Wedding details.. Didn't know this is hard... :-)

Time check: 3 months to go before our big day. As usual, I'm still laid back as ever and haven't done so much wedding related activities for the past 4 months. Still adjusting with my work as I moved to a different team. Lots of things to do so I kinda neglected my wedding preps (Hayss. kung kelan naman malapit na wedding saka pa dumami ginagawa ko sa office...) I realized that I need to get back on track when some of my wedding suppliers are asking for updates already.Let me enumerate those:

a.) Wedding accessories - Che of Princessweds sent me a text message confirming the shade of red that will be used for my wedding pillows (ring and arrhae). and the design of the brooch that will be used on my wedding cord. Scheduled delivery will be September 2011.

b.) Entourage gowns - Ate Ana (Jheff Fashion House) updated me that they have already bought the fabrics to be used for the gowns of my ento. Actually, she updates me regularly on the progress of the gowns. That's what I like about her. Very transparent. She informed me that the shade of red has changed a bit when they ordered the fabric and she wants me to see those perhaps to get my approval. Will do this by end of August.

c.)  Bridal gown - Cecilio Abad. I just had my second fitting and got so giddy with how my gown actually looked like. Its not halfway done but the fit is so perfect it could pass as a final product for those who are not maselan sa gown. hehehe. Got two more fittings to go and ate Ikyat told me I lost weight again. (that's good news) so she had to alter the gown. Cecil is soo particular with the fit of the gown. Galing talaga. Isang tingin pa lang nya on my gown while I am wearing it, he knows something needs to be altered. 

d.) Mock set up. K by Cunanan Catering. I will have a mock setup this coming first week of September so that I can get an idea how the reception decors would look like. That way, I still have time to modify my designs or if I need an upgrade of the flowers. Still don't know but hoping they could execute the designs I have chosen at no extra cost.  I have also requested for another food tasting as I have not tasted some of the dishes that is on my original list and I need to know if I have to choose other menu so that I could get a feedback from my w@w sisses on what's a good alternative. Side kwento: I didn't know that there are several ways to fold a napkin. Macy let me choose which fold I like since I am doing a semi-DIY of the napkin holder for the VIP tables. Na-stress yata ako dun.  

e.) Wedding Invitations (Printdivas). just received the first draft of our invites. I noticed that the font style I used doesn't look good as some names are unreadable. Didn't know that invites can cause too much stress as I need to figure out which font style is good to use, the wordings, the design and all that stuff. Good thing that Gary, my AE in Printdivas and the part-owner Thea ( i think) is very patient with me regarding the font style. Another thing is that my entourage list is not yet final as I am still waiting for my bridesmaid to confirm whether her annual leave has been approved. But so far, the first draft is ok na. Well, I am not that particular talaga with the invites.Whatever will look good when printed out and the names and details are all correct, I am fine. On another note, I think I need to pay more attention on this as the price is Php 140.00/piece. Not cheap. Maarte lang kasi talaga ako, I am always a fan of embossed invitations plus I have crystal beads pa on the invitation. Fair enough I guess. hhehee.

Will give an update on the endless task I need to do.. For now, I need to choose my song lists for the wedding..

Where to prep?

I am already scouting for possible venue for my bridal preparations. I initially wanted Edsa Shangrila because of its elegance, nice staircase for photo-ops, and of course its a five star hotel. But then, taking into consideration the people inside the hotel room : suppliers, entourage, family members, it might be too small to accommodate all of us. So Edsa Shang is out of the list already. I am down to my two choices:

* ASTORIA PLAZA

Room

Astoria Lobby

I have been hearing about good reviews about this serviced apartment which is very good for wedding preps. Though I haven't visited the place yet based on the reviews, the rooms are spacious, it provides good lighting, not strict when it comes to bringing in of food and syempre, affordable. I know every bride deserves to relax and rest well before the big day but hotel preps is not our top priority so I am not willing to spend a lot on my wedding preps venue. This comes within my budget as based on their website, the published room - twin bed is priced around Php9k++ a night.I have yet to confirm this with them.

* Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalge Center
Another serviced apartment which is gaining popularity among w@wies because of its spacious rooms, nice location and affordable rates. I think they are priced @ Php12k++for a twin bedroom.

Living Room and Dining Area

Room

Bathroom

Considering the space and location, I found these two hotels at the top of my list. When I had my trial make-up with Jesy, I asked her which hotel is best for bridal preps and she suggested the two hotels above as they are spacious which is a "must" during the preps as probably there will be around 30 people inside so you don't want to be all cramped up inside. Another thing to consider is the lighting needs of your photographers/videographers. In order to produce that amazing photos, good lighting is needed. These two are the top hotels that offers that. And of course, the main reason why we are scouting for hotels is - - price. You don't want to burn a hole in your pocket for a two-day stay right? So its wise to choose a preps venue which meets basically 3 things - location, space, price. At least for me, I will just choose between the two. Hopefully I can decide early so that I can get a good bedroom location. Any suggestions?

Good times with Rae Venturanza

After so many sleepless nights, I finally joined the bandwagon of those ladies who had their share of boudoir sessions. Most of them have this before their big day as a pre-wedding gift to their h2b. Well, mine is a birthday gift for hubby. So after getting in touch with The Boudoir Dolls and after getting their advice and recommendation on who to get as the makeup artist, I decided to get the services of Rae Venturanza. Based from series of text messages between us, I already knew we would click. There's a warmth in her messages that gives that relaxed mood. We simply connected. I even asked her for directions on how to get to the studio thinking I went to the wrong place.Hahaha... And the moment I saw her and we started talking, I knew I made the right decision in choosing her to do my makeup.She's bubbly, kikay, makwento. I didnt even realized we were already done with the makeup session. And in the whole duration of the shoot, she acted as my cheerleader, commending me when I have done a very nice shot. She also became my sort of "alalay" in that shoot, fixing my hair, my outfit, my props. She even covered me with blanket when somebody has to go to the 2nd floor of the studio. Super maalaga talaga. Anyways, here are the pics.

Just a note: This was taken 6 hours after the shoot, without retouch. Oh and another thing, boudoir make-up is far different from bridal make-up. 

 

Will also share one pic from the boudoir session - Face only: 

As much as I want to share pics, I really can't. Its only for hubby's eyes. :)

Back from Hiatus

Its good to be back! Been so busy with the holiday season last year and have been sick every now and then. And siguro rin I have booked all my major suppliers last year so no major pressure for me. hahaha. Anyway, just want to share some pics I took when I attended the bridal fair in Megamall last Feb 2011. (sorry forgot the name of the fair). Saw some of my suppliers there - K by Cunanan Catering (I sooo love the setup they made), MG Digital Video (I met Mervin's wife as he had a wedding that time), Nelwin Uy (I also met his wife - he is out of country), Perfect Match (updated Mari with my shoe design).

with Macy

 

 

with Mervin's wife (forgot her name sorry)

with Mari (Perfect Match)

Time check: 8 months to go before the big day. Yay!

Initial Food Tasting at K By Cunanan Catering

This is the continuation of the previous post about my food tasting experience with K by Cunanan catering. This time around, I will concentrate on the food. Sort of mini-food review na rin. hehehe.

Macy told me that for the initial food tasting, they will let the clients try their best sellers to help them decide which menu to choose. I was glad that almost the food that was served to me are all part of my initial list.

Appetizer: Hoisin Pork Wrap ( on my list )

 Sheng's comment: This one verified that I made the right decision to book K as our caterer. Super sarap grabe. I can't even describe the taste., Basta naghalo yung sweetness of the hoisin sauce and the mayonnaise. I am a fan of shawarma influenced by years of living in Dubai and I can attest that this one is at par with those authentic shawarma from middle east yet something that Pinoys will love. I know my guests will love this. I just asked Macy to remove the coriander since I know not all of my guests are adventurous when it comes to spices. But overall, its a hit for me.

Soup: Roasted Corn Soup ( on my list)

Sheng's comment: Sorry if mejo messy the bowl. I forgot to take a picture and immediately started eating. hehehe. The soup is very tasty. I initally thought that when you say corn soup its the typical white colored soup (Knorr Corn soup. hahaha.) that is locally sold in the market. Well I was wrong.. You can actually taste the roasted corn kasi kapit na kapit yung lasa nya dun sa soup. Its very creamy as well. When I finished this bowl, super busog na ako I don't know how will I be able to finish the entire course. Ang mejo di ko lang type sa panlasa ko is parang meron shang spice. I don't know if its cumin or what. Since out ang mga food na meron kakaibang spice sa menu ko, I might have to consider other soup na lang. Macy suggested brocolli and cheese.

Salad:Insalata caprese,orange,walnut,strawberry vinaigrette ( barbecued chicken salad is my choice)

 

Sheng's comment: I am not a veggie-kind of salad fan (I am more of a macaroni & fruit salad type) but I was able to finish this one. Super right combination of sweetness from the walnut, sweet sour taste coming from the orange, the crisp lettuce and tomatoes and the feta cheese.Plus the fact na ang ganda nya tingnan sa pics. hehehe. I would recommend this dish to those who have vegetarian guests. Its just that for me, I really prefer the barbecue chicken salad which I think is becoming one of Kaye's signature dish. :)

Main Course: Grilled lapu-lapu, ratatouille, shaved parmesan ( my original dish but switched to the red snapper with mango salsa)

Sheng's comment: I never tasted anything like this dish before. Or well, lets just say I eat fish and chicken more than I eat pork and beef so super panalo sa akin to dish na to. Sorry ha? I really cannot describe the taste ( I need second serving before I could tell the exact taste.. hahahah)All I know is its delicious, the lapu-lapu is not matigas nor overcooked. just right lang. All the juices were really absorbed by the fish so very tasty talaga. As you can see in the pic above, the juice is coming out of the fish so that means sobrang kapit ng lasa nya in lapu-lapu. I think napadami ang kuha ko ng carrot rice when this dish was served.I am so full by the time I finished my last bite of this one. I am already thinking of switching back again to this dish although I have yet to try the red snapper before making any final decision. But based on my initial food taste, I might choose this for my fish dish.

Seafood dish: Honey nut prawns ( on my list)

Sheng's comment: It is indeed one of Kaye's best seller dish. As I have mentioned before, I am more of fish/seafood/chicken babe so anything seafood really entices my tastebuds. The shrimp is crunchy, not overcooked. The combination of the mayo and sweetness of the walnut plus the grapes are just heavenly. I am not exaggerating. This is based on how I tasted the dish at that moment. Super sarap nya. Though others say its just an ordinary prawns covered with mayo, I would say this is really different from those. I usually cook the prawns with mayo during christmas season but its nothing compared to this dish. Or perhaps di ko ma-distinguish what exactly made this dish different from others since busog na ako by the time I tried this. Perhaps on my second food tasting (hoping na meron) I could determine what sets this one apart from the ordinary prawn dishes out there. Overall, I like the honey nut prawns and will be serving this on my wedding.

Pasta: Mixed seafood pasta, chopped fresh tomatoes, pesto drizzle ( not on my list but the chicken parmigiano, pomoddoro pasta)

Sheng's comment: Its good. The pasta is not soggy nor matigas. The shrimp is firm and the clam is malasa and top it off with pesto drizzle (I love pesto!).Again, it has seafood which I like but then I again I think I already had enough seafood that day considering I had a fish dish, a honey nut prawns na and I am really busog na. Di ko na nga sha naubos eh because if I remembered correctly, this was the time when Macy joined me in the table where I was having my lunch so mega chika na ako with her. Pinilit ko na lang ubusin kahit the shrimps and the clams para naman di sayang. This was part of my original menu but after discussing the menu I have chosen with Rhona, she suggested that I should think it over since not all guests are fond of eating seafood pasta. She made sense especially with my guests na when you say pasta, the default sauce is red and it should be sweet (pinoy spaghetti style) so I have to be on the safe side since after all I want pasta dish to be included in my menu and I want the guests na mae-enjoy the food that we will serve. So I guess I will have to stick to my revised menu which is the chicken parmigiano so that the kids can enjoy this dish na rin.

Dessert: Crepes with strawberries and bananas and Pannacota with Kiwi (on my list)

Sheng's comment: See how lovely the colors are in the pics? hehehe. Ok. going back I looooooveee these two desserts. I love sweets and I am highly critical when it comes to desserts kasi feeling ko yun lang ang nakaka-complete sa meal ko even if I eat a lot during dinner, I always make it a point to eat sweets (of any kind) so that I could feel I am really busog. Kaye's pannacota is really the best. I have tasted different pannacota here and abroad and this is by far, the number 1 pannacota for me. Just the right sweetness, di sha nakakaumay for me. and if hindi nga lang nakakahiya I will really request for another round of the pannacota. hahaha. As for the crepe naman, this one is masarap din. I think ang naka-balance sa kanya is the crepe wrapper(?? not sure anong tawag dun) so kahit natatamisan ka na sa syrup and all, di pa rin sha nakakasawa.

Drink: Raspberry Iced tea (on my list)

Sheng's comment: Masarap. Very refreshing and kahit raspberry iced tea sha hindi sha lasang gamot na pang-kids like what we can associate with berries. nakailang refill yata ako nito from the time I was waiting for my food tasting sched up until I finished the desserts. 

Overall, my first food tasting experience with K by Cunanan catering is super ok. I am satisfied with the food, the setup, the customer service. Kaye's nice and cozy house. I am definitely looking forward for my final food tasting and detailing na rin. At least for now I don't have to worry about the food. :)

Sheng's Day Out Part 2: Food Tasting @ K by Cunanan Catering

This is the part two of my so called "day out" last November 25,2010. I finally had my initial food tasting with my caterer, K by Cunanan Catering. Way before we started planning the wedding I was already choosing between Josiah's and K by Cunanan but in my heart I am already eyeing K. I searched the w@w archives for suppliers ratings/feedbacks from previous brides and have read praises of how great the food is, how classy the styling is. etc. That backed up my decision to book K even without the initial food tasting. I emailed Macy and paid the reservation fee so just I could block the date since they hold a limited number of events lang. 

K by Cunanan have a unique way of letting their prospect clients and current clients experience the food tasting. It's really personalized. Macy scheduled me for a 12pm meeting. Since I am not familiar with Ayala Heights, inagahan ko ang punta. I thought if I leave Cubao at around 10am, I'll arrive mga 11am so ok lang if I wait. Little did I know that malapit lang pala ang Ayala Heights. Hahaha. Even if I don't know Kaye's house and hinanap pa namin ni manong taxi driver, ang aga ko pa rin dumating. I think I arrived at around 10:30am. Super aga.Kakahiya talaga. But pinapasok pa rin ako ng mga kasama ni K sa house. Even offered raspberry iced tea while I wait.  I waited in the sala and I super felt comfortable. Kaye's house is super cozy. Muntik n nga ako makatulog eh. hehehe. (if its violation to post a picture of Kaye's house, kindly let me know ha?) 

Kaye's house

I also met Kaye but hindi kami mashado nakapag-usap ng maayos coz she has a meeting that morning and she has to leave early. She's so nice and from the way she talks, alam mo na elitista. hehehe. Nag-cam whoring pa ako inside Kaye's house out of boredom na rin hehee while waiting for Macy. Its my fault din naman e. Ang schedule is 12pm I was there ng maaga. Anyways I don't regret it naman kasi di nakakainip especially dun sa parang nook area where they accommodate clients for food tasting. 

 

Sad lang ako that time kasi wala akong kasama mag-food tasting.My mom had another appointment and told me she'll just join the next time were having another food tasting.Anyway, I met Macy and like Kaye, you can sense that she's eilitista rin from the way she talks. Pretty rin sha. I experienced first class service from the waiter. Hehehe. Feeling ko reyna ako. Here's the list of the food I have tasted: 

Hoisin pork wrap
Roasted corn
Insalata caprese,orange,walnut,strawberry vinaigrette
Grilled lapu-lapu, ratatouille, shaved parmesan
Carrot Rice
Honey nut prawns
Mixed seafood pasta, chopped fresh tomatoes, pesto drizzle
Crepes with strawberries and bananas
Pannacota with kiwi

Pics of the actual food and its review will be my next post. 

Side note: I lost internet connection for almost two weeks so this is a super delayed post..:( ) 

Sheng's Day Out PArt 1: My impromptu Trial Make-up with Jesy Alto

I booked Jesy Alto as my HMUA last October without having any trial make-up with her. I just trust the feedbacks I've been reading in w@w especially that of her previous brides. I constantly check her website for new updates, new look, new style. I am always awed by how beautiful her brides were during their wedding day. So I decided to schedule an HMUA session with her. 

I was scheduled for a food tasting with K last 25th November. So I thought to maximize my day, I want to have my trial HMUA just to see how my make up would look like on my wedding. I texted her and she scheduled me in the morning since her hairstylist has a fashion show that afternoon. I can't cause I am scheduled for the food tasting in the morning. So I just told her I will just have the trial make-up with her sometime in February next year. When my food tasting was over and its still early for me to go home and do nothing, my being impulsive strikes again. I texted.. wait,.. I called Jesy to check her schedule.Told her I will have my trial make-up even if her hairstylist is not there. I'm so glad she agreed. She told me it's weird that somebody will ask for a trial without the hair styling. Hahahaa. I told her I could have the hair styling trial next year. So both of us agreed and I went to her shop.

Side kwento: Since I went to the food tasting alone, without any car, I had a problem going out of Ayala Heights. I decided to walk just to meet my schedule with Jesy. I don't know maybe naawa si God sa akin. A good samaritan, offered ride and since I don't know where is UP Village, he dropped me just in front of UP Village and I will just have to ride a tricycle or cab to find Jesy's studio.  Thanks manong for the ride. He's really nice and mabait. 

I finally met Jesy and she's super kalog. She's madaldal and I'm madaldal so we shared stories. Different stories. Our love story, their recent wedding. Di ko namalayan na I was being made up na. I also met Erron, he's also nice. I can feel the love between the two of them. Kilig grabe. hehehe. Told Jesy that sometimes I call my husband, Habibi - which is a term of endearment in Arabic that means "My love". Super natuwa sha talaga she kept on repeating the Habibi. Anyway, so much for the kwento. Here's my trial make-up pics.

I am so satisfied with the trial make-up with Jesy. Good company.Great service. Beautiful output. It's kind of no make up look but there's something in my look that I couldn't describe. Hahaha. Feeling ko ang pretty ko that time.  Super gaan pa ng kamay nya. The only thing I felt her hands on my eyes were when she was applying something on my lower lid. Nakakakiliti kasi and she kept apologizing if I felt uncomfortable. Kung ganyan din lang ang output, I never mind talaga. hahaha.

After my trial make-up. Di ako nakuntento. Since I don't have any event to go to that time, I thought sayang naman the make up. So I decided, I want to have a decent photo of my trial make-up. I felt the above photos aren't enough to justify the make-up Jesy did on me. I went to Great Image and have a semi-photo shoot. Buti na lang the photographer is very patient with me as I don't know how to pose in front of the camera. Here's one photo:

I soo love my make-up. I will schedule another trial in February. This time around, with hair styling na so that I have an idea what hairstyle would look good on me. For pre-wedding services of Jesy, I'll give her A++ for making me beautiful that day.