2016

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Yosha! After months of planning our attires, scouting venues, DIY-ing props and researching pre-wedding pegs and poses, our engagement session is finally done! *throws confetti. We never thought that a camera-shy couple like us was able to pull-off such pictorial. It was tiresome and yet, we enjoyed it and had fun! Thanks to my amazing hair stylist, make-up artist and photographers.
Venue: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife / The Garden of Praise - MakeUp Room
Entrance at the park is just PHP8 per pax Make-up Room: The Garden of Praise PHP600 - 4hrs Inclusions: Makeup Room with the following amenities: Airconditioned room Electricity Mirror Lights Locker With Dressing Area With Hanger Rack for Clothes With Props Rental with Ample parking space Right inside the park with good pictorial sites with Food and beverage amenities
Our engagement shoot at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife was scheduled last May 30. I could still remember how hesitant we are choosing Wildlife as our pre-nuptial venue. But we had to stick to our budget, so I dumped the idea of renting out a private space which will cost us more. Although, it's not that well maintained, there are still sweet spots for a nice pictorial. Aside from that, an airconditioned make-up room - The Garden of Praise is now readily available in the park for rent, where you can have your preparations. I'm glad that they found the need for a makeup room in the park as it was not easy to just get dressed in a comfort room in that park.

The Garden of Praise Make-Up room can be availed for a very affordable rate and with complete amenities.
Source: Photo grabbed from their FB page

It's already the rainy season and we are worried as hell that we will be drenched in the rain on the day of our shoot. It rained cats and dogs the day before. Luckily, the next day, Kamisama granted us a beautiful weather. Prayer really works!
By the way, we were the only client that day and we had no one to share the room with. I guess I picked I good day for the photo session. And oh, the assistant / care taker was really nice as well. Just make sure you follow the rules, though.

HMUA: Elsie Libunao Hair and MakeUp Artistry AIRBRUSH & TRADITIONAL +63 917 503 1350 / 0939 933 5668

My brilliant makeup artist and hairstylist that day are Ms Elsie Libunao and Bimby of Elsie Libunao Hair and Make Up Artistry. I availed their prenuptial makeup service aside from the wedding package. I originally planned to just ask a friend to doll me up. But I realized that this pictorial does not happen every time so why not get her e-session service as well. And for a lady who's always been tagged as 'Manang' and 'one-of-the-boys', it will be such an experience. In addition to that, I really want to see how I look like when 'overhauled'.
Together with my future mother-in-law and fiance's cousin, we headed to Wildlife for the shoot. Our call time with my HMUA was at 8 in the morning (My photographers' schedule was at 10am). We had to be early as the make-up and styling session is about two-hours long. Yes. Two-hours. But it was not tiring at all. Maybe, I was too amazed on how Ms. Elsie do her magic.
After 2 hours, here's the result. Lo and behold... (I don't like posting my photos on public websites, but for this blog's sake, I will share a snap from my MUA kekekeke)

Our hairstylist Bimby, Namjachingu, Me and Ms. Elsie, the make-up artist
Source: Photo from Ms. Elsie

When I showed these photos to my relatives, they couldn't believe that it's me. They thought that it was just a peg for makeup and just some random Asian girl. Hahaha.
Now that's what you call a total make-over. I became a fine young lass even for a day. It's all because of my HMUA's amazing skills. Kamsahamnida!

PHOTOGRAPHERS Er Llamelo of Cupcake Cinema Phone: +63 905 531 0038 Jeff Angeles of Jef Angeles Photography Phone: +63 905 324 4722 Email: jeff_rakista@yahoo.com
As soon as my talented photographers and fellow brethren arrive, Er Llamelo of Cupcake Cinema and Jeff Angeles of Jef Angeles Photography, our e-session started. The first theme was the formal part. It only took us less than an hour to finish the first part of the pictorial.

Teaser! Photo credits to our fellow brethren Jeff Angeles

Afterwards, my favorite motif was next - highschool! I'm not sure how long we had to shoot this segment (until past noon I think?). But one thing is for sure. We had fun reminiscing our senior year. We are not yet a couple back then. However, this era had too many memories and we consider it as one of the best part of our teen life. Ugh! Time machine please!

Do we look like we are in our 30's?
Photo credits to our fellow brethren Jeff Angeles

Hi-skool Luv On <3
Photo credits to our fellow brethren Jeff Angeles

The last set was more laid back. We just had a matching checkered long-sleeve top and the pictorial lasted for almost 30 minutes. And it's over!
For a couple who's a first timer in photo shoot, this kind of pictorial will be unpleasant. But working with these two prodigious shutterbugs made it easy. We're more relaxed. They even assisted us with all the poses. It's as if we are just playing around. I just wish I'm as good as them when it comes to taking photos.

Thoughts and Tips
It's an amusing photo session. We did not feel any discomfort. But there's one thing I regret from that shoot. To bring food. I thought that the shoot will be over in three hours. We're all starving (specially me) because the pre-wedding photo session ended at 3 in the afternoon. I did not ate my breakfast that day because I took my meds early in the morning. I only had a bottle of water during the shoot. Thankfully, I was able to last within that span because right after we had our breakfast-lunch-merienda at Friuli, my hands started shaking again.
We did not brought any food for my suppliers on that day (and I realized afterwards, that we should've). I thought of just buying some snacks around the area but we were too occupied that I failed to remember. Good thing that I was able to provide an allowance. Not sure though if it is enough for them but I'm hoping that it is @_@. ~~Embarrassing.~~ Anyway, I promised to share some tokens to them for a job well done. Bawi na lang ako next time :(
For couples who will be also having their engagement session in the future, here are some basic tips:

Research. Research. Research. You don't need an expensive venue to pull-off a breathtaking pre-wedding photo, or a top photographer/makeup artist as your team. There are lots of exceptionally skilled individuals out there that you can hire in a less expensive rate and venues that is within the budget. The key is research.
Look for pegs. While most of the couples do not have themes for the photo shoot, it is still a nice plan to have a reference for your session. In that way, your photographer will know how to direct the session.
Direct and be directed. Trust and listen to your photographer because they're the expert. Believe me, they know what they are doing (that is if you hire a good one! so better research).
Listen to suggestions and learn to say no at the same time. These suppliers are just sharing something they thought might be good for you and the event. If you disagree with their idea, politely decline.
Do not forget to bring water and snacks. I repeat. Do not forget to bring water and snacks. Even if you'll be providing allowances to your suppliers, you still need to give them snacks and water to lessen their hunger.
Enjoy the moment. I'm sure there will be butterflies in your tummies. But as soon as you get the hang of it, both of you will definitely have fun with your photo session. Just relax and be yourself.

This pictorial was a learning experience for us. We were lucky that, as first timers, our photographers and HMUA were more than willing to assist us. I was not expecting anything from my team. But they gave us an outstanding job. Even my future mother-in-law was in awe after the session. Now I recalled what my coordinator mentioned during our first meeting as he was impressed that we have booked the finest supplier within our allotted budget.
We were blessed to team up with these exceptionally skilled suppliers. We could not ask for more. So for future brides and grooms out there, check these amazing individuals.
Happy Preps Minna!
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Sunday, May 08, 2016

100 Days Before the Big Day

Hey! It's been a while! Too many things happened for the past months that I did not have time to blog. I was too lazy to make a post here as there were lot of things I needed to accomplish.
Anyway, I'm back again to blog about my upcoming wedding. Yes. We only have a 100 days before tying the knot. And we never thought that it will be this stressful, despite the early preparation we had. I should feel excitement, but as days passed by, exhaustion is killing me. Most of the suppliers I've been eyeing were changed to cater our budget. We had no choice.
Here's the latest update from each of them:
Church (from Iglesia ni Cristo Locale of Capitol to Pilot)
I have too many things to say on why we had to give up reserving a slot on this locale. But I think it will be better left unsaid than spitting it out. One things for sure, we were too disappointed with our fellow brethren. We never thought that we can here those harsh words from such being :(
Caterer (from Madel's Cuisine to Dories Catering)
I don't know if I did the right choice of changing my caterer. But the last time I've tried contacting Madel's, none was responding. So I shifted to their fellow supplier, Dories Catering.
Dories Catering served as my highschool friend's caterer on her wedding last January 2015. The food was okay and affordable. The taste is not as grand as other caterers but I like the homey feeling whenever you taste their dishes. And the fact that we we'll only have a budget wedding, we prefer something that is not too expensive.
I've already met with John Garcia last February and also paid him 5k for the reservation. He's nice and I love his ideas and suggestions for the reception. However, until now, we haven't received any mails or texts. Although their staff confirmed that our date is already reserved, I still can't sleep well because we only have less than four months left. Yet our caterer is not coordinating with us.
This is really frustrating.
Bridal and Entourage Gowns (from Outfit to Divi gowns)
I had to give way. I know that every woman want to wear their dream wedding gown. But there are things you have to give up to meet your needs or goals.
We commenced plan B and scoured Divisoria for a cheaper wedding gown. Luckily, we found one that quoted us half of the price of the design I want. Not only that, Ate Lydia, the owner was nice and really accommodating. We'll be back on her shop this May for the groom and groomsmen's suit and for my first fitting as well.
Prenup Location (from Blue Gardens to Wildlife)
I remember my fiance telling me that he doesn't want us to have our pre-wedding shoot at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife. So I looked for a place that is more secluded and within Quezon City. I thought Blue Gardens is a perfect place for our engagement session. The venue looks very serene and perfect for shoots. However, we need to pay 8K to rent the place. Cheaper than other locations but we ditched the idea because again, we have to stick to our budget.
We ended up choosing Wildlife. It's way affordable as you will only pay the entrance fee. Then you are free to roam around the park.
Hotel (from Microtel to SEAMEO International House)
I thought that we'll get Microtel for a cheaper rate if we'll booked it in Agoda. But no. It is still pricey. Thanks to one of the Girltalk brides for the heads up. She suggested to check out SEAMEO International House, which is just behind Microtel.
We were surprised that for a 2-night stay, we were only quoted 9k. That's for two rooms already. What I also love about the hotel is that they don't have any wedding fees to pay and no limit on guests per room.
I haven't seen the hotel personally as the last time we visited, their was a staff meeting. We are planning to book the hotel by the end of this month, as soon as all our church requirements are processed. For our other suppliers you may refer below.

BOOKED: Reception Venue: Don Jose Clubhouse Rings: Zoey Entourage Dresses: Cruella n' Co OTD and emcee: 7ten5 events and Ka Lowell Photobooth: Shutter Monster Guest Souvenirs: Chrixien's Scents Projector and additional lights: Audiotrixx Florist: Ysabelaflorist Photo and Video: Cupcake Cinema Hair and Makeup Artist: Elsie Libunao Artistry Invitations, Bouquets and Candy Souvenirs: Zeru Paints
TO BE BOOKED: Sponsors Souvenirs: Dreality Bridal Car: None yet Crew Meals: None yet
Hoping that everything will be okay soon because this whole wedding planning is giving me so much headache that I might end up in the hospital before the big day :(