An Event I Wish I Could Attend

My friend is getting married in January, and guess what? It will be a beach wedding which will be held at the famous Boracay beach . I’m so happy for her, and she was super excited. I still remember when she first showed us her engagement ring design. She felt she was floating on cloud 9! Her fiance has provided everything and the preparations are going on smoothly. Even the house that they will live in after the wedding is already being constructed. I could see that her husband to be is a great man and a good provider. Anyway, I wish I could attend her wedding but just the thought about the expenses going to Boracay, I could only sigh…

How to Plan a Wedding

If you just got engaged, congratulations! After the celebrations have died down, you now need to start planning your wedding. There are many things to think about and the sooner you get started planning your special day the better.

Probably the first step is to pick a date. You should think about whether you want a summer or winter wedding and what time of the year would be the most convenient for your guests. If you are thinking of having your wedding in an exotic foreign location you should also research local weather in the area and find out when the best time of year to get married is. Lastly, make sure that your wedding does not clash with anyone elses that you know of!

You also need to think about the type of budget you will need to carry out your wedding. Weddings can be expensive and you may decide that you would be happier spending some of that money on the honeymoon of a lifetime rather than a big wedding. This is something that needs to be decided as a couple.

You should also think about the type of location that you want to get married in. Many people choose a church as it is traditional, but similarly you might also want to get married at a garden party, or even at Las Vegas (there are many Las Vegas property management companies that can help you find the perfect location for you)!

Once you have selected where and when you want to get married, book everything up to ensure that nobody takes your slot at the last minute. You will need to create a list of guests that you want to invite and the bride will have to buy her wedding dress, as well as the dresses of her bridesmaids and maid of honor.

Perfect wedding venue?

The white-sand beaches of Riviera Maya are not only great for family vacation but for destination weddings as well. Since a lot of couples nowadays are choosing beach weddings, the beaches on the Mexican Riviera Maya are just perfect for weddings and honeymoon destination. If only I’ll be wed again, I’ll consider this venue since it does not only has the perfect spot for a beach wedding, it also has luxurious hotels. Whether ceremony, reception, or honeymoon I think the place is perfect for all. Plus, the hotels serve gourmet food that all wedding couples and visitors will definitely love. So if you’re dreaming and planning for a perfect wedding, consider Riviera Maya, it’s one of the perfect wedding destinations for romantic couples like you :)

On weddings

December is, for some reason, a peak month for weddings here in the Philippines. Maybe because the atmosphere of this month is festive. But since it’s a peak month, most suppliers’ rates are high compare to the lean months. But a lot of couple still prefer this month regardless of the high rates. But if you are getting married December of next year, it’s good to start as early as now so you can reserve the best suppliers and get the best deals with them without being affected by the seasonal rates.

When I was preparing for my wedding two years ago, my best friend was the internet. It helped me find elegant wedding invitation designs. I also got there my gown design and a lot more for my wedding. I also visit wedding exhibits. I remember going to exhibits to gather unique wedding ideas.

It’s really exciting to plan a wedding. Whether you hold it on a peak or lean month, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is you plan it equipped with your creativity, practicality (if needed) and passion.

How I wish I’ll be wed again :D.

Oh…gotta go. We’re leaving now to attend our officemate’s bridal shower tonight.

Wedding

I have two officemates who are getting married this month. I know how they feel. I’ve been there! :) It’s such a wonderful feeling and truly one of the most exciting days in a woman’s life. I remember when I was preparing for my own wedding. I am one of those hands-on brides. I’m so dedicated from the selection of the theme to the last details of the event. And I don’t have regrets cause my wedding turned out the way I wanted it to be.

One of the essential and first things to think of on a wedding is the invitations. I remember one time, I saw these calla lilies inspired wedding invitations in a shop and I thought that it’s a nice wedding theme...calla lilies! The invitation comes with calla lily weddings cards too. I almost placed an order, hahaha! But during that time we already have our invitation designed so I brushed off the idea and thought I can just have our venue’s aisles decorated with white calla lilies…they look so simple yet elegant and neat, that’s why. I just love it during my wedding.

Well, my wedding is simply one of the best moments of my life.… I know it would also be for my officemates :)

Our Wedding

Originally our wedding date is June 25. I want to be a June bride din kasi. But later on, Jerry suggested na July na lang after my birthday. ("Loko din yung asawa ko. Mukhang magtitipid sa gift! Siyempre naman isahang gift na lang siya for our anniversary and my birthday...ang daya!!!) Pero the idea is ok with me so we moved it to July 23.

It was in September 2004 when Jerry proposed. Medyo nabigla din ako nun dahil I didn't expect na seryoso siya sa sinabi niya. Before kasi pag sinasabi niya "Let's get married..." may kasunod na "basta...next year." Pero seryoso nga siya talaga dahil he already set the date. October, I started my preps. I joined W@W thru Toni then I set up our blog and wedsite na... at first, wala pa kong masyadong mailagay sa blog and other info sa website dahil parang ang aga ng preparation ko, wala pang masyadong nagyayari. Search-search stage pa lang ako nun and when I got ideas, I take note of it and file it on my clearbook. January, namanhikan sila Jerry. After that, nag start na ko bumili ng mga materials for the souvenirs and entourage's dresses.


The preparation was tiring but exciting...Then came the BIG DAY.

July 23, 2005 - 6:00 a.m.

It was a wonderful and beautiful day. The sun was up. I don't know if it's because of excitement or what. Ang aga ko nagising as in! kahit puyat last night. Before ako bumaba I prayed first. I thanked God for the wonderful weather and I asked Him to be with us on our special day.

Everybody was up at 6:30 am. My mother prepared breakfast but I didn't manage to eat a lot. Everyone is relaxed while having chit-chats at the breakfast table.

At 8 am, Ms. Lory was already at the venue to assist with the set up. Around 8:30 am., our service car came to pick us up and bring us to Villa Ronar. My coordinator also texted me that Michelle, my MUA was already there. Grabe ang aga nila! During this time, wala pa akong maramdaman. Parang it was just another normal day...

We arrived at Villa Ronar at 9 am. Balak ko pa nga umalis pagkahatid sa female entourage ko dahil wala pi-pick up ng butterflies sa Acclaim. Buti na lng my brother in law volunteered to pick up our flowers tapos diretso sila sa mega to pick up the butterflies. I just assisted Ms. Lory for other things and gave her some instructions and reminders.

Akyat na ko sa bridal room. Si Michelle naman nag start na sa entou ko. After she finished doing my 3 sister's make up, sinunod na niya ko. I reminded Ms. Lory about the food which we asked a friend to prepare for the early comers. It should be delivered before 11 am. pero 12nn na wala pa, kaya yun gutom na talaga kaming lahat. Dumating yung food kasabay ng team ng Decisive so siempre wala na ko time kumain dahil pagdating nila they started shooting na. Grabe ang gulo na ng room ko. I was surprised din kasi when Mr. Mel Cortez and I talked he told me that he will give me 1 professional photojournalist and 1 trainee pero 4 photographers ang dumating and the videographer. Sobra talaga akong natuwa sa dami ng photographers, hindi ko alam kung san ako titingin. Nangawit ang panga ko kaka-ngiti at kaka-project. Now I know, ang hirap pala talaga maging artista!!

My flowers arrived on time din as well as the butterflies, all of them are alive pa naman. The flowers were all beautiful. Mang Boy ang Mang Jon really did a wonderful job. After shooting my preparation, baba naman sila sa room ni Jerry. That was the time na nakakain na ko. Ang bilis ko kumain kasi after a while I know babalik nanaman sila sa room ko to shoot more pictures of me and my entourage. During that time, it rained! As in ang lakas talaga ng ulan with matching lightning and thunder. I was like..."O, my! Bakit umulan???" I could see everyone's faces, talagang nagpe-pray sila. Naisip ko din, baka sa lakas ng ulan hindi na dumating yung ibang guests. But I didn't worry. I thought titigil din yan before the start of the ceremony...buti na lang covered yung venue ko. Past 3 pm. Umuulan pa rin. I was so worried na dahil iniisip ko pati paano kami mag-mmarch if its raining? The program should start by 4.. 4:00 di pa rin siya humihinto. Finally, I decided na mag start na kami. My coordinator told me na sa loob na lang kami mag march dahil nga umaambon pa rin. I didn't like the idea pero wala ako magagawa. Ayoko naman mabasa ang mga sponsors ko. Baka ma-wash out make ups nila... at 4:30 Ms. Lory arranged the entourage for the processional na. While she and my other friends were lining them up I saw na nag-clear na yung sky and konting ambon na lang so I told Ms. Lory na sa labas kami mag ma-march. Thank God tolerable naman yung ambon although medyo pinayungan ako para hini mabasa. Kainis nga eh, nakapayong ako sa ibang pics! But then, I was so relieved that after all, hindi pa rin na ruin ng rain ang wedding ko.

I then proceed to the entrance gate for my march. While I was there, I could hear na hindi nagawa yung nire-hearse namin for the processional. I don't know what happened kasi yung song na supposed to be sang during the processional hindi na nakanta ng male singer ko. He was able to sing some part na lang. And I was so inis talaga. Pero I just let go. When it was my turn to walk, I waited for my sister. Kasi siya yung kakanta ng bridal march ko and I did'’t start walking until I heard her start singing the first line of the song "Panunumpa". Iba pala talaga ang feeling ng naglalakad sa aisle. I can't describe it. Tense na excited and parang wala na kong nakikita, basta I looked straight (though medyo uneasy ako sa paglalakad dahil pala hawak pa ng isang assistant ang train ko while I was walking). In the middle of the aisle sinalubong ako ng parents ko. Nakita ko nangingilid na ang tears ng father ko. When we reach the altar and it was for my father's turn to answer the question "Who will give this woman in marriage?"... hindi na nakapag salita ng diretso ang father ko. Naiiyak na talaga siya. Pati yung message niya for Jerry while giving me to him, hindi na rin niya nasabi ng diretso. Ang tatay ko talaga...

The ceremony went well naman. Our officiating minister said that "Marriage is not just a contract..." kaya hindi daw dapat tawagin na Marriage Contract kundi Marriage Certificate. Kasi contract only binds two parties for 1, 2 or couple of years but Marriage is a lifetime commitment that only death can separate... Ayan, lifetime na kong committed sa asawa ko. At wala nang solian!

When the pastor announced us as husband and wife, everyone clapped their hands and my MOH released the live butterflies. (it should be released during my march pero nakalimutan na nila so ginawan na lang ng paraan kung saan pwede.) Ok pa rin naman ang effect nila. Parang nag grand entrance ang mga butterflies ko. Sobrang happy ng feeling namin that time. Finally, we're married!!!

After the ceremony, the plan is we will be driving outside to have a photo shoot sa park. Pero dahil nga umulan basa ang lupa so maputik sa park. We had no choice but to stay sa venue and had our photo shoot na lang somewhere. Buti na lang Villa Ronar had a lot of pretty good spots. While we are doing the photo shoot, our emcee started the reception program na. Una syempre parade of the entourage. After that, our grand entrance. Medyo pumalpak din ang song sa grand entrance namin. "Love you more today than Yesterday" kasi yun and my cue is the intro of the song, which is very lively pero nag play yung cd sa 1st part na. Buti naman hindi halata at ok pa rin. During the reception, I saw that everyone enjoyed the food but me. Hindi talaga ako nakakain. I don't know kung busog ako or walang gana. Ganun pala talaga yun. Pero pagkita ko sa asawa ko, grabe kain talaga siya! Jerry managed to finish everything that was served to us. Buti na lang natikman ko ang food during the food tasting. (After nga ng wedding saka ko lang naramdaman ang gutom ko.)

Ang saya ng reception cause my emcee managed it very well. The cake cutting and wine tosting was romantically and perfectly done. The bouquet toss was so fun, nagagawan talga ang mga singles ladies sa roses... During our first dance naman, nagkaroon ng time na makapag sayaw din both our parents and other couple. Ang saya talaga. Marj was able to make them dance. After that, she announced the "Pasabit" tradition and everyone participated. Ang galing talaga ng emcee ko. Hindi ko alam na magagawa namin maincorporate sa program ang money dance or the "pasabit" kasi nahihiya talaga kami. But Marj insisted that we do that and it was a blast!

Another highlight of our program is our duet. After the message of our parents and 2 of our dearest friends, Marj announced that we'll be having a duet. Well, gusto lang talaga namin kumanta para may variety ng konti. The song is very special and memorable to us kasi it was the first song that we sang as a couple (BF and GF). We first sang it during my sister's wedding and 1 month pa lang kaming on nun. Buti na lang madami pang guest and naka-witnessed though last part na siya ng program ginawa (it was suposedly part of our grand entrance) and inantay talaga nila yung part na yun.

Though nag-exceed kami sa time, everything went well. Our AE sa Villa Ronar told us after na ang ganda ng wedding namin. After the wedding nga yung ibang expenses na na-incur namin, binigyan niya kami ng discount. Super talaga ang service ng VR sa amin and the way Queenie, our AE, dealt with us all throughout, wala akong masabi...thumbs up kami! Though there were glitches, indeed our wedding was one of the most memorable parts of our relationship.

In the end, we didn't have any regrets at all. Cause we managed to have a wonderful wedding at less cost. Truly God revealed Himself as our comforter during the times na nagaaway na kami sa preps, those times na magkalayo kami sa isa't-isa, and the provider of our every need for the wedding.

Now, we're married. Bagong role nanaman ang gagampanan ko as his wife. There will be some adjustments. Still there will be good times and bad times, but I'm now confident cause I'm sharing it with my one true love. Though we have unusual set up because of his work, I know that there will come a time na palagi na kaming magkakasama. I know that the Lord will be with us.... MIZPAH

Wedding Pictures

Posting here some of the pics I love. Hope you'll love them too. enjoy!

with my parents

my hubby and I

the bride

Silhouette

long shot

one of my favorite shot!

with my sisters and mother

a posed with my entourage and with my mother

Just a peek

Silip lang ako sa blog...I miss blogging (*sigh).

Thank you guys for dropping by. Velvet, Ivee, Paul and Toni..(thank you for coming), Faye, Mai...thank you so much.

I had a very wonderful wedding! With some glitches but still a wonderful one.

Next post will be my wedding kwento and pictures...

The day before

Cramming talaga pero ang saya. I went shopping for other things na dapat ko bilhin. I'm ALONE. I just want to feel it eh. Savouring the moments of my singlehood hehehe. I went shopping for my perfume and other accessories. .. we have rehearsal at 2 pm so I kept on watching my watch. mahirap na malate.

At the mall I met my old friend and classmate and had lunch together. ..a little bonding! Tapos went home na dirediretso sa VR for the rehearsal.

It rained kaya medyo nalate kami sa original sched. mace, my friend and emcee for the ceremony came in at 4. Arnie, our musician came in 3:30 so late na kami nag start. Ok naman ang rehearsal. We had a little chit-chats with the participants. Some of our visitors from Baler came to see the rehearsal din. Jerry's ate was there too.

We waited din for our emcee to came. This is the first time that we'll be discussing about the reception with her. When she came we had a good conversation. I could assessed that she's ok amd everything will be taken cared of. Tapos we left na.

Pagdating namin sa house ang saya! We had last minute tahian. Some of the details of the gown had our personal touches! (done by our creative hands) Tapos manicure and pedicure session.... napuyat talaga kami because my sister and our friend who came to help played videoke and nagkantahan pa until 2 am!

Napuyat din ako last night tapos puyat uli kaya tuloy I had pimple on my forehead!! hehehe.

Ang saya ng feeling but on the other hand.. nalulungkot ako. I'm sure I'm going to miss everyone in the house.

I slept at 1 am na. bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

3 days before

It's My BIRTHDAY!!! yipeeee!

My last birthday celebration as a Miss. And the start of my wedding vacation leave. Went to the market early coz I'm going to cook some food which I 'll bring to the office. Jerry helped me. I cooked pasta tuna carbonara, special turon and chicken lollipop. hmmm. yummy!! Then, we went to our office to deliver the food.

After konting chika, we went to Galleria to buy Jerry's tie and other accessories. Last minute shopping kami!

We went home pagod kakalibot sa mall. Jerry even wanted us to watch movies pero sabi ko last birthday ko na 'to gusto ko sana i-celebrate with my family. So we just bought some food and cake and brought it home. Ang saya pa rin ng B-DAY ko!

6 days before

It's a Sunday.

- Woke up early to attend early service at Crossroad 77. Since our service in Marikina starts at 9:30, we decided to attend service at Crossroad. Service was great.

- After service, we went to Mandaluyong to pick up Jerry's suit. Then we visited his brother who leaves few blocks away from the shop. We had lunch at his brother's house.

- Then, we went to Santolan, Pasig to pick up Clarice's easels. (from w@wie Michelle)

- Afterwards, we went to the apartment to wait for the delivery of the dining set we just bought yesterday as well as the sala set. We started cleaning the place.

Such a great and tiring day.

7 days before

A very tiring day.

- Woke up early to meet with Queenie (Villa Ronar)
- Met her at 9 am to give full payment and discuss other details.
- Ms. Lory, my coordinator arrived at 9:30
- After a little more inspection of the place we left and had snack at the nearest Jollibee.
- We then went to buy some furnitures for our apartment.
- Went to Marikina Shoe Expo to buy Jerry's shoes. We had a great buy!
- Went to San Juan to check on a dining set that is being offered to us. I didn't like it.
- Went back to Marikina to pay for our apartment and check it again.
- Went back to the furniture shop to purchase the dining set we ordered and asked them to have it deliver the next day.
- Went home and check on other things to do.
- Slept early.

A lot of things to do tomorrow.

8 days before

- Bridal shower from my friends later this evening!
-Done printing rest of the program

This is exciting!

9 days before

A terrible day. I just received a call from my sisters that my mananahi would not give the the rest of the entourage's gowns unless I'll go there personally. She was so indignant and even threw profane words to my sisters. She's really realy terrible and insane! She's saying na masasakit ang mga sinabi ko sa text message ko when I just demanded what is due to me as her customer. I kept my cool even before and just rely on her promises. Pero nakakaubos talaga siya ng patience.

I immediately went to her shop after office and talked to her. Good thing I can still hold my temper that day and hindi ko siya pinatulan.

**the gowns are with us already.
** such not so good experience with her.
** lessons learned ---> be careful in sending text messages. Review first and ask somebody to check if it sounds offending.

10 days before

- Found our apartment!
- The owner will have to repaint and made some few repairs then it's done.
- We'll be transferring the day after the wedding.

Apartment hunting - - - -> ACCOMPLISHED!

Jpeg

11 days before

Eleven days to go and I'm getting flared up with my kustorera!!!

Until now, she has not delivered the rest of the entourage gowns and I already paid her in full! Kainis talaga. She always had an alibi and raises her voice whenever I talk to her. She told me last week "ok naman na yun kasi for pick up na lang..madali na yun." hallerrrr!!! does she mean "ok na yun kahit on the wedding day na kunin!!!????" Imbes na di ako ma-stress I'm getting so much trouble with her pa. I gave her the materials for the gowns last February pa, she started doing the cutting of the tela month of May na! Last June, even in the hospital she texted me about the gowns na kesyo an tagal tagal na di ko pa kinukuha bakit daw wala na akong pakialam..Hellooo! nasa hospital kaya ako di ba? She does not understand talaga. She said the other gowns for beadwork pa, 1 month ba i-beads ang 4 gowns??? Tapos para ma-appease siya, I paid her in full, now undelivered pa rin yung iba??? I keep on calling her, she always makes promises na i-ttxt nalang ako pag andun na. Mamaya.. bukas... kelan pa? naiinis na talaga ako grrrrr!!! If I will just level up with her, papupulis ko siya!! hmp!

Haay... anyway, atleast that's the only problem I encountered with my suppliers. So far others were doing good. My make -up artist is so nice talga. She's even the one reminding me and following up with me.

Decisive Moments has been so good din. They will be providing me with the black manequin for my gown, so that would save some of our time and effort for we will not go to Mrs. Leony B's shop pa for her manequin.

Mang Boy Mahusay... so far, natatandaan pa naman niya ang wedding day ko. Dapat lang naman. My coordinator will be meeting him this Sunday for final instructions. Hope it turned out ok.

No problems at all with Villa Ronar. Everything's ok. We just need to finalized the guest list.

Other things to do:
1. My ceremonial matches
2. Pouches for the entourage's gifts
3. Jerry's shoes (need to buy pa)

Jerry's here now and I made him incharge for the apartment hunting. :)

And the rest of us........ pervently praying for a good weather.....

It's July!

Oh me, oh my, ! July na!!!

Wala lang... naisip ko lng..ang lapit lapit na!!! Yikes!

Am I ready??? :-)

Updates

My Update as of Today...30 days to go...

Reception Venue (Villa Ronar Garden)
1. Paid reservation fee and DP (5 hour rental)
2. full payment due on July 16, 2005
3. finalize set up and seating plan on July 16 too

Caterer (Villa Ronar)
1. food tasting & contract signing done
3. paid 50% to date
4. full payment due on July 16th

Cake (c/o Villa Ronar)
1. finalize cake design
2. payment due on July 16

Bride's Attire (Leony Bautista)
1. bride's package already paid in full on June 2005
2. 1st fitting (bodice) done
3. Gown's now with me
4. Pick-up of manequin 3 days before the wedding
5. Shoes – To buy pa

Groom’s Attire

1. suit was delivered to Kuya jonathan's house
2. start looking for shoes

Attire-Female Entourage (Thelma Barbosa)
1. down payment was made
2. gowns for beadwork and details
3. full payment on June 30

Attire-Male Entourage (???)
1. find their own

Rings
1. With me na for safe keeeping

Photo /Video (Decisive Moments)
1. pay down payment on June 2 (upgraded my free package for additional video)
2. full payment on the wedding
3. give map and discuss other details

AVP (Mhay - DIY) - ???

Projector & Screen (???)
1. Not sure if we'll be needing one, unless I'll finished doing our DIY AVP

Invites (Kuya Jonathan)
1. Distributed
2. invites for relatives for distribution this week end

Florist (Boy Mahusay)
1. Visit for final instructions and add-ons

Pianist (Arnie Ferrer)
1. payment on the day
2. study tapes and program were already given
3. rehearsal on July 22

Sound System (c/o Villa Ronar)
1. To discuss with them the songs to be played

Hair & Make-Up (Michelle)
1. trial was done
2. payment on the day

Bridal Transport (not sure if we'll be really using one) - FREE

Bridal Room (c/o Villa Ronar)
1. For final inspection on July 2

Keepsake (DIY)
1. To do final details and packaging

Appreciation Gifts (For Sponsors)
1. All set and packed
2. print thank you notes

Other Bits and Pieces
1. Ceremony Programl (DIY) - print 12 more
2. Coins (Aras) - ok
3. Coin Pillow - final details
4. Secondary Veil - ok
5. Leg Garter - ok
6. Cord - ok (DIY)
7. Bible - to look for white one and make decor if can't find one, we'll use my own bible
8. Matches - (DIY) to do pa
10. Candles - to do additional details
11. Ring pillows - ok
12. Guest Sheets - (DIY) ok
13. Frames for table - (DIY) c/o Mira, still not done
15. Place Cards - (c/o Villa Ronar)

Things To Buy:

1. Robe and slippers
2. Pens for guest sheets
3. Undergarments
4. Baskets for the keepsakes

Is there anything else I missed? hmmm...

Getting More Organized

With only 1 month and 6 days to go.. here are still the things I need to do:

1. I still didn't have my shoes... .. need to buy it na next week as well as Jerry's shoes. Don't know about him kasi he told me siya nalang bahala.

2. I think I need either to adjust my gown (I lose weight! ) or regain my weight! Because of my diet now, I lost few lbs. that I need to regain.. yoko na yata ipa-adjust pa ang gown ko! hmmm...

3. Meet with Lory to finalize few more nitty-grittys of my wedding...scheduled next week... nad turn-over other things.

4. Make small organza pouches for the female ento's gifts.

5. Meet with my female entourage regarding their gowns and shoes. 'Till now they haven't decided yet if they will have their shoes made by shoetech...mga pasaway talaga, oo!

6. Meet with Mang Boy..to remind him of my wedding...baka nakalimot na eh..hehehe

7. Meet with Decisive Moments for final instruction. Scheduled next month pa naman.

8. Make my wedding matches and finalized my tapered candles.

9. Finalized schedule of rehearsal...and meet with participants.

10. Prepare all CDs to be used.

11. Finished printing programs for the reception and ceremony... need to arrange it lang and put some accents on the cover

Well, honestly minor details na lang naman lahat yan, and with the help of my coordinator I believe I won't have any problem. I just need to rest and try to gain weight. Honestly, I feel that everything's okay and ready...well, hope so... I don't want to stress out my self again..yoko na ma-hospital! hehehe