Cheers to the W@W Top 10!

Back in 2008 and 2009, I had the privilege of voting for and congratulating the Top W@W Supplier, RF and CA, respectively.  This year, I was astounded to see my youngest baby, Once A Bride Weddings,  in the Top 10, amongst the "big guns" in the wedding industry. A surefire milestone for me!

We got married in December 21, 2009.  January 2010, I bid goodbye to w@w and launched OAB.  We had our first wedding last March 20th.  And yesterday, 5 months after our "first," we made it to W@W's Top 10 for 2010!

Truly, nakakataba ng puso.  Ok na ako sa hug and thank you after each wedding.  Voting for us in the Top 10 is a huge icing on a JSG cake!  Sulit na sulit ang pagod at puyat sa weddings.  To my w@w couples, maraming maraming salamat sa tiwala at suporta. It didn't matter that we are a rookie.  We started with a simple desire to help out the grooms and the brides on their wedding, and now that desire has become a constant source of bliss for me.  I owe it to you all!  Mwah!

I am also grateful to the Rana's, Sir Abet and Ms Benz for weddings at work.  Napakaraming natutulungan talaga!

Making it to the Top 10 will not be possible without the Once A Bride team.  I'd like to thank my team for giving their best effort in each and every wedding, and for helping me ensure that the Bride and Groom are happiest on that day!

Sa lahat ng bumati, maraming maraming salamat!

Hala, prang speech na sa star awards ito!

So, Congratulations to Jayson and Joanne, Bim and Gen, Elmer, Dylan, Ms. Jet, DLS, K by C, Chug, and Darlene!  It is an honor to be put side by side with you all.

Cheers to the 2010 Top 10!  See you on Nov 26th... and oh we have a wedding pala on that day!  Buti na lang 7pm pa party, hahabol ako, can't miss this one!  Huwow!

The Top 10 Wedding Suppliers for 2010!

The Top 10 Wedding Suppliers for 2010!

Discoveries: Preps Venue: Oakwood Premier Ortigas

Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila offers the ultimate experience in modern serviced living with 233 luxury apartments equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and world-class amenities to fulfill the modern-day client’s need for space and security in an elegant environment, combined with five-star service and the conveniences of home.

The property sits in the heart of the prime business and commercial district of Ortigas. It is 30 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Manila Domestic Airport, and an easy 15-minute drive to the central business district of Makati. Located right across the Asian Development Bank, the property is also close to the Philippine Stock Exchange, major corporate headquarters, shopping centers, restaurants and other leisure establishments. 

Introductory Rates (in Philippine Pesos):

Studio Executive                                               PHP  6,500

One-Bedroom Superior Suite                              PHP  7,300

One-Bedroom Deluxe Suite                                PHP  7,800

One-Bedroom Executive Suite                            PHP  8,300

Two-Bedroom Executive Suite                            PHP  9,600

Three-Bedroom Executive Suite                          PHP11,500

Chairman Suite                                                Upon request

CLICK HERE TO BOOK.

Our 18th: Edmond & Jo Ann's Wedding

August 4, 2010
Couple: Edmond and Joann Ferreria
Preparations: Parque Espana
Ceremony: Notre Dame de View
Reception: Byzantine 2 Fernbrook Gardens
Photographer/Videographer: Niceprint
HMUA: Princess Misa-Hernandez
Host: Missy Ferrer-Litao
Flowers: Mang Boy Mahusay
Sounds and lights: Al Joe Mix
Caterer: Hizon's Catering
Bridal Car: Rolls Royce
Musicians: JJS

August 4 is the couple's civil wedding anniversary.  August 4 2010 is their 10th wedding anniversary.  Mon and Joann are based in the US and they have 2 beautiful daughters who I fell in love with... It was a fun gathering of all dear to their hearts.  Here are some unofficial photos.

Candy Buffet: Sweet!

"One of the hottest trends in unique wedding reception ideas is the candy buffet. A candy bar buffet treat table is put together for the wedding reception and unveiled during the evening.

This can be set up for use as your wedding party favors and can be a real hit with your guests. Here are some ideas for a great candy bar or buffet."

Read more: How to Create a Candy Buffet for Your Wedding Reception | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4847987_create-candy-buffet-wedding-reception.html#ixzz0uyYHLbYY

Bridal Bouquet - Crystal/Feathers. Anyone?

Sooner or later, bridal bouquets will not be limited to flowers anymore.  A bride can now explore other materials for her bouquet, like crystals and feather.  Could be a good alternative since it will last a lifetime and you can even pass on to your future daughters... : )

Here are some nice arrangements found in the web:

Fancy a unique bouquet?  You can DIY it or you have it made by www.princessweds.multiply.com.  Below is the crystal bouquet made by Che of Princessweds, it costs around P3,000.00.

To those who are wondering how much a starbucks kiosk costs, here it is:

The contact number here is Tagaytay Starbucks.  But please do go to the Starbucks nearest to your reception venue.  For Tagaytay, Laguna, Alabang, Cavite area you may contact Jello or William @ 049-3026263.

Finally, blog updated!

I've finally caught up with the blog. So far, we've done 17th beautiful weddings. Time flies fast, grabe. From our experience with the 17 weddings here are some tips for the soon-to-weds.

1. If you don't have a 100sqm room and you have more than 5 heads for HMUA, get separate rooms for Bride and the Makeup. That will give your PV team more room for their creative shots.

2. I prefer early HMU for Bride. That means more time for photos and a relaxed mood during preps.

3. If your ento will have their HMU done in the preps venue, please request them to have their hair dried early.

4. No facial treatments 3 days to 1 week before the wedding to avoid any possible harsh reaction.

5. Prepare payment envelopes the day prior to the wedding and endorse it to your MOH.

6. Order preps meals day before.

7. Send us all the documents we need 1 day before at the latest so we know your plans and we can execute them well.

8. No long AVPs. No matter how beautiful it is, if it is more than 10 minutes, your guest won't enjoy watching it. 5 mins. is a good length.

9. Spread out testimonials/wishes throughout the program. That would make it less dragging for your guests.

10. On the wedding day, let go of your OC-ness and have fun!

Our 17th: Junjun and Cleo's Wedding

July 17, 2010
Couple: Jun Almonte and Cleo Bartolata
Preparations: Emiramona Garden Hotel, Tagaytay
Ceremony: OLLP
Reception: Leslie's Glasshouse
Photographer: Raymond Fortun
Videographer and Photobooth: Geronimo Photograpico
HMUA: Val Villarin
Host: Richard Agtarap
Flowers: Yhoan's Flowershop
Sounds and lights: Rejectkrew
Catere: Townsdelight
Bridal Car: Ford Mustang by Casa de Carlo

Junjun and Cleo is an overseas couple. They are so cool and easy to get along with. Here is the onsite by RF.

Junjun+Cleo Onsite AVP from Raymond Fortun on Vimeo.

Our 16th: Peng and Jans' Wedding

July 15, 2010
Couple: Peng Sadaran and Jans Juen
Preparations: Taal Vista
Ceremony: Caleruega
Reception: Splendido
Photographer: Nelwin Uy
Backup Photographer: Joey Boquiren
Videographer: Bob Nicolas
Designer: Cecilio Abad
Photo Booth: Partypics
HMUA: Jesy Alto
Host: Mallory Cosio
Flowers: Fatima
Musicians: Silver Blue
Cake: Gervy's Amaxing Cakes
Bridal Car: Mark V by JCA vintage
Fireworks: Dragon Fireworks

Peng and Jans had a power house team, "big guns" as they say, except for us hehehe. It was nice to see CA again and see his awesome creation. More on this when I have photos already.

Our 15th: Shane and Madel's Wedding

July 9, 2010
Couple: Shane Banasig and Maridel Gomez

Preparations: Linden Suites

Ceremony and Reception: Plaza Ibarra

Celebrant: Pastor Patrick Lee

Photographer and Videographer: Smartshot
Flowers: Go4Flowers

Musicians: Kuya Osen

Days before the wedding, Madel was worried she'll get chickenpox because her niece and sister have chickenpox.  On the wedding day, she did have chickenpox!  but that did not prevent Shane and Madel from having a really wonderful wedding.  Here is their onsite:

Our 14th: Pj and Abby's Wedding

June 28, 2010
Couple: PJ Forcadela and Abbie Manal

Preparations: Yellow Coco

Ceremony: Caleruega

Reception: Sonya's Garden

Photographer and Videographer: BA Studio

HMUA: Christine Bautista

Host: Dr. Lida

Flowers: Flowers of May

Cake:Tourist Bakeshop

Bridal Car: Ford Mustang by Casa de Carlo

Pj and Abbie are busy persons.  They are both hoteliers and we only meet during their rest days.  In spite of the busy work schedule, they were able to plan for a really gorgeous wedding.  When there is no designer to assist the Bride in dressing up, we assist the Bride.  In this case, we also steam ironed the beautiful wedding gown.  The ceremony was great, the celebrant was Fr. Allen and most guests even my staff went into tears with the homily.  I really admire Fr. Allen.  The reception was so fun... full of games and the guests loved it.  Here are some photos of their wedding:

Our 13th

Our 12th: Gideon and Sheryll's Wedding

June 5, 2010
Couple: Gideon Dy and Sheryll Mallari

Preparations: Imperial Palace

Ceremony: OASIS

Reception: OASIS

Caterer: Hizon's Catering

Photographer and Videographer: Niceprint

Photobooth: Studio on Wheels

HMUA: Dave Astillero

Host: Sweet Casuyon

Flowers: Flower Power

Musicians: Velvet Mood Musicale

Hmmm... I wonder why I don't have photos yet.  This wedding I will never forget.  I almost had nervous breakdown.. hehehe... It was the first time i heard... "Inuulit ko, tinatanggap mo ba si Gideon..."  Because the Bride was so happy, she fell into tears before answering "the most important question" for the day.  I thought it only happens in movies... But finally, after a looooongggg 1 minute, Sheryll, said "Opo, pastor."  Yey! 

Our 11th: Allan and Joan's Wedding

May 29, 2010
Couple: Allan Alcantara and Joanna Dayao

Preparations: Bride's Residence

Ceremony: Ermita Church

Reception/Catering: Assosacion de Damas

Cake: Red Ribbon

Our 10th: Franco and Abbie's Wedding

May 28, 2010
Couple: Franco Laylo and Abigail Domingo

Preparations: Manila Southwoods Manor

Ceremony: Sto. Nino de Cebu, Southwoods

Reception: Stonecrest

Caterer: Juan Carlo

Photographer and Videographer: Manila Prime Studio

Back-up Photographer: Paolo Ruiz

Coffee Booth: Starbucks Nuvali

HMUA: Princess Misa-Hernandez

Host: Dr. Lida

Flowers: Love in Blooms

Musicians: Melomannos

Cake: Joy San Gabriel

Bridal Car: Fly to Manila c/o Ronnie 

Franco and Abbie is a really lovely couple.  Abbie is into the preps more because Franco is reviewing for the bar exams.  I like the proximity of the venues - only 5 to 10 mins away from each and no traffic.  Aside from how beautiful the Bride was during the wedding, what I won't forget are: the church coordinator insisted to have a "ninang" march during the processional - who happens to be a "ninang" for the next wedding, and of course, the Starbucks booth!  Here are some photos of their wedding:

 

 

 

 

 

Our 9th: Ken and Malou's Wedding

May 15, 2010
Couple: Kenneth Quintos and Malou Lucero

Preparations: Great Eastern Hotel

Ceremony: UST

Reception/Catering: Aberdeen QC

Photographer and Videographer: Vignette

Host: Leslyne Nenzo

I don't have photos of their wedding yet.  Can't find them on FB.  : ) Anyway, I'll just use the space to write some reviews.  

 

I won't be excited to do preps again at Great Eastern Hotel.  It was really really HOT even with the aircon.  I pity the P/V team because i can literally see the sweat running down their faces.  I admire Vignette for keeping their cool in spite of the heat.  UST is great, their church coordinators don't "hate" wedding coordinators like us.  It was a collaboration between them and us.  We don't do what they tell us not to do and we help them in every way we can.  It was a flawless ceremony.  Now, what I don't like about Aberdeen is that they include their setup time in the rental period of the venue.  Duh?  And they allow photographers who sell photos to guests inside the reception venue.  I've asked a lot of times for them to leave but the Manager said they are with Aberdeen.  So that leaves the couple and the guests unsecured.  This i don't understand too.  In spite of these, the couple and the guests enjoyed the wedding and that's what really matters.

Our 8th: Boboy and Babette's Wedding

April 28, 2010
Couple: Geoffrey Gan and Rachelle Esposp

Preparations: Taal Vista

Ceremony: Our Lady of Lourdes

Reception/Catering: Sampaguita Ballroom, Taal Vista

Photographer and Videographer: Aron Ebio

Photobooth: Flashwink

HMUA: Wife of Aron Ebio

Host: Richard Agtarap

Flowers: Yhoan's Flowershop

Musicians: SJT Strings

Cake: Claycakes

The couple engaged our team as OTD roughly a month before the wedding.  Kind of short notice for me but it worked just fine.  Even if the Bride needs insulin shots for the day, she remained stunning!  Oh, I love the cake!  Here are some photos:

 

 

 

Our 7th: Erick and Sarah's Wedding

April 16, 2010
Couple: Erick de Guzman and Sarah Miranda

Preparations: Yellow Coco

Ceremony: Caleruega

Reception/Catering: Royale Tagaytay Country Club

Photographer and Videographer: Louie Reformado

Photobooth: Pose N' Print

HMUA: Princess Misa-Hernandez

Hosts: Friends of Couple

Flowers: Yhoan's Flowershop

Bridal Gown: Gretchen Pichay

Erick and Sarah's wedding is very close to my heart.  I really admire how they remained "sane" after all the challenges they went through during the planning stage.  I love it that Sarah knows what she wants for their wedding.  Our first with all-rose petals aisle, balloons for recessional, and oh a pink bridal gown - love it!  There were also challenges during the wedding day but these don't matter anymore, because the couple are up to enjoy and savor the fun in their wedding.  Here are some photos:

Our 6th: Jeff and Mariz' Wedding

April 15, 2010
Couple: Jeff Corduwa and Mariz Pacoli

Preparations: Crowne Plaza

Ceremony: Archbishop Palace

Reception: Light of Love - Cherish

Caterer: Hizon's Catering

Photographer and Videographer: Kenneth Uy

Photobooth: Pose N' Print

HMUA: Val Villarin

Hosts: Missy Ferrer

Flowers: Go4Flowers

Bridal Gown: Michelle Lim

Jeff and Mariz is a really cool couple - during the entire planning they were relaxed and focused.  Come preps - thanks to Val Villarin for finishing the HMU early - we're all relaxed at Crowne Plaza.  Early HMU means more time for photos which I really prefer.  We even had the time to watch American Idol.  Both their families are very nice and cooperative.  And oh, I love the Bride's makeup!  Here are some photos of their wedding: