Hear Ye, Hear Ye (The Official Invitation)

We are almost on the last "leg" of preparation for our wedding and I couldn't be happier about the initial layout for the invitation that Grace sent us recently.  With just some few revisions, I am excited for these to be printed and given out to our guests!

The outer envelope with our monogram

Wrap envelope for the inserts

The invitation page

The entourage page

PS:

Kudos to the team of Cardprints Philippines for delivering beyond our expectations!

Check out or chosen design invitation here  :)

Center of Attention

I instantly knew that we need to hire a florist when I learned that the inclusion for flowers in the reception package that we availed is only limited to fifteen centerpieces.  Grace found Mang Boy Mahusay in Dangwa.  Word of mouth is that he one of the best when it comes to his line of work.  I trust Grace judgment because I know she has this same gut feel as mine when it comes to committing with a supplier so right then and there, we booked him.

A few days ago, I am telling my husband how I want the reception flowers to look like.  I told him I was thinking of high vases and a bunch of blooms that will go with our color motif.  I have this notion that the guests should be able to see each other and should have a tidy space while eating so putting too much minute details and little flower vases might ruin the dining and socializing experience.  I want the flowers to add life and vibe and lit up the place.  I want the arrangement to be eye-catchers.

I have found these centerpieces that I want to show to our florist.  I am putting my whole confidence that with the right choice of flowers and Mang Boy Mahusay's expertise in his craft, the reception venue will look the way I want it.

A big sphere of ecuadorian roses, malaysian mums, stargazers and fillers plus some strings of crystal beads and candles is perfect for indoor weddings.

Flowers are arranged like a wreath with candelabras on top is appropriate for weddings during the holidays

Giant spheres of red roses atop tall clear vases with some red tulips and green leaves  for accent will definitely give any venue a romantic feel

For rustic themed weddings, twigs can give a woodsy element

Orchids and roses spell passion and romance.

White roses, cymbidium orchids and hydrangeas  when combined like on this arrangement is the best for Parisian themed weddings

All The Small Things

I feel a bit upset that I cannot get my both hands on all the preparations for the wedding.  Being a little bit of an obsessive/compulsive I want to be involved, as much as possible in everything and anything that has something to do with my big day.  My biggest worry is that the little details would be overlooked.  I'd be devastated if that happens because I consider these things as equally important as the rest.

From time to time, I remind Grace that with the expertise of the wedding coordinator we hired, we must get everything prepared and accomplished as soon as I get home or anytime before that.  This is what I created as our to-do which might get longer until the wedding:

✔  Send out the invites

✔  Look for a shop that makes custom made shoes

✔  Gown and barong fittings for the bride and groom, entourage and parents

✔  visit the reception venue for ocular and food tasting

✔  request florist for a mock floral arrangement

✔  have an ocular of the church

✔  complete the church requirements and attend the seminar

✔  check the hotel where we will stay for the wedding preps

✔  meet the videographer and discuss the pre-nup details

✔  pre-nup shoot

✔  Find a supplier for wedding favors and unity candles

✔  Make a seating arrangement for the guests during reception

✔  Finalize the design for table numbers and menu cards

✔  Have a final count of the wedding guests

If I were to write down everything that I randomly remember everyday, the list would go on forever so I'm gonna stop from here and calm myself.

PS:

Sometimes I find it ridiculous that I often catch myself dumbfounded (sometimes even catatonic) because I just can't shrug the fact that I want everything to be perfect during that day.

Sweet Music To Forever

The love for music is one thing that my husband and I both share that is why choosing the tracks that we will use for the wedding ceremony and reception was easy.  We shared good laughs while remembering our “theme songs” and had a good  trip down memory lane.  These songs reminded us how fruitful and blessed our relationship has been since the day we met.  

While we were searching I bantered “I might be too weak to walk and reach the altar because of crying too much, my bridal march is very sentimental!”   with which he answered “I would carry you from the door of the church to the altar for you just to say I do”.  Awwwww.. My husband is definitely the sweetest. :)

We have listed eleven songs so far including Melt with You by Jason Mraz and Just the Way You are by Bruno Mars and they are on constant repeat on our players everytime we are at home!

The Wedding Paperie

I am doing DIY projects for the wedding in the best of my abilities because I thought it was wise instead of getting a supplier to do it for us.  Good thing, the little knowledge in Microsoft Publisher that I acquired when I was a publication editor back in college helped me with all the wedding signages and paperie.  I also took advantage to devote one day from my Eid  vacation to finalize the design for the table numbers, menu cards and escort cards (I already finished these a month ago but since there's a lot of time to modify what has been done, I decided to make some major pimping)

Escort Card

Menu Card

Table Number

With Noel's stamp of approval, the next process for these decors is to be printed.  That's another obstacle that is yet to be surpassed!

Too Many Inspiration

I have raided almost all bridal and couture websites where I can get some inspiration on how the final design of my gown would look like.   I have chosen several designs and put a focal point from each to be one stunning number.  

Even when the time that a wedding is still so far in mind, I am already a fan of wedding dresses and particularly liked the creations of Marchesa, Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier.  Their designs are elegant, sophisticated and charming with little details that scream classiness and timelessness.

Here are the dresses that made me swoon:

I love how the intricately gathered tulle made the statement for this creation. (Vera Wang S/S 2012)

Grace suggested that I should have a mermaid cut gown because it will flatter my height and body type.  Guess what, that’s what I have in mind too! (Thank goodness my sister-in-law and I are on the same page!) (Vera Wangs’s creation for then bride-to-be, Kim Kardashian)

Little details count big! (Monique Lhuiller Soleil Bridal Gown, from her Platinum Collection)  

I specifically told Grace that no matter what, I want a gown that has a little something going on at the back.  (Marchesa Bridal, Fall 2012)

And it ends there.  I love their designs but my husband and I cannot afford a fortune that one design from either one of these houses would cost.

Being the optimist that I am, my thoughts were concentrated on finding the best seamstress who can perfectly execute what I want from the biggest to the tiniest bit.  With this in mind, who else I’m gonna call? Grace of course!

She was able to find a store in Divisoria who makes RTW bridal gowns and made to order ones.  They will also make all the dresses for the entourage and our parents.  I am so hopeful that this supplier won’t be a disappointment.

PS:

One of the million reasons why I’m dying to be in the Philippines soon is to finally see my dress on my biggest day.