Countdown: 1 month!

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And we're onto our last streeeeetch! Last month to finish everything before we reach the culmination of everything that we've been doing the past 2 years. I'm feeling strained more and more mainly because of the sudden spike of workload this month. Tons of things to deliver with so little time. I'm eagerly anticipating my break from work as the wedding will also serve as a much awaited breather for me. 

Excitement for the wedding itself hasn't kicked in yet but I'm looking forward to feeling warm, giddy, and kilig all over. Haha. Enough of this non-sense! Let's now talk business and see our completion rate against last months's task list.

• Send-out all invitations - In progress. Most have been released already but some are still waiting for Christmas reunions to come so they can be delivered to the respective recipients. :)
• Complete processing of marriage license - DONE. We finally have our license! Yipee!
• Update Darlene's  program workbook
• Compile photos for AVP presentations - DONE. Photos for Prenup AVP has been sent to Darlene while the Growing Up photos will be shared to Ariel Javelosa soon.
• Create our missals - DONE. Layout completed and just waiting to finalize some contents before we proceed with the printing.
• Complete our wedding day accessories
• Pick-up my wedding shoes - DONE. I love how my shoes turned out!
• Complete layouts for stationery - DONE. Adrin did a great job completing all this. 
• Label/pack our giveaways - In progress. I already commissioned my trusted bridesmaid to put the twines on our small jams. Packing for other giveaways or tokens haven't started yet. 
• Finish DIY Signage
• Entourage dress fitting and delivery - In Progress. Almost all of our entourage have completed fitting their dresses save for our two flower girls. This will be completed within the week. Actual delivery of the dress will be on January. 
• Delivery of barongs to male entourage - In Progress. Some have been delivered already while others are still waiting for the reunions to happen. :)
• Another meeting with KTG
• Finalize song list
• Shop for house fixtures - DONE. BUT this is a work in progress while the construction is still on-going. 

Uh oh. Lots of items not striked out. But as Adrin would always tell me, fret not because looks like we're still in good shape since we also managed to accomplish these other items.

• Complete Rustan's and SM Bridal Registry
• Order for custom hangers
• Receive our cake toppers and clay giveaways
• Picked-up the jams
• Final detailing with florist

Oh how I badly wish everything will be completed a week before the wedding. May the list below be a comprehensive guide of all the things we need to complete. 

1. Finalize Darlene's program workbook
2. Complete our wedding day accessories
3. Complete packing of giveaways/tokens
4. Finish DIY signage
5. Deliver all barongs and dresses
6. Handover meeting to KTG
7. Finalize song list
8. Submit all church requirements
9. Finalize guest list
10. Finalize headcount of suppliers on the day
11. Book crew meals for lunch
12. Print misalettes
13. Buy offertory item (gift basket, mompo wine, host)
14. Buy wine and beer
15. Buy prizes for games
16. Final gown fitting
17. Prepare for our first dance
18. Pack all items for the wedding
19. Buy items needed for house construction

Okay, I should stop here as it's becoming a bit daunting already. More energy for us please! 

Countdown: 6 months!

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And just like that, we’re down to six (6) months! Yes, only six freaking months left for us before we crossover to a new civil status. I’m starting to feel the pressure and the rush as our weekends gets more and more hectic. But before we move to the potentially crazier months, it’s time to do another checkpoint. =)

To-do list 6 months ago:

•  Groom’s Attire > EA Casedo Embroidery (Rey Casedo)
• Parents' and Entourage's Attire > Jeff House of Fashion
• Engagement Shoot Moodboard > Done c/o Styling by Aira Franco
• Blueprint for DIY Invitations > In Progress (pocketfolds almost complete!)
•  Initial Food Tasting and Detailing > Done through ad-hoc food tastings and email detailing
•  More DIY Accessories > Matches; Shoe Sticker Decals (bought from e-bay)

Wow! Everything was ticked off! But wait, there's more! Haha. Aside from those we also managed to book/complete/ the following:

• Emcee - Darlene Tan Salazar
• Bridal Car - AdeB Entreprises
• Lights Supplier - LST Mobile
• Hotel Preps - Diamond Hotel
• Actual Engagement Shoot – Done last June
• Boudoir Shoot – Done last March

The process of creating my gown has also started. I had my measurements taken last May and last Sunday was my 3^rd fitting. Many more to come as we close the year.

So that was a packed half-year, but it certainly pales in comparison to what lies ahead. Haha. Target for the next 3 months (I’m splitting the remaining 6 months into 2 timelines) are as follows:

1. Free Prenup Shoot with Chasing Tales Photography
2. Completion of pocketfolds
3. Layouts for invites and other stationery
4. Production of entourage attires
5. Actual detailing with Josiah’s
6. Wedding shoes
7. Documents for the wedding
8. Lot hunting (yes this is included in the wedding related tasks)
9. Band for our reception

It really is getting more and more exciting and nerve-wracking day by day. Oh well, bring it on! =)

Cheers!

Love Is In The Air at W@W Red Party

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Last Sunday, WeddingsAtWork’s Grand EB was finally held at Le Parc, Pasay City. It was Adrin and I’s first time to attend a W@W event and we're not sure what to expect. We just know that this event was organized mainly by us w@wies, and with the help of Ms. Benz of course for the supplier sponsorships.

Photo by Manny and April Photography

As part of the Décor Committee, I was expected to be at the venue at 7am for the ingress and setup. I know I cannot will myself and Adrin to show up that early so I excused myself from the preps and just promised to drop the my DIYs in the morning because I still had a fitting appointment to attend to right before the party.  When we got there at 10:30am, I was surprised to see that almost all of the photocorners have already been put up.  I just quickly handed my decors to Rizza and Khitin (leads of the 2 pinwheels group) and left.

The event starts at 2pm, but when we got there at 1:30pm, the venue is jam packed and most of the tables have already been filled up. On top of that, there’s still a long line at the registration. I was surprised to see some of our pictures from the official photographers as we waited for our turn to register.

Photos by CamZar Photography (L) and She&Him Photography (R)

Upon registering, we were given our matching button pins, cupcake (c/o Hearts and Bells) and chocolate treats (c/o Knotville Favors), Pond’s skin care products, W@W Primer 2012, and Bride’s Yellow Pages 2013 (both under W@W publication). 

Photo by She&Him Photography

It was an effort to find empty seats; luckily there were a couple more at the table near the photo corners. Before the program started, we passed our time taking pictures and accomplishing the task for the raffle. I was also able to meet and say hello to some w@wies that I talk to via email/Facebook. I even had pictures with some of them.

Pictures with w@wies: (L) w/ Nat and Cris; (T) w/ our photographer and ex-w@wie April;
(B) w/ co-HST bride Jenel  

When the program started, we just couldn’t contain our laughter from the smooth banter of our emcees -- Sir Abet Rana of W@W, and Sir Bong Sare of Threelogy. 

Photo by CamZar Photography

As we played the Human Bingo, I was surprised that a lot of w@wies came up to me, some I haven’t talked to ever, to have their card signed. They just seem to know me. Probably they’ve read my blog at one point, saw my pictures there, and they have good memory to recognize me. Haha.

Greeting Cyndee, Jemjem, and Bessie during the Human Bingo game | Photo by CamZar Photography

After that, each table was tasked to find out a unique commonality amongst them. We did manage to list a few but they were not very unique. As Sir Abet nears our table, a groom in our table suggested that if we want a sure win, we should answer that all of us are good dancers of “Gentleman”. That answer catapulted us to the dance floor to give the audience some sample moves. I can’t decide if we're shameless, desperate to win, or just genuinely game – but one thing is for sure, the crowd did enjoy our impromptu performance despite the fact that not all of are good dancers.  =)

Photos by She&Him Photography (Top) and CamZar Photography (Bottom)

The games that followed suit turned the stifled laughs on the group into rambunctious cheers and hoots!  Charge that to the very naughty Program Committee who prepared very naughty and mature games for all of us. Kudos to you guys and gals! Thanks for giving everyone a mini bridal shower. =)

Photo by me (L) and CamZar Photography (R)

Scandalized w@wies during the Guess the Position game | Photo by CamZar Photography

During the course of the program, winners of the W@W Peer Awards were also announced. I was happy to see some of my bets bag the award. The raffle followed suit and we got lucky again by winning our very own set of Unity Coins. We were already settled to use our international coin collection for our arrhae but I just can’t take not putting into good use those shiny and freshly minted coins.

Photo by CamZar Photography

Amidst all happenings, the part of the program I appreciated the most was Ms. Benz’s short talk on married life FAQs. She told us that each day is not as rosy and romantic as what we picture it to be at this point, and so she felt responsible to throw some splash of reality to our current idealistic state. As she went through her list, I realized that at one point or another, Adrin and I have managed to talk about those things already. We’ve gone through endless random what-ifs in our daily conversations and most, if not all, of those potential issues have been touched already. This made me appreciate more how open Adrin and I to each other is. And it makes me feel more secure that we’re really ready to take our relationship to the next level. =)  

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. Adrin and I really had a good time on our 1^st w@w event and we look forward to the next one. =)


Cheers!

Makeover #2: Matches

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After a long hiatus from actual DIY work (posts about invites as of late were all for materials), I had the sudden urge to tinker with our matches. Together with our bible, these were winnings from a contest we joined last year. 

To start off, I peeled off the satin cover of the matches and replaced it with dark blue felt cloth.

Then I decided to paint yellow the white and silver rope of the original design. Once dry, I attached it on the matches the same way it was used in the original design. But after doing that, the look did not come off as I expected so I tore it out again. Without any pre-meditation for this DIY, I don't have any idea what design to make. Adrin suggested to just put some lace as a simple accent. Sadly the eyelets on hand are too wide as they were intended for the wrist corsages. 

It's time to bring out the trusted box of thingamajigs once more. I was scouting for anything that I can use when I saw a white mesh ribbon which used to be a part of my old blouse (I told you, I’m such a junkie. Haha). I suddenly had the inspiration to create a flower out of it and again use my leftover beads as its core.

After making two flowers, I glued them on the upper right hand side of each match and this is how they turned out.

Simple but cute. Just how I wanted them to be. Another one for the books eh? =)

Cheers!

Countdown: 12 months!

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Reality check, it’s year 2013 and next is our wedding year already. Actually exactly 1 year from today, Adrin and I will walk that nave and get hitched. Weeee!

Since I consider this whole wedding preparations a project, here’s another checkpoint. First, let’s revisit my to-do list 6 months ago and see what we were able to tick-off.

• Bridal Gown Designer > Hana Saab Tomacruz
• Groom’s Attire
• Blueprint for DIY Invitations
• Hair & Make-up Artist > Val Villarin
• Flowers Supplier > Scenta Creations
• Engagement Shoot Moodboard
• DIY Accessories (Wedding Cord-DONE, Prenup Accessories and Props)

Aside from the wedding cord, I was also able to finish some other DIYs  –

• Coins for our arrhae
• Wrist corsage for the Flower Girls
• Rosaries for our Principal Sponsors
• Bible makeover

And book several more suppliers:

• Prenup Venue: Jardin de Miramar (c/o W@W auction)
• Roving Photographer: Studio on Wheels (c/o W@W auction)
• Wedding Rings: Goldenhills Jewelry
• Auxiliary Photographer: Manny and April Photography
• Mobile Bar: GQ Mobile Bar

So, what can you say? Though we missed almost half of the planned list, it was replaced by quite a few other items, and more importantly, some of them are DIYs. Hooray! We're successful in injecting selected personalized elements into our wedding! And we plan to do MORE! Whew, another fruitful phase of our wedding planning. :)

For the next 6 months, this is our to-do list:

1. Groom’s Attire
2. Parents' and Entourage's Attire
3. DIY Invitations and Stationery
4. Engagement Shoot Moodboard
5. Actual Engagement Shoot
6. Initial Food Tasting and Detailing
7. More DIY Accessories

May we have the time and energy to accomplish them all. 'Til the next checkpoint!

Cheers!

Makeover #1: Wedding Bible

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Last week, after office, I decided to grab some stuff for another DIY (okay, pseudo-DIY). I got these poster paints and brushes with the plan to put some color to our elegant-but-out-of-theme free bible.

My materials: Prussian Blue and Chrome Yellow

I covered the other sections with paper so they won’t be filled with paint, and just left the band, ribbon, and floret exposed.

Here’s the before and after look of our bible. So what do you think? Not bad for a makeover right?

Before and After

I even think that the after look is better. Oh yes, I’m so biased. Haha.

The final look of our bible

Watchout for more DIYs and pseudo-DIYs. :)

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!

DIY In Progress: Bride & Groom Signages

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I'm sure you'd be shock that this early into our wedding preps, I'm already working on the signages that we'll hang outside our wedding preps hotel door. But hey, nothing wrong with it right? Who knows how heavy my work demand will be as we near the big day. That's why I want to tick off as much DIYs as I can while I still have the time.

When Adrin and I saw the stuffed felt letters in a store called EGG (Exciting Gifts and Goodies), I was instantly inspired to DIY the same letters and have them as our signages.

Something like this [Source: Etsy]

To be able to proceed with this DIY, I immediately sourced for the materials. Looking for felt cloth in the metro was quite a challenge. Nonetheless, I was able to find the right color in the small sewing/craft store at the 3rd floor of SM Makati.

As I start this project, I printed out block letters (Font used: Showcard Gothic) in a bond paper, cut them out, and used them as patterns. I carefully traced 2 pieces for each letter onto the felt cloth. I need two since I’ll be sewing them together and put some stuffing inside, just like how the letters are in the above photo.

I’ve completed cutting all the tracings out and now they are ready for stitching. It will be a tedious and time consuming task so I need to schedule this in one of the upcoming holidays. Of course I’ll update you as soon as I complete them, so watch out for it. :)

Cheers!

A Gift For A Friend: Beaded Rosaries

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Three months after Adrin and I got engaged, I and my college friends were surprised by another engagement announcement within our group. This time it was Aiza’s, who accepted the marriage proposal of her then boyfriend, Jeron. We were really amazed of the announcement because of two things; (1) Aiza has been really picky with boys in the past and Jeron is her first boyfriend; and (2) at that time, they haven’t even celebrated their first dating anniversary! Haha. Nonetheless, we were very happy for them of course, especially me since I am also a soon-to-wed. I’m excited to exchange stories with her as we plan for our own dream wedding.

Fast forward to August, while Aiz (as we fondly call her) and I were texting away about the wedding cord that I just completed, I told her we can also DIY theirs. She liked the idea but beneath the excitement, I sensed a hint of hesitation. So since I’d like to contribute in making her wedding special, unique, and personal – I offered her to do the job and give it to them as my personal gift for their upcoming union. The next reply I received was pure delight! Knowing how traditional their families are, I reminded her to check first if they’ll be allowed to use a beaded wedding cord.

Just this month, before going back to Wellmanson for additional materials, she asked me to make rosaries for them instead of wedding cord just to be on the safe side. She didn’t want me making something that they eventually will not use. I also noted of their color motif which is Aqua Blue and Navy Blue.

After a couple of nights spent beading, these are the rosaries (I made them each) I lovingly crafted for them. 

I haven't had the opportunity yet to hand these to the couple. They just saw pictures of these in Facebook, and both of them found them beautiful. I bet they're already thrilled to have it. How about you, what do think of these rosaries? 

Cheers!

DIY #1: Our Wedding Cord

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Finally, I'll be able to share to you our wedding cord. We bought the materials for our cord a few weeks ago and this time I’ll show you the step by step process as I crafted this thing that'll bind us, and of course the output. :)

First create a pattern you’d like. I created two patterns for our cord with the plan to pin these segments alternately. Since I prefer navy to stand out more than yellow, I used more navy beads in the patterns I arranged. Notice that I bought bigger navy beads too, so it would be more prominent than the yellow ones once the cord is finished.

String the first pattern of beads and bead caps into the eye pin. After inserting the last item, which is the bead cap for this segment, insert an eye pin. Once all the items were strung together, make a loop to close it.  In this segment, I cut the eye pin a bit before making the closing loop.

Using the eye pin included in the first segment, string the second pattern and insert another eye pin.Make a loop again to close this segment. Since I’ll just have these two patterns alternately, I just repeated the first section and continued on to do the rest.

After creating the two beaded loops that will be placed around me and Adrin, I designed the connector in the middle out of yellow beads (because I forgot to buy a brooch, so I improvised =P). This is the section where I attached our initials. Adrin didn't like the cursive letter A so we bought the block one. I, on the other hand, prefer the cursive letter K, so we decided to get our initials in different fonts. For the dangling section in the middle, I made a different pattern for it so you can easily set it apart from the two larger sections. Once this part was completed, I attached a blue St. Benedict's Crucifix at the end.

And so I present to you our wedding cord.

Easy process right? And lovely cord too! :)

Cheers,