Matron of Honor's Gown...

Finally, we're done with the gown fittings. The last girl on my entourage list ~ the  matron of honor  which happens to be my  cousin Beegel. had her gown fitted this morning. The gown looked so nice on her skin tone which seemed to radiate even more since lavender and purple gave off a wonderful contrast.

My cousin has luckily maintained her figure even after having Gaby.  Too much for a blessing I may say, but these two cousins of mine, (Bibsy & Beegel) were both gifted with bodies that detest fat. How I wish we shared the same DNA.

        Bibsy who also happens to be  a very in-demand designer herself, helped us at the fitting. She was infact my first choice but unfortunately, she flew abroad for a job and  only returned home for a short vacation. It was a fun-filled Monday for us three who kept ourselves busy taking pictures even inside the car. The day I spent with these two gals was truly a stress reliever. I'm thinking we  should do this more often.

    

Women & Shoes

We were about to go home when we walked past VNC and this "instinctive" urge convinced us to get inside the store and just ogle at the shoes... After all, what's so bad about looking and ogling, right???

But then suddenly, this pair of sandals caught my attention. I felt as if it was practically screaming at me, telling me how damn good it'll look on my feet. . I told Leih my exact sentiment, all he could do was smile silly.
                                                                  

Come on, I thought, who am I to resist such a desperate plea from a pair of footwear?? I'm just human... More so, I'm just a woman.... Well, not so long after, I went home with a paper bag in my hand and a big big smile...

Need to say more??? (^_^)

Purple Stilletos..

I was completely blown away when I saw these shoes at the mall. It was of deep purple color with overlapping silk ribbons and four-inch heels, I even noticed it from afar.

The moment I saw them, I knew this was "THE" shoes. To my dismay, I realized I couldn't walk it it without tripping. The heels were just too much for me and Leih. You see, my fiance isn't that tall so wearing stilletos will make me look an inch taller than him, should I indulge.

He knew very well how much I loved the shoes & even nudged me to buy it. Yet I managed to keep my self control and decided to forego buying it. I have lots of reasons actually. There is no way that I can walk without embarassing myself, and again, the height it will give me once I'm in this pair.

I haven't lost hope though. I'm currently on the look-out for people who customize bridal shoes. If I find one who can make me pair of these, the better. But if luck evades me, my two other bridal shoes on stand by would do just fine.. (^_^)

.

My Entourage's First Fitting

Three of my girls finally had their first fitting this afternoon. It was an overwhelming experience for me, seeing all of the gowns after a few months of anticipation. Two of my entourage weren't able to make it because of work but are scheduled to have their turns in the next two weeks.

aren't they just beautiful or what?

The gowns were of the perfect color. The intricacy in the beadworks and floral adornments were indeed worthy of praise. Every gown had its own unique personality. I had no favorite as I loved them all.

my flawless bridesmaid Arni in her sexy V-neck gown..

I also took a quick peek at my bridal gown. It was so lovely just the way I envisioned it would be. A simple  Renaissance inspired ball gown that any dreamy princess would want to wear. It will be sent to the dry-cleaners next but the designer said he might just add a litte more beadwork at the hem.

my gorgeous girls..

 

 

my Matron-of-Honor's intricately beaded gown...

Leih and I went home very gratified. Every cent we spent on the gowns was worth it. Edward Teng is definitely a good choice. I wouldn't trade him for anybody else.

It had been a right decision, indeed...

Wishing Wells...

 I'm still not decided whether we'll be getting a  wishing well for the wedding..  Although we could just easily order one online, I'm looking for a cheaper alternative since we'll be using it only once. I don't see the need to spend a hundred dollars or more for something we'll be using only for an hour or two. It's  just impractical.

Of course, having to make it on our own is another option. Though it can be a lot of work, it'll be another DIY project that would make the giddy bride busy. After all, the more special it will be if it's done personally... nothing beats a  "Do-It-Yourself" wishing well.

We'll have to see......

CenterTable Food Tasting..

love the flowers...

We spent our evening on a grand food tasting courtesy by Center Table. We decided to finalize all the details of the menu. Leihson also wanted to see for himself how he would find Center Table's food.

some of the pastries they served... love it!

Just as expected, Leih and I went home very very satisfied. It was the same yummy experience when we went to our first grand food tasting with Mommy  last year. I loved all the courses they prepared especially the Lengua Con Champignon and the Parmesan Crusted Baked Cream Dory. The variety of menus were all sumptuous, I'm quite convinced we made the right choice.

Leih was just as overwhelmed as I was. He even got to talk to the owner who happened to be a fellow DLSU archer. Discussing the arrangements eased a big part of our worries, and we were so awed by the centerpieces they showed us.

Today was very gratifying...

Personalized Table Napkins

Here's a glimpse of our very own "personalized" table napkins, specially ordered by Leih from Wedding Star in Idaho, US. This came together with our fairytale place card holders.

I chose the silver font for the napkins. I love how it came out, the contrast against the lavender color was just perfect.

As the caption says, It's indeed "US FOREVER..."

On Plans & Wedding Budget

It seems just like yesterday when we started with our wedding preparations, and now, we only have six months left before our big day arrives. We've started finalizing the settlements and details with our suppliers.

I found a new way of organizing our budget for each major supplier. I assigned an envelope complete with supposed balances for each. I posted the specifics on each tab for us to determine which is which. This way,  we won't get confused on who else to pay and which money goes where. I find it more calming. It makes me feel more organized and on top of things. =)

Tomorrow, we'll be settling the remaining balance for Fernbrook with our Account Executive, Emily. We will also be meeting up with Joebert Sixto to finalize the lighting design of our venue.

I feel so excited already!!!!

Done With The Kissing Bells

Finally, we're done with the last batch of our kissing bells. I'm proud to say that Leih also took party in  completing our remaining tasks for the wedding. His eagerness to be of help is so invigorating, never did I hear him complain about anything, he just does his thing and helps me out diligently with every "DIY" project I start on. In fairness, we finished in half the time, indeed, "four hands are better than two"... (hehehe)


Here are some of our finished kissing bells...

Our DIY Wedding Bible..

I just finished DIY-ing our wedding bible. At first, I was clueless on how to go about with it but instinct kicked in. Since I had all the things I needed, I improvised.

With just a beautiful pink paper, stick-on letters,  feathers & flowers which I stashed in my DIY box, I made this out of scratch... Simple but with the element of "feathers", similar to my kissing bells..

I love it!

Our First W@W Prenup Pictorials

Today was our first Prenup Pictorial experience ever.  I have one word for it, it was AWESOME...

Our online wedding community, Weddings@Work, care of Ms. Benz Co-Rana, facililated the free prenup pictorials with some of the best photographers in town. We managed to get a slot together with a few of my newly-found W@W sisters and luckily, we got photographed for free at Fernbrook Gardens, the very venue we'll be exchanging our "I Do's"...

 Some of the photographers we met were Atty. Raymond Fortun, Edwin Tuyay, Richie Macapinlac, Hyds Valencia, Lito Genilo of Smart Shot Studio and Mel Cortez of Decisive Moments, (to name a few)

courtesy of Atty. Raymond Fortun 

by Mel Cortez of Decisive Moments

by Hyds Valencia

by  Lito Genilo of Smart Shot Studio

by Edwin Tuyay

by Richie Macapinlac

  I must admit, it was freaking hot and exhausting (it was 1 in the afternoon) but we actually enjoyed posing before the cameras. We frequented all the photobooths and got some picture magnets for souvenirs..
 
Temperature was above 36 degrees and the streaks of sweat almost wore out my make up but we continuted with the shoot anyway. Leih was my ever reliable fiance who always had a tissue in his hand, wiping my sweaty face. Thank God I got airbrushed.

After the exhausting prenups, we headed to Crustaceas, Alabang Town Center where we had Schezuan Crabs. Leih also surprised me with deep purple roses and two-toned lilac paper roses.

 Summing the day, everything went well, save for the unbearable weather. It was a wonderful W@W moment together. Something we will always remember..

Leihson's Finally Home...

After 10 long years, Leihson finally decided to come home ~ for good... I  had no idea what time he was supposed to land as that was part of his surprise... I was aware that anytime, he could drop by at the office, but since we were a little busy, I lost track of time until someone knocked at our door at 11 in the morning.. A familiar face peeped in, with a bouquet of fuchsia colored roses before heading home to his family. It was my first time to see him personally after 10 long years... It was a happy day for me..
Later that afternoon, he picked me up from work and went home with me to meet my family for the first time. My mom prepared a little something for him. It was also Leih's first time to meet our "baby doggie" Zach.  (^_^)

Ever since we got engaged, he thought over his plans of staying in the United States. He was still waiting for his papers and his application for greencard when he decided to just come home to me and start a new life here in the Philippines, knowing fully well that I will not be happy to leave my family behind, being an only child. He says my happiness is his priority. I feel blessed to have such an understanding husband-to-be...

Now, we're a bigger happier family....

Themes & Motifs Bridal Fair

I just came home from my third bridal fair., the "Themes & Motifs" Wedding Expo.. I have another one coming up in a few months. I never thought bridal fairs could be so much fun...

Today, we finally settled the full payment for our caterer, Center Table.I got 2 booklets of raffle tickets, all of which I solely signed, hoping we'll win something this time. (hoping for the honeymoon package) Yeah right, dream on Ayha. (^_^)

The bridal fair was teeming with top weddign suppliers. It was literally a carnival of dream granters. I had so much fun walking around, checking all sorts of goods and services. I also met my friend Abi & her fiance Edu at the fair.

Upon going home, I managed to snag another MGO blouse when I got to Mall of Asia...

It had been a great day... I probably won't get over my passion for wedding fairs. It's just addictive..

Photobooth Pictures At The Fair...

Here are some pictures of me and my friend and co-w@wie Abigail Pasco at the photobooths...

Abi & his fiance, Edu Magbag, were also at the bridal fair. I met this girl through weddings@work and from there, we would always talk and exchange ideas about our wedding preps. She is to be married in May, a summer-inspired wedding with yellow gold streaks for their color motif.

Two engaged girls having fun!!!!

My First METRO Magazine Promo Win!!!

I didn't believe that Promo Contests in magazines truly worked, but still, I occassionally wrote a few essays just for the fun of joining. And just when I thought that METRO WEDDINGS Contest was another fake,  Ms. Aby Delos Santos from ABS-CBN Publishing House called me up to tell me I won! Now, I'm a believer!!!

Leih and I went to Quezon City to claim our Cathy Valencia Skin & Body Gift Certificates worth (P9,000.00). You read it right, sister! I was one of the lucky winners whose short essay got chosen.

I plan on giving my gift certificates to Leih as my pre-wedding gift. Since Alabang is just 30 minutes away from us, Leih might avail the freebies there.


A wonderful  gift from METRO MAGAZINE indeed...

Table Number Ideas

         Lately, I've been busy browsing the internet for ideas on how to make unique table numbers. At first, I thought of creating a 3D type but since a good friend of mine sent me special number designs via email, I decided to have the latter. I just have to print it out and make it more sturdy for the table clips. DIYing though has become a hobby for me so I may might put a few personal touches on it.

        Meanwhile, here is a picture of a table number I chanced upon online. What do you think, guys? Crafty, huh?

Bridal Accessories

unity candle

A day wouldn't pass me by without any thoughts about our wedding preps. It has gotten me so involved that every accomplished task overwhelms me much. I have organized a few weddings before and I was just as enthusiastic, but the excitement I feel now that I'm  preparing for my own wedding is incomparable.
         Every day, you come up with ideas on how to make the after-party more beautiful, you'll practically run out of money with all the wedding craze going on now. Of course, we always have to look after our budget and make sure we do not go beyond what we can afford.
         Anyways, as I was updating my other sites, I realized I failed to post the pictures of our wedding accessories, some of which I personally purchased. Hence, some of our wedding accessories..

the pillow with a glass coach on it...

the arrhae...

Our "WEDsite"

I just started our very own Wedding Website a few months ago.  Yup.  Now, everything that involves our fairytale wedding will be seen in our site. I get a different high everytime I view our Wedding Announcer webpage, or should I say, "WeD page"...

 I'm relieved that Wedding Announcer is finally back to work. I had a hard time uploading all our pictures the first time it went down for almost 2 weeks. Imagine having to upload everything from scratch is really a nightmare.  I almost thought of making a new site but since our announcer webpage meant so much to me, (it was a team effort creating this one), I patiently had the site redone.


Updates will be posted real soon.

Castle Place Card Holders...

The box filled with our place-card holders finally arrived this morning. Leih took some pictures of it but I'm posting a better shot of the item so I could post a clearer one here. I already have a design for our place cards, good thing my friend Erra helped me out with some of her ideas, she being the graphic artist and the more experienced one when it comes to art.

I will have my caterer put these and have them light the votive candle to add warmth to the table. It'll also be a take-home souvenir.

See the details of the castle? nice, ei?

Our Papal Blessing...

It was only recently that I found out about this Papal Blessings for "Engaged Couples".. My W@W friends were talking about it the other day and I learned about this woman whom they contact to get the papal blessings for them.

I asked her to get one for me and Leih, and today, our very own Papal Blessing arrived thru Fed Ex. Signed & blessed by the Pope himself,  I plan on  having this framed soon.

I can't wait to tell Leih about this good news. He'll be thrilled for sure.

FairyTale Wedding Inspirations...

Romance is always the main inspiration to every girl's fantasy wedding. This is probably the reason why fairytale weddings and "Happily Ever After" themes never goes out of fashion.

Planning a fairytale wedding could come pricey especially with the all the details that comes with it. The theme determines where the after-party will be held, such as a ballroom or a castle-inspired venue, luxury is the main idea of this theme. Swags, dramatic moldings, regal curtains & big chandeliers would likely be present in the venue. Candelabras, topiaries & tall vases are the more usual centerpieces for this type of wedding. Something that you often see in royal ceremonies.
 So does the bridal gown which will be one of the highlights of the event.  
                    More likely, the bride will be wearing a voluminous ball gown complete with petticoat and floor-length veil, most of the time, with accessories like tiaras and opera-length gloves to complement the look. And of course the shoes will have to be gorgeously feminine, strappy heels and even glass slippers if she could avail one.

                   The possibilities are endless... This is what makes a fairytale theme favorably workable.

My Valentine Suprise for 2009

 Valentines Day was just an ordinary day for me. A little sad that Leih couldn't come home until March so I was again left to spend "heart's day" the usual way... (by myself) Long distance love affairs can be pretty difficult at times, but I would like to give due credit to Leih for exhausting efforts to make my Valentines worth smiling about.

Three days before Valentines, he sent me 2 gourgeous flowercards together with the crimson red roses & teddy bear. Today,  he surprised me with a very big bouquet of roses & two-toned pink carnations which he asked his mom to get for me. I just realized, my mother-in-law had to go to Dangwa at 12 in the morning to get me the nicest flowers. Now who wouldn't be touched with that?

The same bouquet was delivered to me by my future Mother-in-law at Leih's uncle at 11 in the evening, just as I arrived  home late from the bridal fair.


Fairly enough, even if it wasn't as big as last year's suprise, he still managed to pull off a great Valentine surprise... I coudln't help but smile when I look at my flowers. I'm looking forward to spending Valentines with him next year....

My DIY Kissing Bells

I would like to think I got my creative juices from my  Lola Luz. My grandmother is known for her intricate pastillas wrappers which she personalizes & cuts to her liking.

my own version of  kissing bells

On my wedding day, I want some items "DIY-ed".. (Do-It-Yourself) I thought of incorporating kissing bells and candle holders which I will adorn with lavender and pink embellishments. I then started planning my designs.

As soon as I knew what items to get, I went to Tabora, Divisoria with my ever-patient mom to purchase the bells, ribbons and feathers. If not for my good friend Aby Pasco, I wouldn't have learned about this palce. It was a little difficult to find since I haven't been to Divisoria, but we had fun walking the aisles of Tabora. Everything you'll ever need was literally sold there.

I was a little skeptical on how my bare bells would come out once I've embellished it. But then, it's my own design so I can accesorize it to my heart's content. So far, I've finished three. A few more to go and I'm done. (^_^)

Princess Misa ~ My Beauty Fairy...

Brides today have more options as to how they will have their make ups done, be it the usual way or the "airbrush" way... The traditional hair and make up would cost  lesser than the "airbrush" make up but I opted to go for the latter since I've heard great rants about it on the internet. I wanted to try it for myself.

Tita Princess working her magic on me...

I've called a few make-up artists and so far, the best one I felt most comfortable with is Ms. Princess Misa - Hernandez. I  then scheduled a trial make up with her, and another trial make up on our W@W Prenuptial Pictorial a few months after. Tita Princess was very accomodating and very easy to talk to. She listens to what her clients think and from there, she does her magic.

When her airbrush  make up touched my skin, it was pleasantly cool and light. It looked so flawless on my skin, the effect was incomparable. It was like wearing no make up at all. It blended well with my skin tone and since she swears I have smooth skin,  the make up looked more natural on me. Just a little blush and a light lipstick and I'm good to go. So far, I loved what she did to me..

Guess that explains why I made her my official "Beauty Fairy"... Now I can relax, knowing I'm in good hands. (^_^)

Crimson Red Roses...

crimson red roses...

For  2009, I got my first bouquet of roses... My husband-to-be sent me 2 dozens of crimson red roses with a teddy bear thru Island Rose.

Earlier, we had a deal that this year, we wouldn't have to give each other expensive gifts and surprises unlike last year since we're starting to save up for more important things.

The little teddy bear was so cute, I'm definitely including it as an accessory for my flowergirl basket decoration. 'gotta get two more bears. Looks like I'll have a short trip to the mall tomorrow. =)

Back-Up Photographer Marco Malaca

Being an events coordinator myself,  I somehow have a grasp on what concerns become the most worrysome for most brides like me. And to sum it all up, I have had clients who had problems with their main photographers. This prodded me to get a back-up photographer to save me from all the stress, just in case something unlikely comes up with my official photographer. You can never tell when an inevitable shall take place, God forbid, not on your wedding day. It's better to be sure.

one of his amazing landscape shots..

 A few inquiries with my friends at Weddings@Work and I was convinced to check out Marco Malaca. Man was I blown away! His shots were superbly done, all in good taste. Even Leih loved it.
His pictures were unconventional, eveyr shot has a story to tell.


With this, I made arrangements with  him on the 5th. I'll be meeting him next week. I feel so excited to have our prenup already. Can't wait... =)

My Fairytale-Inspired Bridal Gown..

One of the most important details for a bride is her wedding gown. It'll be the center of attention on her wedding day... Always has and always will be..

Ever since I got engaged, my search for "the fairytale bridal gown" has been constant. I couldn't seem to decide whether to donne a tube-styled or spaghetti-strapped wedding gown. But definitely, it has to have that sort of "Cinderella ball gown" look. And that I have been having difficulty discerning.

My trip to the SMX Bridal Fair had been a blessing in disguise as it was there that I found the "fairy" who would be doing my special wedding dress..  I am talking about THE Edward Teng. I knew it had to be him.

Today, I went to Sta. Mesa with my mom to personally inquire about the details of the gown he will be designing for me. After relaying all my ideas and my fairytale theme, he started sketching an intricate design specially for me. It was a renaissance-inspired ball gown which I consider so fitting for our theme. I was so overwhelmed. I knew I made the right choice.

I just finished talking to Leih on YM a few minutes ago and he said he couldn't describe the glow he sees in me. He said it was a rare moment for me to feel so contented with a supplier, he is far convinced that Edward Tend did something right. Even Mommy got her own design for her wedding ensemble, just as she wished.

My bridesmaids & matron-of-honor are to have their measurements taken soon, next to my dad. Work wouldn't start until late March. A follow-up is scheduled mid-May to give me some am0le time to lose a little more weight if I wished. (or so I hope)

One thing is for sure. I found my dream wedding gown...

Our Wedding Orchestra...

Today, I finally sealed the deal with Maestro Johnny John Santos. Known to many as the very sought-out musical director of Studio 23, I've seen him play at my friend, Eden Estornino's wedding once and I fell in love with his music instantly.  He was also the one who played at the Santiago-Barreto nuptials at Tagaytay, one of his many celebrity weddings on list.  Needless to say, I have big faith in this man.

Mommy and I dropped by his place at Multinational Village to sign the contract. I got a string quartet, with him to personally play the piano on our big day and also two singers that he would pick himself, assuring me that I will have the nicest music on that day...

I am still ecstatic as I am writing this. One supplier down!!! Super!

The Pillow Box & Arrhae...

As usual, while Mommy and I were malling, we found ourselves heading to the Wedding Library Shop. It has always been fascinating to check out their wedding accessories. Today, I got myself a cute heart-shaped pillow box filled with laces on top. It was so cute I couldn't resist it. I also got a Unity Candle though I have no idea how to incorporate it in the ceremony.

Now I'm confused on what pillow to use on our wedding day. Leih already bought a pillow for the rings with a special fairytale pumpkin coach in the middle so we might just use my pillow for the arrhae. My mother-in-law  had her collection of coins gold-plated for us just in case we decide to use it. I was also thinking of using my mom's heirloom arrhae but when I saw this set,  I instantly fell in love with it.

I may have to start controlling myself from getting more stuff or I'll end up filling one room with accessories.. Now, how do I do it again? (^_^)

Wedding Give-Aways...

Christmas has arrived early at my doorstep. 

Today, I got Leih's Christmas gifts which included a new pink Dell Laptop and a Technomarine Designer watch. (Yeah, am spoiled silly)... He also got Zach "overflowing" food treats. But what got me excited the most was seeing our give-aways neatly stacked underneath the clothes.

We ordered our give-aways since October from David's Bridal. We both chose the design for the item and their boxes.


As soon as I fixed the contents of the packages, I happily assembled all our give-aways. It was tedious putting all the tags on each item but it was fun.

Leih said that he felt overwhelmed when he saw our "wedding items"... Now I know what he means...