Statement Shirts

I thought of wearing something customized on the morning of our bridal preparations. Hence, our customized statement t-shirts, one for Leih & one for me, courtesy of my friend Mela. 

Leih's shirt... hehehe

I am definitely done....

They make a cute pair. We can even use it when we go malling. Catchy, right?

My Fairytale-Inspired Bridal Gown...

Last Saturday, we picked up my bridal gown at Edward Teng's shop in Sta. Mesa. It was a busy Saturday for both Leih and me. Busy yet excitingly happy. Edward and his staff were all very nice to us.  Edward's assistant, Jojo, showed me the improvements and additional embellishments on my gown and even gave me beautiful  accessories to match it.  Before we left, we arranged the details of who will be coming over to the hotel to look after my gown. After settling everything, we drove home with my wedding gown in hand.

my  fairytale wedding gown...

I can say I am a very satisfied client. Seeing how intricate my gown is, I knew it was another great choice.

the accessories that came with the gown

In a few days, I will be walking down the aisle in this fairytale-inspired wedding gown. Eight more days to go!!!

Our La Luz Prenup Pictorial

August 24, 2009. Our long drive to San Juan, Batangas took us more than 4 hours from Cavite. I never thought it would be that far. Thankfully enough, our photographer from Eros Portrait agreed despite the travel time. We left Cavite at around  12 and arrived at La Luz Beach Resort just in time for the beautiful sunset. The place was  typically provincial, still unspoiled where life seemed  slow-paced.. It was a breath of fresh air, literally. Now I know why people opt to travel hours from Manila to Batangas to get that well-deserved solace from their  busy lives in the city.


I had my hair done by my future sister-in-law Sherlyn. I loved what she did to my hair, it was a casual laid back look with a few curls dangling at the back. It was very "beach -  appropriate".. But the long drive probably wore out some of my curls, nevertheless, it still looked nice..

           I didn't bother to get a make up artist as I did my own, all I needed was  some loose face powder, a mild blusher on the cheeks, a little lip gloss and I was all set. I have always kept my look simple, I was never one to put heavey make up on myself anyway so I thought  to have the usual me look.

a solo shot from Jernin

Leih and I on the hammock...

As soon as we arrived at La Luz, we prepped up for 20 minutes and we began shooting. The staff at the resort has already prepared some merienda and late lunch for us when we got there but we opted to have the shoot first so as not to waste the beautiful sunset that we were blessed to have on that day.

just lounging on the shores of La Luz...

The beach was beautiful. The waters very pristine and clear... The sand was a light Though it's a far cry from the white sands of Boracay, but it's good enough for a photoshoot. It was a private resort so there were only a few guests that day.

The shoot had been fun, really. Jernin & his brother clicked on their cameras as we were asked to pose here and there. Yeah it was a bit tiring, imagine smiling at the camera for an hour is no joke. But I knew the shots would be worth it.

    I especially loved the last part where Leih and I were told to play in the water, dipping in it and literally shaking as it was getting so cold that time. The water was crisp and very salty, it felt a little irritating to the skin.

like kids having fun ...

we had fun doing this..

one of our most favorite shots..

 Thankfully we finished shooting at 6:30PM. After a quick snack, we started on our way back as it was getting dark and we have a long drive ahead.

 

loving the waters of Batangas..

It was my first time at La Luz, Batangas and it had been a great experience. Surely it won't be my last. (^_^)

Our Misalette...

It was almost midnight when I finished printing 11 misalettes, 31 pages each, plus a personalized cover specially designed by my good college buddy, Erra Sanjorjo-Gomez who also happens to be a graphic artist and a former W@Wie herself.

I had no idea how to print the invites until  my good friend Wilsie (my w&w sis who also shares the wedding date, sent me this article on how to make bookfold documents. It was such a big help.


Anyhow, here are the sample covers of my misalette. I chose and printed two designs as I can't decice which of them is better. A huge thanks to my friend Erra for these beautiful fairytale desiged misalette covers.

Wine Cards and More...

the misalette

Finally, we are finished with the misalettes and cake & wine cards. Super big thanks to my good friend Erra Sanjorjo - Gomez  for helping me with the beautiful lay-outs.

They look so pretty, perfectly fitting for our theme. The colors are just lovely, and the designs are simply elegant.

the wine cards...

I will be sending the cards to our cake maker via LBC. It really pays off to have super talented girls for friends.



Thanks again Eya..

DIYing the Wine Bags

For our principal sponsors, we decided to get each of them a special red wine along with the box of goodies that we got from Marks & Spencer.

After the wines were delivered to us, I started DIYing the purple wine bags which I personally purchased in Divisoria. I wanted to put some personal touch to the bag so I busted my brains thinking what else I could do to beautify them. I got some craft-items like ribbons, beads and flowers of different colors. Since I am clueless in making pretty bows, I gave up on the idea and thought of some other ways to utilize the satin ribbons.

Thank god I finished all today... Hence my final  product.

Sealing the Invitations...

I felt so touched by Leih's gesture this afternoon. At first, I thought bridal preparations were solely done by the bride since we women are the more "meticulous" ones.

This afternoon, Leih helped me finish our final guest list and the invitations. It had been pretty tough choosing who to invite on your wedding day, considering Leih and I have a lot of friends and family. But we managed anyway.


It was fun sealing the invitations with the use of a candle wax and sealer. Leih bought the sealer in Vegas before coming home. We took turns in burning the sealing wax on the envelopes. We actually enjoyed this activity especially when we would get perfect round seals. It felt like no work at all.

Don't they just look so elegant?

Our Kissing Note-Cards

I'll say, we're pretty much ready with almost everything about the wedding, save for a few minor details. I've already completed my DIY crafts which I painstakingly did one by one, all by myself. The most tedious of all was the candle holders and kissing bells. Again, since not everyone is aware of what a kissing bell is, we decided  to put small notecards on our bells to let the guests know that they're supposed to ring it if they wish for the couple to kiss.

Honestly,  I think kissing bells are ingeniuos. Not only does it add flare to the table, but it also saves you from the hassle of breaking any glass. (nyahaha) It has been customary for guests to clink on their forks on the wine glasses to ask the newlyweds to kiss. Now, you'll have your own bells to ring,
Super thanks to my W@W sister Carmela Harder who designed our beautiful kissing notecards, table numbers & name cards. Now, let's hope  nobody clinks on their forks against the wine glasses. We'll see how effective these cards will be..

Save-The Date & Number Cards

From the start, I've already resolved the idea that we won't probably be having a "Save-The-Date Card" since I have no idea how to make on in Photoshop. But thanks to my W@Wie god-sent sister Mela (Carmela Harder), we are finally printing our very own tomorrow!!!

Yes, I am proud to present Mela's very own design of our "Save-The-Date Card".. Just like our table numbers and name cards which she made herself, all three were inspired by our fairytale theme and color.

one of our table number cards...

The table numbers and name cards have already been printed two days ago at PhotoLine. I may have to drop by there again tomorrow. (^_^)

Thanks again Mela for all these... 

Mock-Up With CenterTable..

Today had been a very tiring yet productive day for Leih and me...Despite having only 3 hours of sleep, Leih managed to drive us off to Merville, Paranaque to meet Jenny of CenterTable Catering  for our mock-up schedule. We arrived just in time after getting caught up in heavy traffic.

our beautiful set up (with our candle holders)

Fairly enough, the long drive was worth it. We were overwhelmed with the table arrangements they showed us. I instantly fell in love with the purple see-thru ribbons tied on the tiffany chairs. The over-all design we wanted was met, complete with votive candles and candelabras. I brought with us my DIY- candle holders and place cards to see how well it would blen in with the rest of the design. My heart welled up with pride as Jenny complemented my labor of love. She found my candle holders & kissing bells very uniquely cute..


I am posting some pictures of the mock up. It may be not as beautiful as it looked up close, but it was indeed a job certainly well-done. Good work, Center Table!

the satisfied couple...

Next stop, off we go to fetch our entourage's gowns at Edward Teng's shop... One task finally done. Yay!!!

Wedding Invitations

Our wedding invitations are finally here!!!!

        Leih and I went to PrintLane at Recto, Manila to fetch our 150 pieces of "invites". After only a week and a half, they finished the invitations as scheduled. Our design was a simple and formal one - no flowers and other drawings. We kept it low-profile yet very elegant to the eyes. The fonts were dry-embossed in lavender shade. The paper for the invitation and the envelope was colored creamy / off-white and had a metallic effect on it. It had a purple insert as well.

Leih was very pleased upon seeing it. Since he was headed to the office, he wanted to put the invitations  inside the car up until he get home the next day, but because I was so excited to show it to Mommy, I had him drop me off at MOA with the invitations which I brought home with me. I commuted with a big heavy plastic bag filled with two bags of invitations. (talk about OC).

But hey, no complaints here whatsoever. I'm just ecstatic. Now that we have the invitations, it's time to start on the wax seals. More bridal tasks ahead!! I love it!!!

Completing the Church Requirements

September 9, 2009.  Our first time to visit Holy Family Parish in BF Homes, Almanza. The church was quite spacious and well-maintained. Leih and I offered a simple prayer and made a wish before we left.

We submitted our documents for the wedding and were told by the secretary of the details that we'll still be needing to complete. However, we will be advised on when our  canonical interview will be scheduled and the marriage banns which will be announced in our own parishes for three consecutive weeks. After accomplishing all these, we are good to go.

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!