The Catalan fashion house Rosa Clara unveiled its 2016 collection during the Barcelona Bridal Week. What can we say about it? Gorgeous! Whatever your style may be, you’re bound to find a design that would look good on you.
Without further ado, here’s the collection.
For the third installment of our W@W Videofest Throwback, we proudly bring back the hilarious collaboration of videoman Phoeben Tecson and the comical duo behind Mango Red, Ryan and Randall.
During the filming of this video, the pair was just new to the Manila wedding scene but has already made a name for themselves in their home province. Phoeben, a long time W@W supplier, presents a quirky take on W@W and its purpose with a parody of the hit movie “Forrest Gump.”
Since the release of this short film Phoeben has gone on to capture countless love stories of W@Wies. Ryan and Randall, on the other hand, decided to abandon their dreams of becoming movie stars in favor of becoming rock stars…of the photography world.
Six years after their film debut, Mango Red rekindles their W@W connection by lending their superstar skills to the shoot of the Veluz Videofest posters.
But for now, it’s time to watch and laugh. Enjoy!
We are introducing our very first regular columnist. Her love for colors made her the most fitting one for this topic. Give her any color and she’d be able to find you a good mood board. Her love and respect for all colors makes her a great color guru. Plus, she was once an event stylist way back when the word hasn’t been coined yet. Presenting Color Play by Tisha Rosales.
Welcome to Color Play! Here we’ll talk about different color palettes and how they play a crucial part in making your wedding truly your own. I’ve always loved colors and over the years I can say I’ve changed my “favorite color” repeatedly not because of fickle-mindedness but simply because of the range of emotions a person goes through in her lifetime. My fascination with colors lies in their ability to capture a mood, a feeling, a temperament. It’s like being locked in a dance with life yet being free to feel the emotion of that fleeting instant.
Those moments, described in hues of emotions, are what Color Play is all about. And in what better life occasion can we experience this than in a wedding. I can’t imagine a wedding without color. The wedding color is an expression of the unconditional love and respect a bride and a groom have foe each other. They allow for each individual’s taste to come out and be a part of the celebration of their union.
On Color Play we will explore the different hues that help create that perfect wedding that you can call your own. If you’re still looking for your weddings colors, maybe this blog can assist you!
For my very first color palette, I chose blush. We have to admit that weddings bring out the hopeless romantics in us and in the language of color there is that particular shade of pink that captures the gentleness that only true love can bring. It is the softest shade of pink that mirrors the peace a bride feels as she basks in the love of her soon-to-be husband.
Flowers in the shades of blush are at their most romantic. Roses and peonies deliver the best impact. Adding a few blooms in white create the perfect counter play. For finishing, sprinkle the lightest green.
The play on fabrics of this color palette offers countless options for the entourage. Mothers can choose the more formal hue of champagne while bridesmaids can opt for a flirty mix of nude, pale rose and pale blush. Flower girls can go for the giggly blush. Men have no problem adapting these otherwise feminine shades. The subtlety of the colors brings out the soft bear in them.
Now for the bride’s gown. The traditional wedding white would definitely be the primary choice, accented by a hint of blush around her waist via a satin belt. Or for the more independent lady, a gown in the palest shade of blush and in whispers of layered fabric will undoubtedly bring out her beauty.
Add a glitter of pale gold here and there and the ensemble is complete.
Soft, subtle, romantic – captured in blush.
Read more of Tisha Rosales’ Color Play articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/color-play/.
Groom Lemjay Lucas and bride Cecile Jagua were wed in May 3, 2014.
Many W@Wies from 2012 to 2014 know Cecile (and Lemjay). She was active at the Weddings at Work Yahoogroups and event went to meet-ups and parties. She was so active in the W@W community that Benz herself agreed to be their wedding ninang. It was no wonder she received the “Always Present” Award during the W@W Grand EB of 2013.
Let’s take a look at how their wedding came to be:
The Preparations
Lemjay was based in Singapore, while Cecile was in Manila. Despite being in a long-distance relationship, this didn’t stop them from being hands-on in preparing their big day.
Cecile joined W@W a month after getting engaged and the community provided her the sounding board she needed. “I found sisters/brothers na naiintindihan ako and no need to explain pa our two-year engagement.”
W@W helped Cecile and Lemjay complete their roster of suppliers with reputable people since joining the community gave them access to feedback from fellow brides and grooms. Who are their suppliers, you ask? Read on.
Church: San Antonio de Padua
They booked Hacienda Isabella and asked for recommendations regarding nearby churches. San Antonio was one of the recommendations. Cecile visited the church in November 2012 to book their slot.
Come wedding day, Cecile said, “Lalong gumanda ang church dahil sa mga bulaklak ni Serge (Igonia) at isama pa ang maraming nakapark na sasakyan at ang magara kong bridal car.”’
Reception Venue: Hacienda Isabella
They didn’t really have a specific venue in mind. They just wanted one in Tagaytay since they spent their second anniversary there. They looked for venues online and liked photos of Hacienda.
On May 2, the day before their wedding, everyone experienced the hospitality of Hacienda as they checked in. The staff also followed the room assignments that Cecile made even if Cecile and Lemjay weren’t there yet when other guests arrived.
According to Cecile, her favorite part of the day was the “dance floor na may monogram.”
Bridal Gown: CA Design Team and Vidal Clayton
They were chosen because Cecile and Lemjay believed in their capacity to deliver, plus “magaan ang loob [ni Cecile] sa kanila”. She describes her gown as “way beyond her expectations”. Clayton was earliest to arrive at the preps venue.
Groom’s Suit: Veejay Floresca
The groom’s attire was their dilemma – they didn’t know whether to buy off the rack or to have one customized. Since Lemjay could not decide, Cecile took matters into her own hands and said she will give this to him as her gift—her only contribution to the wedding. She was also the one who decided on Veejay.
They met during Veejay’s vacation in the Philippines. Cecile recalled, “Very detailed si Lemjay sa gusto niyang suit, kaya naman natutuwa sa kanya sina Veejay and Bryan (Veejay’s assistant).”
Cecile only had these to say, “Ang pogi ng mister ko. Ang cute ng color ng suit niya eh, very unique and very Lemjay.”
Caterer: K by Cunanan Catering
K by Cunanan was non-negotiable for the couple and they had their first food tasting when Lemjay came home in June 2012. K by Cunanan delivered with excellent service. Cecile is thankful as well to Nina, the account executive of K by Cunanan.
Videographer: Bob Nicolas Videography
Choosing the photo and video teams was assigned to Lemjay. Since Cecile’s bezcuz (short for best cousin) was getting married as well and she got Bob Nicolas, Cecile and Lemjay started browsing his site and watching his videos. They were very pleased with all the videos so Cecile sought them out in the Sept 2012 bridal fair she attended.
“Super bait ni Bob and nung mga brothers niya at team niya. Na-surprise kami sa SDE. Napaluha ulit kami ni Lemjay,” Cecile gushed.
Photographer: Joel H. Garcia Photography
In 2012, Cecile started asking if she could book the team. Since their calendar was not yet open, Cecile continued her inquiries until early 2013. Ma-anne, Joel’s then fiancée, agreed with the booking. She also gave them a price lock of 2012 rates since she was their first bride who inquired two years ahead.
“No regrets talaga na sila ang kinuha,” Cecile said. “Ang galing mag-detail nina Joel and Ma-anne. Grabe ang eye nila. Nacapature ang moments namin ni Lemjay.”
Florist: Vatel Manila
She found Vatel Manila because of her bezcuz, as well. “I love the entourage flowers, pati sa mommies, flower girls, ninangs, and ninongs,” she said. There were a few hitches but overall, she felt everything went well.
HMUA: Keighty Wong of MK Make-up & Studio
Cecile has known Keighty because they were classmates at HD Make-up Academy. Aside from giving her a friendly rate, Keighty also extended Cecile a free trial make-up session. On their wedding day, Keighty gave her the perfect make-up and even gave free make-up and hair styling to the flower girls.
Entourage Dresses: Cheesecake
Cheesecake, makers of infinity dresses, was a W@W find. Because Cecile didn’t want the members of her entourage to be hassled with fitting schedules, Cheesecake readily accommodated her.
Cecile just went to Glorietta to meet with Agatha to choose a swatch that she likes. Agatha then sent her a measurement guide, which Cecile gave to her entourage. After a few months, she picked up the dresses with each one placed in reusable bags. Cecile loved how the entourage made sure each dress was different in design.
Bridal Car: JCA Bridal Car Rentals
Cecile contacted JCA via Facebook. She was able to exchange messages with Rudolph. They really wanted the Cadillac but it was more expensive so they opted for the Studebaker. There was a mix-up with the reservation, however, and so Cecile chose another car.
On the day of the wedding, traffic was heavy. Miles, the assigned driver, calmed her down by playing wedding songs.
Photobooth: Contact Live Photography
She described the admin of CLIP as easy to talk to. When she booked the supplier, CLIP even gave her extra minutes even when they exceeded the number of booked hours.
Emcee: Mallory Ferrer-Cosio
Cecile heard about Mallory even before she got engaged. After she and Lemjay watched the YouTube videos of Mallory, they became convinced. On the day, Mallory did really well that even guests from other countries praised her.
Church Floral Arrangement: Serge Igonia of Loi Floral Sense
Serge is one of Cecile’s W@W finds. She wanted the sampaguita effect for the church aisle but let the idea go because of budget constraints. A few days before the wedding, however, she got a call from Serge, who said he had a gift for them—the sampaguita aisle! “Amoy na amoy ko ang fresh sampaguita at ang gandang tingnan,” Cecile gushed.
Cakes and cupcakes: Toy Cakes and Pastries
Chef Francis Arcabos was also a W@W find. Cecile found him easy to talk to and down to earth. They went to Chef Kiko’s house for the final detailing and even got 50 cupcakes for free. Cecile was very happy with the cake as it was delicious and even had a cute topper.
Lights and Sounds: Artuz101 Professional Lights and Sound System
Artuz was a suggestion of Hacienda Isabella because the supplier was Cavite-based and was familiar with Hacienda. Cecile said everything they agreed on was implemented well.
Stylist: Gideon Hermosa of The Events Studio
Cecile described Gids as nice and down to earth. She also credited him for changing their theme from vintage travel to photographs and memories. She booked his semi-styling package so Gids handled their photobooth backdrop. Cecile and Lemjay also loved the string lights the staff installed.
Choir/Musicians: Totally Mesmerized
Totally Mesmerized is another bezcuz-related find. Since Cecile would accompany her cousin to meet-ups, she met them, as well. Lemjay heard them during the wedding of Cecile’s cousin and they decided right then and there to book the group.
Mobile Bar: Sober Club
Cecile tasted their concoctions during the surprise bridal and stag party for Mimma and Didda of Weddings at Work. She asked for the card and found Jenny accommodating. Cecile noted that the set-up registered well in the wedding photos.
Design and Layout (digital designs): The Pretty Palette by OJ
Cecile had this to say, “Super thanks kay Mommy OJ at nakuha niya ang gusto namin. Super ganda ng invites namin and unique.” Incidentally, OJ and Cecile were both W@Wies before OJ decided to be a supplier. Cecile also credited OJ for their door signs, bridal car sign, missalette layout, picture game layout, and photobooth layout.
Invitation Printing: Elyn Cordova of Concepts and Technology
Cecile met with Elyn twice only—first for the sample print of OJ’s design and second, to get all the printed copies for distribution. She found Elyn nice and easy to deal with. The printing of the invites went without any hitch.
Tent Rental: Tent King
She found them because she needed to look for tents for K by Cunanan’s buffet area. Even if they are based in Tagaytay, they still had an OOT fee since Hacienda is farther than other venues. When they arrived to check in on May 2, a day before the wedding, Tent King was already setting up.
Wedding Essentials: Pretty Little Details
Before Donna Salgado was a W@Wie before she became a supplier. She promised to help Cecile with the wedding and true enough, she made the letters L&C, holders for their coins, rings, and Bible, their monogram stamp, love story board, and printed photos of Lemjay and Cecile. She even brought them all the way to Antipolo. She also printed their missalettes, door signs, and car sign.
Many of their wedding suppliers were W@W finds and the couple was grateful. They also loved how so many W@Wies helped make their wedding successful. “Thank you, W@W Community, dahil sa mga naging friends ko na I know I will treasure and have for a lifetime. I’ll be a W@Wie by heart forever.”
If there’s one thing that can be said about W@W throughout its existence, it’s that friendships abound here. It’s like a big slumber party where wishes and secrets are exchanged. No judgments here, only honest conversations and sincere sharing.
Master videographer Jason Magbanua skillfully captures the bride vibe in this video. Jason, the ultimate W@W “slasher” meaning supplier/star/christmaspartyhost/friend/adviser/supporter/etc/plusmore, knows the pulse of the groupie really well, having been around them for as long as he has been in business. Putting all that together results in a candid and genuine vid. Must watch!
We’ve been itching to do some tweaking on the W@W logo for some time now. When the project to revamp the W@W site came about, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for a logo makeover.
The W@W logo has become a familiar emblem of our community. We didn’t really want to do drastic changes with it. We still wanted the old but also wanted it new. We just needed to find that one perfect something that says everything about W@W’s past, present and future. We toyed with images, colors, more color combinations until we asked “What is W@W.”
W@W is community, friendship, bond, love, camaraderie. A sense of belonging.
In a word: connectivity. This word sums it up: people and technology.
The W@W logo is all that – a couple’s dream of the perfect wedding and the work that is needed to achieve that. The @ symbol is for internet technology that connects the people to each other wherever they may be on this planet and allows people to share ideas without boundaries.
As for the color blue, in any wedding you need something blue.
Putting it all together: W connects to W via the @ in one fluid, solid stroke.
Connected.
Together.
Old yet new.
And something blue.
All W@W.
Hi there! Welcome to the new W@W! For those who are just discovering us now, W@W is the biggest sorority of Filipino brides in the world. This is the girl-groupie where “our men” (aka grooms) are most welcome! More than a website, W@W is a real life community that embraces Filipino brides and grooms. Countless couples have joined this groupie as they prepare for their dream wedding.
We started W@W 16 years ago when we, John and Benz, were preparing for our own wedding. With the wealth of information we gathered from our prep months, the sharing of information just kept going and going. Little did we imagine that our simple wedding blog would turn out to be Weddings At Work.
Since then we have sought to provide valuable insights and information to couples who, just like us at the start, were clueless about preparing for their wedding.
Along the way, our community embraced wedding suppliers who were just as eager to share their services and expertise to soon-to-weds. This synergistic relationship between couples and suppliers soon defined what W@W has come to be known for.
In the beginning it is W@W who inspired. Now it’s the other way around. W@W basks in the warmth of the love and friendships that had turned this little groupie into one big happy family. And the brood just gets getting bigger with each passing year. The cycle will never stop. As couples get married and subsequently “graduate”, new brides and grooms are welcomed into W@W and start their own journey. And we are here to hold your hand through every stitch and glitch as you make your way to your wedding day.
Welcome to new W@W!
They say that a wedding is a woman’s big day. But these photos show that the grooms also know just how special their wedding day is.
John Mateos Ong ni Monique
Mark ni Anne
Ejhaye ni Agie
Archie ni Aimee
Ron ni Aiza
Loy ni Ayn
Karl ni Anna
Mark ni Chrissie
Jay ni Pizza
Nunui ni Jenki
Ian ni Johann
Allan ni Mandy
Jay ni Michelle
Jojo ni Pittipat
Jojo ni Shyr
Jay ni Nikki
Jaypee ni Pat
Girls don’t want to be just any bride. They want to be a Veluz Bride. “It’s a girl thing,” as Veluz herself puts in. For several years now Veluz has made so many of these dreams come true with her awesome creations. She seems to weave magic into every piece she makes. When the bride and gown come together, an inexplicable radiance emanates. We’ve heard of the “bride’s glow,” right? For Veluz Brides, the gown plays a huge part in creating that aura.
Veluz is known for her attention to detail. Whether it’s perfecting that flower embroidery or the precise position of a crystal on a swirl, her craftsmanship is impeccable. But more than the dexterity she possesses, what makes her gowns a standout is her ability to make the gown and the bride one with each other. Veluz has the gift to make the gown bring out the true beauty of the bride wearing it. She does this by listening to the person, to that little girl in every bride who has nurtured her dream of becoming the princess bride for so long.
By freeing herself from any prejudices, Veluz allows the beauty of the bride to flow, captures it and translates into artistic flourishes in lace, embroidery, pearls and crystals. That is why whenever a Veluz Bride finally steps into her gown, she feels totally herself. Like coming to one’s self but this time more beautiful.
It is the Veluz magic that the 2015 W@W Videofest celebrates. W@W has invited six of the finest videographers in the country today to capture the enigma of Veluz in their short films. Each filmmaker presents a unique angle of this talented designer. An artist paying tribute to a fellow artist. This May W@W Videofest proudly presents world-class bridal gown designer, the Queen of the Aisle, Veluz.
Six years ago when W@W hosted the first-ever W@W Videofest, they turned to long-time W@W friend, Threelogy, to create the first video. Having been among the numerous wedding suppliers that owe their beginnings to W@W, Threelogy eagerly jumped at the opportunity.
The short film skillfully captures how the W@W Community has helped suppliers start their careers in the wedding industry. Talking heads of now well-established suppliers share their W@W stories and the special bond they have with the community. So, take a breather and enjoy this video by Threelogy.
As you can see, we did a little bit of spring cleaning.
Well, maybe a great deal. You know how it is, once you start you just can’t stop! We’ve been busy in the past few months scrubbing and dusting the “W@W House,” sorting through endless stories of friendship formed and forged over time. It’s amazing how much love has been shared here for the past 16 years!
With this revamped site, we’ve assembled together an interesting mix of reality and fantasy–a good dose of wedding formula to keep things on track, just the right amount of instinct and real-life advise for that much-needed practicality and the necessary sprinkle of fantasy because every bride deserves to live out her dream wedding.
As with any home cleaning, we definitely kept something old. What are these? Let’s see. There’s the camaraderie, laughter, a spattering of tears and all the love that made this family endure the years. Stories and more stories fill the W@W Archives to the brim. Imagine family albums? That kind.
Of course, we put in something new. Fresh on the menu are the Weddingpedia and Wedding 101 Series, W@W’s answer to anything and everything you and your soulmate need to know for your big “I Do” day.
Something borrowed, yes we have! Pieces of advice pepper our blog, coming from both sides of the pond. Real stories from real couples. Tips from established suppliers. We borrow great ideas and share these with you with love.
A new coat of paint delivers something blue. After all what’s a wedding without a pop of color?
We hope you enjoy the new look of W@W! You’re most welcome to roam around and feel at home.
Do you spend a lot of time using the filters of your phone just to make sure you look your best in your photos? Are you terrified by the thought of how you and your groom would look in your pre-nup photos because you’ve never really done a professional photo shoot in the past?
W@W recently had an EB with Feliz Lucas of Lifestyle by Feliz and guest photographers, Manny and April Photography, where they shared tips on bringing out your beauty.
Special thanks to W@Wies Leslie and Maan for the notes!
1. Know the best side of your face.
– Get your phone camera and do a selfie. Check which eye is bigger. Most of the time, the side with the bigger eye is your best side. This is vital especially for the succeeding tips.
2. Four basic face poses variation
– Look down
– Look away
– Look at the camera
– Look at your partner
Remember: Adjust your eyes properly and ensure that the eyeball is balanced. (not white part only)
3. How to look thinner in front of the camera
– Look down
– Extend your neck forward.
– Make sure that your eye is nearer the camera than your chin.
– Then smile and breathe through your lips. (inhale-exhale)
– If you turn your head side wards, try to make the veins on your neck appear. It may help if you will adjust your shoulders as well depending on your angle.
4. Poses on a standing position
– Keep your legs together as if they are kissing together. Bend one knee.
– Point your knee out then tiptoe to have a longer leg.
– Make sure that your weight is on your back to create an angle as well.
– Cross legs
– Cross legs at the back (as if checking your shoe if you’ve step on a chewing gum)
– As a props, you may use a sturdy object such as chairs, walls, window, etc that you can lean on
5. Hand-movements
– Make a variation with your hands to avoid awkward poses (military pose).
a. Try the “masakit sa katawan” look. You may hold your neck, shoulder, tummy, back portion, head, chin, etc.
b. You may also put your hands at the side and widen your shoulder.
c. You may also put your hands on your hips but make sure to put an air space in between your armpit. Elbow at the back.
6. For grooms:
– Keep your legs apart.
– Put one foot forward.
– Weight at the back.
– Hands inside the pocket or hips.
– “Tambay look”
7. For couple pics
– Do the poses in clockwise and counterclockwise position. (either husband/wife) will be assigned to do this. This is to ensure that the couple will not be on the same direction.
Additional Posting Tips:
1. If with big arms, keep your elbow at the back.
2. If seated on the floor, bend your knees.
Additional Info:
1. For best pic results, use colored contact lenses (amethyst/green)
2. False eye lashes will look good too. Brides may try #53 from the Beauty Bar.
3. Try Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler. This will work even with those short and few lashes.
4. If pictorial is at night, avoid moving and be still for a few seconds to keep the quality of the picture.
REMEMBER:
When you are shy, you are being selfish. – Feliz Lucas
Time well spent.
Photo Credits: Manny and April Photography
While it’s pretty easy to Google body structures vis a vis wedding gown designs, it’s not very easy to actually choose a flattering wedding gown for one’s body structure. Call it the battle of wants vs realities. We want something but the style just doesn’t agree with the reality called “current body structure”.
We thought it would be a great idea to interview all 3 designers who made it to the top spot of the Weddings at Work Top 10. Yes, they each have Supplier of the Year trophies — Ms. Veluz Puno – Reyes (2005), Mr. Cecilio Abad (2008), and Mr. Boy Kastner Santos (2011).
For part 2, we will focus on the responses of the one everyone refers to as Tito Cecil. 🙂
Q: When a bride comes to you for a gown design and her pegs are totally not possible given her body structure, what do you usually do?
CA: I measure first, then sketch. If she insists, I ask, “Which one do you want — the dress that that will make you beautiful on your wedding day or the peg you brought?”
Q: If the bride wants a lot of beadwork and has each of the following figures, where would you put the majority of the beadwork?
CA: Patterns are made to accentuate the body and give the illusion of shape.
Q: If the bride wants a ruffled skirt, but has a certain body structure, would you say go or no?
CA: For pear shaped bodies, no; for full figured ladies who are tall, ok.
Q: Many want bustiers or tube top gowns, is there a particular body structure that doesn’t agree with this kind of neckline?
CA: Nothing is impossible, we can create a pattern to hide the volume of the bust.
Q: Which neckline can you consider as versatile?
CA: I would go for the sweetheart neckline.
Q: What cut best hides or takes away the focus on the following:
CA: Those with big tummies but have big busts can go with any cut, but if not, then waist cut. Those with big hips need the waist cut or we will use add-on’s to lessen the emphasis on the hips. Those with big arms and big busts can go with a v-neck and 3/4 sleeves.
Q: Most full figured women go for sleeves and off-the-shoulder cuts, would you go with the same options? Why/not? What would you recommend for plus size brides?
CA: I’m ok with off-the-shoulder. I don’t like to make the bride look like she has been wrapped with too much cloth that she can’t breathe anymore.
Q: If a bride wants to lose weight, up to how many months prior to her wedding date can she put off the measurement taking date?
CA: Three months before the date is fine.
Q: What percentage of brides per year actually end up altering their bodies after they declare they want to lose weight before measurement taking? (Rough estimate e.g. Only 1 out of 10)
CA: 2 to 3 out of 10
Q: Any general tip regarding gowns and body structures?
CA: Brides want certain things, but remember, designers are hired to guide their brides. I don’t just sketch, I cut, so best to listen to my guidance as well.
Proudly showing off our 2015 Desktop Calendar.
Here it is in greater details.
Jayson and Jo Anne Arquiza Photography
Robert Lester’s Digital Profile
Wishing everyone Double Happiness this year of 2015!
While it’s pretty easy to Google body structures vis-a-vis wedding gown designs, it’s not very easy to actually choose a flattering wedding gown for one’s body structure. Call it the battle of wants vs realities. We want something but the style just doesn’t agree with the reality called “current body structure”.
We thought it would be a great idea to interview all 3 designers who made it to the top spot of the Weddings at Work Top 10. Yes, they each have Supplier of the Year trophies — Ms. Veluz Puno – Reyes (2005), Mr. Cecilio Abad (2008), and Mr. Boy Kastner Santos (2011).
After our interview with Boy Kastner Santos and Cecilio Abad, this is our Part 3 and this time with Veluz Reyes.
Q: When a bride comes to you for a gown design and her pegs are totally not possible given her body structure, what do you usually do?
A: I explain that we do have the same objective – to make her look her best on her wedding day. I explain why the pegs won’t work given her body frame then offer what I believe will compliment her the most.
Q: If the bride wants a lot of beadwork and has each of the following figures, where would you put the majority of the beadwork?
A: I am always after symmetry when I embellish and I make sure I arrange the embellishments to create that impression. Something that will make her look well proportioned. No particular part of her body popping out, just beautiful in every angle.
Q: If the bride wants a ruffled skirt, but has a certain body structure, would you say go or no?
A: It is not just the body, nor the specific garment details, nor the embellishments that make the gown beautiful. It is the bride’s character that defines it. The question is, is she that kind of girl? Can she pull it off? Because she may have the perfect body but if it’s not her to wear something with those details, then she won’t be able to pull it off and might look tacky or pretentious in the end.
If the ruffles are something that are non-negotiable and the body cannot afford the added bulge the ruffles give, then I offer other kinds of texture that will work best for her body.
Q: Many want bustiers or tube top gowns, is there a particular body structure that doesn’t agree with this kind of neckline?
A: A lot of women actually think they can pull off a strapless dress since it is very popular, even for non wedding gowns. On the contrary, it requires a lot from the bride. You need to have that perfectly shaped shoulder and trimmed arms to carry it magnificently. Not too fat nor too thin. You cannot wear one if you have wide or boxy shoulders, neither can you wear it if the shoulders are too narrow and too slanted.
Q: Which neckline can you consider as versatile?
A: Sweetheart is the easiest to pull off. frames the face too. Wouldn’t suggest it though if the bride is a cup C or D. Again, it is about balance.
Q: What cut best hides or takes away the focus on the following:
A: Wow, this is a really difficult question 🙁 There are so many factors to consider and really no hard rules. Putting my answers in a box will be too limiting and can be misleading too :/ Can I pass? hahahaha!
Q: Most full figured women go for sleeves and off-the-shoulder cuts, would you go with the same options? Why/not? What would you recommend for plus size brides?
A: It depends on the bride’s comfort zone. Is she comfortable showing off her arms? Sleeves can actually highlight big arms especially since wedding gowns usually come in light colours. It can even be an extension of the body if not properly embellished. But if she’s not comfortable with her arms exposed, then by all means, go for sleeves. At the end of the day, it is her comfort that is most important.
It is not only the arms that should be considered with plus size brides. First thing to do is elongate the torso. If it’s long already, define the waist, make sure the hipline is proportional to the shoulders. If the torso is long enough and the shoulder’s not too wide, then yes, we can do off shoulder. If the torso is not that long then sleeves from the natural shoulder line is advisable. Make sure to embellish the sleeves where there are still skin showing and with vertical illusion.
Q: If a bride wants to lose weight, up to how many months prior to her wedding date can she put off the measurement taking date?
A: I do not put off the measurement taking but I can delay the fittings, because I need to work on the embellishments too. I usually work with a bride 5 to 6 months before the wedding for non-peak months and 7 months before the wedding for peak months. I usually require 4 fittings and request that the weight be fixed after the third. Or at least tell us if she wants to continue losing weight so I can adjust my production schedule too.
Q: What percentage of brides per year actually end up altering their bodies after they declare they want to lose weight before measurement taking? (Rough estimate e.g. Only 1 out of 10)
A: 2 out of 10.
Q: Any general tip regarding gowns and body structures?
A: Be truthful, be honest, speak your mind but learn to listen. Keep in mind, the designer wants the best for you too.
We asked wedding photographers among our FB friends to send us their three best shots taken from prenup sessions and/or actual wedding shoots. But before we present our top choices, we need to grab this chance to extend our appreciation to all the photographers who participated — both well known and up-and-coming – for trusting us with their choice images from last year.
Choosing only 11 photographs out of the countless sent to us was no easy task. Afterall, the photographers sent us the best very of their best. Few images below already made an impact on us the first time we saw them prior to this feature. Yet they still stand out among the many submissions. While more than half in this collection we only saw as we were compiling which images to include in this feature.
Our selection process is not based on any technical criteria. We judge them based solely on the picture’s ‘wow factor.’ You’ll be surprised that most of the shots here are locations just within the Metro. While the more ‘exotic’ looking locations are just a day trip away from Manila!
Without much ado, here we present to you our Top 11 choices for the Best Prenups for 2011!
photo by Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto
Aedz + Carla
08 August | Tagaytay Highlands
photo by Ian Santillan
Dheng + Glo
11 August | La Mesa Ecopark
photo by Vinz Matias of The Rockin’ Duo
Johnver + Anne
27 August | Star City, CCP Complex
photo by Jayson Arquiza of Jayson & Jo Anne Arquiza
Erp + Aya
05 October | Thunderbird Resort, Rizal
photo by Dominic Barrios
Bryan + Anne
10 October | Johnny Rockets, Tomas Morato
photo by Jervy Santiago of Visionary Photography Hub
Henry + Myla
15 November | The Greenery, Bulacan
photo by Noel Salazar for Imagine Nation Photography
Vince + Rela
06 December | Ayala Triangle, Makati City
photo by Toto Villaruel for Imagine Nation Photography
Carlo + Erika
17 December | Rockwell Tent
photo by Paul Vincent
Lloyd + Karen
20 December | Ronac Art Center, Greenhills
photo by Jayjay Lucas of Chestknots Studios
Our “Money Shots | 11 Best Wedding Pics of 2011“ is up next in the Best of 2011 series. 🙂