Our Wedding Video

I'm not sure if I ever mentioned who our wedding videographer is because I can't seem to find a relevant post about them here in my blog -- maybe I just forgot to write the details.

Just for reference, we got Blacktieproject as our official videographer but only availed of their 'service only' package. The output wasn't full coverage-type; it was a compilation of cinematic clips that we just sewed together to make a 3-minute-or-so video.

Anyway, after one and a half months, we're finally done editing our wedding video. Well, the husband was technically the sole editor, I was just there to make him coffee. LOL.

I can't upload the video here because it looks like Blogger only supports Youtube so here's the link to the video instead:

Pat & Geli Wedding

Enjoy!:)

Canonical Interview: DONE!

The fiance and I drove to Batangas early this morning to have our canonical interview and get my parish permit and our wedding banns. Since our ceremony will be at Chapel on the Hill, we had to do the all the paper works for COH's parish, Our Lady of All Nations, located at the View Deck of Canyon Woods.

Answer sheet used for the interview

I thought we'll only be spending 30 minutes at the office of the Parish so I looked forward to going ukay-shopping, but unfortunately, we had to wait for more than 2 hours (we got there 11:30am, got interviewed around 2pm) because Fr. Milo Malabuyoc went out to hold a mass somewhere. Worst part, it was lunch time and there wasn't any  food store nearby. The fiance almost died. LOL.

What to bring:

Original Copy:

- Baptismal Certificate (for marriage purposes)

-Confirmation Certificate (for marriage purposes)

-Marriage License

-Certificate of Attendance 2 day Pre-CANA Seminar

Photocopy:

- Certificate of No Marriage

- Birth Certificate

- list of names of principal sponsors

- name, license number, expiration date of license of officiating priest

Finally another major to-do is done! We'll head to our respective parishes tomorrow for the submission of our wedding banns. Few more weeks on the wedding clock!

Few tips:

- Bring some snacks or make sure you've eaten before you go there in case it's a bad timing.
- Proofread all the papers. Your marriage certificate / contract details will be based on the documents you submit. It's best to check errors now than to deal with NSO  in the future for corrections.

Total ATM damage: Php 9,150

- Php 5,000 Parish fee (this is what Chapel on the Hill required us to pay, not sure about the other churches)

- Php 2,150 Marriage certificate processing fee (whatta surprise expense!)

- Php 2,000 (we already paid our balance with COH because it's due on the 5th of Dec. anyway. We didn't want to go back there again soon just to settle that)

Finalize the Flowers: CHECK!

Finally met my florist this afternoon, yey! It’s really different when you get to meet your suppliers in person and not just see them doing their thing during your big day. I only got my florist online after seeing his multiply site and after a few inquiries, my future MIL booked him for us. I sent him some photos of my inspirations, but since we haven’t talked in person, I was clueless on what my flowers would be like exactly. It was such a relief to finally get to discuss all the details with him in person.

My inspiration board:

Nothing fancy here--just a laid back yellow-and-white flower affair.

I was kind of hesitant about his service at first because the photos of his works found in his site don’t really justify the beauty of the flowers, but after meeting him, I can tell that he’s really professional and experienced. He didn’t try to endorse things that I don’t really need or made me consider a more extravagant and expensive arrangement, which I liked. And he’s done a number of wedding stints at Chapel on the Hill so that’s reason enough to say I made a good choice. What’s more, he’s based in Cavite, so I didn’t have to deal with additional out-of-town charges.

Few more things and we’re ready to meet with our coordinator for the turnover. *jitters*

Floral package cost: Php 17,500

Inclusions:

• (14) Hanging pomanders for the aisle
• (2) Candle holder arrangement
• (2) Altar table arrangement 
• (2) Offertory flowers
• Red carpet
• loose rose petals
• (1)    Bride’s Bouquet
• (2) posies for the mothers
• (1) mini hand held bouquet for the maid of
• honor
• (5) Mini handheld bouquet for principal
• sponsor (ninang)
•  (20) sets centerpiece (3 glass vases each set)
• Flowers to be used: Sunflower, gerbera, baby’s breath
• Hanging beads for ceiling drapes
• Transfer of flowers
• (1) Bridal Car arrangement
• (3) tin can for flower girls

Note that the package doesn’t include the bridesmaids’bouquet, the groomsmen’s and ninongs’ boutonnieres, and the secondary sponsors’ wrist corsage because I opted to DIY them to cut down on costs. 



THE FLORAL ARTIST
Contact person: Joel G. Faller
09065851488 / 09208247695

floralartist_23@yahoo.com

http://theflorist.multiply.com/

Shabby Chic Wedding Favors: Pure Honey Bottles

We’ve finally found our source for our wedding favors! After scouring a couple of organic stores to find the best supplier of honey favors for our rustic-vintage-themed wedding, we ended up sealing the deal with someone from none other than Sulit. LOL.

Since the supplier is online, I asked if he could send me photos prior to delivery so I won’t get caught off guard in case I didn’t like it. But, boy was I pleased with what I saw!  I’m so excited about our favors that I’m currently fighting the urge to post all the behind-the-scene photos that the supplier sent me—I sure don’t want to spoil my own wedding by blogging about my guest favors.

So here’s a sneak peek:

This cute apothecary bottle battalion will be filled with pure honey and sealed with corks. Imagine how shabby chic they're going to look like! Can't wait!

I have to give the supplier some credit because I particularly requested for 100ml jars and he obliged even though the tiniest they sell are 250ml.  In addition to going through the hassle of sourcing out 100ml bottles, he had to go through the troubles of personally filling these bottles with pure honey! And the best part, he only quoted us Php55 a piece! Grabe lang. The bottles were supposed to come with labels designed by the seller to suit the occasion’s theme, but we opted to do the tags on our own. Besides, that would mean more work for him for such a measly price. Nakakahiya naman. :D

We definitely need to give him some form of gratuity just for sparing us from the tedious task of manual honey labor. :))

Price: Php 6,600 for 120 pieces of 130ml bottles 

          Php 200 delivery charge

TOTAL: Php 6,800

Side note: I originally ordered 130 pcs, but Eric said 8 bottles were damaged so he just charged for 120 bottles and gave the extra 2 for free. Delivery took about 10 days.

Contact person:

Ericson Montilla

09336482181

Site: http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/6126349/For+Sale+Pure+Honeybee

PS. In case you plan on contacting him, you can tell him you got his number from Geli, because I think I'm his first client to order 130ml bottles. I just hope he doesn't increase his price after realizing how stressful this custom order is. LOL.

Edit 10/10/12
During the delivery of the bottles, the fiance had a little chitchat with Eric and was told that they're going to increase the price to Php65. I think the increase is still pretty reasonable considering  the labor to customize the order was really tedious---I mean he had to find the source for the bottles, manually do the repackaging, design the label (which we didn't include), and personally deliver the orders to us. Besides, we were Eric's trial-and-error customers. At least the next clients can expect a more smooth-sailing service. :)

And oh, the honey tastes super good too! Very far from the plastic-tasting honey sold in supermarkets. 

On Hiring On-the-day Wedding Coordinators

Being one of the many brides who do not want to entrust her wedding day to some random coordinator and risk ruining it, I didn't plan on hiring a professional wedding coordinator to help us with all the planning process. I thought I could just delegate that task to my friend who have had one or two wedding coordination gigs to back her up. But when I noticed that the whole preparation is starting to take its toll on me especially now that we’re nearing the final stages, and that I couldn't count on that friend of mine 24/7 to share my ordeals with, I realized that it’s time to look for someone who gets paid to do the job.

It’s actually nice to be in control—but I obviously can’t stay in control until the big day. And as I’ve mentioned in my previous post, as much as I want to include all my dearest friends in the process, most of the time it’s a lot easier said than done. Besides, I would still prefer hiring someone to take care of our event than to stress my friends on that one special day that they, too, should be enjoying.

So the fiancé and I finally decided on hiring an on-the-day coordinator for our wedding. CM3 Events and Music Services, initially our ceremony music supplier, also happens to provide coordination services so we also booked them for that purpose. They’ve done a handful of weddings before so we thought they’re qualified to handle our semi-formal affair. We opted not to get super pros who charge double the TF because, as the fiancé said, we’ve planned and done pretty much everything and all we needed are people who can give an extra hand, so it’s kind of pointless to splurge a good amount of money just to get the best coordinator in town.

I’m trying not to be paranoid and overthink about the what if’s during our big day; I just want to set my mind and expect the unexpected so whatever boo-boo happens, I won’t be pointing my finger at anyone. After all, it’s just a party. The worst that could happen would probably be my fiancé standing me up. LOL

CM3 Events and Music Services

Contact person: Ms. Cathy

09278726299

Email: inquiryevents@yahoo.com

Cost:

Ceremony music package: Php 11,000 (keyboard, guitar , violin, percussion and singer)

OTD coordination rate: Php 11,000 (4-5 coordinators)

TOTAL: Php 22,000 (Tagaytay rate)

DIY: Burlap Ring Pillow

Another project done. It feels like I still have so much more to do with lesser and lesser time. I thought I had 1 whole year to finish everything--turns out all the little details that would need most of my time would pile up towards the last quarter.

But at least I was able to finish another one of those little details in less than 2 hours. I woke up 6:30 am on a Saturday just to squeeze this one with my sched that's becoming more and more hectic.

Anyway, onto the project:

the infamous rustic-themed burlap wedding ring pillow

We're going to have 2 ring bearers so I made 2 pillows. I'm having second thoughts about the combination of the flower and the ribbon but I guess I'll just let it grow on me.

I used the same jute sack cloth that I used for the boutonnieres, used the extra flowers from the bouquet, bought some ribbons, jute string and pillows and this is what I came up with.

Project cost = Php 350

Project breakdown:
2 pillows from Daiso = Php 176
2 yards of ribbon = Php 8
Jute string from American Bazaar = Php 66
Jute sack cloth from Divisoria = Php100 / yard

It's kind of pricier compared to regular wedding pillows that can be bought from Divi, but I say it's pretty cheap considering custom ring pillows go from Php 450 + a piece.

So there. Pillows = CHECK. Next up, more stuff.


Off to brunch with the fiance now then meet the bridesmaids after for their fitting.

This is going to be one heck of a day.

Discovering Woodsborough Log Homes Tagaytay

If just a few weeks ago I blogged about how much we're considering a family backyard for a reception, this time everything's changed. But we're still not spending huge amounts of money for a good venue--we're still trying to scrimp with all our might with this one.

I'm talking about this secret neighborhood in Tagaytay which I doubt if anyone has ever heard of. I was browsing on sulit.com to find an affordable vacation house for rent when I saw Woodsborough Log Cabins.

It's an exclusive subdivision where all the houses are designed to look like log cabins. These houses are for rent, and are definitely cheaper compared to hotels that will cost you an average of Php5,000 per night for 2 people.

I initially considered this as my preparation venue and as an accommodation for my relatives. They also have a function hall called The Lincoln Place but we found it too small to accommodate 150 people. But in addition to the dining hall, the place has a little pool area, a small terrace, a front courtyard, and a conference hall so if we book the whole place, a 200-guest event would be possible. Only, there won't be a large confined place where all the guests would just sit and watch the program. Guests would probably be roaming here and there so there needs to be some activity going on in every area. But I guess we won't have a problem with that since we won't be having a full production number. It's only going to be a relaxed luncheon so it's fine if everyone's moving around. 

Another option was the vacant lots located across the cabins. Ms. Jenny and her husband, being members of the homeowners association, offered us to use the huge vacant lot across their home for FREE. Well of course we obliged! The vacant lots need a bit of manicuring but we're sure it's going to turn out just how we imagined it. But it still remains an option since they didn't clear if the properties are theirs. Using a place that's not really designed to hold such an event can get us into trouble.

Right now I'm just super excited to plan our rustic-inspired vintage backyard wedding! We're still having thoughts why we can't say we're 100% about this place, but we can definitely consider this for the mere fact that this is going to be more convenient and practical for us and all our guests. In case we agree to take this one, we'll checkout the place again to finalize all the details.

Woodsborough Log Homes Tagaytay
https://www.facebook.com/thelincolnplacetagaytay/

The Downside of Being Scrimpy: Getting Ripped Off By Someone Named Janice Avellano Cuento

I met Janice Avellano Cuento from Memory Lane in Tagaytay to do my bridal makeup. She did not introduce herself as an independent beauty consultant from Mary Kay and so I thought I'm going to just hire her as a freelance makeup artist. I didn’t want to book her through Memory Lane to cut the liaison costs and I must admit that it was the biggest mistake I’ve done in this whole wedding planning yet.(Disclaimer: She was distributing her calling card under the table.)

Regardless of the fact that she gave me a horrendous makeup, I booked her because of all the suppliers that I got, she was the only one that I met in person. Talk about coloring my eyebrows red, my eyes green, and my lips bloody red! I had to guide her as she was redoing my face just to give her another shot!

She asked me to give a downpayment of Php3,750 to book her for a January  event. But after paying, she gave me this kind of agreement:

(Please note that this agreement was created 2 weeks after I paid the down payment, right after I told her I want a refund)

"This agreement is subject to acceptance for bridal package( hair and make-up for 5 pax.)of (INSERT MY FULL NAME) on January 2013. This agreement will take effect the date upon payment of 50%(percent) reservation fee with the amount of P7500.00 (seven hundred pesos)

BEAUTY CONSULTANT AGREEMENT

1.    to present as your beauty consultant for your wedding, it is my responsibility to assure your satisfaction.

2.    I must maintain the highest standard of integrity, honesty and responsible to my duty, truthful and sincere manner to have the good relationship with the client.

3.    I can do the best what I can on your wedding day.

CLIENT AGREEMENT

1.    regularly conducting skin care by Mary Kay product(facial,body scrub, foot care and hand care)

2.    Client must require to avail the Mary Kay Product suitable for your skin type, recommended by beauty consultant. -WHY IS SHE REQUIRING ME TO BUY MARY KAY PRODUCTS?

3.    Before using the product assure your beauty consultant the proper instruction.

4.    reservation fee are not refundable, unless beauty consultant harmless from damage resulting from mis-presentation. - WHAT DOES THIS EVEN MEAN?

5.    the package may be you want to change,suggested for the additional price,discount and time, you can inform your beauty consultant earlier for the status at anytime.

6.    you must inform your beauty consultant for time availability to conduct you skin care session. 

if your not agree for this agreement or if  you have want ta change,inform me before I will go to the notary public. we need to talk personally, we both need to sign for this agreement. I hope you understand for late the late rsponse.

      Thank you for nice consideration and God Bless..."

I researched well enough to discover that she patterned her contract from Mary Kay's beauty consultant application form. The only difference though was she added the " reservation fee are not refundable" clause.

I wanted to back out from the agreement and get a refund because 1) I didn't sign up for her Mary Kay services; 2) there was a long delay between me paying the down payment and her delivery of the contract and; 3)  the agreement contract contains very wrong grammars and unclear terms. I didn't want to push through with the business because she was hard to deal with. Instead, she told me it's going to be my loss anyway so we should just proceed.

I thought I could easily get my money back since she hasn't rendered any service yet, and my wedding won't be up until  next year but I was wrong---she replied to me once, and was insistent on not giving me a refund, even telling me that my wedding is still far out (like why am I pressuring her to live up to my expectations?). Take note, I didn't sign the contract so I didn't understand why she was implementing her non-refundable term.

As my supplier, of course I expected her to answer all my queries, send me a clear and concise contract, and clarify what services she'll be rendering. But apparently, she's already spent my down payment prior to performing her duties. That's probably the reason why her phone is  always out of coverage whenever I try to make a follow up. I even offered her to just send me back the Php 3k (Php750 short) in installment basis but still to no avail. I assumed she preferred to just burn bridges. 

So for future Tagaytay brides, be careful not to deal with this person. She is probably the worst and most unprofessional makeup artist you could possibly meet!

I forwarded the contract to Mary Kay Philippines and I was told that they're going to do something about it--not sure though what they did exactly since I haven't heard from them after that.

I also shared this experience with Memory Lane just so they won't be dealing with her again and I'm glad that they have found a better makeup artist to take her place.

What I learned: If there's one wedding aspect that I'd want to be frugal about, it's definitely not my make-up.

Damage done: Php 3,750

A Rustic Backyard Concept

Finding the perfect reception venue is probably the second most difficult thing marrying couples deal with, next to where to hold the ceremony. Some couples, particularly those who belong to other religions, have the privilege to hold their reception exactly where they hold their ceremony. But for Catholics who are not allowed to exchange vows outside the church, it’s a whole different story.

There are countless hotels and restaurants in Tagaytay that are highly sought and recommended by wedding magazines, wedding websites, and well-reputed wedding planners. But though it’s ideal that we book our reception in one of those fairytale-worthy places, they’re not even in our options.

We’re thinking of a relaxed backyard luncheon, where people would just be talking the whole afternoon over good food and lemonades instead of dancing the night away. We also had to consider the fact that not everyone will have their own transportation, so we had to make sure that everyone can get home safe and sound after the wedding.

Initially, our plan was to hold the reception in the fiance’s Tagaytay backyard. This option will not only help us achieve a relaxed ambiance for the reception, but will also save us a huge portion of our budget. We simply can’t imagine spending Php 70-90k on venues that will be rented out for 5 hours, especially since it will take most of us at least 5 months to earn that amount of money. Maybe for other couples, the price is just right. For us, definitely wrong.

Here are some photos of the backyard:

SKID MARKS: the pickup got stuck in the mud. LOL

It still looks like it needs a little manicuring but once it undergoes a makeover, it can comfortably room about 120-150 guests. We’re still considering the possibility of holding our reception to a different venue, but for now, it’s the backyard that we’re really eyeing on.