Supplier 16: Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

Groom's Preparation Place

Peso Power = Php 10, 000 for a Whole Cabana (no breakfast)

**As for the breakfast, we just provided fast food take outs for everyone.

Rating: 8

Island Cove was one of our choices for the venues, hence their rooms were one of our options as well for the preps. However, having decided to have my preps at home, we checked out other hotels that were nearby. There were a few constrains if we picked the others, so we ended up choosing Island Cove. Good thing too, because one of our Principal Sponsors was kind enough to gift us one room - which became Ron's prep place. As such, the Cabana we rented out was dedicated to his family, and to our photographers/videograhers.

Photo grabbed from Island Cove's site

We divided the ratings in two - Room and Service, and Accessibility:

1. Room and Service

The whole cabana is made up of two half cabanas. Each cabana has two bed rooms, each having a queen-sized bed. It also has a small living room, and small kitchen and dining area. The total capacity of the whole cabana is about 8 - 10 persons.

According to Ron, the half cabana was able to accommodate the entire crew which was around 8 persons that day. While the other half accommodate his siblings and some of his cousins from Bukidnon - around 8 persons also.

They said the rooms were clean, and comfy enough to stay in - considering they were almost double the recommended capacity. :)

2. Accessibility

Island Cove is located in Binakayan, Kawit - just after Cavitex, and about 20 minutes away from our place, and from Ron's place in Imus. As such, it was sort of a middle-ground for all of us - including those coming from the Metro. It is also not hard to find as it is situated along the the main road of Binakayan.

Over-all, their experience and stay at Island Cove was hassle-free. The only reason we gave them a rating of 8, was that we felt that the price was a bit steep, and they could have provided extra beds at no additional costs at that same price.

Other than that, it was a smooth and hassle-free transaction with them.

Supplier 13: Martha's Flower Shop

Florist

Peso Power = Php 12, 000 for the Church Styling, Bridal Bouquet and Entourage Bouquet

Rating: 9

Tita Martha was an automatic choice for flowers because of two things: (1) She's my mom's friend, and (2) we did not want to splurge too much on flowers.

We only met with her, few weeks before the wedding, and she originally quoted us Php 15,000, but my mom was able to negotiate Php 12,000 instead.

Supplier 12: Mang Ableng's Gold and Silver's Workshop

Wedding Rings

Peso Power = Wedding gift from my Parents (value is estimated to be at Php 7, 920)

Rating: 8

We have blogged about our wedding rings in a previous post to which you may refer in this link.

All in all, we were satisfied with the outcome of our wedding rings, especially because it was our dearest gift - well polished, and very durable. Mine also sits perfectly just below my engagement ring. :)

Excuse my chubby fingers. :O

So married!

Supplier 11: Mang Rey Casedo

Entourage and Fathers' Barong

Peso Power = Php 4, 800 each for the Father's Barong and Pants
                       Php 2, 000 each for the Entourage's Barong and Pants
                       Php 1, 000 each for the Bearer's Barong and Pants

Rating: 7

You may have remembered that Mang Rey was one of our friends’ highly recommended suppliers during his wedding day. Aside from that, our first meeting with him was smooth, and of course the prices are very reasonable.

Now to make our ratings in line with another attire supplier, we will also divide this into three categories: Design and Execution, Service, and Peso Power.

Supplier 10: Hair and Make up By Jeanne Lu

Hair and Make-up

Peso Power = Php 8, 500 (plus Php 2, 000 OOT fee) for Airbrush Make-up for the Bride, and 2 Traditional Make-up for 2 Adults
                       Php 4, 000 for the Whole Day Pre-nuptials Shoot's Traditional Make up (3 Looks for Bride and Groom)

Rating: 10

Ms. Jeanne Lu has got to be the most reliable supplier of our wedding. So to make this review as unbiased as possible (I hope), I will try to make this as detailed as possible based on our experiences with her.

Supplier 9: Kiss The Girl Events

On-The-Day Coordination

Peso Power = Php 10, 000 including RSVP for 200 guests

Rating: 8

I enjoyed working with KTG, Cha as the lead coordinator, during the entirety of our preps. So to help make this review a bit more detailed, I will divide this into 2 categories: The Preps and The Wedding Day:

The Preps

We had KTG booked about 10 months before our Big Day. They were able to send me our Checklist a couple of months after the initial meeting. So the list was helpful, even though, we already had a checklist given by a friend.

Supplier 8: All Red Clay Factory

Principal Sponsors Gifts

Peso Power = 450 each for 10 Oil Burners (plus 500 delivery fee to Cavite)

Rating: 10

You may all remember how much I enjoyed transacting with All Red Clay. No hassle, no fuzz, and definitely a breeze to work with.

Supplier 7: CrossRoads Acoustics

Acoustic Band

Peso Power = 7, 000

Rating: 10

Supplier Rating 6: Hearts & Bells Cake Artistry

Wedding Cake, Cupcakes and Mini-Cakes

Peso Power = 8, 164.00 (Includes a Php 3,000 GC won through the W@W auction)

Rating: 9

During the wedding preps, Hearts & Bells was at the top of our list as we did not want a traditional wedding cake, and they did not let us down.

Supplier Rating 5: Paul Rex Mateo

Bridal, Mothers’ and Entourage’s Gown: Paul Rex Mateo

Peso Power = 35, 000 for Bridal and Mothers’ Gowns

             3, 000 each for the Entourage Gowns

             2, 500 each for the Flower Girls’ Gowns

Rating: 9

Paul was my first choice when it came down to my bridal gown because of two things: (1) His creations are affordable, and (2) we have a good history as designer and client – he made my Senior Prom Dress in high school and my dreamy Debutante’s Ball Gown (as I have mentioned in my previous posts).

Quoted

Last Friday, just when we got home, I found this little package waiting for us in our room. Excited to open it because I knew exactly what it meant - I was quoted in this year's Weddings at Work Wedding Primer! :)

Actually, the surprise was already spilled by my good friend, Tine, who got her copy days ahead. So I was just extremely excited for it to be delivered and see what was quoted - extremely, like that of having a very low EQ!

W@W Wedding Primer 2013 - 2014

Quoted! :)

So grateful to have been part of this wonderful group - my wedding preps, and wedding day itself would not have been the same without this group. Again, our deepest gratitude to Ms. Benz for creating, and maintaining this community! :)

Still on a high,

Supplier Rating 4: Purple Dish Catering

Dessert Buffet Station: Purple Dish Catering

Peso Power – Won through W@W Auction, good for 150 pax

Rating: 9

Purple Dish was one of the catering services that we wanted to book, but somehow missed the chance to do so! So when I saw this one up for grabs in the W@W Auction, I knew I could not let it pass. J

So let’s get down to business, shall we?

Supplier Rating 3: Queensland Catering Services

Caterer: Queensland Catering Services

Peso Power – 102, 700 for 200 guests

Rating: 8

QCS was not our top choice for caterers, but given the amount of budget that we had, they were the one we have chosen. The initial planning and discussion with them did cause us some stress due to the issue that they had with our chosen venue, which even at some point is a negative point for them. But, come wedding day, all went great! J

I’ll divide my review by 4 parts: Peso Power, Food, Styling, and Service.

Supplier Rating 2: Antel Grand Village

Venue: Antel Grand Village’s Clubhouse Ballroom

Peso Power = 17, 500

Rating: 7

Antel was not our first venue in mind. If you had gone through our blogs, you may have noticed that we initially wanted to book Island Cove or Leighton Hall in Lancaster Estates. But certain events and issues had led us to this place. This was actually at the end of our list because of its price, but it was worth it in the end.

To fairly rate them, we have divided our review in 4 parts: Location and Accessibility, Space, Amenities, and Service and Customer Relations.

Supplier Rating 1: Holy Cross Parish

Church: Holy Cross Parish, Tanza, Cavite

Peso Power = 2, 000

Rating: 7

Our transaction with the Parish’s office administrators were a bit stressful – especially the booking. You may all remember our try to book the church a year ago, but they did not allow us because it was too early. Then by January, we were able to book them, but weeks after they called our house to tell us that we need to move our time. Good thing my mom was the one who answered the call, so she found out that the secretary knew the couple trying to get our “slot”, so naturally she got pissed off and told her off and we were secured of our time slot.

Sealed with a KISS... And We're DONE!

Let me start by saying, I'll be writing this in my normal speaking ways - tagalog na minsan may english, so as to be as natural as possible to tell the story. :)

Okay, game na.

I started my day, by waking up at 3:30 am - yes! Ganun kaaga ang gising ng isang morning bride. I was never a morning person, and I have always disliked activities na super aga, but this particular activity was something I looked forward to kaya kiber na sa pag-ayaw ko ng paggising ng maaga. Plus, I actually did not have any sleep at all - di talaga ko nakatulog... Kabado ba or excited? Haha.

Anyways, right after waking up, I tried to eat a few spoonfuls of rice para di ako magutom during the preps and ceremony. Then just as I was taking my shower, my phone started ringing - napressure tuloy ako matapos agad 'cause I think it was already 4:00 am that time, and my schedule says na I should be starting my HMU. After finishing my shower, I went to answer my phone, and it was Ms. Jeanne (HMUA) who was calling kasi nasa harap na sila ng bahay namin. And true, paglabas ko andun na sila at the same time Manny & April was already there also - earliest sa suppliers namin! :)

Upon arrival nila, they went ahead to do their parts. Ms. Jeanne and I headed to my parent's room where we set up the HMU area, and then I just handed MAP all the accessories and details so they could take photos na. Ayun, start na ng busy day. Haha.

Around 4:30, wala pa din si KTG and they called to say na naligaw daw sila. :( So they came a bit late na than planned. But kahit na-late sila they were able to stay on top of things, and immediately introduced me to Sara, who became my bridal assistant that day.

Everything happened in a blur talaga. One moment, I was having my make up done, the next I was already changing to my gown na. Parang di na ko nakakain and pinilit ko nalang umihi para di ako maihi sa Church. Hahaha.

Our main PV, CGM, came in around 8am ata since they came from Island Cove pa to shoot Ron's preps naman. Well, working with their main photog was irritating at some point. No offense, but the way he treats people is very rude. Akala ko nung una ako lang nakapansin, until my mom, and Ms. Jeanne mentioned it as well. Anyways, that's going to be on another blog.

Ron's preps
Photo credits: CGM Studios

Back to the story.

After all the preparation chaos was done, we went to the Church na. I must say I was very calm and collected that time. As in I was on a high na wala ko worries or any apprehensions about the day. Ang saya lang ng feeling. While waiting sa bridal car, I saw everyone one by one as they were coming. Lalong nakakaexcite kasi ito na yun talaga! :)

When it was time for me to get out of the car, dun ko bigla naramdaman ung kaba ko. Especially the time I could here the sound of the entourage's march. Haha. I thought to myself, how do I react sweetly when the door opens? Kasi I did not want to cry, although I know naman right from the start ng preps na crying during the bridal march was something inevitable for me. Hehe.

And then I heard my bridal march song. Ayun na nga. The door opened. I was standing there seeing all these people... di ko pa makita si Ron noon because of the lights. I tell you, right that moment when the doors opened, I felt like I became deaf. Hahaha. I did not hear any sounds, not even the beating of my own heart. Everything just happened. I started to walk down the aisle, and started to tear up. Wala na ung mga hiya moments ko na baka panget ako umiyak and it will be caught on photos. Haha. I cried most when I saw my parents, and when I saw Ron crying din. We calmed down lang noong nasa altar na kami pareho.

And yes, Ron uttered the funniest line that time. "Sobrang iyak ako, sabog pati uhog ko!" Hahahaha. Laugh trip talaga. :P

So ayun, the ceremony went on. The only feeling I felt was it was sobrang init! Talk about wearing layers of fabric tapos wala electric fan - I thought for a second that I would faint. Buti nalang my MOH came to fix my veil and train kaya nasabi ko na ang init init. The Church was not airconditioned and it was around 9 in the morning. Ayun, may electric fan sila na inallot for us, pero di din nakatutok since baka mamatay ang mga candles.

Anyways, the ceremony went on smoothly. And we were finally MARRIED! Woot woot! :))

Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Going to the reception, nakaramdam ako ng kaunting gutom. Good thing I had animal crackers sa pouch ko so I snacked on it, while Ron did not even had a bite. So I assumed hindi sya gutom and marami sya kinain nung breakfast.

At the reception, we had our post nups with MAP, kasi nawawala si CGM. Good thing talaga that we had back up photogs kasi if not for MAP we won't have some of the photos that we have now. After the post nups, we went ahead na to the banquet na. Ang dami namin guests - well, what should I expect with a 200-guest list diba. The reception was a blast. Ang saya lang, kahit na parang roller coaster ang emotions ko. Hahaha. One moment you'll find me laughing, and the other naman I was tearing up. The best part for me was the speeches, kasi wala nagspeech ng maayos except for my brother and cousin. Hahaha. Lahat ata ng naka-assign magspeech eh nakarating sa stage only to change their minds on giving one kasi naiiyak na sila, tapos naiyak nalang din ako. Haha. And who could forget the Father-Daughter dance that I shared with my Papa...wait, let me re-phrase that "Father dance - Daughter cry". Hahaha. "#Emotional" talaga ang day na ito. :)

Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

We also had games during the reception: single games for male and female guests, and couples game naman for those na either married na or getting married palang. It was so much fun, and we're glad they enjoyed it too.

Shoe Game for our single male guests
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Saftey pin game naman for our single female guests
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Our "Him" in our Couple's game
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Our "Her" in our Couple's game
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Our emcee, Babsie Morabe, giving us a taste of our own couple's game
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

When it was all done, and guests had left, that's when we both realized na hindi kami nakakain. Dishes were served in our table pero wala kami nagalaw dun - I think in my case, I was only able to take a small bite of the baked salmon. Kaya when we got home, at  around 3pm, eh para kaming patay gutom kung kumain. Hahaha! Imagine a no sleep, no meal bride and peg ko kaya ipagpatawad na para kong construction worker kung kumain after the reception. :P

The day was not yet over after that. My parents arranged an after-party sa village namin for our other relatives na di naivite sa main reception. This went on until 10pm ata or so. During this reception, bangag nalang ata ako cause I honestly can't remember a thing that happened. Sorry po, wala talaga kong tulog kahapon. Ayun, after showering, I gave Ron all the gift money we had, and he started to list them all, while I started to fall asleep na pala. Hahaha. When I woke up this morning, I saw his list (accountant talaga si Ron, everything was detailed and noted) at natapos talaga nya. Good job kay hubby! :)

We also received some gifts and kahit wala pa kami bahay sa ngayon, I am excited sa mga gifts nila kasi we won't be needing to buy anything na. Complete na agad ang mga necessities like pans, plates, cups, rice cookers, iron, etc. :)

So so sorry for a very long kwento. It's just that one day, I will look back and I want to read this for me to remember everything that happened in this most special day - Our Wedding Day! :)

PS: Here is our On-Site Video by CGM Studios. Enjoy! :)

Still on a wedding high,

Something, somethings...

Following the tradition of weddings made me think thoroughly what I want my "Somethings" to be, as I want them to be memorable as well. As the saying goes...

"Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue."

Now, let me share to you what I have decided to use in order to follow this tradition:

Something old...

I chose to my Chanel earrings because these represented my "old" self. On top of that, this was also the most expensive buy I made as a single person, and just right before we got engaged.

Chanel earrings as Something Old
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Something new...

Well, this is definitely my wedding gown - no questions asked!

Definitely my Something New, nothing more will beat this!

Something borrowed...

This was a well thought one. I originally wanted to borrow jewelries from my mom or my aunts, but since I decided to use my earrings already, I knew I needed to borrow something else. And then I came across future SIL's wedding photos and knew exactly what I wanted to borrow. I've always wanted a long train if I ever do get married, and since we're on a tight budget, this will allow me to fulfill this wish. Glad future SIL was happy enough for me to borrow it, and so wish was granted. :)

It's longer in person... my Something Borrowed :)
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Something blue...

Well, besides the motiff, I wore blue decors on the sole of my wedding shoes, had my bouquet done with blue flowers, and I will be using a blue hanky on our wedding day. So that's a pretty simple one to figure out. :)

Looking forward,

DIY # 9: Guest Souvenirs

Peso Power = 8, 483.30 for the M&M’s Personalized Candies (2lb and 5lb bulk bags)

                   2, 000 for the glass bottles

                      400 for the ribbons and sticker paper

We ordered the M&M’s via their website, and had them delivered to my cousin’s place in the US who was coming home just in time for the wedding – this saved a lot on the shipping fees. :)

The site was very friendly and easy to use – you just have to choose the colors, choose the design or upload the photos, then choose the packaging for your personalized M&M’s. It’s that easy – no fuss at all! Also, they make sure that your M&M's stay fresh, and place ice bags in their packaging upon delivery. When we got ours, a few weeks already since they delivered it to my cousin's, M&M's were still in very good condition, and they were not at all moist or lost its designs. :)

Week to Look Forward To

We're down to our last week before the big day! Wohoooo! :)

I still have the below check list to be done:
- Submit all documents required by the Church
- Schedule final fitting for wedding gown
- Pick up wedding gown, and gowns for everyone
- Buy a reception dress, not for the reception, but for the simple after-party at home
- Finish the guest souvenirs - this one needs to be done real quick!
- Print other statios
- Meet with KTG for our last and final detailing
- Make full payment to our caterer, and confirm set up requested
- Make sure the florist, wedding car, and van for the family had been set
- And other things I could not remember as of now - :P

Above all these, I'm just so excited to be wed!!! :)

Feeling giddily excited,

Misalettes are Done! :)

With less than a month to go, we have managed to finally finish mass producing our misalettes.

We used MS Publisher to make the lay outs, while the cover was made and illustrated by Kat Ben.

And special thanks to my Tita, whom we borrowed the long-arm stapler. I enjoyed putting these together, as it somehow released a few stress while doing it. Haha :P

Getting more and more excited,