Love That Transcends All

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It has been part of my routine to read and browse all things wedding related. Most of the time, I find myself smiling sheepishly as I get my eyes’ content seeing how cute and lovey-dovey couples seem to be on the most awaited day of their life. But from time to time, you stumble across a depiction of love that will move you to tears. And this video is just that, probably more.

I was in awe the whole time and found myself trashing some Kleenex as I finish watching it. Their vows are one of the most heartfelt and true to the grain that I have heard.

Cheers to Elo and Mara and the wonderful and inspiring love that they share! 

Source: Jason Magbanua Videos

Cheers!

We Got Them Blings Called Rings

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It was another productive Saturday for Adrin and I, with us claiming our prize from The Wedding Library and finally booking our wedding rings. Yay! Yes, you read it right. We already got weddings rings this early. Well, it has been several bridal fairs back when we first started canvassing for rings. Since we are not connected in any way to any jeweler, we thought it best to just scout for our rings during these events.

Adrin is more particular with the rings. His requirements are: (1) within our allotted budget; (2) wedding bands w/o stones, (3) a not too girly design. So as we scouted, I'd suggest some designs but not all would pass his taste. I did not dare contest because I thought the wedding band is an element in our wedding where he really has a stake on. For one, he’d be wearing it constantly right? And so, as we select for designs, I’d easily relent to his preferences, provided that it's nothing absurd looking. :)

Like in previous fairs, we took the time to visit each jewelry stall. In the last one, he liked a pair already and seemed to be all too willing to reserve it at that moment. The design of the rings is okay with me but I find its price a bit too steep compared with that of other stalls. I told him my concern and said that that it was quite expensive despite the 20% discount given that those are just plain bands. I encouraged him to check the other stall again so we can compare better.

As we went back to Goldenhills, we carefully scrutinized again the items on display and he found a design he liked (despite the single stone in the middle) which is just closely priced as the plain ones we saw earlier. Upon fitting the rings, even if the sizes were big for us, we really liked how it felt to our fingers. Apparently it’s a “comfort fit” ring and is really meant to sit between your fingers better than the “regular fit” ones.

Adrin forgot about the other ring altogether and made the call to reserve and pay for the ones from Goldenhills. We got 20% off from the price tag and we also have the flexibility to change designs should we find something better from their inventory as we near our wedding date. Changing of designs would still entitle us a 20% discount because we booked them in a fair. Good deal right?

Our ring supplier | View Site

We won’t be finalizing the ring sizes as well as engraved details until November 2013. It’s a full year’s time from today which means we have more than enough time to carefully think of what we’d like to be engraved on our wedding bands. 

Cheers!

Prizes from The Wedding Library

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Remember the unique story contest which we joined and won as 3rd runner up? Of course you do. As a 3rd runner up, Adrin and I are entitled to Php1,000.00 worth of products from the The Wedding Library, the contest sponsor.

That was soooo two months ago but it was only earlier today when we had the opportunity to visit their store at SM Megamall as we also went to the Before I Do bridal fair.  And so, before going to the fair, we dropped by The Wedding Library to pick out our prize.

Our loot bag

We decided on these two things -- bible and matches. Why? Because these are the items needed in the ceremony which are not yet included in the accessories I’ll get together with my gown.

Winnings

This bible looks really nice. However it doesn't fit to our theme or color motif.

Bible

 Neither do these matches.

Matches

Since I'm the OC type, I prefer for our accessories to have a distinct coordinated look. Now, how do I give these two items a makeover? I shall work that out. :)

Cheers!

Designer: Booked. I'll Be Wearing an HST!

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After several gown design research session, and 4 designer meetings, I decided to go back to my top choice so I can further discuss the details I want for my gown. I emailed Hana and asked for a second appointment. Before going there, I retrieved the initial sketch she did for me which I'm sharing with you below. Pardon the clutter in the picture; I felt the need to smudge her written details and notes.

Initial Sketch: Front View

Initial Sketch: Back and Side Views

Anyway, back to the dress, it's simply pretty right? But still, I haven't shared with her yet the second look that I want and that is something I'd like to discuss aside from minor changes in the design.

As we got there, we were again greeted by his husband and led to Hana's small office. When Hana came, we went right down to business immediately. I have pegs at hand and showed each item to her as we talked each section of the dress. We changed the neckline and back portion, as well as the type of material to be used for the skirt. 

Next, I told her that I've been toying with the idea of a "second look". That said, she designed a dress with a one-shoulder detail as an option. Since I'm not really a fan of this neckline for my wedding gown, I requested her to suggest another one. She asked me if I'm open to wear an off-shoulder number. I gladly agreed to it so she drew the dress below. I was really won over by the images, but of course we need to discuss the budget first. I learned that getting those two looks for my dress would mean I'll spend 50% more than my maximum budget.  It will cost a lot more because of the additional materials and of course labor hours that will be spent for the lace and bead work on 3 dress panels (base dress, 1st look, and 2nd look) instead of just 1. Since resources are limited, I figured that would be way too much for me to agree on, so I scrapped the idea. 

Second Look which I forego

I asked her if she can draw something else that will still fit into our budget (just like the first sketch) but still  meeting the overall look I wanted to achieve. She gladly obliged and I was really happy with what she suggested and sketched (but I'm keeping it under wraps for now). Not expecting that we'll be booking  her during that meeting, she was a bit surprised when I told her that we actually came with a plan to seal the deal. She also commented that we're the first 2014 client in her books. To which I just laughed off since I  admit that I'm uber excited for this whole thing. Haha. And so, we made the 50% downpayment requirement to formalize the transaction. 

As we are closing the meeting, she dished out that measurement taking will probably happen around May 2013. That timing is okay with me since I still plan to tone up flabby spots a bit. She even asked about Adrin's attire which we confirmed will be Barong. Her advise is for Adrin to don a number which is a cut above the rest, for him to also stand out on our big day.

Driving away from her place, my fiance and I are convinced that we made the right decision in choosing Hana. She's very accommodating and friendly and there wasn't any moment of awkwardness during our discussion. The overall feeling during the interaction is pleasant and light. I'm so looking forward to start working with her for my dress. I'm sure that she'll create me something fabulous! :)

Cheers!

We Won at W@W Auction 2012!

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Yes, another winning for us! It's in an auction this time though. This is a yearly auction activity organized by W@W for its members wherein great deals from an array of very good and reputable suppliers are up for grabs. You just have to make sure that you bid the highest for the item that caught your fancy.

Anyway, this is my first time to participate in the said activity and at first I was quite confused regarding the mechanics despite the really really long email that was sent by Ms. Benz (auction organizer and w@w  co-founder). Good thing Ms. Benz was very accommodating to answer any other queries boggling her beloved w@wies.

And so, after the week-long anticipation, the auction culminated to an emotionally and physically exhausting all-nighter. It was really amazing to see w@wies up and active until dawn just to make sure that the items they long for won’t slip their grips. Watching participants outbidding one another was not only entertaining, it was also helpful to keep sleepiness at bay. Each one was employing his own technique or strategy to keep up with the fast-changing bids. I’m sure most of us experienced the emotional roll-coaster as we battle for our dream items.

After the crazy, exciting, and fun-filled night, I was very lucky to have won the two items I wanted.

First is Prenup/E-session Venue which is Jardin de Miramar.

[Source]

I like this venue because it has several thematic spots already within the whole property. Since we're gunning for the classic elegant look for our wedding, the nooks in this garden will help us achieve a similar look for the prenup.

Next we got a Roving Photographer from Studio On Wheels. 

[Source]

The roving photographer can and will take pictures of the guests as they wish and will be printing the photo on the spot. This will serve as our souvenirs/giveaways in lieu of the usual photobooth. I hope our guests maximizes the roving photographer. :)

Thanks again to W@W and its founders for putting up such an activity which really benefits a lot of its members. I’m so looking forward to next year’s auction! =)

Cheers!