Saturday, June 30, 2012

Menu Card and Program

Found inspiration this morning to create our menu card and program outline in Photoshop. The airplane artwork is from one of my favorite wedding sites, the Wedding Chicks.

The menu card is for people like me who are interested in knowing the names of whatever is on my plate and the program outline is again for people like me who prefers to have a better idea whatever is going on at a wedding (as I easily get distracted) and what will happen next. This is so that I can plan better when to take the restroom break and/or go to the Photo Booth to have my souvenir picture taken, if I was not able to do so during cocktails. This program is a draft version, as I have yet to discuss details with our wedding OTD coordinator and emcee.

I hope that my guests will appreciate these as well :)

...our menu card...

...our reception program outline...


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Hotel for Wedding Preparations

JP and I did an ocular inspection of Richmonde Hotel in Eastwood two weekends ago. We booked through Agoda before doing the inspection actually. We were that sure about this hotel, since almost all our suppliers recommended it. The hotel is also relatively new and is beside a mall so that is an added feature. Anyone who may have forgotten anything can hopefully get what they need from the nearby mall. Also, the hotel has a grand lobby staircase which is one of my main requirements. It does not seem as romantic as those from other hotels, but it should suffice. The hotel also has a spa for anyone (Hint: ME) who needs that extra dose of relaxation before or after the wedding.

Personally, I thought the bridal suite looked smaller than in the photos and did not have enough ambient light, but I realized it must be because we did not get the chance to view the "river side" rooms. From the website photos, the suite looked like this:


I called the hotel today and instructed them to reserve "river side" rooms for us. It would be much easier to get good photos here since there are no buildings that would block the view. Hopefully on our wedding we would get a similar room from the photo above.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel
17 Orchard Road, Eastwood City
Bagumbayan, Quezon City 1110
Philippines
Phone Number:  +6325707777
Website: www.eastwoodrichmondemanila.com


Monday, June 25, 2012

Cake Inspirations


I like how they arranged the flowers here so it looks like they are crawling upwards. But I would like to add some colors to this similar to Cake #2 and some more volume at the top layer.


the color of the crawling flowers hopefully would be somewhat similar to this


because I'm a cake person, we decided to serve chocolate cupcakes instead of chocolate fontain

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Bridal Shower Pics

The bridal shower was organized by my dearest friend and MOH, Kat. We scheduled this after our gown fittings at Ms. Janet Castro's shop in Makati. I really wanted my bridal entourage to get to know one another and to be familiar with each other so they will be comfortable sitting together at the wedding day. God willing, they will all be present also when JP and I celebrate future milestones in our lives.

Kat and I had difficulty planning for the event together, as my Lola was hospitalized for several days after suffering from pneumonia one week before the shower. She did most of the work, choosing the spa services, planning and buying needed materials for the games as well as the prizes and give-aways, preparing the hors d'oeuvres and other necessities. I am so thankful that she found the time & energy to do this for me as I know she is busy with work as well. Thanks, Kat! Love you and thank you for such a memorable gift :)

Venue: The Lemon Tree Inn in QC
Date: Saturday, June 02, 2012
Attendees: Female members of the bridal entourage and my high school friend and Kumare, Cane


...the spabulous team brought towels and robes for us. there was "zen" music also & 
they lighted incense to achieve that relaxing "spa" effect we all love...

....light dinner c/o amber's and some pastries c/o conti's...

....my turn to get some pampering... 

...tita annie's wow legs...

...the chocolate fondue and snacks brought and nicely prepared by Kat...

... tita annie and mama, bonding time...

...i ate most of the strawberries, i think... ang sarap especially with the chocolate fondue!...

...tita avic who is my secondary sponsor... first time to get a foot spa... 

 ...waiting for their turn to get a massage... 

...with ashley my flower girl... 

 ...katrin, the game master and punong-abala! thanks so much kat for this gift... sobrang happy and memorable for me and my mom... even tita annie enjoyed herself tremendously.... i hope you enjoyed yourself rin :) salamat and sorry i wasn't able to help out gaano... *mwah*... thanks so much again! :)

...the girls in bath robes and headbands...cute!

...mama and ashley in cooling eye masks... 

 ...bridesmaid lorie covered in facial mask...

 ...katrin handing out the give-aways... the "spa kit" contains lotion, body scrub and body bath...

...the bridal bouquet mostly made by neneng... nagdikit lang ako eh...

...my tissue gown, designed by my friends... "sabrina" neckline with pink ribbon at the waist and mermaid-like skirt... pwede! aliw talaga, especially when they made accessories to go with their "creation"... they put earrings, chokers, veil, headress and bracelet on me... at some point, they even tried to give me shoes as well! ...

...many, many thanks MOH Kat for your gift... sulit ang pagod at lahat ng pag-aabala...

Updates: Rings + Solemnizer

Grateful that JP's short stay was fruitful. We were able to accomplish everything on our list and more except the visit to our OB-GYN and dentist, which I think we can squeeze in on July or on our own separate spare time. Last weekend's highlight are as follows:

  1. We were able to finalize the design for our rings. JP chose a wedding band that had stones on them and he chose a simple white gold band for himself. The rings are both 14K only, but we are happy. I am excited to see them once again, with engravings and free diamond inside. Here is a photo of the rings:
  2. We were able to meet Pastor Manric and had a very insightful counselling session. We are very blessed to have him as our solemnizer at our wedding. 
  3. We were able to find a handsome tuxedo for JP at a discounted price
  4. We were able to meet with our caterer Ryan and finalize some details for the reception
  5. We decided to book the chateau at The Blue Gardens for the reception. We were compelled and guided to change the reception venue, by God's leading
  6. We were able to visit Janet Castro for my first fitting... we determined that there are some design and measurement changes that need to be done. I am praying for God to allow me to wear not only a beautiful dress but also a comfortable gown on my wedding day.

But we still have so much more to do so I am praying for more of God's strength and provisions:

  1. Finalize guest list and table assignments 
  2. Final food tasting on Monday at Lina Vitan (Mon 6/25)
  3. Outline Program for Garden Ceremony for Pastor Manric (Sun 6/24)
  4. Hand-over Pastor Manric our Marriage License (Sun 6/24)
  5. Print-out of bridal bouquet inspirations & final instructions for the florist
  6. Cancel our original contract with Eros Salon
  7. Cancel our original contract with Julius and Carol Flower Shop
  8. Book the preparation room for the groom
  9. Buy SHOES before my second fitting with Janet Castro over the weekend
  10. Buy pants and white long sleeves for our ring bearers

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Our Wedding Invite

this came in last week and i just love them! they gave me a draft version and i sent them my comments and revisions. a day after, they sent me a version that i am so happy with already! all my review points were covered, hehe! ang husay pala ng Print Divas at mapapakiusapan. I am happy we were able to book them. can't wait to see the mock-ups this week para maipadala ko kay JP when he goes back to SG.











Sunday, June 10, 2012

Some More "Home Work" for us...


We had several milestones last week, but still more to do this week. Praying for God to strengthen me, give me patience and give us guidance in choosing our wedding bands and remaining suppliers.
  • RING - go to Matus on Friday 6/15 for fitting (OK)
  • SOLEMNIZER - meet with Pastor Manric on Sunday 6/17 (OK)
  • Electronic Items
    • Send comments on the AVP
    • Send email to Papemelroti
  • Quiapo-Related Items
    • Buy 20 more fans
    • Canvass Print
    • Table Photos
  • Reception Items
    • Buy sparklers aka lusis
    • Choose our exit song
  • Guest List - FINALIZE before final tasting next week.
  • Decor Items
    • Decorate Matches (OK but needs another version)
    • Decorate our Bible (OK)
    • Buy Candles (2 Medium, 1 Big - OK)
    • Table Numbers (In Progress)
    • Table Napkin Holders (In Progress)
    • Bride & Groom Sign
    • Buy "wishing tree" or "birdcage" (OK)
    • Create our "Just Married" sign
    • Create our "LOVE" sign