Freenup from Chasing Tales Photography

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Been feeling under the weather since yesterday. I surmise it’s because of our rainy shoot last Friday. Decided to take a day off from work today so I can rest. As soon as I woke up though, I saw a message from a friend sharing that they won a Free Engagement Shoot from Chasing Tales Photography.

Chasing Tales Photography, a relatively new photography outfit, released a promo some weeks ago. Me being always on the lookout for a chance to get additional shoot for free, expectedly joined this contest.

So when I read the message from my friend, I immediately checked Chasing Tales Facebook page to look for the announcement of winners—didn’t see anything though. I assumed then that they contacted the winners via email or personal message. Since there wasn’t any Facebook PM from them, I hoped that they chose to notify the winners via email instead.

Quickly switched from Facebook to my email, there I saw an email from Chasing Tales!!! Upon opening the message, I found the good news. We were also one of the 5 lucky couples who won a free shoot from them. Coming out from one shoot last week, pictorials is still in my psyche and I am so thrilled to know that we have another chance to be models for a day.

Adrin was equally thrilled as I am when he learned of our good fate. Time to prepare again. Woohoo! Oh what a good Monday sickness (pun intended) buster! =)

Cheers! 

The Gown: First Fitting

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Yesterday was my first gown fitting with Hana. As usual, Adrin accompanied me to Hana's shop. As soon as we got there, we're down to business right away. Usually, first fitting is for the test garment only. I did not  know that it includes the petticoat as well. 

Hana and her assistant reached for the packed petticoat bearing my name. After which, they also retrieved the test garment which I will wear. I was then led to changing room so I can get into that flimsy test garment and bulky petticoat. I must say, even if it's just a test garment, it fits me snugly. I then wore the heels I brought and they started checking me and the garment all over. Armed with their pins, loose areas were neatly tucked as a mark for adjustments. Hana was even making pencil marks on the test lining.

After doing their thing, they asked me to check the length of the train and I was happy with it. I don't like a very long train which I'll painfully drag as I walk down that carpeted aisle. Hana asked me to check the back next and I told her that I'm giving her a free hand as to how low it should be. I just said that I want the back to be fully maximized for the lace tattoo I'm dreaming of. She asked me to face the mirror and informed me that the cut of the bustier will be lower that usual since my dress design is a V-neck. Gently, she explained to me that cutting it high will be awkward looking and asked if I'm okay with her plan. Not one to be so overly conscious, I told her that I'm okay with it as long as it's still decent looking. 

Lastly, we discussed on which part of my mid-section I'd like the "waist" cut to be. There's the natural waist option, the first hip option, and the dropped waist style which actually sits on the 2nd hip. My preference is to have the cut on the first hip. That way, there's an illusion of me having a longer torso. Hihi. That was the last item we discussed before I changed back to my clothes. Before leaving, we fixed the schedule of the next fitting. In 3 weeks time, I'll already try on the actual dress foundation! Exciting! =)

Cheers!

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!

DIY Invites Update #4: The Pocketfolds

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Now that we have materials for our invitations, it’s time to start the work on our pocketfolds. Saturday last week, we worked on our blue cardstock and figured out the most efficient way to cut it.

Pocketfold Invitation size: 5.5 x 8 inches

Blue cardstock size per invite: 9 x 17 inches

Below is an illustration of our pocketfold template.

Each sheet of blue cardstock measures 39.75 x 28.5 inches and it should give us six pocketfolds. 

As we do the work, I was tasked to do the scoring, while Adrin mastered manual cutting of boards using a hand cutter. After the hand cutter steps were completed, he switched to our cool Fiskars paper trimmer. Hours into the work and one quarter pounder down our gut, I requested to switch tasks since my fingers were already hurting due to the pressure of pushing the scoring blade down the tucks of the board.

Adrin doing the scoring

Me doing the trimming

Our invites cover still without pockets

After working for seven (7) hours, we were able to cut all 15 extra-large boards and reduced them to 90 invite covers. Two were actually scrapped due to our mistakes so we're left with 88 good ones. No need to worry since we only need around 70 pieces. 

The yet to be completed pocketfolds

Exhausted and sleepy, we decided to call it a night (or a dawn--haha) and stowed away our invite materials into paper bags. We've yet to cut the tiny flaps needed and actually stick them onto the bigger panel to make make the pockets before we get done with our blue cardstock. Nonetheless, we're happy with what we've accomplished so far. =D

Cheers!

"Will You Be" E-cards, Released!

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Over the past couple of days, Adrin and I have sent out our Will You Be's to our shortlisted entourage. Though some have been asked and informed before hand, we still decided to send those cute electronic notes to everyone to formally ask. 

I created the e-cards many months ago so I just did some minor polishing before we released them out one by one. How did we send it? Facebook! Oh yes, we just decided to send the e-cards via Facebook message. It's not only cost-efficient, but eco-friendly too!

After sending them out, I was on the constant lookout for their responses. It was such a thrill seeing my phone lit up for a Facebook message notification. Best part of all is reading their "yes" to our requests. :)

But things are not as rosy as we expected. A friend and a relative might not make it to our wedding due to work concerns. We understand their reasons and we still hope for circumstances to change for the best and enable them to be part our big day.

Here are some of our Will You Be e-cards.

Cheers!