Event Partners | Wedding Band

At last we have decided which wedding band to buy.

2nd September 2010 (Thursday)
I requested my "ate's  in the office (Ate Retchel, Ate Juliet and Ate Feli) to accompany me toDubai Gold Souq. Matapos maligaw ng driver namin, natunton namin ang aming patutunguhan. Tapos, sa pagtawid ng kalsada muntik na rin kaming masagasaan ng rumaragasang taxi. Kasi tumawid kami sa HINDI tamang tawiran. Narating din namin ang aming paroroonan sa kabila ng mainit at maalinsangang hangin ng Dubai... 


So here's the winner wedding band:

almost 30 days until the wedding, WEDDING BAND... BIG CHECK!

Wedding Band Supplier Details:

Mohanlal Vallabhdas & Bros. Motif Jewelry
Deira Gold Souq, Dubai
 

Email: mohanlal.vallabhdas.eim.ae

Website: http://www.mohanlaldxb.com/

DIY: Monograms Finally

At last I have made our monogram. But we need to choose which one to use for the wedding stationery - Thank You Cards, Menu Cards, Ceremony & Reception Program...

1J419 means 1 John 4:19 - "We love because He first loved us."

Monogram A

Monogram B

Monogram C

Monogram D

Monogram E

Monogram F

Monogram G

Monogram H

Monogram I

Wedding Preps I Inspiration Boards

 Inspiration Board No. 1

Shades of Pink & Brown; Asian (Japanese) Elements

 Inspiration Board No. 2 - Ceremony Setup

Inspiration Board No. 3 - Reception Setup

Inspiration Board No. 4 - Reception Table Setup

Inspiration Board No. 5 - Other Reception Setup Elements 

(Dressed Tables, cake, Escort Cards, Guest Book)

Event Partners | The Venue - CHECK

The Secret Sanctuary: UP Bonsai Garden

Wedding Preps | Dress Fitting - CHECK

11 July 2010 | 2:00 am - DXB Time

I tried to complete the idea board for my wedding gown details and Shujin's suit. I need to email these details for our dressmaker's reference.


This "idea board" was LONG overdue and super last minute ko talaga tinapos. Cramming mode. Hahaha. I was up until the wee hours of the morning. :(

The IDEA Boards - Bride & Groom Attire

 
11 July 2010 | 6:00 am - MNL Time

Shujin left from Manila to Bulacan for the Dress Fitting.

Because he came home late from work, I dutifully served as his alarm clock. I called him at exactly 5:30 am MNL time (1:30 am - DXB Time).

At 9:00 am, Aling Ellen started to took the measurements of my female entourage, mama & daddy, sisters, and of course Shujin - while I was asleep. ^_^

Shujin took care of the whole coordination for the dress fitting for my female entourage (who lives in Bulacan) plus my whole family.  ^________^ Happiness. He also scheduled/ coordinated another appointment for my friends from Manila.

When I called him this evening, I asked - how was the appointment? what are his feelings about the whole "sukatan"? He told me how everyone looked at him while the dressmaker was taking his body measurements. (I know he was blushing at that time, 'cause he's the shy-type of guy). Then, he narrates how my niece and cousin (Mary Rose and Renren) enjoyed observing the "sukatan" while seating on his legs/ lap. *How I missed those moments!*

Side Kwento

Actually, days before the dress measurement appointment I phoned my mom to advise her that the dressmaker will come for the "sukatan". She asked if I'm excited about the wedding. I answered, "Medyo...". (feeling pero deep inside super excited). 

As per my dearest Mama, she is also excited. She also claimed for her completed recovery/ healing after suffering from stroke about 2 years ago. Yes, everyone in our family is excited for  my wedding but we are more excited to see my Mama walk down the aisle healthier than ever. 

*Hugs for my Mama >:D<*

Wedding Gown: Monique Lhullier | Veluz Gown | Carolina Herrera

DIY | 1001th Paper Cranes

Since we will have a Oriental (Japanese) inspired wedding, I was researching on Asian Wedding (particularly, Japanese) traditions which we can incorporate for our wedding. One of these tradition is the folding of 1000 "paper crane". Yes, 1000 pieces! 

What's special about the "crane"? In Asian point of view, they believe that the crane symbolizes honor and loyalty, long-life and good-health.According to the tradition, when someone completed folding 1000 paper cranes, their heart's desires will come true. For weddings, the 1000 paper cranes will bring the luck towards the marriage life for it will manifest the cranes way of life. Cranes are said to mate for life; male and female build their nest together. In other words, loyalty + fidelity; and building lives together.

As per the "paper folding" experts or origami masters, it will take about two months to fold 1,000 origami cranes. It was not specified if this means - folding paper cranes eight hours/ day. Whew! maybe I should start folding some papers now. 

Papers & Colors

In traditional Japanese weddings, there would be a thousand small origami cranes "in full rainbow colors". 

Green - Health

Yellow - Creativity

Red - Love

White - Purity

Blue - Loyalty

Orange - Enthusiasm

Purple - Spirituality

Marriage Internship through Paper Folding?

The time, patience, and understanding was immersed in folding a thousand of paper cranes. "These same qualities are vital for a marriage to last and thrive. This is why the symbology of 1,000 hand-folded cranes decorating a wedding is so powerful" (1)

Some bits of History and Culture

"The ancient practice of a man and woman folding 1,000 cranes for their wedding is called sembazuru. The tradition itself is called Tsuru wa sennen. The time and energy put into the thousand hand-folded origami cranes symbolized the patience and trust necessary to sustain a happy marriage. A couple who could weather the long, time intensive folding process together, supporting each other, talking with each other for weeks while taking on a challenging task was proving their ability to maintain a long term, content relationship". [Source: Wedding Tradition of 1,000 Origami Cranes]

For more detailed References/ Readings:

1. Meaning of Origami - on Color

2. Meaning of Colors in Origami - History

3. Wedding Origami Cranes Flowers and Favors

4. Thousand Origami Cranes Story

5. Origami Wedding

Tears of Joy

Note: A post 2 months delayed. Composed this, sometime May.

Had a phone conversation with Shujin-san.

For the past two weeks, we were discussing the direction of our careers, more particularly our career development. We were so broken with the happenings this month. We were so disappointed on how this worked out. We were so sad and tired.

But, as usual - there he is... putting his faith to God.
(1) God is faithful in all circumstance
(2) one should work for God and not for men
(3) and He sees and recognizes your works and efforts.

Tonight, as he was telling the stories of the things that happened. I can't help but cry. TEARS OF JOY. Because God is FAITHFUL, because he blesses those who WORKS for His glory, because he RECOGNIZED our efforts, because GOD IS CLOSER THAN WE THINK.

What happened?
Shujin's manager comended him for his works.
1. "Kung 'di ka lang talaga kulang sa papeles, gusto kitang mapunta sa na sa SM" (Shujin did not finished any 4-year engineering course, did not passed/ took any board exams. He just finished a 2-year vocational course. But, his manager sees his potential to be a leader, and his abilities and capabilites are well-suited for the position... except for the "papers").

2. "Kaya kayo (pertaining to the engineering trainees). Lahat ng gusto n'yong malaman, itanong n'yo na kay Manuel". (Grabe! How this guy trusts Shujin ng ganun-ganun na lang! As in super! He's not only telling that Shujin is "SO-RIGHT" for the "position" but he is very knows his job very well. That the manager even endorsed the engineering graduates to ask him questions.

Some comforting Words. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

"Lord our God, may your blessings be with us. Give us success in all we do!"

- Psalm 90:17 TEV

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us-yes, establish the work of our hands."

-Psalm 90:17, NIV

"Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering."

- Romans 12:1 MSG

"Maybe this job that I'm in right now is a phase of my life and I'm not going to be here the rest of my life. But this is where I am for now; therefore, I will worship God right now." - Rick Warren

"Each of you should go on living according to the Lord's gift to you ..."

1 Corinthians 7:17, TEV

Wedding Preps: 100 Days Marathon

100 days to go mark... UPDATES... UPDATES... UPDATES
We have 100 days left. Thank God, we have accomplished major tasks.

the CHECKLIST

1. Save the Dates: Completed the DIY card invites.---  completed/ distributed
2. E-invites: Send e-invited using www.pingg.com --- sent
3. Bridal Gown and Accessories / Groom's Suit
Finished my gown measurement last March. I just need to email my gown's details to our dressmaker. :) Shujin will have his measurement's together with the female entourage on the 11th of July.
4. Female Entourage Attire / MOB/ MOG: Scheduled Dress Fitting/ Measurement Taking on July 11
5. Officiant/ Church: Ptr. Christian - booked
6. Marriage License Requirements
a. NSO Birth Certificate --- checked
b. Certificate of Family Planning Seminar --- checked
c. CENOMAR --- checked
o Shujin was the one responsible to get these requirements. =)
o Few little things: cedula, photo ID, and application form.
Application: We will apply when I come back on September.
7. Ceremony/ Reception Venue: UP Bonsai Garden. --- DP paid checked
8. Caterer (includes Event Styling): Passion Cooks --- DP paid checked
9. Musicians for Ceremony: Dian --- checked
10. Wedding Host/ Emcee: Jay ---checked
11. Photographer: Joey Boquiren --- RP paid checked
12. Wedding Coordinators: Friends --- checked

THE MARATHON on the next 100 DAYS
I am so glad that we've got to accomplished the "major" items. But here's the deal... in the next 100 days WE still need to accomplish the following:
1. Shoes
Remarks:
Still can't decide which shoes I wanted. Good thing there's Dubai Summer Sale!
For Shujin, he wanted a All-Star Chuck Taylor. Need to find those shoes on sale.
2. Male Entourage Attire
Task: To find knitted vest and the flat hat
3. DIY Projects for the Entourage
a. Flower Girl Wands
b. Wedding Wands
c. Boutonniere
d. Wrist Corsage
4. Florist for the Bridal Bouquett
Remarks: Torn between a florist and DIY my bridal bouquet. It will save a few bucks!
5. Official Invitation
Task: to finalize design with Carla.
We will print the invited on September.
6. Wedding Program (Ceremony - Reception)
Task: To finalize with wedding ceremony details Pastor Chris; reception program with Emcee.
7. DIY Projects - Gifts/ Favors
Option 1: Tea
Option 2: Fan (also served as the wedding ceremony program)
8. DIY Projects - Guest Book
Option 1: Wishing Tree
Option 2: Photo booth + Scrap book
9. Light & Sounds
Remarks: Basic, Acoustic or Full-Band Setup???
10. Videographer
Remarks: Still, thinking if the on-site video is worth the bucks. I mean, got an idea with one of the w@wie sisses (Angela) to just play the events video - impromptu.
11. Hotel for Wedding Preparation
Remarks: I am still scouting for a better and affordable preparation venue. I just need some place near our venue where my family could stay the night before the wedding.
12. Wedding Band
Remarks: Found a very nice wedding band in Dubai's Gold Souk last April. But, Shujin and I decided to buy it on September. In that way, we can check our budget if we can be luxurious enough to buy those rings or we might as well buy more affordable one.

Hay, I don't know how can we finish the things left unchecked in our checklist. But in God's grace I know we can. AJA AJA!!!

The Search | Wedding Bands

THE GOLD SOUK ADVENTURE

(with Kay, the official photographre (Thanks, Kay!)

Went to Dubai's traditional gold souk market last Friday, 16th April. 

Perfect timing to find the "one" - because that day was also my parent's 32nd Wedding Anniversary (just thought of that fact).

(Entrance and inside Dubai Gold Souk Market)

My original plan was to canvas the prices of plain white gold wedding band in matte/ brush finish. But as we checked several shops, we saw lovely designs and this plan was shelved.

Shop 1:

Wedding Band Design: 2-tone wedding band. Sides (yellow gold), center (matte white gold). Comment: The ring thickness does not suit my ring finger. I have thin fingers that so therefore:

Note: 

Shujin's wedding band will be have thicker "shank"; mine will be thinner. ("Shank" means cylinder which goes round the finger).

Shop 2:

Wedding Band Design: plain white gold in matte finish, price is ok. Comment: realized, its too plain. So we asked if they have wedding bands we diamonds. The salesperson showed us a few selection. I choose the one with the diamond counterset on the ring. However, the priced will be doubled. 

(Design: Diamond Countersetting)

On the next shop, Kay and I checked other designs. She then suggested why not make Shujin's a plain white gold ring, while mine with diamond/s. What a nice idea. Besides, Shujin was the only one who was insisting to have a plain white gold design. So, we begun to asked for wedding bands with diamonds (*grins*).

Shop 3:

In this shop, the salesman gave us a a very good price. He gave us 30% discount compared to shop 2. The wedding band pair includes: one (1) plain white gold (for Him) and one (1) plain white gold with three (3) diamond in counterset around the ring. 

[Note: Kay and I realized that maybe the gems are not diamonds after all - 'cause its very cheap for a diamond. Maybe its just a zircon.]

Shop 4:

Here we're a little disappointed. The salesperson was a Filipina... at hindi n'ya kami inaasikaso. Parang 'di kami customer? Oh, well. We just asked a few questions and then left the shop immediately.

Shop 5:

The ring has the same design like Shop 3. But the price was higher. The owner asked us for our budget. We gave him the price which Shop 3 offered. He lowered his price but still a little higher than the first one. 

Shop 6:

Found a nice wedding band with three tiny diamonds. (almost the same as the photo). Very simple and elegant. It also fits my ring finger very well. It has a thin shank. The only problem - I have no idea where are they going to engrave our names, etc.

Shop 6

This is the shop where in we found "the one".

Both bands will have diamond grains (see photos) set on the sides of the shank. It is so unique and lovely. 

Usually, the gems or the precious stones setting is either channels, counterset, or clawed on the ring's head, shoulder or shank's surface. But this one is so different. This is the only time we asked if we can take photos of the rings. The shop's manager, or staff was so kind he allowed us to take the photos. He even assisted Kay so as to capture the ring's beauty. 

After this shop, we stopped looking.I found the one!


I was so excited to share it with Shujin. So, I called him immediately while waiting for the bus. I explained that the wedding band's price is overpriced in reference to our budget. But, he said there's no question about it. We'll wear it for the rest of our lives. He suggested to revise the budget and to check where we can cut expenses. In other words, budget cutting! 

<< Rewind: Shujin really wanted a nice wedding ring. Before when we went to the bridal fair last March, the wedding ring is a top priority for him (we just decided to buy the rings here in Dubai). But during our budget allocation, I convinced him to have a more affordable option. I explained that we can have a "nicer, more beautiful, more loverly..." wedding bands in the future. But then again, HE IS RIGHT. Hay. Kaya hindi naman talaga ako nahirapan na kumbinsihin siya na mahal ung nagustuhan ko. Hehehe. 'Nuff said. I REALLY LOVE THOSE RINGS.

So, it means -

...Letting go of some "wants". Sticking to "must haves". 

...Ctrl + H (seek help from friends)

...Press "TIPID MODE" button

Oo nga pala, di pa namin nabibili ito. Kasi kailangan ko muna talagang ipakita kay Shujin ung itsura n'ya. Noong ka-chat ko naman siya 'nung isang araw. Nagustuhan naman talaga n'ya. Kailangan pa talaga naming humanap ng paraan para madagdagan ung budget bago ko bilhin. Hay.

Bea

    ♥

B + R

DIY | Monogram_for Revision

Conceptualization

I've posted my first set of monograms before.
They are nice and pretty, but "the one" is not yet completed.
Let's just say, I am a person who's suffering from OCD. So, after spending my time creating the 1st batch. I will begin to conceptualize the 2nd (and hopefully, the final batch) of our monogram.

Concept please...
I want to use an AMBIGRAM of our names. I don't know anyone who could do that. I don't have enough time to learn  how to make ambigrams. As I search for an free ambigram generator, it will show the ambigram but you need to pay a certain amount to use the design. Sadness. So, I brushed off the idea of my "dream monogram".


Then "the" Font
One of the challenge of creating your monogram is choosing the right font. It should invoke your wedding theme in every way.The search for the font itself is difficult. I've checked several sites for free fonts - abstract fonts and dafont. Choose several appealing fonts. They are quite addictive. You'll see thousands of fonts - very overwhelming.

Which style? 
modern, contemporary? classic, elegant? unique
Actually, this helpful tutorial shows the interwined letters? or letter inside the box? or
other options?

But, unfortunately... I am still undecided.
I wanted to incorporated our wedding theme - Japanese/ Oriental.
Maybe, I should consult my friend - who is a graphic artist for suggestions.
As much as possible, I wanted to unify the elements of our monogram, invitation, programs, etc.

Maybe, I should focus. "Don't be distracted" with the information that's surrounding me.
"Focus!" Because if I will not stop from gathering design information, my wedding will be a "chopsuey" project. :(

Bea

    ♥
B + R

Event Partners | Wedding Attire

THE ENCOUNTER WITH ALING ELLEN: OUR WEDDING'S OFFICIAL "MODISTA" 

During my vacation, I've got a chance to meet one of our suppliers. A very friendly and nice fellow. :)
Aling Ellen was referred by my former officemates (Ms. Lyn and Hannah). She rendered her services for them. Si Ms. Lyn medyo metikulosa, kaya sa isip ko ok talaga siguro si Aling Ellen.

26 March (Friday) | 9:00
Sta. Maria, Bulacan
Nandun na siya before 9 am. Usapan namin alas-9 ng umaga kaso medyo natagalan kami ng mga 15 to 20 minutes. Siyempre, ayos iyon dahil maaga pa siya sa amin. Ibig sabihin pinahahalagahan niya ung mga kausap n'ya.

Tapos, nung napag-usapan na namin ung mga gusto ko para sa entourage. Ang nakakatuwa pa, gumagawa rin pala siya ng suit. Kaya isinama na namin sa package ung suit para kay Shujin.

Noong araw na 'un di pa ako nakapag-decide kung sa kanya na rin ako papagawa ng damit. Pero nakuha niya ung tiwala ko na sa kanya na ipagawa ang traje de boda ko. Very afforable at peso power. Actually, during our meeting I was still undecided if I am going to avail her services. What I have in mind that time is - ipapagawa ko ung aking wedding gown dito sa Dubai. But she said, ako daw bahala pero kung gusto ko na s'ya ung gumawa itext ko daw sa kanya ung body measurements ko para magawan n'ya ako ng lining. (Take note, that was Friday wherein my flight/departure was schedule on Tuesday). Sabi niya, kung maibibigay ko daw sa kanya bago magsabado, mapapagawa na daw niya ung lining at sa Martes maaari niyang dalhin sa bahay namin 'ung lining.

Note: Si Aling Ellen ay nagbibigay ng mahusay na serbisyo. Kasi talagang pinupuntahan niya ung bahay ng mga brides at ng mga abay. Sabi niya, ibigay mo lang sa akin ung number nila. Ako na bahalang makipagkita sa kanila. O di ba? Pakiramdam ko napakasuwerte namin sa kanya.

When we got home, after analyzing our budget. Shujin and I decided to let her do my bridal gown. Sa totoo lang kasi, di ko talaga balak magpagawa sa couterier. Kasi may background din naman ako sa design. Kaya naghanap na lang ako ng design inspirations. Tapos konting alteration un na. Kailangan ko lang talaga ng magaling na mananahi.

Kaya sa bahay, ayun nagpatulong ako sa nanay ko, kay Shujin at sa kapatid ko na kuhanin ang body measurements ko. Hehehe. At siyempre, isa-isa ko silang itinext kay Aling Ellen.

30 March (Saturday) | 10:00 am Our House
As usual, Aling Ellen arrived early on our meeting place.
Hay, pagdating sa bahay ayun nag-usap na kami tungkol sa mga porma ng damit para sa mga abay. I gave her the idea files of the gowns. But then when we were discussing about my wedding gown, she was able to convinced me to change my design inspiration. Para kasi sa kanya, ung gusto kong gown di ganun ka-ok sa type ng katawan ko. Kasi medyo malaki daw sa akin si Shujin, so lalo akong liliit sa gusto kong porma ng damit. Kailangan ko daw medyo ung nakakataba... at sobrang binilinan niya akong magpataba pa! Para maganda kayong tignan ni Roland sa picture.
Side Note: Sa totoo lang, kung ung ibang brides gustong magpapayat ako problema ko kung paano tumaba or magkalaman ng konti. Di kasi magandang tignan ung pagkapayat ko e?

GOWN A: this was my "dream gown" talaga!

GOWN B: This is the gown which my Mama and Aling Ellen suggested.

Dahil may peticot daw ang gown na ito, magkakalaman daw ako.

Ewan ko ba, nakumbinsi naman ako. Pati si Shujin, gusto rin ito. At may point din naman sila na medyo nakakapayat pa lalo ung gusto kong gown.

Ngayon, sobrang excited ko na makita ung gown ko. Ewan ko ba pero may tiwala ako sa modista ko. Hehehe. Magaan loob namin sa kanya.

Bea

   ♥

B + R

DIY | Save the Date - CHECK

CALENDAR SAVE-THE-DATES
I begun creating the design of our Save the Date invites, two days before my departure. I did dozens of drafts, but I was never contented. It was difficult to create or to personalize it.

Here's how we made our STD Invites.
1. Background Image
Used Adobe Photoshop to make this design.

"Sakura" cherry blossoms

2. October 2010 Calendar
Used Microsoft Publisher to layout the Calendar, then I used the Cherry blossoms background to add some flair, and Japanse feel.
Printed in a textured ecru paper.

♥
B + R
(Marked on the 8th October)

3. Save the Date Mini-Card/ Reminder
Again, used the Publisher program. Printed it in a white vellum paper.

4. With covering paper (tracing paper)

5. Ribbons
The colors resembles our color motif, which is Shades of Pink + Brown

I so love the ribbons.
I simply ♥ ribbons.

6. Poster paper/ Construction paper (for the main invitation cover)

7. STD Invites ready for distribution.

the official "Save the Date"

Project Cost:
1. Bea & Roland's labor charges
2. Electricity charges
3. Printer's Ink
4. Paper:
20% - bought (less than P100)
80% - from my stocked specialty papers, tracing paper, etc.
Aliw kasi ang dami ko pang "basura" noong college. I cannot let go of them feeling ko mapapakinabangan ko pa. Ayan napakinabangan na nga... ^________^
5. Ribbons (less than P50)

Project Duration:
less than 24 hours before Bea's departure.
about 6 hours

Post-Project Review:
While doing this DIY, Shujin and I realized how we are different in a lot of ways - design, working attitude, aesthetic judgement, etc. He can easily decide which is which. I can never decide which; plus after he choose a design I will show him another design. Hindi rin ako masyadong makulit o sinusumpong ng pagka-OC.

Ang nakakatuwa lang, naintindihan namin ung "pagkakaiba namin". Hindi namin pinag-awayan na makulit ako. Hehehe. We learned to understand each other. This is the first DIY project we did. Shujin helped out (though he took a few naps - as always!). It was like doing a school project. Feeling ko classmates kami na nagkacramming dahil submission na bukas ng plates. Hehehe.



   ♥
B + R

Wedding Preps | 29 days in Pinas

Our ACCOMPLISHMENTS, after 29 days.
After 29 days of my annual vacation, here's our accomplishment.

T'was really difficult to plan a wedding event! It feels like you're doing a thesis or producing a concert. It is very stressful especially for an overseas bride like me. But I am very thankful that Shujin and I were blessed with enough time during my vacation to check, plan and decide on important details for the wedding. Despite his busy work schedule we were able to accomplish major items.

1. First of all, finally decided on WEDDING DATE CHECKED

Date:
8 October 2010, Friday
Actually, my mother was the one who suggested the wedding date. Medyo mapamahiin kasi e? Criteria: Full Moon. E ang full moon ng month of October is the 8th. Kaya ayun, kaagad-agad final na.

2. Ceremony & Reception Venue - CHECKED
UP Bonsai Garden
The venue is perfect for intimate occasions. Plus, it goes with our theme - Japanse Oriental.

3. MARRIAGE PREPARATION SEMINAR - CHECKED
We completed four (4) Sessions; once a week; 2 hours each session.

The seminar also incorporated a Family Planning. In this way, we do not need to take family planning seminar conducted by government agencies.

We enjoyed every bit of the seminar.
It gave us a "sneak preview" on what to expect as a married couple.
We were very glad to complete the workshops after each chapter.
Super saya!!!

4. Main Photographer - CHECKED
Joey Boquiren
I met Joey last March 13 at the PICC Wedding Expo.Then, we booked him the next day.
Even my MOH is impressed with his works. She even recommended him to her officemates!

5. Wedding Gown, Groom's Suit, Entourage Attire by Aling Ellen (peso power!!!) - CHECKED
March 30 (10 am): Final meeting with my modista, Aling Ellen
It was the morning of my departure day. Aling Ellen brought my gown lining and fabric swatches. We also finalized the details of the entourage
- Wedding Gown First Fitting - CHECKED
- Entourage Dress details - CHECKED

6. Save the Dates - CHECKED
Now ready for distribution
I completed the decide of STD, one day before my departure.
Actually, I cannot decide on how I will execute it. I presented dozens of options to Shujin.
He said: Ang hirap ko daw kausap. (hehehe) Ngayon, ok na. Bukas, may ipapakita ka nanamang bago.

the "official" Save The Date Invites

7. Caterer (to be booked)
We decided to get Passion Cooks. Maja was very nice and accommodating!!!
The package will include the wedding cake (cream puff!!!) plus venue styling.

8. Church Requirements
- Marriage Preparation Seminar
- Meeting with Officiating Pastor (c/o Shujin)

9. Florist
We met the florist whom my former officemate recommended. She gave us a affordable quotation.
Still undecided - to book or not to book.

10. Finalized details:
- Wedding Gown & Groom's Suit Details
- Entourage attire
- Invites Details
- Motif & Concept
- Budget
- Initial Guest List

11. Assignnments
For Shujin: - coordinate with the Venue Contact Person - contact the light & sound system supplier - coordinate the entourage attire for male entourage plus the bearers - meet with the officiant/ pastor - meet suppliers for payment, etc.

For my friends: Dearest Twin Carla - invites DIY Project - when I return this September

For my sister: Esel - rehearsals with for the ceremony & reception

Break A Leg: a-must-do in 30 days

"1st of March = break a leg"

(Literally, I will be break my legs on endless walking and appointments during my 30-day vacation this March!!!)

I am having my much-awaited annual leave. A time to be with my family, friends and of course - Shujin. But, I cannot rest or be on-vacation mode for I will need to work double time in order to accomplish the things for the wedding.

With almost 8 months left before October, we still do not have the date and venue, as well as the major suppliers. We really need to break a leg and to catch up with the preparations.

Here's an excerpt of my email to Shujin-san. I want him to be well-informed on our must-do list so that he can set his schedule.

Check mo ung naka-attached na Excel file... fill-in the blanks.
You need to determine the date of the following:
1. Pamamanhikan Day
2. Pangasinan Trip + Ecopark Day
3. Road Trip Day with Carla

Here are the things we NEED to accomplish:
1. Priority in the 1st week is PAMAMANHIKAN so they will decide:
-when is the wedding the date?
- who are their suggested ninong and ninangs, as well as entourage?
2. Brainstorming
- decide the mood, theme, color, motif of the wedding
- finalize guest list
- finalize entourage
- budget allocation
3. Check & book the following suppliers:
Venue
Let's have one day to check
- Bulacan Venues: (1) The Greenery, (2) Sitio Lucia, Sta. Maria (3) Angel's Garden, San Gabriel, Sta. Maria
- Cavite & Batangas Venues: (1) Banio Kreek, Cavite, (2) Balai Indang, Cavite,
(3) Villa Crisanta, Batangas
Caterer
I will schedule a food tasting with the following:
(1) K by Cunanan Catering
(2) Better Pan Catering
(3) Auffrance
Photo & Video
Let's check this in the Bridal Fair.
But I'll arrange a meeting with this two:
(1) George Padua
(2) Joey Boquiren
Invitations - printing press
Let's check RECTO
Wedding Rings
Let's check Binondo, or SM
Bridal Dress & accessories
Let's check Divisoria
Groom's Attire
- Let's check Divisoria, or Onesimus na lang
Hair & Make-up artist
Let's check sa Bridal Fair
Wedding entourage attire
Let's check Divisoria
Entourage flowers
Let's check Dangwa
Giveaways/ Favors
Let's check Dapitan and Divisoria

4. Attend the following:
- Marriage Preparation Seminar (March 1, 8, 15 & 22)
You need to call Anna, to check on the Wedding Ceremony requirements; also you need to go to church this Sunday to register P700 per couple.

- Family Planning Seminar
can you check for a schedule sa Manila City Hall na lang, or sa Bulacan

- Bridal Fair (March 13, 14)
I already registered. Let's just check it. We'll be coming with Wenthel.

- Food Tasting

5. Meeting with:
- Suppliers - food tasting with the caterers
- Carla - for the invitation layout
- Bitoy - for the event style
- Dian - for the music
- Ninong & Ninang

Medyo hectic schedule natin Shujin, pero ung iba naman diyan we can schedule in one day

Bu there are some slight changes.
Venue
(1) Amaranth Garden
(2) Casa Español
(3) UP Bonsai Garden + University Hostel
(4) Chateau Verde, UPD
(5) Blue Gardens
(6) Solea
- we need to change the venue area/ location because of budget constraints.
This will save us from OOT fees.

Caterer
(1) K by Cunanan Catering
(2) Auffrance
(3) Casa Español
(4) Chateau Verde

Photo
(1) George Padua
(2) Joey Boquiren
(3) My Photato
... and other options

Video
(1) MG Digital
(2) Bong Videos

Invitations, etc.
To finalize design with my twinny, Carla - STD & Formal Invitation
To check suppliers for printing

Wedding Rings
To check for options... but opt to buy the rings here in Dubai.

Bridal Dress & accessories
To check Divisoria; other suppliers recommended by w@wie sisters

Groom's Attire
To check options for suit or suit barong

Hair & Make-up artist
To check the Bridal Fair. But hopefully, I could get either Val Villarin or Princess Misa (they are both received praises from sisses at w@w)

Wedding entourage attire
To finalize design and look.

Entourage flowers
To check Dangwa for supplier.
Flower Options fro Bridal Boquet:
- Poppy Anemone; Ranunculus; Lily of the Valley; Carnations/ Peonies

Giveaways/ Favors
To check options and ideas at Dangwa and Divisoria. Might be a DIY.

Attend the following:
Already registered for the Marriage Preparation Seminar (March 4, 11, 18 & 25)
Change of seminar day from Mondays to Thursdays.

Family Planning Seminar
Don't know how to register or to schedule for this

Bridal Fair (March 13, 14)

Food Tasting

Meeting with:
- Suppliers - food tasting with the caterers
- Carla - for the invitation layout
- Bitoy - for the event style
- Dian - for the music
- Ninong & Ninang
+++ Wedding Coordinator
(1) FAB Events
(2) Once A Bride

I hope we can accomplish these tasks in 30 days. It seems very impossible but with careful planning and proper time management I think we can pull through.

Working as a Project Coordinator is a blessing. I am very trained with setting meetings and appointments; budget estimates and costings; working on the plotted schedule. ^_^

I will treat our wedding preparation as my own "project"; wherein I will need:

• to plan and to plot the project schedules and milestones
• to provide the budget estimate
• to compare suppliers in terms of cost and quality

Hay. Everything seems impossible but I know we can do it.

"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". -Philippians 4:13