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! =))

Filipino Tradition: Pamamanhikan

"The (often awkward) meeting of two families

The blueprints of wedding plans are drawn or made known during this occasion. The pamanhikan is often hosted by the bride’s family as the groom and his folks visit them to formally ask their daughter’s hand in marriage and discuss plans for the upcoming wedding over lunch or dinner. This can be an uneasy situation if it’s the first time for both parties to meet. The soon-to-weds may feel a little awkward (nervous even) seeing and listening to their parents consult each other on matters like their wedding budget, guest list and the like.

It is customary that the visiting family bring a gift (often, the best home-cooked specialty of the groom’s mom) for the hosts. Others may opt to hold the meeting on neutral grounds (a restaurant is a likely choice) or invite a mutual acquaintance to the gathering and help ease the awkwarness of the first meeting. Why do Pinoys bother with all the trouble? We all seek our parents’ blessings for a happy and trouble-free marriage. Afterall, pamanhikan is a treasured Filipino heritage which, first and foremost, avoids the embarrassing situation of having the parents see each other as strangers come wedding day."


- W@W Article

I know that this is too old-fashioned and some of the couples that are planning to get married might not be doing this anymore. And in our case, I knew this isn't possible since our family is like, half-of-the-world apart. Haha!

The thought came in while I was looking at w@w, this was just a recent topic and I wondered... Do I really want a Pamamanhikan?

I was born and raised in the Philippines and as a Filipina, I do want a Pamamanhikan. But with our set-up, I don't think it is possible. I just want that Steven would someday ask my parents for my hand, and I'll ask his parents for his hand too! Hahaha!

I know, it's given that we're getting married, and we're going to build a life together. Our parents knows that already, but wouldn't it be nice if they were asked in person? :)

I'm hoping that maybe, someday in the future it'll happen.

Wedding Thoughts

If you read this blog than you will see that Kat is visiting all of our suppliers so far, but I am still getting a feel for how our wedding will look.  I'm excited to go with her and view Rosemont Gardens in October because we really want it to be the "diz iz it" venue.  Right now we are trying to figure out caterers and desserts.  I was surprised to learn that in the Philippines, cake is usually reserved for only the couples, close family and friends.  So we are thinking of having extra desserts as well.  I really like this idea, this way if guests have a nice selection to choose from.  

Kat has worked really hard with all the supplier visiting, and I kind of feel like I'm not doing too much, so I can at least write my thoughts here.  I think our wedding will be great, no it will be Legendary just like in the title.  Kat has worked really hard so far, and we will continue to work hard in the future to make it happen.

I look forward to being able to write supplier reviews in the future, but until then I'll write my random wedding thoughts instead.  Look forward to more in the recent future.  :D

DIY: The First Attempt

Okay, I'm one of the brides who dreams on doing as much DIY as they can on their wedding day. It's still so far away but for some reason I had this lazy urge to make a paper flower. I got a paper and a scissor and Pinterest as my guide.

I cut a spiral and rolled it.

Okay, I don't know how to put it together. If I'm going to use a glue, glue gun or a double sided tape. I guess I'll figure out in the future. Haha Told you, it was a lazy urge.

Anyway, here's my peg. From Passion Cooks. :)

Couturier Alternative: The Search for the Awesome Mananahi

My mom was also looking for someone who can make her dream dress for their third wedding, since I was looking for someone who's going to make my wedding dress she told me about it and we went to Bayan, Marikina. 

I showed Ate Mel my pegs and qouted me 7k for the simple fairy dress I first fell inlove with, and qouted me 18k for the complicated fairy dress that I wanted. 

She showed me some of her works:

Although they look pretty normal, to think that everything will just be worn one day, it's still a nice catch! :) I'm going to wait til' mom gets her dress so I can see if they really work good.

Prenup 101: Conceptualizing the Theme

Okay, so I'm having a hard time conceptualizing our prenup theme. I thought I already know what I want but when I was looking at My Lookbook at Pinterest, I just can't choose what outfit should I wear and what outfit should Steven wear.

Prenup location is no question since Steven and I already know where we want to have our prenup. And I already talked to my HS friend if she can be our photographer. But choosing the wardrobe and the theme is one great challenge for me. I wanted to get Aira Franco to make it easier but as much as possible, we're cutting costs since we'll be over our budget. 

We're planning to have our prenup this October and I should conceptualize the theme real quick so I can determine the things we need for our shoot. Too early, I know. But as much as possible, I want to be early because I know as the wedding day comes closer, there'll be a lot of things that gonna happen. I am expecting some miscommunication as early as now, because I know that our suppliers will have other clients too, I just hope it won't be too much of a stress. I know that we can do it and even if it won't be as perfect as my Pinterest Boards, it'll still be perfect for us. lol! ♥

I hope I can finally conceptualize our prenup theme! As soon as possible! :)

1st Wedding Preparation Dilemma: Choosing the Couturier

Okay! I am so torn between Emil Ocampo and Mara Chua. They are both within our budget. I wanted Emil because he makes gowns that are within our price range, actually it was a little over, we just added so we would hit his starting price for a wedding gown. His works are absolutely lovely! I am inlove with his works, but somehow, I'm looking for someone who would make a unique wedding dress for me. Something light, and breezy and at the same time awesome. Something that would fit our theme and has that wow factor.

Okay, I know that gowns with ruffles are just so lovely and irresistible. But they're so common! Even the laces and beads. And as I was looking at different wedding dresses that was made by different couturiers, I notice a certain style in each of them, all different from each other but not quite. Overall, they look so common already. I'm not saying they're not beautiful! I'm just saying, ruffles, laces, and beads are wedding dress' cliche. Haha!

I found Mara Chua, but I was afraid to ask her because I saw her rants on her fb, and her works looks expensive! I liked her though. I inquired to her and wow! It's within our budget! I love it! I got excited and I wanted to meet her! 

I'm still so torn since choosing Emil might be good too, but choosing Mara Chua would be the best! 

I really can't stop thinking about her designs! It's so pretty and unique! OMG ♥ But yeah, I am scared that the design I'll get from her might be over our budget. I mean, she can work on our budget but I just wanted her to design without any limit you know, she works best when her creativity and imagination is unstoppable. But with Emil, I am sure that it'll already look lovely and we might even get a discount or something. The downside is, it will look common already. lol

1st Photographer Meeting - Chino Dizon of Shutters and Mirrors

At first, I didn't know that we can meet up with Photo/Video suppliers. I actually am joining some random wedding groups in facebook hoping I'd find some other suppliers. Mr. Chino Dizon, added me way before I asked him if he covers weddings. He told me he does and gave me rates and packages. We actually talked for awhile about the packages. Then we set an appointment so I could see the finish products (albums).

We met at Gateway, Cubao. I was a little nervous because I really haven't researched on what to ask or what to expect in meeting a Wedding Photographer. I think I was not yet prepared on that matter. lol

He and his wife came just a little bit over 1:00pm since they had to park their car. It was nice to talk about the packages, Mr. Chino Dizon was such a breeze to talk to and his wife also. I thought they were just a boyfriend/girlfriend. They look pretty together!

I liked the album and the photos were soft and vibrant. I got interested.

But when I came home and checked his website, the photos were not the style I wanted. I'm not a fan of desaturated pictures, although I used it a lot on my pictures (because I have a crappy camera). His angles and shots were really good though. Here are some of his works:

I tried liking his style and even thought that I will still get the raw pictures and can edit the pictures myself. But I know, that it's very unethical. So I have no choice because of course, we had to choose someone that will fit the style of our wedding theme. So far, I don't have the courage to tell him that we can't get him, what will I tell the reason was? It would be embarassing to tell the truth.

Anyway, I hope I'll have the courage that I needed.


Update: I finally told him that we're looking for other possibilities. I know that he's a talented photographer and a nice supplier, but sometimes we have to look for the "This is it" feeling even in our selected suppliers. ♥

3rd Couturier Meeting - Royanne Camillia

After going to Ms. Joe San Antonio's office, I was about to do an ocular with The Greenlounge Events Place but I got lost. I went round and round Santolan and Ortigas because the MMDA's gave me several directions lol. When I was in Greenhills, I showed the MMDA the address and pointed me to the other direction (going to ortigas), when I was at ortigas this one MMDA pointed me back to where I came from. Haha! Do they think it's easy to climb up and down the stairs?!

Okay, I know it's wrong for me to blame it over the MMDA. I know it's my fault since I don't even researched well. There's google maps for a reason but I failed to look it up because our internet connection was on and off. lol

Anyway, I decided to go back home but I remembered there's this one designer just a little bit over from riverbanks that I wanted to look. Her shop was so chic. Pastel chic. It was almost 8:00pm, luckily, they were not closed so I rang the bell and asked for Ms. Royanne Camillia. 

It's funny though, I felt uncomfortable inspite of the laid back atmosphere. Maybe because at the back of my mind, I know that it's not office hours anymore. And I'm not welcome anymore. Haha! Ms. Royanne Camillia still entertained me, I felt like I was disturbing her. Haha! I'm sorry!

Well, she qouted me 65k. Which is a little way over our alotted budget. Although I know we can shed a little more if I really wanted, like what Steven said lol.

I showed her some of my pegs and yeah she told me that there are certain silhouettes that fit certain body types. (In a tone that wasn't so comfortable for me) I know that, but I mean.. I felt like she's telling me that it won't fit me. Feeling lang naman! So, yeah. She's nice though. She answers my questions and she even showed me samples of her work. But I don't feel right, maybe we don't just click. I know I'm wrong for going in there late, Haha! You know naman that feeling eh. When you don't have the 'this is it' feeling. When you just don't click. Haha! I can't explain it.

Hey! Don't forget that this is our personal wedding diary, so we can rant here okay? If you can't control yourself to mention this, just please send the link. So there would be no exaggeration! Okay? ♥ xoxo

Don't get me wrong, she's very talented as I've seen in her facebook page. And the materials she's using doesn't look cheap. There's quality talaga in her creations. And I love her embroidery! It's just so lovely!

Anyway! Here's some of her works! You might like it!

Love lots,

2nd Couturier Meeting - Joe San Antonio

I know it's still a little too early to look for a couturier, but it won't hurt if I started looking for one now. Besides, I'm going to get civilly married next year and I need someone who will make my civil wedding dress. Hehe! It won't hurt if I inquired about how much their starting rates on wedding gowns. ;)

I only planned on inquiring online but I guess I have to meet them in person too, so I can talk to them. I have to see if there will also be the "this is it" moment on couturiers too. 

Ms. Joe San Antonio sent me her packages and this is her 2014 rates:

I sent her my peg. I have lots of pegs but I sent her the one I like the most. Here's what I sent her:

I already know that this kind of gown doesn't fit me since I'm a little chubby and short. I'm flat 5 lol! But I still sent it to her. She qouted me 65k-75k for this gown depending on the trail. I was like, "Oh.. wow"

She said, we can set an appointment to further dicuss the details of my dress. I told her I would love to drop by her shop and she asked me if I'm available friday, 3:00pm - 4:00pm which is the next day. Haha! Since I'm not that busy, I told her I can.

I am not familiar in the Greenhills are and so I asked her how to go there. She patiently answered me in detail and I didn't had a hard time finidng her shop. 

I felt comfortable in her shop, it feels like I was just visiting a friend. The furnitures are lovely and they have character, they remind me of a vintage classy chic Audrey Hepburn. 

Ms. Joe was all smiles and her voice is so soft. She likes to call her clients 'dear'. Which I find cute btw. I felt so light while I was there and I was so happy. I don't know why. She asked me to fill up two forms: My copy and her copy. I waited a little bit. Her shop was busy that day because the entourage of one of her brides were there for fitting. Hehe

She invited me inside her office and we talked about the details. I showed her some of my other pegs. My pegs have pretty much the same size. Ballgown with dreamy skirts and they were all a little chaotic. 

Ofcourse, she told me that the type of gown that fits me is a semi- trumpet. (I invented the term) Hahah, but it looks like this:

Fitted up until to the lower waist. She actually gave me a sketch:

While she was sketching, we were talking about the photographers and caterers. It was fun, I love talking to her. She has lots of ideas. And I gained knowledge on some of the cloths used in making bridal gowns. Hehe :)

I was just a little sad because her qoute for me is 75k-85k. I'm not that rich. lol =))

But it's fine. I'm just a little sad though. Hehe ♥

I'll attach some of her beautiful works! These are grabbed on fb :)