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