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.

finally, our Wedding Day!

June 11, 2011

For 18 months, I've been planning everything leading to this day. I've had countless dreams and nightmares, experienced stress as I have never had before. And then finally the day arrived. I am so grateful that the sun was shining. It's been raining for the last couple of days and one can only pray for a miracle.

My wake-up time is scheduled at 7am. I'm already awake at 5. Maybe it's because of the feeling of namamahay or just my brother doing his ninja moves while I'm sleeping next to him. I blogged how I was feeling that time here and then I woke up Chai, asking her to take a bath first since she takes forever to get ready. Then I called Topher and asked him to meet me at the breakfast lounge. I know that we need to eat properly and now is the only time we can do it. I'm pretty happy that we get to have together before all the craziness began. We took our time with our breakfast and we enjoyed almost everything on the buffet.

After breakfast, we went back to our separate rooms to get ready. I was about to take a bath when my OTD team came. They were sooo early! They're supposed to be there 9am and they showed up before 8:30! They advised me to take a bath and make sure I do all my business while at the restroom. They started preparing my dress and all the wedding paraphernalia on the bed. Just as I was leaving the bathroom, my photo team came! It was my first time meeting Puy and Chie.

A few minutes before 9am, my HMUA team came. It was also my first time ever meeting Ms.Chichi and her team. They went around the room, looking for the perfect spot with natural light to setup their equipment.  Ms. Chichi and I talked about the look that I wanted and how I wanted my hair to be, I showed her and Steph some photos and then we started getting ready.

Ms.Chichi started with me and my eyebrows. It's funny because it took her a while to style my eyebrows properly, I can confess that my eyebrows are not that greatly shaped. All the while, my Nanay is getting primped and one of my SS's hair is being done. After my eyebrows were groomed, I'm called to Steph's chair for my hair. It only took a few minutes for Steph to do my hair, and around this time, Ate Yhoan came with our flowers. I was sooo happy on how my bouquet look and my entourage's flowers! They're beautiful, the flowers were vibrant and fresh! My make-up took the longest time to finish, my butt kinda froze but it's all worth-it. I love my make-up and how it registered in the photos.

Before 10am, the video team came and then started taking videos of the wedding accessories. Once I'm finished with my make-up, I changed into my wedding dress and then it's time for the photos. Me getting ready, wearing my wedding dress. Putting on earrings and accessories.  Topher's sister helping me put on my shoes. I feel comfortable with Puy and how he directs the poses! "Very Nice, Perfect and Wow!" are what I usually hear from him! I feel really happy at the time and it does show in the photos.

We took some pictures at the hotel veranda and with my parents and immediately family. Next was with the entourage team, then my OTD informed me that we need to leave ahead of time. There is a long traffic queue going to Caleruega. Note that this is about an hour and a half earlier than the supposed time we're leaving for the church. Our regret is that we're not able to get photos with the Taal volcano at the background.

When we got on the road, the end of traffic was just before Bag of Beans. OMG. Super layo pa. And the traffic is NOT moving at all! Both sides are not moving. This is around 1:30pm. By 2pm, we just reached Residence Inn. We learned that DPWH had closed one of the lanes which basically means that traffic is stop-and-go. What we did is we counter-flowed with the incoming traffic, which I think is a very smart decision on my Tatay's part. See, he's the one that drove us to the church. 2:30pm we are still at Splendido/Royale Tagaytay. A few more miles to go. Ate Pia informed me that my groom is already at the church but our officiating priest is not there yet. We arrived at the church at 2:55pm. Just at the nick of time. We were not able to start with the bridal march immediately since my in-laws got lost somehow going to the church. We started the march at 3:15. I was suppose to do the long route for the bridal march but because of time constraint, I had to settle for the short-cut next to the church.

While I was waiting for the entourage march to finish, I was at the pathway leading to the church when my little cousin came and  started talking to me. I got anxious around this time, since I know I'm about to do my march any minute now. Then I heard the entourage song, U2's All I Want is You ending and finally my bridal march, Beatle's Here, There and Everywhere is blaring at the speakers. I started to walk.

the day before the wedding...

June 10, 2011

All our bags are packed. We've finally finished all the DIYs that needs to be completed. The misalette and the name cards were the last to finish. My whole family will be staying with me at the executive suite while Topher and his sisters will stay at his room. One of our primary sponsors will also be staying at the hotel with us, all in all, we're a loud group when we arrived at Taal Vista.

We left the house at around 4pm, triple checking that we have everything with us and nothing is left behind. After making sure that everything is completely packed, we're off to Tagaytay. We had small dinner at the lounge cafe before calling it a night at around 9pm.

Topher and I went to his room first since his sisters not yet there. We relaxed and watched TV, after a few minutes, I drifted to sleep. I remember waking up at around 11pm and returning to my room after we kissed goodnight. Need to rest, big day tomorrow.

Supplier Ratings

click the picture to view the complete post

3 days before the big day...

June 08, 2011

We woke up very early today. We're scheduled to have our precana seminar and canonical interviews today at St.Francis Xavier Parish in Nasugbu, Batangas at 7:30am. You may be wondering why we need to come all the to Nasugbu for both seminar and interview, see St. Francis governs our church, the Transfiguration Chapel in Batulao. It was a good thing that they do offer both precana and canonical for couples every Wednesday. We didn't have any other time to complete these 2 requirements aside from this week. Merely 3 days before the wedding day.

From our place to Nasugbu, it would take us about an hours and 30 minutes to get there. We left our place at around 6am. It was almost 8am when reached St. Francis church since it started raining really hard and there were road constructions going there. When we got to the church, we went straight to the office where we listed our names. Couple#10 it says. We then went to the waiting room and waited for our names to be called. It was an individual interview, it's usually the bride that go in first and then the groom follows. When it was my turn, I was just asked simple questions like date of the wedding, where is the church,  our job and where we worked. And then I vividly remember the priest thanking us for still deciding to receive the sacrament of marriage although we have been civilly married before. That's very special to me.

The precana seminar was administered by one of the church's nun. It was about marriage, sex and family. She explained the symbols of marriage like the ring, candles, veil and cord and what it signifies. She was also very opinionated on the subject of family planning and that every child is a blessing from God.

We left Nasugbu after 12nn but before we went home, I asked them if we can visit Caleruega first since it was within the route. It's been years since I last visited the church and that had been my first and last. When we got to Caleruega, the church was already being preparing for a wedding. Flowers are being adorned on the pews and on the altar. It's exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time, only 3 more days and I will be here again to be wed. :) We stopped by Mile-Hi Diner before going home and that was when the heavy rain started pouring in. I thought about the wedding in Caleruega, I prayed and hope that the rain would stop for them. God have other plans anyway, the rain poured until the next day.

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.

10 days before the big day...

After flying for 16 hours (12 from Chicago to Narita, 4 from Narita to Manila) and 4 hours in lay over time in Japan, we were finally home! Ahhh, the chaotic airport and the humidity just welcomes you with open arms. My entire family (Tatay, Nanay, Chai and Carlo) and Mama picked us up from the airport. It was almost 12 midnight when we left the airport and it took us about an hour drive from NAIA 1 to Dasma.

I requested for Cecille's Beef Kaldereta and Chopsuey for my dinner that night, and divulge on it with glee when we got home. Topher went to their home at night, that's fine with me since I know how sabik they are with his company. He hasn't been home for 3 years. After dinner, I'm off to bed.

So, technically my vacation started on June 1st, 10 days before the wedding. That day, we were scheduled to meet with Boy Kastner Santos, our entourage couturier and Lace Tan of K by Cunanan, our caterer. I would be meeting Tito Boy in the morning to bring in my dress to be altered, it's way too long and then meet Lace in the afternoon. We picked up Mama and Kisses before heading to Tito Boy since they will be fitting their dresses as well.

At around 10:30am we were at Tito Boy's shop and I had the my dress fitted for him to see how long it needs to be altered at the hem. I brought the shoes that I would be wearing on our wedding day, to be sure that the length will be perfect. That same day, we took home all of the secondary sponsors' dresses. I was told by Tito Boy that all of the dresses will be ready on June 7th, even my dress. The only dresses that we were worried about are my Ninang Lolit's dress and one of the secondary sponsor's dress, they were both overseas and they only gave the measurements online.

My meeting with Lace is at 2pm. We picked up Topher and Papa from their house and dropped off Kisses. To said that there was hell of a traffic going to Quezon City would be an understatement. Then we had to stop to ask for directions going to Kaye's address since my Tatay is not all familiar with their village, we did get as far as Ateneo though.

5 minutes before 2 PM, we finally reached and found Kaye's house. There were several cars parked at the front. When we got in, we were led to a beautiful indoor patio where most of the food-tasting and meetings are on-going. We were led by a helpful waiter to our table.

our mock-up table

I received an email from Lace a few hours before our flight home, she was asking for pictures and ideas for the mock-up table setup. I remember telling her that I want to see hydrangeas in silver pail, lamps, linen in our motif and a few other flowers. Nothing too stiff.

We were then served with our chosen menu. This will be the 1st time that we will be having a food taste with them, the initial one was attended by Topher's 3 sisters. So I was both excited and nervous about the food. Remember that both our set of parents are with us that day which makes it even more nerve-wracking. What if they didn't like the food?!

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

We were first served soup and then appetizers. Remember that we went straight here after our meeting with Tito Boy and we didn't stop for lunch, so we were really famished at 2pm. We all enjoyed the Broccoli and Cheese Soup. It was a bit cheesier than the broccoli and cheddar soup that I got accustomed to having at Panera Bread here in the US. Nonetheless, it was good.

hoisin chicken wrap, bruschetta and fried ravioli

The appetizers that were served are: Hoisin Chicken Wrap, Bruschetta with Roasted Eggplant, Peppers and Feta Cheese and Fried Spinach and Feta Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce. We kept all of them for the official menu. I specially love the Hoisin Chicken Wrap. Yummy!

oriental chicken salad

The Oriental Chicken Salad was served next and it was in a cute martini glass. It was a bit saltier that the usual Asian Chicken Salad that I love at Panera Bread, but we loved it still.

carrot rice, grilled red snapper, lapu-lapu and japanese rolled chicken

We were served the main entree; Carrot Rice, Grilled Red Snapper, Lapu-lapu and Japanese Rolled Chicken. I love the Carrot Rice, it was unexpectedly delicious. I asked them which of the fish dish to keep, Red Snapper or Lapu-lapu. It was unanimous with the Red Snapper. Everything was sooo good that we asked for 2nd servings of the Carrot Rice.

seafood pasta in pesto sauce

Topher chose the pasta dish. He looooves seafood in his pasta. We all liked it as well, however we replace the sauce with marinara, instead of pesto with the thought that more guests would have preferred it. But it in itself was already delicious.

We didn't get a chance to took pictures of the beef dishes that was served to us: Roast Beef Ribs with mashed potatoes and the Osso Bucco. Both were really really delish but we went with the Roast Beef and we were glad to know that it would be served in a carving station.

panna cotta, chocolate mousse and banofee

white chocolate decadence

We were to get 5 desserts for the dessert bar. At the food taste, we were served with the panna cotta, chocolate mousse, white chocolate decadence and banofee. We took the chocolate mousse off the menu, I find it too bitter. We replaced it with chocolate decadence and mixed fruit compote.While we were having desserts, Lace and I talked about the detailing, guests' tables and layouts. I'm glad that we got to cover everything that day.

We dropped off Topher, Mama and Papa in Espana before heading home. They decided to visit Gardini's for Papa's suit and to buy him a white dress shirt too.

It was a tiring but fulfilling day. We still have a lot to do and a ton of suppliers to meet before the big day, but it's pretty exciting as well. I won't let stress eat me up!

Hanging in there,

today is the day...

I'm already here at the hotel room, woke up a bit too early for the call time to start preparing myself. I can't believe it, after more then 18 months of preparation, the day is finally here.

Today, i will again marry by best friend, my better half and the person I cannot live without. :) I am forever grateful for being given the opportunity to experience God's blessing with the man I love most.

Topher, I love you and I can't wait to marry you again.

Vera Wang Spring 2011

Although I've had my dress for months, I still love to browse sites for wedding dresses. *sigh* Any bride would love to wear a Vera Wang.

FARRAH
One shoulder soft modified mermaid gown with hand-painted organza and metallic tulle with corset bodice and blossom flange skirt

FELICITY
Strapless tulle and tissue organza ballgown with floating petal rosette embroidery on bodice and softly tucked skirt

FIONA
Asymmetrically draped strapless stretch Mikado mermaid gown with full tissue organza skirt with ladder technique

FAYE
Strapless sweetheart lightweight gazaar & silk crepe sheath with corset bodice and asymmetrically draped skirt

FLORA
Strapless scoop neck tulle and tissue organza ballgown with floral sea bead embroidery on bodice and floating hand-painted blossoms on draped skirt

FERN
Strapless two-piece silk gazaar gown with multi-tiered peplum bodice and cascading peplum skirt with tissue organza ladder technique

FREIDA
Strapless sweetheart tissue organza & lightweight gazaar ballgown with asymmetrically draped corset bodice, Chantilly lace hand painting and softly draped skirt

FAWN
Strapless soft mermaid gown with pleated illusion keyhole neckline, floating Chantilly lace appliqué and soft tissue organza blossom flange skirt

ERICA
Strapless silk gazaar & tissue organza modified mermaid gown with full-length asymmetrical blossom flange detail

*all photos from VeraWang.com

something borrowed

Something old, something new, 
Something borrowed, something blue

"Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. "Something blue" blue has been connected to weddings for centuries.

Similarly, something borrowed is also the title of a novel by Emily Griffin and it was now a movie starring Jennifer Goodwin and Kate Hudson. Although I haven't read the book or watched the movie, I'm positive that it's a feel-good chick flick.

Anyway, my something borrowed are actually two jewelry items, the earrings and the bracelet that I'll wear. Mind you, I didn't borrow these items, they were offered to me! :) How lucky am I?

earrings from Ninang Bolin

The first one are earrings that will be lend to me by my Ninang/Tita Bolin. I've been asking my sister, Chai to check earrings at malls that I can use for the wedding. I'm not one for flashy, dangling earrings, really, a simple stud would do. When my Ninang learned this, she offered two pairs of earrings to me and took pictures of them, asking me to pick which one I liked better. I picked this one and I couldn't be happier.

bangle bracelet from Jo

The 2nd is a bangle bracelet! I love bracelets. I'm more of a bracelet person that a necklace one. I love statement bangles and cuffs. Jo is a friend here in Chicago that I met through a common friend. She also got married last October 2010. I saw her wedding photos and loved the bangle she was wearing! I asked her where she got it from, instead of answering my question me, she said "Ipapahiram ko na lang sayo, something borrowed mo na yun!" I'm truly blessed to have kind and generous friends!

Today is the 1st of May and I'm really happy that these details are finally off my long wedding detail list!

wedding escort cards

What exactly are escort cards? Escort cards inform your guests of their assigned table. Each card displays a guests’ name and a table number or the name of the table. The most common way to address escort cards is as follows - but you can do it your own DIY way of course:

Matt Bomer - the full name of a single guest
Table 1
Mr. and Mrs. Burke - a married couple
Table 2
Percy Jackson and Guest - if an invitee brings a guest whose name you don’t know
Table 3

I've been checking wedding websites for ideas for the escort cards and these are few that I found really cool! ;)

Caricature Escort Cards - theknot.com

Ketchup Escort Cards - theknot.com

Apple Escort Cards - theknot.com

Clothespin Escort Cards - weddingwindow.com

Flower Ball Escort Cards - elizabethannedesigns.com

Starfish Escort Cards - theknot.com

Escort Cards on Lemon treats - sdweddinginsider.com

Origami Escort Cards -  lullieux.com

Escort Cards as wedding favors

Modern Escort Cards - camillestyles.wordpress.com

I absolutely love the last one! So cool and fab! ;) I wonder if I can pull that one off. I've been thinking of doing clothespin escort cards using all the scrap papers from the invites, let's see that I can come up with! ;)