring about knowing you will be comfortable and elegant at the same time. Jody, my daughter, did the same.
And what I appreciated most was Jody’s practicality. She said her gown could easily be worn again at other formal events. In a world where fashion can be disposable, that kind of mindset feels refreshing. Value is not just about price. It is about longevity.
Ivarluski Aseron: Dressing for your body
As for me, I turned to my dear friend Ivarluski Aseron. There are designers who create beautiful clothes. Then there are designers who understand your body. Ivarluski belongs to the latter. He knows how to make me look slimmer and how to enhance the very little curves I have left.
At this stage in my life, I appreciate that kind of honesty and expertise. My gown allowed me to move freely, glide across the floor, and stand confidently as I addressed the crowd.
That, to me, is the true test of a well-made dress.
Cocosin: Clean lines, flattering silhouettes
Weddings are not just about the bride and groom. They are also about the ecosystem around them. The mothers who raised them. The cousins who grew up alongside them. The titas who offer advice whether requested or not. The younger guests who want to look chic but age-appropriate.
For the younger set attending formal events, I also recommend Cocosin. Their cocktail dresses embody effortless style with a refined and sophisticated touch. Clean lines, flattering silhouettes, and pieces that feel current without being trendy. Their collections are available online through their Instagram account @glocalecollective, and they will have a pop-up at Power Plant Mall from Mar. 1 to May 31. It is a practical option for those who want something polished without commissioning custom work.
Look good, feel good
As I stood there hosting, looking at Gillian glowing in her gown, I realized that this wedding marked more than just a union between two people. It marked a new chapter for our family. The first wedding in our core group. The first time we gathered in this way, celebrating love instead of mourning loss or marking a business milestone.
There is something profoundly beautiful about watching the next generation begin their own stories. We, the older ones, fuss over dresses and logistics. They, the younger ones, focus on building a life together. In the end, the gowns will be stored away, the flowers will wilt, and the music will fade. But the memories of that night at The Old Grove in Lipa will remain.
And if there is one lesson I am taking away, it is this. Whether you go couture, ready to wear, or somewhere in between, choose what makes you feel confident and true to yourself. Because when you feel good in what you are wearing, it shows.
And when you are surrounded by family, love will always outshine any gemstone theme.
