Coming Home in December

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

The song is playing in my head whenever I say or think of this line. Not only am I excited to celebrate this festive season but I am looking forward to coming home.

How To Make A Woman Happy

Reposting an entry that's been circulating on the net on how to make a woman happy. Posted it on my Facebook status (as countless did) and got a barrel of laughs from the comments. A friend even jokingly asked how my hubby is doing, after reading this.

Yet Another Countdown

Flying back home in two weeks. And these are the reasons why I'm so excited:

That White Dress of Mine

Every girl dreams of her white dress. The white dress. So whether you buy a ready-made gown from a bridal shop or have a couturier turn that dream into reality, the "feeling" has to be right. You have to be at ease with either the sales assistant or your couturier to be able to communicate what you want in the dress that is to become the highlight (yes, the highlight with you in it) of your bridal march.

Beauty by Diana

28 Sept 2012, 1pm. One Pacific Place, Makati City. The Big Day.

The bridal suite has turned into one busy preps place. Professional makeup artist (MUA) Diana Santos arrived with her beauty essentials, along with hairstylist Camille Ramos.

Trial Makeup by Diana Santos

Super late post about my trial makeup in early September, 21 days before my wedding, to be precise. 

I booked model-turned-professional makeup artist Diana Santos. I didn't have problems coordinating with her via email. Checked out her portfolio and I liked what I saw.

10 Things A Husband Should Take Note Of

Came across this funny post on the secrets of a happy marriage. Hilariously true!

Ten Rules for a Happy Marriage:

A hand painted wooden sign by www.etsy.com
Price available here.

1. The woman always makes the rules.
2. These rules are subject to change without notice.
3. No man can possibly know all the rules.
4. The woman is never wrong.
5. If it appears the woman is wrong, it is because of a flagrant misunderstanding caused by something the man did or said.
6. The man must apologise immediately for causing the misunderstanding.
7. The woman can change her mind at any time.
8. The man must never change his mind without the proper consent of the woman.
9. The man must read the mind of the woman at all times.
10. At all times, what is important is what the woman meant, not what she said. (Source)

The Nest

That awesome feeling when you browse through magazines and the net for design inspirations and modern ideas for your soon-to-be home. And you can't wait to start decorating your place as soon as you get your (official) house keys! I love it!

We have just reserved our unit and it's still a long way to go. I. Can't. Wait!

The Emotional Being

That unexplainable feeling when even little things make you cry, even simple acts of thoughtfulness move you.

Days before the wedding, met up with girl friends who were all part of the entourage. As soon as I saw all of them together, I teared up. Don't ask me why. That moment, I just felt so loved and appreciated. And lucky to have them as my friends.

The Day You're Most Beautiful

That unbeatably amazing feeling when, after late nights, sleepless nights, stress and overworking, you, the bride, still emerges the most beautiful woman on your wedding day, gracefully sporting that bridal glow.

Warm Wishes from Colleagues

That amazing feeling when your colleagues send their warm wishes and offer you a token as soon as you report back to work from your honeymoon.

Bride and Groom stoppers, which came with white flowers and red wine from my colleagues in Singapore

10 Things To Do After "I Do"

The stress of planning a wedding is finally over. No more enquiries and urgent calls from suppliers, no more friends or relatives asking for details. It's just you and the new spouse. Oh, how glorious!

Our Music

A month and 10 days after the Big Day, I am still playing the songs I personally handpicked for the major parts of the wedding. And these songs are saved in my iPhone under my "Wedding" playlist. On loop.

My Perfect Heels

The initial intro to this blog was all about searching for the perfect wedding heels. The pair I had in mind was red so I searched for months in Singapore and visited every boutique I could think of.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

A priceless moment

A picture is worth a thousand words. And it serves as a priceless reminder of memories gone by. This picture is captured by my cousin while hubby and I were posing in front of our photo booth at the reception. I was playing with my iPhone yesterday and downloaded an app that, like Instagram, has several filters. So this is the finished product.

"Us"

A collection of pictures I made into a presentation, showed during the reception. For a couple of hours, just literally hours before our wedding, I rushed this so we have a video capturing "us" when we were still dating.

One Month Since I Walked Down The Aisle

It's been a month since I walked down the aisle to this song, to my nervous groom. This is the perfect song as it summarises how I feel about him. 

Here's to Our First Month!

It's been a month since we exchanged "I Do's" and I've nothing but love. Love for my wonderful husband.

Yes, I'm Now A Missus!

It's been exactly 11 days since I got hitched. And I have a gazillion of stories to share. Problem is, I don't know where to start.

Prenup Shoot: Raymond Fortun Photography at Heirloom Manila

The recent weekend was packed. I flew to Manila to do a final fitting, meet with my coordinator, emcee and choir, and then fitting again for my best friend's wedding in December. The following day was spent for final food tasting and detailing with our caterer and the next day, a prenup shoot with one of our favourite suppliers: Raymond Fortun Photography.

I initially saw Atty RF's portfolio from a friend's Facebook page some years back and I was impressed. My fiance and I told ourselves we'd get him on our wedding. True enough, he was the first member of our dream team that we booked in a heartbeat.

The man we met at Heirloom Manila was not a high-powered lawyer in coat and tie with briefcase, but a cool wedding photographer in casual get-up and rubber shoes. He makes funny faces and imitates the Smurf, and is armed with two cameras. Don't ask me about the camera models. They just look high-tech to me.

Yep, it's Atty RF the photographer. Who would've thought that this funny man, the one who's covering our wedding, is one of the country's most sought after lawyers? When we met for the first time, we shook hands and he briefed us on some basic rules about prenup photo sessions. He shared a few tricks about looking slim and natural on cam. How groovy is that? The next few minutes just breezed through. It wasn't difficult posing for him and Zye de Guzman, one of his talented photographers. We felt right at ease.

We shot in this highly creative and "artsy" residence in Quezon City, owned by the renowed Engr Alex Juco and his wife, Paz. The house is filled with lots of memories from yesteryears with trinkets belonging to family members and kids. Mr Juco gladly gave me a tour while waiting for Atty RF and I was amazed by how well kept and creative he has turned the place into. It's like a museum. I love the place. It has so many corners that are picture perfect. The house is like a huge treasure chest!

These are some of the pictures I grabbed from Atty's Facebook page - straight from the camera, no Photoshop or any editing, for that matter. He will be preparing our prenup AVP and will be covering our wedding.

Office attire for me, chef's uniform for him

Sweet moments in the gorgeous living room

Elegant vintage

Supplier Ratings: 

Raymond Fortun Photography - ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ (5/5)

The Heirloom Manila - ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ (4/5)

***
Raymond Fortun Photography
Official site

raymond42n@mac.com

Heirloom Manila
Quezon City, Philippines
Official site
theheirloomphilippines@gmail.com

Our Invites: Print Divas

The long weekend simply breezed through. I was hoping I'd accomplish various tasks for the wedding but I was wrong. I only managed to respond to Print Divas, our invites supplier, finalised the copy, did one more round of proofreading and sent over the pictures that will be used for our invite.

Initially, I thought of coming up with a formal invitation with a classic design. I reviewed several designs over the net and finally made up my mind on a boarding pass design. I chose Print Divas for the wide selection of designs and styles that they have. I compared their portfolio with the rest and to me, they are one of the best. I also relied on how their website is designed. Of course, a designer should have a professionally designed website that is not only complete but should also work well.

My first choice wasn't Print Divas. It was a different designer/printer. The day I was about to choose the design, its website "decided" to be buggy. I quickly dropped it and went ahead with Print Divas.

Anyway, I am targeting to have the invites printed by next week as I need the guests' responses by 14 September.

In terms of the design, I am glad that Print Divas managed to marry our theme and motif with the boarding pass style.

Entourage Card

The boarding pass style is appropriate because marriage, for us, is the ultimate destination. It also signifies the fact that we are boarding the plane (back) to Singapore after the wedding.

I didn't post the main invite and the RSVP cards as the layout is still being finalised. Our pictures are being inserted. I hope to see the updated draft real soon.

Let's just hope that the quality of printing is good. Keeping my fingers crossed.

***
Print Divas
Unit 301 Emerald Place
604 Shaw Blvd, Pasig City
Philippines
+632 3831434
Official website
Facebook page

10 Things to Really Do Before "I Do"

In my previous entry, "10 Things to Do Before 'I Do'", I enumerated 10 things I'd like to do before getting hitched. Now, I came up with another 10 must-do things before I tie the knot next month.

It's more of a realistic, attainable list that I know I must do and shouldn't get out of.

1) Make more room in my closet.
I have started cleaning out my closet, disposing of clothes, magazines and what-not, to make way for his stuff. I have way too many stuff that I had forgotten I have them. Finally letting go of those knick knacks I've had all these years. Yes, I have accumulated stuff I don't need over the years and most of them still look new. They're all in my drawers and closet.

2) Laptop spring cleaning.
I've been meaning to organise my files here in my laptop for as long as I could remember. Yes, I should do that. I need to separate my work files from my personal ones. Until now, last year's travel photos (Europe, Bali, Boracay, Manila) are still in this SD card, and this year's (Europe, Manila, Baguio) are in another. I know, I know. I should back them up. I should also clean up my external drive and save my valuable photos in my external drive.

In need of cleaning

3) Eat healthy.
I know I should avoid sodas, sweets, fastfood, chips and chocolates as well as anything fried but so far, I am successful at only one thing: chocolates. I don't indulge everyday but I promised myself I'd go easy on the unhealthy stuff before the wedding. Okay, I will try harder.

NO to unhealthy food
Image courtesy of Core & More Health & Fitness

4) Stick to my workout regimen.
I follow a strict workout calendar that consists of intense cardio with yoga. Thing is, when I feel so sore the following day, I tend to miss an exercise and try to make it up the next day. I'm a bit behind the calendar. I should motivate myself more not only during weekends if I want to rock that wedding gown.

5) Luxuriate in a facial mask.
The plan is to luxuriate in a facial mask 21 days before the big day. I plan to purchase SK II's facial treatment mask and put one on before bed. It's supposed to clear the skin and give that lustrous bridal glow. Good luck to my pocket. Each mask costs about SG$22.00!

Facial treatment mask for a radiant bride

6) Update my travel blog.
There's so much to say about the places I've been to over the years. I plan to document my adventures so that, whenever I feel like going back in time, I'd re-visit this blog and feel blessed.

Paris, je t'aime

7) Bond with my besties.
They say your life changes when you get married. Although I know that going out with friends is not going to be an issue when I get married, I'm certain that priorities will change. I would like to be able to enjoy my last few days as a single gal with my single friends.

8) Update my Starbucks journal.
I still keep a journal. That's the reason why I collect Starbuck's yearly journals. Thing is, I'd have entries for a few days and nada in the next couple of months. The pages are clean and are in dire need of entries. Let me do that soon.

Image courtesy of Cosmo PH

9) Meet with all my wedding suppliers.
This is top priority when I fly back home in the next few weeks. We've got to plan, plan and plan! Have to go through the details of the wedding, otherwise, I'd never be able to relax in the coming weeks.

10) Pamper myself.
I owe it to myself for working hard and stressing about the wedding. It's going to be a lot of fun, I know, but in the meantime, I'm going to have some quality "me time" and pamper myself.

Spa
Image courtesy of Sabi Sabi

***

For my previous entry, visit "10 Things to Do Before 'I Do'".

10 Things to Do Before "I Do"

This entry is inspired by Puff Pieces, a blog I chanced upon as I was browsing the net. It's written by Australia-based homemaker Ami Streeter. She didn't exactly write her to-do list before getting married but she did share the 10 things she "doesn't have the guts to do". It's an enlightening read about being married and having a family. It's lighthearted, realistic and humorous. 

Anyway, her post reminded me of this bucket list that I've been meaning to write about, even before I started this wedding blog. I have done some items from this list already, hence, I crossed them out. But for the purpose of this blog, I am including everything from my original list. So, here goes:

1) Go parasailing.
I guess I'm glad I don't have fear of heights. The first and only time I've tried this was in Phuket, Thailand, in August 2010. My fiance and I celebrated his birthday, took a short break to Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, and had a fabulous time. He didn't want to go parasailing so it was just me. Seeing the beach and the little people from way up there was amazing, an unusual view that you don't always get to enjoy. I didn't want it to end. It felt really good to fly!

When I ran back to my fiance to gush about the experience, an Australian couple beside our beach chair was listening and laughing with us. And the woman excitedly said to me, "Yes! Women rule! Woohoo!" Our guys just laughed. They probably figured that out already: we (women) rule.

2) Travel solo.
Traveling solo used to be a concept only applicable to men, simply because of safety concerns and what-not. But now, women traveling solo has become an open concept that's being embraced by women in their 20s and 30s. I've seen a lot of women travelers without companions during my last trip to Europe, armed with rheir cameras, maps and backpacks or large cabin bags. I was one of them.

Zara, Passeig de Gracia branch

I traveled alone for the first time in 2011 when I flew to Barcelona, Spain, for business. I was alone for three days before some of my colleagues flew in from Singapore. I explored the city, ate tapas at restaurants, marveled at the beauty of this Spanish city, and tried in vain to take self-portraits against historical backdrops. Not to mention, approached fellow travelers and strangers to take my picture as I take theirs.

By the time my colleagues had arrived, I already knew the way around the city, educated them about the metro and took them shopping at my favourite Zara branch along Passeig de Gracia.

After the Congress, I decided to visit Italy (since it's a dream destination) and take in the wonders of Rome and Vatican City all by myself. My friends and siblings reminded me to be extra careful because I'd be alone the whole time (some colleagues went to Paris, another extended his stay in Barcelona while the rest headed back to Singapore).

Glad I did it! I didn't rush and simply took all the time that I needed to absorb Italy's culture, sights, food, beautiful people and its mysteries. I imagined what it was like to live when Romans conquered the world.

Il Colosseo was beyond words! And Vatican City? I felt like I was in a dream!

Yup, that's where gladiators fought to death to entertain spectators in ancient Roman times.

Can't believe I'm in Vatican City!

A short side trip to London before flying back to Singapore made this trip even more memorable.

Windsor Castle

Needless to say, I had the most awesome time alone. I fell in love with Europe in a heartbeat and somehow, it became my most favourite place on the planet. It was truly rewarding for the heart and soul, and the experience was liberating. If I had a million dollars, I'd spend all of it exploring Europe. Really.

3) Sky dive!
Movies make sky-diving worth trying. And I would like to try it, too! Problem is, I don't know where to sky-dive in Asia. I mean, it would be a dream come true to try it in the US but, with all the costs involved, I definitely cannot afford it. So, yeah, it'll remain a dream.

4) See Mona Lisa in person.
Who wouldn't want to see the world's most photographed piece of art? Crossing this off of my list when I visited Paris a few months back (March 2012). I spent my first day in Paris inside the "ginormous" Louvre museum, got lost inside and stood in awe in front of countless art pieces. Yes, I had my picture taken with Mona Lisa.

The famous pyramid entrance of Louvre

La Joconde, popularly known as The Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci

5) Climb the Eiffel Tower.
I literally did this. I didn't take the lift from the ground up. It's not that I didn't want to pay the extra Euros to take the lift, but there was an unbelievably long queue. The "stairs-and-lift" combo had shorter line so I purchased a ticket and spent the grueling 20 minutes or so doing cardio and braving the cold. I panted my way up, was tempted to go down, was sweating and feeling cold at the same time, but it was all worth it. I reached the very top, the observation platform, and looked out over Paris, the famous Seine River and the city's very well structured buildings. It was surreal! Me? On top of the Eiffel Tower? Somebody pinch me!

World-recognised landmark - the Eiffel Tower

I'm in Paris!

During the same trip (February to March, 2012), I climbed the leaning tower of Pisa before the Eiffel tower (from BCN to PSA to CDG). It was a bonus. What can I say? Something simply pulls me back to Italy. Visiting it the first time last year was not enough. And this trip was all about walking, museums, towers, castles and cathedrals. I barely had the time to eat, which was a good thing because I shed a few pounds.

The leaning tower of Pisa

On top of the Pisa tower

6) Get mesmerised by Prague.
Have you ever wondered how fairy tales would look like? It would be Prague, hands down! Castles, towers, an old bridge, cobblestones, trams and a language I'm not familiar with (obviously). The allure of Prague lies in its old quarters, something non-Europeans like me are extremely fascinated with. It's like traveling back in time, walking the streets of a medieval city and seeing knights in shining armors. Love, love Prague!

St Vitus Cathedral

My second time in Europe. Planned my itinerary. Traveled solo. Had an absolutely amazing time! If given the chance, I'd do it again!

I'm in Prague!

7) Bake a cake.

Yes, a cake and not just brownies, cupcakes or cookies. I would like to bake a two-tier fondant cake with modern-design flowers and patterns, much like Carlo's Bakery's Groovy Girl fondant cake.

Groovy Girl Fondant Cake
Picture courtesy of How Stuff Works

8) Celebrate my birthday with street children or orphans.
When was the last time I did something selfless? Er, never (?). The last time I did something for a cause was in school, during those outreach programmes and visits to orphanages. We distributed food, clothing, toys, school supplies and entertained the kids. Other than that, I can't recall doing something for a worthy cause on my own. My friends and I planned something like this to celebrate Christmas or a birthday, but we never really got to the part of actually doing it, sad to say.

Looks like I won't be able to do this anymore because the wedding comes before my birthday this year. However, it's not going to stop me from including it in my next list (10 Things to Do After "I Do").

9) Scuba dive.
I don't know how to dive. I just want to experience the underwater world and be amazed by marine life. It's something we don't see everyday and what better way to explore what's out there than scuba diving.

I saw this apt sign at a diving shop in Phi Phi islands: how can you call yourself a world traveler when 70% of the world is covered with water?

10) Learn photography.

I've always admired photographers who take moving pictures; those that tell a story or capture beauty in the most unpredictable situations. I want to learn how to take photographs, how to capture the emotion of a specific moment and immortalise a place I've been to. If photography were not expensive, it would've been my perfect stress reliever.

How about you? What are the things in your to-do list before getting hitched?

Our Missalette: Antoinette Ongkiko

I received the soft copy of our missalette yesterday. I requested Antoinette Ongkiko, our missalette designer and printer, to give me the soft copy in advance for submission to Santuario de San Antonio (SSA).

It's a requirement before the church assigns a celebrant to officiate our wedding.

Bridal March

I wish I have the power to freeze time. It's the first day of August and now, technically speaking, next month is already my wedding! Yes, I am almost on panic mode. Almost.

Bridal Makeup

I am on the lookout for the ideal bridal makeup and came across the following videos from YouTube.

Brilliant Rose & Love Songs

They go together. Or at least, Soo Kee (a Singapore jeweller) pairs them up and gives them away to couples purchasing their Brilliant Rose wedding bands.

Our Wedding Preps: One Pacific Place

Friday. 2.26pm. One Pacific Place booked for wedding preps.

Wedding Band Engraving

Finally got our wedding bands after engraving and they're gorgeous! The bands now come with our initials. In between our initials is a heart. I chose to have it engraved this way instead of simply sporting my name in his band and his name in mine. I think the heart gives it a little bit of, well, love.

Damask-Inspired Cake

I am still in the midst of looking for a cake supplier. I was hoping I'd have a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, covered in fondant with damask print. But it's not going to happen.

Our Wedding Accessories: Designs Avenue

Wedding accessories are items that will "bind" and symbolise the oneness of the couple. These include pillows for the bearers, the bible, candles, secondary veil and cord.

Bridal Car: 2006 BMW 3 Series

Sunday, 8.59pm. It's exactly 69 days to go before the big day. I was just telling a friend that I am slowly feeling the stress and pressure as I worry about the details of my wedding, unaccomplished tasks, gifts and other things to order.

Our Wedding Bands: Soo Kee Jewellery

After a year of searching, window-shopping, endless appointments with Singapore-based jewellers, I have finally decided on our bands.

Marriage Prep Seminar: CEFAM

Thursday night, 14 June. Changi Airport, Singapore.

Wedding Favours: Sophie's Mom

This cute, little bakeshop along San Antonio Village in Makati City, called Sophie's Mom, makes one of the best red velvet cupcakes I have ever tasted.

Save the Date Cards: Vistaprint

Started sending out our "Save the Date" cards to our sponsors and family members. Ordered the cards online and I'm quite happy with the quality. I didn't like the plain white envelopes so I went to the bookstore last night to purchase maroon ones.

The Couturier: Tina Basa-Reyes Gown Salon

I feel productive today. A couple of days back, I sent out a "Notice for Fitting" to MY dream team on Facebook. Nope, they aren't suppliers. These are the ladies of my entourage, the women I can't live without. They are the members of my dream team.

Three Months to Go...

It's been a while since I last updated this blog. I have been busy with both work and organising the wedding that I even had to make a trip to Manila for our marriage preparation seminar. It was a fun weekend. But that's another story.

Today, I am taking a few minutes off from work to write about what I'm feeling right now.

Gifts for Our VIPs: The Russian Cookie House

As an overseas bride, I spend hours on the net, researching on what's new and what's available in town. That includes gifts for the VIPs - the parents, sponsors and the bridal party.

The Venue: The Pergola

My fiance found The Pergola one day as he was passing by the area. He suggested it to me and I quickly looked it up on the Internet. And I liked it!

My Online BFFs

There are so many online resources out there that a bride can turn to when doing initial research. We basically scour the net for worthy information like suppliers, schedules, list of requirements and wedding inspirations. 

The Church: Santuario de San Antonio

Santuario de San Antonio Parish (Makati City)
Photo courtesy of the church

When we first planned our wedding (which was supposed to happen in 2011), we chose Christ the King in Green Meadows and the reception to be in Sitio Elena, a venue with a garden ambience. We visited the place during one of my many trips to Manila but, in the end, things got a bit sidetracked.

Realisations of a Bride-to-Be

When my fiance and I finally agreed on the date of the wedding, I was making mental countdowns almost every other day and imagining what the Big Day would be like. Yes, I was researching on churches, venues and suppliers but didn't really feel the "pressure" until we started settling down payments and reservation fees. Told myself, "This is it! It's really happening!"

Wedding FAQs

I just started this blog today and I thought I'd come up with 10 frequently asked questions about my wedding. So, here goes:


1. When is the big day?
My wedding is going to be on 28 September 2012.


2. Will you be getting married in Singapore?
We are considering getting solemnised in Singapore but the wedding ceremony is in Manila, Philippines, so our loved ones will witness our union.


3. Why did you start this blog barely five months to your big day?
This isn't the first wedding blog that I started. There's one for our supposed wedding in 2011 but things got a bit sidetracked so, obviously, that 2011 wedding didn't happen. This year, it's the real thing. I made this blog to chronicle my journey as a bride-to-be and as an "online love letter" for my husband-to-be.


4. What have you confirmed so far?
We have already confirmed the church, reception, caterer, photographer, the number of guests, principal sponsors, some members of the entourage and the florist for my wedding bouquet, the bridal party and for the bridal car as well as my wedding couturier.

I'll blog about these suppliers soon.


5. When did you start planning for the wedding?
We've been talking about it since we got engaged (again) last year but it's only in February this year when we started nailing down details and contacting suppliers.


6. Where will you settle after the wedding?
We are planning to start a new life as Mr and Mrs in Singapore.


7. Have you started an exercise regimen to tone up before the wedding?
Yes, sort of. I do yoga from time to time and workout but not on a regular basis. It's time to drag my lazy ass and really stick to it. I do a lot of cardio, too!


8. Have you set a budget for your wedding?
Yes. Since my fiance and I are paying for the wedding, we have set a budget and we intend to stick to it. We have no plans of going overboard. 


9. How many guests are you inviting?
We agreed to have 100 guests, which will consist of family, relatives and really close friends. In short, these are people that we can't live without.


10. What's on your wishlist?
Honeymoon destinations: 
* Siem Reap in Cambodia to see the world-famous Angkor Wat
* Pearl Farm in Davao for ultimate relaxation and pampering
* Macau, China (although I'm not so hot about this place)
* Halong Bay in Vietnam (but the five-hour travel by land from Hanoi makes me think twice about this destination)

We were enjoying the Manila Bay sunset (April 2012)

Wedding Stressing & Wedding Blogging

It's true what they say: planning a wedding is stressful. Planning your wedding is nerve-wracking!