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 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).

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.

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,

Love Letters are Here

The LOVE letters are here... No, they're not the handwritten one, but rather the wooden block letters I have ordered from Papemelroti. :)

Special thanks to W@wies for pointing me to this direction, we now have our own set of block letters - to which I hope to someday use as a decor for our home. :)

So let me include my reviews on Papemleroti. I give them an 8/10 rating for the whole service and product, and below are some pros and cons:
Pros:
- The website is very useful in browsing your needed crafts.
- The person in charge of the carventry is also very easy to talk to, and even advised me of the sizes just in case I was confused.
- Email response is also fast.
- The wooden letters are of good quality and finished to edges.

Cons:
- The ordering portion of the site is a bit off as it did not send any notification of my order being received or sent to their database. Instead, I had to call their office to which I learned that I should email them about my orders.
- The payment system has options, which includes Paypal. Unfortunately, there is an added cost of a certain percentage when you use this payment method. Mine cost me around 100+ pesos additional fees for using Paypal.
- The receptionist (or whomever received my phone call) when I was checking if the items were delivered to my chosen store to pick-up could not even assist me in any way. So to let go of my frustration, I just asked for the store's phone number, and made the checking there.

All in all, I still recommend Papemelroti to those looking for crafty stuff. :)

LOVEd,

Sneak a Peek!

Our sneak peek is out! :))

Just can't contain my excitement, as I had been on the look out for this one. And contrary to what I had said last Saturday (to which Ron will not see, even the sneak peek), my excitement beat the best of me. As today is our "reveal day", and our 22nd month together, I chose to show Ron the photo! :)

He was quiet, as compared to how he really is, and no comments were given when he saw the photo - this worried me. Until he took my laptop from me, and changed the desktop wallpaper! Haha! Good thing he changed this one, instead of using it as his own desktop wallpaper. :P But, still he ended up saving it on his phone and used it as his iPhone wallpaper. Proud hubby-to-be, I supposed. Haha! ;)

And to add, his comment was "Elegant sya and hindi erotic kasi erotic ung expected ko. But I like the output even more." --> Marunong lang mambola! Hahaha! :))

For the reveal... here is my sneak peek photo. :))

Still feeling sexy,

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,

A Little Bit of Everything: FT and Venue #3

Last week, during the long weekend of Aug 18th to 21st, we were able to set a meeting with Lancaster and Queensland Catering Services (QCS). All went well, now we just needed the Lancaster to be blocked off for our date by the developers, and then we could pay the down payment. That was until this morning.

You see, our schedule for the day was simple - go to Lancaster for a 10am meeting to finally reserve the Leighton Hall lobby, and then go to QCS for the food tasting later in the afternoon. But, as always, nothing seems to follow the plans.

When we got to Lancaster, we were able to talk to another person aside from the lady that assisted us last week. Talking to him, he was able to show us and give us a clearer picture of how much of the lobby we could use since the wedding will be on a Saturday noon. He motioned that there will be some allowance of 1 meter here and there. By the time he was finished, I just wanted to walk away from there. There's nothing left for us to occupy but the middle part! Uhmm, hello??? WE HAVE 200 GUESTS!!! I looked at Ron in dismay of what just happened, and his reaction wasn't far from mine. Politely, we just said that we'll wait for their confirmation of our date - since this wasn't confirmed yet with the developers, then we left.

Immediately, we talked about our last option (at the moment), Antel's Clubhouse. We considered this before Lancaster, but the price range was a bit far from what we could spend. But this time, we both knew we need to adjust at some point. So we went to Antel and inquired about their ballroom. The rates were fixed, whether we knew a lot owner or not, so we agreed to choose the venue above other needs. We then pencil blocked the venue, and the lady assisting us gave us the list of their accredited suppliers. We noted that QCS is one of their accredited caterers, and we were relieved knowing we will not be paying any corkage fees. With smile, and a lot of hope, we left the place.

By lunch time, we were waiting for my parents since they agreed to attend the food tasting offered by QCS. While waiting, Ron and I discussed how we will revise the budget we had. Feeling stressed, we took our minds off from the wedding by shopping! Haha! By the way, Ron shopped more than I did! :P

Before 4 in the afternoon, we arrived at Ysabel's Garden in Las Pinas where QCS held their weekly food tasting. Before the food were served, Ms. Belen (AE) approached us, and having talked to her last week, we mentioned the change in venue.

Upon the mention of Antel, she immediately brought up that they will be charging additional costs for the venue. Surprised, we asked how much and what for. Apparently, it is for the corkage fees that they will be paying Antel. So, needless to say, we ended up having to discuss and debate over as to why we need to pay them an additional of 12% - yes that's right... 12%. Frustrated, we almost wanted to leave the place, but realized that we were there to judge their food. And somehow, we could still be able to talk to Antel before booking any one of them.

The heat of the discussion simmered down as the food came. All four of us, enjoyed all the food laid out for us. As the title suggests, we had a little bit of everything. My mom even jokingly asked how come there was no rice served, it could have been dinner already. The only disappointment we had was that there were no desserts available for the food tasting. My mom took notes of the food we liked, and the ones we could choose as back up. We then scan through the packages' menu and was delighted to know that most of the food we liked are part of the choices. So my mom did the honors of choosing the menu. Good thing we brought her with us, her and my dad are both too picky when it comes to food. So by having them choose the menu for the wedding, we'll be able to avoid certain criticisms that could make the day a bit stressful. Haha! :D

Sorry, we took pictures too late :P

After the food tasting, we told Ms. Belen that we'll need to talk with Antel first before we could book them for the wedding, and she advised us to do the same as well.

Leaving Ysabel's Garden, we were satisfied with the food and the price, even with the styling that comes with the package. All in all, we were smiling as we knew we found our caterer! Good food, affordable prices, and elegant styling. :)

Stomach full,