the reason why i am inactive for a long time...

Dondon - Richelle Suppliers Ratings - 11/26/2011 - PART 1

Hi w@w sisses,

it's now my turn to return the favor dozens of brides did for me. I know this is a suppper late suppliers ratings. I have been so busy after the wedding with all the honeymoon, family reunion on both sides, holidays and my pregnancy. Our wedding was everything that we hoped to be and more! suprisingly, i was one extremely relaxed bride. Its just pure happiness. I didn't even got nervous during my bridal walk. Though I just can't really help my being so OC with things. I remember Jesy telling me that I can be a coordinator because of how I organize our wedding "abubots" but apart from that, I just let go and i guess because of this,i truly enjoyed the day! I guess it also helped that I chose a simple wedding theme. "Simple Elegance/ Jewel Themed" - - just the way how I want our wedding to be. All of my suppliers did very well during our wedding. I guess choosing your suppliers very well paid off.

Here goes our supplier's ratings:

3- Bravo! Highly recommended to the highest level

2 - Clap! Clap! Recommended

1 - Booo!! Think twice, thrice, uhmmm.. never mind

Disclaimer: The supplier's fee I put here will just be a range as I cannot remember exactly how much I paid and considering I booked most of my suppliers mid-year 2010.

CHURCH: OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH

Rating: 3

Peso Power: around 16k + 1k for not getting the in-house choir

OLMC is beautiful! It exudes an aura of simplicity as you don't need a lot of decorations to dress up the church. Its elegant altar and long aisle is just perfect for my requirement. Not to mention the ample parking space and the location of the church (inside New Manila) so its quiet peaceful. Just a side kwento: OLMC is not my first choice. I am eyeing Shrine of Jesus/ Esplanade or Le Pavillion because I want to have a sunset wedding. But due to the timeline that most of the churches impose for the submission of the documents which we know we cannot fulfill, I have to let go. I searched for churches within Manila that will be somehow lenient with the submission of docs. Hubby is working abroad and will be home two weeks before the wedding. Plus, we are having a mixed marriage - - hubby is catholic and I am protestant. With the recommendation of my friend, I tried contacting OLMC and I was not disappointed. Kuya Eli, the parish secretary, is super helpful. Since I am not familiar with the catholic set-up, he explained every detail to me.  There are some instances when I visit the parish office its always near lunch time. Kuya Eli will extend and accommodate my request. He was even the one to give the phone number of San Agustin Church for our Canonical Interview and told me we have to be early for our appointment. I don't know, I am just too happy with the way how he helps future brides. Nakakatuwa lang yung effort.

On the wedding day naman, everything went well. The sound system is working well. Yun nga lang, its kinda hot. I suggest avoid getting married during the summer season. We had our wedding in November so expected that its medyo malamig na but during the recital of our wedding vows, super pawis si Father at si hubby. Since we are the last to get married that day, we had the church grounds all to ourselves. They are not that strict. Si Father din nakakatuwa. There are several times na nagpatawa sha. We had a different priest during our Precana seminar but Father did not made us feel that its just our first time to meet him. No awkward moments. 

 One tip lang for the brides, if you are not particular with the church flowers, don't upgrade na. There are I think 5 weddings that day and we are the last but the flowers didn't wilted. Sayang din kasi ang additional 5k if you upgrade especially if di na magagamit after the ceremony.

CHANCERY OF CUBAO

Rating: 2

Fee: around 2k-3k

I have to include this but more of a kwento na lang of my experience while processing our documents. I tell you its a loooonnnngggg list for us couple that will have a mixed marriage. For those planning to have this kind of arrangement, all the documents will have to be submitted first to the chancery since you have to secure permission from the Archbishop allowing couples with different religion to get married in Catholic rites. I just cannot remember exactly ano-ano yung list but some of those are baptismal/dedication certificate, letter from the Head Pastor allowing their member to get married in Catholic church. This is on top of the usual church and legal requirements.  Contact person is Ms. Bessie. I've searched the archives and found mixed reviews about her. So I have to prepare myself on how to deal with her. Surprisingly, during our first meeting and even the succeeding meetings, she's very nice and accommodating. Mejo strict lang talaga when it comes to checking of documents and submission of requirements. She makes sure no errors in the spelling. etc. which is a good thing naman talaga. She's very organized. Downside lang talaga is yung pabalik-balik especially if may nakalimutan kang include sa mga requirements. But looking back, every pagod is worth it.

RECEPTION: THE GLASS GARDEN (DIAMOND GARDEN)

RATINGS: 3

FEE: 80k - 100k

I wanted to have a garden set-up for our reception. But then I am also worried since November has unpredictable weather. I am not ready to risk it to have an outdoor reception nor I don't want to hold it in hotels ( budget.. hello?. hehehe) and it will not assure me that the food will be awesome. So I have to look for a venue which offers hotel-like ambiance /garden set-up. I want a reception that has a character. Like even if you don't spruce up the place, it will be beautiful as it is. During one of the bridal fairs in Megamall where Glass Garden is one of the exhibitors, I got curious and inquired. That's when I decided to have our reception in Glass Garden. Take note, I haven't visited the place yet. I just deposited the reservation fee. I'm confident that the pictures they posted on their multiply website is enough for me to book them. And since its one of the reception venues near my church (well, not that near actually). Sorry I forgot the AE assigned to us. hahaha. That's basically we deal most of the time through texts and emails. Dealing with them is such a breeze. Very helpful. All of my concerns were addressed. I am very particular with the aircon and the CR. I want the CR to be clean and mabango all the time during our wedding. True enough, some of our guests are saying na the comfort room is like hotel-like bathroom. The event hall is not crowded even if tables were set up, buffet table, couple's stage, area for the string quartet and sound system. There is still plenty of area to move around. Also, their charge for extra ceiling decors are not that expensive. We did not upgrade the ceiling drapes but it still turned out pretty with all the lights and the extra crystal beads (upgraded ko to para match with our Jewel-themed wedding). Oh and one more thing, there is another wedding on the other event hall but the staff made sure na hindi magkakalituhan ang mga guests namin which event ang dapat nilang puntahan. Its sound proof I guess because hindi kami nagkarinigan nung kabilang hall. Just to share,  during the time I was getting my refundable deposit back, the branch where I would encash my check have some problems with their fax machine, the accountant from Glass Garden helped me by talking to the branch manager that they have approved the claim of the check. Again, another plus point for them since it all happened like two months after the wedding. Talking about customer service here. The only downside I could think of lang is the electrical charge if you are getting your own band. Its additional 8k which I found expensive. Also, if you are particular with the location of the reception, hindi mashado maganda yung area where the Glass Garden is situated. Wala ring masyadong phot ops within the area. Its either sa loob lang ng hall or outside. Since ours was a dinner reception, we did'nt have any picture taken outside of the event hall.

PHOTOGRAPHER - NELWIN UY
RATINGS - 3++
FEE: 90k to 130k

Well, what can I say? Its Nelwin Uy. He made a name for himself if the wedding industry. All of our pictures (unedited pa yun) are all awesome.. He captured all the emotions of us, of our guests, of our parents. Hubby is not comfortable posing in front of the camera but the photos turned out great. I booked Nelwin din without meeting them first. Na-meet ko yata sila ng wife nya si Tey siguro a week before the wedding lang when I made full payment na. He's very down-to-earth considering he's already a high profile photographer. Minsan lang natatagalan shang mag-reply especially if they have out of the country bookings. Its Nelwin himself na talagang magre-reply sayo. Not a representative or AE.

During the wedding, they arrived early. Pagdating na pagdating nila, trabaho agad. They went to shoot the wedding details (my gown, shoes, bag etc.) Very professional. His team din is very magaan ka-trabaho. Even if its our first time to work together, di sila nakakailang katrabaho. They made me relax. I didn't realize that they are taking photos na pala. They made me pose, sure especially for the portraits but almost lahat ng shots nila magaganda. Here are some of the photos:

VIDEOGRAPHER: MG DIGITAL VIDEO

RATINGS: 3++

FEE: 50K TO 70K

He's also one of the best videographers in the wedding industry. He won numerous awards na rin so definitely that's a plus point for us to book them to capture our wedding. I've watched some of his onsite videos and magaganda naman lahat so confident naman ako that they will deliver. Of course honestly speaking, its really JMag that's on top of my list but considering my budget for the videographer, I have to let it go and choose other videog who was the same caliber as JMag. Again, I've booked MG digital without meeting him. Everything was coordinated through text and emails lang. I just met his wife during one of the bridal fairs but Mervin himself, I just met on the wedding day na.

During the wedding, they arrived after Nelwin's team and yun din, started working on the details. Very makwela din his team. Kakatuwa sila kuya. There are some shots na kelangan ulitin like walk in the lobby of the hotel pero I understand naman na they are just doing their job of ensuring na madeliver nila ng maganda yung mga moments na tulad nun. We had a jumpshot pa after the church ceremony. Super magaang katrabaho. His team and Nelwin's have a very good rapport. Parang iisang team sila. That's one thing I considered while scouting for supplier. Yung may good working relationship. Syempre I know din naman na in the wedding industry lahat ng suppliers magkakakilala but Nelwin and Mervin's team talaga super ok ang tandem. Sorry sisses, wala akong link ng onsite video namin. Tinatago ni hubby because he was teary eyed during my bridal walk e he' s not an emotional person talaga.  Masisira daw image nya. Hahahaha..

BRIDAL & ENTOURAGE FLOWERS: VATEL MANILA

RATINGS: 3++++

FEE: around 15k

I have to thank w@w for this. Sa w@w ko unang nakita ang craftsmanship ni Dylan. Thanks din kay sis jen (jenicaarvee) for recommending Vatel Manila. Because of very nice feedbacks on him, I decided to shoot an email and tried my luck. He replied I think after two days and told me na nasa waiting list ako kasi may mas naunang nag-inquire on my wedding date. Ok lang sa akin but deep inside me I really hope na makuha ko si Dylan to make my bridal bouquet. Ayun the following day, he emailed me and told me I got in! Right there and then I booked him na out of fear na maunahan pa ako ng iba. Here's the list of the flowers used for my bridal bouquet:

^{Red Fiesta Ecuadorian Roses}

^{Red Leucospermum}

^{Red Holland Tulips}

Entourage Flowers / Flowergirls:

Fuchsia Celosia

Light Pink Carnations

Pink Snapdragon

Red Hypericum Berries

Red Celosia / Pink Snapdragon

Pink Satin Ribbon

Again, I booked Vatel Manila without meeting Dylan. Hahaha. I just met him on the day of the wedding. He was the first to arrive in the hotel. He delivered the fresh, beautiful flowers. He taught me how to hold the bouquet (flower over flower). Super meticulous nya with the creation of our bouquets. He changed the flowers used in my bridal boquet. He told me he had a shipment last night of Red Leucospermum from Australia so he used it in my bouquet - with no extra charge. The flowers were huge. Super siksik and the fillers are just on the base of the bouquet para may contrast din. A lot of our guests super nagandahan sa bouquet ko. I remember when I was in the hotel lobby and the Ms. Earth 2011 candidates were in the lobby as well waiting for their van were so amazed din of how pretty my bouquet was. I think if my memory serves me right its Ms. Columbia who borrowed my bouquet and gave a beauty queen pose. Hanapin ko mga sis ha? Ang dami kasing CDs I think around 8 cds lahat and hanapin ko pa that particular shot. Not sure lang din if Nelwin included that in the cds. The flowers din lasted for I think a week before sha nalanta.  Even my mom loved her bouquet. Super naka-display sa dining area namin. Super worth it ang Vatel Manila.

Just to note din, Vatel Manila provided us with the bridal bouquet. Its huge and its fresh. Again, with no extra charge. Super kakahiya talaga and super bait ni Dylan. Advise ko lang mga sis, if you want to book Dylan, book him early. Super in-demand kasi sha.

BRIDAL CAR -  V2 ENTERPRISES (c/o Rhona and Jetts)

^{Benz C32 AMG Kompressor  2007, white}

RATINGS: 2

FEE: around 7k

Bridal car is not on my priority list actually. I'm happy to ride in whatever is available as long as it will get in the church safely. I booked them I think a week before the wedding. I asked for Rhona's help in trying to find me a bridal car. Sa akin kahit ano na lang. I'm not particular with the model or color. I think our package for the bridal car is already a steal considering its I think more than 4 hours na naghintay si kuya. Also, the driver is the owner himself and super maingat shang mag-drive. He's chatting with me when the time I'm all alone in the car na during the marching of the entourage. Super linis, mabango and spacious nung car. Its white and its Mercedes Benz and it has sun roof. hahaha. Extra feature.

SOUVENIRS - PAPEMELROTI

RATINGS: 2

FEE: around 9k

My first requirement for my guest souvenirs is I want my guest to use the souvenir after the wedding. Not those kind of souvenirs that will just accummulate dust. I chose Papemelroti to do our souvenirs primarily because they have wide range of products to chose from. On time din silang magbigay ng products. If they say the lead time is three weeks, its either on or before the agreed date. Super pulido din ng pagkakagawa. I know I should have opted to scout Divisoria for the same kind of design but I don;t want to be stressed and hassle myself with all the hustle and bustle of its busy streets. They customize din according to the wedding details with no extra charge. Ours is a durable resin with microwavable container with heart tag and twined ribbon. I ordered 100 pcs. and our guests super natuwa sa souvenirs nila because I also added chocolate balls from Chocolate Lover Castle yata yun. hehehe. Downside lang is they don't have a nice packaging. If you want to have one, its additional 20 pesos yata. So I just opted to buy  organza cloth in Carolina's and packed each container and attached a thank you tag.

STRINGS - SERENATA STRINGS

RATINGS: 2

FEE: around 16k

Again, I am not particular with the strings or church musicians who will play on our wedding ceremony and reception. I only have simple requirements: one who can play bossa nova songs. I don't want to spend a lot of moolah on this yet I don't want to compromise din the performance as I believe its one of those elements that sets the mood of the wedding. I looked upon numerous strings group and I chose Serenata Strings due to good feedback din naman sa w@w. True enough, they did not disappoint during the wedding. I think this is one of the reason why hubby got teary eyed during my bridal march. I chose "Beautiful in my eyes" as my bridal march song and I think it set the mood during that time. They played din all the songs on my playlist. They played non-stop during the reception and I think the only time na hindi sila nagplay is during the time na they are having their dinner na din. Sir Lorenz is super mabait. After the reception program has ended, he personally greeted us pa. Kaka-touch. Also, during my preps, he sent me a copy of their sample cd. His wife is working in Makati so he had someone bring the cd in my office in Ayala din. I think it helped na almost all of my song choices are in their playlist kaya master na rin nila.

GROOM'S SUIT - Emporio Armani

RATINGS: 3

FEE: around 60k

Uhm..Its hubby who chose his suit. He told me di raw sha magpapatalo sa gown ko so ayun he splurged on his suit. He said the suit is very comfortable and kahit di aircon ang church namin he didn't sweat too much. He looks every bit of a dashing groom.

MALE ENTOURAGE GIFT - RACHEBELI WINE  (24 pcs mango and plum wine plus customized dark mint chocolates)

RATINGS: 2

FEE: around 4k

I can't thought of something unique to give to our male entourage. Most of them kasi composed of family members and close friends. Some of my friends nga are telling me its not necessary to give them anything but out of courtesy and my way of saying thank you na rin, I thought its better to give them something pa rin. I also found Rachebeli wine through w@w but I booked them during their bridal fair on the Heritage Library in Makati. I don't drink wine so its my officemate/friend Sheila who tasted the wine. Approved naman sa kanya yung taste so I'm sold. Since its customized labeling, I think they will like it. It's one of a kind pati flavors. My bad lang because I wasn't able to take pictures of it before and during the wedding. It was delivered two days before the wedding and in the hotel naman, I immediately endorsed it to Rhona so they can bring it to the reception venue so it can be arranged na by the caterer on the sponsor's respective seats. Some members of my entourage natikman na yung wine and they like it daw especially the mango wine. Tamang-tama lang ang lasa. Even hubby says so.

FEMALE ENTOURAGE GIFT - customized cupcakes by Chikitingsweets

RATINGS: 3++

FEE: around 3k lang

Again, I have no idea what to give the female sponsors. I was eyeing sana bath and body works perfume but I don't have the time na to scout for the perfumes. Plus I really don't know if gusto nung mga girls ko yung scent na mapipili ko. So para wala na lang akong isipin, I just thought of giving them edible gifts such as cupcakes. I don't have formal pictures of this kasi dinala lang to during the reception na since my supplier for this is also my secondary sponsor and his son is my coin bearer naman. She is my officemate and our ever reliable supplier of cakes in our office so tried and tested ko na yung lasa. Not too sweet and super siksik ng cupcake. My idea for this kasi is two cupcakes and cookies starting with letters "D" and "R" (our initials) in one box. For those who reside in Cavite area and in search for a cupcake suppliers for their event, please do try her cupcakes.  Here is one photo courtesy of my cousin ( a bridesmaid):

LIGHTS AND SOUNDS SUPPLIER - SENSITIVITY
RATING:3++
FEE: around 13k

I know that lights and sounds is one of the biggest factor in setting the mood of the guests during the reception. If there is good mood lighting kahit walang mashado ceiling decorations, nagiging elegant ang set up. This is also true for sound system, no matter how good your string quartet is or no matter how efficient your emcee is, if walang magandang sound, affected yung program. So I think its a good investment na rin. When I saw how elegant the ceiling is, naisip ko na ok lang pala na I did not upgrade the ceiling drapes na. Nagawan ng paraan ng Sensitivity. Our guests kept on commenting that our reception is very elegant, classy and cozy.

EMCEE: MISSY FERRER-LITAO

RATINGS: 3

FEE: 6K

Missy is supeer ok. Magaling na emcee. She knows her thing. She's very detail-oriented. She presented some games so hindi na ako nahirapan to choose from the list of games she had. During our first meeting, she took down notes and she's very magaang kausap. I felt at ease agad. During the wedding, while she was testing the sound system, hubby can't help but notice how articulate she is. She made our reception program so lively. Nobody left the reception area even if patapos na yung mga highlights. I told her na ayoko ng pure english since some of my guests are from the province so hindi sila sanay. She's very bubbly rin. I can't believe how she was able to make my hubby dance. Before hubby removed the garter, Missy already asked me if nagsasayaw si hubby or game sa mga balak nyang ipagawa. I immediately said no, knowing si hubby na reserved most of the time. During the removal of the garter, lahat ng gagawin ni hubby gagayahin nung losing couple sa previous game. Nagulat na lang ako when hubby danced ala- careless whispher! Shocked na shocked talaga ako. Ito ang reaction ko how shocked I am:

WEDDING ACCESSORIES - PRINCESSWEDS (arrhae case, wedding cord, ring & arrhae pillows, headpiece, unity candles, wedding bible) all customized

RATINGS: 3++

FEE: around 8k

Since I wanted to have all my wedding accessories in-line with my theme, I had to look for a supplier who can customize my requirement. She's one of the exhibitors in one of the bridal fairs in Megamall. Its where I found sis Che of Princessweds. She's super nice and accommodating. She patiently listened to my specifications and offered advise on how to execute them. Since I am no artist when it comes to crafts, I told her na bahala na sha. I told her to surprise me. Hindi naman ako ganun kaarte, I just want uniformity. I think I already made a blog of the wedding accessories she made for me. Ang wala lang akong pictures, rather wala akong available na picture dito sa laptop ko, is my unity candle. Sis Che shipped the unity candles so when I had a meeting with my coord, I gave it to them na. Ang naiwan sa akin is the match.  I became friends na with sis Che since I always drop by their booths pag may bridal fair akong pinupuntahan. She also helped me looked for brooch I will use for my DIY napkin holder. Naghanap talaga sha and reserved it for me. Nakakatuwa yung customer service nya. I think marami na rin sha naging clients dito sa w@w and I know like me, they are one satisfied customer.

PHOTOBOOTH: PARTYPICS

RATINGS: 2

FEE: around 7k (booked during the bridal fair)

I booked Partypics because I wanted to have additional activity for the guests during the cocktail hour. I think the guests like it. According to my mom ang daming pumila. Matanda, bata - all ages. It served as one of our guests souvenirs na rin. Unlimited photos din so sulit na binayad namin. Ang mahalaga natuwa ang mga guests. Especially my mother in law na super addict sa pictures. hahaha. The layout nga pala for the photo standee we just communicated through email in one day. We never saw the final layout. Hinintay pa kasi namin na makuha yung prenup pictures namin from Jayson Arquiza para ma-include. Pumayag naman sila and during the wedding, we liked the layout that they did. Simple lang yet classy.

WEDDING INVITATIONS - PRINTDIVAS

RATINGS: 2

FEE: around 14k (100 pcs of invites with gems)

I know that Printdivas has mixed reviews in w@w but I decided to give them a try. I booked them during one of the bridal fairs in Megamall kaya nakakuha ako ng discount. I went to their office in Mandaluyong I think 4 months before the wedding to finalize the design. The AE assigned to me was Gary. Ok naman sha kausap. I initially have a design in mind but changed it when I saw one invitation on display. Very classy yet chic yung invite na nakita ko but it was a digital print yata yun and after sometime parang nag-fade na yung prints nya. I like the design may swirls, very colorful pa and the lay-out is nice naman its just that I'm a fan of embossed prints. So we incorporated the elegant swirls design, the lay-out of the invite but embossed yung prints nya. Downside lang is, hindi sha ganun ka-colorful kasi with embossed print, isang color lang ang pwede. So I just chose yung main color namin which is red wine/dark red. The color of the envelope is champagne so match na rin sa color ng gown ko. I added gems na rin to match with our theme. All the proofs were done via email. Shefaw, the artist is super patient with me din since I kept on changing the names of the entourage. 1 month before the wedding, ready na yung invites namin. I went to pick the invites pero when I checked one invitation, nagulat ako because walang gems na nakalagay. The people from Printdivas have to check my contract again and recomputed everything and yun nga, dapat may gems. Gary, my AE pala resigned without proper turn-over. Hindi nasabi about the gems. They were very apologetic naman and promised to finish putting the gems on the invite so I could get it 4 days after. True enough, nakuha ko naman lahat on the agreed date. I checked siguro mga 30 pcs ng invitations and everything naman is ok (spelling, yung embossed print naman di nagkalat, the sticker seal). My guests commented na very elegant nung invitation. Some of them kept it pa as a souvenir daw. Tip ko sa mga brides when dealing with Printdivas, make sure lahat ng napag-usapan is nasa contract. Kahit mga simple requests dapat black and white. Buti na lang gems lang yung nagkulang sa invitation namin e what if the design or contents itself? e di disaster na.

BRIDAL SHOES - MY PERFECT MATCH

RATINGS: 3+++

FEE: around 6k

I need to have a customized shoes since I only stand 5 ft and hubby is 5"10. Kumusta naman di ba? Maliit din size ng paa ko- size 5 lang so even if I wanted to order my bridal shoes online, alanganin yung size. E I'm always a fan of bling-bling pa naman. Not to mention na dapat very comfy yung shoes. I found Perfect Match syempre dito rin sa w@w. Magaganda ang feedback about her shoes so I decided to inquire with her. Mari is very accommodating. I told her my specifications - dapat around 4.5 to 5 inch ang heels, may gems or swarovski crystals yung design and syempre comfortable. I have a specific design in mind. My bridal shoes have swarovski crystals in it and kahit 4.5 inch yung heels nya, nakakatalon pa ako. Ganun sha ka-comfortable. During the wedding, I have no complaints with my shoes. Siguro I wore it for more than 12 hours. No kidding. My feet did not hurt a bit. Especially during the reception when hubby and I kept on moving around to mingle with the guests.  One of my friends told me I should have chosen something n may color para may contrast with the gown. But the thing is, I don't want anything to interfere with my gown. Gusto ko something that would complement my gown. And that's what I got with my shoes. Hindi lang mashado kita sa pics yung pagka-shiny ng swarovski crystals nya but super makinang sha talaga.

 UNITY COINS - W@W UNITY COINS
RATINGS: 3++
FEE: got it thru w@w 2010 auction

Beauuuutiifulll unity coins. My mom and hubby super nagandahan. Its very unique daw. Syempre pag sinabing unity coins ang usually na naaalala natin is different coins mostly for us its Peso d ba? so nagulat sila kasi its kakaiba. May description each. Hubby whose hobby is photography talagang kinarir ang pagkuha ng pictures. He didn't know that such coins exist. Pang wedding daw talaga. I got this one through w@w auction. I got the silver and gold unity coins and this is my ever first wedding paraphernalia. As early as I think a year before the wedding nasa akin na yung unity coins. I think I have also blogged it before. Super worth it mga sis. Its something that I can pass on to my next generation dahil sa sobrang cute nya.

MISALETTE -  CUSTOMIZED DESIGNS

RATINGS: 2

FEE: around 3k

Late ko na napa-approve kay kuya Eli yung draft ng misalette namin so late ko na rin to naprepare. I got the misalette copy in w@w archives. I just edited the contents and send everything to Customized designs. Mabilis silang magtrabaho. I gave the draft siguro 4 days before the wedding and na deliver sha to me a day before the wedding na. We met at Megamall and pulido naman yung misalette. The design cover I provided and they printed mga 50 copies. This is not my priority kasi so hindi ko sha mashado natutukan. Tinatamad naman ako to do it on my own kaya pinagawa ko na lang pero mga sisses, if you have time to do it on your own, go na. Hindi naman kasi to mashado napansin during the ceremony except the guests used it for its purpose. Spellings are all ok na nagustuhan ko the way it look. Not the typical bond paper thingie.

MENU CARDS,MISALETTE,FOOD LABEL,TABLE NUMBERS - MONOGRAM HUB

RATINGS: 3+++

FEE: around 700php

Sis Joy is heaven sent. A w@wie herself, she understands the demands of future bride like me who wants every details to be perfect. Since I don't have any artistic talent for creating my own design for menu cards, misallette etc., I tried her services and she did not disappoint. Mabilis magtrabaho I think within the day she was able to create a design based on my requirement. I just gave her my wedding theme, my motif and what do I exactly look for. But that's the thing. I don't know what I want. So I basically gave her the freedom to choose a design for me and I liked what she did. I will just give the link to her website so that you can see the designs she created for me. Her services are totally worth it especially for someone like me na walang katalent-talent sa katawan.

http://monogramhub.blogspot.com/2011/11/richelle-and-dondon-wedding-details.html

WEDDING COORDINATOR (OTD): RHONA AND JHETS

RATINGS: 3++++++++++

FEE: around 20k

Another heaven sent. They are my angels. These couple grabe absorbed all the stress, nervousness , lahat na during the wedding. One of the main reason why I am stress-free and why I enjoyed my wedding. They are very organized. Take note, I booked them without meeting them first. Jhets disagreed. He told me I should meet them first and decide later on. Hindi naman ako maarte sa pagpili ng coordinator. I would just like somebody who is calm and dependable. I am the type of person kasi na when I see someone panic, nahahawa ako. And ayoko rin ng mashado dominant, magcra-crash kami. Rhona and Jhets are always there for me. In fact, sila pa ang nagfo-follow up sa akin on what's happening with my preps. They are more like of a friend to me. Ang dami nilang natulong aside from whats expected of them. Like the bridal car. Sila ang nakahanap nun. The projector used in the reception. Since wala na akong time to look for one, I told Jhets to book one for me and I will just pay na lang but they were able to get me a projector for free. They made sure everything is well-organized from preps to reception and even after. Si Rhona laging nasa tabi ko and never left me. Even hubby liked them. Since yung room ni hubby is just in front of my room, sila pa ang nagdeliver ng food sa kanya during lunch time. Rhona made sure na maayos parati ang veil ko and ang gown ko and my guests commented on how organized our wedding was. Si Rhona pa ang na-tense because I instructed them na during my bridal walk and pag open ng church, gusto ko ako lang ang tao nandun pero there's a man na biglang tumawid sa may parking lot. Medyo malayo na nga eh hindi naman napansin sa camera pero naloka pa rin si Rhona. That's how they want everything to be perfect for your wedding. I have to give the full credit to their team. To all their future clients, don't worry you are in good hands.  Let them do their job and just enjoy your wedding. Expert sila jan.

Dondon and Richelle Suppliers Ratings - 11/26/2011 - PART 2

Here's my the continuation....

3- Bravo! Highly recommended to the highest level

2 - Clap! Clap! Recommended

1 - Booo!! Think twice, thrice, uhmmm.. never mind

Disclaimer: The supplier's fee I put here will just be a range as I cannot remember exactly how much I paid and considering I booked most of my suppliers mid-year 2010.

CATERER - K BY CUNANAN CATERING

RATINGS: 3++++++++

FEE: around 185k for 150 persons plus crew meals

K by Cunanan Catering is one of my non-negotiables. They are my first and only choice. After reading a lot of very nice feedbacks from w@wies on how they performed on their wedding, I am sold! I sent them an email, asked if they are available on my wedding date, paid the reservation fee and that's it. I haven't met my AE, I haven't done my food tasting yet. For me, I don't need to taste their food to decide. I know its risky but I am that confident that they will exceed my expectations. The AE assigned to me was the gorgeous Macy Dy. She's so elitista but very accommodating. I think hindi ko na enumerate how they do their food tasting kasi I know for sure alam nyo na how they do it. Natuwa lang ako sa servings nila - - super dami and talagang nakakabusog. I had a customized menu since I chose menus from package a-c. Yung alam kong best sellers nila and alam kong "safe" especially sa mga oldies.  Here's our menu:

Cocktail hour:

hoisin chicken wrap

Crostinis with prawn thermidore

Vegetable samosa

Assorted bread with liver pate and creamy pesto spread

Roasted corn soup

Insalata Caprese, orange, walnuts, strawberry vinaigrette

Grilled red snapper, ratatouille, shaved parmesan

Honey nut prawns

Grilled pepper-crusted tenderloin steak, mashed potao cakes, creamed spinach

barbecued baby back ribs, corn with parsley butter

Lechon carving

Carrot rice

Pannacotta with kiwi, strawberry, mango

White chocolate cake

Macy is very detailed when it comes to reception set-up. When we were doing the final detailing, ako ang sumuko. hahaha. I told them na sila na bahala with the set-up and I trust them. But since they need my approval I don't have any choice but to listen to the meeting. I didn't know na ganun pala kadugo yun. I mean with them, they really have to make sure that every reception details is balanced with everything. Even the placement of the plates, the guests tables, the flowers, the buffet. Kahit yung mga design nila should coordinate with one another. All the elements should be harmonious talaga to achieve the perfect ambiance. No wonder why all of their set-up are classy and tastefully done. Talagang inuupuan and iniisip nila how to execute it the nice way. Ang biggest dilemma namin is since our theme is simple elegance/jewel theme, I want to have a Sheisha corner. Hubby is working in Middle East and parang its my way of recognizing where our bread and butter comes from.Since medyo off sha with the theme, Macy suggested na we cannot highlight both the couples table and the sheisha corner. Mejo contradicting. I told her na I am willing to pay for an upgrade para lang ma-execute yung desing na gusto ko but after Macy explained na we can still have the sheisha corner but need lang na minimalist yung design nya so that it will not overpower the stage. Good thing I listened to her.Everything in the reception, super well coordinated. With the food naman, as expected, the guests kept on raving how delicious the food is. My brother in law told me na busog na raw sha but he can't help going back to the buffet for more. Our guests din from abroad na-impress with the food parang pang hotel daw. One of my friend pa who is a vegetarian, napakain ng steak since parang yummy daw so she tried. Yun nagustuhan nya. Ang dami rin naming take-out na food. We were both able to divide the food among my inlaws and sa house namin. Another thing nga pala, the flowers used for our wedding, its not upgraded. When I told my guests na pwedeng iuwi yung mga flowers kesa iwan sa event hall at masayang, I think wala pang 5 mins., ubos na yung mga flowers. Ang mejo boo-boo lang during the reception which siguro naman is not the waiter's fault is when the head waiter told me they packed the excess food na, he told me na the ulo ng lechon is hindi pa nagagalaw and they also packed it. But its my mom who received all the food and I forgot to mention to her na meron pa dapat ulo ng lechon pero hindi sha nasama sa mga nabigay. Well, ok lang naman at least iwas cholesterol ang mga oldies. hehehe.

BRIDAL GOWN - CECILIOA ABAD COUTURE

RATINGS: 3++++++++++++++++

FEE: won thru w@w 2010 auction

I have to thank w@w for this. I owe w@w maraming maraming thank you. If not for w@w I wouldn't be able to have my dream wedding gown. Just a little background, I am already booked with Joe San Antonio for my bridal gown. I have already paid the reservation fee and she already made a wonderful sketch of my gown based on what I want and what suits my body type. Actually, all is well between me and Joe. Pero ewan ko ba kung anong pwersa ang naghatak sa akin to join the w@w 2010 auction. I joined the auction since I want to score great deals especially with the unity coins and perhaps a trial make-up that I could use in one of our events sa office. Yun lang. I don;t have any plans na mag bid dun sa ibang items since that time I am already 70-80% booked with most of my wedding suppliers. Then while scouting the great deals listed,  I found that meron for auction si Tito Cecil. Ewan ko ba talaga at napa-bid ako. Actually, gown pala ni Veluz ang una kong bid pero na-outbid na ako and di ko na keri yung naka-outbid sa akin. hahaha. So ayun kay tito cecil ako nag-try. Ganun pala yun mga sis, kung talagang para sayo ang isang bagay, mafe-feel mo talaga sha. Hindi pa tapos ang bidding, I know deep in my heart mananalo ako sa bidding. After the makapigil hiningang last minute bidding and after Ms. Benz sent an email confirming that I won the auction for tito Cecil's gown, I'm supeeerr happy. I really can't believe it. I will wear one of the masterpiece of Cecilio Abad. God is really good. Ang naging problem ko n lang is how to tell Joe na I am cancelling the gown na with her. I  really prayed na sana she forgive me pero kung hindi, I am willing to let go na lang of the reservation fee. Buti na lang, my cousin told me they are getting married din. I thought baka pwede kong pakiusapan si Joe to use the reservation fee para magamit for my cousin's suit. We had a meeting and I would say Joe, is not only beautiful and talented. Napakabait pa and she understood my situation.  Grabe yung saya ko talaga. Everything is falling into place. Ilang gabi din akong di nakatulog dun.hehehe.

During the first meeting with tito Cecil, na star struck ako. hahaha. Tito Cecil is very nice. Kita mo yung dedication nya sa work nya and sa mga gowns na ginagawa nya. May passion talaga. He asked me what I want in my gown. I just told him two things - - a gown that will make me a little bit taller and one that will make me look slimmer.That's it. The rest sha na ang bahala. I put my full trust and confidence in him. He sketched my gown and made me fit the tela na super sikip. Fast forward sa mga second fitting and succeeding fittings, grabe lining pa lang perfect fit na for me. But for tito Cecil, hindi pa. May dapat pang iadjust. During the third and final fitting, I kept on losing weight. Natuwa si tito Cecil at first pero weeks before the wedding I kept on losing weight pa rin I don't know I can't help it. kakahiya nga kasi adjust ng adjust sina ate ikyat. Di rin pala maganda yun kasi nasisira yung design tapos nasisira yung tela. 3 days before the wedding lang nakuha yung talagang perfect fit. During the last fitting din, one mom super nagustuhan yung gown ko nagpa-picture pa talaga with tito Cecil. I am very pleased with my gown.

Clayton arrived the night before the wedding and when my mom saw my gown (she has never seen it before) ang ganda daw talaga. Hindi mukhang wedding gown. hahaha. Parang magde-debut lang daw na isang princess. I was so surprised pa because I thought since I won this sa auction, gown lang talaga. When I opened the box, meron din complete set ng unitu candles, pillows, bridal bag. Grabe super tuwa ko talaga muntik na akong maiyak.  During the wedding naman, I think this was one of the highlights. When I was in the lobby for the bridal pictorials, nandun ang mga Ms. Earth 2011 candidates waiting for their service. They commented how pretty I am daw. If I remember it correctly, it was Ms. Columbia na nagpa-picture pa kasama ko using her own camera para daw when its her time to get married, papagaya nya gown ko.  Hahaha. These beauty queens, made me feel na  pwede rin akong lumevel sa beauty nila even if its just for one day. Super nakaka-touch. They even had a cameo role pa in our onsite video. My gown was really one of the highlights of our wedding. Super ganda ko raw.  I believe them. Kahit mga co-suppliers like Dylan and Jesy told me na ang ganda raw ng gown ko. The gown didn't outshine me. It complemented my whole bridal look.

FEMALE ENTOURAGE GOWNS (no PS) - JHEFF FASHION HOUSE

RATINGS:3++

FEE: around 27k

I found Jheff Fashion House through my coordinator pero I have read na rin sa w@w archives some reviews about them. I decided to give them a try since their shop is in Cainta e most of my entourage are from Rizal area so mas convenient for them. Ate Anna is very nice. She's straightforward and she knows what she is talking about. When I presented her the pictures of the gowns na gusto ko for my entourage, we immediately talked about the kind of tela. Since wala akong alam sa mga fabrics, inisa-isa nya s akin possible fabrics na bagay sa design na gown. Though in the end we decided to use chiffon. I think my package with them is already a steal considering lahat long gowns and chiffon yung materials plus some gowns may intricate beadings pa. Tito Jheff naman on the other hand is super  mabait. Pulido silang magtrabaho. First fitting pa lang almost lahat ng entourage ko, wala ng adjustments. My mom's gown naman has this tela na may embroidery and talagang pinagtyagaan hanapin ni ate Ana kung anong bagay.All I can say is my girls looked elegant in their respective gowns.

HAIR AND MAKE-UP - JESY ALTO

RATINGS: 3++

FEE: 18k

I made an entry of my first trial make up with Jesy. And until the wedding day itself, hindi nagbago yung quality ng work nya. She made me one blushing bride. She knows how  to highlight a bride's feature without making it look heavy sa make-up. I just let them do their job and the moms were both satisfied with their look during the wedding. I will let the photos speak for itself.

WEDDING RINGS - MATUS JEWELLERY

RATINGS: 3+++

FEE: around 65k

Matus made my engagement ring so its just right to choose them to make our wedding rings. Proven ko na yung quality ng rings nila, the craftsmanship, the diamonds used and the customer service. belle is my contact person and mas naging madali ang transaction ko sa kanila when they moved their shop from Glorietta to Megamall. We had free mock rings that we used during the bridal march and the original ones we gave to the bestman for safekeeping. At first hindi mo ma-identify which is the fake and which is the original one. Very timely din yung delivery nung mga rings namin. Although they are more expensive than the other ring suppliers pero for me, sulit na yung rates nila given all the fact that I mentioned before. Since preggy lang ako ngaun, di na magkasya yung wedding ring ko. hehehe.

WEDDING CAKE -  ALEX FRANCO CAKES

RATINGS: 3+++

FEE: 25K

Alex Franco Cakes is my non-negotiable. I told hubby I want Alex to do our wedding cake. Pumayag naman sha. I booked sir Alex to do our wedding cake but before that, tuturuan ka muna nya the proper way to cut the cake. With matching tools pa yun ha? He doesn't accept reservation fee. Payment will be done on the day itself. We ordered the five layer all edible cake para ma serve namin sa guests and para may take home din kami (takaw ko kasi). The cake was one of the highlights of our wedding reception. It was placed in the middle - - between the VIP table and between the guests table. The cake is huge and beautiful. it was elegantly arranged and talagang nakakaagaw ng pansin. Some might say mahal for a cake but come to think of it, you will be spending almost the same amount of money for a 5 layer fondant cake and only the base layer is the edible one. With their cakes, alex's team will be the one to set-up the cake table. Somebody will assist during the cake cutting and alex's staff will be the one serving the cakes to all of your guests. Not to mention the additional freebies such as 30 pcs brownies (which in our case we made as additional guests favors), the chocolate cake as alex's gift to the couples and of course, the yummy goodness of the cake. A lot of our guests kept on raving how yummy the cake daw. We were able to bring home the third to fifth layer and we're able to feed our entire guests. Hubby who doesn't eat sweets naubos yung cake that I served after the wedding na. Super masarap daw.

And that's the end of my suppliers ratings. To all the brides, just enjoy the preps. Don't fret on small things. Let go and Let GOD!