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.

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!),

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!

Divisoria Experience: Shop Though You Won't Drop!

We've been planning to go to Divisoria to shop for a while now, though it used to be just for Christmas presents, now there is a new agenda in mind - to shop for Pre-Nuptial Photoshoot clothes. Since, we did not get a stylist for the said photoshoot, we decided to buy the clothes ourselves, and hope that it would stylish enough to be captured in photos.

My Mama and Papa were kind enough to accompany us, including my brother, since we haven't tried going there by commute. So, since they were buying store supplies, they scheduled it on the same day we were able to take a leave from work. Thus, becoming a family affair. Haha! ;)

My Mama looked around with me for some bridal gowns, and to my surprise I did try on one particular dress. When I was wearing it, I did not know what to feel. But when I looked myself in the mirror, with Ron on the background, I simply smiled, and felt giddy inside. Did not realize I could feel that way, or maybe because I saw Ron's reaction - priceless! Now, I wonder what he will look like when he sees me walk down the aisle.. Hmmmm.. Haha! I did like parts of the gown, but did not reserve or book it. I still feel the need to talk to the designer I had in mind. :) (Sorry, no pictures as it was not allowed) So my parents went to buy the supplies they needed for the store, leaving me Ron and my brother to shop for our clothes.

There were only 2 sets of clothes we needed to buy - clothes for the garden setting. Since the below photo is one of our garden photo pegs, I initially wanted light colored dresses for me and a preppy look for Ron.

Prenup Photo Peg - We found this in the internet.. Sorry dunno whose this is. 

Going around was really exciting - coming from a self-confessed shopaholic! Haha! They are not designer labels, but the quality is still there - though for some stores you still have to check. Brighter side, and I really mean bright - there were tons of shoes, dresses, clothes, accessories, etc. at really affordable prices, and we're still able to negotiate (makatawad). Talk about a shopper's dream. And after 2 - 3 hours of looking around, I was able to buy 2 sets for myself (I wanted options, and who's the girl who never wanted options? - defensive much) and 1 set for Ron at half the price we expected- Yey!!! Though I forgot to buy myself some sandals/slippers - Booo!!!

The 1st ser I bought for myself

My 2nd set to add to my options list

Ron's preppy look

Mission accomplished,

W@W Auction: An Experience I'll Never Forget

So it's time for the yearly W@W Auction. Since this is my first year as a W@Wie, this is also the first and only auction I have the privilege of joining prior to our wedding. So you may assume I was really excited about this, which by the way - I WAS! :)

A week before the auction opened, Ms. Benz (co-founder of W@W) sent us a list of the items being auctioned. Immediately, I searched the list and took note of the ones I'm willing to bid on. Naturally, I checked our ever growing list of wedding expenses, but nonetheless, I decided to join. Haha! :))

The week of the auction was thrilling to say the least! And I had only placed bids to the ones I really wanted, and kept checking if I was already outbid or not. Came Saturday, the last night of auction, and the game was getting serious. By the time my first 2 bids were about to close, I lost both items. Sad, but I kept on fighting for my last item - which was to end at 7am the following day. A couple of hours before I decided to sleep, I was actually outbid. So immediately, I asked Ron if I could raise my bid and help me get some sleep. Good thing he said yes! :)

Come Sunday morning, I was up really early - earlier than my alarm clock that was set at 6am. Yes, this is how addicted I was! No movements were being done. No one is bidding for my last item, but I was praying really hard to get it. But alas! 2 minutes before the close, someone outbid me! And so, without Ron's approval, I bid and bid till my limit was exhausted and I had no choice but to fold and accept defeat. Needless to say, it was a sad morning. But as any game I had played, it was fun and very challenging I may add - you'll need to know how far you could go with your budget! Haha!

At the end of the auction, I did lost all 3 items, but kept a smile and learned that I could actually discipline myself at some point. Hahaha!

To my surprise, Ms. Benz announced a fast and furious round 2 for everyone that night! So, of course, I did join again and tried my luck. I proxy-bid my entire budget for each item and hoped that I'll get it a lower bid. Fingers crossed! :)

Two days of pure anticipation as I did bid for another 3 items, 2 of which were the same as the 1st round, and the 3rd item being one that I really wanted. Come this day, I was at work with a lot of reports to do, that I knew I had to strategically plan my time as all of it will close while I was working. Good thing as well, that I had proxy-bid all of them. But I did made use of Ron's spare time, as I had asked him to carefully watch the items I had place a bid on. So come judgment time, I did won the first 2 items - the Silver Unity Coins and the Php 3000 GC from Hearts & Bells. The 3rd item was very tricky, and I was scared to lose it. So I tried to finish my report, but unfortunately, I wasn't finished yet when Ron said I was already outbid. So, I knew I needed to set aside something, and checked it myself. 10 minutes before closing time, I asked Ron for approval and how much more I could bid - and when he gave the approval... you may have guessed already, I did placed my bid 5 minutes before it closed! And voila, I won Purple Dish's Dessert Bar Buffet for 150 guests! :))

Silver Unity Coins

Php 3, 000 Hearts & Bells Gift Certificate

Purple Dish for our Dessert Bar

By the end of the 2nd round, I won all 3 items and felt really really happy and excited!

Again, thank you to Ms. Benz and Sir Abet for creating W@W! This is really an unforgettable place to be - maybe virtual at most times, but definitely a family in support of one another. Being a part of it is really an unforgettable experience on its own - with the likes of this auction and the upcoming xmas party as cherries on top! ;)


Very grateful,

Face Paint # 2: HMUA Booked

Early in the week, I have scheduled a trial makeup session with Mhec Gado, my leading HMUA in my shortlist. I am really excited and looked forward to this as she was the choice I had from the time I was able to inquire and see her works. But, unfortunately she had to cancel today's session late last night. She was in the hospital yesterday - I won't mention why, so I felt really bad and agreed to reschedule. So last night, Ron and I agreed to a change in our plans for tomorrow. Since our 10 o'clock was already cancelled, we planned to leave a bit late and go straight to the Bridal Fair in PICC after lunch, then proceed to Ron's dream date in the evening.

So, come today we headed to PICC after lunch. Upon arriving at the venue, I was surprised to know that I forgot to register Ron for the fair. I kept going over it in my mind, and couldn't believe my shortcoming. We ended up having to pay for the registration fee for him. Haha! :)

Going around the place, we only had HMUA in mind. We are looking for one to have for our prenup as Mhec is already booked during our prenup date. So the budget, wasn't that much and it seems that we will go over budget yet again. After some time, Ron and I decided to go out for a while to talk and look at our options. We consulted our budget, and the needs that we have. We looked at all the flyers in our hands and we were able to trim down our choices of the day to 3 HMUAs: Mic Alava, CJ Jimenez, and Jeanne Lu. We chose these 3 simply because, aside from me liking their portfolios, they were the ones I felt comfortable talking to. :)

Back inside, I was so undecided on whom to choose and have my trial makeup as all 3 were offering free TMs during the fair. CJ and Mic were both a close call, as CJ is a Cavitena and offered to waive the OOT fees for the wedding, but unfortunately the prenup will only be done once in the morning in her studio in QC. As for Mic, she was open that she won't be staying as well for the prenup and will only be there for about an hour or so. Having an HMUA during the prenup was something I personally prefer, simply because I have no idea how to retouch myself if needed, and I have an oily skin to top that.

At Jeanne's booth, the discussion we had showed that she was flexible with our arrangements, and that the rates are affordable and will not be affected by our "special arrangements". So, setting aside my growing bias for Mhec, I decided to reconsider her wedding package, and had my trial makeup.

Surprisingly, I loved the look I had after the trial. It was very natural, just the way I want it. Simple, and not overly done. Adding to my new found favorite HMUA - bonus point was that the prenup makeup will be given as free if I booked her then! :)

Taking one look at Ron, I knew he already knew what was going through my mind - as I kept looking in the mirror feeling really pretty! So vain - I know! Hahaha! He agreed to my decision, and we booked her and paid the reservation fee. We had our prenup and wedding dates blocked, so as to avoid anymore conflict. :)

Sixth Supplier Booked: Hair and Makeup by Jeanne Lu

After the Trial Makeup on the way to MOA Arena

Ron's dream date! <3

Go PETRON! :))

PS: Hours after the TM we had, my makeup was still looking good and I only needed to powder my nose ONCE, to think that Jeanne only used traditional makeup! I think I was so excited with the PBA game we were watching that night (Ron's dream date, by the way) that my face started to oil. But, to my surprise yet again, it didn't smudge or fade until I got home! :)

Still feeling pretty,

Face Paint # 1

For months now, I've been searching for HMUAs that are within Cavite and creates a natural look for the brides. I have found various choices, but was able to trim it down to 2, and 1 of which is Makati-based, but offers low OOT fees. Going through their portfolios, I wanted the Cavite-based MUA, but her arrangements are not flexible enough for us. While the Makati-based MUA could accommodate Ron and I even if we were prepping in different locations. But before booking anyone, I knew I wanted to do trial makeups first so as to back up my decision and to have a feel of the MUA's personality. Ron's sister advised the same, so I knew I was on the right track. As time went on, and as a bride-to-be, I wanted more options since (1) I wanted to know if there would be others that could service us within the same price range, and (2) I wanted to book the one that I think could make me more beautiful for our big day! ;)

Having this persistence to find another option, I asked one of my photographer friends if he has an official HMUA. Fortunately, he does have one, Karl Balao. My friend was able to give me Karl's number and make a referral as well. So with the new excitement that I had, I immediately texted him. He was quick to answer, and was able to provide me with his rates. Surprisingly, his rates are way below our budget, and I knew that we could save more if we book him. So the next question was, how does his works look like? I browsed through his facebook page, and was impressed to see his portfolio. So as soon as I saw this, I immediately texted him again to schedule a trial make-up.

Earlier today was scheduled trial makeup. The trial makeup was not free, and will not be deductible if we decide to book him, but we did not mind since we were attending an event in the afternoon. Karl came in time - he was not late, and that was a good sign. :) We immediately started, and of course the chit chat came as soon as he entered the door. Apparently, we studied in the same school - me being ahead of him by 4 years. During the entire trial makeup, we talked mainly of people we bought knew and he shared as well how he started as an HMUA. Ron would check up on us every now and then, and he would smile very weirdly and so my nerves were not at ease (there were no mirrors for me to see myself - I wanted to be surprised!).

By the end of the session, this is how I look:

HMUA: Karl Balao

HMUA: Karl Balao

HMUA: Karl Balao

Sorry, no before shots... :P

At the end of the session, I liked his work, but I still want to keep my options. Mainly because he does not offer Airbrush, yet (he said he plans to have it by end of the year) and because I wanted to see other HMUAs' works. Though, I have him short-listed in my HMUAs for our prenup. :)

Still blushing,