PS Gifts and Other Musings

My sister-in-law, who volunteered to make our giveaways, just sent me a picture of the rosary she made for the principal sponsors. She made two, one using pearl, the other using dark red swarovski to match our motif. She's asking me to choose between the two. I think I'm leaning toward the pearl. Here's the picture:



I was thinking that these should only be for the female sponsors, but Rogel and his sister are of the opinion that male sponsors can receive this as well. I was originally thinking of giving wine...

I asked her to make our wedding cord as well, but she wants me to ask our church first because they might not allow a cord using beads. I've noticed at W@W that most of the brides are now using a rosary cord with colorful beads rather than the traditional white cord. I showed Rogel a picture of the rosary cord, and he doesn't like it... he says it seems like a mockery of the rosary, because of how it's made - there are two loops instead of one, so it's not really a 'normal' rosary. He also thinks our church won't allow it.

I suppose we'll just have to ask our church...

My Checklist

I looked at my wedding announcer and saw that we only had 49 days to go! And we still have so many things that need to be done! I thought I should list them down, lest I forget something.

1. Our Rings - this is pretty major, I know. We already plan to get our rings from the jewelry store of one of our principal sponsors (to be assured of the quality and get a good discount as well). Only problem is, Rogel is so finicky about the design. He has this specific design in mind... we saw this ring at Alexis in Robinsons Place Manila, and when we inquired, it was priced at 70k! O_O I mean, it didn't even had diamonds... it was a two-tone ring! Rogel is really bent on copying it.

2. Hotel Preps - Diamond Hotel or Pan Pacific? Hmmm... We've done the ocular at Diamond already, and I do love their executive suite! It's a mite expensive though at P14,500 (includes pictorials around the hotel). Pan Pacific seems to be a little more affordable... their smallest suite is priced less than 10k. Plan to do an ocular on Monday after we pick up my brother from the airport (last time we went there, they told us they're fully booked that day and couldn't show the rooms).

3. Pre-Cana Seminar - Ugh, we really need to do this already. We already had our canonical interview, but their pre-cana is scheduled every 2nd Sunday of the month. Which reminds me... I need to call them to make sure there's one scheduled for this month, since it'll be Easter Sunday.

4. Misalette - I've already finished the soft copy... we just need to have it approved by SPAP.

5. Bridal Car - I don't want to spend a lot on this, but I kinda want a nice car. Actually, I want a limo. This has affordable rates for 3 hours. Hmmm, do we still have a budget? I see that our date is still available... (but I wonder for how long still)

6. Finalize the guest list and seating arrangement

7. Distribute the invitations - started this already.

8. Nag the last flower girl and bridesmaid who still haven't given their measurements

9. Meet with my coordinator and emcee

Okay, that's it for now... let's see what I can accomplish in a week. It's hard when one's stuck here in the province most of the time.

Anyway, to end... a few pics of my darling boy.






Happy 4 months, Mari!

Weird Dreams and Stuffs

Last night, I dreamed of an old friend of mine back in high school, the first guy who courted me. It almost became 'us' but I suppose it simply wasn't meant to be. We were friends first before the courtship, with a mutual love of books. We spent many times just sitting next to each other, talking, exchanging stories about the books we've read, enjoying a camaraderie that was very natural.

And then things changed... suddenly, gazes became longer, glances became stolen, and the conversation became stilted. Shyness ensued between us. I suppose that was probably the reason why we hadn't become a couple... when he started courting me, we became shy around each other. Our easy camaraderie became an awkward courtship. The friendship fizzled as we fumbled around each other.

So when we parted ways after high school, our friendship dissolved as well. Our conversations became few and far in between. Also, I learned his preferences have changed... (he's become gay, actually). He seems to be doing well though, currently taking up medicine in UST.

I wonder why I dreamed of him. In my dream, he was pursuing me and acting very romantic. Oh well, weird dream!

Anyway...

As I've mentioned before, I got my invites already. They're very simple, just two pages with a map printed on bond paper. Here they are:



I really hadn't wanted to spend a lot on invitations. I like my invites, and yet I almost wish I hadn't been in such a hurry getting them done. I was just so excited to book Cardprints. Now I almost wish I could have DIYed the design and just had it printed in Recto.

Though well, I'm really not sure when I'd find the time to DIY it really with an infant to take care of. Also, when would I find the time to go to Recto???

Anyway, I'm still happy with my invites, but if I had to do it all over again, I think I would've tried my hand at DIY.

The Prenuptial Experience

I absolutely love love love Jeff and Lisa! They're my favorite supplier of all! Hehe, I know it's a little bit early to say that, since the wedding's not even finished, but I feel so lucky to have found them and that their services were within my budget.

The first time I glimpsed their website, I fell in love. I can't imagine anyone NOT falling in love with their pictures. Their style is unobtrusive and candid, and their pictures look so natural. Their rates before hadn't been posted at their website, so I still remember thinking I probably won't be able to afford them. Feeling sad even before I inquired. But when I emailed them, Jeff was quick to reply, and I was stunned and so incredibly happy to find out that their promotional rates absolutely fit our budget! I was ecstatic! And even through the email, I could feel Jeff's friendliness... Before I even met them, I absolutely knew I HAD to have them.

Rogel and I dropped by their house last October, and they showed us the raw pictures of the weddings they previously shot. We also talked for a while, and we were very comfortable with them. It's funny remembering it now... as you know, I was already hooked on getting them, but of course I wanted to get Rogel's feedback. I kept trying to communicate with him using my eyes, and he couldn't get what I was trying to say. We ended up saying our goodbyes without booking Jeff and Lisa, because everyone agreed that May 23 was still a long way off.

But while we were waiting for the elevator, this conversation ensued:

Helene: So, don't you like the pictures?

Rogel: Huh? I do like them. The raw shots of the few weddings they shot are really great. I'm surprised to find out that they're still young and new to wedding photography. And they're very friendly... I think we'd work well with them. But it's up to you.

Helene: Really? Then I want them! I want to book them already!

Rogel: Why didn't you say so??

Helene: I wanted to hear what you thought first!

And we decided to go back. I'm sure Jeff and Lisa were surprised when five minutes after we left, we were back ringing the doorbell. I think I may have had this foolish grin on my face as I told them we wanted to book them. We ended up staying for a while again as we talked and signed the contract.

And anyway, that wasn't supposed to be my entry...

We recently had our prenup with them at Coconut Grill here in Capas. It was so much fun to work with them. And they seem to have enjoyed themselves as well. They mentioned how exhilarating it was to be out of Manila and with a different scenery to capture. I'm so glad that I decided to have our prenup here. We had to pay an additional out-of-town fee, but it was so worth it. We didn't have to pay to take pictures in Coconut Grill though... My parents know the owners. ;)

Even though a few days have passed, I feel like I'm still on a high. I can't wait to see the pictures! I know they're going to be gorgeous.

Getting Closer

Our wedding is only 2 months away! I'm torn between nervousness and excitement. Well, actually, I'm feeling a combination of both. On Sunday, I'm going to get our invitations in Robinsons Galleria. I can't wait!

In other news...

I had my 2nd fitting today at Blanca's, who is now my wedding gown and entourage gowns couturier. My gown is really progressing... I can't wait to see the final product! I changed my mind about the inspiration gown I posted... hope I don't have any regrets. I won't post the gown I've asked Blanca to replicate so it can be a surprise, hehe.

I've also submitted the entourage gowns' measurements. Only one flower girl and one bridesmaid haven't sent their measurements.

Blanca is growing on me. At first I didn't like her that much... she talked a bit too much (and about inconsequential things), she didn't want to give a quote, and she was a bit 'mayabang' regarding her clients. But she's getting better as time passes. She doesn't talk as much now so we get to concentrate on the work, and I think she gave us a good rate for the gowns (though I hope I can still haggle).

We've also had the food tasting and contract signing with Ma Del's Cuisine already. I love Anj, the catering manager! She's really nice and accommodating. I don't think I'll have any problems working with her.

Anyway, that's it for now...