i made my Groom cry

June 11, 2011

I've seen enough wedding SDEs to know that there are grooms who cry on their wedding day. I asked Topher if he would cry once he saw me walking down the aisle, his answer -  maybe. I was actually just teasing him. I mean if he was moved to tears once he saw me walking down the aisle, that's awesome, if not that's ok too. While doing our misalette, I asked if we should create our own personalized vow for each other and he declined.  I know him well enough to know that he may uncomfortable with reading his vow in front of hundreds of people. We designed and created the misalette to know how the ceremony will flow. However, God has other plans.

As I started to walk down the aisle and my parents met me halfway, I saw my Tatay crying. It was one of the few occasions that I saw my Tatay cry and that almost undid it for me. I had to tell him jokes about not crying so that I will not cry myself.

Then we started to walk to the altar, to the man I will be marrying again. I am sooo happy to see him. I missed him since we haven't seen each other since breakfast that morning. My parents handed me over to Topher and I kiss Mama and Papa. Then we made our way to the altar and Fr. Allen started the mass.

The homily was incredible. Fr. Allen's words were full of lessons and stories and jokes in between. He even sang a song for us. After the lighting of the candle, it was time for the vows. Fr. Allen asked us if we have any personalized vows that we would be reciting, we told him we don't have any. He then instructed us to think of any message that we would want to say to one another after the vows. This made me nervous but I know what I wanted to tell Topher. So after the vows, I gave him my message "As early as 14 years ago when we first met, I will always be here for you. You are the only person that I cannot live without. I love you." And my Groom starting crying. When he gave me his message "Thank you for being there for me, through good memories and through tough times. I really appreciate it. I love you." I started tearing up too.

That made our vows more special. Although the message is short, it was heartfelt and honest and it is what we were feeling at that moment. It is priceless and I am eternally grateful for Fr. Allen for giving that moment to us.

Next came the blessing of the Arrhae, Rings and Bible and then the Lighting of the Unity Candle. Then it was the laying of the Veil and Cord and then the Nuptial Blessing. After the communion, the ceremony was concluded and we were presented as Husband and Wife in the eyes of our family and friends and importantly, in the eyes of God. And then we kissed and hugged. It was such an amazing moment.

After signing the marriage contract/license (again!), it was the pictorials inside the church and then the recessional. We informed the guest to proceed to the reception venue while we are shooting pictures around Caleruega. It was my parents who waited for us to finish, then we all proceeded to the venue.

Traffic is not as horrible northbound but still the usual 30 minute drive took almost an hour and I'm scared that the guests may have not been able to figure out where the reception venue is. The relief I felt when I saw the number of cars park was so great, I can almost touch it. Guests made it! :) And our OTD team happily reported that people are having fun getting their coffee and photos taken while waiting for us. Awesome! We were led to the room that we would stay the night and my HMUA team is still there. How I love them. They really waited for me, for my retouch. I started eating some appetizers while Ms. Chichi is retouching my make-up. Then we were led to the reception place for the program to start.

We had our Father-Daughter and Son-Mother dance, and then Topher and I had our first dance to Incubus' Admiration. I love that song. And then it was cake-cutting time! Afterwards, it was pictorial time with each table so that the guests can start eating! I'm sure they're hungry because I am. While having dinner, we had the games and the AVP presentation that Topher created was shown. It was our growing up years. Then our SDE was shown, and I'm happy with the output. Topher was almost moved to tears again!

A few messages from our families and godparents and then before we know it, the reception program is finished! We didn't really got to eat since we had photo booth pictures with family and friends. I went over the suppliers who were having their dinner and I'm glad they've got to eat properly. I saw them lining to the Starbucks kiosk too, I'm happy they had a good time too. After all the guests left and most of the suppliers, we retreated to our room and was sooo happy and glad that the wedding is a success. God is truly great to us.

Supplier Ratings

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8 days before the big day...

Pardon the posts' titles from here on 'til our wedding day. :)

June 03, 2011

We've accomplished a couple of important things today! Even before heading home to Manila, Chi (of OAB) and I would meet online to discuss matters and questions that I would have about the wedding. Small wedding details that I keep on thinking on and on for days. The last time that we chatted online, we've set a schedule to meet at Moon Garden. Although they've handled several weddings in Tagaytay, this will be their first at Moon Garden and today was also the first day they would visit the place personally.

I've visited the place last year, when I went home unexpectedly. The whole family (Tatay, Nanay, Carlo and Chai) came with Topher and me when we met the OAB team. When we got to the venue, I was really surprised about the changes in the place. To tell you guys honestly, I was disappointed with the changes that I saw. More about that on the supplier's rating (coming soon).

Chi came with her husband, Jardonyx (June) and Ate Pia. Since Chi is already on her last trimester, she wouldn't be physically at the wedding, but the whole team will be there. She assured me that she will be on top of everything throughout the day.

We looked around at the venue and then we decided on where things will be set-up. I gave her a reception layout which Lace (of K by Cunanan) gave me before. It was a layout on how K by Cunanan usually set things up in Moon Garden. We then decided on where we would place things around the caterer's setup.Like where the Starbucks coffee station would go, where will be place the photo booth, the registration tables, string the escort cards and put the appetizers table. After a couple of hit and miss, we agreed on things.

Moon Garden setup from K by Cunanan

We proceed to the details of the weddings, things that I still need to finish and turn-over to them. Here are some of the items that we've discussed:

citronella candles/mosquito patches - as suggested by both Lace and Chi, we should get these just to make sure that guests not be swamped with mosquitoes. The garden has tons of ponds and the rainy season adds to the mosquitoes at night.

1 bedroom suite/deluxe room - they suggested that with the rooms, i should get one like a suite as there will be tons of people coming in that day, that is without adding in the guests and would visit. The last thing that all of us would want is a stressed environment come wedding day.

body form - they asked to make sure that the body form that Tito Boy lent me can be adjusted to my height.

steam iron - for last minute clothes that needs to be pressed.

Bible and pouch - things that I still need to buy!

organize things - organize and label that are needed for each. Place them on a box/paperbag for each place, like preps, church and reception.

labels - make sure that the gifts and the ties/vest of sponsors are properly labeled.

wedding march - prepare cds of the entourage/ wedding march in a CD in cda and mp3 format. also have it saved on a flash drive for back-up

fruit basket for offertory and stipend - need to prepare for the offering

water and snacks - they also recommended that if there are guests coming in from Manila/far location, we can opt to buy water and some snacks that they can distribute while waiting for the ceremony to start

string - needed for the escort cards

gift/gift certs - prizes for the games at the reception

OAB will still need to contact Starbucks Tagaytay to suggest the additional glasses to extend the number of the frappes, and the wedding day schedule. We agreed that we'll meet again 2 days before the wedding.

Moon Garden

We invited the OAB team for lunch, they declined and explained that Ate Pia still need to attend her review school that day. We had lunch in Dencio's  Tagaytay before heading to Taal Vista to book our rooms.

@ Dencio's Tagaytay

I faced a dilemma when we reached Taal Vista. I wasn't prepared to shell out Php15,000 for a single night stay, and that is for my room only! Add Topher's room and we are looking at more than Php20,000 for a single night accommodation. I had to ask Topher and make sure that he's ok with the rates that we will be shelling out. He told me that this is only one day that we'll going to splurge and it's something that we need. So might as well get the best. Awwww. :) It the end, the front desk people at Taal Vista gave us discounts and generously granted my request for late checkout on all rooms (2pm checkout), that made the hefty price tag all worth-it.

Taal Vista

Before heading home, we met with Ate Yhoan of Yhoan's Flower shop who will be supplying our flowers, for both entourage and church come wedding day. I'm happy that she kept the pegs of the flowers that I've shown her for the bridal and the entourage bouquets. We also discussed the church flowers and the inclusions of the package (bridal car flower, offertory flowers, petals for the recessional etc). I still have to give her pegs of the groom's boutonniere as well as the entourage's. We agreed that I'll send the pegs over email and that if she has any concerns, we can chat, call and text.

We went to the mall to pick up supplies that I'm gonna need for the missalette and thank you cards. We still have tons of DIY projects to finish, but bar none, the hardest part of all this is the guest list. Why can't people do a simple RSVP? I've given all the contact information, online and on paper. A simple SMS would do. A message on Facebook would suffice. But noooo, most would still not do it. So all you brides-to-be, be warned as early as today. Finalizing the guest list is the hardest thing that you would have to do.

a bitterswet homecoming

It's been more than 2 months and yet I'm not at all back in the wedding preps game. I feel like I have so many things to write about. I'm gonna start with how I spent my time in Manila when I went home unexpectedly.

July 26 to 28 - I booked my flight back to Manila on the early morning of July 24, my Lola was still with us then. I hoped and prayed that I will be able to see her alive, but God seems to have a different plan. My flight to Manila was around 12nn CDT via Korean Air. The flight was LOOOOONG to say the least, but it was uneventful. I was pleasantly surprised at the plane and I find the flight attendants soooo pretty. They have the cutest outfit! (with a huge ribbon on their neck)

(Korean Air Flight Attendants)

Food is also good, they provided snacks every two hours or so. Each coach passenger has her own monitor, so that beats the long flight going to Seoul (stopover). There was a 4 hr overlay in ICN but the wait was not something you'll fuss over. ICN was loaded, they have showers and lounge areas where you can kick back and relax while waiting for the flight.

As soon as we landed, I have to mentally brace myself for what I will see once we were at my Lola's. I know she's already in her casket, that was really hard. The last time I saw her, she was alive and well. Honestly, it didn't really hit me that she was gone, all the time that I was there, I kept waiting for her to come at one of the doors.

July 29 - Started the day early, we went to Lola's wake. I had a real hard time with the weather. Although it was summer in Chicago when I left, Manila's heat is something else. Humidity takes the heat on to a whole new level. At around lunchtime, we (Chai and I) went to Gateway Cubao. I had to retrieve a package that I've sent to a friend's family. At around 4pm, we're back in Cavite. Stayed until midnight for Lola's wake.

July 30 - Early day again, we went straight to Lola's wake. In the afternoon, Chai, I and Ate Dith went to SM Dasma to buy white polo shirts for the following day's interment.

July 31 - It was a sad and exhausting day. Hard to say goodbye to Lola forever. :(

Aug 01 - Attended the weekly mass at Our Lady of La Sallette. I know if Lola had been there, she would not miss the Sunday mass. Although my reasons for going home was less that ideal, I tried to squeeze in as many preparations that I can until the time to return to Chicago. After mass, Chai and I went to SM Megamall to attend the Wedding Congress Asia. I was actually disappointment with the number of participants, as the suppliers that I'm looking for were not there. I also stopped by the W@W booth, unfortunately no one was there, I think they attended a birthday party.

Aug 02 - Lola's 9th day. There was a little salo-salo at her house, by lunchtime I went to SM Dasma for a footspa. I plan to enjoy the little things that we cannot enjoy in US because it's way too expensive there.

Aug 03 - My Tatay cleared his day for me. He accompanied me to Tagaytay so that I can personally check our reception venue and hotels for the wedding preps. It was drizzling when we got to Moon Garden. The garden and pavillion was nice and pretty, as it was in the pictures. I was just a bit concerned about the space of the pavilion and where the stage will be set. K by Cunanan is one of their accredited caterers and so I'm pretty confident that they know their way around the place. Afterwards, we went to One Tagaytay Place to check their penthouse suite. I find the hotel far from the church and a bit crowded. We had lunch at Army Navy/ Yellow Cab before heading to Summit Ridge. I was impressed with the hotel, the huge reception feel of it. Rooms are a bit on the small side though. Taal Vista was next. The rooms are impressive specially those at the new wing, although they are on the expensive!. Last on my list was The Lake Hotel since it was fairly new. The place was a bit disgusting and unkept. Unbelievably, their rates are extorbitant, it's ridiculous.

Aug 04 - We visited my Lola in Las Pinas (father side). My youngest cousin is big now, how time flies. I'm happy to see them all again! :) Before heading home, I asked my Tatay to drop me off at a spa. I had one hell of a massage, it was soooo great!

Aug 05 - I had my trial make-up with MUA Cheryl Cabanos. She had a morning radio interview that day so my schedule was set back by 2 hours from the original schedule. We traveled all the way to QC for the trial. Her place was near Trinoma. We had a hard time looking for the place because it was raining hard. I loved my make-up and she's really nice! She asks me questions on how I wanted to look and if I liked how the make-up was set. Too bad her hair artist was not there at the time.

(my trial make-up with Cheryl Cabanos)

Aug 06 - Started the day early, got my hair rebonded. We started at around 10am and finished by 5pm. Just in time to go to Alabang to meet-up with Tin and Karen. I went straight to Festival to where Karen was working and then we waited for Tin to pick us up. We had a fantastic dinner at Kanin Club (LOVED the Tinapa Rice!) and then coffee at Starbucks before heading home.

(me, Tin and Karen @ Starbucks ATC)

Aug 07 - Shopping day at Greenhills. How I missed GH! The craziness, the people, the food and most specially the outfits! :) Chai and I had lunch at Racks and then we met Roshee at Bizu. It was already 4pm when we got to the bus stop going home to Cavite. Traffic was soooo terrible at Coastal Road, unbelievable. Titay celebrated her birthday and there was a small salo-salo at the kubo, too bad we missed it because of freakin' traffic. Ugh!

(Roshee, me and Chai at Bizu)

Aug 08 - Sunday Mass at La Sallette in Silang. Chai and I went home immediately afterwards since we have to pick up food for our HS get-together. Attendees are: Chie (w/Betty and Chloe), Eih, Lau, Fonti and Kaye (with Euno), Angel and Rex (with Eoin) and me!

(group picture!)

Aug 09 - Just stayed at home today, waited for Carlo to be back from school. Went to Ate Didith place across the street. Namiss kong mangapitbahay! :))

Aug 10 - Left home early, planned to renew my driver's license in Alabang and meet our OTD afterwards. However when I got to the LTO office in ATC, they said it's offline. I had to ask what that explicitly means because I really had no idea. Basically, their computers are down since the day before and no renewals whatsoever can be done. Great! Now I had to wait for more than 2 hrs for the mall to open and another 2 hrs to meet our OTD. Spent the morning in McD people watching while waiting for the mall to open at 11am. By 1pm, our OTD, Ms. Chi of Once A Bride texted me that we'll meet at Starbucks. Had a great time at the meeting, was able to personally meet Ms. Chi and her husband, and details of the wedding were discussed. :)

Aug 11 - Quiapo and Divisoria day! Mama (Topher's mom) and I agreed to meet at around 6am at the bus station going to Manila. We first went to Kisses' dorm to drop her things and then we went to Quiapo where I read I can find Wellmansson and other shops that sells beads and raw materials for the wedding cord. We found this store (which name I forgot) and they sell beads and materials cheaper than Wellmansson. I got a bit crazy and purchased a bit more than needed. Jeepney ride to Ilaya where we had lunch (Jolibee) and scouted for sellers of entourage cloth. Then we bought some ribbons before heading home.

Aug 12 - Tatay and I went to 3 couturiers near our place to scout for the one that will make the entourage dresses. First is Paul Mateo's place in Imus, Cavite. I've been a client of Paul before (I had my MOH gown made there) and I know he makes dresses very well. Prices was a bit higher than what I expected but it seems to be the norm nowadays in Manila. Next was Mr. Boy Kastner of Sheaths Couture. His place is in Molino, via Daang Hari. His shop is also their home and it was busy that time. He's very nice and easy to talk to. He knows a lot regarding dresses and made some sketches for the MOB and MOG. The last one was Dore along Aguinaldo Highway in Dasma, and I was very very surprised with their rates. Too expensive! We went to SM Dasma after to have some snacks before heading home.

Aug 13 - Last day in Manila. We (me, Chai, Nanay and Tatay) went to Tagaytay for lunch and also had coffee afterwards. Too bad Carlo cannot miss class, we would have been complete.

(us @ Pancake House)

At around 5pm, we picked up Carlo from school and my luggage as well and then we headed to Las Pinas to say goodbye to Nanay Yeng and our other relatives. By 7pm, we headed to the airport where we meet up with Mama and Kisses. My flight was not until 10pm that night but I got there early.

(Kisses, Mama, Tatay, me, Nanay and Carlo)

It has been a long and activity-filled vacation for me when I went home. Although it was not an ideal homecoming for me, I was glad to be there for Lola. I know in my heart that I had to be there for her. I miss Lola Cute, everyday. Specially when I chat with Nanat via Skype. I keep on thinking to ask about Lola, then I realized she already left us. :( I miss her so. Next year when we go home for the wedding, I know she'll be there watching over us.

booked: OTD coordinator, Emcee and Lights & Sounds

We've accomplished a lot in the last two weeks. We've been able to book our supplier for the Lights and Sounds, the Emcee and the OTD Coordinator.

Lights and Sounds: RejectKrewHonestly, I had a bit of trouble communicating with Elmer Bautista of RejectKrew. I've sent him an email and I haven't heard anything from him in a week. Good thing a fellow w@wie (Mich) offered to give him my email since they will be meeting with him later that afternoon. A day after, I received an email from Elmer explaining why he have not been able to reply immediately. He's one seriously busy man. He also mentioned that he's hesitant to accept bookings in Tagaytay as they are charged almost 80% more of the Manila rate. He explained why and I understood him. I'm happy that he was very transparent and honest about it, even suggesting to get other suppliers within the Tagaytay area. I told him that I'll get his services nevertheless, I wanted someone who knows their craft well.

We were currently pencil-booked with him for the wedding. I asked if he can meet my parents somewhere in Alabang to pay the booking fee, but he said he's very busy nowadays and can't afford to travel to Alabang. He'll have us booked even without the reservation fee. I said that we'll meet him a month before the wedding to pay the reservation fee and discuss the songs to be played. I'm confident that Elmer and his team will do wonders on our wedding day.

Emcee: Sweet Casuyon
Our caterer does not provide any freebies such as cake, emcee or bridal car. And I know that a good emcee play a vital role in any program. We wanted someone who can carry the program and be entertaining at the same time. We're thinking of getting either Ms. Missy and Ms. Sweet because of great reviews and feedback from fellow w@wies. Ms. Missy is unvailable on our wedding date, good thing Ms.Sweet still is. After inquiring with her and a bit of haggling, we came with an agreement and we booked her services as well! :)

OTD Coordinator: Once A Bride, Ms.Chi Hernandez-Abarquez
Having an OTD Coordinator is a must nowadays. And being an overseas couple, we see the need to have a coordinator more. There are not much suppliers that does not charge any OOT fee for Tagaytay wedding. This is one of the main reason why we got Once A Bride. Ms.Chi and her husband are actually from Cavite and that helps a lot in looking for other suppliers. Eventhough their team just started this year, they have more then 30 weddings under their belt and feedbacks have been positive. I know that they will be an outmost help come wedding day.