And so we are done being the young. On to the next generation!
Congratulations, Dave and Lanie!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Cookie Wedding Journal: 2 Months Away
1.5 years after the proposal happened, we are now finally down to the final stretch of this greate Cookie Wedding Adventure. Then the real fun begins! :) We can't wait to see the fruit of all our efforts (and money spent! hahaha) But seriously, the most important thing, we can't want to start our journey to forever.
So, it's just two months away... What's our game plan? Planning is a done deal. So now we deal with the details.
INVITATIONS
The invitations are not yet out, but they will be soon (crossing fingers)... And I am so excited to hand them out. The concept is my own, and I am appreciating all the help and valuable inputs from Mindy, my coordinator. The idea is quite creative and non-traditional, but I am sure our guests will find it so "Cookies".
We still need to finalise the names of the sponsors. We have to put in their complete names to keep it formal. Well at least that part we'll stick with the traditional. :P
We had a little doubt deciding whether to specify our preference to recieve cash in lieu of gifts. Most wedding forums will say it's taboo. An invitation card should be to express the couple's intention to invite the guest to celebrate and not imply that guests are required to bring gifts along. But there is also a question of guests needing a clue as to what the couple needs to get them on their way to married life. And a polite hint should be appreciated. I just will just go for the subtle clue. After all, it's not really about whether guests bring gifts or not, we just need to see our invited guests present and enjoying the merriment of the ocassin with us. :)
GUEST LIST
This is still in the works. And we thought 150 is too small, but actually we have still not completed filled up the seats! :))
So what's the criteria. Of course, family comes first! But we're sticking to first degree relatives. Well, at least those who we would want to share this happy ocassion with us. We'd love to have our close friends to be there too to wish us well.
But the most important of all is, we'd love our invited guests to be there for us to share our happiness, and not to give their opinion on my dress, the venue, the food, or the couple being overweight. :P *hint hint*
WEDDING CAKE AND GIVE AWAYS
The wedding cake is part of our caterer's package. So we'll just take whatever they have to offer. Personally, I am not such a fan of cake, so for me, it's really just for cutting. And I feel that nobody really eats the wedding cake, or is it just me? :))
For the wedding cake, I'd want to have a damask design on it. Something like the photo on the left. I know having a bride and groom cake topper is already outdated, but I think it would be cute if we'll have one on our wedding cake. What do you think?
In the recent weddings that we have attended, the usual wedding giveaway is pastry - usually colorful and yummy cupcakes. Gone were the days of dust collector giveaways. :P Well, as mentioned early, you're dealing with a creative Bride-zilla here, so no cupcakes. Instead, we're having cookies! :) You must know why, right? :) Butter cookies with the damask design to match the cake FTW! :)
BRIDAL SUITE
We are still looking at having it at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. We're still deciding if Lord and I will have it at the same hotel. We'll decide on this soon, so we can book the rooms too.
SMALL DETAILS
A few more small details to be ironed out include -
Well, I am sure it will be unrealistic to say that all will run perfectly on the actual day. Murphy's Law will always find itself some way to show up in the picture when we least expect it. But for all the effort and thought the everybody behind the scenes had put in, it will all be worthwhile. Because we know... well, I certainly can attest to it that that day will be all about Lord and Jenny, which is what the Cookie Wedding event is about really. It should reflect the personality of the couple, and not some hodgepodge, smorsgasbord of ideas from bridal magazines or wedding web forums. All that should matter is what the couple wants. After all it is the couple's day! Say yes? :)
So, it's just two months away... What's our game plan? Planning is a done deal. So now we deal with the details.
INVITATIONS
The invitations are not yet out, but they will be soon (crossing fingers)... And I am so excited to hand them out. The concept is my own, and I am appreciating all the help and valuable inputs from Mindy, my coordinator. The idea is quite creative and non-traditional, but I am sure our guests will find it so "Cookies".
We still need to finalise the names of the sponsors. We have to put in their complete names to keep it formal. Well at least that part we'll stick with the traditional. :P
We had a little doubt deciding whether to specify our preference to recieve cash in lieu of gifts. Most wedding forums will say it's taboo. An invitation card should be to express the couple's intention to invite the guest to celebrate and not imply that guests are required to bring gifts along. But there is also a question of guests needing a clue as to what the couple needs to get them on their way to married life. And a polite hint should be appreciated. I just will just go for the subtle clue. After all, it's not really about whether guests bring gifts or not, we just need to see our invited guests present and enjoying the merriment of the ocassin with us. :)
GUEST LIST
This is still in the works. And we thought 150 is too small, but actually we have still not completed filled up the seats! :))
So what's the criteria. Of course, family comes first! But we're sticking to first degree relatives. Well, at least those who we would want to share this happy ocassion with us. We'd love to have our close friends to be there too to wish us well.
But the most important of all is, we'd love our invited guests to be there for us to share our happiness, and not to give their opinion on my dress, the venue, the food, or the couple being overweight. :P *hint hint*
WEDDING CAKE AND GIVE AWAYS
The wedding cake is part of our caterer's package. So we'll just take whatever they have to offer. Personally, I am not such a fan of cake, so for me, it's really just for cutting. And I feel that nobody really eats the wedding cake, or is it just me? :))For the wedding cake, I'd want to have a damask design on it. Something like the photo on the left. I know having a bride and groom cake topper is already outdated, but I think it would be cute if we'll have one on our wedding cake. What do you think?
In the recent weddings that we have attended, the usual wedding giveaway is pastry - usually colorful and yummy cupcakes. Gone were the days of dust collector giveaways. :P Well, as mentioned early, you're dealing with a creative Bride-zilla here, so no cupcakes. Instead, we're having cookies! :) You must know why, right? :) Butter cookies with the damask design to match the cake FTW! :)
BRIDAL SUITE
We are still looking at having it at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. We're still deciding if Lord and I will have it at the same hotel. We'll decide on this soon, so we can book the rooms too.
SMALL DETAILS
A few more small details to be ironed out include -
- Wedding Liturgy and Vows - I already have the copy. Just need to go through it. We must provide the final copy to Fr. Rodel a month before the wedding, so now this is on the top of the list.
- Entourage "Thank You" presents - Just a token to show our appreciation. Need to go shopping for this but we're still stumped as to what to get. Ideas, please?
- Cookie AVP - I have always made AVPs for friends, why not make one for our own wedding. Good idea? Just need to find time to get this done. And I need to start digging out for our old photos. We should have a gazillion being together for 4 years now. :)
- Transportation - Should we provide this?
- Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue - Ideas please...
- Guest Seating - After we have finalised the guest list of course!
Well, I am sure it will be unrealistic to say that all will run perfectly on the actual day. Murphy's Law will always find itself some way to show up in the picture when we least expect it. But for all the effort and thought the everybody behind the scenes had put in, it will all be worthwhile. Because we know... well, I certainly can attest to it that that day will be all about Lord and Jenny, which is what the Cookie Wedding event is about really. It should reflect the personality of the couple, and not some hodgepodge, smorsgasbord of ideas from bridal magazines or wedding web forums. All that should matter is what the couple wants. After all it is the couple's day! Say yes? :)
Friday, June 25, 2010
Cookie Wedding Journal: The June Trip (Day 1 and Day 2)
18 June 2010 - Friday
The Cookies arrived in Manila. The plane ride from Singapore was turbulent, so we weren't really able to catch up on rest. But we did catch a movie while on the plane - Mel Gibson's Edge of Darkness. The storyline was quite dragging for me, but it was interesting. Contrary to what the title appears to suggest, it is not a horror flick. :P
You must ask what was the first thing the Cookie's did upon arriving... Eat, of course! :) We had lunch/merienda at Chowking on Dela Rosa corner Rufino in Makati. It was usually a McDonald's Longganisa meal breakfast when we touchdown early morning, but since this trip we landed at around 4:00 pm, a late lunch it is.
In the evening, we met up with Mindy - our wedding coordinator to finalise our schedule for this trip. That capped off Day 1.
Oh, and a side story to share...
Upon checking in at the Changi Airport Terminal 2, since we had booked on Singapore Airlines, the taxi driver dropped us off at the door closest to Row 4 for Singapore Airlines. We went straight to the counter without noticing that Row 4 was for Business Class check-in. The SQ personal was kind enough to ask us if we were on Business Class. Of course... we were not! Hahaha... But still, he was kind enough to check us in. Probably because there was no queue then. So, our bags ended up being tagged as Priority Baggage. :)
19 June 2010 - Saturday
Tuesday was started early. 2 meetings on the calendar plus a party!
We met up with the Events Coordinator at Hizon's. Menu finalisation and the reception design were the items on the agenda. All went well inspite of the initial problems with our schedule and the coordinator's.
Our wedding colours are Fuchsia and Silver, and the theme is Masquerade Ball. To achieve this effect, we opted for bold colors for the flowers for the table centerpieces. Less glass and more metal to achieve the "loopy" and "lacey" effects.
After the meeting with the caterer, we went to pay Malou Castillejos a visit. She's making my wedding dress, and on this trip I am scheduled for a gown fitting. We were joking if Lord needs to cover up his eyes so he does not see me in the wedding dress. :)) But it should still be okay for him to see it as the dress is still in the works.
When I put the dress on, I can almost imagine how it would look like on THE day. I just hope I don't put on any more weight. So really, I need to take my diet and working out seriously. Well, I still have 2-3 months. Crossing my fingers... and toes... I can at least keep my current weight. :))
The last leg of the Saturday plans was to attend Yuan's first birthday party at The Oasis Manila in San Juan. George and Pia threw a great party! All of the guests, especially the children, had a wonderful time. The food was great. The cotton candy and "dirty ice cream" really got me excited. It's been a while since I had these popular Pinoy street delicacies. There was also a face painting booth, too bad we didn't get to try it. But the real highlight of the party was the magic show performed by Pinoy Got Talent Finalist Alakim. :)
Well, we didn't really know him. So we were kinda puzzled why the guests were rushing up to him to take photos when he has not even started his performance. But when the host introduced him, it cleared it up for us. Actually, I recalled him only when he started doing his butterfly act. I think I caught that episode of him auditioning on TFC. And indeed, his act was amazing. He's one funny guy, too. I almost wanted to ask Lord if we can have him in the wedding programme, but then dismissed it after I realised I was just awestruck! :P
Heavy rains started to pour during the party. But we we're lucky to have hailed a taxi cab quickly, and the trip home was a smooth ride.
We spent the night at my family's place in Caloocan. Had tinapa for dinner. SARAP!!! I super missed it!
We were so tired that day, but it was all good.
The Cookies arrived in Manila. The plane ride from Singapore was turbulent, so we weren't really able to catch up on rest. But we did catch a movie while on the plane - Mel Gibson's Edge of Darkness. The storyline was quite dragging for me, but it was interesting. Contrary to what the title appears to suggest, it is not a horror flick. :P
You must ask what was the first thing the Cookie's did upon arriving... Eat, of course! :) We had lunch/merienda at Chowking on Dela Rosa corner Rufino in Makati. It was usually a McDonald's Longganisa meal breakfast when we touchdown early morning, but since this trip we landed at around 4:00 pm, a late lunch it is.
In the evening, we met up with Mindy - our wedding coordinator to finalise our schedule for this trip. That capped off Day 1.
Oh, and a side story to share...
Upon checking in at the Changi Airport Terminal 2, since we had booked on Singapore Airlines, the taxi driver dropped us off at the door closest to Row 4 for Singapore Airlines. We went straight to the counter without noticing that Row 4 was for Business Class check-in. The SQ personal was kind enough to ask us if we were on Business Class. Of course... we were not! Hahaha... But still, he was kind enough to check us in. Probably because there was no queue then. So, our bags ended up being tagged as Priority Baggage. :)Upon arriving at the NAIA Terminal 1, we cleared immigration and went to the baggage carousel for our flight. We have not waited for long when our baggage had turned up! So, we were one of the firsts to leave the airport. No crowd, no hassle.
And there's the photo evidence. How cool is that! :)
Tuesday was started early. 2 meetings on the calendar plus a party!
We met up with the Events Coordinator at Hizon's. Menu finalisation and the reception design were the items on the agenda. All went well inspite of the initial problems with our schedule and the coordinator's.
Our wedding colours are Fuchsia and Silver, and the theme is Masquerade Ball. To achieve this effect, we opted for bold colors for the flowers for the table centerpieces. Less glass and more metal to achieve the "loopy" and "lacey" effects.
After the meeting with the caterer, we went to pay Malou Castillejos a visit. She's making my wedding dress, and on this trip I am scheduled for a gown fitting. We were joking if Lord needs to cover up his eyes so he does not see me in the wedding dress. :)) But it should still be okay for him to see it as the dress is still in the works.
When I put the dress on, I can almost imagine how it would look like on THE day. I just hope I don't put on any more weight. So really, I need to take my diet and working out seriously. Well, I still have 2-3 months. Crossing my fingers... and toes... I can at least keep my current weight. :))
The last leg of the Saturday plans was to attend Yuan's first birthday party at The Oasis Manila in San Juan. George and Pia threw a great party! All of the guests, especially the children, had a wonderful time. The food was great. The cotton candy and "dirty ice cream" really got me excited. It's been a while since I had these popular Pinoy street delicacies. There was also a face painting booth, too bad we didn't get to try it. But the real highlight of the party was the magic show performed by Pinoy Got Talent Finalist Alakim. :)
Well, we didn't really know him. So we were kinda puzzled why the guests were rushing up to him to take photos when he has not even started his performance. But when the host introduced him, it cleared it up for us. Actually, I recalled him only when he started doing his butterfly act. I think I caught that episode of him auditioning on TFC. And indeed, his act was amazing. He's one funny guy, too. I almost wanted to ask Lord if we can have him in the wedding programme, but then dismissed it after I realised I was just awestruck! :P
Heavy rains started to pour during the party. But we we're lucky to have hailed a taxi cab quickly, and the trip home was a smooth ride.
We spent the night at my family's place in Caloocan. Had tinapa for dinner. SARAP!!! I super missed it!
We were so tired that day, but it was all good.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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 -
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
Sunday, May 16, 2010
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.
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!
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