coins

Last Friday, Irvin already got the samples made by the supplier for our wedding keepsake. They made the commemorative coins (thanks to abie and howell for the idea!) in gold, silver and bronze. I like it very much and find it really nice. It’s a good thing Irvin and I happened to like the same finish…bronze. The diameter is about an inch and a half. This is definitely bigger than the P5 coin. I think this is about the same size as the old P1 coin. The ‘head’ shows San Agustin Church with the year it was founded at the bottom. The ‘tail’ on the other hand, has the ruins of Fr. Blanco’s Garden. We’ll have to ask them to remake the ruins though. It is beautiful but they made it too perfect. Thus, it doesn’t really look like the ruins. Also, our names and wedding date will be part of the back label. Irvin didn’t take pictures though. But I’ve asked him to take some shots including the drawing (made by his dad) we provided the supplier. We haven’t finalized yet as to how we will pack these coins. Wednesday suggested a velvet pouch or a red box with an orange ribbon to match our motif. I’ll make another post should the pictures be available.

2nd fitting with Veluz

I just had my 2nd fitting with Veluz earlier. Gosh! I didn’t really expect it’ll last for 2 hours. I was already excited when I got the fitting garment earlier…all the more when I actually tried it on. I felt like I was ready to walk down the aisle. It’s just a fitting garment and it looked good. Veluz was happy and excited too. There are still some adjustments to be made though…just minor. Well it’s a little loose on my tummy and on the upper chest. Haha! Yeah on the chest area… Geez! And it’s kind of tight too in the armpits. It’s uncomfortable I should say. Veluz said nothing to worry about. We could take care of all these when I get there in September.

She said she has already asked the supplier in Lumban to start the production of the embroidery. It’s expected to be done by end of July. She said we’ll do the beading of the bodice later for we might have some revisions still. I’m so happy with the train length though I must admit I can’t imagine how hard it’ll be at the reception. Veluz said she’ll put a button at the center back hipline then a short string on the middle part of the train. During the reception, I could just ask somebody to attach that string to the button to shorten the train. That is what you call ‘bustling’. She also asked me if I want a petticoat for my gown. I’m like…leave it to the professionals. She said she thinks it’s better to have one and besides, the gown will be heavy. So with the petticoat, it’ll help carry the overall weight. She also mentioned about the seamlines of the skirt which was not in her sketch. She said it’s needed to create a flare for the skirt. This is one thing I like about her. She will let you know every single detail. She will not assume that I didn’t notice that whatsoever.

Regarding the shoes, she said she always suggests for a close toe kind of shoes. Niko will send me some shoe designs and brooches as well. We’re putting a brooch on the gown of the entourage. Veluz has also mentioned she’ll ask Niko to design a hairpiece for me. Great!!!

One very good advice I got from her tonight is that never worry too much of the gown. It’ll get dirty no matter what and it’s meant to be. Don’t even make your groom uncomfortable just because you yourself are not. Relax and have fun at the reception!

You can see the pictures right here.

hairstyles to choose from...

I’m still undecided up to now as to what kind of hairstyle will I have. All I know is I want an updo…a little loose chignon maybe. Anyway, I’ve gathered some nice hairstyles from www.weddingchannel.com and www.theknot.com. Here goes…




Oscar Updo - This updo which sits further back on the head is dramatic without seeming over the top. You'll look as good from the back as you will from the front. This is perfect for the die-hard romantic.


Floral Chignon - Stunning and simple, a chignon is one of the most elegant bridal looks going today. A flower adds a delicate touch. This is perfect for the glamour girl.


Lovely Locks - This curled updo is pinned in numerous places so that the curls cascade in different directions.


Back Story - This simple chignon is pulled into a fan-shape where the hair radiates out from the center of the bun.


Prim & Proper - This back-do is composed of large loops, which gives the look visual interest and dimension.


On the other hand, I’m also thinking of…hmmm…sporting a more carefree hairstyle for the reception like this…

Long Hair


What do you think? Maybe you can help me decide?!

planning updates...

Church (San Agustin)
1. paid the reservation fee
2. full payment due 2 weeks before the wedding
3. pay the fee for additional PS and use of the loft

Reception Venue (Fr. Blanco’s Garden)
1. paid in full (4 hour rental)

Caterer (Skyline)
1. paid the reservation fee
2. food tasting & contract signing done
3. paid 70% to date
4. confirm replacements of items we’re not availing of (centerpieces, guestbook, dove release, torch)
5. finalize the menu
6. full payment due on September 16th

Cake (Alex Franco)
1. finalize cake design
2. payment due on the day

Bride’s Attire (Veluz)
1. bride’s package already paid in full on October 2004
2. 1st fitting (bodice) done
3. started the embro production on June 1st
4. 2nd fitting garment now with me awaiting chat schedule with Veluz
5. schedule a meeting to discuss entourage gown details

Groom’s Attire (Tesoro’s)
1. schedule measurement taking
2. start looking for shoes

Attire-Female Entourage (Leony Bautista)
1. down payment was made
2. measurement taking scheduled on June 26th
3. set up another schedule for 2 SS sometime early August
4. discuss thoroughly the gown designs (esp. that of the moms’)
5. ask the vendor to present more swatches
6. Wednesday to find more swatches also
7. finalize the fabric to be used by June 26th
8. hunt for brooches (rhinestones/gemstones)

Attire-Male Entourage (???)
1. look for a reasonably priced barong and pants supplier (pina, pina jusi, jusi)

Rings (Bong)
1. designs already discussed
2. set up another meeting to finalize the specs (esp. the ring widths)
3. make a down payment if needed

Photo (Mimi Abesamis & Karl de Leon)
1. down payment was made
2. 50% ??? before the wedding
3. schedule pre-nup pictorials on September 24th
4. balance due upon delivery

Video (Buddy Gancenia)
1. the contract has been reviewed and revised
2. schedule the contract signing and make the down payment

AVP (Buddy Gancenia) - free

Projector & Screen (???)
1. hunt for vendor

Invites (Kuya Louie)
1. drafted the invite wordings; for revision
2. bought the paper from Delpa
3. schedule a meeting to finalize the design and layout

Florist (Cathy Gancenia)
1. awaiting contract revisions for review
2. check with SAC if there’s a wedding scheduled before us so we know how Cathy can do the arrangement
3. check with SAC if colored flowers are acceptable for the arrangement
4. discuss the details with Cathy (kind of flowers to be used, concept, design, etc.)

Strings (Bernie Pasamba)
1. paid 50%
2. currently doing the song selection

Sound System (???)
1. inquire from Skyline

Hair & Make-Up (Jasmine Mendiola)
1. trial when I get home – preferably on September 24th
2. down payment to be deposited to her account on June 13th

Bridal Transport (Streetline Bridal Cars)
1. down payment was made – bug’s eye MB for the bridal car and 2 vans
2. full payment due on the day

Hotel Accommodations (Dusit Hotel Nikko)
1. make the reservations asap

Keepsake (???)
1. sketch done (by Irvin’s dad)
2. gave a copy of the drawing to the vendor
3. awaiting sample

Appreciation Gifts
1. We already have some ideas but we’ll probably do this when I get home.

Other Bits and Pieces
1. Missal – DIY?
2. Coins (Aras) – c/o Tita Baby (Swiss Francs)
3. Coin Basket/Box – to buy when I get home
4. Secondary Veil – c/o Veluz
5. Leg/Bible Garter – c/o Veluz
6. Cord – c/o Veluz
7. Bible – to buy when I get home
8. Rosary – c/o Faye
9. Matches - DIY
10. Candles – to buy when I get home
11. Ring/Coin pillows – c/o Veluz
12. Guest Sheets – DIY; when I get home
13. Luminaries – DIY; when I get home
14. Frames for table nos. – DIY; when I get home
15. Place Cards – DIY; when I get home

'the make-up artist'

It was through Shelley who’s also a member of Weddings at Work that I’ve learned of Jasmine Mendiola. I’ve seen her portfolio and the way she did the make-ups is just impressive. She mostly used nude/bare colors which I really like. And I must say I’m kind of biased in that sense. I find it very natural-looking.

Anyway, I sent her an e-mail right away to inquire on her rates. Soon enough, she replied. Her hair and make-up package is P12k for the bride plus 3 more adults. Then, it’s P1500 for every additional head. I got a very good impression on her. I would say she’s professional to deal with and she values what her client wants. Here’s an excerpt from her e-mail…

I'll be at the PERFECT BEGINNINGS 2 at the Megatrade Hall 1 on June 11 & 12 if you want to meet me. Perhaps we can talk about your wedding, the look you want and how it will fit best to your gown, your motif, wedding and reception venue, etc. I am looking forward to working with you, Faye! If there's anything you might need, feel free to contact me. My mobile number is 09267442778. Thanks again & best wishes!

I replied and basically told her about my dilemma. I wasn’t really sure how to handle the situation on the artist. I was worried then that I might not be able to find a good artist if I don’t book as early as now. On the other hand, I might not like the outcome of the trial if I book someone now. Anyway, she was already giving tips in her next e-mail. She was suggesting things that are not really biased on her part. She was still giving me the freedom to choose. Also, she explained thoroughly how she works. She does the make-up herself but usually gets an assistant depending on the number of people getting the make-up done. She has a hairstylist. I must admit that I find the hairstyles in her portfolio too simple for a wedding though. But she said we can work it out! I guess I’ll just look for some in the magazines or websites and have it copied. More importantly, I expressed my concern on having a different look from all the others. She said it’s covered! Nice huh!

Wednesday went to see her at the fair last Saturday. It’s so happened also that she was doing a trial make-up. Wednesday said she’s rather nice and she’s actually giving tips while working. She was telling the people watching what’s nice to use…what will last…etc. etc. We had to decide right away to avail of her promo (15% discount). She agreed to accept the confirmation by phone and we’ll just deposit the down payment should we decide to get her.

We were considering 2 more artists that Wednesday referred…Ricky Dalu (used to work for Patrick Rosas) and Red Reyes. Wednesday has given all the pros and cons. She said Ricky and Jasmine have the same ‘forte’. She also tried negotiating with Ricky. By the way, I’ve seen Ricky’s works in the Metro Weddings Magazine with Claudine Barretto in the cover page and he is sooo good. He really does good quality make up. But having considered everything, we’ve decided to get Jasmine.

The Question Game

Marj introduced this game to me. Hard as it may seem, I never thought it will be as simple as it is. It’s also a perfect way to know more about your friends. Here goes…

1. If you have the luxury of money and can quit your current job, which line of work would you do? - Public Service. I have always wanted to help the needy. It breaks my heart accepting the fact that not all humans are equal...status-wise. It gives me a feeling of disgust knowing that the poor are not treated fairly at times. I remember telling Irvin how I want to contribute to charitable organizations or sponsor a child but it’s just something that we can’t afford yet right now especially on a regular basis. I used to contribute to UNICEF though when I was still in the Philippines. While it may not be big of an amount, I know it helped in a way.

2. What is your idea of a perfect day? – To me walking barefoot hand in hand with my special someone by the beach would be perfect. Feeling the coolness of the breeze, breathing fresh air, hearing the sounds of the waves, and listening to the chirping of the birds make me feel at peace. Besides, being away from the usual is something...busy life in the city...traffic...crowded streets. Hmmm...

3. Would you rather live in a penthouse in the city or a mansion in the country? – I’d love to live in a countryside mansion. Why? I’m basically a lover of nature. The serenity of a place is very important to me not to mention the bountiful flowers and plants surrounding you, the laid-back kind of life and many others.

4. Which famous or infamous person do you secretly have a crush on? – I have always thought of Hugh Jackman as sexy and good-looking. You can’t just imagine the excitement I felt when I watched his musical play entitled ‘The Boy from Oz’. I had no idea he can sing until I’ve seen that play. Who wouldn’t have a crush on someone with good looks, great in acting and has an excellent voice.
I don’t think it’s a secret though. A lot of my friends know I have a crush on him…even Irvin I should say.

5. If you can have one talent, what would it be? – Paint/Draw. I have always admired my brother Adoy’s talent in drawing. It’s a great way to describe creativity other than the fact of expressing one’s self.

Here are The Official Interview Game Rules:

1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions - each person’s will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

If you don’t have a blog, I will still ask you 5 unique questions and you can post your answers here.

Good thing blogger has an edit button! Haha! I forgot to include the rules. Marj had to remind me.

2nd fitting garment has arrived!

I got the fitting garment yesterday which was sent by Veluz two weeks ago. I’m just glad we didn’t have problems with the mailing this time. I can’t explain the excitement I had when I received it to think that it’s just a fitting garment. Veluz made it with the skirt this time. I love the train so much! I actually tried it on and it was just gorgeous. But it still needs some adjustment though. I already sent an e-mail to Veluz asking for a fitting schedule…through the web cam of course.