repeating our wedding channel announcement...

About the couple
Faye is 30 years of age and works as an accountant in a Korean firm. She is currently based in New York, USA. During her spare time she likes watching movies, cooking, singing as well as reading books, specifically that of Ronald Reagan's life story.

Irvin is likewise 30 years of age and currently resides in Las Piñas City, Philippines where he works as an Investment Assistant for China Banking Corporation. He also likes to cook and loves music very much. He is interested in sports and considers basketball as his favorite.

Faye is perceived by their friends and relatives to be the more frank and vocal between the two, while Irvin is the 'silent water runs deep' type of guy. Be that as it may, they both complement each other very well.

How they met
During that time (1993), Faye was a student at St. Paul College of Manila where she was studying BS Accountancy while helping her parents in running their printing business. On the other hand, Irvin was a graduating student at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros Manila.

So you ask...how did these two people meet? It was actually more of a set-up (over the phone) by Marilou, Faye's younger sister, and Gerard, Irvin's friend-neighbor (special thanks to both). At first, both were hesitant and uneasy because they felt that it is not the conventional way of getting to know a person, but persistence eventually prevailed, and they agreed to talk. Their first conversation was followed by another, then another, and another. It then became a daily ritual without them knowing it. From then on they never let the day pass by without hearing each other's voice. After a month or so of conversing over the phone, a feeling of curiosity grew between them and so they both agreed it's time to meet...and so they did. They met at Greenbelt Church in Makati. It was a short meeting though for Faye had to rush home. Apparently, both liked each other and went on their daily conversations, until Irvin began the ardent task of courting her on Christmas eve of the same year. But patience is a virtue as they say for he was rewarded with a sweet 'yes!'

Finally, after ten years and seven months of hardships, tribulations and happy moments, both decided to embark on a life-long journey together in taking their relationship to the ultimate level - marriage.

The engagement
Traditionally, an engagement is when a man surprises her loved one by giving a ring in a romantic and unexpected way, then followed by the words 'will you marry me?' Not for these two, however. 'The element of surprise' is taken away by their being miles away from each other. So instead, the engagement was more of an agreement between the two that it is time for them to be together for the rest of their lives. So in August of 2004, they got engaged and is now eagerly waiting for that 'big day' to come where they will be united, in the eyes of God and in the eyes of men.

About the ceremony
Date: October 1, 2005 4:00 PM
Location: San Agustin Church
Address: Gen. Luna St. Intramuros, Manila (632)527-4060

Brief History...San Agustin is one of the four Philippine Baroque Churches, the oldest stone church in Metro Manila which was built in 1586 and completed in 1606. An intricately carved door opens to the church. Of great interest are the XIXth century chandeliers, the pulpit, the side chapels, the tombstone on the floorings, and an 18th century pipe organ. It has withstood the ravages of time both brought by nature and by man.

Please make sure to come on time for the ceremony as it will start at exactly 4:00 PM. The wedding attire for guests is strictly formal/barong tagalog.

About the reception
Date: October 1, 2005 5:00 PM
Location: Father Blanco's Garden
Address: Gen Luna St. Intramuros, Manila (632)527-7553

Brief Description...Father Manuel Blanco published a book called "Flora de Filipinas" in 1883. ... The garden is perfect for quiet, contemplative moments. ...

Reception will follow immediately after the wedding ceremony. Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM.

The wedding party
Faye’s Attendants
Marilou Linsangan – Maid of Honor (Bride’s Sister)
Michael Linsangan – Groomsman (Bride’s Brother)
Daighne Marjorie Linsangan – Flower Girl (Bride’s Niece)
Harvey Revillas – Bible/Rosary Bearer (Bride’s Cousin)

Irvin’s Attendants
Rhea Sharyn Castillo – Bridesmaid (Groom’s Sister)
Marlon Vincent Mariano – Best Man (Groom’s Friend)
Aloysius Miguel Castillo – Ring Bearer (Groom’s Nephew)
Luigi Castillo – Coin Bearer (Groom’s Nephew)
Andrea Cuenco – Flower Girl (Groom’s Goddaughter)

PRINCIPAL SPONSORS
Mr. Francisco Linsangan
Mr. Kenneth Vachon
Mr. Ermito Adlawan
Mr. Emilio Pugeda
Mr. Manolito Flores
Mr. Bienvenido Hidalgo
Mr. Anson Ong
Mr. Rolando Flores

Mrs. Ma. Velia Sulit
Mrs. Necena Castillo
Mrs. Felicitas de Ocampo
Mrs. Felina Flores
Ms. Yolanda Linsangan
Ms. Emma Paggabao
Mrs. Consuelo Ong
Mrs. Nimfa Cabuhat

SECONDARY SPONSORS
Candle
Mr. Harry Bato
Ms. Rowena Cuenco

Veil
Mr. Erwin Jude Lim
Ms. Ruby Theresa Aga

Cord
Mr. Ferdinand Pakingan
Ms. Caryl Nagal

Wedding details
The wedding motif will be rust/burnt orange with wine red and matte gold as accent colors.

The bride will wear a pina silk semi-haltered gown accentuated with embroidery and beads by Veluz. The groom, on the other hand, will wear a 'pina barong' in chinese collar by Tesoro's and black pants by Onesimus.

The female entourage will wear a rust orange shantung gown with wine red and matte gold pipings while the male will be dressed in traditional Barong Tagalog in light beige color.

Flowers will be provided by Cathy Gancenia of iflowersspeak. She will be using white calla lilies, combination of red, yellow and orange roses, gerberas, carnations and mums.

The bridal cake will be a 5-layered one with different flavors by Alex Franco.

A string quartet by Bernie Pasamba will give solemnity and elegance to the whole event.

Photography will be handled by Mimi Abesamis and Karl de Leon of fotogra. Videography, on the other hand, will be by Buddy Gancenia.

The whole affair will be coordinated by Wednesday Torrejos and her team from The Aisle Runner.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE COUPLE:
We would like to thank our family and friends for giving us the support and blessing. It will give us joy and honor to see you all as we celebrate the most important event of our lives.

Special thanks to those relatives and friends coming from overseas: Uncle Ken, Tita Laling and Joe (Massachusetts); Tita Baby and Raphael (Switzerland); Manang Fely (New York) and Maridel (Texas).
Also, we invite you to take a look at our blog - http://irvinandfaye.blogspot.com and our photos - http://community.webshots.com/user/if100105 which will be updated from time to time once they become available so be sure to check it out again! And don't forget to sign in our guestbook!

Irvin & Faye

If we can be of further assistance to you, don't hesitate to contact Faye or Irvin by email at faye070574@yahoo.com or irbinito74@yahoo.com

Guestbook
Malu Vargas - Canada 5182005
TO THE FUTURE MR. & MRS. IRVIN CASTILLO. THE NAME HAS A SWEET SOUND TO IT. AM SO GLAD THAT YOU ARE BACK IN EACH OTHERS ARMS. IT WAS REALLY MEANT TO BE. DON'T FORGET TO PUT CHRIST IN THE CENTER OF YOUR MARITAL LIFE. HE SHOULD BE THE ONLY 3RD PARTY THAT YOU SHOULD ALLOW IN. THE ROAD TO WEDDED BLISS IS STREWN WITH BOTH PETALS AND THORNS, AND YOU WOULD NEED THE GOOD LORD TO WALK THE PATH WITH BOTH OF YOU.

buddy gancenia - quezon city, Philippines 3262005
hi faye and irvin, di sinasadya, saw ur site. baka lang ur still looking for a videographer and florist, kindly visits www.buddygancenia.com and iflowersspeak.com thanks

Rene Adiao - Manila, Philippines 1072005
it says, 'Finally, after ten years and seven months (..or longer!!) of hardships, tribulations and happy moments,... ' whoa!! that strengthens the bond even before your inseparable life together!! Congratulations to you for the greatest decision you've made together as two people IN LOVE. YOU WILL BE A WONDERFUL AND HAPPY COUPLE. May you be blessed, as you put LOVE as the main ingredient in your marriage recipe! (You will have to cook it too! hehehe)

liezl nera - 12072004
hi, faye : ) im a wawie,too! (and a paulinian) grabe, dito pa tayo mag meet ulit : ) enjoy your preps : ) just let me know it you need help, k? good luck : )

Arlene Castor - Batangas City, Philippines 11182004
Congratulations to both of you. This wedding is long over due. I'm glad that you will finally tie the knot. All the best!

Micah Sulit - , Philippines 11142004
Congratulations and best wishes, Tita Faye! God bless! :)

Zaida Mannetta - Pt. Washington, NY, United States 11052004
Seems that this union has been a long time coming. In the not too distant future, you can see the happy couple. Best of everything on your wedding day and for every day thereafter.

dudes gonzales-pinili - Makati, Philippines 11042004
hi bride and groom! you've made the best choice of your lives (: Congratulations and all the best!

Marivel Sulit - 11042004
Hello Faye and Irvin, what can i say.... you two were really MFEO... Made For Each Other. 'til death do you part. God bless, Marivel

Ruby Theresa Herrera-Aga - Manila, Philippines 11032004
Congratulations to both of you. Finally, the long wait is over. May you bring into your marriage, the love and friendship you both are good at giving.

Caryl Nagal - 10272004
Hi Faye & Irvin, Im so happy and getting excited for your forthcoming wedding.... Finally, you've made it. And i want both of you to know, that im always here if you need help... Bestfriend... this is it! enjoy and have fun preparing for your wedding.... im so much happy for you... good site, huh! :)

Vic Lay - 10182004
Hey Faye, I'm proud of you for being able to figure out the settings, and to maintain both sites in such organized way. Keep up the good works =) Vic.

Irmee - 10172004
Hi, congratulations on your engagement and I'm honored to be the first one to sign here....am glad too to be part of your preparations....don't worry, not only during the preps and the wedding will I be there but also after, we'll be "bilas" forever remember... c")

a little of everything...

Invitation
Our invitations are finally done. Irvin picked them up last Wednesday. The thing is the RSVP card came out with borders (top & bottom). It had it in the draft that Ate Irmee made which she didn’t delete thinking that it won’t anymore be visible when printed. Unfortunately, it was. Irvin and Ate Irmee like it. They said it looks like the place cards used at hotels and that it looks even nicer. I wanted to have it re-run at first but was convinced that it’ll be an add-on emphasis. So we’re keeping them as is. I just hope the recipients will like it. We have yet to decide whether we’ll have calligraphy for the envelopes. If and then, we have to send them this weekend so we can start mailing/handing-out on Monday.

Rings
I’ve seen our wedding rings and my ER. I just so like them that all the more I can’t wait to be home. Ate Irmee showed them to me through the webcam as Irvin was at work that time. Irvin said his ring is not that polished. There are little holes that are really visible. I told him to just return it so the jeweler can fix it.

Gowns
The entourage gowns are ready for pick up this Sunday. I just hope they won’t have anymore adjustments. More so, I am expecting for a nicely done gowns with the accents and all. Ate Irmee will also have her measurements done. And since we can’t find a better design for Nanay, we’ll just use this one I saw from a wawie’s (can’t really remember who!) wedding. Wednesday said we’ll be using shantung fabric for her. I don’t think I like the idea though. This design will really look at its best in pina. But since it’s going to be very expensive, maybe we can have organza at least or chiffon. Shantung is very stiff for an old woman like Nanay. I will have yet to discuss this with Wednesday.

Wedding Banns / Permit to Marry
I made a post earlier worrying about these forms required by San Agustin. I don’t really think they practice it here. But I did call the Rectory (Parish Office) and inquired. I was asked to leave the forms and just pick up the next day. I got more worried upon hearing that. I said to myself, ‘how can they publish it if it’s ready for pick up tomorrow?!’ And so I went there and got the forms. Fr. Ceriello filled them up himself with the church seal and a notation ‘not published’. So we just have to explain this to San Agustin later.

Video
I don’t have a clear idea yet as to how we will do the video. But basically there will be interviewees. Questions will have to come from us. Wednesday suggested that we include the story of how Irvin and I met. I’m fine with that. We just don’t want the showbiz type of video and revealing information that are too personal. There are things that are still better left unsaid don’t you agree?!

Program
Wednesday said this should be something I shouldn’t know in detail. She wants to keep some as a surprise which I don’t really mind. She just basically gave me an outline of what should be in the program. I also discussed with Irvin how we will do the 1st dance. Traditionally, it’s only the bride, her father, the groom and his mother who do this dance. But we have agreed that my Mama and his Dad will also participate. We’ve already decided on the songs to be played. It’s just a matter of the sequence.

My shoes/bag
Niko has sent me 2 designs for the shoes. It wasn’t hard to decide at all and I picked this. It’ll be in ‘Callado’. I don’t want it to be too pointed (in the front) neither a stiletto or square type of heel. I want something in between with a shape that’ll also look sexy. He also asked me which design I want for the bag. While there’s not much too choose from in Veluz’s website, I picked one. But I still asked Niko to send me more pictures.



Irvin’s attire
Irvin's attire are now complete. Well aside from the undergarments. He already has the barong from Tesoro's, pants from Onesimus and shoes from Bristol. I actually asked him why he got that kind of shoes. No offense but Irvin's fetish is shoes. So I was kind of expecting him to buy a more expensive brand. But he said he liked the style and it's comfortable.

Itinerary
Wednesday has provided me a partial list of meeting schedules with suppliers. I want to make sure we’ll do this ahead so I could still squeeze in some personal matters like get together with friends and visiting relatives. Our pre-nuptial pictorial is already scheduled. We can’t decide on the venue though. I came up with this idea of pretending to be golfers. I just don’t want it to look so fancy so we’ll see. I wonder if we need to be members or something so they will accommodate us. Hmmm… Alex wants to meet us too. Wednesday said he wants us to taste his cake. I love that! Haha!

Singer
Originally we were thinking of having an all instrumental music at the reception. Personally, we find it more classy and elegant (no offense to anyone) with just music swinging in the air. Then we’ll make use of the church singer that’s actually part of the package. But having heard some not so nice feedbacks about the singer, we thought of just getting one from our string ensemble. And it’s not really cheap. Then we’re thinking if we’ll just have 1 or 2?! Will it be a male or a female?! Will it be just for the church or both church and reception?! Will it really be worth it to think that San Agustin is really strict with the time?! He/she might not be able to sing everything at the church. I heard they even recite the Lord’s Prayer sometimes. Having considered all these, we’ve decided not to have vocals at all.

The wedding is really fast approaching. I’m already having mixed feelings…excited… tensed… stressed… happy. Name it! In fact, I’m worried about my skin again. Yes my skin! I have a lot of pimples in my forehead and all around my neck. What can I do! I can’t sleep well even if I go to bed early! I already lost 5 lbs. Well I’d like to take this on the positive perspective. I’m avoiding fatty foods. What else do you think?!

wedding invitation

Our main invite and entourage list will be 7” x 7” in size except for the RSVP card which will be 3.5” x 5”. Earlier, we were torn between the fonts ‘Regency’ and ‘Beautiful’. We have decided that while we want the font to be really nice, we also have to consider its readability. And so Regency was chosen. Then another issue came up. Is the hologram/watermark supposed to be only on the main invitation?! Generally speaking, yes!!! Ate Irmee (Hi, Ate Irms! Thanks ha!) has modified the draft I originally made to include the hologram. Now Irvin came up with this idea to put a hologram in the RSVP. It actually looks nicer and I like it! But… it’s only the entourage list that doesn’t have a hologram. Should we leave it like that or better to just put a hologram on all the 3 sheets?!

hairstyles...again

I keep on searching through the net but up to this time, I haven't found the hairstyle for me. There might be some styles that I like but can't say I want it for myself. I've asked the group for other websites that I can look at and Abby(Don) gave me some ideas.



There are 294 different styles in the bridalinsider website but these are the only ones that I liked. Now which one do you think is the nicest among them all?!

invite fonts / ring thickness

invites
We’re using 2 fonts for the invites…Copperplate Gothic Bold and some other script type of font. Irvin and I originally wanted the Carpenter font. We both find it very elegant and formal for an invitation. But when Kuya Louie (his cousin) made the draft of the entourage list, they are not that nice in terms of readability. The size of our invites is 7" x 7" by the way. Anyway, we asked his cousin to make 2 more drafts using this time the fonts Beautiful and Regency. Irvin has asked me to discuss this with Ate Irmee (his sis-in-law) and decide. Now, I’m having a hard time choosing between the two. Which one would you go for? Beautiful or Regency?

wedding bands
Irvin showed me the setting of our rings through the webcam. The very first thing I noticed was its uneven thickness. I told him I personally don’t like it. I told him maybe we can just make the bottom part thicker so it’ll be even! Wednesday has talked with Bong (our ring supplier) if we can do that and unfortunately, he’s not suggesting it. He said a ring that’s too thick will specifically not look good on me. It was made that way to accommodate the stones in which he said is 10 pointers each. I made a post to w@w and thanks to Francis ni Pia that I actually understood what that meant. There were some other members who gave their views on this. Bottom line is… rings with stones are generally like that. So I did some research in the net and found this…

  

So I guess they can’t really be even unless the stones are really small. I have to say I’m now more convinced regarding the issue. And as long as it's not much of a difference, I think I'll go for it.

tagged!

I’ve been tagged by Alynn!

1. What are the things you enjoy doing even when there’s no one around you?

- Singing. No matter what I’m doing…wherever I am… whatever time of the day… I just love to sing. In fact, I sometimes sing not realizing I’m at the office. Most of my female co-workers would know it’s me coming in the rest room when they hear someone singing.
- Cleaning/Organizing things. Just like Alynn, this is something that I do even when there’s no one around. I just do this on a regular basis. I’m a person who doesn’t like mess.

2. What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level?

- Massage. This makes me feel relaxed and in cloud 9. I just can’t do it regularly here being very expensive. The cheapest is $65 an hour plus tax and tip. I’ve had it as a gift on my birthday. They do offer 30 minute massages though but I won’t be satisfied with that.
- Warm bath. I feel fresh and clean. It’s like it washes away all the stress you’re having. Haha! Well, sort of…
- Unexpected call/letter. Who wouldn’t like this?! It just melts my heart and makes me feel really good. It’s something when you know you’re being remembered.

3. Tag 5 friends and ask them to post it in theirs.

- Pao
- Alma
- Abie
- Kitts
- Meng

TO DO...

I thought we’re almost done having booked the major suppliers. But as I was doing this TO DO LIST, I realized there are a lot more little details that need to be taken cared of. Otherwise, it won’t complete the package not to mention that the wedding is only 58 days away…

Church (San Agustin)
1. Full payment
2. P1k fee separately for ‘The Ruins’ and the loft
3. P200 each for 4 more PS
4. wedding banns
5. permit to marry

Reception Venue (Fr. Blanco’s Garden)
1. Reception lay-out
2. Wedding program

Caterer (Skyline)
1. Full payment
2. Replacements of items we’re not availing of (centerpieces, guestbook, dove release, torch)
3. Finalize menu

Cake (Alex Franco)
1. Design including flowers and/or fruits
2. Flavor/s

Bride’s Attire (Veluz)
1. Next fitting
2. Hairpiece
3. Brooch for the entourage
4. Shoes
5. Undergarments


Groom’s Attire (barong by Tesoro’s / pants by Onesimus)
1. Pants
2. Shoes
3. Undergarments

Attire-Female Entourage (Leony Bautista)
1. Fabric availability
2. 1st fitting schedule
3. discuss thoroughly the gown designs (esp. that of the moms’)
4. 2 more SS to be measured on August 6th

Attire-Male Entourage (Belen)
1. Everything fits well?

Rings (Bong)
1. finalize specs

Photo (Mimi Abesamis & Karl de Leon)
1. 2nd payment
2. schedule pre-nup pictorials

Video (Buddy Gancenia)
1. video concept

AVP (Buddy Gancenia) - free

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

Invites (Kuya Louie)
1. pick-up sample invite

Florist (Cathy Gancenia)
1. 2 additional bouquets

Strings (Bernie Pasamba)
1. finalize songs
2. Wedding singer/s – soprano?
3. sound system

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

Hair & Make-Up (Jasmine Mendiola)
1. trial schedule – Sept. 24th

Bridal Transport (Streetline Bridal Cars)
1. additional van for only 2 hours

Hotel Accommodations (Dusit Hotel Nikko)
1. reservations

Keepsake (Roneena, Inc.)
1. done
2. packaging

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? Draft?
2. Coins (Aras) – c/o Tita Baby (Swiss Francs)
3. Coin Basket/Box – to buy when I get home or ask Veluz if she can make it a part of the pillow
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