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! =))

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. ♥

The Perks of Having Talented Friends

After being so stressed about the money that we'll be shedding out, I finally had a chance to cut some of the expenses down.

Back story, a few weeks after Steven and I got engaged, I started looking for venues first. Since we're doing a Christian wedding, church is one less of a worry for us. We never considered a hotel either. 

After researching and reading about a lot of venues, I realized that we also need to consider the catering. It all got mixed up in my head because venues have different accredited caterers and other suppliers too. And if you got a non-accredited caterer, there would be corkage fees which would be another unnecessary expense.

To think that they will increase rates later this year and the next year scares me. We even went down from 200 guests to 70 guests, but ofcourse, we could increase the number of guests if we have to. 

Then after a little bit of research I've learned that couples do prenup and boudoir photoshoots. Which means additional expenses. You have to avail photography services, pay for out of town fees, entrance fees, prenup/boudoir stylists, HMUA and other prenup/boudoir essentials. And since I'm maarte, I want that! Haha! 

I asked Sam Pabalan, my good highschool friend, to be our prenup photographer and my boudoir photographer! ♥ I told her we'll answer her entrance fee to Hidden Valley and her travel expenses. That means we would be saving a lot! She also offered to do my make-up and hair! I love it! Ofcourse, we'll give her something too for being so nice to us! I am so excited! I'd be gathering pegs and concepts soon! As for the styling, I'm pretty sure we can pull it off even without a stylist! *crossfingers* 

I am confident that she can make me beautiful and make the photos beautiful! Here are some of her works! :) [Note: They are taken from her personal facebook account]

I also talked to some of my friends who uses DSLR and that I know are talented enough to be our back-up photographer on our wedding day! Hi to my HS friends, Jomar and Tony! I would let them shoot before the wedding, during the ceremony and cocktail hour. But I'd let them rest during the reception and be one of our dear guests. It's up to them if they still want to shoot during the reception! I'm so glad!!

We're still going to avail photography services from professionals. We're eyeing a couple of photographers that suits our taste, but for now, I just have to wait till we get to book our venue and other  suppliers!