Groom's Suit and the Men's Barong Tagalog

the look & poise that I can't resist! Photo by Bryan Yap

My groom doesn’t like to wear barong tagalog, he prefers suit over barong. Majority of the men here in Bangladesh wears suit on special occasions and they know their suit pretty well. So, instead of having his suit done in Manila, he had it tailored here in Bangladesh. He went to Fit Elegance for his suit because the master tailor is well-known and was trained at Reid &Taylor. Even without fitting session, the suit was perfect fit.  I’m glad he wore a suit because he looks more handsome and dapper. I know he will look good in barong also but a suit fits him well. We bought his tie at Robinson's Department Store.

photo by bryan yap

As for my father-in-law and cousin-in-law’s barong tagalong, we bought a readymade one at Kultura. 

Supplier's Review: Photographer: Bryan Yap

PHOTOGRAPHER: Bryan Yap Photography (Pre-Nup and Wedding Day)

Peso Power: Php 30,000 Service Only

Inclusion: Unlimited digital shots for the duration of event and service of Bryan Yap + 1 photographer

Highly Recommended

Bryan Yap and his team after our wedding reception

Among our suppliers, he is my and honey’s favorite, having said that, this may sound bias but it isn’t! Two thumbs up for him and his team. He actually became my sort of “wedding tips advisor” and an “ear” during the wedding preps. Bryan is not that popular in the wedding industry, it's not because he doesn't have the talent but simply because he doesn't know how to market himself. He doesn't advertise much, I think he enjoys his low-profile and let the word of mouth works for him. Most of the time, he works as the second photographer of high-profile photographers and that's were he gets the chance to improve and hone his skills without too much pressure a main photographer usually gets. And, working from behind gives you the talent of looking for every nook and cranny just to capture that most prized moments.

Bryan was referred to me by my friend who is into photography too. I actually forwarded all the portfolio links to her and ask her opinions regarding my choices. And she notices that majority are post-processed already. Obviously, I don’t like someone whose photographs are just good after post-processing so they were all slash out from the list, and the search continues. I’m in search for someone who can deliver raw images with great output already. That’s when Mika referred me to Bryan’s website, and even asked her friend for feedback regarding Bryan’s service since they hired him for their wedding and after a year, to their first child’s baptism & birthday event. Yes, that’s how satisfied the client with Bryan’s work that they became loyal clients.

During the time I was still inquiring, I was surprised to received at least 1 paragraph answers to every questions I asked him. It’s not the usual “template answers” I received from other inquiries. I thought at first it’s his way of “sales talk”. I even get annoyed with his “OK’ in every end of the sentence. Then, as we continued with our communication thru emails which I noticed he usually answers in the wee hours, I’ve realized that he is just one friendly-talkative-photographer and not just “sales talking” me to get his service, and his “ok” is his manner of speaking in reality without being an airhead. So it seems we are becoming chums even if I haven’t book him yet, and even started sharing insights regarding wedding preps woos and other stuff. And well, it’s a small world really, because his partner was a student in Fine Arts where I used to teach, and she is from our province and supposed to be a distant relative. Thanks for that, I got an additional freebie.

Even with his great output, we decided to book him for his “service only” because of 1) budget wise it’s more affordable, 2) honey thinks photo albums are dust-collectors and in this country, dust is like your second skin already, that’s how dusty it is here, and 3) I want to do my own lay-out as “scrapbooking” is one of my hobby, and honey is my number one fan and critic. And, if ever I decide in the end that I want an album, I can always go back to Bryan and ask them to do it and will just pay for the fee.

We booked him for “Service Only”, but I got some freebies for being a good client, and because Pie is a "distant relative", yes, I'm a "user". According to him, he gave me those because I didn’t demand for it but I asked nicely for it, and who could say “NO” to someone who asked it nicely, right? As for me, it's a gift that I gladly accepted, and it came when I was really upset. He added an SDE, and gave us free prenup pictorial within metro manila - but I cheated him coz we had our prenup at Sunvalley RealEstates in Inarawan Antipolo, of course I asked him first if it is okay if we had it there, and he said yes because he is from Marikina, he doesn’t want to do it at Eco park or Wildlife park as much as possible, and because I’m a good girl. And he also gave us a CD of selected pictures from the pre-nup to be shown during the cocktail hour. This was so much help because we only had our prenup 4 days before the wedding and I don’t have time to make one anymore.

Prenup pictorial by Bryan Yap

During our DIY pre-nup pictorial, it was a gloomy day. But it was perfect day somehow for a pictorial. It’s not sunny and it’s not raining hard too. It is humid but at least we were not under a scorching heat of the sun nor drenched in rain. We already have “The Notebook” as our peg just in case Mr. Rain will join us that day. Our pre-nup pictorial is too casual. Honey doesn’t like dressing up, he doesn’t want the “thematic pictorials”, and he just wants to ne at ease and is as he is. We had 3 casual looks 1) dressy look – I am also a girl and I need to show that, 2) couples shirt – we’re are just strolling in the park or hiking in the jungle, and 3) sporty look since he is a gym buff and I also want to show-off my toned-body care of my 3 months love affair with Gold’s Gym and discipline in eating. And well, I find a man who loves my least favorite part of my body – my big arms.

Prenup Pictorial by Bryan Yap

We had so much fun during the pictorial, even my in-laws find him friendly and jolly. You just simply easily ease-up with him because of his “gay-ish antics/style” and friendliness. It’s light and easy working with him. We were limited to certain parts of the subdivision but Bryan was able to capture a good angle and composition. Since we both forgot to bring our laptop, I wasn’t able to get a copy of the pictures instantly, but he came to my house the following day to deliver the CDs. That’s good service isn’t? It's good that we live near Marikina.

Bryan in action. Photo courtesy of my  bro-in-law

Come wedding day, Bryan and his team arrived earlier than the scheduled time because they want to do the details shot before everyone else arrives. Instead of two photographers, they had another one that day, so I have 3 photographers that day – Bryan, Pie and MC. After introducing the whole team, they proceed with their work. It’s a good thing also that they informed my coordinator that they want to start early because the night before that, Charisse came to my suite to arrange all the items needed to be photograph. Bryan just had to take those things and start shooting them; they don’t have to disturb me anymore because I was already having my make up done.

It was fun and easy working with the whole team. Obviously, I can’t still control myself from smiling, so all the “pensive look”, “serious look” was all failure. But they really captured the real me – “Bungisngis peachy”, and I caught them with their favoritism – they took a lot of pictures of Aiden, Mika’s daughter, my friend who referred Bryan to me, and who finally booked him for a family pictorial session a few weeks before my wedding day. That’s their first time to meet each other and they too have a great experience with the session.

Bryan’s style is a mix of everything – he can adapt to his client’s needs. He made sure that he can cover all the things that I require but at the same time making sure that he can deliver more than what I expect from him. He is open for suggestion too, if you like a certain pose, he will take it. My in-laws are uptight but he was able to chill with them and made them pose too. He gave me the raw images in DVD a few days after our wedding because we went home to Ilocos the day after the wedding.

Sharing our SDE by  Bryan Yap:

Alvin & Peachy's SDE Slideshow from Bryan Yap on Vimeo.

The only CON I can think about is they forgot to go back to the buffet table to take pictures of the foods. When I asked Bry about this, what he said was, the food were not ready yet when his team were taking details shot, but still it isn’t a reason to forget about it, so he was so sorry about it. It’s a small thing, it’s really not a problem but I’m into details too, that’s why I noticed that the food pictures are missing. But again, this small detail doesn’t affect their credibility and skills. I’m still grateful that I didn’t have to experience horror stories with my photographer.

He is one high-calibre photographer with the friendly rate every bride and groom wants to grab! By the way, I didn't request for additional enhancement to the raw images because I'm already happy and satisfied with the raw images! 

https://www.facebook.com/SunValleyEstates.Property

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTmwdJT0-Xg

Supplier's Review: Wedding Coordinator: Events Malditas

OTD COORDINATOR: Events Malditas (OC Coordinator for an OC Bride like me)

PESO POWER: Php 13,000 (discounted price for W@W Tagholder)

HIGHLY Recommended

Contact Details: Charisse A. Libao - 09175943010 / 09234330061; eventsmalditas@gmail.com

Aside from Bryan Yap, Events Malditas specifically Charisse, is one of our favorite suppliers.

At first, we were having second thoughts in getting a coordinator since my groom then thinks it’s not necessary. It's only 100 guest’s event and he thinks our own family can do what a coordinator should do on the wedding day. Coming from a different culture and country where weddings are not a performance, he finds it extra expense.

But considering my family dynamics and being aware of what really is going to happen on wedding day, I explained it to honey that we have to get an OTD Coordinator. And, after our wedding day, he was glad that we did hire a coordinator.

Events Malditas are still considered new in the wedding industry, but their team leaders Charisse and Ems got the passion in what they do thus it seems they’ve been in the industry for so long. And, I also read good reviews regarding them in W@W. And during our first meeting, I find them organize, presentable and smart. And even if their name is Maldita, I think I’m still more maldita than they are. Kidding aside, they are not maldita in a negative sense, they are maldita with their work – they are strict that they made sure they do it right and they are kind of OC like me too, a good combination for an OC bride like me.

Having all the free time in hand, I was able to finish all my task way even before Charisse will remind me or give me the to-do-list and they are even teasing me few weeks before the wedding that I can actually get married on that day since I’m prepared and completed everything, only thing missing is the groom.

Pro:

OTD Schedule provided by Malditas

• OC – they are so into details, they have a checklist that they send to me and then every meeting we will crosscheck what is done and has yet to be done.
• They do their own follow-ups. Give me reminders and tips of advice too.

• On the wedding day, I was stress-free. And the whole time it feels like I have a PA or personal assistant. Either Charisse is always with me or another team member is with me. Same experience for my honey, which is very important since they are foreigners and they are not really aware how the weddings are done here in the Philippines, they never felt left alone or hanging in mid air, Robert is there for them.
• They were able to convinced my dad that both of them mama and papa will walk me to the aisle. Well, papa isn’t happy about it, he is a traditionalist but he just have to accept the fact that this is the common practice now in the church.
• Definitely, you are in good hands with Events Malditas.

Photo ops with the team after the reception. Photo  by Bryan Yap

Having a coordinator is not a "nice to haves", it is a "must have". Not everyone will agree to this but if you get a very efficient coordinator like Events Malditas, you will understand what I mean. You are a lucky bride if you have the 24/7 support of your girlfriends and entourage members during the preps, but if you are like me whose girlfriends are not really available, having a coordinator is helpful. Being the bride, your mind tend to be congested with so many cobwebs regarding wedding preps, documents, work and among other things that sometimes you will forget even the smallest details, that’s where you need a coordinator. You need someone who is in their right mind because it’s their job and responsibilities to crosscheck all the required things and other checklist needed. Come wedding day, you will need someone to keep you and the rest of the entourage including the suppliers to be on time. And when you miss something, the coordinators are there to check this and if your coordinators are heaven sent, they could even run errands when required and necessary. They can be your cheerer and stress-reliever on the day, they can be your girlfriends and who knows, they can be your friends in the end. They are there to check if everything is according to your plan, if everything is in place, if everyone is properly seated, if the suppliers are on time. These things all can be done by family members and relatives too, but since it’s your once in a lifetime event, you may want your family members and relatives to enjoy the event as well – thus it’s is advisable to hire an efficient coordinator and give all this tasks to them and have a stress-free wedding day and let your family enjoy it too.

Supplier's Review: Videographer: Aisle 1401

VIDEOGRAPHER: Aisle 1401

Peso Power: Php 18,000 Introductory Rate of Package 1: The Essentials

Highly Recommended

While writing my suppliers review, there were times that I think I am a “rebellious bride”. Between photography and videography, I prefer photography, thus why videography was not a priority for me. Maybe my friend somehow influenced me when I was scouting suppliers. She was not pro-videography too since not everyone wants to watch a video and it’s a hassle to insert the cd/dvd and play unlike with photographs, you can easily browse thru albums, she actually advice me to just hire the service of a street-side videography shop just to have some moments captured, and for keepsakes too.

Because I’m just in the look-out for someone affordable with good videography skills, I’ve checked Aisle 1401 after reading a lot about them in W@W and after Krystle referred them to me also. Their works are good, and their introductory price was really a steal! I instantly emailed Aisle 1401 and happy that I got them before the end of their Introductory Price and change to their new regular price.

With The Aisle 1401 guys and Krystle at the W@W Christmas Party

I never got the chance to meet them and interact with them prior to the wedding day. We were so busy already with the last minute preparations that I wasn’t able to squeeze them in our schedule or maybe vice versa. So, technically, I don’t know them all by face and name. I met them once in a brief introduction during the W@W Christmas party but I ‘m not sure if I registered in their minds.

 

Drei instructing us what to do

PRO:

• It was an easy transaction thru exchanges of email. Anna replies promptly and explains things in layman’s terms and answers my “stupid” questions hehehe.
• The SDE is great! I love it and so with honey. We still have to receive the highlights which they said it will be ready after 3 months. I hope it will be ready because after listening to their podcast, I’m not sure if I hear them right but they said its 6 months.
• They can do magic. They were able to include someone in the SDE even if they are not really present during the mass.
• They are good. Mico and Drei arrived on time during the wedding day. They introduced themselves happily instantly before proceeding to their work; at the same time I introduced them to whoever is present in the room too. I find the duo funny, serious with their work but fun, opposite of what I felt with Anna and John – dead serious.
• They are all good-looking.
• I emailed Anna recently to inquire when is our wedding highlights ready for delivery and she replied quickly telling me this coming september - that's 3-4 months production :-)

CON

I don’t have any negative thing to say regarding their craft and their work as a team because they are really good in what they do even if they are still considered “neophyte”. But let me just share my experience or what I felt that day.

I believe that any suppliers should introduce themselves to the bride and/or groom when you enter their preps room. We maybe too busy but we still prefer people coming in our room to introduce themselves properly. With all the people coming in and out, and surrounding us, we can’t recall or remember everyone’s name in an instant, so it will be of great help if you will introduce yourself or even just to say “Hi! We are here!”

If Mico and Drei were so jolly in introducing themselves when they arrived, it’s different with Anna and John. They came later than Drei and MIco, I’m not sure if this is their usual set-up. I’m done with my make-up when they came to my room. I can’t remember them introducing themselves but I did remember saying “Hi” to them (since I know them by face) when I saw them standing there and watching the make-up session. They did say “Hi” after that. I don’t know if they knew that I was the bride until I said “hi” because I was just standing near Anna when they entered. She asked for the coordinator, so I pointed at Charisse. Anna asked her what’s the time for the bride to leave for the church, and before Charisse could answer, Anna walked towards the wall where the schedule is posted, checked it and then face again Charisse  and said “I suggest we leave earlier than the schedule instead of 230pm. That area is traffic sometimes. We had a wedding their last week and the bride was late the church didn’t allow her to march anymore. You don’t want that to happen to your bride and put the blame on you, do you”

I understand she has a good intention here, but the tone and the body language has an effect in a good communication. The room just felt silent when she was talking and as soon as they left the room, everyone went back to their jolly mood. And whoever was around that time felt that she is “bossy”, and as the bride, I was a bit turn off. Honey had a similar experience with Anna and john. He is a foreigner and he really doesn’t know all our suppliers except of course for Charisse and Bryan whom he met days before the wedding. So, when he saw Anna and John standing inside his preps room, he asked them “And you are?”, and their reply was “we are with them “, pointing at Drei and Mico who were in his room that time. As for Honey, he still doesn't know them, and even now, he can just recall the name and face of Mico and Drei. After hearing their podcast interview at W@W Chat, it came into my mind: maybe they have their wife-husband misunderstanding that day.

I know this incident doesn’t affect their work and creativity. It maybe just a misunderstanding. It’s so minor that anyone will just ignore it. It’s not their intention, but I still think and believe that every supplier should be at their best mood and putting their best foot forward when they are on-duty. Again, this is not to bad-mouth them as they are really good with their work and craft , as a matter of fact, I'm highly recommending them - but, I'm just sharing my experience as a client too. And it's a common knowledge that people have different experiences.

Sharing our SDE by Aisle 1401

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWRMqExkpgg&feature=youtu.be

Sharing our SDE by Aisle 1401

Alvin and Peachy from Aisle 1401 on Vimeo.

Supplier's Review: Quartet: Manila String Machine

MUSIC: QUARTET: Manila String Machine

Peso Power: Php 18,000 – church & reception

Highly Recommendable

MSM in action during our reception. Photo by Bryan Yap

Honey gave me all the liberty to plan regarding the wedding, but for this one, I gave it to him. I want to get a band but hiring a band requires me to get additional “L&S” supplier, and when you add both fees, it is way over the budget, while he wants a quartet. He has three requests only – 1) Aiden to be one of the flower girls, 2) he will wear a suit, and 3) he wants a quartet.

I’m a follower of Frances Amper Sales’ blog, and thru her I found out about MSM. So, when honey requested for a quartet, MSM was one of the choices. Even if they are pricier than the others, I still chose them because 1) they have newer and better repertoire, 2) they reply faster than the others, and 3) to help one w@wie who has to cancel her transactions with them because they are not pushing thru with their Philippine wedding. It’s also convenient for me to watch them practice since one of their member lives two streets away from our house. I went there with my dad during their practice, and my dad likes them too.

During their practice at Chico Street

PRO:

• It is easy transacting with Ted, both in email and FB
• Did I say it that they play so well. Their performance is high standard
• I wished I recorded their entire performance because I barely remember them playing. My senses were floating during my wedding day, everything was just like haze, and the only thing I can recall are the moments with my honey heheh!
• They can arrange the music if the song you want is not in their list, at a fee of course.

CON:

I’m not the one who experienced it but the other suppliers. There’s one lady with MSM, we don’t know who she is but she is the wife of one of the members. It’s not her intention to disturb the other suppliers while working but I hope next time, she can feel and understand that the suppliers are there to work and not to chitchat with her. And, they need concentration and focus in what they are doing. Sometimes, it’s hard to excuse yourself to someone who is so friendly and chatty, that you are afraid to offend her by shutting her off, and just wish she has the senses to excuse herself and give you space to work. That’s what the other suppliers felt towards her. Other than that, there’s no harm done. And, how I wished they said goodbye to us before leaving, I don’t have a picture with them.

I so love them, that how I wish, our videographer took a video of their full performance.

Supplier's Review: Couturier: Jef Albea

COUTURIER: Jef Albea

Peso Power: Php 53,000 – bridal gown with free reception dress, 2 mothers, 3 SS, 4 FG. Php 5000 one pina-jusi barong set for papa

Recommendable

with Jef: our first meeting, during one of the fittings and on the wedding day

He was referred by Anna Mexicana, and since his shop then was near our place, I decided to set a meeting with him. Honestly, I never felt a “this-is-it” feeling to him or to any of my suppliers. I believe my process of choosing my suppliers is way different from all the other brides, I always think of my budget first – if it is affordable or within my budget, then I will set a meeting. 2^nd and 3^rd will be the chemistry between me and the supplier based on our meetings or exchanges of correspondence, and the service, craftsmanship, creativity, talent and performance. Usually this one will be base on recommendations and portfolio, so it’s not always 100% sure that it will work for you too. So I will always rely to my gut feel and the chemistry we have.

Jef seems to know his craft. The design sketches he made for me on the spot were pretty. He came up with a design that I have in my mind but didn’t mention it to him but I just told him that the dress should create an illusion of height and svelte body as much as possible. He was able to give me a discount so that I can afford him base on my budget, and he is good-looking (did I mentioned about my “thing” for suppliers who are good looking or presentable?), he was nice, and his shop is near my place it will be convenient for my sister to do some follow ups if required, so I booked him.

I paid the 50% DP before going back to Bangladesh. And then after a few weeks, I heard a negative story about him. But I really don’t want to dwell on it, and I want to keep my trust on him. After all, I don’t know the real story from both sides and I believe there are different experiences for different people and different chemistry too. And I prefer to believe Jef’s side of the story. It got me worried too especially that I’m an overseas bride; I can’t just throw-away the DP just because “someone I don’t know personally had a bad experience with him”. I just really have to have trust and faith in him that he will be able to deliver what is required and expected from him, so I still push through with him.

It was easy transacting with him. I have a total of 5 fittings with him and the fun part is, every time I had a fitting, there are changes. My gown design which has a modified a-line silhouette is continuously changing to suit me well, because during the last 3 months prior to my wedding date, I enrolled in Gold’s Gym to help me lose weight and to tone my body. 

the evolution of my bridal gown and me 

An endless revision – from the original tulle long sleeves because I want to hide my big arms, to quarter sleeves because I heard Joed saying that long sleeves will make someone who is already petite looks more smaller in a bad taste and because I notice all the Bangladeshi relatives had a long-sleeves bridal gown, and finally to off-shoulder – low back – plunging neckline gown.  And the final fitting, I was with my mom and mom-in-law and we were all awed with the gown and how it suited me well.

Back details: before and after

Pro:

• My gown is beautiful, it fits me well. My honey loves it too. I feel like a princess in my gown.
• His shop is near my place - first it was in V.Luna and now, it's in Scout borromeo cor. Sct Ybardolaza.
• Easy to talk with regarding changes, he is open to suggestions and opinions too. He will not impose on you what he wants but rather he will give you advice and enlighten you to help you decide with what you really want. He was supportive also especially when I was trying to lose weight. And keeps on reminding me that I need to have confidence to make justice to the gown.
• My 2^nd gown, which was supposed to be my reception dress, looks elegant even if it is made entirely of a tulle-like material. I wore it on in our reception here in Bangladesh.
• He was able to deliver according to our schedule, and even finalize the dresses of my mom, mom-in-law and sister after their first and final fitting which was 5 days before the wedding day. 

My mom's gown and my papa's barong

Mom-in-law's gown

Con:

• There are times that he does not reply to your emails simply because according to him, there’s nothing to say anyway. As for me, if you really value your client or respect them, you should still reply just to acknowledge that you did read the email and got the message.
• Sometimes, it’s tough to fix the fitting schedule but he can be flexible with the timings. I just don’t like it when he tries to change the timing a few hours before the said schedule. If it is just me, it’s ok because I can easily adjust my timings since I’m at home most of the time but for my FG’s moms it is not easy or acceptable.
• And, he made a mistake with the color of the fabric. Our original colors were the violet and green of Barney. My sister told me that I’m a “nice bride” because I didn’t require Jef to change all 4 dresses. I just told him to change the MOH’s dress and use the original color that we agreed and just retained the SS dresses as it is. And, this mistake turns out to be a good one because on the wedding day, all my female entourages look good in their dresses. And all my SS prefers the lilac shade over the Barney shade, it's a good thing then that Jef made a mistake and I didn't require him to change it.

Our entourage

• 

  MOH's gown: the first picture with the wrong color of fabric and the final output.

  Except for my gown, my MOH’s and 3 FG’s, the rest of the female entourages has to send their measurements since they’re not base in manila. I don’t know if this is the reason why some of the dresses are ill-fitting. The bust padding of my sister’s gown was not right on the spot, though it isn’t noticeable. The candle sponsor’s gown looks short and the top part looks too-low that anytime her twins will be exposed, I’m just glad she wore it with confidence. One of the little girls dress was too short and tight for her. The neckline of my mom-in-law’s dress doesn’t look straight also. And, I don’t know why all zippers are visible.

Secondary sponsors gowns

Flower Girls

• I just notice it now, the final reception dress was not according to what he told me, it should be in jersey fabric with gold accent but the final output, he used a tulle-like or maybe that is a tulle material without any gold accent. I forgot about the original design too, as a matter of fact , i wouldn't realized about the mistake if I'm not writing this review, I found out about the mistake when I was editing the pictures. It is okay if I was informed about the changes, but he didn't mention that he will change anything. The only thing I asked him to change when I had my fitting was the skirt, I want it full fabric instead of the layered skirt.

• 

  My reception dress: the original sketch and the final output

Even with these minor glitches, I will still recommend him with a bit of advice: work closely with him, be friendly with him but be firm. He delivered on time even with our hectic schedule a few days before the wedding.

I love my gown; I’m happy with it and satisfied with it. Every time I had my fitting, there’s always a new and different feeling. Even on the wedding day itself, when I wore it on, there’s a different “wow” effect. It’s simply the perfect gown for me. And yeah, the tiis-ganda part, I had to wear a 5 inches platform heels to compliment the look. Generally, I liked all the dresses, that's why I still recommend him for bride's looking for affordable with quality gowns.

Supplier's Review: Flowers, Emcee and HMUA

FLOWERS: Headbands & Headbands by Mikee Palmera

Peso Power: Php 5505

Inclusion: 1 Bridal bouquet, 1 groom boutonniere, 2 mother’s bouquet, 1 MOH bouquet, 5 ninangs brooches, 3 SS wrist corsages, 4 FG headbands plus shipping fee

Highly Recommendable

Originally, I was eyeing for this known supplier but after inquiring for their basic package, I know I have to give them up. I’ve checked other suppliers also but I find it a waste of money to pay for something that I will throw afterwards. Flowers will wilt and then you have to throw it. I told honey the same reason before that’s why he doesn’t buy me flowers anymore.

My Bridal Bouquet

I don’t want to splurge on real flowers. I want something that I can keep and re-use but affordable. Then, I read blogs about fabric bouquets and brooch bouquets. I asked Alvin if I can have a non-traditional bouquet and he said it is fine. I started searching for a peg and was planning to do it myself but the laziness hits me. So I look for fabric flower supplier instead.

My Husband's Boutnniere

I read about H&H in W@W. There’s another supplier but I find H&H more convenient in communicating with. Transaction with her was easy. It’s a good thing also that I was able to get a quote from her before her price increase because when I finally placed my order we followed her previous quote instead of her new rate. She was able to follow all the pegs that I showed her, we just had a hard time with the boutonniere but the final output is still pretty. 

Mother's bouquet and my MOH's bouquet

She even delivered the package herself to my place because she’s worried that the courier will not take care of it and might break the feathers in my bouquet. And she gave one extra brooch. Instead of 5, I got 6 brooches. She’s one pleasant lady and she does Hair & Make Up too. 

SS's wrist corsages

Ninang's brooch

I just added embellishments in the handles of the bouquets, but even without those, her handiwork is wonderful. 

PRO:

• She was able to deliver what I want and on-time
• She doesn’t require down payment if the work order is at minimal rate
• She shows the sample’s images for approval before proceeding for final production.
• She’s fast at her work. She delivered it ahead of time.

CON: To some, this is maybe not a con. She copies from a peg, I’m not sure if she can come up with her own design, but I guess with her creativity she can create her own design.

WEDDING HOST: Missy Ferrer-Litao

Peso Power: Php 9000 with Php 500 discount if you are a W@W Tagholder

Highly Recommendable
Contact details: 09088649651; missy_ferrerlitao@yahoo.com

A wedding host can either break or make your wedding reception. A good one can bring life to the party and I've experienced having a very excellent host in my Manila Wedding reception, and a non-professional host in my Bangladesh Wedding Reception, and i've seenthe difference.

We forgot to have a decent picture with Missy

I'm so glad booking Missy as my wedding host. She’s great in her hosting. She is one of the best if not the best wedding host in town. My In-laws were so amazed how she handles the program. There’s no single dull moment or blank air moment. The guests only have good words for her. She’s bubbly and full of positive vibes.

Missy in action

My only observation, she does her hosting so well and right to the dot that it feels like “it’s too rush up” since she needs to finish the program within that 1 ½ hour, or maybe because I feel the whole day itself is too short. It can be a CON or a PRO, depends how you see it. My sisters had different opinions on this though. One find it good, at least the program is not dragging and it finished just in time and long enough for the people to be entertained. While my other sister said, Missy did it so fast that they were not able to enjoy their meal because Missy requires the family in some parts of the program like every other minute. Even with this observation, I’m still glad I booked her to host our event. You never go wrong with Missy.

CON:

• Her rate is higher than the other wedding host because she’s from Cavite, so there’s an OOT charge in her rate already.
• Since she is from Cavite and works in Makati, she only does meet-up at Makati area and usually after office hours which is 5pm onwards. It’s a con for me because I’m from Quezon City and I commute, and I hate the rush hour in MRT stations.

HMUA: Irene Manigo

Peso Power: Php 19200 - Bride + 5 heads + groom, additional 2500 for airbrush upgrade for the bride

Highly Recommendable

I was actually eyeing the HMUA during my eldest sister’s wedding, but since my sisters doesn’t like to pay for their own HMUA, I have to look for someone I can afford. My journey in selecting my HMUA is a long one that I booked trials with different HMUAs when I went home for vacation.

Trial Hair &Make-Up: Traditional; Before and after

Ms. Irene wasn’t in my shortlists but after the not-so-good experience with another HMUA, Krystle who is a fellow w@wie, referred her to me. So I instantly inquired and set a schedule for trial while I’m in manila. I’m glad I did. She’s nice and I don’t feel any “yabang” in her even if she’s been in the industry for so long. She knows her craft and it’s easy communicating with her. She replies to my email promptly. She uses Laura Mercier, Lancome, Nars, Shu Uemera, Revlon, L'Oreal and Krayolan. Even my photographer has good words for Ms. Irene's work and professionalism.

Upgraded to Airbrush

She and her team arrived on time on the day. They are fast with their work but meticulously done. Ms. Irene enhances my beauty and I never felt so beautiful. Indeed, every bride is the prettiest on their wedding day.

from Ms. Irene's mobile camera

with Ms. Irene, photo from her mobile

They gave me a second look but it’s her assistant Angel who does it. Ms. Irene stays until you leave the hotel, and after that, Angel is in charge. I’m fine with it since it’s just a re-touch. Angel is a nice lady also. My husband said "Angel made him look more handsome that day!".

Wedding tips from Ms. Irene:
Hair coloring / treatment - at least 2 weeks before the wedding date
Eyelash perming - 2-3 weeks before the wedding, you can have it at a later date, this is just an advise so that the eyelashes will not be too curly which in effect may look so unreal
Facial - no facial 2 weeks before the wedding

Supplier's Review: Bridal Car, Hotel Preps, Groom's Car and Crew Meal

BRIDAL CAR: G Luxury Cars

Peso Power: Php 2895 + additional Php 750 for fuel if the location is QC because the car is coming from Makati, for 4 hours with driver, new Mercedes Benz C180

Highly Recommended

the bridal car

I want a vintage car for my bridal car, but the rental fees for 2 or 3 hours only is way beyond my budget. The G.I. in me decided not to splurge on this whose main purpose is for photography/videography purposes (in my humble opinion okay, since you will be inside the car for few minutes or hours only depending where you’re coming from and going to) and besides I hired the best photographers and videographers so they can do without the vintage car.

Bridal car is isn’t in my priority list. I have an option of borrowing a car from a relative or maybe from a friend if I won’t be able to find a car with a reasonable rental fee. Good thing, I saw this voucher ad in Groupon and then after awhile, I saw it trending in the waw yg emails already. That’s when I decided to call and inquire about it. After discussing with Sir G, I texted my coordinator Charisse, and asked her opinion. It’s a good price already so I booked it.

Sir G is nice. He even called me in my mobile phone just to double check the date and to inform me that I need to confirmed with him by evening as there is another one who inquired about the car for the same date and timing. It was easy transacting with him.

On the wedding day, the car arrived on time. The driver is okay, not really talkative, but he is okay, he is by the way a relative of Sir G.

HOTEL PREPS: Discovery Suites

Peso Power: Booked it through my sister who was the Corporate Sales Director then, so we book it using the employee’s rate, 1 3BR suite for 2 nights and 1 2BR Suite for one night

Highly Recommended

Since my sister was employee there, we were kind of “loyal” to Discovery Suites. They have a good service, and with my sister around, it feels like you get faster service too. 

the birdies

We just booked their regular rooms instead of their newly renovated rooms – The Serendipity Suites – because employee’s rate was not applicable for that. And, I’m always in the look-out for affordable, lower rates. I booked 1 2BR suite for my fiancé’s family and 1 3BR suite for two nights for my family and after the wedding for me and in-laws. 

We had the preparation in the living area, the only place with natural light.

Their 3BR suite is spacious, we didn’t feel crowded during the preps time. It’s good also that my eldest sister and her family booked a room also for them. At least papa was able to spend time there while we are all busy prepping up. Something that papa hates.

There’s no problem in bringing in outside food, drinks and even beers. We had our lunch meals care of Amber’s. They delivered the packed-lunch to our suite. The month of May is considered peak season thus they were strict with the check out time. The groom’s family transferred their belongings to my suite around 12 noon which is the check out time with the help of the hotel staff. And my fiancé and his family just spend more time in The Lounge for more photo and video sessions. You can actually use the other hotel facilities for photo & video sessions.

Most of the supplier’s find it a hassle that you require a key card in using the elevator if you have to go up, but this is just for hotel’s security purposes. Somehow we were able to request additional keycards and provided it to the other suppliers. The hotel management was able to provide us rooms that are all in one floor. I especially requested for this one to lessen the hassle for the suppliers in moving back and forth to different floors. 

GROOM’s CAR: John Lord Transport

Contact Person: Mike +6329328439681

Peso Power:  Php 2000 for 10 hours + fuel 500 + driver’s meal

Highly Recommended

Found it thru W@W. I think it was Arlene who mentioned about them. I booked them after canvassing with other car rentals. I actually booked them for 1) airport pick up, 2) during our pre-nup pictorial in Sunvalley Estates at Inarawan, Antipolo after our short trip to the Antipolo Church, 3) on the wedding day, and 4) when we had to dropped my sister and her family to the airport. I requested for the same driver – Kuya Dhong, since I don’t want to transact and chill with a new driver every other day, so I asked Kuya Mike to give the same driver for the rest of our schedule, but on the 4th time, I was surprised that Kuya Mike was the one who came with the van.

with Kuya Mike

my computation

Kuya Mike is a nice person. It was easy transacting with him, and as well as the driver, Kuya Dhong, he was a good driver and is familiar with the roads.

CREW MEAL / LUNCH MEAL: Amber

Highly Recommended

Most of the time, this is one of the most neglected item in the checklist. It seems like a minor detail only, but once you had your total headcount of how many people will be present during your preparation in the hotel and multiply it with the cost of the packed-meal, you will be surprise that it is NOT a small amount at all.

Deciding what meal to serve during the preps is tough. You don’t want to be stingy and at the same time you don’t want to splurge, but definitely you want everyone happy and not hungry and at the same time not too full that it will be tough for some to work with a heavy stomach also, but you want them to last long since you will never know when they will get the chance to eat their next meal for the whole day event.

We ordered the Rice Combination Package 4. The prices are not updated

Czar, a Wawie, recommended Amber packed Meals since she also served the same thing during her preps also. I asked of course the opinion of my photographer friend regarding food also. I know most of the suppliers are tired of fast food meals so I have to serve them something other than the usual.

It was easy to order from them. I selected Rice Combi Package 4 which consist of 1 rice, 2 chicken, buttered veggies and pichi-pichi, asked my coordinator to order it for me since I was stressed out the day before our wedding day and instructed my groom to deposit the downpayment to their bank account, emailed them a copy of the deposit slip, and just paid the balance and the delivery fee when they delivered the packed lunches on the day of the wedding. The meal doesn’t include drinks, so I also asked my groom to buy 40 bottles of 500ml mineral water from the supermarket. My family including my in-laws enjoyed their lunch, and our suppliers were happy with their lunch too - (I hope they did).

As for the dinner time, my caterer gave me 15 free crew-meals so I just ordered additional crew-meal from them too. More info and tips on crew meal, you might want to check this at Joed Shares