2nd Wedding Preparation Dilemma: Who to Invite

For weeks, a month even, I've been facing my little notebook of "Who to Invite" and it seems like I couldn't figure out who am I really going to invite on our wedding day. I've been scrabbling names all over the pages repeatedly, stopping midway as it gets complicated and repeat the process. It became my little notebook of "WHO TO FREAKING INVITE?!"

One of the most difficult part of planning your wedding is deciding about who's coming to your wedding. We first planned on having a big, lavish and traditional wedding. First of all, I have a big family on both my mom and dad's sides. And as I was listing the people I was going to invite, the list seems never ending. And during those times, the budget never came into consideration. All I know is that I should invite them because they're family. Or that they may get butt-hurt because they've invited theirselves long before you even decided to put them on the guestlist... But as time goes by, wedding planning is getting stressful. I started to put into consideration the budget that we have. And everything that should be included in the vendor's list. If I don't apply any remedies on this, I swear we will get lots of debts after the wedding. And I don't want that.

I was only thinking of inviting 150 people. I'm kinda pushing myself that it is okay, thinking that 150 isn't considered as a big wedding here in the Philippines. But if you're going to ask me, I think that it is too much people! Hell, a class of 40 students is already difficult to handle, just imagine 150 different personalities... Plus, I don't like getting stressed. I mean, who likes that.. right? Unless you have a lot of money to splurge on really good coordinators and all those extra added entertainment and food for all those 150 people, then why not? Right? Also, if you don't mind getting almost zero balance on your bank or worse is hitting the red mark on your bank accounts... Then go for it! WHAT A BRAVE SOUL! But beware and be ready for those sleepless nights after the wedding, your conscience speaking... "WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO PAY THIS PXXX,XXX?!"

Well, I don't like that. Screw the wedding trends, screw traditions! We're going to do whatever shit we want!

In the end, we both agreed on an intimate wedding. No more than 40 people. We are only inviting those people who are really close to our hearts. It does not necessarily mean they are a relative. They could be friends who we already considered a relative. 

But, we will also have a very informal barbecue after. It's more like an after-party for those people who we couldn't invite! I just hope no one gets butt-hurt. B

The Dream Wedding (Part 1)

Even before we got engaged, we were already talking about how our wedding will go. To be honest, I never really had a dream wedding in mind when I was young. But I did dream about having a debut party years back. I want to be really pretty, wear stylish clothes and celebrate it with my friends and people I love. Well, ofcourse, me being the most stunning and gorgeous of them all *evil laugh* But yeah, I can soak all day on that thought but my practical side would talk to me and make me realize that those things are for people that has the capacity to do so.

While we are not entirely incapable of doing it, it is yet unpractical to save for months or years even, for a celebration you're just gonna celebrate for a day. I mean we're not ridiculously rich either, you know. And as a realist myself, I know that those money that we saved should better not go to one of those ridiculous one-day celebrations, besides we're a family of 7: my parents and 5 siblings, me being the eldest, so it really is unpractical to do it.

Anyway, I never really had a dream wedding in mind. I never really see myself wearing a white dress, because let's face it, wedding dresses are, sort of scary or at least the dresses that was imprinted on my mind when I was a kid. You may never believe this but when I was a kid, I am such an adorable young kid that almost everyone loves me. Haha! JK! I was chosen to be a flower girl in a couple of weddings (don't ask me who's wedding cause I barely know those people), I remember them putting a lot of hairspray on my soft hair, making it hard and ugly! (I mean, who likes touching hard hair?!) I also remember them letting me wear those ugly shiny dresses that are so hot, I remember them putting a lot of makeup on my face! Ugh, I hate that one! They put a red lipstick on my lips and it smells and tastes ugly so I'm like pouting my lips off my face like, 'Could you please take this shit off my face', and I remember them asking me to hold a basket of flowers which I don't like because there's no candy or any snacks on it! Okay, sure. I was smiling on the photos but hell! I never really like being a flower girl on the weddings I went to before! 

Also, when I grew up a little bit and my grandmothers are dragging me to weddings of people I barely know of, I didn't really enjoy it. So, to sum it up. I hate weddings and I think they are boring.

But as I grew up. I realized that weddings can be beautiful and that it really means a lot. Especially to those people who are really close to your heart.

I'm wondering if that is common or the norm is girls have their dream wedding. Or maybe, dream wedding starts when you're around 20. Haha! I don't know! But let me tell you this, I do have a dream wedding now. And I'm going to tell you that story on my next post. So stay tuned!

A Birthday Proposal Story: In Her Eyes

Yey! I can finally publish this post since the contest had end! We won P1000 worth of beauty products! (Dang! I was looking forward to the overnight stay! Just kidding! Hahaha!) Thank you Kasal.com!


Here's my entry:

The sun was painting the morning sky as I opened my eyes. I have left a chapter of my life a few hours ago and was starting to write another one. I stayed still in bed, I didn't know what to feel about it. "It's your birthday today!," my brain kept shouting at me. Almost commanding me to get up and jump around, because it is indeed my birthday today... But I can't. I closed my eyes again.

I opened my eyes, I didn't know how much time passed since then. Maybe a minute or two, maybe half or an hour, I didn't know. I looked at Steven who's sleeping soundly beside me, noticed I stole the blankets again and smile at the thought of him saying I'm a blanket stealer. I traced his face in the air, not touching his face. I didn't want to wake him up because I know we'll be playing or cuddling when he wakes up. Not that I didn't want that, I'm just enjoying the melancholic joy I was feeling that time. Besides, I can't afford to let him see my sad eyes. He said my eyes were expressive and he knows what my mood is just by looking at it. He moved. I closed my eyes immediately, pretending to be asleep. He held me close to him and I almost shed a tear. Usually, I turn my back to him before he wakes up so he won't see me crying a little. But I didn't have time for that so I have no choice to conceal the feels inside me. You see, I knew even before that being in a long distance relationship is difficult but I didn't know it was that difficult. Thinking that the next few days you'll be away with each other again was kind of a torture I least wanted for my birthday.

I opened my eyes and smile at Steven who was looking at me. Cuddled, talked and played. We continued our day watching The Walking Dead, How I Met Your Mother and Stand-up Comedies.

Night came, we went outside to have a walk around the park and mall. We also bought Jamaican Patties becaiuse I was craving. Haha! It was fun and very romantic, he held me very close to him, we laughed and joked around. When we went back the condo we started cooking our special dinner!

 Our Special Tuna Ragu Capellini with Jamaican Patty!!!

This is a secret recipe! Hahaha! It was very yummy!!!

 Mom's Bicol Express!!!

We took out some Bicol Express from mom and we mixed it with pasta too! It's very yummy!

Iced Tea

 All hungry and giddy!

My Handsome Fiance ;)

After eating our dinner we slow danced to our favorite songs ♥ I always wanted to have an intimate slow dance and he made it happen! I was really happy that time but at the same time I was sad, knowing that we only had a few days left. This time I wasn't able to hold myself and cried in his chest as we danced, he stopped and held me for awhile. He called me a few times and tried to lift my face up, but I didn't care. I just wanted to hug him and never let him go. It was the time when I let go of all the pain I was feeling. Don't get me wrong, I really love him and this pain is nothing compared to the happiness that he gives me. But pain is pain. It demands to be felt even if we don't want to.

After awhile, I listened to Steven and let him pull my head up. "Baby.." he said, 

"Mahal kita baby," he said

I smiled.

"Masaya at maswerte ako dahil.. kasama kita." He continued

Even with my face covered in tears, I smiled.

"Tayo ay awesome, tayo ay legendary! Kapag nasa US na ako, miss na miss na miss namiss kita, at iniisip kita lagi," He continued talking

I started crying again and laughed at the same time. I can't believe he's speaking tagalog!

"Gusto ko magkaroon ng dalawampung bata sa iyo, kasama kang tumanda"

I laughed out loud when he said this, still crying. I didn't know that he was preparing for this, the lines were familiar! lol

"Mahal na mahal kita. Ikaw ang lahat sa akin.."

"Love.."

He kneeled down on one knee, holding my hand. My eyes and mouth went wide! I don't know how wide but I was really surprised!

"Love, wala akong ring... Pero, marry mo ko?"

I wanted to laugh because of the mix of tagalog words and american accent and the truly understandable grammatically incorrect sentences but I was too surprised to do that. We stayed like that for awhile, my eyes still wide and my mouth dropped open while he was still down in one knee waiting for my answer. I finally found my voice "Yes, ofcourse yes!" and hugged him tight!

Steven's Cheat Sheet that was hidden in the bathroom lol!

I still can't believe we were engaged already! I honestly didn't thought I was too young to be engaged. It doesn't matter, all I know is when you found the love that's worth all the pain and hardships. You fight for it and you keep fighting for it. I was scared of being judged by my friends and relatives, and other people. I know i'll be judged because I'm young, but it doesn't matter. Because I know that love isn't a playground, nor a place to practice. It's not about hunting and throwing away. You found a gem that perfectly fits you, you keep it. Even if others shine the brightest, it'll look dull because you're focusing on the gem you have. And for you, it's the best. ♥

Wedding & Debut 2014 Expo 19th Edition

I have very little sleep when I went to this Bridal Fair and wasn't interested in looking for suppliers so I end up just going around and getting fliers. Haha! :)

My jaw dropped though when I entered and saw Edward Teng's wedding gowns. It was very beautiful! I also want a jaw-dropping gown! Hahaha! :) But yeah, it's not like I really really wanted it.

I didn't enjoy the bridal fair, I'm sure I'll be able to enjoy it if Steven was there with me. Hehe ♥

Tagaytay Wedding and Travel Expo 2nd Season

It was such a big hassle to go to Tagaytay at 4:00 in the evening. I was supposed to wake up before 6:00 in the morning and by 6:00 am I'll be leaving home and travel to Tagaytay. But I woke up almost 9:00 am and to think that I'd be still doing a lot of stuff like print the bridal fair tickets and withdraw money and figure out how to go to tagaytay. I don't think I'm gonna make it. I knew I should've done those things days before the event! Hahaha! Lesson learned! :)

I was losing hope but Steven couraged me and told me that I can do it. One thing I love about my fiance is, he never fails to calm me down whenever I panic. And that is always. Yes, I always panic. Hahaha! Sorry love! ♥

I left home just before the clock reached 11:00 am. I was able to do the things I have to do in less than 2 hours including the time for commuting from home to cubao. So that means, I'm done at around 12:30 pm. But since I am gonna commute, I looked for the buses going to Tagaytay, but couldn't find one. I hate when I ask people and they just sort of like point there mouths out to some direction, I mean. Telling the direction using your voice isn't that much of an effort, right? Okay, in short I was lost because of my lack of knowledge and people that were lazy to speak. lol

I went all around cubao and even waited for a bus that never came. Waited for like an hour and half or less. But still! I'm so not glad to stand and wait there, taking all in the pollution from roaring vehicles and having a black-smoke facial care from nasty smoke belchers. Add up the 3:00 pm heat. Oh Metropolis, why thou punish me?!

I then decided to ride a bus and go to Coastal Mall. I didn't do that in the first place because I know it was time consuming but I should've done it! ARRGH. I was really annoyed that time! 

I finally rode a bus going to Tagaytay. I couldn't afford to wait for the next bus since I'm running out of time, so even if the bus was packed I still rode it. The problem is, I was seated next to a guy. Okay. I don't like sitting next to a guy on public transportations. I knew he was a perv he tried touching my side and I slapped his hand so hard and shouted "Ang bastos mo! Gago ka ba!?" and everyone looked at our way. He was kicked out of the bus after that. 

After that, I was at peace and just relaxed at the bus. I was trying to sleep but I couldn't since I don't know whether I had to get down or not. Talk about a newb. I never really went to Tagaytay alone and just by commuting. It was scary and I was so nervous because I hate long bus rides. I always think that the bus is going to crash or something. lol I'm paranoid, I know.

I finally came to Tagaytay at 6:00 pm and asked around on how I'll gonna get to Tagaytay International Convention Center. I really wanted to cry that time and was feeling helpless because I'm so scared and alone. I wanted to just find someone I know and feel safe.. But yeah, I know that's impossible so I have to go and look for it. I finally arrived at the venue and booked two of our wedding suppliers. It felt so nice and all the bad things that I experienced that day was gone. I thought of Steven and thought: "This is it! We're gonna get married!" 

I wasn't able to look around and talk to suppliers but I did talk to this one make-up artist. I also had a free trial. And wow. Look at me:

I totally hated it!!! After that trial makeup, I didn't have the face to talk and walk around so I looked for a CR and freakin wash the makeup off, but I'm scared the mascara would mess my eyes. (since, btw, she put a lot! lol!) I just used a lot of tissue to take off some of the shit she used on my eyebrows and face. 

Oh, did I also told you she shaved and trimmed my eyebrows without asking me. I mean, she should've warned me before doing it, but no. I know she's older than me but what the freakin hell, I'm a possible customer and you don't mess your relationship with a possible customer!!! lol anyway. This is what I looked like after I take it off. I looked better. I felt better. Even with tired eyes and big eyebags.

That day wasn't for me. They all wanted to piss me off. Haha!

But yeah. I went home with a smile on my face. And imagined that Steven was there with me. ♥ Everything is so much better with him. I bet he would've have laughed at my face if he saw me with that make-up on. (Laugh in a good way). That or he'll punch the girl who made my make-up. Joke. lol

An Early Wedding Gift!

For some reason, Steven has forgotten to tell me that her mommom gave us an early wedding gift! He kept forgetting it! lol! But when he finally told me about it, I was beyond happy and was so kinikilig! Now I know how it feels like to receive a wedding gift! Haha! So if you're my guest and you're reading this, you're now obliged to give us a gift! Hahahaha! *rofl*

Here are some China's from Steven's mommom ♥

I feel like it's one of our first steps towards our married life! We now have some awesome china sets. :)
It's just a part of what his mommom gave us, there are still boxes left in his car! Hahaha! *coughs* lazy.

I'm so excited to see it in person and use the teacup everyday. I can't wait to organize it in our kitchen! OMG! This is real! Hahaha! Awesome! ♥

The Rants of The Young Bride-to-be

I made a certain article here entitled "The Perks of Having Talented Friends," It is about my friend who was supposed to be our Prenup Photographer. Things happen, She has an intern on our supposed prenup date. I totally understand that and I'm willing to move it.

I was sad, because when I first asked her about it, she agreed to be our Prenup Photographer and I told her that we'll be the one to spend her transportation and entrance to Hidden Valley. Ofcourse, we'll be giving her something for her effort too! We were both excited and I even joked if she can be my boudoir photographer. Surprisingly, she said yes. But yeah, I think that's impossible by now. So yeah, I asked her if she has classes that time, ofcourse I was expecting that she won't be available that time and I might re-schedule our prenup next year, March. But she said she can't do Prenup Photography and that she's nervous. I understand that, but I was kind of disappointed, because she already agreed. For fcks sake! Don't say yes if you don't want to do it in the first place!

Doubting her started when she wasn't contacting me. She came to Marikina last holiday and she's the one who told me to meet with her grandmother so she can atleast give me a qoutation on the gown I wanted. I didn't set the meeting up, she's the one who set it. It didn't push through. I know they're busy, but why set it if you plan on ditching it, right? 

Now I know what the other brides say about letting someone close to you work for you on their wedding preparation or even the wedding day. I'm not expecting anymore that they're going to care, hehe. Although, this isn't the case for everyone. I know there are people that are reliable and keeps their word. Oh well..

I was really down.

I was still lurking on w@w and one bride-to-be posted a topic about back-up photographers. I was stalking that thread since I might see a treasure, and stalking paid off because I found a Photographer who's budget-friendly and has great shots! 

The KNOTcase Philippines, is so budget-friendly. Here are their rates:

Fairlady Package: 25,000 Php 

42 pages 10×15 coffee table-book 

250 pcs post-processed 4R prints (Raw / unedited files in DVD) 

Eleonor Package: 15,000 Php

100 Post Processed Prints in 8x8 slip-matte board (Raw / unedited files in DVD) 

Service-Only Package : 10,000 Php 

w/out album and printed pictures (Raw/ unedited files in DVD) 

ADD ONS Engagement Shoot / Prenup (with Wedding Package) - 5,000 Php

I then talked to him if he can be our back-up Photographer for our wedding. I asked them because I inquired at other photographers and they don't agree on being a back-up photographer. But luckily, he agreed and to my surprise he told me that he can give that for P5000 and P500 for gas (My question includes OOT fee for tagaytay). I was a little confused about it and asked him if the OOT fee is P5500 in total or is it all I'm going to pay for his service, and he said P5000 for backing-up the wedding and P500 for the gasoline. I was really happy when I learned that! 

I also requested something from him, and that is, if he can go to our Photoshoot during his day-off. Simply because Steven and I really wanted to do our prenup on Hidden Valley Springs Resort because it's a special place for us. And I don't want the ticket to come to a waste. It's a whole day pass and I know that Prenup lasts for only 3-4 hours and sometimes 5-6 hours. It's inclusive of two buffet meals, lunch and mirienda. So since we're paying his entrance, I wanted him to enjoy and relax there too.

Now, I was thinking if I'll look pretty on the photos. Since, I never put make-up on. And I don't have a HMUA. If I'll have a prenup HMUA, then there would be another costs for them. I am sure there would be atleast two people, one will be doing our make-up and the other for our hair. So yeah, I think that's a no-no. Unless they agree to stay outside Hidden Valley! lol! =))