Cookie Wedding Journal: Clearing the Checklist

The last weekend had the Megamall stirring with giddy brides-to-be and their enthusiastic grooms. A Bridal Fair was hosted there - http://www.mybridalfair.com/.

For the Cookies, that weekend was just like any other lazy weekends in Singapore. But with the help of our dearest Wedding Coordinator, we had something cooking there after all.

Finally, we had booked a photographer/videographer. The service contract was signed and the date is set. But of course, the reservation fee must first be paid before we start jumping in joy. :))

We have booked the services of Ralph Alejandrino - http://www.ralphalejandrino.com/, to cover the photography and videography for the Cookie Wedding. And not just that, he actually threw in a "photobooth" add-on with our package. So no need to book that supplier separately. Inital peg was Baicapture - http://baicapture.com/.

So how did the Cookies learn about Ralph?

It was at Carl and Pipay's wedding at the Fernwood Gardens on 24 April 2010. Ralph shot their wedding. So at the reception when we had our photo taken with the newly-wed couple, we came up to him to say hello and also ask for his card. He is anice guy and usdging by the work he has done with Carl and Pipay's prenup photo and AVP as well as the on-site AVP, we were impressed by his talent.

However, it still took us a few weeks before finally deciding. As customers, we do have the right to look around for other options, too. :P

But, finally, we did book his services at the bridal fair. And that is another item ticked off the wedding checklist.

So, last major thing on the list - a hair and makeup artist. Names that are popping up as recommended by friends are -

• Barbi Chan - http://barbichan.blogspot.com/
• Jeng and Carlan - http://jengandcarlan.com/ - But it seems Jeng will be out of town on our date.  
• Jesy Alto - http://www.thecolorartistry.com/ - Did Pipay's wedding.
• Val Villarin - http://valvillarin.com/ - Did Ri's and Chrissie's weddings

Again, suggestions from ex-brides who have survived the rollercoaster ride are most welcome.

Cookie Wedding Journal: 119 Days To Go

It has been more than a year after my last Cookie Adventures entry. So what have the Cookies been upto... Well, it's pretty much been the same usual mundane "trapped in the rat race" lifestyle, but we have definitely made headway in the Cookie Wedding preparations.

At 119 days before THE DAY, these items have been ticked off the list.

• Found a wedding coordinator
• Booked the church
• Booked the reception venue
• Booked the caterer
• Found Gown designer for the Bridal Gown, Groom's Suit and entourage dresses
• Booked the entertainment

A few things are now currently cooking.

• Picking out the songs for the wedding ceremony and reception
• Completing the paperwork for filing
• Book Baicapture for the Photobooth at the reception - thanks to my Kumares!!!
• Make contact and catch up with our Primary Sponsors

Most of the things are already set, but there are just a few more left to be attended to.

• Meet up with Fr. Rodel who will officiate the marriage ceremony - will be happening in June
• Book a Wedding Photographer/Videographer
• Book the Bridal Suite
• Book a makeup artist/hairstylist.

So there, a few more stuff to do for the next few months leading up to the Cookie Wedding. At the back of my mind I know I have missed a few items, but they should come to me just when I least expect it. *Too much on my mind right now... *

To ex-brides who have been there and survived the rollercoaster ride, your suggestions are most welcome!

Singapore Adventure: Unwinding

The past few weeks have been pure torture for the Cookies. Lately, work is posing plenty of challenges upon us, and we just have to suck it up and face it head on. Tiring... Truly tiring.

And so, this weekend, we have decided to unwind by going on a shopping spree. One of our favorite past times which we have recently hit the pause button on because of the economic downturn. But desperate unwinding requires drastic measures. We just have to un-pause it... Just this time... Please...

- o0o -

First Stop: Courts

The idea of getting a steamer has been looming around. Recently, I have mastered my leche flan recipe using only my 5-cup rice cooker. And lately, I have volunteered to bring my leche flan to some of my friends' upcoming parties. So yes, the procurement of the steamer is inevitable. And the time has come today. :)

We carried a 3 layer Tefal Steam Cuisine out of the store in 15 minutes. Plus a Braun Minipimer (an immersion blender) which my Cookie has been drooling over since seeing it on Michael Smith's cooking program Chef At Home.

Second Stop: V.Hive

About 3 weeks ago, we have seen this item at V.Hive. It is for a kitchen utility rack, but I mean to use it to hold my scrapbooking effects and trinkets. Today, we came back for it and I ain't leaving the shop without it. So, we did! And it is quite a heavy box. My Coookie did the carrying. Poor thing.

We took around an hour to assemble the thing, and now my scrapping desk is spic and span! Everything is organized (for now?). Hehehe...

Third Stop: Popular

I've finished the Twilight Saga. Loved the first and last book, the second one though not is as interesting is quite essential to tie everything in.

After that, I've also finished Neil Gaiman's latest young adult best-seller, The Graveyard Book. Engaging storyline, but of course, it's a bit too juvenile. I loved Coraline, Bod is equally interesting. Do I recommend it? I do, but I am still Coraline's fan. Can't wait for the movie treatment!

I have run out of books to read, so I decided to get a few new titles. I was looking for The Book Thief, it is the Filipino Group at Good Read's recommended reading for this month. Didn't find it. So, I ended up getting J. K. Rowling's new title The Tales of Beedle the Bard and Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns. I hope they are good choices.

- o0o -

A nice dinner date at Swensen's wraps up another stressful week. I hope the coming week is kinder. Sigh.

Singapore Adventure: Valentines Day 2009

Wish you had a great Valentine's Day, because the Cookies did! ^_^

- oOo -

Thanks to Fwed for this magical photo. ^_^

- oOo -

We went for the Valentines dinner set offered at the Jade Restaurant of The Fullerton Hotel. It was a 7-course meal, and each one proved to be truly delightful. It's my first time to have foie gras, and it was how I expected it to be (based on what I have learned about it from watching all those cooking shows on TV), creamy and melts in your mouth flooding it with a gazillion flavours. My Cookie enjoyed it very much, too.

I also liked the fish course very much. It's pan fried sea bass with ginger sauce and fresh mushrooms and asparagus, drizzled with premium soy sauce. The fish was flaky and flavourful, definetly very moist. Simply remembering it makes my mouth water. Yum...

Each course was well-portioned. Just giving you a enough to enjoy the taste, not filling you up, and preparing your tastebuds for the next course. But I think we ate too fast that by the time we got to the last course before the dessert, we are stuffed.

It was a wonderful dining experience. A bit pricey, but the occasion calls for it, so it's no biggie. ;)

- o0o -

Sharing our Valentines Dinner photos from the Jade Restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel.

Singapore Adventure: 25 Random Things About Me

First posted on my Facebook. ^_^

=================================

1. I just got engaged to my Cookie...
2. on our third anniversary ...
3. last 11 January (111) ...
4. in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
5. Favorite color = pink.
6. I want to travel more.
7. Scrapbooking is my hobby.
8. I want to scrap more... My scrap pile is towering now.
9. I've read all three books of the The Lord of the Rings. Throw in The Hobbit, too.
10. I've never read any of the Harry Potter books.
11. I am engaged to Lord Wilfrando Sy. ;) (can't help putting it on #11)
12. I have met Neil Gaiman in person and had my copy of Coraline signed by him while I waited. ;)
13. I was born on the year on the Monkey.
14. Singapore is the farthest I've been from the Philippines.
15. I am a big fan of the Gilmore Girls.
16. Johnny Depp is my ultimate crush. Sigh.
17. I loooooove Philippine green mangoes and bagoong. *drool*
18. My Cookie loves my meatballs.
19. I own a pink Nintendo DS Lite.
20. Our 7' Christmas Tree is still standing. Still no schedule for dismantling it. :P
21. I can swim, ride a bike, and skate. But I cannot drive.
22. You won't find fresh fingerprints on my badminton racket. Been sitting in the corner of my closet for months!
23. I have been published on Libre back in 2004.
24. My blog: http://coookieadventures.blogspot.com
25. I am watching American Idol S8 while doing this. Bitchy Katrina just got kicked out! Woohoo!!!