A Match Made In Heaven

dinner time is fun with Marvin & Ivy...

The night before this wedding, Aann and I decided to take the kids for some quick night out/dinner to unwind before our big event. But we opted to go to this resto at Oasis Hotel where our clients  Marvin and Ivy were checked in just so we could drop by for a short sort-of-ocular. We ended up eating, chatting  and laughing at the Presidential Suite with the couple and their families who brought in a lot of food. It was Chingching and Tara's very first ocular with their moms.  The mood was so light and laid-back, no stress here. It felt very much like home (and may I add, I had the best sinigang na ribs that night).

They say save the best for last.. And best it had been indeed  for us.... For our last event this year, we closed this month with Marvin and Ivy Krisbelle's beautiful Christian wedding which we are proud to say we have fully planned and coordinated.. 

reminds me of a scene from Twilight...

It was a beautiful sunny day,  a few days shy from New Year as Marvin & Ivy received the blessing of matrimony three years since they had  been wed in civil rites. But looking at this couple would make you think, they're still on the honeymoon stage. Both of them coming from very religious families, they knew that God's blessing  was the only thing amiss in their union, and so they decided to have it before the year ended.

Pamela  enjoying the preps

Morning of the wedding, Pamela and I took the reins with the hotel preps while Aann and Lala supervised the set up at the venue..  We fetched the flowers and the lamp posts we borrowed from florist Martha Manalili's place and  proceeded to Oasis Hotel..  The flowers were all  very gorgeous especially the flower baskets of the little girls.

the gorgeous bridal bouquet

the beautiful  bouquets for the principal sponsors by Martha Manalili..

 We couldn't get enough of the place as we viewed it from the balcony of the presidential suite.. We might come back here for a good swimming/bonding session with the team.

the view of the gigantic pool & slide from the balcony at the presidential suite

 the spacious kitchen area of their presidential suite

 The mood inside the hotel had been filled with laughter, silly banters from the groom, and obvious excitement from everyone as anticipation started building up.  I must say, we  had a blast with the  preps especially with the part where we had to help our lovely  bride Ivy do her "bathtub scene" with the Freshminds photographers. It was gorgeously done...

Heart doing her magic on Ivy...

  I had fun taking pictures of the accessories and the bride having her make up done. She's just very lovely to look at...

the pillows...

the rings..

a peek at her beautiful wedding gown..

   Marvin and the boys had their moment with the camera as well.  I applaud these guys for being so cool as  the photographers at Freshminds didn't  have a hard time making them pose... This shot by the way was just from my camera so we'll have to wait for the more awesome shots soon..

the boys...

  After making sure everything was in-check, Leih and I left for Antel while Pam stayed with the bride.From there, we helped the other two finish the smallest details left to be polished before everyone started coming in..
        At the stroke of  4, the wedding march started... The sun was still a little high as everyone walked down the aisle.. The  ceremony  was held at the grounds of Antel Grand Village, specifically at the man-made resort beside the Grand Ballroom.. The place was mesmerizing, with lush green and trees,  fine white sand, blue waters and a bright sunny sky for its backdrop. We adorned the aisle with lamp posts and big  purple candles, rose petals & an  intricate trellis at the center. Nature was so alive, love was brimming in the air.

The Wedding Village (ehem)  at work.  'gotta make sure the bride's well taken cared of...

Our beautiful bride Ivy making the most important walk of her life..

When the violin started playing, " A Thousand Years", the gates opened as our beautiful bride slowly took her walk  in her stunning wedding gown... The long veil followed as she sashayed her way to the altar... She walked towards her teary-eyed  groom  with her face ever so radiant.. Ivy seemed to float with her beautiful long white gown, with her angelic face cradled by her luminous veil. Everybody was all eyes on Ivy. This was her walk, her day, her moment.  (My most favorite scene, so far)... The faint smell of the garden and the waters merged as the  cold wind slowly blew...

the very solemn wedding takes place...

With this magnificent background, our lovely couple exchanged their  vows and "I Do's"... Picture perfect. The ceremony  took less than an  hour to finish, yet it was perfectly done...

the couple and the bride's family...

         The ceremony ended just in time when the sun was about to set... The hue of the skies merged beautifully as they posed for more pictures and the guests started to proceed to the Ballroom for the reception.

the gorgeous table set up by CVJ Catering..

a closer look at the gorgeous  flower arrangements on the tables...

 sexy Annalyn & the Amazing Fate Band..

A bigger surprise awaited at the celebration that followed. The ballroom of Antel Grand had been transformed into a purple & magenta-colored party venue, with tiffany chairs, beautiful flowers, candle-lit lamp posts, votive candles, petals and an oustanding set up design courtesy of  CVJ Catering.

 A full band led by Royal Carribean's very own Annalyn Orquin played at the right side of the couple. This was one  party we will never forget... The music was so alive that it added energy to the program. The couple then showed everyone their first dance, afterwhich was followed by the remaining reception rites and a very bountiful feast. A group of adorable children also gave a surprise dance number for the couple.

the beautiful wedding cake..

nice color contrast, ei?

Halfway thru dinner, Marvin surprised his wife with a special surprise song number as he sang Janno Gibb's "Falling"... He was quite prepared for it and astounded us all with his great voice.. He had also been very cooperative with the  sexy dance and  games which I may say  added a fair amount of "oommph" to the event.

the garter game begins...

the couple gives out their messages after dinner..

 The food was superb, very delicious and sinfully pleasing... All the guests enjoyed the great  program which was hosted by Ms. Jenny King herself, the wonderful music and good food. The couple couldn't be any happier.. The band played old-school music as well as modern party songs even after the party ended...

The Wedding Village Team (minus Leih), Aann, Pamela, Lala & Me enjoying the party...

 By far, it had been a very tiring day, but nevertheless, one of our most successful weddings ever.. It feels great to witness true love unfolding before you. To our beautiful couple Marvin and Ivy, we only have the best wishes for  you.. It was great knowing you, guys...

our beautiful couple

Your wedding was amazingly stunning...... And it's an honor having become a part of it...

A Rustic Tagaytay Wedding in December

            I mentally  started writing this blog with a warm cup of  hot chocolate while on the road to Tagaytay at 5:00 in the morning, mid-December... You would imagine us still yawning and wanting to curl up in bed with this cold climate but in our case, that's very much the opposite. My partner Aann and I barely got any sleep as we had a few more tasks and glitches to take care of, like the trouble with the tent supplier  which thankfully, we got under control.  And then  there was the guest list which up to the last minute we had to constantly update as requested by the couple. It was indeed one of our most stressful events but part of the job was to eat stress for breakfast. (^_^)

         Don't get me wrong, my excitement started kicking in full blast when December stepped in and the anticipation never stopped building up.  Aann and I took on this event early this year, with full cooperation of the couple who was miles away from home. Aann took most of the details in her hands  so we  decided to divide the labor by designating tasks step by step.


The couple was already awake and prepping up  when we got to Villa Ibarra's. We  then learned that the groom barely slept as he stressed himself out with the littlest details, opposite to his  bride who was so relaxed and beautifully radiant that morning.

.Being in this business, I know for a fact that the smallest things shouldn't ruin what could be the most special moment in your life. We don't usually meet  grooms who worry too much, but then, I perceive him to be more like a perfectionist so it's quite expected of him to get anxious with events such as this one.

The couple's excitement was obvious as the make up artists worked their magic on them. The tents were already  set up when we got there, (thank God). All it lacked was the catering set up which was to start at around 9am. People were buzzing in and out of the venue, suppliers started coming in.

the flower cone

The Chapel on the Hill was a few-minute drive from Tagaytay and so we had to put some time allowances to make sure we get there on time.  The chapel was adorned with intricate bronze stands with  beautiful  hanging flower cones at each end, with calla lillies  lining both sides of the aisle. The chapel was so bare when they got there but after dressing it up, it  looked so beautifully cozy, thanks to our florist Martha Manalili and her ever trusted staff.
 

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When the moment came to start the ceremony, I literally held my  breath as one by one, the entourage walked in. The look on the groom's face was unexplainable. It was like he was afloat while anticipating his  bride. And when the time came in for  Sarah,  she slowly walked inside the chapel to the tune of "To Have And To Hold". It was a very moving moment. Love was in the cold December air, and so the solemn ceremony started taking place.

 

The sun was up and shining as the ceremony ended... A beautiful day to get married indeed. Family and friends were all present to witness the union of our couple. It was how we envisioned this wedding will be, simple, solemn, but fairly amazing...

            A bountiful celebration came in next at Villa Ibarra's in Tagaytay. I must make mention how delicious the food was, and how romantic the place was transformed into, with the magnificent Taal Lake for its background, what more could anyone ask for?

           Weddings never fail to inspire me. I'm  glad to have been a part of this momentuous occassion in  this couple's lives... I only have the best wishes for them, that wherever the wind takes them, may love always be with them for the rest of their time...

Gerald and Rochelle's Memorable 12-12-12

Our very first December wedding.

Today, Chingching's godfather, Ninong Gerald & his beautiful wife Rochelle finally exchanged I Do's...

Who would even think that their paths would cross? Two very different people leading different lives, a happy go-lucky guy who was comfortably at ease with his bachelorhood, and a pretty charmer who was  having the time of her life. Fate had its way of defining what must become of us when we finally meet our match. When I first met Rochelle at my  baby's birthday party, we knew there was something there. Gerald never looked more in love than he is now. And we had an inkling we were a few months shy from hearing their Save-The-Date. I guess I was right after all.

It was a beautiful day for a wedding.  Pamela, Leihson  and I headed to the hotel to tend to Rochelle's bridal preps and upon getting there, we were greeted by a very relaxed bride having her make up done. The room was pleasingly peaceful, and so was our couple. Rochelle was all smiles the whole time even when we made her get into the tub full of rose petals for her pre-wedding pictures.  Gerald on the other hand was just as relaxed, though you could sense the anticipation building up inside him.

our very  gorgeous bride, Rochelle in her beautiful wedding gown..

Rochelle looked magnificently lovely in her wedding gown. She was the picture of a woman who has found Mr. Right. Giddy with excitement, anticipating the future, today was her day and she never looked more beautiful. Same goes for our groom who was just as nervous yet excited. I reminded them to take things in slowly as this would all go by so fast.

The moment came when the bride had to take her walk down the aisle. She radiantly took her steps, slowly, like she was floating on air.  It was by far one of the most solemn weddings I have ever witnessed.  Gerald  ended up in tears upon seeing her bride on the aisle. Love was over-flowing. Everyone was caught in the moment.

Everything  fell perfectly into place. The church was adorned with white flowers which complemented the old feel of the building, our florist Martha took care of the details and made sure the place looked amazing.

the groom and his lovely bride...

The ceremony was  very heartfelt, everyone was intently listening to the homily, and before we knew it, the officiating priest officially announced Gerald and Rochelle as husband and wife.

A beautiful reception party followed at the ballroom of Antel Grand Village.. The couple's family and friends started pouring in and mingled in all the fun. The program was laid-back, everyone was so relaxed and happy, the mood was very light. Even  our whole  team  claims they felt so at ease with everything, no stress whatsoever.

Definitely  a very  memorable 12-12-12... To Gerald and Rochelle, we wish you a wonderful married life ahead... Cheers to you, guys!!

Timeless Wedding Accessories

Back in 2009 when I was still on the look-out for wedding accessories, I would spend my weekends at wedding stores and bridal fairs, searching for  pieces that would best catch my fancy. But knowing myself, everytime I see items online, I would get thrilled and compulsively order it, no questions asked. Turned out, I had three pillows, (all I managed to find some use for) & a heart-shaped arrhae box which never left  the box in our storage room.

I admit, I got caught up in the wedding prep-frenzy but it did give me the motivation I needed to perfect my own wedding. And yes, it was as perfect as I imagined.. Save for the few things I would have wished I had the extra budget to incorporate in the event, the occassion still turned out pretty beautiful in the end.

Now that I'm tending to a few more weddings, my amazement started kicking in again. And when I say it has entered the building, it indeed had..

Gorgeous Wedding Accessories

Looking at these compilations of wedding accessories we gave Sarah to choose from, I personally feel like wanting to get married all over again. I am so in love with every detail. The colors, the textures, every piece has something to say.  From the wedding garters, the rosaries, cords, coins, arrhae & pillows, the gorgeous designs have truly evolved.

Now, the fairytale bride a.k.a. the events planner/coordinator is in full swing, giddy yet so excited.

I guess weddings are my true calling...

Finishing Up At Chapel on the Hill

Today, we accomplished one major task for Ryan and Sarah's wedding... We delivered the church requirements and got the document pertaining to the wedding banns for the couple's parish. They will announce the wedding for three consecutive Sundays. After this is settled, we are all set for the wedding...

We also dropped by the church for the remaining balance and chanced upon this wedding which was about to take place a few minutes after we arrived. We took pictures of the chapel to show Ryan and Sarah how this chapel would likely be on their day, after it is dressed up. The climate was chilly as expected, but it gave the chapel a more enjoyable ambiance..

Our couple will have calla lilies on the side just like in this wedding, but with a few additional designs on the chairs... We'll let the florist work his magic on this place.. Just looking at this picture makes us excited more than ever.. This is one wedding we wouldn't miss for the world.

A Beautiful Wedding At The Works

When I plan a wedding, I treat it as if I'm planning my own, exhausting all ideas I could gather to make it picture perfect. The only difference is, I won't be the one walking down the aisle... Wedding planning can be a very tedious job, it entails a lot of patience, detail and hardwork to come up with a beautiful event. But for me, it's a job that's very close to my heart... As I said countless times, there is something about weddings that give me a different high... Maybe because the preparations are exciting, and the aura is filled with so much love. Now, that doesn't sound like a job at all, right?

our beautiful  couple, Marvin & Ivy Krisbelle

When I first took charge of the wedding preps for this December couple, my excitement was already up. Again, we have an overseas-groom so his wife Ivy Krisbelle is left with majority of the hands-on planning...But since this is a first for them both, they decided to seek our help to handle almost every detail of the event... Oh boy are they such a gorgeous couple, I love looking at them together... Marvin and Ivy Krisbelle Salveron... and so much in-love...

And frankly, they're one of the nicest clients we've ever had the chance to work with. They have full faith in us and our abilities, making us more stoked to put this event to the top.

Garden Set-up by CVJ Catering

My excitement more than doubled when I started to take over most of the dealings with the suppliers, making sure every detail is noted... The venue, the ceremony location, the set up,the menu, the songs, the program flow, everything is beautifully dreamy... It will be an outdoor wedding ceremony  with  luxurious white-sand and blue waters for their natural backdrop, and no, we're not holding it in Bora... It'll be at this magnificent man-made resort in the heart of Cavite.. Can you spell R-O-M-A-N-T-I-C? (wink)

 We're almost halfway done with the major suppliers. Believe me,I can almost foresee how this will all come together in December.... No worries, pictures will be posted before the year ends, that I promise..

Wooden House Invites

Whew,  it's been a while since I did a new article in my blog, but to make up for lost time, let me start off with something that spiced up my morning...

our lovely couple, Ryan & Sarah...

In the two years that has passed since my  own wedding, I've been blessed to organize a few more weddings but this couple by far got me most giddy  with the preparations. I am talking about the Delos Reyes - Reyes Nuptials which is scheduled on the 14th of December this year at the Chapel on the Hill at Batulao, Batangas. Both Ryan and Sarah are successful engineers working in UAE and we only talk via constant email and Skype chat. Since they are abroad,  Aann and I are  taking full charge of the wedding preparations.

What I liked most about them is that they are both very involved with every detail of the wedding. From the gowns, to the caterer,to the flowers,  they have a clear mindset on how they want their special day to happen...  For this couple, a solemn church wedding is what they wish, followed by a bountiful celebration with a picturesque view of the Taal Volcano as backdrop, at the spacious veranda of Villa Ibarra's in Tagaytay.

Unlike most couples who go by the traditional invitations, these two lovebirds even came up with their very own design.  Yes, their invites will be made of wood, a house literally  made of wood with their paper invites on the door. YOu can't get any more creative than that...

 

Right now, the wooden house is in the works but I'm very sure it'll be one SLAMMING invitation. I would like to get one for myself if there will be some extra ones left...

I'll be posting more  awesome details about this lovely couple's wedding preps.. And when I say more, I mean it... =)

Our Breather: The Ocular..

A floor plan is under editing for Sarah & Ryan's wedding celebration. A total of 200 guests will be ushered into the veranda of Villa Ibarra's, overlooking the Tall Volcano and the whole of Batangas...

the wedding venue....

After pushing through with the ocular, Aann and I finalized all the arrangements  and put everything into writing, making sure not to miss a single detail. Three suites have been reserved for the bride, the groom and their things on the eve of the wedding. All the rooms  have perfect views of the lake, each with it's distinct personality...

The venue itself has a lovely feel to it.. We even think it was a vacation house turned into an events venue, the interiors are rich and well-maintained.. I would love to stay here for a night or two, given the chance..

the chapel up close (pic courtesy of family webshots.com)

After a quick lunch with my very-pregnant partner Aann, we headed to Batulao, Batangas to check the chapel. The place is very solemn and the climate is  nice... It seemed so peaceful in this place, the interior of the chapel is comparably  simpler than others but the native feel to it suits Ryan & Sarah's theme... They both wanted a "wooden" effect on some details of the wedding like the invites and the cake, then, why not the church, right? We'll be contacting the florist mid October to finalize the flower designs for the ceremony, and we're all set..

It was a lovely productive Saturday, indeed... Doing the ocular was more like a breather to us as we got to have some quality bonding time even for a few hours... It's a good way to  end a pretty busy week that has gone by...