Day Before the Wedding

I've been going in my head about what I was going to write and because there's so much, I just didn't have enough time, until now.

I forgot to mention that the week before the wedding I became sick. When I left Canada, I had a bit of a cough but as my time in the Philippines inched towards the wedding, I was hacking everyday, so much so that I had to keep water with me at all times to ease my throat, and closer to the wedding, I was taking a puffer (my moms) to get my lungs to calm down. I was ok for most of the wedding and the day after the wedding - my illness was completely gone.

The day before the wedding was so crazy, it is one of the days I wish I could re-do completely. I think I already eluded to the fact that it was a little bit crazy because of the waxing fiasco that put the whole day behind by at least an hour. In that lost hour, I also did not get to go pick up a card for Rodney. I really wanted to pick up a card to just write him something that he can read during the craziness of the wedding day, to know how I feel. Anyways, that idea was out the window.

After the waxing, I had scheduled a massage for my wedding entourage, which was great. The only thing is that I left all greesy and oily, even in my hair. After the massage was the wedding rehearsal - but with traffic, and already an hour late for the waxing, we were over 2 hours late for our rehearsal. So it was a mess -

If I could do it again, I would:
- given plenty of time for the waxing
- assigned someone to pick up a card for me
- taken out a room at the BE for that night and taken a shower before the rehearsal

That last point - I looked totally trashed for the rehearsal and the cocktails that followed that I absolutely detest all the pictures from that day. End of story. It's also a total shame because the cocktails at Abaca was GORGEOUS. There just wasn't any pics of me by the infinity pool, or around the cocktails because I knew I looked like garbage. I think I was also just so WIPED from all the rushing around, I wasn't in the best of moods.



Also, I spent the night at the Shangri-la following, whereas Rodney spent the night at our apartment. It would have been worth the extra $80 to get a room for him, so that even if he wanted to stay at the apartment, he could get ready at the BE for pictures, and then we would have some nicer getting ready shots around the BE.

Rodney's prep pics at the apartment - not quite the appropriate background

Like I was saying, the cocktails at the Abaca Resort was absolutely gorgeous, and the service great. I think my only point that I was disappointed in, was that one of the servers had told two of our guests that drinks are free (ok so maybe free for the guests, because we're paying for it), but to these two boys, they decided to order the most expensive drinks on the menu. So I paid $70 for a shot each from them. I was really upset with them and scolded them that nothings free- yes maybe for you, but we're paying for it. But even more upset with the staff for suggesting to our guests that it was a free for all. If that was the case, I would have probably limited to the drinks that people are able to order. But there was no other issues with drinks, so I don’t know what the heck happened there.

One of the few pictures I have, where I look like crap. I don't know how the girls came out look so refreshed after the massage!

The Wedding Crunch pt 2

The wedding planning week continued with a visit to my hair and makeup team, Jessie Glova Style Studio. The atmosphere was fabulous and the team nice but maybe a little aprehensive to strangers. I discovered later, their all very diva and that’s probably it. I can readily identify that sort of diva after living in the gay village of Toronto for 10 years. Anyways, they were fun regardless. They started with my hair, putting it up in rollers for volume, and then moving to makeup, then finishing up to hair. Very important to have a good idea of what you want for hair. This has been my experience my whole life, so I was prepared. I showed him 1 or 2 pictures and explained what I wanted for hair and in all honesty, it came out exactly what I had wanted. I made sure to not be in awe this time, and spoke up at appropriate times, for example, requesting a little bit more volume and height at the top. Regardless, I had zero complaints for the hair, and at the wedding, it was exactly what I wanted.

For make-up, I also made it clear I did not want any pink colours and I liked looking natural. Again, Jessie did not disappoint. He did initially put a orangie pink colour on my lips, but promptly asked for something in a red with blue undertones. In the end we found a perfect lip colour. While I was there, I got a pedicure because I was in desperate need. I completely forgot that in the Philippines, pedicures do not automatically mean a "spa" pedicure, and there was not scrubbing of dead skin. Oh well.

The only major downside with this visit was that I had no idea how much the trial would cost. My coordinator didn't let me know before hand, nor her assistant and neither did any of the staff, until it was winding down that it was time for me to leave. Awkward to have one of his staff be like, "cough, cough, ma'am, did you pay Jessie?" and then to ask him how much it was. Luckily the studio was in the same building as a bank, so we were able to withdraw.

TIP: Always check if there is any cost to anywhere you were going to and be ready

Oh wait, I remembered something else! So I had fake lash extentions installed in Canada, which I loved. Jessie disagreed because they got in the way of the airbrush make up. He told me he hoped they fell off by the time of the wedding (which is apparently an improvement, since Tisha told me he once told another bride to take them off). Anyways, I KNEW you could not put mascara on them, yet did not yell STOP when did it anyways. As soon as I got home, I spent 30 minutes with my eye make-up remover trying to get the mascara off. Although, I thought I did, I didn't realize how difficult it is to get mascara off synthetic lashes, that my eyes became infected. WHAT HORROR, to wake up to itchy eyes and that my eyes, days before the wedding were red. I did drops for a couple days, and then came to the realization what it was, plucked out as much lashes as I could. Luckily after that, my eyes cleared up after 48 hours. On the day of the wedding, I didn't wear contact because of it, so at the reception you could see me with my nerd glasses on at some points.

TIP: Don't be afraid to tell a supplier no, regardless of how big their personality is. Especially if its just a trial!

I also met the Videographer, Joey of Digital Minds, that same day. Initially I was supposed to meet him at Ayala, but because of the time, he was kind enough to meet us at Jessie's studio. He was honestly, the nicest of all the suppliers I met thus far, and had a great attitude on the onset. The only thing I had let him know, was that we wanted this to be a family affair, so to equally include our daughter Isabela. Initially, I had thought I didn't want any "talking" in our Same Day Edit, but didn't let him know this. So he did include a clip of our vows, but it turned out awesome, so I'm glad I had forgotten that.

The rest of the week dealt with little things, so mostly shopping. I ended up buying another pair of shoes (which was the only pair I ended up wearing), Rodney had to buy a belt (which he didn't wear) and shoes for Isabela. We also had to purchase our fans, giveaways, boxes for the giveaways and bags for the welcome packs. Our coordinator took us to the oldest market in Cebu City, that’s known for a high crime rate. It was gangster. We were advised to take off jewellery, and anything expensive people could rip off our faces and ears. It was generally easy, and we found things fairly fast because our coordinator's assistance had done a scope out before hand. We got a fantastic deal for everything! Although, I would never go there without locals.

The only thing that we could not find was parasols. I had wanted parasols to be dug into the sand beside the chairs for people to use to block out the sun. We went to a umbrella place but they only had plastic umbrellas. The nice ones were wwwwaaaayyy to expensive at P500 each and at the amount we needed, I wasn't going to spend $400 worth on umbrellas. My coordinator wasn't sure where to find them, so we kind of decided to just forget it. I know they exist somewhere though, because I did see on Mark, our photographer's blog another wedding at the BE that had them.

The type of parasols I wanted.

Anyways, I sort of regret not persuing it because the day of the wedding was hot as hell. Seriously, it was like the hottest day of the year. Our guests were fanning themselves like crazy, and were using the fans to block out the sun. Maybe I should have discussed this more with my coordinator before leaving, so that I could have just brought from Toronto's Chinatown the ones I wanted.

TIP: stick to your guns when it comes to details that are functional.

I forgot - Our Rings! Tisha had connected us with one of her friends who is a jeweller and met us, actually, at Bernardo Flores' shop while we waited with him. Rodney decided on a little complicated design, that in the end turned out beautifully. I had just wanted a simple band with diamonds. It had to be next morning, or maybe even that night, I texted her and had a different idea of what I wanted for our rings. Again, Linette was so accomodating and met us as soon as she could, at the mall, the next day. She was able to show us the actual diamonds, so we were able to get an idea of size and points and all that jazz as well. I was glad we met up a second time because then I could really firm up what I wanted for the rings. Now the rings are really modest because of our budget, and it pains me when people ask to look at my ring and expect more. I didn't receive an engagment ring because we were already common-law and decided the extra money would go to the wedding itself. Anyways, I love how our rings turned out and how easy it was to work with Tisha's contact. Will probably go to her again in the future, when we come to renew our vows.

Then we had one last day that dealt with venues. Finally we got to visit the Shangri-la. Tisha accompanied us and was gracious enough to pick us up. The Shangri-la is beautiful, no question about it and the service for guests, excellent. However, going to visit for the day for a meeting, means you get followed by people asking if you are a guest. When we finally got the clear that we can be there, we were able to see the grounds and loved it. Did I mention how I regretted not doing an engagement shoot? Because the Shangri-la during the day would have been a perfect location for us.

We were really impressed at our tasting and enjoyed all the food, so were really excited about the food at the wedding. Unfortunately, when dishes are made for 2 people the quality is a lot higher than when they are making in bulk. At the wedding, I was a little disappointed that the food wasn't as mind blowing as it was at the tasting. Also, the food they served us at the tasting, was not the food they plated for us. So I had to ask them for some of the things I tried at the tasting.

TIP: if you are doing a tasting for a buffet, and are going to plated, clarify WHAT you're going to be platted.

We also wanted to taste some of their mixed drinks, but were not able to do that day. They ended up scheduling our drink tasting for the night before the wedding. The drinks were amazing, but we did have some suggestions. Another disappointment, the suggestions we gave the drinks did not come through. In fact, when we ordered the mixed drinks some of them did not have any garnish at all. There was a whole issue with the bar, but I will talk about that when I talk about the reception. So the lead up to the wedding and all the arrangements at the Shangri-la were excelled and we were excited about the reception. I'm sad to say that, if I was to rate different aspects of the wedding, the reception at the Shangri-la was the least up to our expectations.

Tasting the drinks and making recommendations... that didn't materialize at the wedding!



Now the BE resort, was the complete opposite. Everything to do with the wedding ran smooth sailing with the BE, but their treatment of guests is the worst. But on the day of the wedding, the ceremony was perfect and everything ran, generally smoothly as planned. Course I'll get to that in my ceremony talk!
Now the day before the wedding was the last day to do whatever I needed to. Which for me, meant some grooming. We went for some waxing that my coordinator recommended in Ayala because they also did eyebrows. Now, here's another instance when I should have been listening to some signals but I got up on that waxing table and let a 70 year old woman wax my legs and eye brows. It was devestatingly painful and the result were awful. She had to wear what appeared to be jewellers goggles to see the hair! Luckly, I was smart enough to veto waxing some more sensitive areas and went somewhere else.

Now the second location I went for waxing, had a way nicer atmosphere, but again the staff, not as knowledgable. She essentially used 3 different kinds of wax and paper before figuring out what would work for my hair type. And by then, it was already 45 minutes later, and I had calls from the driver, my coordinators assistant and my friends looking for me. So for P800 I got half a brazillian.

TIP: set aside a whole DAY for grooming. Seriously.

Now about the wedding itself....

The Wedding Journey part 1

I am not a blogger. I obviously didn't take the time to update like a good blogger would. Anyways, I am going to attempt to write about the experience to make it up.

The week before we left for the Philippines, I really should have done more prep that needed to be done here. I sort of convinced myself that there wasn't much to do, other than be ready with the money stuff, but in reality, I had to leave early from work to finish packing! I had to make sure all wedding related items were packed, including receipts and contracts. I majorly dropped the ball on the tags for the giveaways and welcome bags that we were printing them on our home printer a few hours before leaving. The printer over heated from the task and we couldn't finish because we wasted so many templates from the printer. I had to ask Camaro to buy a box and do as to print in the Philippines which we couldn't even do. In the end we had to get the printer to do it, but not a tag shape and they did it too large that it looked pixelated. One of the few things at the wedding that didn't turn out as planned.

So tip number one: if traveling be prepared at least a few days in advance with the wedding items to do and pack!

We arrived in Cebu on a Saturday Nov 5, exactly 2 weeks before the wedding. We decided to take the afternoon to relax and met with my coordinator and her husband for dinner around 7.

When we met with her, my daughter immediately let her carry her. Yes, my little one is friendly but also a good judge of character. In the end, she was right and my coordinator was amazing! You really felt like you were with a girlfriend and she seemed so relax about everything that you couldn't possibly freak out.

The next day was an appointment free day, so went to the mall to get groceries and items to put into the welcome bags for the abroad guests. I got everyone one of these tshirts, which they loved!

My girlfriends wearing the shirt in their welcome bags on our day trip to Bohol.

I luckily, tried on a shirt first and then used my size as a reference to pick out everyone's sizes AND I got it right! I also bought at the grocery store peanuts, instant coffee, crackers, cookies, noodle soup on a cup and a can of calamansi juice to include in the bags. Where we and some of the guest stayed was a free water cooler that also dispensed hot water, which made using the coffee and cup a noodles a breeze.

The next day was Eid, an Islamic holiday but it appeared only for people on school and government. Everything else was open so we had an appointment to fit my dress, measure and discuss Rodney's barong, and meet with the photographer.

When I tried on my dress I was in love so sort of in a daze! I was able to discuss correcting the fit for the chest but took it off before really thinking about any tweeks. Tisha spoke to the designer's assistants about deepening the neckline. It was exactly what I was thinking but too in love to say! One of the many times Tisha knew me and what I wanted, that she backed me up!

Isabela and I, at our first fitting. 

R had himself measured and discussed his couture with the designer. He also decided then that he wanted Swarvoski crystals as buttons which I rolled my eyes at, but damn my hubby looked hot in his barong on the wedding day!

Us, with the designer, Bernardo Flores.

Finally, we visited Ayala, one of the bigger malls in Cebu. Prior to arriving, I had read that it was sort of an upper class mall and I thought I would hate it but in all honesty, I got used to it and was there every other day. Anyways we met our photographer for the first time. again, I wasnt really prepared so he showed me some same day edits hes done and asked is about our camera comfort level and that's about it. Looking back now, I really regret not booking an engagement shoot. At the time, I was concerned about the budget but in the end it would have been worth it and the cost minimal.

Phew, what a post.. And that's only after the first couple days in Cebu!

Thank You's

What a big gap from my last post to this one. I have so much to write, and WILL write, but had to wanted to post our Thank You cards we made on Shutterfly. It's one of my wrap up tasks to make it, with the second part to mail it. Anyways, I'm posting up because I actually really like the Shutterfly site, and by posting it up, I will get a $10 credit on my next project. I use their website so often, I will most definitely use it. It's only major downside is that its delivery date for Canada, because it is "International" is entirely inaccurate, and you have to add like another 2 weeks from there (which you only find out by reading the fine print. Anyways, here's the card.

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

News

Some interesting developments and exciting news.

BOTH of my parents have booked their tickets! Along with aunts, uncle, cousins, my grandpa and very close friends! Hooray!

The wedding guest list is up to 45. SERIOUSLY?!

Turns out my mother saved her cord and veil that she used when she married my dad. And is giving it to me.

:D

DIY - Check and Check!

I've been busy preparing for the wedding. As of today, we fly to the Philippines in 33 days. One of the things I am particularly proud of completing is the Ring Book and the Locket for the bouquet.

First the Ring Book. You may remember from this post, when I first picked up the book. Rather than being a single effort, the book became a team effort, and my two girls C & K put work into it. 

Here is the book closed. I taped up the sides since I painted the title on the spine over in gold. Despite, sensitive wall paint tape, even when I pulled it off, it took some of the cover off. I don't mind so much, I think it adds to the vintage look and feel.

I glued all the pages together so that it can only open to this page. C cut out the square for me, while K cut the felt piece and the ribbon. I did all the painting.

Again, it was the perfect page to choose. Look at all the references on the page!

Next is the locket. Here is the locket I bought from Etsy. It's a vintage piece which you can tell by some of the details.

Next, I scanned and changed the picture of my grandmothers to sepia. The picture on the left is my Grandma Lily, who recently passed away, on her wedding day. My other grandmother didn't have a picture as young, but this is a picture that included my grandfather, when they were still in the Philippines. 

Now, I don't have that many more crafty things to do. Mostly designing and paper things. But these will definitely add to our wedding's uniquness. Hooray!

All the Pretty Details

This weekend I went to a wedding of a friend from University. G, recently transfered to my building for work, so leading up to her wedding we had plenty to talk about! It was a gorgeous wedding overlooking the lake at the Argonaut Rowing Club in Toronto. The traffic was not on anyones side, so the ceremony started an hour late (I was just about crying in the car because I thought I would miss it).

Weddings are wonderful no matter what, but often, its the details that the couple adds that makes it feel like them. When we all sat together for the first time at the table and everyone observed the centerpieces, the giveaway, the menu, another friend from the student union days, said to me..."It's so her, isn't it?". THAT is what every couple strives for. A room full of their loved ones, who can readily identify you in the details. I loved it.

Anyways, for me, the details are for my own sentimental value as well. While going through albums with my Grandma Sol this weekend, looking for a picture of her to include in my locket as well, I was reminded of her and my grandfather's 50th Wedding Anniversary. I was 12 and it was 1995, and I remember loving every bit of it. They renewed their vows in the Church and all the grandchilren were bridesmaids and groomsmen. Then we had a big reception in our community center, where even family from California flew in. My grandpa said it was the happiest day of his life. He passed away, 7 months later. Now that I write this, maybe my family knew he was sick and thats why we had such a big wedding anniversary.

While looking at the pictures, my grandma told me how the dress and the veil came from the Philippines from her sister Ligaya. The veil caught my eye. A mantilla veil. I immediately asked my grandma if she still had it. She said she should and is now tasked at attempting to dig it up. I had originally thought about wearing a bird cage veil, but I may be able to do her veil for the ceremony, and the cage for the reception. Or the other thing I was thinking, was wearing a birdcage veil throughout, and using her veil as part of the cord and veil ceremony. Wouldn't it be lovely regardless? If she finds it, something borrowed, CHECK!