My Wedding Book

Creative Invitation

2008-07-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

The first impression to a wedding is the invitation. So, Rod and I wanted to make our invite unique and personal as possible. Incorporating our colors blue and yellow with our monogram and the cute little feathers adorning the invites. The insides speaks of elegance and sophistication.

Without further ado, here are the shots taken of our invites.

Blue damask print on the inside flap of the main envelop

Missalette

2008-05-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Rod and I worked on our Missalette for our wedding ceremony for the last couple of nights. We got a huge help from Bangbang suggestions. I consider her the person to have a detailed experience on a lot of things. She was a hands-bride during her wedding. She stands as our mentor and editor for most of our wedding needs.

Missalette encourages people to participate in the Mass Ceremony, it also serves as a souvenir for the couple to keep the memory alive as the years pass by. The names of the attendants, officiating priests, the choir , and all other little details that go with the solemn ceremony of marriage.

Our missalette design will be simple with our monograms on the front cover. Our readings and choices of songs were carefully hand picked by us to make the event even more meaningful.

Wedding Bands

2008-05-02T03:43:00.000-07:00

And with that I mean Rings instead of the entertainment band we're going to have. Rod and I have toyed with a lot of wedding ring designs and Piaget and Tiffany have topped our list. It is said that wedding band should be as simple as possible to represent the couple's union. As much as possible there should not be any diamonds or intricate design so as to represent a smooth going married life.

Piaget Rings (not ours by the way hehehe!)

Another consideration we have to make is the ring engravings. We can opt for a more traditional wordings such as names plus wedding date or something funkier like our pet names for each other.

Below are some of the wordings we're considering, each one of them we've personally created and means something to us personally:

Together as one in faith, love and happiness
My first (his), My Last (hers)
Let's grow old together
His- Shrek Hers- Donky (hahahah)
No Return, No Exchange

Help us decide by voting for the best wordings for our rings!

An Unusual Contract

2008-04-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

Check this out! I sent this to all my female entourage. It's funny! Truth be told if only one can take this seriously. Planning a wedding can be very stressful. It can make or break any form of relationships. And because of the high levels of emotions, usually one cannot avoid conflicts. Below is a contract between the bride and her entourage.

Zharmagne's Bridesmaid Contract

Hello my beautiful bridesmaids! Zharmagne here! Let me just say again how happy I am that you are going to be a part of my special day – which I’m calling Zharmagne-Day”! Below are just a few guidelines for the wedding that I’d like you to review. Please initial by each point, sign at the end and send back to me asap. Just want to make sure there aren’t any surprises! The planning bride is a happy bride!

Thanks a bunch! Love ya!

Zharmagne

My hair will remain at the length it is now or longer.

I will not change my hair color without first gaining approval from Zharmagne by providing a sample photo or hair swatch for consideration.

I will use Sally Hansen’s “Maximum Growth-Daily Nail Growth program” every day for the 4 months before the wedding day.

I will not be sarcastic, engage in any eye-rolling, dramatic sighs or other negative energy as it relates to any wedding plans, activities or the wedding itself.

I will not gain more than 3.3 lbs from the weight I was when I was asked to be a bridesmaid.

If applicable, I will join a well-known weight loss program and through whatever means necessary will lose the desired amount of weight as previously discussed at the time when asked to be a bridesmaid in Zharmagne’s wedding.

I swear to attend all showers, (lingerie, kitchen, bridal & bachelorette) to arrive in a timely manner and do everything in my power to support and “be there” for the bride.

I will purchase the Yellow Vera Wang bridesmaid dress 3 weeks of today.

I will NOT knowingly get pregnant without notifying Zharmagne least 6 months prior to the wedding so a suitable alternate can be found. I will also give (at no cost) my purchased bridesmaid dress to said alternate.

I do hereby swear that I will adhere to all of the above & other understood bridesmaid duties for the wedding on 16/8/2008.

1.. 2.. 3.. SAY CHEESE!

2008-04-23T00:07:00.001-07:00

I stumbled upon this really cool idea for a wedding. It's all about digi-cam rentals for your guests. Imagine capturing your precious moments in all angles from your beloved guests? It's also a fun way to include your friends and loved ones present on your big day with a click on their fingers.
Unfortunately, it's not offered here in Manila. Check this site.

Wedding Party

2008-04-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

Selecting the entourage for our wedding was a bit tricky as both Rod and I belong to a big happy. Of course we want ALL if not most of our family to be part of our wedding party. So here they are presenting Rod and Zharmagne's Wedding Entourage:

Maid of Honor - Zharloemar G. Carbonell, everyone's favorite sister. I grew up with her mostly as we are only a year apart. We shared a room most of the time we were growing up and shared practically everything until we finally got our separate rooms. Sometimes, its a love/hate relationship between us but in the end we're still sisters.

Matron of Honor - Zharine C. Villanueva is my elder sister. Who is mom to my favorite niece Zina and my favotire nephew Wind. We may not be best of friends but nonetheless I love her like a sister should and would fight for her whether she's right or wrong.

Bridesmaids

Anna Lou L. Carbonell - favorite cousin, spent some time with her in NYC and adopted me and sheltered me in her apartment. She's big sister, friend and fun companion. She unknowingly got me into Yoga and being a semi- vegan. She's cool and super fun to be with.
Maria Hagiwara- Carbonell- sister of Anna, another fave cousin of ours. We grew up together and took lots of trips together. She lived with us for a while during her college years in Manila.
Keri Lynn N. Zamora - My only friend in college. Gimmick partner back then, food addict like me. Sings worse than me in videoke although she will never admit. Tennis partner. Mommy to my godson Rocco.
Zhaniethia C. Jimenez - My look-alike niece who is even prettier and thinner than me.

Secondary Sponsors

VEIL: Maria Rowena D. Gavino aka Ate Rona is Rod's only sister. She's the typical ate to everyone including me. She got me into digi-scrapping. She's fun and adorable to be with.
CANDLE: Olivia U. Dizon also known as BangBang is the wife of Rod's eldest brother Boydee. She is the mommy of Bricky Boy. Bang is a role model and ever loving wife, daughter and FSIL. she is very helpful and shares the same passion in wedding planning or party planning.
CORD: Mary Anne B. Dizon fondly called Lai among us. She is the happy-go-lucky person who gets along with everyone. She loves to laugh just like me. She cooks and bakes well. I love hanging out with her because she understands my wackiness.

Junior Bridesmaids

Reese Dizon
Raegan Gavino
Rielle Dizon
Raine Gavino

Flower Girls

Zeena Villanueva
Robyn Dizon
Annika Allado

Dining with our Wedding Sponsors

2008-04-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know much about other cultures' traditions but here in the Philippines. It is customary to get Principal Sponsors or what we call Ninongs and Ninangs as part of our Wedding Celebration as well as our blissful wedded life. The sponsors' role is to act as counselors to married life. Being veterans to being married, the sponsors can give sound advice as how to tackle as difficulties the couple may have in the future. It is wise to choose our Godparents well as they will be crucial to a young couple's journey.
Rod and I have agreed to ask 8 couples as our godparents. We divided it equally to ourselves to perhaps show the equality and balance to everything. Each godparent has been chosen meticulously for beneficial reasons such as our comfortableness to open up. Taking them out and getting them a little bit more is also customary before the big day. This allows the couple to be familiar with their godparents as well as their respective partners in life. The following are our chosen sponsors that we believe that are rightful to guide us through out our marriage.

Maj. General Ramon E. Montano- Tito Mon is the father of my late good friend Star. Star and I had happy memories together back when she was still present in this life. As a remembrance of how good friends Star and I have been, I am honored that Tito Mon accepted our invitation to stand as one of our sponsors. He has been happily married to tita Fe for 43 years.
Minda Villanueva- Tita Minda is the wife of my favorite Tito Dennis. One of my dad's best friends in the States. Tito Dennis is a great singer and has even agreed to sing, free of charge to our wedding. Their daughter Sharleen was also closed to me when we were younger.
Marlo Braun- My mom's eldest sister, and my favorite Aunt. Enough said.
Irene Silos- My favorite boss at Creative Response. She also happens to be the mother of my schoolmate RJ Silos.
Ruby Go Vera- One of my best friend's mom. Tita Ruby is now based in the States.

Invitation Grande

2008-04-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

Rod and I are very excited for our wedding invitation. We saw our mock up last night over dinner at the Villanuevas and can I say it's very pretty. Rod liked it a lot. We made a few changes with the colors and suggested some more oomph to it. I hope it'll be perfect after all the revisions we suggested. Wedding Invitation maker Jong Messina is just so fun to work with. This is probably because she's almost a sister to me. She happens to be Zharro's best friend since birth. Does this mean she'll give us a huge discount? Hmmmm....

Getting Measured

2008-04-03T23:10:00.001-07:00

After long months of preparing for our wedding in August, things are finally taking shape. And as a souvenir to this pleasant and enjoyable journey I want to keep the memory alive by writing about it in detail in hope to reminisce when it’s all over.

Last Friday, March 28 was our first time to get our measurements taken by our chosen couturier, the talented Cary Santiago. I sent out emails and SMS to all my female entourage about the occasion; Tita Shalene had even asked Melinda to prepare a sumptuous dinner for all the attendees. We had: Baked Prawns in Cheese and Mussels, Paksiw na lechon, Fresh Lumpia, Bangus belly sisig, Pasta Negra, Spaghetti in meat sauce and many others that escape my memory right now. One thing I remembered for sure was the dessert or should I say desserts. My Mom and my sister brought cakes; there were also our fave dessert stables in La Vista: Leche Flan and Guinomis. Yummy!

Cary arrived few minutes after we’ve started dinner. He and his best friend Angelo joined us for dinner. When we were finished, Cary Started with me then followed by Ate, Lai and so on and so forth. Unfortunately, Keri Zamora and some other female entourage from the states still need to be measured for their uber lovely gowns. I cannot wait until I see my girls walk the down aisle in stunning Cary Santiago creations.

Changing...

2007-10-17T23:28:00.001-07:00

In my search for the ultimates for my wedding, it also follows that what I thought was the best has changed. Say for example, we already sat down with our cake maker regarding the cake we wanted and has decided on the design, shape, colors and layers until last night when I came across a super cute cake that is unique and perfect for our theme. I immediately emailed Bizu and told our contact with the changes. Good thing she was equally excited and found the design very challenging. I just hope they'll be able to make it the exact (or even better) same cake!

Moral lesson: plan ahead but make sure that you are able to make necessary changes asap!

I think that we're way too ahead of ourselves with the planning. We'll resume again at the start of next year in full swing. For now, I'll keep on researching for my ultimates!

Confessions of a Bleeding Heart

2007-09-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

My concept of poverty started at a very young age when I noticed beggars from the street asking for money and/or food. My eyes would stare back at their sad faces begging for alms long after our car has sped for the green light. At that time, I couldn't quite explain the sad feeling I felt. It was more of curiosity than anything. I wondered why they were out in the streets, and I blamed their parents who left them to fend for themselves. My mom would even tell me that if I didn't study hard enough, I would end up just like them; out in the streets knocking at car windows asking for donation.

Planning a wedding can be very costly, and we can’t help but feel guilty for being extravagant when there are hundreds (innumerable?) of famished families out there. Gawad Kalinga house worth 50K would give a family a roof under their heads. Imagine how much help a wedding budget would do for a lot of unfortunate families in this country. But such is life and life is such! I guess there is a reason for everything and as long as you share your blessings then you’ll be saved from the guilt.

"... each year, 12 million children under five years of age die.... Nowhere in the world, in no act of genocide, in no war, are so many people killed per minute, per hour and per day as those who are killed by hunger and poverty on our planet..."

Wedding Cake

2007-09-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

The wedding cake is the focal point in a wedding reception. Guests will always want to see how beautiful the cake is. There are also a lot of sayings that goes with the wedding cake such as the number or tiers will be the number of children the couple would have (So, should i limit my tiers to three at the most?). One American tradition is that the top most layer of the cake should be preserved and eaten during the couple's first year wedding anniversary for luck and love. Now, I don't know if we're going to follow this tradition since first, we're not Americans, second, I don't think that a cake would last for a year! I'll be sure it'll be eaten before a week ends. Rod and I have sweet tooth!
I have browsed the net and saw a lot of beautiful wedding cakes. To be different I want something square-shaped. It should also be edible all the way so that the guests could also enjoy the cake and partake in our union as a newly married couple.
At first, I wanted to get Alex Franco to do our wedding cake since I think he is the only one who makes real cakes but when Rod, Tita Shalene and I attended the recent wedding expo, tried out Bizu's cakes and liked it a lot. The best part is, they make real cakes from top to bottom at a very reasonable price. How cool is that?

Bride and Groom

2007-09-17T22:49:00.001-07:00

Rod is set on wearing a white tux for the wedding. He has given it a lot of thought and has decided that he wanted to wear a white tux in tune with our 1960's wedding theme. I'm sure he'll look dashingly handsome in his white tuxedo! :) As for me, I want something simple without any frills or much bead work. A timeless elegant wedding dress I am most comfortable in would be perfect for me.

Color Motif

2007-09-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

In the beginning I wanted Plum to be our primary color (along with jewel tones )motif but due to the many weddings that used the same color, I have decided on a fresh new idea of : Canary Yellow, Cobalt Blue and Matt Silver as our colors of choice. Incidentally, Rod asked a Feng Shui guy on our lucky colors and he said yellow, blue and white.
It's up to our designer (Cary Santiago) on what color/s will be assigned to whom.

That's Entertainment!

2007-09-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!

We've gotten a good deal for our band entertainment. Thanks to Rod's cousin Carlo Papa for scoring us a good deal, a very good deal that is. I cannot blog what kind of music as it might spoil the mystery and excitement of the whole event. Rod and I have carefully selected the band to play on our big day. We scouted more than one band and thank goodness we were able to get what we wanted for our theme.

Woopeedoo!!

2007-09-01T01:38:00.000-07:00

After exploring my options and meeting with different wedding couturier, one person caught my attention-- and my fiancee's as well. This very creative and passionate person was recommended by a good friend, Keri Zamora. I was a bit sold on getting Inno and/or maybe Randy Ortiz when I made a random decision to meet with Cary Santiago. Born and raised in Cebu but was away from sometime dressing up gods and goddesses in Beirut.

It was a pleasure meeting the silent master. He was humble and very creative just like what I am looking for in a designer. Best of all, I felt a connection with him. He listens and gives fantastic tips and ideas regarding wedding gowns. Now, I feel relieved and content with my decision. I know that with Cary's craftmanship and good training from abroad he will deliver the best wedding gown I have envisioned.

Thank God I waited and scouted for the one that I truly felt happy with.

Designs 4 Us

2007-08-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

Look what I saw in my inbox today. Sketches from Randy Ortiz for my upcomming wedding next year. We have finally agreed on our color motifs as per our lucky colors: Canary Yellow, Cobalt Blue and Silver. I still haven't decided on who to get as my wedding designer. I'm not keen on getting a designer merely because of his name. I want to get someone whom I have good rapport with. It is also important that he is creative and his craft excellent.
I'm giving myself until December to decide on who to get as my wedding gown and entourage designer.

Meeting with Suppliers

2007-08-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

It was a full day for Rod and I yesterday as we met 3 of our wedding suppliers. A luncheon meeting took place in Mandaluyong with Rod’s upcoming “house” project with Carlo’s contacts. As soon as he was done with his lunch meeting he went straight to get me to go to Sofitel. We took a look at the wedding venue again and discussed details with our event manager Jun Mercado. We enjoyed the breeze by the pool while waiting for Jun to meet us by the pool bar. Rod and I shared a strawberry smoothie.

At 4:15 we were on our way to meet Inno Sotto at UCC Rustan’s upon his invitation the day before. Although, Rod and I haven’t really decided on who will be our designer will be. As usual Inno kept us waiting for almost an hour until we discussed again bridal gown designs. I asked him if I could show him wedding gowns I liked and he willingly agreed. Unfortunately, I was able to show him any photos since I believe that a year from now would still make me undecided on what dress silhouette I would choose. Although, one thing is for sure; I want my wedding gown to be simple, elegant and timeless. Meaning, it should be wearable 50 years after. I wouldn’t want to ask myself: God! What was I thinking?! I’m still a bit unsure of Inno as he can be intimidating. He has this sense of aloofness that makes me uncomfortable. Let’s see… I have to decide come November.

6:00pm- For the first time, we met out chosen wedding coordinator in the name of JP Mantilla. I have chosen him from the bunch because I have heard good feedback about his work. True enough our initial meeting was full information about weddings. JP really confirmed and told us what we needed to know about some suppliers we’ve been tapping. He had first hand information about most of the suppliers. JP is eloquent, thorough and very pleasant. I just hope he is really good as he sounds. I could’ve handled most details myself with the help of my sisters and Rod’s but I want everyone to enjoy our big day without having to worry about little things. After all, we only got the one month package. This means that I will only hand over the wedding files when it is already 70% done. JP would only polish and go through it the way I want the wedding day executed. JP was even honest enough to say that planning a wedding is not that hard. The only difficult thing is the day of the wedding. The bride could not possibly enjoy the moment having to worry about the flow of the program, the seating arrangement, etc.

As the day was about to end, it was time for Rod’s basketball practice. I waited for him in my good friend’s house Keri and had dinner with her and her husband Zam. We watched Air Force One after eating until it was time to pick up Rod from his practice.

Preparations

2007-08-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Even before the actual wedding plans, Rod and I have ideas on what we wanted as for the venues (church/reception), motif, designs, etc. But lately, I have been changing my mind in fear that I might regret later on. I want everything to be the perfect choice, and not have any regrets. So, as for the church venue we're still 50-50 on holding it at Magallanes church or Sanctuario de San Anotonio.

Magallanes- It's new, it's where we usually hear mass, it's father benny's parish.

Forbes-- The isle is longer, the A/C is cooler. It has a more dramatic effect.

Initially, Rod was against Forbes, he made a deal with me that if in case I finally choose Sanctuario as our church, he said that in return I should allow him to get a wedding stylist. This is because, I told him that I know exactly what I want as centerpieces and the whole look for the formal reception. It would actually save him a lot if he just let me find the cheapest supplier. Wel, I guess he's just afraid of glitches and problems that may arise in case a non-professional like me handles it. Although, wouldn't it be more meaningful that I am so hand-on in all the preparations? Oh well....

We've already booked in Magallanes Church and pencil booked in Forbes. If forbes gets approved by our sponsor then we might choose to hold it there. For now, anything can still happen from the big day. I just hope in the end, Rod and I will be happy and satisfied with our final choice.

Our Photographer

2007-07-30T22:25:00.001-07:00

Planning a wedding can be quite overwhelming. There are so many choices to consider. As a bride, I want to capture every momentous event during our wedding vividly. To keep our memories on our big day forever reverberating in our minds we have entrusted PAT DY as our photographer. I hand picked him among the several photographers in Manila because of the great work he has done in weddings. I have reviewed his work many times and liked his style of photojournalism incorporating artistic shots as candidly as possible.

During our initial meeting at his office/studio, Rod and I found him very easy to talk to. He was pleasant and gave us a lot of insightful ideas on how to pose in front of the camera. He even recommended make-up artists who are in the magazine industry. I told him my ideas and plans and good thing i did because it would have been catastrophic to have executed a plan that would sabotage the way I looked on pictures.

Pat Dy was so kind that he gave us a free pre-nuptial photo seesion absolutely for free.
I just wish that Rod and I will be as natural as possible in our shots.

Photography Package: P 78,000 inclusive of a coffee table book, 1300 shots, photo box that is so unique. Photo DVD.

Rod and I feel that we made the right choice in getting him. We're happy we did!