The 2015 WaW Videofest might be over, two weeks ago to be exact. But the magic of the night still lingers on. This year’s edition of the much-awaited WaW Videofest featured the life and work of the Queen of the Aisle and brides’ favorite wedding gown designer, Veluz Puno-Reyes. The well-attended event held at the Cinema 3 of the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati brought together people of the WaW community to celebrate brides-favorite and everyone’s sweetheart, Veluz.
The Videofest featuring six wedding videographers were handpicked by Veluz and trimmed down further by WaW founders, John and Benz Rana, to chronicle the life and work of famed gown designer Veluz.
The jam-packed theater, which seats almost 300, welcomed two batches of avid Veluz fans.
www.benjietiongco.com
Veluz arrived surrounded by family members, including hubby and number one advisor, Rene, and their children and Veluz’s parents.
www.benjietiongco.com
In the short program that followed each showing, a clearly emotional Veluz gave her thanks to the people involved in the project. Ever the humble soul, she called her entire staff to the front to share this special moment with her.
The selection of filmmakers represented an evenhanded mix of wedding videographers. Leading the pack was none other than international wedding video rock star Jason Magbanua along with veteran videographers Bob Nicolas and Threelogy. In the group were future stars of the wedding industry Ian Cruz, Marvi de Guzman of Cinemaworks and Leo and Rupert Nicolas of Notion N Motion.
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As with any WaW event everything was a collaboration of wedding suppliers. Popular wedding host, Atom Ungson, played the role of emcee for both showings.
John and Benz gave their respective messages.
www.benjietiongco.com
Opening prayers were led by Veluz’s little princess, Bianca, for the first showing.
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For the second, Imagination founder and long-time WaW friend & Veluz friend, John Mateos Ong, led the prayers.
Adorable edible token of thanks courtesy of event stylist and florist Teddy Manuel were given to the videographers.
The after showing party drew those close to Veluz.
Wine, cheese, crackers and heavy cocktails were gone in a snap but happy conversations lasted throughout the evening and well into the early morning hours.
www.benjietiongco.com
Moments before and after the showings were, of course, opportunities for groupies. Not a second was left to waste as evidenced by these pics.
www.benjietiongco.com
www.benjietiongco.com
The WaW Videofest continues to bring together the people of the WaW community in a celebration that honors hard-work, astounding talent, friendship and never-ending love.
You may think of this the close encounter of the artistic geniuses.
How else would you describe international wedding videographer, Jason Magbanua, doing the finale for the 2015 WaW Videofest for fellow world-renowned gown designer, Veluz Puno-Reyes?
Jason knows all too well the pulse of the WaW Videofest, having been part of the first run in 2009 and having been the subject of the 2011 Videofest. Now that this year’s event puts the spotlight on Veluz, Jason once again takes to his comfort zone, behind the lens.
When asked what the videofest means to him, his answer was, “I think the unspoken thing about this, it’s a friendly competition. So no matter how friendly we are, all these people are my ‘compares’, it’s still a friendly competition. Not to outdo each other but to just push ourselves individually of what we can do. Because the cinema, it’s a platform that we rarely get the chance to have. And regardless of how close the topic is or even if it doesn’t have mass appeal, because still the niche is wedding or to be limited about it it’s about Weddings at Work in general, it’s still a great platform to be featured in.”
This year’s Videofest star is no stranger to Jason as he and Veluz have been on the same aisle, so to speak, countless times and a run-in with the designer is an ordinary occurrence. Just another working day for both. But during the production Jason was surprised at what he learned about Veluz. Jason shares, “Before the interviews I did not think I could admire and respect Veluz more.”
On the treatment that he used for the film he says, “I already know that there exists a bond, this relationship that exists between Veluz and the brides. It’s plain to see. But to be able to present it in a visually arresting manner, that was the task, how to make it visually engaging.” He furthers, “A lot planning went into what I did. I suppose a third of the time was thinking about what to execute, what to do…more of treatment.”
On his work about Veluz, Jason shares, “The title of my piece is “The Most Beautiful Dress You Will Ever Wear.” And the set piece is a body form mannequin without a dress. I wanted to communicate that there is no one beautiful dress but all of these dresses owned by the brides that I talked to, their dress is the most beautiful for them. It’s the bond between the designer and the bride which makes it the MOST beautiful. It is up in the sky. It is intangible, it is abstract. It is in their minds. Whatever design the designer thinks of for the bride that is placed on that body form, based on their dynamics, that’s the most beautiful.”
The genius storyteller that Jason is focuses on Veluz through her brides and their deep relationship. Nothing else. In fact there is nothing else that will distract you from that while watching this film. Jason masterfully worked in a minimalist visual treatment to provide the viewer with an unobstructed scene. Set against a starkly sparse background with just the hint of fabric, a chair and bright, fresh lighting that draws your attention to the bride on the hot seat. No diversions present. Just the bride and what she has to say. The story is in her words. Just listen.
Jason creates the most perfect homage to the artistry of Veluz, a quiet listen of the work of a great artist, whose secret to creating the perfect dress for the bride is to listen to the person, to that girl inside as she pours her heart out and shares her precious dream wedding. Listening is Veluz’s her greatest form of respect for her bride. It is a kindness that she shows to all her brides and a kindness that Jason, who perfectly understands those silent but profound ripples, returns to Veluz in this sublime tribute.
What makes Veluz shine in this film and in real life, according to Jason, is “her authenticity. She’s a listener. She does not compromise. It is not about the money, no matter how expensive she is. It is how she treats her work, her staff and her brides. She’s is true to herself and to everybody.”
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WaW-Videofest-Veluz-Jason-Magbanua.jpg500750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-06-02 08:00:452015-06-08 14:43:33W@W Videofest: Veluz by Jason Magbanua
Watching Threelogy’s film on Veluz and her staff for the 2015 WaW Videofest, I couldn’t figure out whether to cry or laugh or do both at the same time. How can a film be hilarious and moving at the same time? Only one team can pull off this insanely profound narrative on wedding gown designer star, Veluz, Threelogy.
Their film on Veluz for the recently concluded 2015 W@W Videofest proves once more the creative insanity of Bong, CJ and Jon. The Three Stooges of the Philippine wedding world they truly are.
Threelogy and Veluz have long been friends, having worked on countless weddings for the past 11 years. Outside of the wedding scene, Veluz is still their go-to designer, says Bong Sare, 1/3 guy of Threelogy. It’s not surprising then that the trio has established a high level of familiarity with the uber super staff of Veluz.
And it shows in the video. The video trio effortlessly coaxes personal memories from Veluz’s team and brings to light the love that abounds in this little busy workshop somewhere in Manila.
Threelogy’s film for the 2015 WaW Videofest centers on the amazing team behind the Veluz brand. Practically closing down the shop for one day, Threelogy set about to capture the inside scoop of Veluz as Boss. What comes out in the process is much more than what ace videographers set out to capture.
Bong himself muses on one particular sharing of Veluz’s staff, Sharon. He says, “I knew that Veluz is generous but that opinion has greatly increased after listening to one of her personnel share how much Veluz has helped her.”
The success of Veluz as a gown designer has long been the subject of admiration of people in and out of the wedding industry. But listening to the personal testimonies of her staff on camera, the people behind Veluz, the person and the brand, brings our high regard for her several notches up. What stands out in this hysterically funny and tearful film is the depth of Veluz’s heart. She cares deeply for her staff just as much as they care for her.
No wonder then that blessings come in boatloads for this Wonder Lady. Here’s Threelogy’s 2015 W@W Videofest film on Veluz. Bring out the tissues. You’ll need ‘em. Watch. Laugh. Cry.
No matter how great the admiration of the public is of an artist’s work, it does not carry as much weight as the opinions of her peers. With friends an artist finds her hardest critics or her most loyal fans. While true that brides here and abroad rave about her gorgeous designs, we still can’t help but ponder on what Veluz’s colleagues in the wedding industry think of her.
Ian Cruz, a long-time W@W Videofest contributor, gathered 16 of Veluz’s closest friends in the business sans the designer, set them up in a studio with instructions to share their guiltless opinion of Veluz. Imagine a dinner get-together of several friends with the singular purpose of shamelessly talking about the one person who’s not in the room. Something like the “Gossip Girls and Guys of the Wedding Biz” kind-of-episode.
Ian’s goal as the film’s director was to capture the spontaneity and honesty of a “barkada’s kwentuhan.” To achieve this he set up several cameras around the groupie and clipped mics on each person so that no remark could escape. What happened next resulted in more than 2 hours of juicy material that had to be crammed into 15 short minutes.
Ian has been in the industry 11 years in total, counting his years as a member of Bob Nicolas’ team before putting up his own in 2009. Like most wedding videographers, Ian has long admired Veluz but from a safe distance. For Ian her reputation as a sought-after designer preceded her and made her seem unreachable. After the shoot, his impression of Veluz was forever changed. From listening to her friends talk about her with so much respect and working with her up close and personal, Ian learned that Veluz is all humble and real. In his words, “she lets her brand speak for itself but she doesn’t let any of her success get into her head”.
Insider views on Veluz abound in this film. So abandon all pretense and give in to the craving to eavesdrop. The 2015 W@W Videofest proudly brings you “Love for Veluz, One Superb Designer and Friend” by Ian Cruz.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ian-bts1.jpg395750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-27 09:00:042015-06-08 14:27:27W@W Videofest: Veluz by Ian Cruz
When a person finds her source of fulfillment, everything she does is cloaked with inspiration. In her family, Veluz finds her purpose. The wedding world knows her as the incredible talent, the designer with a knack for making any bride look her most beautiful on her wedding day. But above and beyond her public persona, for Veluz family is first.
This is what Leo and Rupert Nicolas of Notion in Motion capture in their film on Veluz for the 2015 WaW Videofest. The duo puts their video mojo to hard work in presenting a side of Veluz that most people don’t see. Using Veluz’s family members, Leo and Rupert present a personal perspective of this celebrated designer.
Leo candidly shares that they were actually shocked when they were invited to be part of the WaW Videofest. But it was also a great privilege for them to be considered for this videofest. It was a validation that the team is truly a part of the WaW wedding community.
The youngest and newest videographer in this year’s batch, Leo comes from a family of videographers. His exposure to weddings began as a child, while tagging along with his father who was a wedding photographer. It is just fitting that Leo gets the challenge to do the feature on Veluz’s family because family connections is very strong for him. He and his four brothers are all in the wedding videography business. Leo’s partner in Notion in Motion is Rupert, the family’s youngest. Plus their Kuya Bob is also one of the videographers for the Veluz videofest. Kuya Bob is none other than ace videographer Bob Nicolas. Weddings, indeed, are about family.
Speaking of which, while most people strive to achieve the work-life balance, through this film one can learn from Veluz that attaining the balance is not really the priority. Her life is her family and they are the foundation on which everything she does, including work, stand on. Without her beautiful family, she is nothing.
For those who are still looking for purpose, we invite you to pause for a while and watch this film by Leo and Rupert Nicolas of Notion in Motion. Maybe we can learn a thing or two on what really should matter in life from the truly blessed artist that we fondly call Veluz.
Directed and produced by Leo Nicolas and Rupert Nicolas
Narrated by Atom Ungson
Written by Miles Trinidad
Director of Photography: Struan Wallace, Rupert Nicolas
Project Manager: Jocel Nicolas, Juliane Nicolas
Cameraman:
Albert Nicolas
Carlo Naval
Dennis Trinidad
Ghe Consolacion
The road to success is a tale just as fascinating as the success itself. The story of how a person struggled to live out her passion is often a beautifully poignant journey of finding one’s personal greatness.
For the W@W Videofest, Veluz, the country’s most sought after wedding gown designer today, opened her life story to Bob Nicolas. The second of the six-part videofest delves into how Veluz nurtured her dream of becoming a designer. With the help of Veluz’s friends, husband and wife tandem Bob and Lette Nicolas masterfully retraced the steps back to when the dream started for Veluz.
What stands out in this film is the way Veluz’s story was told. It’s amazing how Bob weaves the thread through the numerous interviews, picking out the most salient parts and organizing them into a storyline that flows effortlessly. It’s almost like how Veluz creates her intricate designs, bead by bead– for Bob, talking head by talking head.
This isn’t the first time that Bob and Lette have been on the same path as Veluz. They have worked together on so many weddings in the past several years already. But on this walk Lette realizes what she admires most in Veluz. That no matter how successful she has become, Veluz has remained down-to-earth and real.
And it shows in how Veluz has touched the lives of her brides. Watch and find out what moves a bride, in whatever part of the world she may be, to proudly say “I am a Veluz bride”.
The 2015 W@W Videofest proudly presents “The History of Veluz” by Bob Nicolas.
And for what went behind the scenes, check this out:
Credits:
Bob Nicolas
Albert Nicolas
Dindo David
Myther Ganibe
Fidel Galapia
Benjo Borja
Let Nicolas
Gerz Vallao
Ernest Pascual
Leo Nicolas
Marvi de Guzman
Mimi Abesamis
Mervin Gobaco
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WaW-Veluz-Bob-Nicolas-Behind-the-Scenes1.jpg563750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-25 08:00:052015-05-25 10:22:13W@W Videofest: Veluz by Bob Nicolas
Whoever said that film festivals only happen in Cinemalaya, or Cannes, Venice or even New York was dead wrong. No need to travel far. In fact, there’s one videofest worth going to. I’m talking about none other than the W@W Videofest, another pioneering project of WeddingsAtWork.
It was back in 2009 in celebration of W@W’s 10th anniversary when John and Benz Rana rallied five of their wedding videographer-friends to create videos about W@W. This was a huge departure from their usual wedding coverage. It was big challenge for the original 5 videographers to produce videos that forced them out of their box and test their creative mettle.
Two years later the second W@W Videofest was organized which also featured 5 of the country’s leading videographers but this time with a different theme. A certain videographer had been making waves in the international scene with his distinctive style and artistic savvy. His brand of creativity amazed the world. To celebrate his genius and massive global influence, the 2011 W@W Videofest centered on long-time W@W friend, Jason Magbanua.
This year the spotlight has shifted focus to another genius, to the most sought after wedding gown designer in the Philippines today. Last Tuesday W@W hosted the 2015 W@W Videofest featuring Veluz. Six videographers put their imaginative minds to work and crafted 6 amazing videos on Veluz.
In the next few days we will be featuring each of the 6 videographers whose artistic works provided the world with a 360 degree view of the Queen of the Aisle, Veluz.
We begin with the videographer who opened this year’s W@W Videofest, Marvi de Guzman of Cinemaworks. According to Mimma Benz, it was actually Marvi who started the ball rolling for the recently concluded videofest when, in November last year, he posted on his Facebook account how much he had missed the W@W Videofest.
Prior to his Videofest debut, Marvi has been around the wedding scene for some time but he stayed mostly behind the scene, in the editing room, to be more exact. His interest in filmmaking has led him to dabble in indie films until seven years ago when he decided to make the jump and put up his own wedding videography outfit, Cinemaworks.
I chatted with Marvi right before the screening and he shared that he had initial reservations about being part of the group of videomakers chosen for this videofest. But he had always wanted to be part of the project. So he rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
Marvi’s film is a showcase of his cinematic style. A huge fan of French filmmaker Bruno Avellian, an award winning director of film shorts and international commercials, Marvi’s visual language is dark and moody. His interpretation of the world of Veluz is cast in dramatic shadows and brilliant color grading. To complete his masterpiece, Marvi sought the help of sound designer Willan Rivera, who created the film’s haunting soundtrack.
Like most wedding suppliers, Marvi has nothing but admiration for Veluz and her work. He did admit to being intimidated by her at first. But in the course of producing his Veluz film, Marvi got to know the person behind the name. Early impressions soon faded away to be replaced by more admiration for Veluz. When asked what was the one thing he admired most about Veluz, his answer was her focus. From Veluz, Marvi takes with him the advice not to give up even if the times get tough.
W@W Videofest invites you to watch “Trouve” by Marvi de Guzman.
Credits:
A film by John Marvi de Guzman
Model Julia Lazareva
Co Director Chuck Ronquillo
Script Writer Nina Comsti
Director of Photography Aris Magayanes
Gaffer Benjie Philip
Sound design Willan Rivera
Co Producer Ian Celis
Make Up Gery Penaso
Set Design Lia Villanueva
Production / Light Assistants Joemarly Inguito and Remark Nabong
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/marvi4.jpg500750Benz Co-Ranahttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngBenz Co-Rana2015-05-22 10:59:012015-05-22 19:38:29W@W Videofest: Veluz by Cinemaworks
Who doesn’t remember the flash-mob style surprise proposal of John Prats to Isabel Oli last Sept. 24, 2014? It all started there, and the wedding planning began.
The concept of the Four Seasons is something accidental. I was discussing with John and Liv (Isabel’s nickname) about the concept for the prenuptial shoot and it started with the idea that they will shoot in the US. Since there was a planned Prats family trip to the US, and Isabel was going to join them, there we two agenda for the trip: 1) to find the perfect wedding gown and 2) to do their prenup shoot.
And because the shoot will be in Big Bear, it was going to be a winter-themed shoot. From there, we all agreed that we would do a four seasons-themed prenup so there will be a connection amongst the four concepts.
We all thought it was a great beautiful and unique concept that we decided to use it for the whole wedding theme.
Below is copy of the invitation made by Print Divas, where the Four Seasons theme was shown, too.
The couple went on a very strict diet since January 2015. They were both into boxing and eventually reached their desired weight. John even had to go on a “Subway” diet, wherein he only ate Subway sandwiches everyday for a few weeks. Yes, this meant Subway for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Here’s a trivia that not much people know. The Christian ceremony area was to be converted into reception area in just 20 to 30 minutes. That was such a big challenge for the whole team! Fortunately, the teams of Juan Carlo Catering and Teddy Manuel were able to transform this area successfully and swiftly.
The cake is a suspended cake from the ceiling. Each of the satellite cake tells the story on how the John and Liv met until the time they got engaged in Eastwood and to their wedding day.
Unknown to many, John and Liv started their courtship via social media site Instagram. This is why why it’s on the first cake icon!
John saw Isabel on one of GMA new TV’s programs and he found her really pretty. He then asked his sister Camille to hook him up with Isabel. He also started greeting Isabel thru the comment box in her Instagram posts. He started posting in public “Hi, crush!” and many more cute and sweet messages 🙂
Also, this cake was the only design choice of the bride. There was no other option but this. 🙂
Did you know that this beautiful breathtaking property in Balete, Batangas where the wedding was held, is owned by John Prats and his family? They been developing this for the last three years and really tried their best to finish the development in time for John and Isabel’s wedding. It’s called Nayomi Resort and Sanctuary and it will soon be open to the public.
During the reception party, this was one such kilig moment. Binibining Pilipinas Universe MJ Lastimosa won in the bouquet game. Since the couple knew MJ has a crush on actor Sam Milby, John decided not to push through with the garter toss game. The couple decided to just surprise MJ (and the guests) and declared Sam as the winner of the garter game.
Isabel lost her father some three years ago. She wanted so much to honor her dad during her most special day, hence, she thought of putting these charms with her dad’s pic and a saying, “We know you’d be here today if heaven weren’t so far away.” In her speech to honor her parents, Isabel talked to her father, “Dad, it’s never the same since you were gone. There’s not a day that I didn’t think of you, Dad, and I miss you so much.”
The groom with his best men and best lady 🙂
John and Angelica have been the best of friends for a looong time already. They call each other “Petty.” In Angelica’s speech, she said that many wonder how they could have maintained a platonic relationship all these years, and some even think there’s something more to their relationship. But they’ve proven everyone wrong. Their friendship is really a solid kind of friendship that lasts the test of time. Angelica also said that indeed, Isabel was the answered prayer of John.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WaW-John-Pratts-Isabel-Oli-Wedding1.jpg500750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-19 09:00:272016-07-06 13:14:31WaWparazzi: The John Prats-Isabel Oli Wedding
Finally, you got the girl, the woman of your dreams. There she goes, all glammed up, with her heels so high, smile so bright, and dress so white. There you are, the sleek gentleman you always imagined yourself to be. Donning that classic coat, grinning from ear to ear, at last, the knight in shining armor has arrived.
Everything is unbelievably exemplary. You ask yourself how did you ever get to this point so smoothly and what the heck, is next?
Being together forever with your ever-beautiful girlfriend is definitely a picture perfect fantasy. Imagine, kneeling on one knee, asking her hand for marriage, getting a “yes,” updating your Facebook relationship status, that’s it, you are engaged. Planning, preparation, and all? Bring it on!
Sounds easy right?
Nah. Believe me, it’s not as chill as it looks like. Sometimes I wonder why bookstores lack self-help materials about the road to being a groom, a fantastic husband, and everything else in between the life before and after, gulp, the wedding. While our beloved soon-to-be-wives have tons of check-lists, guides, and reading resources about the big day, here we are, clueless on how to physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually prepare for it.
Yes, there may be seminars left to right, advices side to side, but it’s different when there’s that best buddy to consistently guide us all throughout this stressful, err I mean, amazing journey—someone who can truly relate, someone who already experienced the rollercoaster ride of being a man who’s about to get hitched and have heard stories directly from hundreds of others.
Fret no more; these are the very reasons the Groom Code is born.
Your bro-dude-pare-tsong, treat Groom Code as your one-stop shop to all your life-of-a-groom questions. Yes, those inquiries you are too shy to ask, those curiosities you are too embarrassed to say, Groom Code is here, your BFF to help you prepare for the big day.
Not sure if you can give up your young, wild, and free lifestyle? No worries, as Groom Code is here to guide you with that. Afraid of your spending habits and more financial woes once you decided that two is better than one? Well, Groom Code will escort you to be that efficient provider for your future family. Scared of being caught by the fashion police during the big day? Should I wear this? What goes well with this ensemble? #OOTD problems? Just check the Groom Code and you’ll be that heartthrob that will make your bride scurry down that aisle to get to you and make people double tap on Instagram. Woman problems? GF on PMS mode? Other stuff that you’ll face with your lady love as you prepare your dream wedding? Be ready as Groom Code’s, uhm, codes are here to make everything a piece of (wedding) cake.
Yes, bro-dude-pare-tsong, take the chill pill, as Groom Code is here – this is our story, this is our code.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Waw-The-Groom-Code-Oly-Ruiz1.jpg500750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-18 07:44:012015-05-18 19:23:30The Groom Code: This Is Our Story
Getting married or not, all humanity knows his name. Jason Magbanua. Like most ultra-famous Pinoys, Jason has his own kind of star. He is the indisputable “VideoStar.” But no matter how bright he shines, there is always that time before now when he was just a regular guy trying to find his place in the world.
Fellow wedding videographer Bob Nicolas presents a superb recollection of Jason’s life, when he was “just Jason.” Seen through the eyes of people who knew him long before the fame arrived–his family, his colleagues and close friends–Bob deftly works the intricate details of Jason’s legendary rise through the years. Yes, let us mention here that Bob unearthed quite a few interesting pictures and videos of Jason in his “youth.” *wink*
Admired across the planet by video enthusiasts in and out of the wedding world, pursued by brides with a desperation that makes grooms go hmmmmm, Jason is undeniably an enigma. There is more than passion than burns inside this man. He is making history. The guy has superhuman powers.
And that swagger. Completely effortless. Remember, he has made it to Manila’s Best Dressed List. So, if you want to know how legends are made, watch and learn.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Waw-Videofest-Jason-Magbanua-by-Bob-Nicolas.jpg500750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-16 09:00:082015-05-16 09:43:03A Look Back at "W@W Videofest Presents Jason Magbanua" by Bob Nicolas
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Waw-Barcelona-Fashion-Week28.jpg500750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-15 09:00:502015-05-13 19:58:10Most Gorgeous Gowns from the Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week
Say Philippine wedding videography and what comes next? You got it! Jason Magbanua. So much has been said about this genius, from his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to international stardom. Jason singlehandedly placed the Philippines on the global videography scene. All hail the Master!
Still, there is more to the man everyone calls the “Boss.” Who better to give insider info on the guy than the people in his inner circle, the Jason Magbanua Team?
Created for the W@W Videofest on Jason Magbanua in 2011 by then budding videographer Ian Cruz, this tribute to the Boss is light yet sincere, informative but candid. The stars of the film are the people you never see in front of the camera yet they pulled off their film debut like pros.
Ian Cruz, for his part as director, pulls off a Brian de Palma-ish styled video (read: nosebleed) on his idol. You can actually dub his amazing work as “The Film about the Boss, according to His Team Made by a Fan in a Single Take.”
Whew! At the time of this project, Ian was still a diamond in the rough. Today he is a well-respected videographer, who has earned his own stripes through sheer hard work and creativity. No surprise on his success. After all, he learned from the Boss.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Waw-Videofest-Jason-Magbanua.jpg500750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-14 09:00:042015-05-14 10:06:28A Look Back at "W@W Videofest Presents Jason Magbanua" by Ian Cruz
We had a chat with recent bride, Nicolai, about her ranch-themed wedding, to her now husband, Toto Villaruel, held last March 18. She is not a W@Wie but she belongs to the W@W Universe.
Nicolai Melicor Wedding Photography, herself a wedding supplier, is used to the hustle and bustle involved in a wedding preparation. We were curious about what it was like for her being the bride this time.
The wedding was held at El Kabayo, Subic, a western-inspired venue in Pampanga. The wide open spaces of the ranch, surrounded by trees and white picket fences, was the perfect backdrop for Nicolai and Toto’s dream wedding.
The entire wedding setup –from the dressing of the tree, to the six long tables that accommodated 50 people for each, from the invites and the calligraphy on small chalk boards, to the bean bags and art materials at the kiddie table, was a collaboration of many great artists from the industry who excitedly worked on making the couple’s dream wedding a reality.
“Aira styled my prep area, I didn’t want a set that looked like a ‘set.’ And Aira is good at that! How to make simple things look really nice. Just the right amount of class and style! When I arrived at my preps place, it simply made me say ‘its going to be a great day!’ It started my day right.”
“Worked with Byron Velasquez a couple of times already, and his works is one of my favorites! Just beautiful. Not only that, he works well with photographers, assists the bride and takes care of the the couple talaga. Years before Toto and I got engaged, he told us ‘Alam ko matagal pa, but I will do your make up on your wedding’ and just like that, he was our 1st wedding supplier haha Forever grateful because he made me feel comfortable with make up and I’m not a make up fan!”
Gideon Hermosa, worked on our ceremony. We really didn’t know what we wanted so we didn’t know what to expect. We just wanted it to look raw, that’s it. So why hire a stylist if you want it raw? Now that’s where his artistry kicks in!! Gids maintained the realness of our location but gave it more kick! Tada! Our ceremony with tall grass and everything else he added there was spot on!
“I told Vatel Manila about this many times and I’ll say it again. It is because of his bouquets that I learned to appreciate flowers. Never was a fan of receiving flowers (even when I was younger), not until I became a wedding photographer and then started seeing Vatel Manila’s work at shoots would always make me wish that it was my bouquet hahaha. Thank you Dylan for making this for me! We were shooting my portraits when they handed the flowers to me, I had to stop the shoot and hugged my own Vatel Manila bouquet.”
“I really wanted a black gold with black diamond ring but after searching far and wide from Manila to HK, it wasn’t available. So Plan B it is white gold with black diamond. Still beautiful. “
“Badang Rueda did our reception! For the reception we were keen about the long tables and cascading greens over our tables, and really prayed that the set wont intimidate the guests but would make them feel cozy.”
Trusting new artists. Natalie Lim did the calligraphy and Istorya did the tie clips of the gents and necklaces I gave my girls. I was once a new artist and the couples who trusted me, aaaaah thank you! These two new suppliers were both game and despite the rush work I placed them in they delivered really well. So happy. I become my bride’s client
My invites was made by Paper Thread Studios, from my bride Pat Felizardo-Ruedas with husband Ian Ruedas. Despite the couple’s pregnancy they agreed to make it for us. I so believe in this couple’s talent, they are so driven and creative! I also got them to do the invites for our workshop last year!
“My robe was from ‘Amelia in Lace’ you can search them on IG, this was made by my bride Tia Bulan-Roco. I was on the search for a prep dress! And oh man was it hard to find a dress to wear for make up and pre portraits. You’re only going to wear it for a while right? But thanks to Tia, I was in a very nice robe. A robe you can still use after the wedding and for honeymoon, wink wink!”
Every detail had a different supplier assigned, but all of them had one concept in mind. According to the guests, the styling of all areas were on-point to the theme which shows just how well everything came together.
W@W’s very own Benz Co-Rana was one of the wedding sponsors for Nicolai and Toto.
If there was anything of huge consideration, it was the weather. There was news about a storm coming on the day of their wedding, but Nicolai and Toto were set on exchanging vows under “that” tree that they were ready and willing to get soaked in the rain when they say their I do’s.
“If the sun shines, then amazing!” Nicolai says, “Our faith wasn’t shaken, we knew that God made that day for us.”
Fortunately, there was not a drop at the time of their wedding.
The guests gamely dressed for the occasion as the couple requested. And even though the place was quite far from the metro, they stayed until the lights were out, dining, drinking, dancing and celebrating with the couple under a blanket of stars.
“Supplier Guests. Just a trivia: almost 180 out of the 300 guests were wedding suppliers. Every 18th of the month Toto and I would want to celebrate our monthsary but we would always have shoots. The 18th of whichever month is always a hot date. So to have these guys with us… to block our wedding date, not to book shoots, that they chose to celebrate with us was bliss! The people in this photo are people we love to make kulitan with during shoots, people in the industry who inspire us, who helped us and those who saw our love story.”
It helped that the couple was naturally carefree which made everyone else feel the same way. Beer was served right away, along with burger sliders for cocktails. No one minded how long the post-nup shoot was taking because everyone was full and satisfied while they waited.
This may also have a lot to do with the couple handpicking every single one of their guests and refusing to let the dramatics of some relatives affect them.
“Make sure that your guests who you invite are the ones who celebrate with you, and not be the celebrant,” Nicolai advises future brides.
For Nicolai, the best part about being a supplier planning your own wedding is that you have the ability to go crazy with ideas. The photo shoots happened smoothly, even the photographers were enjoying themselves.
And since they’re also friends with the suppliers, everyone got to join the party as well, an opportunity that doesn’t come by often in wedding shoots.
When it comes to the budget, Nicolai admits that beautiful weddings can be costly and that you can expect it to go over your budget. However, she’s quick to assure would-be brides that she’s talked to many other brides before her and they all said that they didn’t regret spending for their weddings.
Just make sure that you pay for a wedding that you really want.
Nicolai’s final word of advice for future brides is this, “Remember that wedding planning is preparation for marriage. It’s all about teamwork. You, your fiance and the Lord. You need patience, understanding, perseverance, fighting procrastination and more. So, when it gets tough, go to the Lord and then talk it out.”
Here are some of the highlights of their wedding:
About the contributor May de Jesus-Palacpac:
May jests that writing for W@W makes up for the details she missed at her own wedding. Prior to jumping into writing and editing full time, she was a full time musician who spent her last two years in the circuit serenading newlyweds and their guests. May is the Editor of the books Productive Pinoy and Right Start. She is also a blogger and a contributor for other websites and publications.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WaW-Toto-and-Nicolai17.jpg500750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-11 09:00:352016-01-11 11:08:39Toto and Nicolai
Mum. Mom. Inay. Nanay. Mama. Whatever their names may be, moms will always be a big part of any bride’s or groom’s life. And no wedding will be complete without giving them honoring them.
Today, Mother’s Day, we honor the women, who will always be our #1 fan.. Happy Mother’s Day!
Mike’s mom
Argen’s mom
Calvin’s mom
Cheryl’s mom
Ern’s mom
Grace’s MIL
LC’s mom
Czandor’s mom
Karl’s mom
Cookie’s mom
Glady’s mom
John’s mom
Judy’s mom
Lhen’s mom
Marie’s mom
Michelle’s mom
Jaypee’s mom
Sheryl’s mom
Yna’s mom
Ren’s MIL
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/N@Wie-Cookie-ni-Kim.jpg500750W@W Editorhttps://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-10 08:00:522015-05-12 12:55:42Mom's Unconditional Love
