My Girls' Headpiece

Finally found some headpiece that my girls can wear on the BIG "D"!

I took some pics of the hats, but plans to add some red feathers to keep up with the hints of red motif.

Maids of Honor headpiece

Bridesmaids Headpiece

Secondary Sponsor's headpiece

The female entourage will wear black dresses for MOH, top black bottom white dresses for the Bridesmaids, and top white bottom black dresses for the Secondary Sponsors.

Aside from the headpiece, the girls will wear black open toes / strappy shoes and lace gloves.

Excited to see them all prettified ... i'm sure they will all look fab!

Trial Hair and Make Up

I scheduled a trial hair and make up session with Angie Cruz last Oct 30 since it's also the day of our engagement session with Smartshots.

Angie and his hair stylist, Ogie, were supposed to go to the venue but since there's no appropriate ventilation in our chosen place they requested me to drop by at the Shu Uemura Studio in Rockwell. As usual, when I got there I look so stressed and haggard, gosh I just can't imagine on the actual day of the wedding I'm sure I'll look like a zombie since I can't sleep when I'm excited. But then again, Angie and Ogie's magic works for me that day and I instantly look fresh.

Here are some of the photos:

Here's a photo taken 6 hours after... no re-touch, I just blot my head and cheeks to remove the shiny spots.

I love the make-up even if I did not opt for airbrush. I think I will stick to the traditional since the re-touch before the reception is included in the package, a second look will most likely be done. Thanks Angie and Ogie for making me fab for the shoot! Excited to be a radiant bride on Dec 17th!

Checklist 12.17.2010

Update of our list as of 10.27.2010 exactly 51 days before the Big Day!

Attire
Bridal Gown: checked!
Bridal Shoes:
Bridal Garter:
Bride's Jewelry:
Bridal Headpieces/Veil:
Bridesmaid dresses: checked!
Bridesmaid accessories:
Groom's attire: checked!
Groom's shoes: checked!
Groomsmen coat and tie:

Ceremony
Church: checked!
Bible: checked!
Wedding Rings: checked!
Offertory candles:
Unity Cord:
Bearers' pillow:
Matches:
Arrhae: checked!
Sponsor's pen:
Music:

Reception
Venue and Caterer: checked!
Cake: checked!
Dessert Bar: checked!
Music:
Host/Emcee:
Lights & Sounds: checked!

Stationery
Monogram: checked!
Invitations: checked!
Save-the-Date: checked!
Misalette: checked!
Table Numbers: checked!
Menu Card:

Place Card:

Escort Car:

Flowers
Bride's bouquet: checked!
Bridesmaids' and Primary Sponsors' bouquet: checked!
Boutonniere: checked!

Reception centerpieces: checked!
Aisle flower: checked!
Throw away bouquet: checked!
Rose petals: checked!
Bridal car: checked!

Photography
AVP:
E-session shoot: checked!
Photo: checked!
Video: checked!
Back-Up: checked!

Gifts & Favors
Offertory:
Principal Sponsors: checked!
Entourage: checked!
Guests: checked!

Miscellaneous
Marriage License: checked!
HMUA: checked!
OTD: checked!
Hotel preps: checked!
Guestbook:
Bridal Car: checked!
Wedding motif: checked!
Transportation: checked!

Honeymoon
Air fare:
Passport/Visa:
Hotel Accommodation:

Hope we can complete the smallest details needed by this month, less pressure please...

Sharing: Monogram and Save The Date

The countdown says: 65 days to go.

As our big day gets nearer, we were able to finish some of the gazillion stuff for the wedding. I am posting 2 of the designs we were able to complete.

Here's the monogram created by my h2b. It took us several concepts, arguments and survey before I finally OK'd this design. I find it very elegant, the touch of our motif and the fonts used are just perfect.

When I realized that the invitation is to be sent later than what I scheduled, I just need to prepare an STD. I had seen this concept from one of the wedding blog I browsed before, actually I have tons and tons of inspiration. I changed the content, colors, some of the approach and viola! Here's the cutie monogram I created overnight ^_^

As they say, never underestimate the power of classic. Modern, bold and graphic, the drama is in the bold mix of the masculine and feminine monochrome.

Wed Update.... 4 months to go

I miss browsing wedding websites and supplier's update, hope to do more of this by next week and more more by September...

So here's the update for the last 2 months...

HMUA Last month I was able to book my HMUA, a friend will handle the entourage make-up but for me I chose Angie Cruz and Ogie Royale. HMUA is one of the most hard to find as you will relay on the photos online and feedback of other brides. I am very particular in getting HMUA as all your photos will reflect your pretty or horrible look. Angie has good feedback, all positive. He is also easy to talk to, I mentioned my budget and he immediately agreed, wala ng kiyeme! He's also very flexible when I made some request. What more can I ask for? An A-class HMUA that is very nice and accommodating. Let's see on the day itself... I'm pretty confident he'll do a good job.

Entourage and Groom's Outfit. The Entourage guidelines is finally complete and we were able to book Amonn Velasco for the gowns and groom's tuxedo. He offers a pretty good package and some of the people I know got him as well. Hope he stands up to our expectation, he really has a lot of clients. He's responds to email naman and if you want quick answer text him instead.

Pre-nup with Friends. Our first pre-nup shoot, most of our friends came and so we had a gang to help us with the things we need.

Reception program. Our program for the reception will be done by a good friend of mine, as another close friend will do the hosting. He's done with the script and I'm excited to discuss it with him, hopefully we'll have some time next week.

Reception set-up. We will meet with our florist and OTP for the hotel set-up next week, it has been postponed several times... hopefully this time no other conflicts will arise. Have to research for the set-up of the place though...

On the other hand, physical activities are picking up... aside from once a month fun run and regular running at Ayala Triangle or the treadmill, I usually join my fiancé every Thursday to play badminton. My love for yoga couldn't be swayed and so I just had to enroll again. At first I had a hard time managing my time as I'm supposed to take Saturday classes in Ortigas, but Saturdays are sacred for longer sleep. So for 3 weeks now, I consistently join the Wednesday morning class at Yoga Manila Makati Studio and been trying to practice 3-4x a week at home.

BUT This week I've been very lousy with my diet because of lots of work and stress, I need to get back on track and really focus as I only have 4 months left. Busy or not, stressed or not, I need to think of the healthy option! Always! So I'll try to have a quick blog from time to time of my daily healthier routine to give myself more pressure!

Target? 122lbs by Dec 1, 2010. Current: 136lbs. Lbs to loose: 14lbs.

Go go go!

quick update... 6 months before the big D

At almost 6 months before the wedding, we are slowly but continuously making progress on the preparation.

Yesterday, we met with one of the probable entourage couturier. I inquired and met some already but either they have a high basic rate or I don't like their style. I scheduled the visit with this couturier a few weeks back, but since my maid of honor and I only have this weekend free we made sure to seriously meet shortlisted designers.

He was very accommodating, gave suggestions on our ideas and has a rate that perfectly fits the budget. After meeting him, my MOH and I discussed over coffee the overall rating for this designer. She liked him and hopefully all our female entourage will feel the same.

My fiancé has been working hard on the task assigned to him. The monogram has been approved (by me of course!) and he's currently working on the invitation design. Target to complete this is June.

Overall, here's what we've accomplished

1. Church - Check

2. Reception (Venue and Caterer) - Check

3. Accommodation - Check

4. P/V - Check

5. BU P/V - Check

6. Bridal and Mom's Gown -Check

7. Lights and Sounds - Check

8. Choir - Check

9. Bridal Car - Check

10. Church and Entourage Flowers - Check

Our line-up of To-do's

1. Book HMUA

2. Book Entourage Couturier

3. Buy Wedding Rings

4. Buy Suit for the groom to be

5. Finalize invitation design

6. Print invitation

7. Prepare required documents for Church

8. Pre-nups and STD

9. Decide on PS, Entourage and Parents gifts

The list makes me want to panic... but still for 201 days, i think we have time to complete every to-dos and wish list and so... Good luck to us!

Fit to Wed

It's exactly 230 days before the big day, while the numbers are going down so should our weight. When you look at us (h2b and me) we are not super big, thank God or else i should have done this blog entry a year ahead, but still photos and videos somehow put some weight on you and so we should loose that extra pounds to look good on the captured moments.

And what is the cheapest and fun way to loose weight? Running. H2b and I will join our first ever Fun Run this coming May 16 at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

To prepare for this, we jog/run almost everyday. I do this at home in the morning using the treadmill as I have a very unpredictable schedule at work, though not the ideal place to jog it's still is the most convenient and practical way. H2b is the opposite, he wants to run after work, around 6PM onwards and do it at the park. Though we don't practice and train together, in the end, we will still be together at the tournament. He will be competing on the 10K while I'm on the 5K.

Aside from running, we lessen our bad food intake but still have our cheat day so we don't deprive ourselves on simple pleasures.

It will still be a long way but with a supportive partner, focus and discipline we will be a fab couple on the big day! Go! Go!

For more info on the event:

CHASE THE SUN: The Neutrogena Run 2010
May 15, 2010
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
3km/5km/10km/15km
http://www.finishline.ph

Food Tasting - April 17, 2010

Exactly 8 months before the big day, we had our food tasting in One Tagaytay Place. We scheduled the activity around 11AM so we have enough time to savor the food and the azalea resto wouldn't be crowded yet. H2b and FMIL(future mother in law ^_^) arrived early, we're a few minutes late due to traffic and road developments in south super highway, i hope that would be fixed before December or else our guests will have to schedule 2 hours travel time to Tagaytay, Mama, Sam and Gab was with us so the whole gang is present.

Upon arrival, we we're lead to a small and private room assisted by the Banquet Manager, Marivic and the ever attentive Capt waiter, Ariel. They greeted us with the first dish, the soup, we chose pumpkin because we had a preview of its taste during our first dine at Azalea and we loved it instantly. I forgot to take pictures of each dish served as we were too engrossed with the tasting, feedback and will-be-presentation of each but I was able to capture the complete serving: salad, assorted cold cuts, green beans, pasta marinara, poach fish and roasted chicken. We had minor comments on each serving, as the taste is already neutral; my taste bud is on the saltier side so I think all of it lacks salt hehe. The dessert, frozen layered mango, is the one I’m quite hesitant of. It’s not that sweet though I feel it’s too normal, though I am still working on something for the dessert it would still be best if it’s out of the ordinary.

Pumpkin soup

cold cuts, salad, veggies, pasta, fish and chicken

After the food tasting, we met the cake supplier – Sweet Solutions Café is the accredited bakeshop of OTP based in Imus, Cavite. Our AE for SSC, Sharon, bought some brownies and mini cake for taste test. I love everything she brought, the brownie and carrot cake is moist enough and not too sweet, just the way I like it (sugar free please!). We had a few requirements for the cake but right then and there she called the owner and confirmed that all requests can be done. Super happy! So far no additional charges, since we’re ok on the 3^rd layer to be the only edible part. I have to send her our inspiration cake though and the topper we want.

brownies and mini carrot cake

To make our day even more productive, we met the Bridal Car supplier after SSC. Galing ng OTP AE ko on scheduling, one stop! Robert himself from Don Robert bridal car is the one who met us, Jemike - my h2b, primes the meeting since it’s ‘car talk’ anyway, he showed us the cars left for Dec 17 because most of the vintage cars are already booked! My h2b is choosing from Austin or Mustang, the limo is very nice also but I think it’s too much already. My h2b even requested to Robert if he can drive the Mustang after the ceremony, Robert gladly said yes. H2b became even more excited but photo-op wise, the Austin will stand out totally! We will just check our budget sheet and if it’s still on the green zone then it’s a go for the Austin.

We were supposed to visit the ballroom again so my FMIL can see it but there’s a corporate event ongoing. Good thing we went to the 3^rd floor because there are new stuff there that we can use for the wedding set-up. As for the feel, Tagaytay during summer is supposed to feel like a bit of summer, but earlier it’s already cold and windy and we can’t imagine what it would feel like during December.

It was a tiring and yet productive day spent with our beloved moms who shared their precious time doing some wedding preps activity with their panganays. Thanks Mama and Tita Austre!

Lessons on Marriage

I got this article from the blog "Practical Pinay Bride" which she also sourced from PDI by Conchita Razon. A great read and reminder for couples:

LESSONS FROM MY MARRIAGE
By Conchita Razon

Raise your glasses and drink a toast to all the courageous souls who bravely step out and defy the sad and cold statistics of marriages that burn up or burn out. God bless them. Onthe verge of a dark and uncertain future, they hold their lights up and dare to believe in forever. In the US, the figures are staggering.. Roughly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. Of these, a good 59 percent are couples who have lived in, before marriage. And yet, I read somewhere that most women dream of, at least once in their lifetimes, walking down theaisle "all dressed in white."

Are we giving more thought to the wedding and less to the marriage?

It takes courage to say "I do." Samuel Johnson said it well:"Marriage is the triumph of hope over experience."Asked to impart some words (of wisdom?) to hopeful couples, I can only call on my own battle scars and bruises. After two attempts at "happily ever after," these are some of the lessons I have learned.

I would not try to win every argument. There are no prizes after all. Being right is not really important. Issues do not get resolved if one party retreats into a corner.

I would bite my tongue and not let my anger speak out. Words have away of slipping out, doing irreparable damage and there's no way to take them back. Wit and sarcasm are first cousins. When let loose they create mortal wounds.

Learn to talk to one another. Learn to whisper. It brings you close.

Pray together. Let the third party in your marriage be no one else but God.

There is no wrong time to apologize. Hang your pride on the door post. It isn't true that love means never having to say you're sorry. I would not miss the sweet tender moments of making up, no matter that the pillow is still soaked with your tears.

I would be patient. Two pieces of wood, rubbed thoughtfully one against the other, will produce a spark. And then, with a gentle breath, it bursts into flame. In this day of instant and cyber everything, it is important not to expect love to blaze with a click.

You work at a marriage. There are no shortcuts. There are bumps on theroad. That's no reason to get out of the car. You learn to travel over them, around them, if necessary take another route, but always together.

Tell each other secrets. Build on your trust for one another.

Love is important, but respect is even more so.

Share your dreams. Make plans. Help one another achieve your goals. In spite of a far from commendable track record, I would not give upon love. I would still love with all of me. I know no other way.

They say that a successful marriage begins when we marry the one we love… and blossoms when we love the one we marry. The secret is to fall in love, over and over again, with the same person. Pity. One learns that sometimes a little too late.

Remember: It is not important to think alike, but you must think together. It is not so much the dance, but that you move together to the same music.

Make a million memories.

Take it from me. When the sun starts setting, when friends are few and nights are long, those precious memories will keep you company. They will be your warm blanket on a cold and lonely night. No one and nothing can take them away from you. They are yours always.

Only then will you know that you have found forever.

My Non-Negotiable

Every b2b's just got to have one. The non-negotiable is most of the time the bridal gown, it is the no matter what the cost is... the bride should have it!

As I always mention, my h2b is a practical guy. He will never agree on that non-nego for the gown, simply because we have a set budget and it will be impractical to allot a big chunk for a gown that I will wear for one day, oh let me correct that... a few hours. But of course, I still tried then failed, eventually though I found a way to make a deal and now I have an elegant and glamorous gown by compromise. Diskarte ^_^

So if I got my gown through compromise, what's my non-negotiable then? The where and when of our honeymoon ^_^

We will not have a honeymoon immediately after the wedding, so we can still save up and at the same time we will wait until end of March to see this:

Cherry Blossom season is usually late March and early April.

Initially we thought of a tour in the US, but he wants us to go somewhere that is new to both of us, so Japan turned as top of the list. The budget for JP is more reasonable for us and we have friends and relatives who lives in the area and can tour us around. We're not sure yet of the logistics, but most likely we will take PAL and of course it will definitely be TOKYO.

I'm super excited on this trip, I gave up our usual out of town summer getaway to start saving. And of course, it's our first trip as married couple ^_^ Can't wait!!!

God gave me you

I am just fascinated with men who really showed their love to their soon-to-be lifelong partners. Here's an excerpt from a blog site Match Made in Heaven, the story of finding the perfect couturier: "After hearing my hubby's comment, i felt lucky to have him as my husband, coz all he knows is how to make me happy and feel special everyday of our lives especially on our wedding day. All he can think of is how we can pull out our perfect dream wedding, he doesn't care how much we will spend but how much memories will savor after it. He will always tell me that, he wanted only the best for me, he cant settle for anything less, he didn't asked me to be his wife just to give me an ordinary wedding, that I am not the type of girl who deserve an ordinary wedding.. I just felt lucky.. he just loves me.. i cried to sleep thanking God for giving me such a wonderful man."

I guess we're all lucky in our own way because:

- some have partners who give their b2b's dream wedding, no matter what

- some have partners who help their b2b realize the balance of things

- some have partners who supports in every decision of wedding preps

- some have partners who are simply there to listen to rants on supplier but still lets her handle everything

- some have partners who are very hands-on on the preparation

I for one have a partner who is a mix of some of the list above. My h2b is a very practical person but at times he gives in when I make a good deal or I can balance our excel sheet. But every bride-to-be knows that preparing a wedding can be tedious and stressful, well at least that what I feel from time to time especially when I see that the number on my counter starts going down.

I tend to stress myself thinking about the suppliers I like, I want and I have. I seldom feel that "this is it" feeling since I always think of the budget and if it compliments the whole concept. After booking a supplier, most of the time a few days after I will think if they can really deliver and if its really the one I want. Then I will be pacified by my fiance, friends or by the good reviews I read from the forums or w@w.

Then again, the real and deep meaning of all this wedding brouhaha is not just to have a grand dream wedding nor to please anybody but the lifetime union with the person you truly love. So on Dec 17, 2010 whether its perfect or with glitches, I will enjoy and be thankful for the day because it will be the start of a new chapter and a new adventure. And suddenly i feel that day will be wonderful because God gave me this person whom I will share the excitement of the journey to forever.