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

On the 32nd mark

I'm guilty of being forgetful. I remember during our courtships days, I told Shujin that to be my boyfriend means suffering... because I am SO forgetful, I might forget that He is my boyfriend.
Luckily I did not forget about THAT but from time to time, I always forget our official day. (The 5th day of the month signifies the day when we are officially "magnobyo").

But I am very thankful that he is not taking it against me whenever I forget it. I'm so lucky, isn't it? *grins*

For almost 32 months of being "together". Almost 3/4 of which I forgot our official day.
To make up with him, I wanted to reminensce those days when we are still literally together (now we are more than a thousand miles apart).

2007
2008

2009


2010... :)


:o:
:o: :o: :o: :o: :o:
:o: :o: :o: :o:

DIY | Monograms (First Batch)

FIRST ATTEMPT...

Being sick for 3 days depresses me.

... I hate lying on bed the whole day

... I hate taking medications

... I hate being unproductive

Well, today buti na lang I am well enough to at least move my fingers... and start excreting my creative juices. At least, I can be productive naman.

FIRST DIY for our wedding - MONOGRAM

Maybe I'll make 3 more Monogram... ^_^

Parang wala pa kasi dito ang The One. Hehehe.

I'll ask H2B to choose or to give some input first before I finalize the design.

Final Notes:
R for Roland
B for Bea
M for Manuel
Date and Venue - still undecided. That's why I cannot incorporate it with the monograms I made.

Motif:
Shades of Pink
Chocolate Brown
A small tint of pale blue

Program used: Adobe Photoshop