a happy bride

A relaxed bride is a happy bride.

I advise you to slow down a week before your wedding. Give all the instructions to your wedding coordinator and spend the remaining days to rest, relax and reinvigorate yourself before your wedding day.

Typically most of the stress falls on us, brides and we don't want to walk down the aisle frazzled, ugly and exhausted, right? so it's really important to pamper yourself before your big day.

Spend a day at the spa or beauty parlor to get your nails colored, foot soaked, hair re bonded etc... You can also invite your girlfriends to join you and have a good chit-chat.

I could vividly remember that day, when I quietly watched the beautiful drama that unfolds and slowly savoring each memories...

I can't imagine being more happy on the day when you, too, will be a bride and walk into the arms of your husband.

a very beautiful feeling.

A question of Priorities

(Pls click for a bigger picture)

Let's talk about wedding costs, expenses and budget. This is the hardest thing to compromise with your fiance. Believe me, You will go through a lot of hearings and arguments;so good luck. :-)

I am guilty of being so idealistic and ambitious at first. I wanted this and that. Let's have this and that; not knowing Cebu has increased a lot when it comes to wedding supplies/suppliers. Even if i was only yearning for a simple and intimate wedding.

Our initial wedding budget was 250k and we vowed to only spend that amount of our savings but as we went through our preparations, we realized that 250k was not enough.

'twas not enough because we wanted to inject a little class on it.

We were closely watching our costs, and we made some considerations na because we didn't want to spend all our savings in our wedding. There's still a challenging life after the wedding. We think of a baby, family insurance, a brand new family car, good thing we have a house, but we need more furnitures, educational plan, etc..... we made sure that the measurement of our special day will not be tied up to the luxury of our suppliers but to the special memories that we will preserve and treasure.

There was really a question of priorities. My husband put a high priority on foods, reception. And I had photography as my priority because thats what lasts. We will always look back on our photos.

It was really hard to juggle wedding costs and since we wanted to stay true to our dream wedding. We decided to stretch on our budget. We doubled it. But i swore to myself (for the last time) that if we go beyond our new budget, I won't push through with a church wedding. I would rather have a civil wedding and keep our money for future use. haha you know practical.

I was lucky to have a very responsible husband. He paid everything. He didn't allow me to share on our wedding expenses. See, I am so lucky..lucky girl. hehe but I did my part by not overspending and not be very demanding hehe.

I had a simple yet a well complimented wedding. :-)

My advise is to limit your wedding expenses but not to the point of not achieving your dream wedding. Just make sure to have an extra savings after.

OUR LOVE STORY

It's nice to come up with your own love story and every time you share it, it's like an endless healing.

My love story was unpredictable at first but was filled with love and passion later on. My relationship with my husband now has taught me more on living and loving and trying to find purpose in this crazy world.

On your wedding day, it is really best to share a little of your love story to your guests . They would be very eager and giddy to know where it all started.

This was read by our beautiful wedding host, Cathy Gabronino of ABS-CBN-Cebu.

Every heart has a prayer.... to be loved, to be cherished, to be taken cared of unconditionally.

This prayer echoes on in every corner of lonely streets, empty laughters and broken promises.

Pie and Sho prayed long and hard enough and found their prayers answered through each other.

The two first met during Globe's Christmas party at Mariott Hotel on December 2004----- Sho, a Senior Software Engineer and Pie, an E-Marketing Supervisor then were both invited on the said party. They were on different groups and was unsuspecting of what would transpire later. But nothing happened between them.

This led to another party, Infoweapon's party when Sho's officemate, Mars invited Pie to attend. It was needless to say that the two found company in each other.

Days after these first two meetings, Sho dropped by at Pie's office to give some good DVD to watch and an invitation for some coffee break... appreciative of the budding friendship, Pie accepted.

Days and months later, Pie and Sho spent more and more time together --- they were tireless of uncomplicated conversations, meeting each other's friends and families, traveling while discovering their strengths and flaws, and doing their favorite bonding: jogging in Abellana grounds.

It was in June 15, 2005 when Pie and Sho finally became a couple and admitted how much they love and treasure each other. Pie recalls how much searching she went through just to find the guy her heart desires... Sho was also restless in the same fate... and that day, when they truly found each other, was a prayer answered.

The relationship, just like another, was not perfect. It battled its own storms and doubts. There were times when the two were ready to walk away. Yet a much stronger love and conviction made them stay. The two knows that there would be no further place to look, they safely belong in each other .

On June 17, 2008 in a paradise beach, during one of Pie's unguarded moments, Sho proposed to marry Pie ... to spend endless moments with her. It was an extra splendid moment, when both the sun and the sky basked in the couple's overpowering joy. It was a time frozen in paths where prayers and happy endings come true.

After almost 4 years of being a couple, Pie and Sho now affirm their love and lifetime commitment in front of all the special persons in their lives, and especially in front of their main witness, God.

For both Pie and Sho, this is another start of a thousand more laughters, and of love so profound. A love that finds home in each other's stares, in each other's arms.

Wedding Compliments

It's nice to live in a world of compliments. And for a while, i was on that world.
To be honest, my wedding was not the grandest but everybody felt grand.

It was classy on its ambiance and color
It was glorious when we had our first dance
It was meaningful when I walked down the aisle and everybody cried
It was magnificent with all the special people around
It was marvelous when everybody had fun.
It was excellent when all the guest sat through the very end of the program
It was inspiring listening to the speeches
It was admirable when everybody made an applause, loudly cheering on us

The compliments that day was truly a joy. It tugged my heartstrings.

(I and all your messages....Merci)

"I was really touched by your wedding, and really i enjoyed the reception, grabe!. Cge ko panabi diri sa ABS CBN, ganahan kaayo ko sa smooth operator dance ninyo and I love your speech, and pics WOW! That is why I can't help but approached your photographer and congratulated him. I am so happy for you, Pie." - Jayne Abella of ABS - CBN, Cebu

"Got teary eyed seeing you walk down the aisle. I really had fun at the reception. Nice wedding, dear. Success!" - Jaja Echavez, Software Engineer

"Thank you for the SUPERB night at the Waterfront." - Francisco Francisco, teacher

" You had a very nice wedding which you truly deserve." Ma. Arline Lim, Nurse

"Nindot kaayo imong wedding. Well organized kaayo and lingaw. " - Judith Hsia, RN

" Your wedding was one of the best we attended. We had a wonderful time. " Rose Eileen Dumale, Supervisor

" Your wedding was so nice. Very happy pud kaayo ko" - Claire Largo, Businesswoman

" Nalingaw kaayo mi, gaw sa imong wedding, nag video mi sa phone, amo niya to i-collate then hatag namo sa inyo." - Christian Abella, Software Engineer

" You were so beautiful, nigawas jud imong kgawapa" Ligaya Nugas, travel buddy :-)

" Your wedding was so great, in fact it was one wedding that I was able to sit through the very end and I actually enjoyed. Thanks so much for sharing your most memorable day with us." Maita Rita Go, Accountant

"Wonderful Celebration. My first wedding her in the Philippines. Sho is such a lucky guy." Eli, CEO

" That was one of the great nuptials I've been. Now, I am more encouraged to get married. Rico Lucena, Senior Reporter ABS-CBN, Cebu

"Felt so privileged to be part of your grand wedding. Grabe! i like the elegance and it's not samok. Not to mention, you were so radiant my dear. Very nice couple. " Eva Abellanosa, Accountant

" Very nice wedding, it was so much fun." - Jimmy Marquez, start in a million singer

From the deepest chambers of our hearts, THANK YOU.

When you mary on the right time, at right place, and right person, everything is a bliss.

I've been on a natural high since I got wed and I always tell people that the best day of my life was the time I decided to share LIFETIME LOVE with Sho.

That's really one great gift in life.

Allow me to thank all of you for the nice gifts that you have given to us on our wedding day. Of course, aside from the real love, presence and friendship...

You have given us gifts that brought so much meaning and joy to our new home. You really wish us happiness.

From the deepest chambers of our hearts, THANK YOU SO MUCH, guys.

A HEN party.

A night before my wedding, A group of my gfriends dropped by to take a glimpse on me before I become a wife. They actually have naughty gimmick prepared for me which was really crazy but
it was such a sweet surprise.

We had a simple and intimate dinner first.......then comes a bridal shower.
Oh by the way, another term for Bridal Shower is HEN PARTY.

It was fun. wholefully fun. Bridal Shower after all is a way of making you feel relax and calm before the Big Day. So please include that on your preparation. Have one of your friends prepare that for you.

And these are some of the sexy stuffs I received.


My Advise: Please limit your visitors before the wedding. MAximum time of fun will be up to 10pm. After that, shut the door and leave them outside.

Just got MARRIED

I just got MARRIED.

For REAL.

We're on our NEW HOME.

We're on HONEYMOON MODE.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.

(There's so many things to write about my wedding and I don't know where to start. But expect a lot of blog entries in the coming days)

Kisses to all of you.
(photos from personal digicam)

Wedding Jitters, get out pls.

Help!!!! I get the jitters... the dreaded wedding jitters.

This Saturday is the day I've been waiting for, the day I have been dreaming of, the day I will marry my special someone who holds me on his world for 5 years.

Everything is indescribable and unexplainable. I tell you, brides to be, the feeling is really different. You feel all the nervousness, the bad dreams, the pitfalls, but topping it most, the excitement.

I think I need to grip on the reality and moderate my expectations. It's this lil devil of perfection in me that is causing me to have this jitters and weird dreams.

It's really funny and weird. And I think all the brides went through this kind of feelings. I can't sleep well, I can't eat well. I am very emotional. I can't make my sanity intact. At some point, when some things trigger up and I suddenly burst out and decided to break my fiance. Fortunately, after a second i get back to my senses. hahaha

Then you know what's worst? You tend to magnified little things, like for example if he doesn't want you to get involve in making give-aways because he wants you to just relax, you think otherwise, He is controlling you. If he leaves dishes in the sink now, does that mean he won't help me with the housework down the line?

Hay Lord. These wedding jitters are making me crazy and giving me butterfly tensions in my tummy.. But they say, this is very normal. All you have to do is control it and calm yourself.

This is not about---doubting your partner but the feeling is just different. It's not also about being stressed over wedding details but its the bickering thought that you will be taking an enormous step in your life. Pretty normal, especially for a first time bride...I doubt it there is second, third..oh no...

Brides-to-be, take it from me, you will really go through wedding jitters. Just don't panic, it's normal. Understand that feelings, its intensity But you need to stop it. You have to sort your doubts, calm yourself and move forward. Wait for the most memorable day of your life.
Know, that it has nothing to do with the quality of relationship with your future hubby and the ability to have enduring marriage.

After all, YOU BOTH ARE MEANT TO BE.

And Yes, I could simply and surely say, WE ARE MEANT TO BE.

Wedding jitters, now get out pleaaaase.

Wedding Wishlist

My wedding is just 3 weeks away from now. I am having pandemonium of emotions . It's just different.

I can't simply wait to wed my MAN. Thats it!

Many have been bugging us what gifts we want for our wedding. Okay. . now you are giving us extra reasons to be excited on our wedding day. We can't wait to be like pirates looting for a treasure trove-- for us us to open the biggest gift or the one that has the fanciest wrapping design. hehe

We would love to have these things for our new home:

1. Mattress
2. Pillow cases/ Blankets/ pillows
3. Comforters
4. Curtains
5. Throw pillows /cases
6. Vases/ could be with flowers
7. Bed Sheets
8. Paintings (lots of them) har har
9. microwave
10. sets of knife
11. casseroles/ frying pans
12. spoon and forks
13. plates and bowls
14. glasses
15. iron
16. iron horse
17. hangers
18. electric drill (power tools)
19. lanterns
20. lamp shade
21. towels
22. tent (outdoor tent or outdoor umbrella)
23. Cash Gifts...haha

Everyone, no pressure. Your presence alone is the best wedding gift you can give to us. But if you are planning to give us something special on that day, THANK YOU. We would be very grateful and would treasure that for the rest of our lives.

Thank you so much in advance.

Simply and lustrously yours, JESSIE GLOVA

My wedding will be immortalized in photos for a lifetime, that I should look beautiful. Very beautiful. :-)

I have to admit, I don't really look good with colors on. I look trash with makeups and lipsticks. But since I will be the most photographed person on my wedding day, I have no choice but to look for the best make up artist in the city.

The list of make up artist in Cebu is overwhelming but seeking for the perfect one was easy for me. I fell in love with Jessie Glova's make -up artistry so suddenly. He can potentially do a natural look which can totally reveal your glamorous side.
I like his "less is more" make up philosophy. So simple yet so elegant to look at.
(see this photo from his portfolio)

I finally came to visit him and caught him in the middle of a makeup session. Wow, the value that Jessie places on personal beauty is very amazing. His beauty process is not about his fame(sshh he is well known in Cebu), imposing strong opinions and strict rules. But It is always about the woman sitting in front of him.

I like that observation on him. The lady he was putting colors on can freely say what she wants to do with her hair, her lashes etc.. The fact that he hears from us, his clients is so noble of him. Admirable.

He was whole-fully nice, friendly and very approachable on our first meeting and I can't wait to to have him on my wedding.

He showed me more of his portfolio and I am completely blown away of the fact that his touches met my criteria of being Light Responsive--meaning it looks so natural, so fabulous in photos. (see these photos from his portfolio)



Jessie Glova's talent is all about making you! simply and lustrously glow. It's more than make up artistry in its purest form. He is a “Light” in the industry of fashion and beauty in Cebu.

I am extremely proud to have him part of my dream team. Thank you, Jessie Glova.
You can visit his shop at Pacific Square, Mabolo. It's right before Castle Peak Hotel.

Check his site: http://www.jessieglovamakeupandstyle.tk/
Contact details:
(032) 2361808
09054222742

My so expressive wedding invitation

Conceptualizing your wedding invitation can be very exciting. It's not just a piece of colored embellished parchment that you send out to invite your friends and family on your wedding day.

Invitations speak for a lot of things. our personalities, our preferences, our outlook--- to our wedding.

Ours is an invitation full of expressions. It's a rose-themed invitation. With Red as the dominant color accentuated with gold.
Looks exactly like this but instead of green, we have it in gold. And instead of like a Gumamela flowers, we have Rose on it.



It's double fold with a pocket rose. Similar to this.

I am not very crafty so I will depend more on printing design and deal with printer mishaps. :-)

It will be worded most by me and personalize it with a lil note of gratitude. And you can use it as a bookmark.
And the message goes like this:


I inevitably went through a lot of potential designs before I found the one thats simply right.

I hope its worth. (wink)

Our Sponsor's Give-aways

For our sponsor's give-aways, we want it something special and meaningful.
After all, they would be like our second mom and dad. They'll be our guide, our mentor and our inspiration.
They 'll be the one to come to the padrone in times of need and learn from them.

We opted to buy a figurine that would remind them of how to maintain a beautiful affinity and how we would be like in the future. :-)

Sweet. Touching and Meaningful.



Wish we could stay as sweet as this forever.

Wedding give-aways for guests

Now, I am putting my feet up to our wedding give-aways or favors.
I have searched so many nice wedding favors but most of them are for decorative purposes only.

I want something that is not usually seen on display shelves, something usable, something unique but we don't want to spend so much bucks on it.

I and my fiance thought of a personalized TIN can where they can use it for keeping small stuffs. Simple but very usable.

We have it in red and gold color(wedding motif) with our names on it.
We'll gonna put some chocos and candies inside and after they can use the can.


We have purchased a lot of them already.


And we are gonna accentuate it with ribbon on top to look more presentable and admirable to the guests.


I hope they will like it. It's a little thoughtful thing for celebrating and sharing our wedding day.

My wedding cake

5 layered Carrot Walnut cake
with California Raisins

By: Bebong Cake and Pastries
Manduae, Cebu

My thoughts on wedding cake before was easy as saying, it is just there to make sight pleasurable.

But these days a wedding cake has become more than just a reception dessert. It is now something for the guests to gush over for both design and taste.

I started looking for a design that would go with my wedding theme. For me, there's no more beautiful way to decorate a wedding cake than with flowers. I found one perfect for my wedding.

Moreover, this wedding cake is extra special because of this marvelous couple from Texas and Canada

Jec-Jec and Ian.

"Your generosity is beyond measure. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
For being part of our wedding even if you are miles away. I have learned much of life's philosophy from you both. Thank You, sincerely".

Wedding gown sketch

Here's a closer look of my wedding gown sketches.
Jonas, one of the in-house designers of Harley Ruedas made it really perfect.

Wedding gown sketches are important, I realized.
It actually speeds up your visual problem. It serves as a communication tool on how you want your gown to look like. When i was searching for my wedding gown, I was so confused as to whats really best for me. There were just sooo many to consider, and so many to choose from.

Making your own wedding gown sketch is a great help because it expresses your own preference, your own visual honesty.

I love the evolution of wedding gown sketching. From a sketch in a notebook to a work of art on a real canvas, the creative process is exciting.

Start Sketching your dream wedding gown now. :-)

Harley Ruedas-a haven of bride's wedding gown.

Wedding gown is one of the highlights of a wedding occasion. And it would be a big treat for me to wear a designer gown.
I thank my fiance for this big time TREAT. :-)

Last Saturday, we have found my wedding gown creator in the name of Harley Ruedas. With word-of-mouth recommendations by satisfied customers and promotions in various bridal shows and wedding magazine, I was convinced that he will be part of my dream team.

Harley won himself the reputation of being one of the best creators of modern wedding. He is only not known for his wedding dresses but he has also gained much acknowledgment for every evening-wear.

He is a well-known Cebu designer and has been in the business for more than a decade.

I and my fiance had our contract signing with him last Saturday and i was so impressed on how they accommodated us. In Harley Ruedas, you both have the designers born and made up. They are group of creative bunch who have a profound experience on creativity and style. They are very systematic and very professional.

It really helps when you bring in all your ideas, pictures and samples of what gown you want. Then you both discuss your body type and the way you want to look on your wedding. And the thing that I really like most is, they work on your budget.

Yep, they do. Just tell them how much is your budget for your wedding gown and behold!...

Most of the Cebu designers now, priced their wedding gowns starting from P30k to 50k. If you have a very intricated design, for sure you'll go as high as 50k.
In Harley Ruedas, they work on your budget which is really a good thing.

Jonas, one of Harley's in-house designers, started to sketch my wedding gown and it looks so so good and lovely. So romantic for a valentines wedding. Haay, im just really so excited. Here's a glimpse.


I realized that not all beautiful gowns turn out to be the best fit for you. And this is where the designers communicate their vision of loveliness for you.

My choice of designer depicts on my dressing sense and I was happy to find Harley who is a haven of bride's wedding gown.




Contact Details:
HARLEY RUEDAS
Causing-Feria Bldg, Jones Avenue, Osmena Blvd, Cebu City, Philippines
Telephone Number: 253-4494
418-2264
TeleFax: 253-3899
Mobile: 0922-691-2106
Email: harleyruedas@yahoo.com.

My fiance wants me to wear this

This is the gown that my fiance wants me to wear on my wedding day.
Hmm, what do you think?

Yes, it's a beautiful gown but I am not blown away.
Because..because..because it looks expensive!!! hahaha

Honestly, I don't want to overspend on my wedding gown and make it useless after my wedding.

Sorry, I am just being reasonable and practical, Sweetheart.
Let's just dream together of me wearing that gown.. har har har

Wedding Gown Search

I want to be productive today on my wedding assignment.
"Start looking for your wedding gown now" my wedding planner instructed " Pls come up with a design"
"Okay, exciting"

I started searching online as to what would be the best gown for me. I realized how overwhelming the feeling is as you lurk from gown to another.

Haay, with so many beautiful ones.. i don't know what's perfect for me.

But I want a gown that would hide my stupid fats and would accentuate my best features. hehehe I want it simple with no overflowing beads, sashes and folds. I don't want to be a walking wedding decor noh.

One thing I know, an A-line gown would look good on me. It would hug my waist and hide flaws above my waistline.

I am not fond of Grecian gowns nor the Renaissance ones. I want the modern and sophisticated styles. Best, if it would suit my personality, would make me feell confident and comfortable wearing it. And most importantly it would meet my budget.

Here are some that I fell in love with.
1.
I love this Satin gown with sweetheart neckline.
The bead- encrusted empire bodice with satin bow is just so elegant to look at.


2.

I love the designs of Maggie Sottero. And if you are reading this Maggie, Can I wear this creation of yours? :-)

Even with this laces on, i still love the closure and V-neckline with illusion lace shoulder straps.

The natural waistline is accented with a coordinating sash which is perfect!




3.


Clap.Clap.Clap.
Beautiful one, Maggie!
I love the simplicity. The attraction is
the stunning beaded embellishments
wrapping across the natural waist.

Elegance is mine.


4.

This is soo adorable! The laces are so captivating that adorns the dropped waist and encircles the hem of the tulle, circular skirt.

I am amazed. Now, I am
muddle-headed with these beautiful wedding gowns.

C'mon help me find the one.

Photographer: Jim Ubalde

They say that finding a professional photographer for your wedding can be a very difficult task, there's just so many choices from the vast range of photographers at widely varying prices.


But we are just overly lucky to find the best in the City. He is the man. Mr. Jim Ubalde.
Yes, you are right. The popular Jim Ubalde.

He has been doing wedding photography for 8 years now and has shot hundreds of wedding from ordinary to extraordinary people like Edu Rama,Jaja Chiongbian, Jonki Ouano and his wife, and so many others. He was already a renowned photographer on his own right before he quickly sought in the photography business.

He works exclusively on wedding photography and he gets better at doing it, and earns really BIG TIME by loving it.

Wow.

While I was lurking through his site and carefully browsing each of his masterpieces, I can't help but feel bewildered on his relaxed kind of approach to pictures. He only not document your day utilizing his expertise with composition and light, he captures the emotion, the memories, the beauty of each moment.

Gee. Seeing his portfolio only shows how he approaches wedding with a fresh outlook and treats each couple individually, always striving to photograph each wedding in a new and exciting way.

I finally sat down with him together with my fiance last week. They're actually friends, which is really a big thing! When i say big thing--simply because I am enjoying his generous quote! Byunal, Jim! We are just so lucky. It was such a delight to hear from him and discuss some of our wedding details.

Instantly I like him, he is brilliant and he really knows the flow of constant streaming moments during weddings. For him, there's nothing more gratifying that seizing the moment with his camera. That's a photographer for me.

Here's some of his timeless photos which tugged my heartstrings.

This photo provokes thought. The bride and her flower girl has a spontaneous moment done with artistry and creativeness. Beautiful!
By: Jim Ubalde





It captures love, life, happiness through his lens.
By: Jim Ubalde















There's no better way to capture the bride than this. Ahhhh!
By: Jim Ubalde


This is what we’d like to remember and treasure. Ohhh so lovely and romantic.!
By: Jim Ubalde

Now, I am imagining....

I can't wait to have him on my wedding day and I am just really so so so happy to get him and be the one to tell our story through his photos.

With Jim Ubalde and a genuine appreciation of immortalizing your love, I am certain that you will be pleased, as I am now and will be on my wedding day. Contact him at: +63-920-9121200 and visit his site at: http://jimubalde.multiply.com

I love that he knows where in this world his next wedding will be. My wedding. (wink)

Photographer: JIM UBALDE OF CEBU
I am thrilled.