We Have Our Cake... And We'll Eat It Too

Yesterday was the opening of the two-day Wedding Expo in SMX. We were not able to attend due to a friend's wedding. So today, despite having a bad stomach, we braved the day and proceeded with the expo.

I made an itinerary for today's activities, what to do before going to the expo and what we'll be focusing while inside the expo.

First on our list is our attempt to have Antel's signature on the waiver we made. Since you all might have read our "situation", this is the only remedy we were able to come up with for us not to not pay the additional 12%. Fortunately, Antel signed the waiver, and we advised them that as soon as we get Queensland's signature we will be able to make the deposit to secure the venue for our event.

With smiles, we left Antel and headed off to SMX.

Upon arriving, and getting our name tags, we immediately proceeded to our scheduled FT with VS&F Catering. Two reasons why I made the reservation: (1) Since we are still looking for alternative caterers, I figured it is the best time to grab a free FT, and discuss their services; and (2) it's free lunch - doesn't anyone want that? Haha!

Our name tags and goodies from Themes & Motiff

During the FT, the food was good and tasty. Also, Joan - the AE in-charge of us, was very accommodating and open. It was very tempting to book them right then and there, but the amount they offer is way beyond our budget. So we told her, that we needed some time to review the packages, and we'll give her a call.

Sorry, no pictures during the FT.

After the gourmet lunch that we had, we proceeded with the second item on my list. The CAKES!

Initially, we wanted to have a grand cake, but after a delightful news from one of my co-W@Wies, we then

decided to have a simple cake and would not spend as much with something the guests might not enjoy and would only be for "display purposes" after the cutting of the cake ceremony. After all, we'll have the topper that we want and it'll be our personal keepsake.

So that limited our choices to two suppliers - Sweet Solutions and Hearts and Bells.

We talked first with Sweet Solutions, and asked for quotations for the cake we had in mind. Their offer was only a 10% discount and waiver of delivery fees. Unfortunately after computations, it was still above the budget we had - and this is the one I wanted to stick with the budget. So we moved on to our next choice.

Hearts and Bells' designs were something I loved from the start. So getting to their booth, we immediately picked one of their flyers and noticed the their cake + mini cakes + cupcakes was still on-going. This again will fall into our "strategic move" category. We discussed to whom the mini cakes and cupcakes will be for since we already have a little souvenir in mind. Plus, we asked about the delivery fees which will not be waived during the expo. After computations (I know we're both accountants, so bear with us), Hearts and Bells will still exceed our cake budget, but with the added cakes in the package, we'll be able to replace a few other details and hopefully save on these replacements. So we talked again with Ruth (who was very nice to talk to by the way), and asked a few more questions.

After another little discussion with Ron, we decided to book Hearts and Bells, since according to Ron "Wala ka naman ibang gustong supplier for the cake. So ano pa hinihintay mo?" - He knew me well! Hahaha! We instantly booked them and paid the initial deposit.

Third Supplier Booked: Hearts and Bells

After booking them, and remembering that one of my Sissies at W@W will be making our topper, I felt really really as in uber excited about our cake. :D

Still excited,

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,

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,

Finally... A YES from my H2B! :D

For weeks now, I've been undecided whether we need a coordinator for the wedding or not. I have asked Ron about this since the beginning, and he was firm that we do not need one and that we can handle all the details needed. Given his answer, I asked the other person, whose opinions I value the most - My Mom, and her immediate response was nothing far from Ron's. Defeated, I gave up my battle and settled for a no-coordinator wedding.

But knowing the slightly control-freak that I am, I knew I wouldn't settle with their answers. So I researched a bit, and came to a conclusion that it will be a lot easier to hire an On-The-Day Coordinator than to have our families and friends slaved off for our wedding. With this argument, Ron was still firm on his decisions, or so he thought!

A few weeks ago, we attended a wedding. It was a small and private wedding. They had no coordinators, but the program went well. I knew this was a time to point out things that I wanted for our own wedding, but not at the expense of the newly weds - so I knew I had to be sensitive, and strategic as well.

At last! I found my sensitive and strategic move when we saw a couple of our friends, who are invited as guests to the event. They acted as the "bouncers" and was sitting at the entrance of the reception area, and was not able to watch or enjoy the program. I was about to point it out when Ron brought it up before me saying, "Tingnan mo, mas gusto ko yung guests natin na guests talaga para mag-enjoy sa wedding natin. (Look, I prefer our guests to be treated as guests to enjoy our wedding as well)". That's when I saw my rainbow! Haha! I immediately jumped into it and brought up the coordinator topic. He was quiet and did not say much except for a "We'll see.".

So, I played my strategies and asked around for coordinator rates and details. Until I was able to collect packages and rates from various OTD suppliers. I was able to narrow it down to two before I showed it to Ron - which by the way, he had no idea that I was already arranging meet-ups with. Sneaky, I know, but what the heck - it's for our wedding! Haha! :))

So earlier today, we had our meeting with one of the OTD I have chosen. Meeting Cha and Abby of KTG Events was so much fun and not a dull moment with these ladies. They were detailed as well when they asked us about our wedding details, and they were very supportive with the ones we have no idea yet, or are still looking for. Take note, we haven't booked them yet, and still they were helping us out already! :) Also, I felt really comfortable with them, and that was #1 on my list for our OTD. So with all the chit-chat going on, I knew I found our OTD, and I can tell that Ron was comfortable with them as well.

But because Ron and I agreed to meet the two OTD first before booking anyone, I knew I had to do something. I typed "Bee, book na natin sila. Pleassse :D! (Bee, let's book them already. Pleassse :D!)" on my phone and showed it to him under the table. He then teased me about it right in front of the two ladies. Telling them of our little arrangement prior to the meeting, and I knew right then and there was my magical moment. As the title says, FINALLY! A YES FROM H2B! :D Hahaha! He agreed to hire them, and we paid the initial deposit as well. Finally, we have KTG as our OTD, and that means one less stress on our wedding day.

Second Supplier Booked: KTG Events

PS: Sorry, as we have no pictures of the ladies.

Happy Bride-to-be,

A Gathering of Two Families

At last, the Pamamanhikan is done. According to tradition, the Pamamanhikan is done to announce the engagement of the couple and for the Groom to formally ask for the Bride’s hand in marriage.

Initially, we set the date of the Pamamanhikan on Christmas of this year, but coming from a traditional family, we’re told that we’re not suppose to be making arrangements for the wedding until it is done. So, months after the engagement, we realized that we’d want to do it sooner if we wanted to start booking suppliers at a lower rate, and make other necessary arrangements, and to have ample time to research for back-up suppliers. So instead of having it this Christmas, we set it on a Sunday, July 22nd 2012. Thus, it was more of a strategic move to do it earlier.

We had no idea what happens during the formalities, though we’ve attended some. So the only question we had in mind was – What food will Ron and his family bring to the said event? Period. That is all that we thought of. And since we had the date set next year, June 8th 2013, we figured everything will go on fine. As an engaged couple, we’ve discussed places, people, and other things for the upcoming wedding. But I guess nothing prepares you, for the formalities. Emotionally.

Days before Sunday, there was a typhoon, so Ron and I were not able to discuss some details alone. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck for some reason. I had butterflies in my stomach, and kept checking our checklist, so we know what to answer their questions, if there were any. My control freak alter-ego was surfacing, and I hoped that everything will go on just fine.

Then comes Sunday. Everyone came for the formalities; from Ron’s side of the family, and from mine. We had lunch first before we discussed the wedding. When Ron came with his side of the family, and brought the food to be shared, we immediately thought twice whether the food would be enough for all. So, we asked someone to buy additional roasted chicken just in case.

Ron still calm, unlike me! Haha! :)

Food for everyone - the roasted chicken hasn't arrived yet.

Lunch time!!!

Smiling the nerves away ;)

Ayiiiiii.. it's our engagement party today! Wohoooo!!!

During the discussions, Ron formally asked my Papa for my hand in marriage in front of both families – I actually felt like a little girl again, sitting next to my Papa. Emotional as I was, tears were about to fall when my Papa responded to Ron with, “Sa akin naman ay pumapayag ako. Malalaki na naman kayo. Pero isa lang ang hihilingin ko sa iyo… Huwag na huwag mong sasaktan ang anak ko.” To which Ron responded, “Opo.” I was trying hard to hold back the tears and good thing I was able to, though I’ll probably won’t be able to do the same on our wedding day. Haha!

Holding back the tears... so much like a little girl.

Ooohhh... people are serious naaaa!

Ron and his side of the family

From there, everything just flowed lightly. The date was finally set – Formally set. A lot of questions were asked like where will the ceremony will take place, where will the reception be, and a lot of other details. Even the question about where we’ll have the honeymoon. Suggestions were also being brought to the table for us. It felt surreal – Like this is it! We’re getting married and we have the blessings of both families. It was truly a blissful feeling for us – it made us, especially me, realize that we are not alone in the preparations though we plan to shoulder everything.

At the end of the day, it was tiring, but it was definitely fun. I felt relieved as well knowing that both families are in agreement of the upcoming wedding, and no objections were raised. I was a very happy girl! ;))

Tired, but definitely happy! :D

 So now… the wedding plans begin.

Cheers!