Our Special Day in 5 Minutes :)

Tweet

First off, apologies for neglecting this blog for several weeks now. As you may know from our wedding ticker, Adrin and I finally tied the knot. It has been a pretty perfect day for us and all that we can recall about it is the joy and love that we felt. :)

I know I still owe you the rundown of events for that day, and I'd like to request for a bit more time since our days after the wedding has been quite a whirlwind. Supplier ratings is also at the top of my blog priorities and these will be posted in the upcoming weeks.

For now, allow me to share with you our special day through our Same-Day-Edit video by Ariel Javelosa Photography. Hope you like it. :)

Coming Soon - Adrin & Tine [01.18.14]

Tweet

Prenup Supplier Rating #3: Ariel Javelosa Photography

Tweet

This is a much overdue post. We've already released our ratings for our prenup venue and stylist, so it's time do a review of our photo and video team. This review will only cover the shoot service that day, together with the raw and post-processed photos we've received so far. Reviews on the guestbook/prenup album and actual Save the Date video are not included since we haven't received these items yet. 

Rating Scale: 1 - 10 (10 being the highest)

Service: Prenup Photos (Team of Mel Labro)

Peso Power: Included in our Photo and Video package

Rating: 8

Pros:

• Contact person (Grace) is very easy to talk to.
• Mel (our lead photo makes natural (not so BS) positive comments that boosts ones confidence.
• Mel is a good director and is able to articulate well what he wants you to do.
• They provided their own transportation (we offered to pay for their gas which they accepted).
• They are perfectly OK waiting in between shoots. We didn’t sense impatience at all.
• Love the shots especially the silhouette ones inside the restroom.
• We got the raw photos immediately (day after the shoot) which has been filtered into good shots only.
• Post-processed photos looks very good and were made available to us after I requested for it.

Cons:

• They tagged a trainee photographer along without consulting us first. This translated to additional food, entrance count, transpo. We would have appreciated an advance notice of the number of persons shooting us.
• Erdie (the videographer) doesn’t direct too well.
• Erdie needs to articulate better what he wants to achieve.
• There are very limited portrait shots outdoors.
• Not much candid shots while outdoors. 
• Apparently they don't normally give post-processed photos. Post processing is solely intended for the guestbook/prenup album. We had to request for a copy of those photos. 

Working with Ariel Javelosa Company in general is a good experience. We haven't had any hard time dealing with them and they ensure that client's requests are taken care of. Their style is very traditional though and it would be good if they can inject some modernity into their craft for it to be a healthy mix of classics and contemporaries.   

Cheers! 

Celebrities For A Day: The Engagement Shoot

Tweet

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!

Love That Transcends All

Tweet

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!

Countdown: 18 months!

Tweet

Today, we're officially 18 months down to our wedding day. I just can't believe how fast time flies. It was last January when Adrin and I got engaged. By February, we were already busy attending bridal fairs and signing-up for food tastings. Back then, we felt that we're doing things really early, but still worked on having our major items/suppliers booked. We still have a long way to go and with that I realize that starting your preps as reasonably early as possible is absolutely an advantage. 

This wedding preps has been my biggest, longest, and most complicated project so far. Despite my OC image, I often find myself lost into it, spending hours and hours reading blogs, browsing pictures, and checking out possible suppliers. It takes a conscious effort to step back and channel some of my time, attention and energy into other activities. I must say, preparing for a wedding has been so addicting! Teehee.  

With that, let me give you a rundown of what we have accomplished in the past 5 months:

• Church: San Agustin Church
• Venue: Grandview Events Place
• Caterer: Josiah’s Catering
• Photo/Video: Ariel Javelosa Photography
• OTD Coordinator: Kiss the Girl Events

And here are the items that we plan to book or work on next:

• Bridal Gown Designer
• Groom’s Attire
• Blueprint for DIY Invitations
• Hair & Make-up Artist
• Flowers Supplier
• Engagement Shoot Moodboard
• DIY Accessories (Wedding Cord, Prenup Accessories and Props)

Exciting times indeed! =D

Now, if only I can devote 100% of my time to this. *sigh* ;P

Cheers!

Photo/Video Supplier: Ariel Javelosa

Tweet

We finally booked our photographer and videographer! When I first did my research, this supplier immediately landed to our top 3 choices because of good reviews, reasonable rates, and quality output. After our first bridal fair experience, where we diligently made rounds to each photo/video supplier out there, we’re won over by their works and by the cheerful gentleman who entertained us during our inquiry.

And after a few months of waiting, in the hopes of booking our church first, and finding out (through an online article) that the man we talked to was Mr. Javelosa himself, we finally decided to book Ariel Javelosa Photography. We see no more sense in waiting since we’re no longer looking at other options. Aside from that, we know that booking them early will give us the advantage to lock their current rates.

The Man And The Wisdom
Behind Ariel Javelosa Photography

So last Saturday, after booking our venue, we went straight to NBC Tent for the Weddings ‘n Beyond bridal exhibit for another reservation agenda. Upon entering the hall, we immediately saw their booth and headed there. We were hoping to see Sir Ariel so we could actually make the reservation with him. But to our dismay, we did not see him there and was entertained by an unpersuasive lady staff instead. After several minutes of talking to her about their packages and deals for the day, Sir Ariel came out of nowhere and proceeded to assist some other clients who just arrived at their booth. With no more questions to ask to the lady staff and with Sir Ariel still engaged with another client, we decided to go around the hall first and just return to their booth later. Walking around the cramped tent, we discussed which package to book and which freebies/discount to avail.

As soon as we’ve come to a decision, we went back to Ariel Javelosa’s booth and were happy to find Sir Ariel free to entertain us. He immediately recognized us as the couple inquiring a while ago, and asked us if we have further questions. We just threw him a few questions and he in turn asked about our wedding details. It was also very nice of him to give us tips regarding photography style and prenup pictorial process even if we hadn’t expressed our intent to book them yet. Talking to him for the second time just convinced us more that we’ll be in good hands with his team. :) Next, we said that we’ll be getting their services and shared the package and freebies we’ll be getting. Sir Ariel’s generosity was not limited to tips and advices as he gave us additional free services!!! It was a smooth and effortless transaction for a very sulit deal. We completed the forms, gave our reservation payment and went out of NBC tent with such big smiles on our faces.


Cheers!

Bridal Fair Newbie

Tweet

Being the OC person that I am, weeks after being engaged, I began my research on all things wedding related. I used to see advertisements of bridal fairs in the past so this is one of the first things I checked out on the wedding and bridal sites I’ve visited. Then I came across an ad for the Weddings and Debuts 2012 Bridal Fair scheduled last February 17-19, 2012. Filled with excitement, I made a mental note to tell Adrin about it and ask him if he’d like to go and check things out. Good thing he’s also as interested as I was because we’re in agreement that (1) we have to start our preps somewhere, and that (2) it’s better to have an idea of how things work as early as now. After that, I immediately pre-registered for the said event and blocked-off our calendars for it.

Armed with nothing but open minds and a few shortlisted suppliers (those that I’ve noted after researching online), we braved the crowds of SM Megatrade Hall on a Saturday afternoon after the quick registration. It was overwhelming to see a sea of suppliers covering everything that goes into a wedding. Since this is the first one we attended, our major goal is to have awareness. We looked around, made sure that we passed each aisle, and collected all the fliers being handed out.

Having a wedding almost 2 years from then, answering questions about our wedding date proved to be a challenge. We surely do not want to appear too excited nor do we want them to lose interest entertaining us should they learn that it’s still 1yr. 11mos. away.  The solution? Move the year a notch. The whole time, we were telling them that it’ll be on January 2013. Yes I know, it was a naughty thing to do, but it’s harmless. So please let us off it. J

Since we established weeks before that one of our priority suppliers to invest on aside from food is photo and video service, we went to each supplier stall and meticulously checked their works. There we were leafing through their albums and watching sample videos that they were playing. We even checked some stalls twice so we can compare them better with the others. We also asked random things like average number of events they cover per day and whether we have a say on what goes into the albums. Let’s not forget the price reasonability. Of course we also have a price range to consider, so aside from inspecting samples, we also asked about their rates. This should be pondered on since we do not want to splurge much on photo/video to the point that other wedding components are sacrificed.

After going around for 2 hours, our feet were already hurting and my arms were tired from carrying what was already a big pile of service package hand-outs and fliers. But that was just a small thing compared to what we have achieved that day. We walked out of the hall with more knowledge of things that should be arranged for our big day and more or less an idea of our non-negotiables. Additionally, we also selected a top candidate for our photo and video supplier. Productive eh? Not bad for a first, I say. There’s still a ton of fairs to attend out there, and surely we’ll come more prepared next time.

Cheers!