Our Wedding Day

I woke up at around 6am. The last to sleep and the first to wake up. Everyone else is still asleep, my mom, sister and her boyfriend, my baby, my best friend, and my coordinator. I prayed before getting up. I realized I haven't cleaned up before I slept last night. I'm still wearing jeans and no ligo for 3 days na. Hahahaha! Was I too busy to even forget to take a bath? ;))

I got up and checked facebook. There were best wishes posts already. My best friend woke up and then my sister. We're all busy with our phones checking updates. At around 8am, tito Edward(my gown designer) came in. It's the second and last time that I ever saw my gown. It was beautiful. Then it started to rain glitches. My gown was serpentina cut and I have a small body frame. The body form that I borrowed was medium! My gown couldn't fit on the hip part! Ms. Melai started calling her contacts asking if we could borrow a small body form but to no avail, there was none that we could borrow. 

I breathe and just let it go.. After few minutes, mom and I went up to have breakfast. Still not yet done eating when my best friend texted telling me that the HMUA has just arrived. OMG. I felt uneasy and excited. I immediately went down and took a bath.  

When I'm being made up, I heard the hotel phone rang. Ms. Melai answered. It was the front desk informing that the Blacktie project has just arrived. When they rang the doorbell and entered our room, I started to feel butterflies in my tummy and felt like having short breaths. Yun na! Totoo na! I'm getting married na. Benjie Tiongco's team came in next. They all started to ask for the gowns, rings, etc. Too many people going in and out of our room. 

The flowers came in next. There was ate Ding but I didn't get to talk to her. Ms. Melai just gave her the balance. After she left, I decided to check the flowers. May mga hindi nasunod. :( I paid extra 300 to add roses in my bouquet but there was none. Not a single rose. And the secondary sponsors are supposed to have wrist corsages but they made hand-tied bouquet instead. Anyway, hand-tied is nicer. I just thought lang that since they have a part during the ceremony, it's better that their flowers are wrist-tied para makita. Anyway, whatever the flower supplier's flaw was, they were all indeed beautiful bouquets.

Now it's lunch time. We ordered Tapsilog from SEx(Sinangag Express). It's nice to hear some say it's their favorite. One video guy even made aya by saying "Oy sex tayo!" Hahaha! 

Then it's time to put on my gown. Me and my bride's maids changed all together inside the CR. They all said one thing after I wore my wedding gown, that it was beautiful and I too. It completed my day. I went out and we started the shoot. Before we went to church, I asked for a portrait shot with my maid of honor and bride's maids.

After the shoot, we rushed downstairs. I panicked when they informed me that it's already 3:25pm! The bridal march will start 10 mins before your time! That means I'm soo late and sooo dead! We're about to leave when I remembered the USB. It's where the standby photo and the photo AVP that I made was saved. But there was no time left. My mom left it daw sa computer shop where she had the table menu printed. I wanted to cry. The AVP is supposed to be shown while guests are waiting for us at the reception. :( 

I could hardly breathe on our way because of the time. I thought I'm late. Halos paliparin na ni kuya yung car. There was no traffic just stops at the stoplight. When we got there, I saw another bridal car waiting in front of the church. Haay. Buti na lang may kinakasal pa. I completely thought that I was late. 

Manong driver drove off to the entrance when the other car left. I started seeing families and friends. I felt happy upon seeing them present waiting for me. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam remembering that moment. My HMUA Victoria Contreras went inside the car for my retouch. Now it's time to go down for my march.

There I was standing in front of a huge close door waiting for it to open. Waiting.. Waiting.. And then it started to move. When it finally opened, I got overwhelmed--by the beauty of the church, by the people present looking at me as I walk down the aisle. And then I started walking. The church coordinators kept telling me to walk slowly. I thought I was already at my slowest. Then as I came close to my parents, I noticed my mom crying. The whole time I thought it would be my dad who would cry. Wrong. I grabbed my dad's arms and my mom grabbed mine and walked towards the man I will marry. I kissed my parents and Kim and I moved towards the altar. Father started the mass.

It wasn't long but I felt it, the vows more than ever. Personalized vows are not allowed but I guess the traditional is better. I felt every single word I said. It's where you promise in front of God. It has to be kept. And then just like that, Mrs. Dimaano na ako. :)

After the wedding we had photoshoot at the church and at the Ayala bridge. The bridge shoot was my favorite. I requested for that one. We felt like celebrities with lights and people looking at us thinking there was a taping going on. I love the shots there. Perfect.

It took almost an hour for the shoot to finish. On our way to Palacio de Maynila, another problem came. The coordinator at the reception called Ms. Melai informing that one of the projectors won't work. Wala daw cable! I thought it was Metrotech who's responsible for that but no, Palacio pala and not the cables because Metrotech promised to bring a complete set. When we got to the holding room of Palacio, Ms. Melai told us Palacio didn't want to put out the projector and screen that they was FREE OF USE. So Kim got mad. Ms. Melai tried to calmed him down. Our AE at Palacio Ms. Joy came up to us at the holding room with a warm smile and said everything is OK na daw. 

I changed into my reception gown. The people who who stayed in the holding area were Ms. Victoria(HMUA) and her 2 assistants, and my gown designer. Some waiters of Queensland brought us some food but we didn't get to eat because of stress. I peeked at the venue and saw Palacio's lights are still open. I could not appreciate the mood lights tuloy. I don't know if it has to be instructed pa to put out their lights or what so I  just told one of the waiters to go and ask anyone to turn off the lights. Ahhh.. There.. Much better. Ryan Fortaleza, our host, approached us and greeted us. It was our first time to meet him.  

Now it's time to begin the program. The entourage is now lined up at the entrance and being called up one by one. And just before we're about to enter, a representative of Queensland informed us that that there was no red carpet. Sa pagkakaalala ko, nalate ata ng dating. We said it's fine and then biglang dumating na daw! Of course di na pwedeng ihabol dahil we're about to be called next. 

We are now standing in front of the entrance. Ryan called us. He's so energetic. We started walking to the tune of Marry You by Bruno Mars. He instructed everyone to stand and wave all their table napkins. Even the ninongs and ninangs were waving their table napkins. It was a fun entrance. Next is the cake cutting and the wine toasting then come our first dance, picture taking at the stage and dinner.

They served us everything at the couple's table. Funny because we only looked at the food and never touched it. We went to some tables na lang to make chika. Then Ryan announced that the Prenup AVP c/o Benjie Tiongco is now ready to be played. Everyone watched. Then next is the Father-Daughter dance, the Well Wishers, some games and a special number from Asec. Dr. Tayag. Just like what you see in the news. Haha. He danced for us. And then the most awaited part. Our wedding Slideshow and SDE presentation. I think it will always be the highlight of the receptions nowadays. It's exciting to see yourself and see how people will react towards it. The wedding slideshow presentation was so nice. The Ayala Bridge shoot was awesome. I think it just answered why the guests waited for us at the reception for almost an hour. Hehehe. And our SDE by Blacktie Project was super fun! We didn't want a slow transition so we opted for fast and fun music. We chose "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction. everybody clapped after those presentations. My dad gave me a message after then come our thank you speech. Sorry I forgot to thank my HMUA Victoria Contreras and gown designer Edward Silbol. 

After the closing remarks, friends and families started to come to us and take pictures. And then group shots at the photobooth. Few people stayed na lang after the party. Sinulit ang mobile bar. Then some friends went with us and stayed at Kim's suite for an after party.

In the end there were realizations made that we didn't think of before the wedding. Like it's a must that you meet your host first days before your event for coordination of the flow. He's a contact of our coordinator. We thought ok na yung program flow but it didn't turn out to be super smooth. And endorse EVERYTHING to the coordinator. Yung mga cactus souvenirs, hindi naipamigay ng tama. I mean, nabigyan naman lahat ng ninongs and ninangs but we had to look for the souvenirs pa kung nasaan because some ninongs left already after the dinner. Kailangan pang maghanap ng coordinator to ask. Ang lawak ng Palacio and it's too awkward naman if they'll see us running towards the entrance to ask the coordinators left at the registration. And the cupcakes. Not all were put out at the cake table. Nasa 25 pcs pa ata ang naiwan sa paper bag na after the event na lang nailabas. Supposed to be it's for the sponsor and the whole entourage talaga, kaya lang guests na lang ang nag take out dahil nakauwi na ang entourage. I think our coordinators had flaws too. They didn't take note of the cupcakes that were left in the paper bag. 

But all in all, it was a successful event though. There were some glitches but I think you really can't get 100% of what was planned and expect for it to go smoothly. I always prayed for the wedding day to be sunny with blue skies, no traffic, no bad vibes but I forgot to pray for the whole day to go exactly as I planned it every night. But what's nicer is when people tell you that it was really a beautiful wedding. There you'll know people appreciated what you prepared for them. Even some friends ask how much was our budget. Naghuhulaan daw kasi sila. Watch out for our suppliers' ratings. Hehehe. 

Last Night As Ms. Abad

So we rushed back to San Pedro to get all the stuff that we need. We're supposed to check-in at the hotel at 2pm but we're still on our way to Laguna at 1:30pm. When we got there, I immediately packed everything and then went back to Manila. Had an early dinner at Seaside Macapagal. When we're on our way to the hotel, Kim called telling me he has no room na daw at Pan Pacific!! I was furious but I didn't want to panic. Imagine, we booked and paid the hotel months ago and Kim even confirmed the hotel room a day before. When we got to Pan Pacific, the manager was the one who explained that they got fully booked and it was unexpected and Kim needed to be transferred to another hotel. He said no. Hassle nga naman diba? But the manager explained that for that night lang naman and hatid-sundo din sila ng hotel. They'll be picked up at 6am the next day. Kim thought hard about the deal. His point kasi was uncomfortable talaga sa groom yung dapat natutulog ka pa pero pinipick up ka na ng hotel back to Pan Pacific. But he gave in. They were transferred to Midas. Pag balik nila ng Pan Pacific, naka suite room na sila na mas malaki pa sakin when he only booked a regular room. Haha! Free upgrade na daw. They made sure they would make it up so bawi na daw inis niya.

After checking in at our hotel, we rushed to Robinson's Ermita to have our nails done. My mom was waiting for us there. Just before we're finished, Ms. Melai(my coordinator) called tellling me she's there na din at Rob waiting for me. Back at the hotel room, I started cramming na. I needed to do a lot of things!! Time check-9:30pm. I needed to revise the bloody guestlist, the sponsor table shall be revised too(may hindi makakaattend na ninongs), the standby picture for the projector and screen, the menu tables that needed to be printed, the cactus giveaways have to be packed, etc. I finished everything at around 2am. Now I can sleep.

How it feels when you're getting married tomorrow

Excited and anxious. 

When you've only got a day before your biggest day, there's always a run through of everything that needs to be done and yet there's always a feeling that you forgot a thing.

Yesterday was hectic. We slept at around 5am for two consecutive days but yesterday was when I forced myself to finish everything. Why do people love cramming? Not just that. As I was completing the ever bloody guestlist, table groupings etc, Metrotech called to remind me to send the receipt of the payment we made last Oct. because they won't honor the payment without showing them the copy. I panicked because I don't remember seeing a copy of that whenever I review all the payments we made for the wedding. More cramming inside my head. I couldn't concentrate on the computer. I had to find it. Eventually, after 2 hours I found it, took a picture and sent it right away to Metrotech. But there was a bigger glitch, one of my bride's maids won't be present. She'll be flying to SG. I got really upset for the short notice knowing that she's one of my closest friends. Oh well.. And lastly, I had to make place cards and menu cards for the VIP table. I still need to print them today. I think those were the last DIYs that I needed to do. I hope I didn't miss a detail. 

Now, we need to check-in at Pan Pacific later at 2pm. I wanna relax for tomorrow but I know it's not possible. Anyway, I'll just pamper myself. Manicure and pedicure will do. :)

Crazy Monday

Haaaay! Umaga pa lang talaga STRESS FOR BREAKFAST NA! 

We did a lot yesterday. Well.. Me mostly. I had to prepare all documents and stuff my coordinator needed for our final detailing last night. Invites(na naubusan na ko ng copy because of unexpected additional guests), photocopy of all contracts(na binaybay ko pa halos buong subd. just to find a xerox machine), guestlist(na hindi pa finalized because "some" guests are still "not sure") etc. But not just those. I still need to submit a copy of the list of our sponsors and their addresses to San Sebastian. Kim doesn't have the complete addresses of the sponsors that he got from his side so I still can't manage to send the list. Cramming na talaga nadagdagan pa ng gulo sa bahay. Hello! Seriously, I couldn't think well this afternoon. I called San Sebastian to ask if it's ok to just write the city of the sponsor and not the whole address but no one answered. It was then that I remembered that their office is closed during Mondays. Grrrr.

Later that day, we went to Festival mall for our meeting with Ms. Melai to finalize the program flow and the details. Ang dami ko pa palang kulang so I promised to just send her an email of everything that she needs to know. We started the meeting at around 7pm and ended a little before 11pm. 

As for my gown, I don't wanna sound obnoxious or anything but I haven't seen it yet since the first and last that I fitted it and that was weeeeeeeks ago. Still no beads and tulle skirt. My mom and I will visit her friend(the gown designer) at home two days before the wedding to finally see it. That's on Thursday. Not sure if it's already done but I shall not expect much. Honestly, the last time I saw it, I was a bit disappointed. I hope the next time I see it, I won't be more disappointed. The gown that I wanted looks really like what it's worth. But I'm still hoping 'coz I really don't wanna add more to the stress I'm having right now. 

14 days to go!

Yesterday marked the remaining two weeks and we got to finish a lot of things. I came early at hubby's house to look for additional souvenirs for ninongs and ninangs. We thought giving a small plant is nice so we're looking for a Cactus supplier with a complete packaging to lessen the hassle of hunting a nice Sinamay bag in Divisoria. We found one but it's too far. It's in Cavite pa. But I'll let Kim na lang to take care of the souvenir so I can finish more this week. Now we're settled with that.

Next, for the cake and cupcakes, instead of the 3-tier cupcake tower with 35 boxed cupcakes, we thought of changing it into a 5-tier tower for it to look bigger. You see, the 3-tier tower will only be able to hold few cupcakes plus the cake topper on the top layer so that's just two layers, right? While the 5-tier can hold as much as 26 boxed cupcakes with cake on top layer. I added 10 more so the remaining cupcakes that will be placed on the table won't look few. I just need to go back to their branch on Tuesday to pay for the additional charge.

After the souvenir and the cupcake tower, we left their house at 3pm to see and estimate the traffic from church to reception and submit the banns as well. And to my shock, the traffic was heavier than I expected. From their house in 5th avenue to Recto, it took us almost an hour to travel. Super traffic. From Recto to San Sebastian, moderate moving. It took us around 15 mins to get there. Thank God their office is still open. We submitted our banns, chose songs for the ceremony and requested for Fr. Rommel(the cool priest who conducted our pre-cana seminar) to officiate our wedding rites. After SSC, we drove off to Palacio de Maynila. Again, super traffic from SSC to Ayala bridge to TUP due to some road constructions. I hope they'll finish it this week. :((

We went to Rob. Ermita after driving to Palacio de Maynila to hunt for game prizes. I personally wanted gift sets because they look nice when packed and with ribbons and tags pa. I saw good sets at The Body Shop but what we bought was nicer. Something all guests would participate for. :)

Finished the day by dropping by at Pan Pacific just to inquire if it's OK to bring bulk food orders for the supplier. Thank God they're not strict. We'll just order for lunch and have it delivered at the hotel on the day.

Sooo.. That's a lot of checks in my list. Few stuff left for next week. We just want to relax a week before the wedding (IF IT'S EVEN POSSIBLE) :)

Almost 2 weeks left!!

And still we're not done with the preps! Too many details to finalize and I feel that when I'm about to complete something, another thing adds up to the list. Stressful.

Here's the list of the stuff that we need to finish:

1. Submit the final song list to L&S supplier

2. Place and menu cards for the VIP table

3. Body form for the gown(My gown designer can't provide)

4. Vest and long sleeves for 1 of my bearers

5. Stage platform that Palacio de Maynila provides

6. Suppliers' meals during dinner

7. Visit Blacktie's office

8. Additional heads in Queensland

9. And a whole lot more!!!

Here Comes the Wedding Month

Just 17 days before the wedding! OMG! I can't breathe. Too many details that has not yet been finalized. Crammmmmm!

Prenup Shoot: DONE!

Yes! Just before Oct. ended, we had our prenup done. I honestly wanted it to be shot two months before but due to some reasons, it was postponed for a month.

We had our shoot taken at La Mesa Watershed in Quezon city. It was a perfect place. Secluded, serene and beautiful. Actually, it's a bike trail but photoshoots can be held there with request. You can't just walk-in.

I didn't know it was that big. A tour guide will be assigned to escort your team or else you'll get lost in the woods.

The spots I saw on a prenup that was also held there were freakin' far! It's 6km from the gate. You'll need an SUV type of vehicle to take you there. A car won't do, the road has high humps.

When we reached the location, we needed to trek for like 20-30 mins to reach the lake. The exhausting walk is  really worth it when you see the calm lake. Amazing. Our photographer Benjie Tiongco, had an occular of the spots that he wanted to take pictures at. Remembering the shoot, the sun was scourging hot. It's 3pm & our sweats are dripping while posing for the camera. But it was an adventure for me. :)

We had 4 locations at the Watershed. My favorite was at the stream -- super perfect! We ended the shoot at the tower near the gate. It was already dark, just in time for the lighting effects.

It was an awesome and fun day. All praises to the great mind, hands and eyes of our photographer Benjie Tiongco. He's really talented. We've seen all the pictures on his camera during the dinner after the shoot. Raw but not a shot needed an enhancement. I'm still amazed until now. Now we're waiting for the delivery of the pictures. I think he said it will ready a week or two before our wedding. Oh well.. I still have the hangover from the shoot. :)

Here's the only picture he sent us so we can use it for the photobooth layout:

My First Gown Fitting

Just happened yesterday. Yes. 32 days before the wedding. But as what I've written before, I'm not anxious about it because I fully trust my gown designer. ;)

The gown was.. still plain and unbeaded of course. Not a bead was already sewn so I couldn't appreciate it that much. The fit was OK. Just the neck part. A bit maluwag so that part needs a little alternation. And the next time I'll see it will be the night before the wedding. Haha! Don't you think I should be a bit stressed about it? ;)) But nope, totally fine with it.

The other gowns(My sister's, lola's and 2 little girls) are nice naman. No more alterations needed, just the beadworks. 

What I love the most, the girls' tutu dresses. They're so adorable in it. I can't wait!

Pre-Cana Seminar: Check!

Our pre-cana seminar was done last Friday at the hall behind San Sebastian. The last part was exhausting maybe because we're all tired. The seminar was from 6:00-10:30 PM kaya! Not sure why but I think they need to make way for couples who have work during the day so everyone can attend.

The first part was about Life and Marriage. The priest who did the whole talk about was so funny. He has the energy to keep us awake and laughing. I want him to be our officiating priest but I forgot his name. Haha! O well.. Not too hard to look for. He's the parish priest. We'll just ask for him.

The second part was on the other hand, quite boring. It was about Family Planning and was discussed by a lady. I could feel that other couples felt bored too. The hall started to become noisy but not to the point  that the speaker felt disrespected naman. Just the noise of simultaneous low voice chats. ;) 

At last it was done! Now we have to wait for our schedule of the final interview.

Mobile Bar: Pasok sa banga!

We wanted this before but we thought na it's over our budget already. But after booking all suppliers, we considered getting a mobile bar narin dahil hindi naman pala ganon kabigat. :) 

We were torn between Mixed & Fluid Mobile Bar. Our coordinator actually suggested a supplier that she knows but I asked if it's a lighted bar, unfortunately, it's not. But the package she gave us was super cheap! 15k for 200pax (Quoted based on our guest count. Kids included) But I insisted on getting the lighted bar. It's so stylish to look at esp. when lights are off only disco and strobe lights are seen -- so chic! The neon blue glow of the bar attracts me. Hehehe! 

Anyway, I wanted to consider Fluid coz they have more Facebook "LIKERS" than Mixed. Hahaha! Kasi baka masarap talaga drinks nila or what? Anyway, super sarap man or so so lang ang kunin, for sure hit parin. ;) But I like Mixed's setup more. Their bar is more attractive.

Fluid Mobile Bar

VS.

Mixed Mobile Bar

(Setup at our venue Palacio de Maynila)

So now it's clearer that we'll get Mixed. I just have to wait for their quote.

40 days before our big day!

And I'm feeling so stressed! Too many details to finalize and 1 supplier left to book. Yes. Pahabol. We decided to get a mobile bar narin so the "after party" is more enjoyable. 

I have the bulk of the detailing coz Kim is more on the approval lang but I like being hands on so OK lang, besides, brides always get the majority of the pressure throughout the preparations. Right? :)

To-do list:

1. Final detailing on Queensland - Change the plates on the presidential table back to ceramics na lang, flowers to be used on the vases, the chiffon table top we wanted and the couch for the stage.

2. DIY wedding accessories - We need to find the materials for the ring and arrhae pillows and cord. Ylaya St. in Divisoria is the home for these, I think.  

3. Missalette from San Sebastian or I just need to ask if they use their projector and screen for the responses so it's more convenient for the guests to just look up and read.

4. BOOK MOBILE BAR!!!

5. The bloody RSVP after all invites are sent. Haaay. Why is RSVP here so different? Couple ang nagrRSVP isa isa ng guest? :(( 

6. Visit BlackTie Project's office.

7. And lastly, PRAY THAT WEICARS' BRIDAL CAR SHOWS UP ON OUR WEDDING. Until now no text or resending of the contract. Oh well. 

I didn't know Banns can be so pricey

I submitted my banns at the parish in our subdivision. Good thing their office was still open until 7pm. We were running so late but thank God we made it. 

Their charge is 800. Our marriage is to be announced for 3 Sundays plus the other forms that they have to fill up and be submitted back to San Sebastian. 

Woohoo! Accomplished many things!

So we're done with our interview with San Sebastian last Tuesday. We also submitted our License and claimed our Banns.

We were scheduled at 3pm but we got there at half past 2. There were already few couples lined up so we waited for our turn. The interview didn't last long but it was fun. We were interviewed by a soon-to-be priest(forgot his name) and he was humorous and nice. Made me realize some things. :) 

Our Bridal Car Is Getting On My Nerves!

About 3 weeks ago, we started searching for bridal cars. We wanted Camry before because it looks so classy. We changed minds and looked for Bug Eye Benz instead.

We got some flyers at the last SMX Bridal Fair. Weicars has Benz E320 & AdeB has Benz E240. We liked Weicars' E320 more although the two cars nearly looked the same. So we contacted them after 2 days. During those days, Nika, the owner(I suppose) is quite slow in responding. I told her we'd pay in full. She said OK. I asked for their bank details, she replied and gave it to me without even asking who I was. So with that, I decided to just pay the down payment. 

I texted her after depositing our down and asked if she could send me the contract that night. If my memory serves me right, she didn't send the contract to my email until after a day or two. I had to remind her pa. When I received the contract and upon checking it, it stated that we paid 3,000 as down payment  We only paid 1,500 so I had to text her again to check it and have it resent back to me. She said OK. That was last week!! I called their office last Friday. A guy answered. Si Nika daw mismo tawagan ko because she's the one in charge of the bridal cars. So I texted her and asked to have the contract resent to me. WTF!! She didn't even reply!! So what now?  Just because we have already paid and now we don't get a reply? KAHIT "OK" LANG, OK NA SAKIN. Or don't reply at all just send the contract I'm asking for. Now I'm worried that their car won't show up at our hotel lobby.

Now I'm really regretful in getting them as my Bridal Car. How I wish I got AdeB na lang. Nakakastress.  But then I shall give her another day or two before I ask for my coordinator's help regarding this matter. 

Claimed Our Marriage License Today

All set! We just have to submit our license, baptismal & confirmation certificate tomorrow and claim our banns as well. Canonical interview is also scheduled tomorrow at 3pm. Too many things to be crossed out on my checklist. :) Now I have to reward myself a sumptuous lunch at Everything at Steak!:)

Pretty Idea: Paloma's Nest Bearer Bowls

Just a something nice-to-have as a cute substitute to ring pillow. But I won't insist. This one costs $48.00. Too pricey for just a little clay bowl. Anyway, I just find it pretty. And one blog says they don't ship here in the Philippines. (Just to make it sound plausible even if my dad is still in the US right now. Haha!) Besides, we can always settle for a DIY project, right? 

Done with our Invites

The invites are.. well.. should I say copied? Oh my God. Let me rephrase that. More like an inspiration. Haha! Can I be sued knowing that Cybercrime Law has recently been imposed? I hope not. I think those invites are originally from Pennsylvania. So.. K. Whatever. I'm not ready to spend 12 years in jail so I'm kind of thinking if I should still post this post. HAHAHA!

Anyway, the idea was from the ever trusty Google. I searched for Pink and Gray invites and that one popped. I wanted a fun and modern type and not the usual Filipino scented invites that you can get from Recto and Quiapo.

To save my ass from being sued for Plagiarism, I shall give credits to the couple Kaylee and Jackson and to whoever made their invite. Trust me. I googled once more to offer credits to its designer but I can't seem to find it now. (Just to make sure I won't dwell in jail) Hahaha!

My close copy:

Nasaan Na Kaya Ang Gown Ko?

Hahaha! Seriously. I'm not sure where it is or has it been started? 

The last meeting we had with my gown designer (who happens to be a close friend of my mom) was during the first week of Sept. I'm not really stressed about the gown until now knowing that I only have roughly 2 months before the wedding. What's happening to me? I should be anxious already but nooo. Petiks lang. Keri naman eh. ;))

My gown designer is my mom's high school friend. He makes our gowns when we attend events. He also made my high school prom gowns. I'm confident that he will make on time because if I tell myself that he can't and I got convinced, then I should be slitting my wrist by now. ;)

Oh I really hope the gown turns out to be my dream gown. And wishing it will beyond my expectation. 

Table Setup -- Confusing!

Yes I know we've already finalized the layout for the guest and presidential table. But Kim just called telling me how he wanted the arrangements to be changed. Well, not the entirely but some of the things we agreed to. Like the plates for presidential table. Ms. Madel suggested to use clear glass instead of the usual white ceramic plate. We saw a setup earlier, the white plate is better. So we checked out K by Cunanan's works on Facebook. Yeah, I know their difference but it was our choice to settle for more affordable yet pleasing caterer, Queensland that is. Hence, we upgraded the flowers so we can work on that as well. 

Here's what I liked from K's setup:

In fact, we requested for that miniature glass house as candle holder but Ms. Madel said that it doesn't look good with tall vases. But this one does look good even with tall vases. Maybe I should send this to them. I'm kind of imagining our table. For me it looks a little bare with only tall slim vases and low vases on it plus the place cards etc. I wanna add this miniature glass house. I hope Ms. Madel approves. ;)  

Ring and Wedding Shoes: Check!

They're here! We picked them up yesterday at Meicel's shop in Greenhills. They're lovely. Particularly mine which has diamonds while Kim prefered thick matte without stones. We also got free arrhae and dummy rings since we booked them during the fair.

We checked out some of their designs and almost got a change of heart there. I tried this eternity ring and hala! Parang mas gusto ko yun. But! Haha! Too late now. Ready for pick na nga diba? ;))

I certainly would recommend Meicel. Check them if you're still looking for wedding rings. Good quality rings at affordable price. I kid you not, they are as "pulido" as Golden hills.

The design we chose. I got this from their site.

After Meicel, we went straight to Greenhill shopping center to look for my shoes. I've been eyeing for this certain Figliarina platform pumps since last week. Fortunately, Shubizz has a shop at The Shops. Initially I found the same design and color at People are People but it has 5 inch heels. I prefer 3" or 4". I passed by Steve Madden, the same design and color caught my eyes. But still the heels are 5 inches. I went next to  MOA's Dept. store. I saw a pair of Figliarina pumps with the same everything too! Unlickily, they didn't have size 8 that time. Good thing my size is available at Shubizz Greenhills. Just imagine my happiness when they handed me the shoes yesterday. Just what Kim always says, "good buys come to those who wait." :) 

Mock Setup and Final Food Tasting at Queensland

We went to Queensland's office yesterday for our mock setup. When we arrived at their office, our AE Ms. Michelle Galdiano was there na. We didn't have to wait 'coz they already set up the tables so we just had to check na lang.

Honestly, upon seeing it, we didn't like it. I understand they copied lang the sample I gave them but it didn't turn out nice at all. Esp. adding those Abaca baskets as low flower vases. And they put tall round vases instead of tall straight so I just insisted to use  straight since it's what on the sample we gave them. 

Here the sample setup photos I wanted. Got these from Bridal Book. Lovely.

Guests Table

Presidential Table

We also chose not to put a runner on the presidential table. We only opted for a plain table top. But gray looks better than their pink table topper. However, they're all SATIN. But it's better than other colors they showed us so we settled for that. 

Our AE noted all our requests. And I mean ALL. Ang dami. And we kept changing our minds while Ms. Michelle's finalizing our setup. She kept re-printing. Hehehe. Sorry! 

Ms Madel arrived shortly after our AE noted everything. Thank God we got to talk to her. Of course, she's the one who approves clients' demands and add ons. She's easy to talk to. Actually, all of them. We wanted a panel backdrop instead of pillars. She said yes. We wanted a couch for the stage. She said yes. Good thing a lot of people are asking if they have a couch, and there, it's time to buy one. And tons of requests that she said yes to. And she also told us na she's gonna buy a plain chiffon table top so they can put it daw on top of the satin cloth for a more romantic look. I agree. I like it more than just the plain satin table top.

Soon after our mock setup, we had our final food tasting at their other venue. We didn't taste everything on our chosen package. But the food that were served were good. And we picked some of them although they're not included in our chosen package. 

It makes me super excited talaga. And I hope they go beyond our expectations on our big day. From food to their setup.  

Marriage License Filed

Thank goodness it didn't take us forever to file. I love my town San Pedro. It has not given me a reason to hate it. Everything went smoothly. 

We filed our application last Sept 24, 2012. We decided to attend the seminar before we submit our documents at the municipal hall.

We arrived at the old municipal hall at around 8am. To my shock, it turned out to be an evacuation center na and I kind of wondered if the seminar was really being held there. But yes, somewhere inside the old bldg., the health dept. still stood there. So we waited for half an hour before the seminar started. I actually thought it would be a boring 3 hour seminar, but nope, it was fun and we learned a lot about marriage and family planning.

Next up, with all the documents in our hands, we headed to the new municipal hall. Wow! Ang ganda! Parang hotel. Hahaha. But seriously, it's the best looking municipal/city hall I've ever seen. Good job to the people responsible for that!

Diba, ang ganda? (Photo's not mine actually)

So we lined up to submit the requirements, they checked and asked me where my parents were. My mom was the one to sign the advice since I'm 24 and I needed that. Kim naman brought the parental advice he and his dad got from Caloocan city hall. It's allowed naman to get the other advice from a different city/municipal hall just as long as your parents/parent will be personally present and then bring the advice form to where you will file the license. After checking our documents, they gave us the form to fill up. 20 mins later, my mom came to personally sign the application. It also has a charge of P650 for the processing of your license. We paid and waited to be called inside for the interview(I think) but we never had one. The lady who signed last said she didn't have a voice so she just validated the information written and signed. Voila! It's done. We will pick up our license on Oct 8.

Prenup Shoot Dilemma

We're supposed to have our prenup shoot on Monday. That's the 24th. Exactly 2 months from our wedding. The location we wanted is at PNR. Yes, the old trains near Divisoria area. We went there 3 weeks ago to inquire. Too bad the front desk girl didn't tell us to talk personally to the Admin staff. Thus, we were not informed a little earlier that they don't allow shoots on weekdays. We were told to just submit a letter of intent indicating the date and time we plan to have our prenup photos taken. We returned 2 weeks after because I caught a flu the following week. Tsk tsk. After submitting our letter and talking to the admin staff, Ms. Scarlet told us that they don't allow weekday shoot at any condition. The deal with it is that our photographer Benjie Tiongco has a full schedule of Oct already. The next free weekend is on the 26th of October. No problem with me and Kim. I just don't want to spoil his prospective clients since it's a weekend and he might get booked anytime. So we're looking for another venue. One that doesn't require a lot of ekek. Now we're trying to consider the Abandoned bldg in Betty Go Belmonte station and La Mesa Watershed. I like the Watershed more. I've seen an e-session shot there it place is lovely. 

The Bike Trail @ La Mesa Watershed( I believe my Photographer can take lovely shots here)

Hotel and Cake: Booked

Yes, just now. We booked Pan Pacific Hotel for our preps. I got their Pacific King Suite for 2 nights. Their rate is P9,000/night and it's nett already. The room I got is spacious enough for my preps. Kim also got the same suite for just a night and late checkout without an additional charge since we'll be getting 2 rooms. I just find that particular suite a bit odd. It has a separate sala but upon entering the room, it's the bedroom that you'll find first. Anyway, it's OK for me and Kim naman. :)

 Here's a picture of the suite we got:

We booked the cake and cupcakes supplier too. We chose Sophie's mom since I loved their Red Velvet cupcake, I want it to be our giveaway for our entourage. Kim and I want cupcake tower since I'm not really a fan of fondant cakes and I don't find them practical. The first and last fondant cake I tasted was bad. Got traumatized by it perhaps? ;) And to think it's super expensive, eh puro styro lang naman yung ibang layers? Hehehe. So we decided to choose a cute design na lang for the cake. I want gradient pink layers. I just gave them a sample of the cake and cupcakes I want. By the way, instead of Red Velvet, it's gonna be Pink Velvets. :) 

The sample cake and Pink Velvet cupcakes that I want:

Hotel Hunting

This is stressful, really. We started conducting oculars last week. After checking out few hotels in Manila, we've already crossed out some on our list. 

1st to be dropped: The Bayleaf Intramuros

This was really our first choice, proximity wise: Check! Price: Check! I think 7k/night. Just not enough number of rooms. They only have 3 executive suites. Too bad our dates have been blocked already by other guests. The next smaller room is TOO SMALL for us. So let go.

2nd: Diamond Hotel

Wow!! Their executive suite has a breathtaking view of the bay. Plus it's huge for my preps. I wanted it. But after days of contemplating, it's way too expensive. 15k/night. Although it already includes the photo op on their lobby and grand staircase etc. It's still over our budget.

Diamond Hotel's Sweet Diamond Memories Rate Flyer

3rd: Hyatt Hotel

This could have been better if we didn't see Diamond's Executive suite before their suite. Their view was not good at all. I tired to convince myself that theirs was OK but I get the same feeling everytime I remember. Hehehe.

4th: G-Hotel

It's small yet affordable. If I remember it right, their rate is 6.3k/night? The room has separate sala and dining already. Just not that convinced since we checked out 5 star hotels before their mini hotel. :(

The Flyer we got from G-Hotel

So we're looking for more hotels na near lang sa church and venue. We're trying to consider Pan Pacific Hotel as well. Their rate is good. But then 1 blog said that their rate almost doubled when they're about to book na. Not really sure about that but we have to inquire first.

Flowers: Rudy and Ding Zaragoza

I had a hard time finding a florist. I'd always research online, on W@W forums and even on Sulit. I couldn't choose so we tried to go personally to Dangwa and canvass. We went to, I think 4 stalls there. I gave the list of my entourage. All 4 had prices ranging from 5-6.5k (ALL BOUQUET) so I was kinda wondering why do they give me super cheap price when all the rates I read from wedding blogs are 10k up. So we didn't book that day. I needed few more research. 

The next meeting we had with our coordinator, she suggested the florist supplier she was tied up with, Full Blooms. She gave my number to Rachel(daughter of the owner). She contacted me and agreed to have a meet up so they can present some of their works. Came our meeting. I printed some samples I wanted for my bouquet and my entourage's flowers. Showed it to them and showed me some bouquets they did, similar to what I wanted. They're pretty! She also suggested what looks nice, better than what I wanted. After I have laid down my entourage's list, she gave me the price. Sadly, it was over the budget. 15k. So we tried replacing the ninang's mini bouquet with 3 pcs of Calla lily made into a bouquet. Honestly, I didn't like the idea that they'll be holding a Calla lily. I want bouquets for them. But just to trim down the price, I said yes. And the flower girls' won't be having a metal pail but just basket instead to make the rate lower. But still, it's pricey. 10k this time. So we told them we're gonna think it over and call them back if we made up our minds. We didn't call back. Hehehe

So for the last time, we went back to Dangwa to negotiate to the last florist we talked to the last time we were there. We chose Rudy and Ding Zaragosa. Ate Ding was easy to talk to. I gave my list to them, still 6.5k ang rate nila. I asked why their price are cheaper compared to those of Full Blooms and the like. She was honest enough to admit that they are not BIR registered etc. That expalins it. Well, I care less if they're not registered just as long as their works are good, it's fine with us. :)

Here are the particulars:

1 Bridal bouquet

1 Maid of Honor - Bouquet

4 Bridesmaids - Bouquet

3 Secondary Sponsor - Wrist corsage

3 Flower girls - Pomander Balls

8 Primary Sponsors - Bouquet

2 Mothers - Bouquet

18 Male Bouttonaires

1 Groom's Bouttonaire

Plus loose petals, car bouquet, throwing bouquet and FREE delivery

All for 6,500. Isn't that a good deal? After all, I'm not that precise with flowers. I don't mind if I won't be holding imported flowers during the wedding day.  :)

NSO Birth Certificate & CENOMAR Request: Done

Last Aug 24, 2012, Friday, we went to NSO Serbilis Center in Muntinlupa to request for our birth certificate(Php195) and CENOMAR(Php270). Yes, just exactly 3 months before the wedding. I can't believe I don't feel THAT stressed(just yet) when it comes to the preparation. Based on what I read from blogs, legal requirements are known to be seriously time-taking.

We went there after lunch. I didn't know it would be that fast. I thought it would take us half day to file but nooo, it took us only an hour and a half from filing to claiming. Or perhaps because it was on weekday? Easy breezy. No long lines. Their air conditioners are working, too. The CENOMAR though, is to be released 5 working days after the request. I'm going to claim it tomorrow.

Photobooth: Pose and Print

We booked them last June 26 Bridal Fair at World Trade Center. There were only few photobooths to choose from. We got their promo package of 2 hours + 1 hour FREE of Photo Magnets for 8k. Free customized tarpaulin plus the usual amenities. We paid in full so less pa ng 200 pesos. 7,800 total. :)

Here are their sample photos:

Caterer: Queensland Catering

Finally! We had our caterer booked yesterday. From hundreds of choices, we came down to one -- Queensland Catering.

They offer good food and elegant setup for a low price. Their wedding packages start from P350++. Of course we're not just after the food but the setup must also stand out. We'll be having 200 guests and being honest to myself, we cannot afford a 200k+ food budget for Josiah's or K by Cunanan. They were our top choices, in dreams I suppose. But Queensland's food isn't that far from those caterers. When we had our initial food tasting at Ysable's Garden las January, their Baked Norwegian Salmon in Parmesan Cheese and Chicken Flambe were my top picks. They got my taste buds all giddy. 

Their setup for a Children's Party