Bucket List: Boudoir DONE! :)

So it's exactly 24 hours after my boudoir shoot with Boudoir Le Blanc was done. Yey me! And yey us, "Boudoir Ladies". :))

So backtrack to January's shopping-oriented month. I started buying lingerie on my own, without the mood board yet - was just too excited! Haha!

A week later, we received the mood boards for our wardrobe and realized that none of mine could actually be used except for the jacket that we had made for the prenup, and a baseball cap that was given to me as a gift years ago. Other than that, it was time to hit the mall again!

Personal Mood Board courtesy of Heather of Boudoir Le Blanc

After an entire Saturday spent at SM Makati, Landmark, Glorietta, even Greenbelt and MOA, I was able to complete my wardrobe list.

Then, just when we got home, I read an email from Heather that we needed to move the shoot as Tooney had an injury. :( So, we had to reschedule it to yesterday, as this was the earliest free day for all four of us. A week had passed since our supposed shoot, when Heather was able to confirm March 2nd as our Boudoir group schedule. Yey! :)

About a week ago, we received our set design boards, and mine was very "college-dormy" (as how Ron described it). And to add, not a girl's dorm, except for some candles and flowers. Haha! But I have to say, this was not far from my actual room way back when - minus the candles and flowers. ;))

Set Design Board courtesy of Heather of Boudoir Le Blanc

So.. going back to now...

Yesterday was a fun, fast-paced day with each of us having only an hour to shoot, and about an hour also for hair and makeup (BIG BIG THANKS to Tina who made us super pretty!), and photo shoot being done in a marathon. I did not feel any hunger - to which I think (aside from the butterflies) it was also because I was so focused on having a smaller tummy than the usual. ;)

With all of us being excited and nervous, we did not think 1 hour would seem so short - or at least I did not. And after Tooney said, "Okay, that's it!", I sat there thinking, "Wanted to do some more shots, please!". Haha! It was just simply fun, and they made us feel so comfortable - with some music and a lot of confidence-boosting words of encouragement. ;)

Oh, and I just need to say how much I appreciate Heather's eye for details. When she conceptualized our mood boards for the set, I did not imagine my set to be how it was. I was actually scared it might not work, or would not look feminine at all because (a) comparing how it was sexy and girly for the other ladies, mine reflected my boyish self, and (b) with the colors and the elements, I did not think it would suit me... But boy she pulled it through! :)

Oh, and I just lovvveeedddd the little detail on my set that kept me thinking "Did I sent this to her?" Haha! She had framed one of our prenup pics that so happened was the same photo that I have now on my bedside table. Heather said, she got it from FB to add a little more personal touch. :))) **Sorry I was not able to take photos of the set... I was just excited and nervous getting there that I forgot I had my phone with me.**

Needless to say, I did enjoy this experience and I could now cross it off my bucket list. Till yesterday morning, I thought I'll never do it again... but, it was such a liberating experience that I'm thinking this won't be the last time. ;)

My little souvenir

Our individual "No Peeking" signs showing our individual sets (Photos courtesy of Tine)

Now, I just hope that when and if any of my family would see it, they would just see how beautiful I am, and not get mad for doing something like this. ;))

And of course, I hope I could keep it off from Ron, at least till our wedding night... Yiii! Hahaha!

Feeling sexy (Naks!),

DIY # 3: Bead Works

Finally it's done! :)

It's been weeks since we bought these beads from Quiapo, and after a few nights of doing them one segment at a time, it was only last night did I get the chance to finally finish. :)

Here are a few steps into making them:

(1) Lay out the beads and bead caps according to the design you have in mind.

Arrange your beads and bead caps

(2) Place each bead and bead caps into an eye pin according to your design.

Start placing your first set of beads

(3) Place another eye pin for the next set of beads.

Be ready for the next set

(4) Create a loop to close the pin and secure the beads in place. If the pin is too long to create a loop, carefully cut it to create just the right length.

Close them tight!

(5) Holding your second eye pin, place the next set of beads same as process (2), and repeat the same process (3) and (4).

After a few hours, or nights like me, you will have your own wedding cord done! :)

So, here are our wedding pillow charms (to be sewn into each pillows) and our wedding cord.

Wedding pillow charms

Our Yin-and-Yang Inspired Rosary Wedding Cord

Note: Pillow charms are still missing a few dangling charms, and wedding cord is still missing our initials. But nonetheless, I am happy to have finished them - partially! :)

Easy process, right?! :) Note to first timers, like myself: Your hands and fingers will hurt and that's normal! It's part of the whole experience. No pain, no gain, right?! Haha! :)

Proud to accomplish,

Models for a Day: Our Prenuptials Shoot

For months, I have planned for this day - from the concept, clothes to wear, venue to use, down to yesterday's itinerary.. And now, IT'S A WRAP! :))

So where to begin our story? Hmmm.. This one's going to be very looonnggg... Mahaba-habang usapan... ;)

Okay, game.

I had made an itinerary for yesterday's shoot as mentioned, since I wanted everything to be well organized and because we do not have a stylist nor a coordinator on site, and sent this to everyone. I even had to make sure everyone to stick to this. Okay, so I'm a bit OC! :P

First thing in the morning, I woke up at 5am and right away texted Ron if they are already going to pick up Sir Cris and his team in Taguig. Next, I checked the things we needed to bring which I already prepared last night, had a small bite of bread, and hit the showers. At 6.20am, my cousin, who is my designated driver, came and we headed to my uncle's place to get his car since we are borrowing it for the day. All is well, and right on schedule! :)

Unfortunately, this is where the first hassle came as a surprise. We couldn't find their caretaker, from whom we'll get the keys, nor the keys! We ended up waking up my aunt for her to find it. It took about almost an hour or so to be given to us. :/

7.30am, we were able to drive back from his place to ours to get our things, so I had to hurry up since we were already running late. Call time was 8-8.30am for everyone, and we arrive at DLSU-D at 8.45! Boooo!!! So, instead of stressing myself up, I just "let go and let God"! (Special thanks to w@w for this life-chaging lesson.)

Good thing Ms. Jeanne, who was 10mins earlier than the call time, started with Ron's look and they were just finishing up when we arrived! :) Needless to say, we were still on schedule when we were done with mine. Wohooo!

Our first venue - Uganayang La Salle. Since we have a sporty concept, to tie up with our wedding theme, this was the place to be! The shoot was really fun and brought out our sporty side. At the end of the morning's schedule - we were in sweat! Hahaha!

Oh by the way, did I mention that our package with Ms. Jeanne includes a free prenup photoshoot as well? But due to our busy schedule, we had Sir Jing Gungon as a back up for yesterday's. And he was fun to work with! :)



BTS: Our team and us at work :)

 

BTS: Playtime while waiting, and also for video's (STD) sake. :)



We then had lunch and rested a bit, then started off again with our wardrobe change to which we realized that our outfits do not match. Mine seemed to be more formal than Ron. It was only a minor hassle since I had worn maong shorts on the way, and it looked fine with my top. So no biggie there! ;) Before driving off to the second location, we had our HMU retouch and changes as well.

Arriving at the second venue, second hassle of the day knocked me off my feet! I was about to change my footwear when I checked my shoebox and found the wrong set of sandals I have brought! I was already thinking of options, but luckily, Ate (my cousin's wife and our PA for the day.. btw, super thank you is not enough) was wearing her red sandals which was my size! FYI, she's a 7 and I'm an 8.5 - more luck cause this was her only size 8 and above sandals and she had wore them yesterday! Wohooo! With her red belt, my look was complete and matched Ron's casual look! Another wohooo! :))

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Side story: We paid for 5 venues (@ 500 pesos each) as I have mentioned in a previous blog, but we had requested for a revision to 3 venues (ULS, Botanical Garden and Centennial Hall), so we could use the Centennial Hall at night. Request was approved, unfortunately no refund was given.

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We made use of the Botanical Garden, and an unfinished building which was not part of the pre-approved venues. So that's a 500 peso take-back.. :P



Our surprising photo session :)



While resting and waiting for our snacks, our third and most nerve-wracking hassle placed us on halt! Ron asked some guard to have our final venue, the Centennial Hall, opened, as how he had requested to have the gym opened. To his surprise, he was declined! He immediately asked for our approved letter and copy of receipt, and I decided to come with him. It seemed that we have the wrong name for the place we wanted to use and requested- long story short, it is not named Centennial Hall, but rather CTHM COURTYARD! After showing the two letters we have and OR, the undeniable intent to use the place, the almost an hour of talking and waiting for their head of security, they finally let us use the place! Woohhh!

While snacking, they even turned on the fountain by the Church and told us that we might even want to take pictures there. Ron and I looked at each other and knew we had paid for it, so why not! Another 500 peso take-back! Haha!

Wardrobe changed, makeup was done, and it was almost sun down, so we proceeded first to the Church and had some memorable photos there. **kilig**



Kilig lang.. bow! :))



After the Church, we proceeded to the CTHM Courtyard. It is reaalllyyy pretty there! Oh and they allow the place to be rented for events and functions, just in case some will be interested. ;)

We had some of what I call "teleserye" photos here, and some of our continuing romantic shots. **kilig again**

More kilig moments... :))



At 6pm, we had finished our prenup shoot! Very tired, to say the least... But more than happy and excited for the copies as well! At the end of the day, I can say that I definitely would not change a bit of yesterday, including all of its hassles! :)

Disclaimer: All photos in this blog are courtesy of Erllen Leona (my cousin's wife).

And that's a wrap!

Uniformed to Match

We finally got our custom made uniforms for this Sunday's prenup! Yey! :))

Adding to my excitement was the surprising feeling when I saw our wedding seal embroidered to our uniforms.. Nakaka-kilig and definitely a pat on the back since the logo was DIY and it turned out to look really good. #Proud

Our embroidered seal

Matching Uniforms... Oh and did you get our message? :))

Fingers crossed, we could bring to life our visions and all our efforts will be rewarded by memorable photos. ;))

Wish us luck,

Tuesday Shopping: Quiapo and Divisoria in One Day

Despite our busy work schedules, I was able to convince Ron to take a leave today and go to Quiapo for a quick shopping for materials for our wedding cord. As you may have read, we now decided to have this DIY-ed instead to capture the idea I had in mind and to save a few pesos.

Another item adding to the list of things we needed to buy is our souvenir material since this is a semi-DIY - but for this one, we knew we needed to go to Divisoria instead.

Now, itinerary for the day: Morning in Quiapo and after lunch in Divisoria. Fingers crossed, we hoped it wouldn't rain as there was an incoming typhoon.

Getting to Quiapo, we were able to catch the 10.00 mass then headed to Jollibee for a quick snack. After which, we headed straight to Wellmanson and wasted no time looking for the materials we needed. I spent an hour or so inside the store as I carefully looked through each materials, and I think Ron was getting impatient as it took me more than 10 minutes to choose a bead cap. Well, I had to choose carefully! Hihihi.

All the beads I bought... I can do this! Aja! :)

Right after Wellmanson, we went straight to Divisoria as it started to drizzle - I was so worried that it'll rain more towards the afternoon.

Arriving at Divisoria, we scoured the entire street and had no luck finding the one we needed for the souvenirs. Feeling hopeless and starting to get wet due to the rain, we decided to have a late lunch. We did not realize that it already took us a couple of hours roaming around Divisoria, and it was only after eating we felt really tired and feet aching. After a bit of rest, it was time to go home - but we'll be sure to go back, hopefully during a better weather. :)

At the end of today, I'm just happy that my mood was not dampened by the weather, nor the fact that we did not find any materials for our souvenirs, as I am really excited to start with our DIY wedding cord, and others. :)

As always, I'll keep you posted on its progress.

Cheers,

Bridal Accessories Quest

It's been weeks since the end of the W@W auction, and just recently found out that we will have to pay an additional amount for a complete set of bridal accessories from my wedding gown designer. The amount is not really minimal since the included items will only be the two pillows, second veil, cord, pouch, garter and head piece.

Unfortunately, I did not bid for an item in the auction with the same amount since I initially assumed these to be included in the wedding gown package. I could have gone these at a cheaper rate. However, I did not. So advise to future W@Wies, please check all items you'll need prior to auction time, and be able grab such opportunity. ;)

Thus, the past weeks we've been searching the net and all other resources for suppliers to have these provided, complete with candles and Bible to match that, within our budget. We were able to narrow these to two suppliers. And of course emails are now being exchanged to have a feel as well of how they entertain our inquiries.

Also, I have toyed with the idea as well of doing things ourselves, but keeps setting this idea aside as I'm not sure I have the time to do these. Hehe.

As of today, we are still undecided, except for one item - wedding cord. So maybe, this one we could do and the rest we'll order, but we'll need to confirm first with the designer if we could bargain the bridal accessories. Hihi.

Our First Wedding Present

Today we received our first ever wedding present, and it came from one of my closest friends - Tine. She is a bride-to-be herself, and was actually engaged ahead of me to her long time boyfriend - loverboy as we fondly refer to him (Peace, Adrin! :P). However, due to my fiance being older than us, you may have guessed already that I will be walking down the aisle before her.

Nonetheless, she had already started on their wedding preps, and that includes her DIYs. Her first, if not mistaken, is their wedding cord. After finishing this, she excitedly showed this to me, and I loved how beautifully crafted it was. Then to my surprise, she offered to do ours. Unfortunately I wasn't sure if our families would allow this and so I suggested a pair of rosaries instead. :)

And now, I present to you our pair of lovingly crafted rosaries... :)

Tine's Wedding Present: Wedding Rosaries

Very grateful,