Celebrities For A Day: The Engagement Shoot

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Last Friday, despite the erratic and unpredictable weather, we were able to finally complete our engagement pictorial. Two months of preparation all culminated in a single day. Somehow it’s a glimpse of how our wedding day will pass by in a span of 24 hours after years of preparing for it. Haha.

We started preparing for our shoot around March 2013. Back then, I was already pulling together our suppliers. We already have a venue (Jardin de Miramar), and photographer (Ariel Javelosa) but I was also able to convince Adrin that we hire Aira Franco for a styling and HMUA package. The date was set with all of them for May 27.

Weeks leading to our date, we worked hard to complete our wardrobe so we’ll not cram for it. I also created our itinerary and shared it to all our suppliers to ensure that we are all on the same page. And with a sudden twist, the plan was changed. 3 days before our original schedule I received an urgent message from Aira which led us to rescheduling our shoot (more details on my supplier rating).

New date was set for June 14 and we’re prepared 2 weeks before that. I tweaked our itinerary a bit and sent it again to everyone.

Our Prenup Itinerary

The days leading to our schedule were all gloomy and wet, due to a low pressure area. I was even worried that we might need to reschedule again because of the bad weather so I asked for Aira’s inputs. She told me not to worry as she trusts that the clouds will all clear up on our shoot. With that, we proceeded as planned.

Since Adrin took a day off last Thursday, he took charge of our food for Antipolo. Not wanting our suppliers to get hungry, thirsty, and grumpy, we agreed to bring the following:

• Red Ribbon Ensaymada (10pcs.) and Mamon (10pcs.) 
• 1 pack Lemon Square Cupcakes
• 1 pack Nagaraya Peanuts
• 2 jars of Stik-O
• 1 pack of Mentos
• 1 pack of another candy brand
• 6 bottles of water
• 6 bottles of Gatorade
• 12 can of assorted soda
• 3 bottles of Cobra energy drink (yes, energy drink! Haha!)
• Small ice box and tube ice to cool our bottled drinks :P

Our June 14 started really early. We went straight to Aira’s place for my hair and make-up. Fritz started working on me as soon as we got there. After an hour or so on me and a few minutes on Adrin, we’re set all set for our studio shoot.

We got lucky that our drive to Ariel Javelosa’s studio was quite fast so we’re able to catch up a bit on our planned schedule. Sir Mel’s team, our requested photographer, arrived shortly after we finished dressing up. We found out that 3 folks were shooting us that day – 2 photographers and 1 videographer. They started the work immediately and took some portraits of me first. Next were Adrin’s solo shots, and after that came our pictures together. At first it was awkward doing the poses we’re directed to do, but soon got the hang of it and became more comfortable in front of their lenses. Time was unnoticeable already, we just realized that we were shooting for quite some time when Sir Mel said that we can already proceed to our outdoor location. 

Quick lunch with our P/V was spent at Yangchow Dimsum and Tea Place along Marcos Hi-way, then we went straight to the venue. Aira decided that we don't have to return to her place and we'll just meet at the venue. They were still parking when we got there so we're all right on time. I went to Jardin de Miramar's office so they can prepare the lounge for us. As soon as the lounge was ready, Aira, Fritz, Adrin and I immediately settled in while our photographers surveyed the location.

Our first wardrobe were pastels as decided by Aira. Fritz retouched my make-up and styled my hair. During this set, we were informed by Sir Mel that our venue offered some props. Aira clarified it in the office and not long after, a picnic set up with matching guitar was already laid out under a big tree. The props were not something we expected, nonetheless the gesture was much appreciated.

Outtake by Aira Franco

It started to drizzle and that prompted us to change into our 2nd layout. By the time we were safely in the lounge, the drizzle turned into a heavy downpour. We kept our hopes up that it would abate soon and true enough, it was just a passing  heavy cloud. Our 2nd layout started off with Adrin and I sharing an umbrella. Next we moved to Galera area where a huge wooden ship was the main attraction. Jardin also setup a native hammock for our use. Silhouette shots were taken in a nearby restroom -- It was so creative for our photographer to make the best use of a restroom. Haha.

Outtake by Aira Franco

Since we're already running late of our target schedule, we quickly changed to our 3rd layout and braved the outdoors again so we can still get a lot of pics for our formal set. Despite the light showers and rapid approach of dusk, our P/V did not give up. We were even the ones who called it a day since all of us were getting wet already. We also went past our allowed time frame at Jardin already and we might incur additional charges already. Haha.

Outtake by Aira Franco

We were surprised to find out things neatly packed already when we got back to the lounge. Fritz did all the packing and tidying so we just have to change to our normal clothes and load our stuff in the car.

All in all, Adrin and I had fun working with our suppliers and executing a light and fun shoot. It was very us! The downpour did not hinder us from continuing on and we're even thankful that we were given windows to shoot outdoors. Never mention the hassles of walking on wet grass and the sprinkles of water we had to take. We actually did not mind that it was gloomy as we cannot imagine shooting for hours under the scorching sun. :) 

Weeee! Another achievement unlocked for us in this game called wedding preps. =D


Cheers!