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Wedding Jitters, Etc.
It’s exactly 100 days before Christmas and according to my wedding app, exactly 87 days, 1 hour, and 54 mins before my wedding. Oh, the horror!
We’ve had a few setbacks when it comes to our wedding planning over the last few months. So although the major players for the wedding have been booked already, there are still tons of details that are hanging. And you know girls (brides) — we’re suckers for details!
So with less than 4 months to go before the big day, here’s a list of things we already have. I know this isn’t a blog-worthy post, but I’m doing this as a reminder to myself; read on if you’re interested. If you got bored or annoyed, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
1. Venue - UP Los Banos
When Enzo and I decided to get married, we knew there’s only one place in the whole world where we wanna do it in: UP Los Banos. This was where we met and became friends. So we booked and paid for St. Marc’s Chapel right away.
It’s this magical open chapel on top of Mt. Makiling designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin. Regine Velasquez and Aga Mulach had a movie that was shot here. Haha, we’re showbiz like that.
Breathtaking. I cannot even begin to describe how in love I am with this place, structure, and landscape. And no, not because of Aga and Regine. :)
For the reception, we’re doing it on a portion of UPLB Freedom Park, right where the Carillon Tower is, and next to the infamous Fertility Tree. Harhar. Pero no joke.
This was Enzo’s dream, to be able to set-up a tent he designed and fabricated himself. And so though I wanted a smaller, simpler celebration, I’ve decided to make his dreams come true. Oh, cheesy love.
Here’s Enzo’s vision, rendered in 3D StudioMax:
Hooo-wooow carabao.
Getting the space in the field wasn’t an easy task. The whole process merits another post once we’ve finalized everything and signed the contract. I heard we’re only the second couple to hold a wedding there, and the first one to set-up an actual tent. Pressure, pressure. We want to do it right and we also want to give back to the campus that nurtured us individually and together, as a couple.
2. Caterer - Bizu
We are lucky that Bizu was still open for one more wedding the day I emailed them. Otherwise I will be in a runt! Enzo and I are fans of Bizu because of their food and also their styling. And though their price range is nothing to sneeze at, I know we—and our guests—will be in good hands.
Here’s a peek of what’s gonna be in our dessert buffet:
Sinfully sweet!
3. Photographer - Karl Marx Photography
Carl, 1/2 of the team, is the boyfriend of a college friend of mine. I knew about him and his works via Facebook and quickly got him for the job. I am a strong supporter of young freelance artists who are pursuing their passions, and making money out of it!
4. Videographer - Aisle 1401
Aisle 1401 is also a very young team who just officially started out in the industry this year. Aisle 1401 is a treasure find. You know the feeling when you found something so good you wanna keep it to yourself? That’s how I feel about them. But then you know that a good thing should never be meant a secret; it’s meant to be shared with everyone. Like love, the gospel, and candies.
So I’m very happy to say that my selfish instincts have been shelved. In fact, our friends who are getting married in May next year have already booked them through us. And we’ve already told Enzo’s sister who’s also getting married in January to book Aisle 1401 fast.
5. Lights and Sounds, Tent set-up, Video walls - care of friends :)
Enzo is a set, stage, and events designer by profession. He’s blessed to be working with the best technical people in the industry, who have pledged their support on our big day.
I’m happy I don’t need to worry about these things. The only wires and buttons a bride should fuss about are her jewels and gowns.
6. Wedding Rings - Glitz of Bitz Custom Jewelry
Our wedding bands are passed on from my grandparents. From 1930s China.
I was looking for a jeweler who could transform this something old into something new. Tita Portia of Glitz of Bitz is the mother in law of Ching, a college and church friend back in LB. I knew about her business through her awesome blog.
I’m soo thankful to Tita Portia, who patiently followed what I wanted, even if I knew my design was next to impossible.
My ring, on the right — Tita Portia used extra white gold for the band and added tiny diamonds for the antique artwork.
Enzo’s ring was a plain band but he wanted an elvish inscription inside — Tita Portia had to look for an artist for this!
Thank you, Tita Portia for making our dream rings!!! We love you!
9. Hair and Makeup - Jong
When I said yes to a “wedding”, my deal with Enzo was that I would not have to plan or supervise anything and that my only role was to show up and be beautiful. So of course I needed a makeup artist who I can trust. I knew Jong from my GMA 7 days. He was the makeup artist of our hosts. I’m glad we kept in touch even though I’m resigned from the network already!
Oh, and about that deal? Scrap that. I am so into this, apparently. I wish I wasn’t, but I am. Oh boy…
10. Gown - Gueco Formal Wear
Tita Millet Gueco is a friend of Enzo’s mom, and she graciously offered to make my gown for free. I’ve already had my first fitting, and I can’t wait to see the finished dress!
11. Coordinator - Maan dela Rama
Since Enzo and I both have backgrounds in events and media, we know a lot of event coordinators. I know we could have easily asked anyone to man our day, but I put my foot down and told Enzo that planning a wedding is different from planning a corporate launch. Besides, we want our colleagues/friends to be there as guests, not as busybees.
Maan was strongly recommended by our account executive from Bizu. Fingers crossed that she knows what she’s in for. Or who she’s dealing with. One giant bridezilla over here, hello! Joke lang! But then again, jokes are half meant. *winks
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So there. It would seem like we’re good to go, but we’re really really really not. Major details are lacking. For my next entry, I’m blogging about what we still need for the wedding and why it’s making me twitchy.
To be continued…
