the DREAM TEAM

peso power :  P 20,000 

Inclusions :
church with aircondiitioning
green carpet


plus   P 500 ( audio video bond )
          

VERDICT : 7 during the inquiry phase but boomed to 10 ( find out why ) 


makati is where the foundation of our relationship all begun...

this is where i also want to marry the man who i wanted to share my entire life with....

we both wanted to join our hearts in the celebration of a eucharistic mass during our big day, in this church






Mostly couples plan to book in their home parishes. But for us, since Makati holds a special place in our hearts and has been the witness on how our lives began, we have always wanted to share our union in Santuario de San Antonio Parish --- our dream church. I remembered having attended my cousin’s wedding 10 years ago and I was one among the liturgical readers. I fell in love with this church! I told myself, I want to get married here! –and now, I just marched down it its dramatic aisle with the explicit altar that I loved most.

During the inquiry phase, I rated it as 7, if only I didn’t love it, I will not marry in this church because of the notorious church secretary Bernadette who seemed to be so rude. It was quite hard dealing with her due to euphoric moods, but eventually she just became nice to us. From 7 my ratings boomed to 10, when she personally exerted her effort of looking for a priest for us barely 2 weeks before our wedding. Thanks to her kindness. This wasn’t the only good deed but even allowed us to have our canonical interview though we’re already 1.5 hrs late. She was even sick during that time and went out of her way just to arrange our interview with the parish priest. She pushed herself to her limits to convince the priest to conduct a 10minute interview with us before officiating a 12noon mass.

We blindly splurged in choosing this grand dream church. The altar looked so pretty and elegant as shown in the pictures. Solemnity is very well felt during the entire ceremony. It was very well lit and what attracted me most is the traditional choir loft which is best for a spectacular top shot of my bridal march. Perfect sound system, Stained glass windows, big chandeliers Airconditioning and spacious parking even are a plus factor. 


PROS :   Accessibility to my workplace
                Downpayment of P2000 can reserve the date for you
                best angles for photography
                with a loft for best top shot for the bridal march
                grandest altar
                well lit and well ventilated
                very impressive sound system
                since we got the evening slot, we did have enough time for the pictorials
                ceremony was very solemn
                spacious parking


CONS :   can't be booked on weekend for afternoon slot since it's exclusive for parishioners
                all special requests equates money 
                not all music can be played on some parts of the mass
                you have to provide your own priest, musicians, lectors and commentators
                accredited florists only
                if you'll get am slot as schedule for wedding, they will be strict in the time

peso power :  P 15,000 ( good for 5 hrs rental fees )
                       P 15,000 ( refundable cash bond )
                       P 5,000 per every hour in excess

Inclusions :
Rental of 3 Banquet Halls ( Spanish Inspired - CAsa Blanca Style )
fully airconditioned venue
elegant chandelier lighting 


Verdict :  9.5

 

We were not millionaire with big bucks to spend like other couples does,   

Even if we wanted our reception to be held in one among of the five star hotels, we knew it was impractical and not within the budget.  

A dream venue doesn’t need to come with an expensive price tag.  

To cut down all corners of wedding expense,  We initially booked a garden venue in makati coz we wanted a garden filled with flowers so that we don’t need an event stylist to still do some ornamentation,  but since  October falls under the unpredictable month of rain showers, we opted to think and be on the safer side.

 Bad side of it, we ended up paying two venues, since we have fully paid the garden venue already when we opted to move to an indoor venue.

 

This part was one among our biggest dilemma and has been really #1 of the stress preps is the decision to have a big switch to a reception venue.  

Initially, Ms. Susan does not want us  to be booked at the Pavilion since Sacred Heart School has an acitivity til 5pm.  We  even asked her that our caterer  will be able to set up in just 2hours which was one among her worries. 

 

I tried to chase her during the last few weeks of August, and she finally agreed.  What a big relief on our side? 

 

It was like a picturesque of an old Hispanic house with wooden doors and floors with 2 staircase on each side  which can house 200 guests.  

Since it was bare, it was decorated the way they wanted it.  

Since My event stylist is the owner of Blue Petals, Ms. Eres with her degree in Fine Arts and Interior Decoration – I trusted her and it was transformed in a fantastic setting filled with flowers and colorful accents of our motif alternately placed on each tables and chairs.  

She transformed a dramatic effect by welcoming guests with flowers and tulle in the staircase and an arch filled with flowers at the main entrance.

Tulle also added an effect at the venue’s ceilings,  

Since we were having an indoor reception, the path from church to reception transformed into a candlelit path with lighted luminaries  on both sides.  It was able to showcase of bringing in an outdoor setting in an indoor venue because of flowers everywhere. 

 

Guests even felt more special since they were greeted with their personalized individual place cards which were fruits of our labor.

PROS :  easy to design as per my event stylist
              near the ceremony venue
              since our wedding was late, it wouldn't take time for our guest to travel since it's just beside the church
 

CONS :     there was a security and damage bond of 15,000 aside from the rental fee of the place itself

                 Venue good for 5 hours use only

                 
 
couples gazebo

( L to R :   luminaries at the aisle from church to reception ,   receiving line with our welcome photo )

peso power : 

P 6,500 ( club pen membership )

USD 86 / day for the premiere suite 
USD 55 / day for 3 days for the grand deluxe room
Inclusions 

-  1 premiere suite room for 1 day for bride's preps 
-  1  de luxe room for  groom's preps (weekend dream - 3 days )
-  then  upgrade to grand deluxe room for weekend dream 

                         
VERDICT : 10  for the hotel
7 for the staff          
    
 
our dress up venue was  the peninsula manila...--- my dream hotel...

i have always loved this hotel, also the staircase which plays an important part for my pictorials before and after the wedding.



a view from paseo - ayala outside the hotel




at the rest room                    


at the deluxe room


some shots taken at the huge staircases,  entrance of the hotel and at the lobby                                              






these hotel is extremely posh. 

Its magnificent lobby with huge pillars, double marble staircases amazed me so much. 

We chose this due to its great ambience, great service and good location. It was perfect for portrait shots. We got 2 rooms, 1 premiere suite room which is big enough for the pres, room 1062 and another room for weekend dream accommodation room 1042. 

We availed of the Club Pen membership in order to save more. It would really be too pricey if you just check in using their local rate without the vouchers. 

My AE is Robert Young, 0921 5413328, he is really so nice to us in saving for hotel room accommodations.


PROS :   great for hotel preps pictorials
                the grand lobby, huge pillars and marble staircases is a plus for an elegant picture perfect shot
                very clean rooms
                very accommodating staff 

CONS :   since staff were too busy and hotel was fully booked, they weren't able to give us an earlier check in time for the 2nd room for the groom's preps.


Prior to going to The Peninsula Manila, we checked in at MAndarin Oriental Manila for Thursday night only....there we had briefing with our coordinator and emcees.

peso power for bridal gown   :  
P 25,000 
Inclusions :
1st veil &  2nd veil
intricate embroidery and beadworks of gown - with 3x approval of pattern
ring  & unity coin pillow
bible & leg garter

peso power for entourage gowns : 
P 2000 ( for secondary sponsors )
P 3500 ( for  mothers )
P 1800 ( for flower girls )


VERDICT  :  10                                                                 


New Creations - Ms Evelyn Guerrero did my bridal gown

She used to work with David's Bridal before she put up her own shop.  They used to do the embroidery for Demetrios, Oleg Cassini, Casablanca etc.

I just so loved my gown.




Had 3 choices if designer before we finally opted in choosing New Creations. 

She was previously the Industrial Engineer of Davids Bridal so I know that when it comes to intricate embroidery, she will be the best bet. 

I knew what gown I wanted to wear. 

It was made of intricate embroidery top using champagne gold and ivory thread and fully hand beaded swarovski…. with the V illusion at the sides which will firm up my bulges.

The long veil with embroidery at its ends and swarovski on the veil. The train of the gown has a layering technique which produced an iridescent effect with the same embro details too. 

The gown created look of elegance and simplicity. 

She sketched so fast and artistically. 

I really love my mom’s gown and also my mother-in-laws gown. I allowed her creativity to do nice gowns for the mothers. both moms has sexy gowns, my mom wearing the tangerine hue and his mom wearing  the green hues with a train at their back as well.






The bridal accessories like pillows, coin holder and bible garter were done artistically applying the hues of my motif . 

She did it perfectly the way I wanted it. 

The entourage gowns were done the same way I wanted it. 1 exclusive design for my secondary sponsors and varying designs for the bridesmaids. 

She did a bag which I liked, it was one among the Lila Almarios design which she copied for me. 

She executed my imagination of my bridal gown into reality. 

Perfect fit, careful and detailed construction of each parts, great workmanship must have been her secret.


PROS :  being an expert in embroidery and  beadworking details, she copied the design perfectly
               gave me discount for ento gowns and mom's gowns since i got the package
               payment scheme - flexible
               she dressed me up for my wedding and upto the pictorials
               she ironed my gown on the day of the wedding
               she set it up on the mannequin
               had 3 fittings

CONS :  not able to follow the desired length of the gown i wanted for the train but since i loved my gown, it overpowered the length...which is just a simple issue for me.

peso peso power :  P 10,000

INCLUSIONS 
Emporio Armani cloth
inner long sleeves from Rustans 
labor 
tie and inner shirt 

VERDICT 9 before the fitting turned 10 upon seeing final product


We were looking for an affordable tailor who would do the suit of my groom.  Luckily, My designer had a partner in Bergamo, and he made the suit which is not as pricey as those sold in Rustans.  Lesser than the published rate in the shops.  

My husband was dashing in his black Bergamo suit matched with his metallic silver gray tie.  My designer had to send it to Makati for his partner to do it. It was sub contracted to him.  Perfect fit!

PROS :   one stop shop near our place
              very affordable price compared to original P20,500 package from Rustans Bergamo

CONS :   had to undergo minor alterations during the final fitting since my hubby lost weight
                he was supposed to have 3 fittings but only had 2

 

peso power :   P 69,225 ( for 190 guests )
                           P 1800 ( charge for labor without service elevators )

INCLUSIONS 
elegant table set up
food for 190 guests
12 waiters

peso power for event styling :  confidential

Verdict : 9.5 ( for the staff ) ; 10+++  ( for Ms.Eres )



...among of my major suppliers who caters with personal touch...we love Ms. Eres so much!


gotta check this out!  how wonderful she did with her elegant set up!  whew, we really didn't expect it...


the welcome arch at the Pavilion



the couple's gazebo

the tablet set up with the elegant centerpiece



they were even the ones who assisted in placing the individual place cards


the cake table


the toasting flutes


her dove cage




Verdict : 9.5 ( for the staff ) ; 10+++  ( for Ms.Eres )


Our wedding wouldn’t be perfect if food isn’t perfect. 

But we’ve seen people eat heartily. We chose blue petals since w@w raved about their excellent service and good food during my Wedding.  

We were amazed with how Ms. Eres transformed the pavilion into a romantic indoor venue setting. 

She filled the venue with accents and flowers. It sort of appeared to me like one of hotel ballrooms. Drapes at the ceiling and staircases with flower adornments resembled the place like an indoor garden set up. The food was delectable and great according to our guests. 

They loved the food that were served :

appetizer 
assorted cold cuts

soup 
cream of mushroom


viands of
roast beef with rosemary leaves
roast spanish pork loin
chicken le courdon bleu 
tanigue steak paprika

pasta
baked lasagna

dessert
fruit platter
walnut fudge
butterscotch bars


Each table was decorated with an elegant 8 piece candelabra centerpieces accented with hues of orange, pink and yellow flowers. These colors of the flowers I instructed was strictly followed. 

Even happier to see the couples gazebo. With all pink gerberas and white flowers as adornments. Her toasting flutes for wine toasting is silver plated and looked really elegant. They had a better presentation from the soup, appetizer and the buffet table. 

Ms. Eres was so kind to us and it’s a good thing, they are also accredited caterer of Santuario de San Antonio. 

Otherwise, it would be another dilemma on our part. The only comment I received was from the principal sponsors, they waited before the main entrée was served .



PROS :  
a very accommodating contact - Ms. Eres
gave us all the best option to choose for the food
foods were delectable
very nice staff
gave us the previous rates even if her rates increased already
added service for the event styling c/o ms eres


CONS
late service to the presidential table

peso power :  P 10,000 

INCLUSIONS of the FULL TIME COORDINATION as per weddings by workzone

verdict   10

 

 

I don’t want to envision myself walking down the aisle and still having wedding woes.  I want to get let go of a threat of a rainy big day, monitoring call time of suppliers, and do all the minute details --- that’s why I decided to hire a wedding planner.

 

She was  not only a coordinator for us but an instant mom and friend…we call her MOMSY.  We availed of the PARTIAL COORDINATION BUT FULL COORDINATION was delivered since April.    She arranged meeting for our suppliers and would even join us.  She will drive us to pay some suppliers if my husband won’t be available.  She was even there during the pamamanhikan and became close to our family.

 

Rowie and her team were great.  They were very efficient.  Anxiety relief is what I felt – knowing Rowie was there to brief all my suppliers and give final run down of what I wanted to happen in my wedding.

 

She took my ideas fairly and shared hers as well.  My wedding turned out based on my own ideas,  and managed to handle my OC details.  She made the hassles of the planning easier to bear.  She was indeed a pleasant person and was there for us whenever we needed her except for some instances that she had previous meetings.

PROS
super expanded service is what we got from her --- like a full coordination
super affordable rate
very friendly and personalized service
we got a special gift from her on our wedding day 

 our momsy !

 

peso power  :  53,000 (photo / video )

Verdict : 10+++   with the final output :  we rated him 15

INCLUSIONS 

8 x 10 digital story package album - upgraded album, embedded names and scratch proof pictures with complete lay out
2 mini albums 
( 1 replica of the big album, another 1 for the pre nup and lay outing of pictures from back up photographer )
raw pictures in CD file
1 mtv version DVD video
raw video files
1 big picture  frame with portrait shot

freebies
guest sheets 
pre nups


PHOTO COVERAGE 

Weddings should be picture perfect.  this happens once in a lifetime, the man behind this company is truly professional yet can be a good friend as well. 

At the end of the wedding, the photos are the most tangible way to remember our special moments. 

There was never a dull moment with Paul and his wife, Ivy.   They worked as tandem. 

From prenups, they were able to capture the best shots even candidly. 

We met with 3 other photogs but the chemistry/rapport with Paul was barely different. 

Xean gauged after the initial meeting, we will book Paul and nobody else, and he was right, we got an instant photog and friend in one! 

Paul has covered the event as it happened. His style in photography affected the mood of the entire event. . 

the emotional value of the event was captured without sacrificing the creativity and beauty of the picture. 

In a week time, he was able to produce the proofs and gave us 3 months in receiving the actual album  but was able to give it to us after 6 months due to back log.

I just so loved that he is not into directed shots that much, he just asked us to hug, feel relax and shoots whatever happens.

For a young and talented hobbyist turned main photog like Paul, I can say he is gifted with the kind of eye for shots that can yield pictures that he will do great on one’s big day. 

If you look at our pictures, it was true enough….more than just a myriad of spectacular shots, private moments was captured and happiness and tearful joys were clearly defined in the pictures.

The most important shots such as the key moments of our FIRST KISS as married couple and exchange of RINGS and lighting of UNITY CANDLES was properly documented. 

He even made the lay out of our guest sheets featuring our pre nuptial shots.


VIDEO COVERAGE

Pong was so lively during the coverage.  As if we're just playing and not feeling any single tensions.

His shoot were perfect.  When you see the unedited and edited coverage of the event,  you can notice that the quality of the video was done just like the super pro.

I was not  much particular on the video that's why i didn't opt to hire those who have exclusive team...but when i saw the final output....it was exactly taken just like a pro....just like jason magbanua's work.....we were impressed how the video was done.....................one single word to describe it .....PERFECT!


PROS :
very professional
rapport with this supplier is superb
final proofs and finished products were more than we have expected
the mini albums are superb including the lay out of our pre nups
quality workmanship and highly recommended supplier


Among my favorite from his shots :

HOTEL PREPS

DURING THE RECEPTION


PRE NUPTIAL SHOOT

AFTER THE BONDING DINNER


FINAL LAY OUT 

peso power :  P10,000 
( inclusive of 1 bridal bouquet,  imported handtied arrangements for 12 principal sponsors, 5 secondary sponsors, 5 bridesmaids, 3 pomanders and head dress for flower girls, 2 moms bouquet  & 1 little brides bouquet )

Freebies  :
flowers for offering 
loose petals for flower shower

VERDICT : 10 +++
one among our primary considerations is the flower supplier as well.

i have always wanted tulips as my bouquet...and the other ento members to have a mixture of imported and local flowers.

one among the prettiest thing which should be on one’s wedding, Next to the bride is her bouquet.

Lala is such sweet and a darling to us. 

Her arrangements as seen on the internet are really amazing. I only saw her actual work during the fair at the NBC tent which was just a month before my wedding. 

There I was able to show her what I actually wanted for my bouquet. I wanted a classic hand tied for the I-just-picked these flowers look --- and it was exactly what i had.   I chose dutch orange tulips with a combination of white calla lilies plus a sparkle and beadworks that tied the stems. 


my bridal bouquet


The flowers of the principal sponsors, secondary sponsors and bridesmaids, including the wands of the little girls matched with their head dresses were arranged just the way I want it....



( L to R :  secondary sponsors,  pomanders for flower girls,  flowers for offering )


( L to R :  principal sponsors,  headdress/pomanders for flower girls,  and maid of honor's bouquet )

it even exceed my expectation - - - I just so loved the flowers.




 It was worth paying for such quality workmanship. 

She used mixture of imported and local flowers in hues or orange, pink, yellow and white. 

The flower arrangements she made greatly affected the mood and not just served as adornments. 

It gave meaning to the entire occasion.


PROS :
very professional
freebies were flower shower petals and flowers for offering
no matter how huge my entourage is, she gave to me a discounted rate
friendly and so malambing
we became instant friends
flowers really added meaning to our big day
flowers are superbly done