Engagement Part 2 - Proposing Again at Stanley Park

Eyebrows proposed at the same spot in Stanley Park again, a year after our first engagement :) *melt* The second time around was so much sweeter! I guess it was because we were both in a happy place and sure of where our relationship was going...


The location is actually quite symbolic of our outlook in life that we started to dissect it! It was right in the middle of two opposite scenes, one studded with pretty little cherry blossoms - pretty, dreamy and perfect. The other one scattered with random trees, dreary, haunting and mysterious.


Anyway, as a souvenir we decided to get ourselves drawn. :) Sitting in one spot with a poker face for 10 minutes is not as easy as you think! hehe!

Everything by Michael Buble

You're a falling star, you're the get away car.
You're the line in the sand when I go too far.
You're the swimming pool, on an August day.
And you're the perfect thing to say.

And you play it coy but it's kinda cute.
Ah, when you smile at me you know exactly what you do.
Baby don't pretend that you don't know it's true.
'cause you can see it when I look at you.

[Chorus:]
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, you make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,
And you light me up, when you ring my bell.
You're a mystery, you're from outer space,
You're every minute of my everyday.

And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,
And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.
Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,
And you know that's what our love can do.

[Chorus]

So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

[Chorus:]

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, you make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.
You're every song, and I sing along.
'Cause you're my everything.
Yeah, yeah

So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

Buying Fabric for the Ninangs (Principal Sponsors)

With Eyebrows out of town, I was left to search for fabric to give to our ninangs (primary sponsors) so they can start having their gowns sewn. This was my nth time to visit a fabric store, and with a million swatches on hand, I was pretty sure it would be a breeze. Wow was I mistaken! After 3 hours of comparing colors, I could no longer tell beige from white. Then... just when I thought I finally had the color right, they didn't have enough yards to cover all our ninangs! So there I was, back to square one, tired and just about ready to put on a blindfold and leave it to fate to pick a freakin' color! (*Sigh*)

So I go back to the store I first went to (Fabric Warehouse, Glorietta, Makati) and asked for help, again. Gina, the saleslady was such a darling. She was so patient and understanding and helpful. She must have climbed that stool a dozen times to pick out yards of samples for me to compare. Then she came up with the brilliant idea of choosing another fabric type! You see, I was so bent on using chiffon since its what we're using for the rest of the entourage that I almost forgot I had other choices! We found this perfect fabric in satin... but before I went on to buy it, I called Veejay (or designer) to confirm what he thought. And guess what... nope to satin! Its too hard and wont fit every woman's body type. AHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhh!!! But, he recommended I try Georgette fabric. That's when we found the perfect color. It matched our bridesmaids dresses, it wasnt so light-colored, and it matched our purple theme as well! I went ahead and bought 25 yards. Finally. :)

The fabric and wrapping material I bought for the ninangs

You'd think I'd be tired by then, but NO... a sudden rush of creativity came upon me and I decided to look for materials to wrap the fabric. There's no way I can hand over the fabric to our ninangs in a plastic bag! So carrying 25 yards of fabric in my high heels, I went and searched for wrapping materials. By this time it was almost 9pm, I was starving and my feel were killing me!!! Long story short, I got all that I needed and another wedding task completed. :)

The finished product :)

I had to include our monogram ofcourse! :)

Visiting BE Resorts

Plane ride to Cebu

While Eyebrows was in Canada, I thought to go to Cebu for a few days to spend some mother-and-daughter-time. Plus, I needed all the help I could get with finalizing our Despedida de Soltera party at Resorts. There's really nothing that can compare to the kind of help and support you get from Mom. She was so helpful, Im so grateful to have her with me through this.

Discussing details with Janine and Cookie of BE Resorts

First order of the trip was to visit BE Resorts and come to an agreement. What food, entertainment, giveaways, room discounts, transportation, corkage, etc etc etc... that kinda stuff. We're planning to hold a Despedida de Soltera party there the day before the wedding, plus we're expecting several of our guests to lodge at their resort as well. Quite honestly, I've been having difficulty coordinting with them - e-mailing and talking to Janine was a challenge the past few weeks and frankly, I was starting to get really frustrated. So as not to make this a venting blog, let me just put it simply - I felt like we were not being accommodated fairly. almost 6 months down the road we were no where near a decent arrangement. It was so hard to get a good deal. But speaking face to face proved to have its advantages. Plus, having Mom around really helped me drill down to what I wanted.

Anyway, despite the challenges with some of Resorts' staff, we were set on the venue for two main reasons: it was conveniently close to Shangri-La Mactan and it was beautiful. They had a classy play area complete with a billiard table, foosball machine, wii console, and a secured kids play area.

The Play Area

They also had a clean and well maintained swimming pool for their guests. Plus a huge beachfront area! All in all, guests were sure to have a good and relaxing time :)

BE Resort Facilities

The Resort had several areas we could have our party on but we decided on the beachfront are directly overlooking the sea. The party would be something native, casual and fun! We would have drum beaters and fire dancers and lively bohemian music! Food and drinks would be free-flowing!!! Eeeeeeek!!! So excited!!!

The beachfront where we'll be having our party

All in all, Im really grateful she was there. Couldnt have done it without her!!!

Final shot before we headed to our hotel

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Be Resorts Mactan
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Cebu, Philippines
Landline: (+63) (32) 236 8888
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You Make It Real by James Morison

Mmmmm
There's so much craziness, surrounding me
There's so much going on, it gets hard to breathe
When all my faith has gone, you bring it back to me
You make it real for me

When I'm not sure of, my priorities
When I've lost site of, where I'm meant to be
Like holy water, washing over me
You make it real for me

And I'm running to you baby
You are the only one who saved me
That's why I've been missing you lately
Cause you make it real for me

When my head is strong, but my heart is weak
I'm full of arrogance, and uncertainty
But I can find the words, you teach my heart to speak
You make it real for meee, yeaaa

And I'm running to you baby
Cause you are the only one who saved me
That's whyyy I've been missing you lately
Cause you make it real for me

Ohhh
Everybodies talking in words
I don't understand
You got to be the only one
Who knows just who I am
Your shinin in the distance
I hope I can make it through
Cause the only place
That I want to be
Is right back home with you

I guess there's so much more
I have to learn
But if you're here with me
I know which way to turn
You always give me somewhere,
Somewhere I can learn
You make it real for me

And I'm running to you baby
Cause you are the only one who saved me
That's why I've been missing you lately
Cause you make it real for me

You make it real for me

Lovely by Michelle Tumes

You're the sweet dreams that soothe me
When I can't fall asleep.
You're the field
In the middle of the city.
When I'm rushing by
At the speed of light.

You're the strong resolution
When I find no peace.
You're the church bells ringing
In the evening.
When all is quiet,
Your whisper comfort
Lifts my heart.
I get so weak.

Ohhh.... You're lovely, lovely
You're the center of my universe.
(my universe)
A thousand times
I look around me and I find...

Ohh... you're lovely. (lovely)
You're the center of my universe.
(my universe)
A million ways
Cannot explain,
You're lovely.

You're the soft words that touch me
When I just can't speak.
You're the breeze on the ocean
In the morning,
Reminding me
To greet the day.

You're the flowers I remember
Seeing in Italy.
Colors through
A golden haze,
Bright and radiant,
Soft and fragrant
In the noon day sun,
It makes me sing.

I understand...
There may be grief
And there may be pain.
But I am aware
You blind the darkness
With who You are
Because...

Contract Signing with Veejay Floresca

We've decided! Veejay Floresca's doing our entire entourage - gowns and suits, and mom's gown too! We met up with him to finalize the contract and talk about details.

Mom and Veejay talking about her design

One thing I love about Veejay is his easy-go-lucky personality! He's so light to be with and passionate about his work. It's always a pleasure meeting up with him.

White is the color of the day! :)

We showed Veejay the swatches of the entourage gown and Eyebrows' tie. We're going for light and clean tones that match with purple. Ooooooohhhh... so excited :)

Rej's mental note: Dinner with the loves of my life :) Cant get better than this.

Pig out tradition after meeting our suppliers :)

Next step: first measurement of the entourage.

Choosing the paper and finishing of our DIY postcards

Its that time of year again when teenagers take that leap from their sheltered lives to perceived freedom - college! I remember that phase of my life, excited for my independence but unsure of where I want to go or who I want to be.

Both Eyebrows and I had siblings who just graduated from high school. This night, we were getting ready for dinner at Choi Garden for Michelle's grad dinner celebration. We were a bit early, so we thought to stop by Promenade for some drinks. Perfect opportunity to do a bit of wedding planning!!! We sat by Xocolate, Eyebrows ordered a tall sugar-free chocolate shake, and I water. Pretty cool that the water they served was exactly like the water bottle we were having custom made for our wedding!

Sample water bottle for our Despedida de Soltera give-away by Nature Spring. Planning to have our logo custom printed at the bottle

Spent some time deciding on how to have our postcards printed. The postcards were pictures we took from different countries, edited to give it a vintage effect and printed to be our giveaways - supposedly. Never realized there are so many types of paper and lamination to choose from! We decided on using Foldcote 12 with glossy lamination, P10 per piece. Going to have it made at the printing store right outside my office.

Looking at the sample postcards

Posing with our sample postcards.

Side note, we bumped into Jeff and Lisa (our wedding photographers) too! Was nice to see them again.

***************************
Instant Copy Station
Mobile: (+63) 0917 6206199
Email: instantcopy@gmail.com, instantcopystation@yahoo.com

Jeff and Lisa Photography
Landline: (+63) (02) 705 3214
Mobile: (+63) 0917 854 5472
Email: admin@jeffandlisaphotography.com
Website: http://jeffandlisaphotography.com
***************************

Seeing Veejay Floresca's Designs

Visited Veejay the second time to see his designs. Went with Eyebrows and my Mom again to get their thoughts. Its always fun to do wedding stuff with my two greatest loves.

Remembrance shot of our second meeting

Anyway, Veejay is a very young designer, but straight away you can tell that he's got talent. His designs we're very well crafted, he started with a presentation of his mood board, then a series of pictures showing the inspiration for his designs, then sketches of the designs themselves. His designs showed a combination of lace and corset tops and flowy chiffon shirts, very much aligned to our theme. It was elegant but still suitable for a Cebu wedding. It was vintage but not out-of-style - still very modern. Plus it had a hint of Grecian style that Ive always loved. I loved his designs.

Eyebrows and I listening to Veejay's presentation

After the sketches, we took time to think of colors. Instead of our original all purple theme, we decided to take Veluz' advice and go for something more on the pale side -- beige's and light pinks and creams, really going vintage. Surprisingly, Eyebrows and I were quite happy with that palette. In no way was it painful to give up my "purple dream". Well, not to say that I've given it up completely, still going for purple for the flowers :) But for the gowns, we're going VINTAGE!

Choosing fabric, Eyebrows and I are sold - lets go vintage!

I love Veejay. He's so light and easy to talk to but still professional. Out of all the designers we've visited, you can tell Veejay really puts his whole heart into our wedding. He takes his time talking to us, getting to know our personality and style and helping us decide on what we want. He's very sensitive to our wants but still offers his professional opinion. Plus, his style is very in tune to Eyebrows's and mine so it makes it really easy to explain how we imagine things.

Having a few laughs

So, after the second meeting, I was pretty happy with Veejay. We just had to wait for the proper quotation.

***************************
Veejay Floresca
Address: 3552 Durango cor Emilia St, Brgy Palanan, Makati
Phone: (+63) (02) 758 2128
Mobile: (+63) 9175013535
Email: veejayfloresca@gmail.com
Website: www.veejayfloresca.com

***************************

Vintage Finds At The Cubao Expo!

Eyebrows and I have been hearing about the Cubao Expo for a while now. One weekend afternoon, we passed by Araneta to pick up some Mossimo gift checks and decided to finally check it out. Lunch was a pleasant surprise. We ate at an Italian restaurant called Bellini tucked inside the Expo alley.

Lunch at Bellini's

The food was decent and reasonably priced. But over that, the restaurant was pretty. It reminded me of Rome's Sistine Chapel with hand painted ceilings and brick like structures. The walls were studded with vintage memoirs that gave the place a home-y feel. I would definitely go back.

Posing by the Sistine-like ceilings

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Bellini's Restaurant
Address: Marikina Shoe Expo, Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao, QC, MM
Contact Number: (+632) 913 2550
**********************************

But that wasnt the "wedding highlight" of this weekend extravaganza. Just a few steps away from the restaurant was an artists haven of local paintings and painters and musicians and the like. Eyebrows and I set artistic side free and admired the paintings for quite some time. Above the studio was an even better find! There we met several free-spirited artists where, upon hearing news of our engagement, a talented nose-fluteist played us a lovers hymn! Amongst all that was a room filled with vintage items, maps and books and newspapers and letters and even stamps! Ive been looking for old stamps for quite some time to use for our wedding. I picked out a few to accent our giveaways! YEY for hidden finds! :)

Old school stamps found at the Cebu Expo at PhP5.00/piece

Old school envelopes to be used as guest cards at our reception!

Pink Flora for our Flowers!

We have finally booked our flowers supplier! After our first meeting in Cebu, several positive referrals for friends and suppliers, and a few weeks of negotiating... we have finally booked our flowers and decorations supplier - PINKY CHANG of PINK FLORA! She had a sample arrangement that went well with our vintage travel theme - candelabras. Plus, she was very much open to executing our other decoration ideas! But best of all, she was flexible enough to fit the design in our budget!

Sample Arrangement by Pink Flora

We will be meeting up with her again on our next visit to see some sample arrangements. So psyched out for it!

**********************************
Pink Flora
Name: Pinky Chang
Mobile: (+63) 9173217558
Email: pchang555@yahoo.com
**********************************

Cebu Pacific 50% OFF Promo!

Cebu Pacific had a 50% off promo for all their flights!!! As soon as we found out, Eyebrows and I informed our family and friends and booked for everyone we needed to book for almost 30 people! A round trip flight from Manila to Cebu turned out to be only around P1,500! What a deal! :)

We booked all our suppliers to be there the day of the wedding, but for the photographers and videographers, we booked them to arrive a day in advance. Some even agreed to shoot our Despedida de Soltera! God is good. What a blessing :)

We're so happy too that a lot of our friends were able to book at a discount as well. It's really exciting to see those closest to us be excited with us :) 200+ days left! Time will fly :)

1800 Vintage Theme (Sherlock Homes!)

Never realized there was so many types of vintage!!! After talking to so many suppliers, Ive gotten quite confused on what type of vintage Im going for. In perfect timing, Eyebrows and I went out of our way to watch Sherlock Homes. That tied it all together for me! Found it so difficult to concentrate on the plot cuz I was so busy studying the vintage effect!

That's exactly what Im looking for, 1800 Victorian Vintage - Classic and elegant, lace with rich and deep tones of purple and champagne.

(click image to enlarge)

The Wedding Gown

Two days ago, we visited Veluz to have my wedding gown sketched (It was so nice to have them both there with me).

Dinner at Casa Armas, Malate after the Veluz meeting

Anyway, I showed her some pictures of gowns that I liked and shared with her our theme and concept.

VINTAGE, ROMANTIC, ELEGANT, FLOW-Y...

Then she put her talent to work and began to sketch me two designs. The first one was great but the second one... that one was different and I could see the excitement in her as she began to explain it to us - a gown of lace and tulle.

Honestly, I found it hard to imagine the look at first. BUT, when I got home, I spent two nights tossing and turning in bed excitedly imagining how beautiful it'll be!!! So blessed to have booked her cuz to date, she is completely full for the year! :) God is good :) Cant wait for the first fitting :) Eeeeeek :)

Vintage Inspiration - Kochi, Kerala, India

Another unique and adventurous trip, this time to India. Prior to this, Ive honestly never heard of Kochi, Kerala. Ive had some crazy experiences during my past visits to India, but to my pleasant surprise, this place is different. It has its own unique beauty that is almost endearing. It's known as "God's Own Country" and in a way it is quite fitting.

And its perfect timing as well, my obsession for vintage beauty was well fed here. Had some time to go sightseeing and stopped by Fort Cochin. There were a bunch of old vintage Chinese fishing nets that I fell in love with an nearby stalls that sold old handicrafts at cheap prices!


Next stop was Jew Street, and WOW did I fall in love! The place seems almost untouched, and all around are small stalls that sell reasonably priced antiques! I couldnt help but buy some for our wedding decors! :)

Check out some pics of inspiration! :)

Will You Be My... in Vintage Travel Theme

Finally finished the "Will You Be My..." DIY stuff we're gonna give our entourage, well at least the Maid of Honors, Best Men, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, and children. To date, we still haven't informed our entourage (well, with the exception of a few). Hopefully we get to do it before the end of the year... those yummy chocolates are starting to melt!

So, here are a few product shots for our creations... It feels like I.W. all over again (fellow Povedans, you know what I mean;) and Im really enjoying it!

A short background on the chocos: On my way home from Narita, Japan (for yet another business trip), I stumbled on these awesome Royce chocolates make in Hokkaido. Took a few samples home and after licking my fingers clean, I bought a whole bunch of them to give to our entourage! Its just sooooo perfect and in line with our travel-vintage theme - the brown cardboard cover, the old-school print, and even the mail stamp infront! Plus, they had purple and black (which was like our color theme). Got them in 3 colors and flavors. Thought to give the purple to the girls and the black to the boys. I got the red milk chocolate ones as well for the kiddies, figured they probably wouldnt go for the funky flavors.

It was a heavy handcarry all the way back to Manila but totally worth it - who doesnt like chocolates? Those business trips do come in handly!!!

Then I printed the names of our entourage in simple vintage text and paper and stuck them in front, lest I forget which one is for whom! haha :)


At the back, I stuck a sticker of our monogram to seal the package.


And inside the package, together with the chocolates, I slipped a picture of either Eyebrows or myself (or both of us in this case) with the friend we were inviting. Tried to Photoshop the picture to give it a vintage effect :) On top was the simple invitation with the date and venue of your big day and our monogram.


Took soooooooo much effort to stare at those chocolates and not eat them myself! hahaha! Enjoy guys :) Hope you enjoy our little token.

Cebu Local Music Options

I believe music is an important component to any celebration. The music sets the mood for the occasion so its important for me to get an artist that will portray the theme and feel we're trying to achieve. Ive never been good with song choices so I feel a bit in the dark with this one... one thing I know though is the mood I want to set for the night. For the ceremony I want it solemn and romantic. But for the reception, definitely elegant, but not stiff or overly formal - just light, upbeat and lively.

Ceremony Music: The Wedding String Quartet

Originally, the Shang package comes with a pianist and singer for the ceremony. I somehow fear this turning out a bit tacky. So I was thinking of using a string quartet instead.

Contact Details:
Maricel Capon of String Ensemble
Mobile: (+63) 917 4045218

Cocktails Music: Background Music

Cocktails should only last an hour or so... I was thinking of just having background jazz music for this one, doesnt even necessarily have to be a live band.

Reception Music: Classy Jazz Dinner Music for a Vintage Feel

Instead of the usual string quartet, I wanted an elegant jazz band. I think it would go perfectly with the vintage theme and create a more lively atmosphere. Imagine grand piano... saxophone... that kinda thing. Bong, our wedding planner, was able to recommend one that seems like a good prospect - Natasha Cang. I have yet to listen to her play, but Im praying that we've found our group.

Sample Video:


Contact Details:
Natasha Cang
Mobile: (+63) 927 6597016
E-Mail: natashatatat@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.natashacang.com

After Party: A Different Kind of House?

If there's anything, I want our guests to enjoy the after party -- stick around and dance dance dance! Here Im a bit lost. I dont know whether to go for the rock, the hip-hop, the house, the beach bossa.... ??? One option is an electric guitarist we heard one night out in Cebu - Chico Cristobal! His style is different! He plays the electric guitar with the DJ which makes perfect for a singalong dancing night.

Sample Video:


Contact Details:
Chico Cristobal
Mobile: (+63) 915 8689000

A Little Bit of Inspiration: Vintage Travel

It's slowly starting to take shape and I'm getting excited :) We're definitely settled on the Vintage Travel theme. Here's a little something to inspire...



Some stuff to note:

1. The suit at 0:49
2. The vintage background theme of the house/typewriter font a few seconds later at 1:05
3. The music at 1:44
4. The table arrangement at 1:47




A little more on the suit... Hmmm, gray suit? Not bad!!!

...

Color Palette

The planning is moving along. So many ideas and concepts have come to mind, it's been quite a struggle trying to bring it all coherently together. I figured... I ought to finalize on our color palette before I go crazy with the designing...

Ive always known it would be PURPLE...
We've settled on VINTAGE TRAVEL...
And CLASSIC ELEGANCE...

So, here is is...
(click to enlarge)

The Vintage Travel Theme - Actual Samples

Been having a lot of free time here in Tokyo so I thought to get started with some DIY stuff for our wedding! Below are some actual DIY samples to add to the VINTAGE TRAVEL look. Feel like I'm doing I.W. all over again! Love it!!!

ESCORT CARDS: Changed the background a bit to create a vintage look! (Thanks Nayk for the ideas!) Im planning print it on hard cardboard paper then punch a whole in the right side, put a circle sticker, and tie twine. Hopefully it'll resemble a baggage tag.

Front: Guest's Name and Table Place/Number

Back: Baggage tag theme

GIVE AWAY PACKAGE: For the giveaways, was thinking of making vintage travel postcards and wrapping them with brown paper and twine. Then (another Nayk idea -- thanks!!!!), we can have a rubber stamp made with our names, wedding date, and wedding venue in "old school" font and stamp it on the brown paper so it looks like a package! On the top right of the package, we can put vintage stamps from different countries and if budget permits, we can even have air mail rubber stamps made to add to the effect! *note: pics taken from the web

Sample package for give-aways (minus the twine)

Vintage stamps, including our monogram!