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...

My Do-It-Yourself Flowergirl's Tin Buckets

I just finished my first DIY project for our wedding...

Tadaaaa!!!! Presenting my very own creation~~ our flower girls' pail buckets!!  . I plan on putting some flowers and  teddy bears on these pails so the children could enjoy the toy afterwards.

Instead of the usual woven basket or flower-balls, I chose to use tin buckets that I got from SM Department Store. I spray-painted them with metallic lavender color to match our motif. After the paint dried off, I carefully embellished the pails with purple beads that I got from the craft store. The pink ribbons on the handles followed next. I'm even thinking of putting butterflies on the handles for a finishing touch.

I can almost imagine how this will look on our wedding day... My excitement just escalated a few notches with this one. =)

My Beautiful Diamond Wedding Ring...

We have yet to choose our own wedding bands when Leih comes home next year but he insisted on giving me a special wedding ring he saw at a jewelry store I would rather not disclose the name. 
When Leih sent me this picture, I was just blown away at how beautiful my ring is...

It had an intricate design, with 17 full round cut diamonds on the center, studded with 74 single round cut diamonds on the outside. It is just overwhelming.

He wouldn't tell me how much he spent on it but I have a feeling I might gag if I find out so I thought to just go with the flow.

He'll be sending the ring through his aunt, Tita Chichi who will be coming home next month. =)

My Birthday Surprise!!!

I wear two rings to work everyday. One was an heirloom gift handed down to me by my Grandmother, and the other, a gold ring given by my dad when I graduated from college. But now, I may have to schedule which to wear as I got another one from Leih in addition to the birthstone ring his mom gave me a week ago.

Leih surprised me with two birthday cards, a small blow-out feast and a gallon of special strawberry ice cream, all delivered to my workplace by (again), my future mom-in-law, Nanay Lut. My mom cooked spaghetti and we wolfed down an array of yummy pastries from Bread Talk and Bizu.

Leih's gift was placed in a sheer lace, cradled in a small heart-shaped box. He was making me guess what his surprise was and I had a hint it would be a jewelry of some kind. What i received overwhelmed me much as it had a glistening 1.5 carat princess cut diamond on the centert, and 5 small diamonds on each side. Leih saved up to get me this, (God knows how long)...




There were no flowers today which is a first. I am not complaining though. There's nothing else that I would have wanted than this.

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!

My Opal Ring From Momma-in-Law

I am one lucky girl, and I mean it!!!

Today, my soon-to-be Mother-in-law gave me a small silver box containing an opal ring, my birthstone. It was her birthday gift to me. Since it was also Amaya's town fiesta, she dropped by our place to hand us over some food.



I must admit, I am dearly touched by my mom-in-law's gesture. She believes it would give me good luck.

I can feel how much she cares for me and Leih. I just feel so overwhelmed. My birthday hasn't arrived yet but it seems I have lots more to look forward to!

Valentines In August

I felt like a kid this morning. You would think it was my birthday, only, it isn't.

Leih sent a big box full of heart-shaped balloons with an air pump via LBC. A man handed me over the package as soon as I arrived at the office. My office mates were giggling as we pumped air into each balloon. It was clearly Valentines in August for the bride-to-be...

So sweet... It may simple but it was enough to put a smile on my face... Enough said. =)

Leih's Long Distance Proposal....

8Warning: Below is the conversation we had as saved on YM, recounting how Leih proposed marriage on the eve of April 20, 2008.

It took me quite a while before I realized I just got engaged!

I don't know how it happened. It went by so quickly. It was almost 10:00 in the evening and I was on YM with Leihson when out of nowhere, an email was forwarded to my inbox from a certain Ms. Alvarez. Leih asked me to open it, and so I did. I was obviously clueless as to what it contained and my eyes almost popped out as I read it... It was a confirmation of a wedding reservation for a December 5, 2009-wedding at Fernbrook Gardens, on the line adjacent to the Bride's Name was MY NAME!!! I was speechless for 5 minutes. I mean, you don't get proposed to very often at an untimely hour like this, right?

this is where I'll say  "I Do"...

 Here goes our detailed conversation...

Leih: Mahal, ito yong suprise na gusto kong ibigay sayo.. Di ko alam ano sasabihin mo pag natanggap mo na yong contract by mail. We've always talked about how we both want a beautiful wedding. Since mahilig ka sa mga fairytales, gusto ko bigyan ka ng wedding na di mo makakalimutan. Ayha, ano? Will you marry me?

Leih: buzz.... buzz... buzz... Mahal, are you still there?

Leih: Mahal, yong date na pinili ko, matagal pa naman. Pwede mo pa pag isipan, wag ka muna tatanggi ha. Mahal are you still there?

Leih: buzz... buzz... buzz...

Ayha: ha? e teka muna, pwede ba uminom muna ako ng tubig. Nagpapalpitate ako Leih. Jusko naman... Bigla bigla ka naman kase.

Leih: Sige sige, hintayin kita. Nasakit ba dibdib mo? Sorry mahal. Hindi ko naman kaw gusto mabigla.

Ayha: Ayos ka din naman e, sino ba di mabibigla nito? tsk tsk tsk... Teka nga, pano mo to nakuha? (I was referring to the confirmation). San ba ito? Bakit parang di ko pa to naririnig?

Leih: Nakita ko yang site na yan nong isang araw. Nagtatanong tanong na nga ako ke Bibsy dati pa. Nung nakausap ko yong AE, e di nagbayad na ko ng half. Nasend ko na sa bangko ung payment. Ginagawa pa lang yang Fernbrook, sa December pa ang unang event na mangyayari dyan kaya by next year mahal, magandang maganda na yan. Pwede mo din puntahan, baka magkaevent ka din dyan, malay mo.

Ayha: Teka teka teka.... bayad na kamo??? Magkano ba binayaran mo dito???

Leih: Wag mo na yon intindihin Mahal. Tanong ko lang, papakasalan mo ba ko? uuwi ako agad, pramis.

Ayha: Nyek. E magkano nga, daliii!!!

Leih: 70k.

Ayha: Shet... 70k??? Full payment?? (Ayha muntik nang mahulog sa upuan)

Leih: Half lang.. Pag pumayag ka na, yong other half, papadala ko na sayo para ikaw na maghand over don ke Ms. Alvarez, tapos ikaw na pipili ng ibang details. Papasama na lang kita ke Beegel kase sa Daang-Hari daw yan. Ano, will you marry me?

Ayha: shet, 70k? kakahinayang naman. Bakit ganon kamahal? binili mo na ba yan? susme.

Leih: Mahal, if ayaw mo pa, di naman kita pipilitin. Ipapalagay ko na lang na natalo ako sa poker. Pero me ilang buwan ka pa para pag isipan yan. Dec. next year pa naman yan. Ke Jason Magbanua rin nagdown na ako. (nyahahaha)

Ayha: huwaaaat??? huwaaaat??? Seryosooooo???? shet shet shet...

Ayha: grabeeeee.... teka teka, di ka ba nagbibiro? Hmmm??

Leih: Di nga. Ano???

Ayha: E pero bakit ganon price? di ka kaya niloko dito? E mas mahal pa to ng di hamak sa Tagaytay Highlands e... di mo naman ako sinimplehan, nanghihinayang naman ako Leih. di na yon marerefund?

Leih: Di na e. ayaw mo ba dyan? Seriously?

Ayha: E teka, titingnan ko muna... (Browses the site which was then under construction)

Ayha: Ang ganda naman nito... Gusto ko yong background music...

Leih: Nyek. yon nagustuhan mo? O pano na Mahal? Set na tayo?

Ayha: Beh , o sige na... isend mo na yong other half... Nagbayad ka na e. hehehe

Leih: Talaga?? yehey! Wala nang urungan yan ha. Idedemanda kita pag inurungan mo pa ko.. bwahahaha. Ang nakakaalam pa lang nyan si Eric.

Ayha: Loko ka, sana tinanong mo muna ako. Ikaw na nagdecide saan tayo ikakasal. Saka yong date, bakit December 5? Anong meron sa 5?

Leih: E Sabado kase yon. First Saturday of December. Madali daw makuha kaya pumili ka na agad ng oras at venue. Lakarin mo na this week.

Ayha: Teka naman, ang bilis. Beh pano ko pupunta don? Di ko naman yan alam.

Leih: Email ko Bugs, (Beegel) pasama ka kina Ichie.

Ayha: Pero thanks ha, didn't expect this talaga.. ang ganda naman nong place..

Leih: Shempre. Minsan lang yan. Dapat the best. =)

That night, I slept with a lot of things in mind. Didn't know how to tell the news to my mom and dad... I also had to go to Fernbrook a week after to actually see the place and sign some papers that would make our reservation complete. Ito na ang start ng long preps ko.. I am so excited... I can't believe it's my turn now to plan my own wedding!!!!

Mom & I Attend The Bridal Fair

Mommy and I just came from the SMX Bridal Fair... I am exhausted but my excitement has never left me...

Don't get me wrong, this isn't the first time I attended one. Being a coordinator myself, we have gone to a few bridal fairs for our clients, but this is indeed the first time that I went to one for myself. That made all the difference.

As expected, it was a carnival of wedding suppliers. Bridal fairs are a big help to planners and brides alike as we get good discounts on services, not to mention the freebies and the possibility of winning a honeymoon getaway or a free bridal car.. The offers are endless... You'd just wish you brought in more money with you as you'll get lured with every booth you visit.

another bridal fair I'm looking forward to

I'm grateful that Leih was ever supportive of my ideas. He gave me the go signal to choose the suppliers I want, as long as the budget permits. If it happens to be way out of budget, we could always talk it over and work something out. Either way, I am just thankful.

It was also a great bonding moment for me and my mom who was just giddy as I was. She has always been my shopping buddy, movie-date, bestfriend all rolled into one. Who would be best to tag along in this special day if not for my mom, right?

There are a few more fairs in the next months.. That gives me more reason to be excited!

Peach/Orange American Roses...

I got three dozens of deep orange American roses today from Leih... Just this week, I was thinking, "Ano kaya mababago now that we got engaged?"... Normally kase, once a guy gets the girl to say yes, some things start to change. The "ligawan" factor tends to shift slightly to almost non-existent as the couple start to put their attention to the wedding preparations that make them forget the "small things"....

I hope Leih doesn't change... I hope he remains to be the thoughtful and sweet guy I've always known him to be... I hope he stays this way forever...

Ten Facts About Ayha...

Each blogger must post these rules.
Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.
Bloggers that are tagged need to write ten facts about themselves.
You need to choose ten people to tag and list their names.
Oh well.... Here goes the ten facts about me... 

1. People call me Ayha but that is actually far from my real name. My grandmother, "Mama" gave me that nickname.... =)

2. I had two relationships in the past, and an "almost official bf" but all three remained platonic til the end. (if you know what I mean). Some people wonder how my relationships lasted for years without "it". Call me a stuck up prude for not believing in pre-marital sex but this is who I am. This also explains why I'm kinda uneasy when the topic "wedding night" comes in. whew. =)

3. Eating is not my hobby, rather it is my passion. (hihihihi)I love to eat anything that fancies my palate. Pero pinakapaborito ko ay cakes, sweets and anything with cheese and bacon on it.... haaaaaaaaay..

4. I have practically embedded in my brain the best spots in the malls. Though I'm a wise spender and I always try to be, I think I occasionally cross over to the "dark side" when I run into shoes and clothes.. Well, who doesn't, right?

5. I am so inlove with weddings... Everything that involves it excites me, pati "pre" at post events, pati na yong mga DIY projects.. I never get tired of going to bridal fairs... I never get bored watching bridal shows.. I even used to watch the defunct "THE NEWLY WEDS" and "I PROPOSE". I'm simply addicted to weddings... That is why I decided to pursue Wedding & Events Coordination... This is what I love to do...

6. I am into flowers, chocolates, surprises, letters, cards and cheesy lines. I still believe in the customary Filipino courtship.. Consider me a traditional pinay romantic. =)

7. I have more than 5 best friends, majority if which are already living abroad. This makes me a little sad that those closest to my heart are now miles away from me and probably won't be able to make it on my wedding day.. 

8. The thought of dying and losing my family scares me most. I have no idea how to take things if that happens...

9. I love my doggie "Zach" a.k.a. "Abebe", a.k.a. "Potato," a.k.a. "Abolotbot" soooooo much... He is a shih-tzu, anak sya ng dog na gift sa akin ni Leih. I delivered this pup with my bare hands kaya simula pa nang lumaki sya, naalagaan ko na sya. Zach has many names but what's weird is, he responds to whatever name you call him. Mahal na mahal ko ang baby ko na to.. SOBRA....

10. I love kids but I'm terrified with the idea of giving birth. Pero I want to have 2 daughters in the future. I'm sure that when that time comes, I'll be ready for it....

There you go.. Now I want to tag all of my w@w sisters here... =) cheers to us all!!!!