Wedding Preparations

Planning started after the proposal last February 13, 2010. I started browsing the net for the gowns and for the checklist that will help how we will start the preparation. I totally don’t have ideas on how to start and how would we go about the preparations. Luckily while I’m browsing my fb I saw the ad about the themes and motifs wedding expo. I started searching about it and then I registered ASAP for the expo, what’s in my head was that it can help us in our preparations; we can get some ideas and some prospect suppliers.

February 20, 2010, we went to Ongpin to resize my engagement ring because it doesn’t fit my finger, it’s too big. ☺

March 13, 2010 at PICC forum at around 2pm my fiancé and I started to look for some ideas for our wedding. We had so much fun in that event and we became even more excited about our wedding. 

Wedding Expo at PICC

I really felt some guilt deep within me because I haven’t told my parents about the proposal of Alvin with me and with all the preparations were doing. I just told about the proposal with my younger sister the day after it happened.

After we went at the event, my fiancé and I talked about the proposal and I felt that we need to tell it already to my mother since my father was in abroad. Our plan was we both have to tell it to mama later in the date of the month of March. But, in the evening of March 13, yeah because of the guilty feeling I talked to my mama while she was ironing clothes and told her “Ma, may sasabihin ako sa’yo, ‘wag ka magagalit ha promise” my mama was really wondering that time with what was happening to me, she even scolded “ano bay un? Ang kulit mo!”, again I repeatedly said “wag ka magagalit ha promise”. She then said to me “ano, mag-aasawa ka na? edi mag asawa ka!” in the tone pinagagalitan ako. Then I told her “Oo, papayag ka ba?” mama then realized that I am serious in what am I saying, she told me “hindi na kita pipigilan kasi nasa tamang edad ka na naman, pero ang gusto ko sana yung naka tapos na mga kapatid mo”. Then I asked mama again, “kelan ba uuwi si papa?” and mama replied “baka next year pa, March kasi graduation ng kapatid mo”, I asked mama if she can tell it to papa so that he can give us the month that he will be home, then my mama told me “ikaw mag sabi sa papa mo, ikaw ang kumausap” with matching tears while we were talking. 

I know my mama doesn’t really want me too be married at that time, I know she was hurt and it didn’t still sink into her system. She even told me that “feeling ko nga baby ka parin” and I understand how she really feels because I am the eldest and I am the first to be married. Still I am happy that I already told my mama what was happening to my life.

March 14, 2010 – I thought that this would be the day that my father will know about the wedding, but my mother can’t tell it directly though phone. My mother tried to tell it to my father little by little, still my mother insisted that I have to talk personally to my father and tell him everything. Since, my father was away from home, I had a hard time to tell to him.

April 10, 2010 – I, my fiancé, and Cory went at “A day for a Lifetime Wedding” held at 1Esplanade, again to get ideas for our preparation.

A Day for a Lifetime at 1Esplanade

June 12, 2010 – We went to Mt. Carmel Parish at New Manila to inquire with the possible available dates for our wedding day, we chose the tentative date of February 11, 2011 that day. Eli pencil booked the date since we are not yet decided if that was the date we really wanted. We also inquired about the requirements that we have to prepare for our wedding.

Mt. Carmel Parish Church

We also went to Oasis, the venue near Mt. Carmel Parish, we inquired their package for the reception and their package range P200,000.00 for 100pax. I got shocked with the prices I saw that time. I immediately told my fiancé Alvin that I will look for another venue that will not cost that much but still elegant and perfect place for our reception. My fiancé told me that he think we could afford that venue but we might be short for gowns and suits, I convinced him that I will still look for another place and we agreed while riding the free LRT, its Independence Day.

June 13, 2010 – started scanning all the brochures we’ve got at the bridal fares we’ve attended. For that day, I was looking for possible venues and catering services for our big day. I got all the brochures and sorted it in excel file.

I also continued to scout venue through forums and internet, I had prospected venues listed in my excel file and after I sorted that, I called each venues and ask for quotations. 

June 14, 2010 – Since it was Manila Day and I don’t have work, I decided to get my other requirements for my baptismal. Yes, I’ve got problem with this one, I don’t want to elaborate for this issue, and it’s just too complicated for my status. I ask my mama if she could go with me to get my requirements at 3 Parishes near our place. Our first stop was in our parish at Mary Queen of Apostles Parish, 2^nd stop was at the Parish in Valley 1 Parañaque, I got the 2 certificates of no record in that day; the 3^rd Parish was in Multinational Village, in this parish I was required to come back again to get what I requested. Actually, it was a blessing in disguise that I ask my mother to go with me, all the parishes we’ve been asking me weird questions and I can’t answer. My mother was the one answering all the questions since she know the things why it happened that I was not yet baptized. I am very thankful to my mother in accompanying me that day!

June 19, 2010 – We went back to Mt. Carmel Parish to book the date for our wedding, that day we are not still decided yet what day we would have. Alvin wanted it before the Year of the Tiger ends and in the Chinese calendar February 4 will be the Chinese New Year; also he wanted it to be on a Friday. The only vacant date Eli has were February 4, 11, 17, 21 and 26 for 2011 and we have to decide what date. I scanned the log book of Eli and I noticed that there was pencil booked on January 29, 2011. I asked Eli if we could have that date since we are paying that day. Eli that time can’t decide because the one who reserved that date was a parishioner and he has to confirm it first if the wedding will pursue or not. I asked Eli if we could tentatively booked that date and also the February 4, and he says yes to us.

We also started to scout some of the possible venues I listed in my excel file, we went to different hotels and other venues around Manila. 

Alvin and I went to Light of Love (LOL) to see the venue personally. I just saw a review at girl talk and then started to search about the venue, then I inquired trough phone and Dexter Que was very cordial to give me information for all that I wanted to know about the place. When we were at LOL, we had tour at the place with Dexter and we find the place very nice and perfect for our big day. Alvin and I decided to have 100 guests so we chose the Integrity venue at LOL. Dexter tentatively booked our venue for February 4 and 11, 2011, since we are still not sure to our wedding date.

It was a rainy afternoon, really raining hard and we don’t even have umbrella, what happened? We we’re so wet that day but still we purse what we started for the day. We still went to the last hotel we need to see for the day.

June 20, 2010 – I told Alvin to call Eli if the 29^th of January was confirmed or not and Eli can’t contact the couple.

June 22, 2010 – I researched about the Chinese calendar, what are the auspicious dates for wedding in year 2011. I highlighted all the dates that are lucky for January and February, and then I showed it to Alvin. February 4 is not a good day to get married because according to Chinese calendar it was the transition of the year, so we dropped the February 4. I called Eli to ask if we could now have the January 29, he still can’t contact the couple who reserved that date. That time, I and my fiancé we’re talking if we could have it on February 11 even if it is not in the year of the tiger because if we take too long to decide we might end up with no date of the wedding since there are a lot of people booking also at Mt. Carmel. I told Eli if we could have the 11 and he told me that it was already reserved by the other couple, it was really a hard time for us to decided so we hung-up the phone. Alvin and I then decided to have it on the 4^th or 17^th since it was the only date available near the date we wanted. In a matter of hour I called Eli to book the 17^th of February at 3:30 pm, it was already booked by other couple again. We really felt so frustrated and I am even thinking for another Church, but we wanted badly Mt. Carmel. Again, I called Eli if we could have the 4^th already, and then he told me that January 29 was already available, we then decided to book for the 29^th and the date was set. January 29, 2011 says in the Chinese calendar is a lucky day to get married! Thank God he gave us the 29^th! 

July 10, 2010 – Alvin and I had schedule to negotiate with Manila Catering since we are eying the 150 guests already, we are hoping for a great discount. First stop, we are looking for Manila Catering at the wrong area, it was my fault because I never printed the map I just memorized the street. Second stop, true Manila Catering in Sct. Tobias but it was their sales branch. That day we haven’t done anything for our preparation.

July 12, 2010 – Choose songs for the wedding, also downloaded songs for the reception and the program.

July 17, 2010 – Again, we went to Manila Catering now at Examiner St., QC I am happy that now it was really the true Manila Catering. We met Jess Beroin, who was the contact given to me by Dexter. Jess was a nice guy who entertained us in our inquiries about their services, we haven’t got discount at this time because they explain to us that it was already discounted for their package at LOL. I compared their quotations with and without venue and it was almost the same range of price. We closed the deal with Manila Catering at that moment, and Jess told us that we would be having food tasting on December.

July 23, 2010 – My schedule to search for possible hotels for our preparation for our wedding and inquired for their prices.

July 24, 2010 – We went back at LOL to book and to have 50% down payment to reserve the venue, this time we decided to change the venue from Integrity to Atrium. Atrium can host 150 pax and Integrity can only have 100, I asked Dexter if there will be additional payment for the new venue, he told me that it was in the same price and I was so happy to hear that. Actually, when I saw the website of LOL I really wanted the Atrium because of its glass roof and I got it wohoo!

The package we had amounting Php 145,500 for the venue and for the catering, at least it was Php 45,000 lower than Oasis. We booked Atrium at LOL for January 29, 2011 at 5:00 pm-10:00 pm.

July 31, 2010 – Alvin and I went to 3 parishes near in his place also for his baptismal certificate, yes it also has problem and he has no record at Sto. Niño Church in Tondo.

August 16, 2010 – Monday morning, Alvin and I went to Laguna to meet my Adviser for my thesis, we had lunch there. 

At around 3:00 pm we had to meet Mr. Gian Cayetano of Photoimagicraft at Trinoma mall to discuss with him their package for photo and video coverage. Sometime in the month of May I saw their wedding coverage in the facebook account of one of the CSB employee Ms. Ching of ITD and I find it nice and in good quality. I also looked at some of their work samples at their website and it was good. We then signed the contract because of their hectic schedule I wanted to book early and since they are the only supplier that has low package price and in good quality for the coverage, I don’t want to slip it away. We got the Paradise Wedding package for P 35,000 that includes:

• 2 main Photographers – Unlimited Photos
• 2 Videographers – Until program ends
• 1 light man
• 1 Pc. 8”x10” 40 pages magnetic type album with scratch proofing/Creative digital layout
• E-Session Pre-Nuptial Pictorial
• 8.5”x11” 20 pages Pre-Nuptial pictorial sign book
• 16”x20” Blow-up photo with elegant black frame (Canvas not photo paper)
• Maximum of 45 min. of edited video with musical score of your choice
• 2ftx5ft Tarpaulin with provisional X stand

The deal was closed and we paid P9000.00 for our booking fee. Mr. Gian was very nice and very considerate guy.

August 21, 2010 – Met Ervin Villanueva of Etiketa Manila for the entourage gowns, he is a friend of Grace and he is a kind guy. He even gave me discount for my bride’s maid gowns and I am so happy for it. I already gave him the design of the bride’s maid gowns and exchange some ideas for the entourage.

September 4, 2010 – We went to Quiapo for the quotation of our invitation. Estancia is the supplier we asked for and I showed them the layout and they gave me the quotation for P35.00 each for minimum of 100 pcs just for a simple design and ordinary stationary.

September 14, 2010 – Went to Mary Queen of Apostles Parish and ask for the requirements of Adult baptism since I was a parishioner I thought they could help me with this one. The receptionist told me that the catechists they are offering for the adult baptism lasts for 3 months, 1 meeting per week. I can’t afford to have that much time for the seminar they are requiring me because my wedding will be on January and I have to fix other requirements that we need in our wedding.

I asked my friend Ruth to help me with my problem since she knows a lot of parishes here in Manila and she helped me, she even asked the in-house priest here at CSB to gave me advise about my problem. Thank you Ruth and Father for enlightening me.

For all the things that I am thinking, I still ended up at Mt. Carmel to ask for the adult baptism. I called Bro. Jade on how will I go about the process of adult baptism and he is very kind to accommodate me with his hectic schedule for the catechists for 4 weeks. 

September 28, 2010 – 10:00 am my first schedule to meet Bro. Jade for my 1^st catechist at Mt. Carmel. It was a great session because I really felt the presence of God surrounds me. My schedule with Bro. Jade was every Tuesday 10:00 am, and I filled half day to my work and went there all the way from Las Piñas at around 7:30 am. My 2nd session was scheduled October 5 same time. I asked Eli for the misalette. 

October 12, 2010 – I arrived at Mt. Carmel at around 10:00 am for my 3^rd week session. Bro. Jade was late at that moment; he arrived at around 10:30 am. For this session I was joined with the couple who will be marrying on October 30, 2010. They need one seminar before receiving their confirmation sacrament that will be scheduled the week after. It was a very nice session and I learned also with the couple on what they believed in and about their family.

October 16, 2010 – Alvin and I went to Ongpin to canvas for the prices of wedding ring. Their prices ranging from 11800 up for 18 karat gold, I saw one that I liked for that price. It was a 3 toned ring (gold, white gold and bronze color) 18 karat gold ring.

October 19, 2010 - I was at Mt. Carmel around 10:00 am, it was raining hard that day. I was worried Bro. Jade was not yet in his office, I thought he will not come that day. Then he arrived late at around 11:00 am. Since it was my last day of the session I was thinking if I will not go to work because I will be late too, my session lasts for 2 hours so I will arrive late for my half day of work. While the session was going on, ate Vanj texted me that the class had been suspended. I was so happy that time because the bad weather saved me from arriving late for my work. Before the last session end, Bro. Jade asked me to write something about the sessions I’ve been through. He also scheduled me to have my baptism on October 24, 2010 at 2:00 in the afternoon.

That afternoon I and Alvin met at Doroteo Jose LRT station, we went to Manila Grand Opera Hotel to inquire for their suites and also to have discount for the rooms that we will rent for our big day’s preparation. The receptionist let us talk to Ms. Edzel Loryn Lee their Manager, she’s very nice and very accommodating, she showed the amities of the place and we liked it. 

It was a five star hotel which was opened 2 years ago. Ms. Edzel gave us considerable discount for the suites and we were so happy. I might book 5 suites for 2 nights for January 29, 2011 maybe on December.

October 22, 2010 – My friend Michelle and I were chatting in YM, I told her that I was looking for wedding ring and we had to go to Ongpin to canvas. She helped me and she asked her friends at CSB who was already married. She even recommended me to look for Michelle Jewelry Shop located also at Ongpin, it is the jewelry shop of the cousin of Sir Ricson, his former boss at CSB. I told her that we will try to look for that shop maybe we could also get discount. Thank you Michelle for all the support.

October 23, 2010 – we went back at Ongpin to look for Michelle Jewelry Shop and we saw it, we inquired and it was a good shop that selling high quality of jewelries. Much pricey than what we already saw before but I think it was really worth it if you buy there.

October 25, 2010 – This is Holliday, Barangay and SK Election, no work again and I am rejoicing because I have another day to prepare for my wedding. This is a fully booked day for me. 10:00 am I was scheduled to meet Ervin at Alabang for my entourage gowns, I gave him the measurements of my bride’s maids and for the 3 mothers gown including the design. I gave him P10000 for down payment. Thanks to my sister Grace for accompanying me every time I need to meet with Ervin.

At around 12:00 nn, Grace and I went back home. This is also the day that papa will arrive. When Grace and I got home papa was already there. I am so happy to see my father and I am very excited to have Christmas and New Year with him this year. For 18 years we had the chance to spend the holidays with him because he was away due to his work.

At around 3:00 pm, I went to the facial house to have some facial for my beauty regimen before my wedding.

October 28, 2010 – I was in a hurry to pass the Sacrament of Confirmation form to Ruth. I completed the information in the afternoon and I went straight to Ruth. The Confirmation will be held on December 14, 2010 at CSB chapel.

November 6, 2010 – Our schedule at Mt. Carmel for Pre-Cana Seminar, marriage counseling and family planning, it was a whole day event that started 8 am to 5 pm. We had a nice seminar that day. We had free lunch and merienda.

November 13, 2010 – Invitation at Estancia Printing (Recto)

We went back to Recto at Estancia Printing for our invitation. There are some changes that I made with the paper and design that I wanted before. I wanted the paper to be gray and the font is black, the envelope will be blue with gray and the design will be gray stamped. It costs us P60 each for the special paper I chose and for the design I wanted. The layout was done by me and my youngest brother Moren and with the help of my sister Grace. I gave estancia a mock-up design of the invitation that I made. My fiancé and I decided to have it printed for 120 pieces.

Invitation sample

November 13, 2010 – Wedding Ring at Ongpin

We went back at Onpin to buy our wedding ring; I looked for the 3 toned wedding ring we saw before. I looked for the shop where I saw the ring that I wanted and asked for the price again, the seller told me that it was P18500. I was shocked in hearing that because when we were canvassing before they told me that the ring I wanted has the price of P11800, then they showed us another ring that is almost the same but just different with weight and they told me that it was the one with the price of P11800. I asked the seller what is their last price and she told me that P10500 is the last price for it. I don’t want to grab it immediately because I know that there will be more lower prices than that, so I looked for the Cristeve shop, it was the shop who gave me calling card when we canvassed. At Cristeve, we were shown different designs of wedding rings, I asked the seller if they have the 3 toned wedding ring and they showed us 2 different rings, their price was P18500 and P14500, 18 karat gold. I did like the P18500 one but my fiancé didn’t and we decided to have the P14500, I told the seller that in the other store they are selling it for only P10000 to me and they told me that they gonna give it to me P9000, so we decided to get it. The owner was so nice, she even gave us bottled water while waiting for the ring and before we left she gave me earrings. 

Wedding Ring

November 18, 2010 – Marriage License at Las Piñas City Hall

I and my fiancé took half day off work to get our Marriage License at Las Piñas City Hall. We arrived there at around 3:30 in the afternoon and we immediately went to the office where we will get the license. At around 3:45 pm we then entertained by the person assigned at the City Hall, she gave us papers to be filled-out for 4 copies, and it was tiring because of the long information that was needed and there was no carbon paper for it. I was the one who filled-out the forms, after that we were asked to photocopy the requirements we have: our birth certificate which is NSO certified, Cenomar which is also NSO certified, Marriage counseling and family planning certificate of attendance, and P152 for processing fee. We are also asked for P100 for the notarization of our papers. We were told to come back after 10 working days to get the license, but since Alvin asked if we could get it in less than 10 days they told us to be back on December 1 for the license.

After the marriage license filling we decided to go to our house but when we were about to go out at the gate of the City Hall the van of ate Gie that Alvin is driving had a technical problem and the machine stopped. Alvin immediately went down to check what happened and then after a few minutes it went back to normal, we then proceed to go home. When we got home Alvin noticed that the clutch of the van had some fluid exerted, he was alarmed and asked my father where we can find near automotive shop in our area. We then headed to the near automotive shop to find out what has been the caused of that. I, Alvin and my cousin Melvin needed to wait for 3 hours until the part has been removed.

November 19, 2010 – car still at the automotive shop

Alvin decided to sleepover in our home since we will get the car on the day after.

November 20, 2010 – Pamamanhikan

Since Alvin slept over in our home, we got the car at 8am at the automotive shop. We then headed to their home at QC. I have to check also on what clothes he will be wearing for our pre-nup pictorial the next day, so I prepared all the things he will need for the pictorial. At around 1:00 pm I decided to go to recto at Estancia to check our final layout for the invitation. At around 3:00 pm I went to SM Sucat to buy some props that we will need for our pre-nup. 5:00 pm I got home and still have to prepare my things for the pictorial. It was really tiring day, but it doesn’t end there…

At around 7:00 pm, Alvin, Tatay, Ate Eva, Ate Beth and Kuya Nel (my fiancé’s and his siblings) arrived. This is the moment of meeting my parents and the rest of my family. It was really a heart warming event, I saw my father teary-eyed when he was talking to Alvin and his father. I cried a little but no one noticed it.

Alvin was a brave man to ask my hand with my father and promised that he will take care of me forever.

My mother, she’s a little bit worried because I don’t know anything about doing the chores. But I am delighted that my family finally met Alvin’s family.

We eat dinner together, mommy glo cooked Caldereta and nilaga, while Alvin’s family bought spaghetti, palabok, and pichi-pichi. 

Pamamanhikan

After all the advice Alvin and I got to the elders and the chit-chat, at around 9:30 pm we packed my things for the pictorial and put it in the van of Alvin.

November 21, 2010 – Pre-Nuptial Pictorial (P/V-Gian and Fidji/HMAU-Tina)

Lot of things occurred before we’ve got this date for pictorial. 3 weeks before the pictorial I still don’t have venue and make-up artist.

The photographers – they are always fully booked. Sometimes they are out of the country; I know they had a lot of customers because they are really good. Until, they gave me their Sunday sched, and we were both okay with that.

Now the venue - still looking for the venue… I even asked the photographer if they can suggest some venue for the pictorial, they gave me a lot. There are a lot of places but again, I don’t want to spend much money for the pictorial. I told my self that the pictorial will still look elegant even it will not cost me that much, so I decided to email Dexter of LOL and ask if we can have pictorial on Sunday. I told him to help me with this one because I know that they only allow free pictorial on weekdays and on week ends. God was so kind, blessing in disguise… Dexter told me that we can have our pictorial on a Sunday, he asked me if it is okay with us to have the pictorial if there’s a food tasting happening in the area. I told him that it is okay with us… I know that the venue is big and we could have our pictorial on other side of the venue. So, now what I had the venue and the date!

HMUA is the only one I need for the pictorial. I researched and researched for it but seem I can’t find one until that day I was browsing the net, an email caught my attention. It’s from the make-up artist named Christina Macasio, looking for prospective client. It was November 4, 2010 when I received the said email and I immediately read it, looked at her multiply site and saw her amazing works. I told myself that she’s the kind of make-up artist I’m looking for plus it will not break a bank for me. I emailed her back and ask a lot of questions that I have to know before I booked her, I even ask my younger sister Grace if she thinks the make-up artist got the talent, and she said yes. I even consulted my friend Michelle, and she said she’s good. Michelle also referred her friend to me and again I also asked questions but I ended up liking much the work and dedication of Christina. So I booked with Christina for my pictorial.

The day of Prenuptial Pictorial…

9 am is our call time at LOL with Tina for my hair and make-up. I left home at around 6:30 am because I need to drop by at Libertad to buy flowers for the pictorial (one of our props). At around 7:45 am, buying flowers at Libertad took me for about 30 minutes. Still have to travel at the LRT line 1 and 2, I was I bit late for 10 minutes in our call time. Tina was very professional with her craft; she was at the venue 30 minutes before our call time. I was so impressed with her professionalism. When I got at LOL I met Tina for the first time, we chat and chat until Dexter arrived.

In the room, Tina grabbed immediately her kit for us to start the make-up and then my fiancé and Aila arrived. And the photographers scout the venue for the possible area of pictorial.

with Tina

We had 4 sets of dresses for the pictorial, for the first set: Adidas white jacket with green polo shirt and maong pants, for the second set: (Diane) one shoulder purple cocktail dress and gray shoes from wade, (Alvin) stipes Long sleeves with shade of purple and pink with pink necktie, black shoes, and black slacks [the slacks was left in his home and he have to went back to get it, after an hour he came back for the third then we all eat lunch], 3^rd set: coat and tie for both of us with (Diane) red shoes, and for the last set: (Diane) long green dress, wedge black shoes and female hat that my sister bought at Bora and I added a brown ribbon for accent and some accessories, (Alvin) blacked stripes long sleeves with gray tie and black coat with fedora hat and black shoes.

We had a lot of fun in the photo shoot, it was tiring but it really pays off because the shots from the photographers are really great and they are very kind people and happy to work with.

Pre-nup Photoshoot

behind the scene

November 24, 2010 – Alvin dropped by to Mt. Carmel to get the documents mailed by his God mother from U.S. for his full reconstruction of baptismal certificate. He also picked up my baptismal certificate and paid P100 for 2 copies.

November 25, 2010 – Before I went to the office, I dropped by at our parish to pass the Marriage Banns for posting for 3 consecutive Sundays and after that our parish will give the marriage permission to Mt. Carmel. The requirements are: the marriage banns, request for permission for marriage, 2x2 ID pictures of me and my fiancé, and P200 payment. I was told by the receptionist to get it back on December 14, 2010.

My fiancé had his half day off work to fix his baptismal certificate at Sto. Niño church in Tondo, Manila. He dropped by at Estancia printing shop to give the edited version of the invitation. He also went to their parish to pass the Marriage Banns.

November 30, 2010 – worked with the wedding-reception program with songs.

December 1, 2010 – marriage license released schedule at LP City Hall. I woke up early just to drop by at the city hall, I was so pissed off, very disappointed about their service has efficiency issue. 8:05 am I was at the city hall and the staff in front told me to wait until 9:00 am due to her boss was not yet around and haven’t signed the document that I needed. If the release was scheduled in a certain date, the signatory must sign the documents at least a day before it will be released. So inefficient government employees, I also had work that day and I can’t afford to wait until 9 am. I went home and haven’t got the license.

December 2. 2010 – At around 8 am I went back at Las Piñas city hall and at last got the marriage license we applied.

December 3, 2010 – 8 am, mama accompanied me at our Baranggay hall to get certificate. It was a fast transaction; the people there are very accommodating, and head’s up to them!

In the afternoon at CSB, I was rushing to pay the confirmation. It costs me P300 for the service and for the certificates.

December 4, 2010 – went to Mt. Carmel Parish to ask for another copy of my baptismal certificate, for marriage purposes, personal copy and for the confirmation.

December 5, 2010 – met Ervin of Etiketa Manila for my gown measurement at 10 am at festival mall Alabang.

Bought perfect delta bouquet silver paper for the location maps that will be attached in our invitation, thanks with the good eye of my sister Grace. We just bought 6 packs of that paper because it was already out of stock.

December 6, 2010 – 1:00-2:30 pm was my schedule for catechesis for my confirmation at CSB Taft chapel.

December 7, 2010 – 3:00 pm picked up the invitation at Estancia printing in recto, rode at LRT 1 from Vito Cruz to D. Jose station.

December 8, 2010 – Alvin’s first day schedule for his catechesis for the adult baptism at Mt. Carmel, 9:00am with Bro. Jade.

At 10 am, I went back at Estancia printing to bring back to them the 35 invitations that are not in good quality. I asked them to print it again and they told me that they cannot do it again because they just ordered the exact amount of paper they needed for our invitation. I was pissed off with that kind of attitude, by the way my contact there named Jing. I paid them cash for P7000 and they don’t even made some compliments for what they’ve done. I had a good design for our invitation; I chose good quality of papers and embossed print with stamping. I am a bit disappointed with the result they gave me, I even said yes with the changes of the logo I gave them and then the 35 invitations that I brought back to them are really horrible. I even told Jing that if she were given the invitation like that isn’t it embarrassing if you are the receiver? I told them to do something with the invitation and make it pleasing to the eyes. What they did, they just cut some of the cards and erase the stains by ordinary pencil eraser. I’m not satisfied with what they did. I am even not satisfied with their work. But since I had some I ideas at the back of my mind on how to go about with the invitations I had, I still made it more elegant and presentable to everyone. Thank you God for giving me brain, that’s fast thinker and even creative. J

I got back and start doing things for the invitations with the silver ribbon I bought. I’ve got a mock-up invitation and did some detail to it and showed it to my fiancé, my sister Grace and my brothers Moren and Macky, they agreed that it looked nice and elegant for our theme.

December 9, 2010 – started the project for the invitations. I placed ribbons and names at the invitation. I am so glad that ate Vangie helped me with cutting the ribbons I needed. We went home at around 8:00pm just to finish all the invites to have names and ribbons.

Invitation

December 10, 2010 – printed location maps for the invitation. I asked my fiancé Alvin to make the church and the reception’s location map to be placed in our invitation. 

Maps

December 12, 2010 – stayed at home to continue to cut the maps I printed and placed it in out invitation, I admit it looks nice, not to mention its elegance too.

December 13, 2010 – started to distribute the invitations.

Invitaion
 

December 14, 2010 – Received sacrament of confirmation at 2:00 pm at CSB taft campus Chapel. My ninong & ninang are my friends, Kuya Rico and Ate Sharon, our photographer was my fiancé. After I received the sacrament we decided to eat at KFC and had some chat.

Sacrament of Confirmation

December 16, 2010 – snail mailed 2 invitations for one of our ninong Sir Manolet and one for our guest Jay, paid P35.00 each.

December 19, 2010 – schedule of Alvin’s adult baptism at Mt. Carmel Shrine Parish, 2:00 pm. The battery of my SLR malfunctioned, so no photos taken in that event. After the baptismal, we eat at Dencio’s Cubao with Alvin’s friend Boyet who happened also to be his Ninong in the said sacrament.

December 21, 2010 – met with my friends from College, Racquel and Aubrey at Jollibee Multinational to give their invites at 9:00 pm.

December 27, 2010 – just at home, researched where we can have the tailored suits for my brothers for our big day.

December 28, 2010 – asked mama to go with us at Divisoria to look for suit. Mama didn’t go to work that day because of me! At Divisoria, we went straight to Cluster building, because it’s December there are a lot of people buying gifts and etc. At the cluster building we saw one store offering tailored suit, so we inquired. We saw a lot of sample and we think its okay for the event, they priced us without breaking the bank, P1800 for the coat and pants, P100 each for the neck ties and P40 each for the 3 boys’ tie. So we booked with the supplier Ka Inne Nicolas stall #A-12-ground floor and P36 & 37 second floor, our contact is Bianca. Bianca told me that we can have the 2 suits on January 8, 2011 and the ties. (More stories of this PALPAK supplier below).

December 29, 2010 – a month before the big day! We had payment deadline in our venue at LOL, so we went to LOL and give the remaining balance to Dexter with the 20K postdated check for security purposes.

January 4, 2011 – reserved rooms for the big day. I would like to stay at Manila Grand Opera Hotel. This 5 star hotel is just 2 years since it opened; the manager Edzel gave me discount for the rooms that we will get. I reserved 1 Emperor Suite for Jan. 28-29 and majestic suite for Jan. 28-Jan.30, 2011. Emperor suite has 1 queen sized bed, living room with bathtub, 2 LCD TV, personal ref, wifi ready and with complementary buffet breakfast. For the Majestic suite there are 2 single sized beds with TV, personal ref and wifi ready with complementary buffet breakfast.

January 5, 2011 – I called Eli of Mt. Carmel to ask the schedule of Alvin for his sacrament of confirmation and to also verify the date for our canonical interview. I also asked him if we could have rehearsal for our wedding entourage and he told me that we can but we have to pay P500 for that. Also inquired if we could have our own wedding vows, yes we can have as per Eli but it must be short, another thing I asked Eli if we are the one who will provide the unity candle and the offering gifts for the church, then he told me that the candle will be provided by them but the offerings we have to give to them. They have checklist for the offerings: Mompo wine, Host and 2 fruit baskets, the offerings must be done by the parents of the groom and bride but in our case we assigned other relatives to do that.

Also, I gave to Sarah and Carol the songs that they will sing for us in the wedding ceremony and in the reception.

At around 7:30 pm, I met my College friends Aileen, Francia and Racquel at MOA to give them their invites for the big day and also to catch up on each other. I really miss those girls… my truest friends…

January 6, 2011 – I gave the list of attendees to my friend Ruth for my bridal shower she’s planning. I also edited the seating chart for the guests at the reception, and as such I also followed up the RSVP. Tough day.

January 7, 2011 – 8:00 am our canonical interview at Mt. Carmel Shrine Parish. The Priest interview us about our life together, how we met, how many years we’ve been together, why do we decided to tie the knot, the reason we love each other etc.

I was so touched when Alvin had answered one question of the priest, he said “Marami akong naging past relationships alam naman nya yun pero sya lang yung nakita ko at sinabi ko sa sarili ko na sya na, saya yung dapat pakasalan. Maalaga, kaya nya ang sarili nya na hindi umaasa sa iba, kahit iwanan mo kaya nya”. I was teary-eyed when I herd those words from him. He’s not too expressive when it comes to his emotions and I am too.

After the interview we gave our requirements to Eli for completion. After the canonical interview, Alvin was scheduled to have his sacrament of confirmation it is a special case and the parish priest is the one who do the sacrament. His ninong is again his friend Boyet.

I also contacted Mr. Nestor; he is the choir master at Mt. Carmel. I gave him the list of the songs that we wanted them to play for our wedding. He is very accommodating man and easy to talk with.

In the afternoon, we went to Cubao malls to look for my blue shoes, I even asked the salesman to look to their other stores for my prospected shoes but unfortunately there’s none. I am so frustrated to look for the blue shoes I really wanted, even my fiancé was so tried to look for one… he took me to a place I never know existed, the Marikina Shoe Expo at Cubao. I was so amazed to look for blue shoes, I saw some but it didn’t still passed to my taste until we went to Abbylyn’s Fashion Shop. It is where shoes can be customized, so amazing to know they can do my shoes for a week. Ms. Jing is the store keeper; she told me that there are a lot of known designers for wedding are going there to get their designs customized like Rene Salud. Also she mentioned to me that the shoes for Ciara Sotto’s whole entourage are also from them. Ms. Jing also added that sometimes they are the one who also do the shoes for Binibining Pilipinas candidates. Hmm very impressive for me, I also tried their sample shoes and it is so comfortable to wear and not heavy, that whole thing really makes me so excited to have my shoes for my big day customized… big smile from me!

January 8, 2011 – our schedule for our food tasting at Manila Catering 10 in the morning, we went to examiner street QC. Jess our contact is very accommodating with all what we wanted from the set-up to the table settings and runners. Manila Catering offers variety of great foods, I can say that all the food they gave us on our food tasting really taste great. Jess also offered us the upgrade for our cake, designed by Dexter’s Bakeshop & Coffee shop. We liked their style, my fiancé and I know the cakes there really taste good and not that sweet that’s why when we saw the photos of their cakes we immediately decided to have and upgrade and another reason was to also meet our theme for our big day. We had an additional P6000 for the said cake. We do the food tasting with Jo-anne and Jeran that morning.

At around one in the afternoon, we went to Divisoria to get the 2 suits I ordered to be made for my two brothers and also for Jeran to have his measurement for his suit. I got immediately the suits for my brothers and then Jeran was measured at Ka Ine’s shop in Cluster building. Alvin asked Ka Ine if the other grooms men can have their suit from their shop if we can only give their measurement and they said yes. Then on we decided to tell to the groom’s men that they can have their measurement and we will give it to the shop. (Disaster story continue with this shop)

January 11, 2011 – After office hours, my fiancé and I went to Abbylyn’s Fashion Shop at Marikina Shoe Expo to give Ms. Jing my shoe design that me and my sister Grace researched. It was a design from Christian Louboutin, blue shoes with T design and red sole. I am so excited to have my shoes done.

Christian Louboutin designed shoes

January 12, 2011 - lunch break, my fiancé, I and Kuya Marc had our lunch out and we went to Arthur’s tailoring for Alvin’s suit. It was such an experience to us. I got to inquire to them through phone call and asked for their price and told me that it is only P5650.00 for the “tahi” last November 2010. So, we went there confidently and looked for the best fabric that will suit for my fiancé. They got to have Alvin’s measurement, Kuya Marc even told the people at Arthur’s to make the suit slim fit and one of the staff there “ikaw lang yata may gusto ng slim fit?” Alvin told them that he wanted slim fit suit too. After they’ve got the measurement and after we chose the fabric, its computation time for the payment. They gave us P11000.00 for the suit and we were shocked to know that price! All we know it is only P5650.00, I told the staff there that I inquired to them and they gave me quote of only P5650.00 and not that much, and then they told me that it is only for labor not for the whole suit. What a surprise, we told the staff that we will go back some other day for the suit. We hurried to go; we decided to go to SM Harrison to look for ready made suits. We saw one at onésimus but we didn’t buy it yet because we wanted to see other designs with the other stores. At least we had the idea of what really we are looking for.

January 13, 2011 – Out in our office at 5:00 pm to go to Dangwa with ate Sharon Sarmiento. I asked her that favor because I didn’t know how to get there. Of course before we went there I got to search with some forums some shops at dangwa who can make really good arrangement of flowers for an affordable price. I wrote the stores with my ever dependable organizer. When we get at Dangwa I saw some stores on my list but unfortunately they were closed because it is almost 6:00 in the evening, suddenly when we were walking it is our first shop to stop with when we saw blue statice flowers that caught our attention. We asked at the shop what that kind of flower is that and there was a very accommodating ate Alma who assisted us. Since it was already evening we can’t afford to look for that much shop, so I decided to inquire with ate Alma, she’s the store keeper of VER Flower shop located at stall #26 Dos Castillas Laon Laan St., Sampaloc Manila (09089587500). While I was talking to ate Alma, ate Sharon called her friend to ask if she can refer us some shops at Dangwa whom she knows, then ate Sha’s friend told us one and it is VER flower shop. We are so stunned when we knew and we were already at the shop she’s referring. What a co-incident, imagine it is just the first stop we did and we were at that shop, at least my heart and mind are at ease with the mentioned shop because I read in the forums that there are some horrible stories with their wedding because some shops in Dangwa will get the booking and deceive their clients at the date of their wedding, it was really a nightmare so be careful in booking with the flowers, don’t just trust anyone make sure the shop you will book has a good reputation to their client.

I and Ate Alma get into details of what flowers I wanted for my bouquet, I asked her how much it will cost me if I wanted to have the peonies, it cost P6500.00 just for the my bouquet it self. I asked a lot of flowers that will look elegant and best for my big day. Then I inquired the carnation, tulip etc. tulip flower was great but since I saw at the forum it is not a good flower for the bridal bouquet because it will wither easily especially when they spray color to it. In the end I chose Carnation because it looks so nice with the petals when it blooms, it is also the nearest look-a-like of peonies that I wanted and it is much affordable one. I didn’t get the Ecuadorian rose since my mom told me that I must have flowers without thorns, I don’t know why but it is just some superstition.

I told ate Alma what I needed and she quoted me this:

Bridal Bouquet à Carnation White (spray royal blue) = P1200

Groom Boutonnière à Carnation White (spray royal blue) = P 30

Maid of Honor Bouquet 3 pcs. Gerbera white

Bride’s Maids Bouquet (9 pax x P50 x 3 pcs) = P1350

Secondary sponsors Bouquet

Groom’s Men Boutonnière à 9 Gerbera white /1 pc. (P40 each) = P 360

Ninang’s Wrist flowers à 2 pcs. Gerbera white/5 pax (P120x5)= P 600

Ninong’s Boutonnière à 5 Gerbera white /1 pc. (P40 each) = P 200

Ring Bearer Boutonnière à 3 Gerbera white /1 pc. (P40 each) = P 120

Fathers Boutonnière à 2 Gerbera white /1 pc. (P40 each) = P 80

Mothers Wrist flowers à 2 pcs. Gerbera white/3 pax (P120x3)= P 360

Flower Girls à Basket white rose petals (P100 each)= P 300

Car Bouquet à any White flowers = P 300

Throw away bouquet à FREE Gerbera white = P 0

TOTAL = P4900

Then, I asked ate Alma to again give me discount, what she did she make the car bouquet even free for me, so she gave me total of P4500.00 for my entourage flowers with free delivery to my hotel, great deal with ate Alma. Imagine the P300.00 discount she gave me. Before I booked her we also looked at their portfolio, and it seems pretty arrangement and passed with what I wanted. That night since it was good dealing with ate Alma, I booked with her and I also asked for her calling card just to make sure I can still contact her in the following days. Before I forget, ate Alma gave me also some tips when booking the flower shop she told me that I was in the right timing to book with her because after the week I booked they gonna double the price of the flowers because of Valentine’s day, so if you are going to have your wedding near with some occasions and holidays do early bookings to get their regular price, maybe I was just lucky even if my big day is really near before I booked for the flowers I still got a great deal.

Before we left the VER flower shop, ate Alma gave me for free the statice bouquet we saw when we first stop to their shop, it was really appreciated to have flowers for free at Dangwa, I feel very lucky and happy!

January 14, 2011 – went to San Tissima Church to get my sacrament of confirmation certificate, it was really a bad experience for me to get it because I have to go back again and again for how many days just to get the certificate to them. That day I was with ate Sharon and we were so pissed of with the lazy staff, she told me to go back again because the assigned person who have my certificate is out of office and she might get back for about an hour, I told her to text that whoever is that assigned person when she will be back, I even told that lazy staff to look for the certificate in their files because it was supposed to be placed somewhere in their office and I think it was not carried by that assigned person she’s telling me. Then, she made my certificate for 30 minutes. My point here is, she can make certificate in minutes and then she is always saying to me to come back again and again and to wait for that assigned person, OMG it’s not an excuse, it is a matter of being efficient in your job. After she made the certificate she handed me the receipt for the payment of my certificate, I told her that I already paid P300.00 at CSB and they told me that I don’t’ have to pay anything to you, just contact them and asked for your concern. Then this lazy inefficient girl told me that “sabihan nyo po sila na tumawag dito, sabihin nyo rin na kinuha nyo na yang certificate nyo at di kayo nag bayad sakin”, I was really pissed off with that girl and I told her that I already did my part, I always went back here just to get this and waited here for 30 minutes and then you want me to inform the CSB to call you, you should do that not me, it’s not my concern anymore, it’s your job to do that! then I walked out.

After that bad experience, I and ate Sharon went to her friend near CSB hotel for her customized cocktail dress for she will be wearing it on my big day. We scanned different magazines to look for the dress she might like and we found one, then we chose fabric that looks good to her tone. I’m so excited to see ate Sha with that dress.

ate Sha & her blue dress

In the evening, I e-mailed Leia of Clint Carl Flower Shop for the same flowers quoted to me by Ate Alma; they gave me P7000.00 for the package for those including the delivery and have freebies of loose petals, throw away bouquet and bridal car flower, but they told me that the price is still negotiable, I just didn’t try to negotiate with them because I already booked with VER flower shop. I am happy that I still had the lowest rate for my entourage flowers.

January 15, 2011 – back to divisoria with my fiancé. We went again to Ka Ine’s shop for Tatay and Lester’s suit to be customized. We gave the measurement to Bianca and we handed to ka Ine our down payment.

While we were walking at the Cluster building, we saw another shop that is customizing suits too. We inquired and saw their works and it is quite good compared to the works of Ka Ine, then Alvin and I looked to their fabrics and ask some questions and they convinced us, then we decided to have Alvin’s suit to be made by them. The shop named RheyJess Bridal Collection, Pasillo U-4 Cluster Bldg. 2, 2^nd floor, Tutuban Mall and the name of the owner is Jessica Paras. It costs us P6000 for the whole set of suit which includes coat, vest, white long sleeves, pants, necktie and handkerchief. We then handed them the down payment after Alvin had his measurement done and chosen the fabric we liked, we were scheduled to get the suit on January 22.

At around 5:00 pm we were at Cubao National Bookstore to buy papers for the misalette, and for the quotations that i will put in the flower girls basket with the loose petals, it was raining really hard that time. I have to buy the same paper with the map and I am eager to look for it in any National Bookstores. It’s my lucky day I saw 15 sets of that paper, it may be enough for the misalette. I also bought white paper with the same texture for the escort card I’m planning to place for each guest table.

 

Misalette

Escort cards

At nearly around 6:00 pm, we met with Kristine and Aila (Alvin’s niece) at Abylyn’s to have their shoes customized too. After the transaction for 3 shoes with Ms. Jing for only P1200.00 each, we decided to eat dinner at the near restaurant. I just forgot the restaurant but their food really taste great specially their kare-kare.

Alvin and I went to Shopwise Cubao to buy a dryer but their stocks are already sold, so we went at SM and we found one.

January 16, 2010 – I woke up early and talked to my father while I’m sipping my hot choco. We were talking about his suit for my big day, we already had plans before but I think it will not be that effective, our first plan is to have his suit made by Arthur’s but since it was too expensive we crossed that plan out, the second is he will wear his blue coat but our problem will be his pants we had to look for pants at SM, the third option was to look for ready made whole suit as SM if we can’t see same color and fabric of his blue coat, and the last option that I think was very effective it was to have his suit tailored at the same shop Alvin’s suit will be made. I told papa what he think is much effective in our options, I asked him to go to divi with me and see if those suits at the shop will be alright with him and if not we will look for his suit at SM. Then papa decided to go with me at divi at around 11:30am we arrived at the shop. We were then entertained by the owner of the shop and my father examined each suit that was displayed. I asked him if it passes his taste and he says to me “pwede na”, at least I’ve got an answer that he might like it rather than not that will give me a problem. I asked him what design he would like and the color of his suit, we looked at the brown shade since mama will have her gown in the shade of brown so we think that it will compliment more and it is more better because my father had his brown shoes, we also chose fabric in the light brown shade color for his necktie. The suit costs us P6500 which includes coat, vest, white long sleeves, pants, necktie and handkerchief with slim fit cut for the suit, and I think it is in a very reasonable price rather than in Artur’s. We will get the suit on January 22 also.

At around 2:00 pm we were home, I texted mama what time will we meet at SM Sucat to buy her shoes for my big day. At around 3:00 pm I went to SM Sucat to meet mama. Then after 30 minutes we saw a nice pair of shoes and we bought it for P1500.00 at Mendrez. 

Mama's shoes

January 17, 2011 – printed the first part of misalette with quotes for the confetti effect to be placed in the basket of the flower girls with petals, and also it will be used in our reception confetti.

January 18, 2011 – printed the second part of the misalette with quotes to maximize the paper. 

Saw on TV that BIR closed most shops at divisoria for tax issues… I did pray “sana di kasama yung shop na pinag pagawan namin!”

At around 2:30 pm I went to Union bank at Vito Cruz Taft branch to deposit the P6000 to Jess Beroin of Manila catering for the upgrade of our wedding cake.

At 3 in the afternoon I went to BPI to also deposit the P8750 for the partial payment to Gian Cayetano of Photoimagicraft for our photo and video coverage.

January 19, 2011 – do the ribbon for the misalette and the ribbon and presentation details of the matches for the church.

January 20, 2011 – 9 days to go before the big day. I printed the escort cards for the reception, text those who are not yet confirmed. Also texted Ervin for my gown, Jing for my shoes and Ka Ine for the suits.

Again, Ka Ine’s shop had a lot of hang-ups… Bianca our contact in that shop called Alvin to his phone informing him that their shop had been closed by the BIR last January 18, they are asking again for the measurement of tatay and the other grooms men. It was really a big head ached to us that day.

January 21, 2011 – The Bridal Shower and Stag Party…

Ruth is the one who planned the party for me and for Alvin’s surprise stag party its kuya Marc. Since I know that I will be having the bridal shower I invited my friends and since they are all too busy my only true friends came, Ruth, Merva and Ate Vangie. We just had fine dine-in dinner at Vatel in CSB Hotel. It was a great night for us because we appreciate the presence of each other to our lives. Thank you Ruth for always being a good good friend to me ever since we met, don’t worry you never disappoint me with this one it is still the intimate party for the four of us. Thanks Merva and Ate Vangie for being good friend to me always!

Bridal Shower Dinner

The stag party, since I know the party will also be at the same date and time I still don’t even know where their party will be. I was so excited for the boys’ party because they seem to be every excited that day.

January 22, 2011 – We are scheduled to get the suits of Alvin and Papa at RheyJess Bridal Collection shop at Divi. I went to Divi with my papa and mama then we meet with Alvin. We also went to Bianca to the other store to get the suits for tatay and other grooms men we didn’t get still. Its seven days until our big day but until that time the suits are not yet complete.

Alvin & Papa's Suits

Experienced in divi, my earrings almost got to be snatched at the jeep going to LRT. Me and my fiancé was at the left side of the jeep beside the door, while we are too busy eating fruits and it was a traffic afternoon, I just felt someone hold my ear then I immediately moved front and told “Shaykes, hikaw ko na snatched!” while I’m looking outside the jeep and saw the man in the middle of the road with a basketball jersey shirt. That time I don’t know what to do, I felt sorry because it was given to me by my loving mommy Glo, I just immediately got my other earring and keep it safe in my bag. While we were about to go down to the jeepney, I saw an earring on the top of my bag, I told to my self “tinago ko na ‘to a, bakit nandito lang sa ibabaw? Di ko ba nailagay sa loob?” then I immediately looked inside my bag and I saw the other pair that I kept, I told to my fiancé “hindi na kuha” and my heart starts to beat fast and I thank God right away for the blessing. Buti nalang tanga yung snatcher!

Then my fiancé and I went to Hidalgo to buy battery for my Nikon D40 SLR, then we proceed to Gilmore to buy NBox for papa, it’s a movie player that can be use for USB. Then we went to Abbylyn’s to get my shoes but unfortunately it was not yet finished.

January 23, 2011 – met Ervin for the bride’s maid gowns and for the flower girls at SM South Mall, Grace and I also looked for her shoes but unfortunately there’s none that passed with her taste.

Then after we comeback home to drop the gowns we then proceed to SM Sucat to still look for her shoes. We then saw one and it’s nice on her.

January 24, 2011

First stop in the morning, meet Sir Jingr for the program. On the afternoon distribution of gowns: met with Michelle for Gabby’s gown and met Ruth for her and Merva’s gown.

On the evening, at around 7:00 pm I had dinner with my longtime high school best friend Eyjey at pizzahut SM Sucat and I gave her gown and invite. She treats me in that dinner and I was so happy to see her again.

January 25, 2011 – start of my vacation leave…

Early morning, I have to meet Ervin at Divisoria to get the gown of Aila and supposed to be also my gown but it was not yet finished. Ervin and I waited for Alvin until 11:30 am and he then arrived. Then my fiancé and I paid Ervin for the gowns even it is not yet complete just to ease a little worry with the payments on our big day.

Alvin and I had lunch at KFC then we headed to Bianca but again we never see her, so we asked the other shop that also affiliated to Ka Ine’s shop then asked them to call Bianca.  

Alvin talked to Bianca and they agreed that the suits will be delivered to Alvin’s house the next early morning.

We then went to the house that we will be staying after the wedding. Alvin called her niece Ning and Aila to fit their gowns, and then I asked if they don’t have things to do they might want to help me cut the quotes I printed. Then Ning cut those quotes and Aila helped me cut the papers I needed for the giveaways. 

quotes and petals

Alvin cooked dinner for us… we called it a day, I went home at LP.

January 26, 2011 – just home to take care of the giveaways presentation, started morning at 8:00 am. My sister had a text with her friend before she went to school; it says that they don’t have class in that day. I was so happy to hear that news, I asked my sister Grace to help with the giveaways and then we finished at 9:00 pm.

Tissue Holder giveaways for the guests

And that afternoon, my shoes were delivered at project 4.

January 27, 2011

Morning schedule was full, at 9:30 am I have to drop by at LOL to give Dexter the escort cards for the reception table that Jess will get to him on the 29^th.

At around 10:00 am I was at Mt. Carmel to give my certificate of confirmation to Eli and also bought host for the offering on the 29^th.

Then, I proceed to Cubao to meet Ervin at around 10:45 am to get my gown, after that meeting me and fiancé bought papa the folic acid vitamin he needed and then we waited for the cell phone that was in the repair shop. Then we went to project 4 and able to meet Emily, another niece of Alvin. We had a little chit-chat with ate Gigie and ate beth.

At around 7:00 pm we are about to leave to have dinner at Dencio’s Cubao since it was ate Cristy’s birthday (sister of Alvin) and since the family is almost complete it is sort of reunion for them.

Ilagan Family

While we were having dinner the shoes of Ning and Aila was delivered there.

January 28, 2011 – a day before the big day!

There are still a lot to think about and a lot to accomplish. I woke up at 6:00 am to prepare things that I will use and bring to the hotel. At around 7:00 am I have my nails to be polished for the big day. At around 8:00 am my cousin Rico is at our house to pick us up, he had our service on that day. 9:00 am mama, I and kuya Rico left home to drop by at SM Sucat to buy some ribbons and papers that I need for the giveaways for the sponsors and buy 2 baskets of fruits for the offering.

At around 11:00 am we went to the airport at terminal 3 to pick-up Lola Marcelina and Tita Elsa, they came all the way to Gen San just to attend to my wedding because I requested. Since Lola and tita Elsa don’t have mobile phones we have to eagerly look for them, then we saw them and I immediately went down at the van and run to my Lola and hug her tight also with my tita Elsa, I miss them so much. We then went back home.

We eat lunch at around 1:00 pm and waited for Grace to arrive from school. At around 2:30 pm I, Grace, Mama and kuya Rico went to Grace’s friend to get Ervin’s dress form at BF. Then at around 3:30 pm we were at Duty Free to buy wine for the sponsor’s giveaways.

Since it was Friday it was a traffic day heading Manila, at around 5:30 in the afternoon we drop by at my mother’s cousin restaurant and bought food for our dinner, tapsilog.

6:20 pm I, Grace, Mama and Alvin are about to checked-in at Manila Grand Opera Hotel.

7:00 pm Grace, Mama and I are at room 524, while Alvin is at room 512. We are waiting for Ervin for the gowns of Mama, Mommy Glo and Ate Eva. In just minutes ate Vangie came to help me with the things I have to packed, then ate Eva also arrived and also helped me packing.

wine for the sponsors



Host for the offering

Then, little minutes late Ervin arrived, mama and ate eva fitted their gowns it looks good on them even if Ervin had the gowns only on that day.

After the fitting of the gowns, Ervin left the hotel and we continued to do things that still need to be done. Then, ate Eva left then ate Vangie and a little later Mama also left the hotel.

While the night got deeper, I need to prepare things for the big day. I need to follow up things also and I need to prepare the money for the payment for the wedding.

January 29, 2011 – the big day towards Forever!

At 12:30 am, I am still awake but really sleepy still have to ask my friends a favor to print the program and the visitors list per table, Eyjey responded to me immediately and I emailed her the program and the list plus the forever chords and lyrics that I will be singing at the reception, I wanted to surprise my fiancé with that.

4:00 am I woke up and prepare again the things that the photographer will take photos, but at 6:00 am I took photos of the accessories for my wedding, I’ve got few shots then had to take shower. At around 9:30am Grace, Alvin and I had our breakfast. After the fast eating breakfast I had a really hectic time, I gave the accessories to Gian while waiting to Tina for my make-up.

At around 10:45 am, Tina and Kathy arrived then they started my make-up and hair.

At round 11:00 am Alvin told me that he will go to Divisoria to Ka Ine’s shop since they don’t want to deliver the suits at the hotel because of the payment security. Alvin was so upset with Ka Ine so he can’t help it but to go there and talked to Ka Ine. When he was at the shop he saw another couple inquiring there then Alvin got his move he told to the couple “ikakasal din kayo? Naku, ako nadala dito mamayang alas tres na kasal ko wala pa yung mga damit na pinatahi ko. Kung ako sa inyo huwag na kayo dito”. The couple think twice with what he said, that is the truth.

At that time I was so worried, because it was almost 12:00 nn and Alvin was not yet back in the hotel. Then I asked my brothers Macky and Moren to accompany the photographers to Alvin’s suite. I also texted Jo-anne, Alvin’s niece to inform her that his Uncle went to Divisoria then Jo-Anne told me that his brother Lester will go there also to get the suits. Then Alvin got back to the hotel and I felt relieved. Lester also assisted this Uncle in his preparation.

At around 2:00 pm my friends, Aileen, Francia, Racquel and Aubrey arrived to help me with the other preparations. They helped me with my gown and with my shoes. Also Grace gave them instructions on how it will be at the church and at the reception.

Just to shave some of my DIY: I personally designed the misalette and our logo, also I'd like to mention that some of the quotations were put in the flower basket was written by me as part of the poems i wrote throughout the years (I am a poet... sometimes), also I designed the escort cards for the guests table, I was the one who had the idea to require the guests to wear formal clothes in any shade of blue as part of our sapphire blue inspired wedding, and since silver was also part of our motif I asked our sponsors to wear their gray gowns for female and gray polo for the male with black suit. For the Maid of honor, secondary sponsors, bride's maids and flower girls I require them to ware any shade of gray shoes, for the boys i just told them to wear black shoes.  We gave the boys' neck ties. I also designed the tissue holder favors and asked a local sewer to execute the design, I bought the materials and mama gave me the white lace that were set as an accent since white was also another color in our motif, I've got two variants of tissue holder blue and gray .  I also made DIY for the matches for the lighting of the candle in our ceremony.  I even added blue and silver ribbon to our arrhae holder and blue ribbon to our pillows.  I also did the DIY program for the reception and also personally chosen songs for the church ceremony and the reception.  I even chose the shade of brown for the parents clothes  even if it is not included in our motif simply because for them to standout to the other guests.  I also did the packaging for the favors, for the packaging of wine we gave to the sponsors and the packaging for the wine and host for the church.  For the flowers, I asked the florist to make me a blue bouquet of carnation and for the rest of the flowers I asked the florist to make the entourage white arrangements, I also requested the catering to have all white flowers for our reception since the table cloth was blue and the runner was gray. I know that I made justice to our sapphire inspired royalty wedding with motif of sapphire, gray and white.  Everybody always wonder why we chose the Sapphire for our motif, simply because Alvin and I really love the color blue and our birth stone is sapphire.

Then the rest was to be continued to my big day to forever blog…

I am so happy that my fiancé was every much involved in the preparation of our wedding, I felt so blessed that he’s always there helping me all throughout the preparations.