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...

Accomplishments

My wedding preparations are progressing, which makes me very happy! I've booked my invitation supplier, Cardprints, and my entourage bouquet supplier, Mang Boy Mahusay of Dangwa. Tomorrow I'll be meeting with my caterer to have another food tasting and the contract signing. We'll also be doing an ocular inspection of the venue, to talk about the reception set-up. Afterward, we'll have our canonical interview at St. Peter the Apostle. I'm thinking we might also pass by Pan Pacific, which is where I'd like to have our preps...

Yay, I'm getting things accomplished!

My Dream Gown

Being a member of W@W has exposed me to a lot of designers and couturiers, and pictures of wedding gowns from past brides. It's really helped me distinguish what I like and don't like on my wedding dress, and it has even changed my inspiration wedding gown.

This is currently my inspiration wedding gown. =) I love the design because I feel that it suits my romantic nature. And I like the fact that the emphasis of the gown is at the top, and the skirt simply complements it with its flowing layers. I've seen pictures of gowns that have waaay too much detail on both top and bottom, and it's practically garish looking in my opinion. I think this is me... I'm still not sure about the sweetheart neckline, but I'm open to suggestions. That's why I'm currently obsessed with finding the perfect couturier... someone affordable but able to deliver. I'm currently eyeing Jean Avellanosa. I love her designs, and I think she can really deliver. I'm also considering Tet Hagape, but I feel like her shop is inconveniently located (it's somewhere near Eastwood). Oh well, we'll see.

The Auction is Over

Sigh... I feel slightly sad now that the W@W Auction is over. I only won one item... Ms. Dulce Fortunado's hosting service. I'm happy about that of course, but it would have been a dream come true if I was able to win the wedding gown package that Cecilio Abad offered, or even the P50,000 GC from Niko by Veluz. I've always dreamed of having a gown made by Veluz... sadly, it is also only in my dreams that I can afford it. =P Maybe 10 years from now... haha, if only things worked out according to plan! But right now I need to be practical, and that means finding affordable suppliers and not going beyond my set budget.

It's still sad to think about sometimes though...