Backtrack: Wedding Preparation Part Two (Wedding Suppliers)

As I’ve mentioned on my previous post, I will update my blog with more wedding paraphernalia to ensure that I create a memory box for my future son (and kids!) to see.

In this entry, I have decided to post pictures of all the wedding companies / brands we’ve used to make our special day more memorable. So, it’ll be more visual than reading (which, if you ask me, makes a more interesting blog entry). Here goes:

For the Church, we went for Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, located in San Mateo Rizal. Since I was five months pregnant when we got married and was extremely undergoing a sensitive pregnancy, we opted for a nearer Church and of course, this is where we usually hear mass. Nothing spells romantic when it's six years in the making.  

Then, the location of the reception where all the "after ceremony" magic happens becomes crucial. Of course, we had to make sure that the reception is near the church. And so, we have decided to book the garden gazebo at Patio Isabel y Jardin. We thought the place was extremely romantic, not to mention for an evening reception. I fell in love with my husband again that night.

Now, we have to pick out the invitation, the miselette, the souvenirs, yadda yadda. There were a lot of accessories to choose from and not to mention, all the other pretty things that decorate the entire ceremony and yes, even the reception.

1. Souvenirs - sponsored by my fiance's sister. It's DIY! Amazing, right?
2. Veil, Cord, Arrhae and Candles - from the trusty wedding store, The Wedding Library
3. Miselette and Invitation Case - we did our own miselette while the invitation (sponsored by my fiance's sister) is from The Wedding Library.
4. Principal Sponsor souvenirs - from SM Megamall (our favorite mall)
5. Rings - my fiance's former co-worker is now a jeweler. He collaborated with his wife and formed Jewelry by Franco. They have their own website and can be seen in most wedding expo.
6. Bouquet and flowers - my Ninang told me about them. We were able to get a bargain and yes, I'm endorsing them. Check out Tropical Blooms.  They are the main florist for Dusit Hotel.

For my wedding gown, I opted for someone whom I trust, someone who has been creating my gowns for proms, Santacruzan, Hermana Mayor, charity and gala events up to the much-coveted Maid of Honor. I chose, of course, Alma Cuevas. She might not be a well-known name in the Metro but trust me, she's a household name in Rizal. Most of her clientele are Rizalenos and even the ones abroad would call her up just to have their gowns fixed/made. As you can see in the picture, it's pretty old-fashioned with a twist. It's beaded with Swarovski crystals in the shades of baby pink-pink-hot pink, my motif and favorite colors. I asked for a bolero to cover my bulging arms due to the fats I've accumulated over the years, haha. Alma Cuevas is not just a couturier but also my friend so she's definitely my top pick in the gown department.

As for my shoes, we had to buy something that isn't too high but at the same time, would still accommodate my preferred height, my long trail and my long veil. So, my fiance and I went to Robinson's Metro East and checked out their shoe section. Good thing there were still a few good items off the rack. I opted for the off white shade with pearl designs and beads from Zanea. The height (kitty heels for 2 inches) was just enough to boost my frame. And besides, I can't the risk of tripping or else, my baby boy would get hurt and we all know he's more important than a pair of shoes (I can't believe I'm actually saying this!)

Check out the bridal entourage below for more details of her gowns (worn by my ever-fashionable siblings):

Of course, my fiance had a blast shopping for his clothes as well. We bought his shoes from Cardam's, his pants from Van Heusen and his barong (pinya) from Barong Filipino.

Now, it's important to get the best when it comes to taking pictures. As it goes, a memory well taken is something worth keeping (this saying is for old photographs). So, we shop around and chosen SpotLight Photography. Our photographers, Bong and Mark we're ultimately fun to work with. They even gave us a discount on the photo booth to use (courtesy of R' Pix Photobooth)! Here are their sample shots (reception kiss, pre-nuptial shot, after the wedding and fun booth sample):

 

Okay, I'll post these for now. I'll do another entry after my check-up. We're running a little late than expected. I have to do some grocery shopping today too. But I promise to get back to blogging as soon as everything's set.

Watch out for my next set: "Wedding Preparation Part Three (Program Proper)"

***EDITED (3 July 2011):

I forgot to include the following suppliers who've made our wedding memorable:


Caterer: Camilo Vergara (he's one of the official caterer at Patio Isabel Y Jardin). He made our guests happy with this scrumptious menu:

Nachos with Dip (Salsa, Cheese)
Tossed Green Salad with Thousand Island Dressing
Roast Beef in Mushroon Sauce
Chicken Cutlet with two (2) kinds of sauce: Buffalo, Gravy or Honey Mustard
Fish Fillet with Braised Tofu and Asparagus
Spaghetti Marinara
Rice
Fresh Rolls with Butter
Almond Jelly with Lychees
Fruit Platter
Iced Tea or Softdrinks

Tossed Green Salad with Thousand Island dressing

Roast Beef in Mushroom sauce

Fish Fillet with Braised Tofu and Asparagus

Lettuce in the Tossed Green Salad

Chicken Cutlet

Fruit Platter (compliments of the caterer)

Cake: Primablend Bakeshop. I grew up eating at this local bakeshop so I knew and loved how they make their cakes. I was surprised to learned from my Ninang Mommy (the one who sponsored our cake) that they had the cake made here! It was not too sweet and unlike most wedding cakes, the layers were all made with bread (meaning, minimal use of styro!)

I love this!

Hair and Make-up: By Kara. He used to work as a make-up artist for the GMA stars and only uses high-end make up (he used MAC, Shishiedo and Chanel on me during my wedding). He listens to what you want but makes sure you look like a blushing bride, not an "espasol" or "nagmumurang kamatis". He also came up with fresh flowers as my hair accessory because tiaras are too common already. I found it romantic and refreshing.

He also has the latest chikas to boot!

Of course, let's not forget out Master of Ceremony, Harry Ebio. He's the boyfriend of my hubby's co-worker. He's a voice over announcer, a radio DJ and yes, he writes music review too. We were so lucky to hire him!

Funny man

Okay, I think that's about everything that we've used in our wedding. But I'm not done yet, of course. Talk to ya soon!