Blog – Page 5 – Weddings At Work

Wawparazzi: Paul Jake Santos and Kaye Abad Prenuptial Shoot

October 3, 2016/in Blog, W@Wparazzi /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]When I look at Paul Jake Castillo & Kaye Abad, I am reminded me of the quote “What is meant to be, will always find its way”.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/pauljakeandkayeprenup8.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/pauljakeandkayeprenup5.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]And just like their love story, our experience on the day of their prenuptial shoot, was nothing close to easy – as it was raining so hard most parts of the day.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/pauljakeandkayeprenup7.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]But just like the quote, despite of the weather not cooperating, we were meant to have beautiful, effortless photos.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/pauljakeandkayeprenup6.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Kaye as pretty as she is the first time we laid our eyes on her in “Tabing Ilog” as Eds ……….[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/pauljakeandkayeprenup14.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/pauljakeandkayeprenup11.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]………. and Paul Jake, as handsome as he is,………[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/pauljakeandkayeprenup12.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]………. were at their most gorgeous because of their real happiness which radiates in every photo we took.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/pauljakeandkayeprenup10.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Special thanks to the team behind this Official Prenuptial Shoot: #TeamNiceprint, RabbitHole Creatives, Mk Qua And Aries Manal, JayLizelle Santillan of Light and Sound Tech (LST Mobile) for the bubble machine and fog machine.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”three-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 3″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Read more of Charisse Tinio’s Wawparazzi articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/wawparazzi/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Charisse Tinio:

Fan mode on high as WaW columnist Charisse Tinio brings us behind the scenes of the latest celebrity weddings. Charisse, the business maven behind Nice Print Photo, delivers the juicy inside info on the entertainment world’s newlyweds.

No gossip here. Pure delish celebrity wedding scoop. Read on![/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Dream Themes by the SM Group and Wedding Essentials Magazine

September 29, 2016/in Blog, Events, Press Release /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]SM Group and Wedding Essentials Magazine present DREAM THEMES, a roadshow featuring Wedding Essentials’ most coveted section in collaboration with some of the most sought-after event stylists, wedding suppliers and SM brand affiliates.

Be inspired, as the premiere wedding magazine in the Philippines joins SM to give you a variety of tablescapes that will surely capture every bride’s persona. Choose from several of our themed set ups which will run in SM’s top city malls.

FIRST LEG: SEPTEMBER 28 to OCTOBER 4, 2016 II SM MALL OF ASIA MAIN ATRIUM (across French Baker)

Featuring tablescapes by Gideon Hermosa, Teddy Manuel, Joyce Aguilar and Michael Ruiz.

For more information, visit Wedding Essentials Magazine on Facebook.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Before I Do: 3 Things I Hope You Are Doing In Your Marriage

September 23, 2016/in Blog, WaW Before I do /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Monique & I both love traveling. We love traveling with our families (even if packing, waking them up is a pain) but also at least once or twice a year, we also make it a point to travel by ourselves.

I know for many hands on responsible parents, this is a huge NO-NO! Kids should always come… right? But what if your marriage is damaged, won’t that affect your kids too? Saying No to “time alone” says this — if we focus on being good parents being a good spouse will follow.

May I correct you?

It’s actually the other way around. When you become a good husband or wife and your kids see it, you are actually modeling a good example for them to follow.

So I’ve come up a list of three things that I believe every family should be doing so that your marriage will be strengthened and so will your parenting.

1. Pray together out loud – this may get intimidating at first and sometimes in our family, my kids Ezra and JD would actually even point fingers at each other on who would go first. First of all, I show them that it’s never a burden to pray but a privilege. Sometimes we parents communicate this message to them. How? When we say “What? Why do I get to pray first again tonight when I was already first last night?”. Does this sound like you?

May I add one more? Prayer doesn’t have to be long… but don’t make it general. Pray for very specific stuff and remember to include a little bit of glorifying the Father, sorries, thank you before making your requests for yourself and other people.

Praying together has been a part of our family so much that when Monique or I forget, you can be assured that one of our kids will remind us. And yes, admittedly, we’ve used prayer to correct each other like when one prays “Please teach JD to share..” but it has made a huge impact in our family.

2. Talk about nothing – for many people, you don’t date your wife because you’re afraid of what to talk about. It seems like dead air is sin. It’s a sign of boredom when in fact, one thing I love about my wife is I can come to her tired and I know she won’t make me work or think anymore.

Intentionally set times for just being together physically away from the noise and that includes those that come from each other.

On the other hand, may I also encourage that you also set an environment where you can just talk about anything and everything? That no topic is too shallow or too heavy, too important or too irrelevant.

Just talk.

Lastly, 3. Do things together — I know men need their cave time – a thing that they get to do alone. But before you plan those cave times, do you actually have activities that you do together? Since it’s very rare that both of you actually like everything the other likes, there is a need to be intentional and at least try out some of the things your spouse likes. Does she like watching Telenovela? Why not watch it together? Does your husband play games? Why not try it out. The important thing is important to find something to do together that you both enjoy. Whatever it is, finding shared activities will prove to be beneficial for your marriage. Find something.

We are currently in Guam and last night as Monique and I walked through Gun Beach boulevard, we chatted about how much we both loved traveling. The only difference probably is that sometimes, our traveling worries Monique because she gets to pay the credit card and I told her “If the time comes we need to sell properties, lets do so, because I don’t know until what age I can get to do this.”

Last week, our finance made us sign our latest financial papers and part of it was our Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth. As we chatted yesterday, I asked Monique if she saw it and she said yes. It was an amount we did not know we actually have and we most of the time don’t feel that its there. I said “Not bad right? To think I entered this world with absolutely nothing and we’re not necessarily the stingy types.”

I believe in living within your means (or probably even below) but I am a much stronger believer in not storing so much in this world that you don’t want to leave it. You don’t have to spend so much to do the 3 things I listed above. I do hope and pray that these advices make your marriage stronger.

Here’s a little video that we did while we are here in Guam which is also our first ever Facebook live video http://bit.ly/2bZgEgd.

Read more of John and Monique Ong’s Before I Do articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-before-i-do/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About John & Monique Ong:

Husband and Wife John and Monique Ong are partners in every sense – from homeschooling their children, running their business Imagine Nation Photography Inc, blogging, and in helping equip soon-to-wed couples and newlyweds for their lives together.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

AISLE DO: FILIPINIANA-INSPIRED WEDDING DETAILS (PART 2) – NAPKIN RING SINAMAY

September 16, 2016/in Aisle Do /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]In this column, Ernest Pascual of Bespoke Manila talks about how to DIY your Filipiniana-inspired wedding. With the help of Adrian Ardiente for photos, Ernest shows you how to add these personalized touches for your wedding.

A Filipiniana-themed wedding is becoming more and more popular these days. Here are two great ideas to help you come up with a truly memorable fete.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Napkin Ring

This DIY project gives a more unified look for your table set-up.
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/AisleDo_NapkinRingSinamay1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Here’s what you need:
• Gold ribbons
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Glue gun
• Ruler
• Sinamay
• Buttons
• Acrylic stones

Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Cut some ribbons and sinamay.
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/AisleDo_NapkinRingSinamay2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 2: Secure the fringed edges of the sinamay with glue stick. Avoid any skin contact with the melted glue.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/AisleDo_NapkinRingSinamay4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 3: Add a gold ribbon on top of the cut sinamay.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/AisleDo_NapkinRingSinamay5.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 4: Decorate the band with buttons and acrylic stones.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/AisleDo_NapkinRingSinamay6.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/AisleDo_NapkinRingSinamay8.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Bespoke Tip: Ask the caterer for a sample piece of napkin which will be used during the reception for you to determine the correct size of the napkin ring to be crafted. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]This DIY is the second installment of Ernest Pascual’s Filipiniana-inspired Wedding Details series. You can check out the first installment HERE.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

The Wedding Library’s Weddings & Debut fair 2017

September 14, 2016/in Events, Press Release /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The Wedding Library’s Wedding & Debut fair 2017 will be held at SM Megatrade Halls 1, 2 & 3 on the month of February.

You may win Php 100,000 when you make a booking at the event or Php 10,000 just for being there.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/WeddingsDebuts.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Check out the poster for more details.

Or visit www.weddingsanddebut.com for details![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Bridal Fashion: More To Love

September 9, 2016/in Blog, WaW Bridal Fashion /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]A few weeks back, I received a request from one of my readers to write something about plus-sized women and bridal fashion. A friend commented that this is a unique request but I actually think the opposite: being “plus-sized” is more common than we think. Sure, I have a lot of brides who vow to lose 10-15 lbs before their big day and mind you, they stay true to their word. But there are also those who prefer to be the same girl that their fiance proposed to, curves and all and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, it is a fine way to celebrate one’s natural shape. I do, however, believe that curvy women can look more fabulous if they just keep in mind the following:

Mind the cut

I have said this over and over again, it is more important to find a silhouette that suits you than to keep up with the trends. Whether you’re stick-thin or on the healthier side, you will always benefit from wearing a gown with a flattering cut. Have an enviable hour-glass figure? Make sure the gown is cinched at the waist. Short-waisted? Try an empire cut. Pear-shaped? Go for a structured skirt. No matter what your size OR shape is, you can always find a cut that will serve you.

Highlight your assets

“Tito Boy, please hide (insert body part here), ang taba ko kasi,” is a request I oftentimes hear from my clients. There is nothing wrong with knowing your flaws so you may hide them but don’t be so hard on yourself. Make sure you also know your assets so your coutourier may highlight them. No bride should ever have to walk down the aisle wearing something that resembles a burlap sack. As a wedding gown designer, I may point out positive areas which your gown may accentuate but unless you know these yourself, you will never be comfortable highlighting them. See the beauty in you and others will see it too.

Be honest

Treat your couturier as your best friend. Do not trim numbers off your measurements as we will find out sooner or later. I think I speak for everyone in the wedding industry when I say that suppliers are in this business for the look of joy that is evident in their client’s face on their wedding day. Let us help you celebrate your big day and let’s start off on an honest footing. In the same token, be authentic enough to tell your couturier if you are not comfortable with the ideas he has for your dress or if you are no longer seeing eye to eye.

Prepare yourself for lots and lots of fittings

As the wedding day approaches, some of my brides drop weight in alarming rates and they are not even consciously on a diet. Please do not think your designer is being a pain in the neck if he insists on having you do many fittings. This is the only way to ensure that your gown will fit you perfectly.

….And the most important tip of them all:

Have fun! It is YOUR day, and just like all other brides, you will look radiant. Let your happiness shine through.

Read more of Boy Kastner-Santos’ Bridal Fashion articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-bridal-fashion/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Boy Kastner Santos, (WaW Supplier of the Year 2011):

More known as “Tito Boy” in the industry, Boy Kastner Santos started designing in 1986 and quickly became in-demand for his personalized ways and designs, and meticulous eye for detail.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Bridal Blurbs: Bridal Fair Blues

August 31, 2016/in Blog, Bridal Blurbs /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Bridal fairs are not new to me and my fiancé. Before we got engaged in 2015, we have attended a few while we were organizing his brother’s wedding in 2010, which is why I can say that we kind of knew what we want for our wedding even before he proposed.

Couples who are planning to wed may scope out the wedding industry by visiting bridal fairs to benchmark how much they should spend for the most necessary supplier down to the littlest detail needed (or wanted) for their big day.

Let’s admit it, some suppliers who are very visible online don’t come cheap, while some suppliers have little to no online presence at all, making it hard for soon-to-weds to see their sample works. A number of these suppliers take advantage of bridal fairs to showcase their products and/or services, and that’s where you and your partner should be to see their actual work.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BridalFairBlues5.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Bridal fair organizers usually announce their event at least three months before the actual date, so couples can plan their trips accordingly. Part of the planning process you need to do is to pre-register online. Why? While the door charge on the day of the event is minimal, you are still letting go of your hard-earned money. As I would say in Filipino, “Hindi ka makakabuo ng isang milyon kung kulang ka ng piso,” so save that for your wedding budget and pre-register!

It is also important to know what you need before you go to the fair. Event organizers usually post the list of participating suppliers on their Facebook or webpage. If it’s not posted, you may send them a message on Facebook or e-mail to ask.

If your goal is to scout for hair and make-up artist, have a look at the list of suppliers participating in the bridal fair and research about them. If you are interested to get to know about a particular HMUA, send her a message before the fair and ask for her regular rates, and compare her bridal fair rates to see if the deal’s a catch or not, so you can move on to another supplier. After all, you are given a day to think, compute, and research further to decide if you are going to push through with the booking or not.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BridalFairBlues2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Now that you are ready to go to an upcoming bridal fair in your area, heed these tips to make your trip just like a walk in the park:

Bring your pegs: If you are looking to inquire about invitations, cake, or event stylist fees, it would be best to prepare your pegs so they can give a quote based on your requirements. You may print it or save it on your mobile phone or tablet for easy access.
Bring an extra bag: Be it in canvas, paper, chic plastic bag, or an ecobag (because we love Mother Earth), this will help you store the brochures you will be collecting during the bridal fair. Some fair organizers give these away for free or with a minimum purchase, but it won’t hurt if you bring your own. After all, it won’t take too much space in your purse when folded!
On brochures: If you have a goal in mind, get only the flyers from suppliers you are interested in transacting business with. If you are looking for photobooth suppliers, concentrate on getting flyers from these businesses. You may refuse suppliers giving out these promotional materials POLITELY, because it takes a great amount of effort and money to produce these, only for you to dispose of it. Don’t worry, it’s okay to say no if you say it in a nice way, and don’t forget to say thank you!

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

Ask for rates: Some suppliers don’t have their price list on their flyers or brochures, and some give additional discounts on top of the promo price, that is if you haggle nicely. If you are reaaaally considering to book the supplier but still need some more time to contemplate or have a chat with your fiancé(e) whether face-to-face or online, have them jot down the deal you are about to close on their available stationery with their logo, or on the promo mat they gave you. Don’t forget to ask for the name of the person you spoke with, and write it on the same paper that he/she wrote on so you can have it as proof that you already transacted with them previously, whether in the event or after the fair.
Do the 3 Ts: Track, Talk, Think. Bridal fairs are usually a two-day event, so you usually have two days to do the 3 Ts.
First, track down your shortlisted supplier. Search for reviews on Google or on Facebook, and sift through the million messages sent on WeddingsAtWork Yahoo Groups or Facebook Groups. If you don’t find any reviews, start a thread and ask your fellow w@wies for supplier reviews. The last two T’s are Talk to your fiancé(e) and Think together and do the pencil pushing and the decision making together.
Before booking: As soon as you sit down with your prospective supplier to finalize things, lay down all the cards you have and discuss what you have previously agreed on. At this point, some suppliers may suggest upgrades or say that they will charge this sum for this and that on top of the previously agreed price. Listen to your supplier and read the fine prints carefully before signing the contract and handing them your reservation fee or down payment. If you are not satisfied with this last step, don’t be afraid to back out politely.
Book! This is the final stretch of your supplier-hunting sojourn. As with any supplier dealings in and out of bridal fairs, make sure your supplier gets all the details, the production timeline, and your contract and acknowledgement or official receipt with you for filing. Scan and convert your documents to soft copy when you get home so you still have it on digital file in case you lose it. And while we’re at it, PLEASE DO NOT LOSE YOUR RECEIPTS AND CONTRACTS AND HAVE IT IN A SAFE PLACE UNTIL THE WEDDING IS FINISHED, OR UNTIL THE OUTPUT IS DELIVERED!

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/waw-logo-fair-2.png” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]With the innovations in today’s technologies, almost everything can be done online! Watch out for WeddingsAtWork’s second installment of the Bridal Fair Online on September 5-10, 2016. It’s like participating in a typical bridal fair, only that you could be sitting comfortably in the comforts of your own home, with your husband- or wife-to-be! What’s more, the online event will last for five days so you have a lot of time to do the 3 Ts.

Are you ready for your next bridal fair?

Read more of Kassy Pineda’s Bridal Blurbs at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/bridal-blurbs/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Kassy Pineda:

When not engrossed with her day job as a Digital Media Manager for a utilities company, Kassy muses about her thoughts on wedding preparations and her future married life with her fiance.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Wedding Tip Sheet: Did You Include These In Your Budget?

August 25, 2016/in Blog, WaW Wedding Tip Sheet /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Often, one computes the budget according to supplier categories — food/catering, attire, coordination, emcee, photographer, videographer, sound system, projector, musicians, florist, etc. Because such is the case, other items that should be in the budget are forgotten. What are these items?

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]a) Crew Meals

If you will take time to read every contract you signed, you will see this notation. You can get the headcount from the suppliers, or you can ask your coordinator to handle getting the headcount as well as the meal allowance requirement if you’d rather not provide the actual meals. If you will provide meals, you can just stick to getting the number of heads and the number of meals that need to be provided.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DidYouIncludeTheseInYourBudget2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Meal allowances are between 150 and 250 pesos per head, while actual crew meals usually range from 150 to 450 pesos depending on the source. Please inform your supplier within the week of your wedding if you are providing meal allowances and not actual meals. That way, they can incorporate buying and/or eating out in their schedule/timeline. (In all truth, this is hard to do given the fast pace of preps, but informing the suppliers ahead of time that they will be getting meal allowances on the day helps them prepare — researching for a place to buy that’s nearby, having staff who can take care of meals while the rest are shooting or doing their tasks, etc.

b) Tips

You are not required to provide meals for waiters since the catering company takes charge of feeding them, but it’s a good idea to provide tips because you’d like to thank them for good service. Think about it: At a restaurant, you give a tip even if the service was just for an hour or two. With these waiters, service starts with the set up, at least 3 hours before the cocktail period, they will be hauling tables, chairs, and other items into your respective venues. Then, they will have to be on their toes for at least 4 hours. If you will have a period for partying, then it can stretch to 6 hours. It’s no joke to avoid sitting down for 7 or more hours straight. What’s the usual amount? At the minimum, 100 per head, but the average is 200 per head.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Budget_Collage2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Waiters need to haul these many items for a typical 150 to 200 pax event. This collage does not include yet the linens, the cushions, the food, the backdrop, and the styling elements.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Since their work also involves carrying equipment and the like, the staff of stylists and sound system providers are often given tips, too. A hundred per head is the going rate.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Budget_Collage3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The stylist’s men need to fasten the wires to create the web, then screw each light bulb — no mean feat if you think of the sheer number of light bulbs that need to be screwed into the sockets.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

For those who are with you during preps or who are working in your venues during preps time, 2 meals are requested — photo and video teams, coordination team, styling team, sound system, etc. For those who are only present during reception like the emcee, the projector provider, the mobile bar staff, etc., only one meal is needed. For the hair and make-up team, it’s best to ask since a lot of them only require one meal while there are others who stay till reception and require 2 meals.

Of course, these are recommendations based on experience and you can be as generous as you feel you can be given the circumstances of your big day.

c) Meeting-related Expenses

Meetings usually cost the clients because of gas, parking, and toll fees when applicable. The tab for drinks and food usually gets shouldered by the client as well. Thus, having lots of meetings in malls can cost the client a hefty sum. It’s better to avoid having a meeting over every little concern. Instead, determine which problems you can address via email or online calls.

Reserve the meetings for major stuff you need to do, for instance, it’s just a meet and greet, do it online, reserve the face to face meeting for discussing important details. And yes, do your homework, so that your meeting number 1 does not have the same agenda as your meeting number 2 and your meeting number 3. It will cost you more if you keep having meetings but you never do what’s needed from your end. (That’s also the reason why a lot of suppliers have limited number of meetings included in their packages. It is meant to make clients focus and finish their tasks so that they won’t end up cramming.)

d) Cocktail Food Items

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DidYouIncludeTheseInYourBudget1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]While you can depend on the caterer to provide this, some lower their packages but remove these oh-so-important items from the menu (or they leave just one item which won’t cut it for guests who skipped a full meal just to get to the ceremony on time). Cocktail food items placate guests when they are waiting for the couple to finish their post nuptial shoot and retouch. Thus, the couple will have to spend for this if only to buy time for their pictorial after the ceremony.

e) Accessories & DIYs

Sometimes, designers don’t include in their packages the accessories one will need for the ceremony — the cord, the secondary veil, the pillows, etc. Sometimes as well, there are accessories provided but you’d like to get personalised items. Of course, the expense will add up. Add to the list your hair piece, your jewelry, your groom’s stuff (socks, hanky, tie pin, belt, watch), and both pairs of shoes.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Budget_Collage4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Some also add personalised items to the registration table, the guest tables, the vip tables, and the like. These are the couples who chose not to hire a stylist and to DIY. Buying stuff to create personalised items will of course entail expenses not only for the items needed but for the transport and food that one will consume while hunting for the necessary items. We can’t quantify but the effort to make the DIY items and the toll they will take on the faces and hands of those who are working might mean trips to the derma. (You never know so better have it here, right?).

I’m sure you can think of other things that can creep up on your budget — among them are extra alcohol (beer, hard drinks), gifts for principal sponsors (if you didn’t hire a supplier to provide these), extra food for extra guests who decided to come last minute, and fees for extra hours in the venue, for the bridal car, for the sound system in case things don’t happen as planned in the timeline.

Bottomline: Have extra money prepared for your big day. Do not max out your savings and what you expect to get from your job and your gift-givers.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Budget_Collage5.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Whenever you look at photos of an event, think of all the hard work that went into preparing the place and the set up so that it would be a feast for the eyes.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Thank you, Thoffy Consulta of Events by Thoffy and Queen David of Just Like Ours, for serving as my consultants for this article. Thank you as well to Ayie Tuates of Imbitado for the behind the scenes photos of the set-up and Myio Okamoto for the actual reception and ceremony photos.

Read more of Darlene Tan-Salazar’s Wedding Tip Sheet articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-wedding-tip-sheet/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Darlene Tan-Salazar, W@W Supplier of Year (2015):

Darlene started out as a Planner/Coordinator of Perfect 10 Weddings. Since she needed more time for family matters, she opted to focus on emceeing, and has since started “The Wedding Tip Sheet“, a Facebook page that tackles the practical points in planning a wedding.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Before I Do: Becoming Closer

August 17, 2016/in Blog, WaW Before I do /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]We’ve organized the “Before & After I do” www.beforeidoworkshop.com 21x the past decade. Recently, I’ve been thinking, for couples who attend who are not fully surrendered to Jesus and for whatever reason do not read the Bible (either busy or they don’t believe in it) and perhaps some may even be there happy to pick-up a nugget of gold or two (selective in what they are to accept), what probably is the topic that they most find not clear or hard to swallow.

Aside from the wife submitting to the husband, I guess it would be this diagram.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BecomingCloser2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]What this says is, that if you want to be closer to each other, the only way to do this is to get close to God. Do you get the point? A non-debating Christian would probably agree, a normal Christian would probably ask some questions and a cynical person would ask the following questions:

a. Why does it have to be a triangle?
b. Why does the sides have to be equal all the time?
c. Why can’t we move closer to each other without God?

If you look at it at a normal person’s stand point, the questions do make sense and so in this article, I would like to give clarity to it and stress out why I believe this principle is correct. The main point in layman’s term is this: “You may try to get to know each other better and love each other more — but unless God is in the equation. You are bound for failure!”[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BecomingCloser1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]So now lets ask Why?

Point #1 – You are two entire different people – Yes you may have same interest, you may even say you’re beginning to look alike but the fact remains the same – through spirits your might have been joint together as one but physically you are different! You won’t always have the same feelings, you won’t always agree on everything, different moods and you will even go through different problems… When these differences get to you – you will see that some are manageable but sometimes there are issues that rock the boat. What do you do when you get to an issue where no one else gives in or what you call a dead lock? One has to give way and surrender his/her point even when they think they’re right?

When you feel your differences and you can’t see eye to eye. The fear of God will make you not give up no matter what.

Point #2 – Life is not perfect – Lets say you’ve hurdled point #1 without God. Great! You guys always agree 99% and you’ve decided the 1% is negligible. This doesn’t mean however you can escape the stress of life. Business go bankrupt, people get sick, annoying people surround you, you get scammed, you get tempted, for sure someone dear to you will die— but what do you do when when challenges have become more than you can bear?

When they become too big – trust and faith in God will keep you sane and strong. He will be your peace through the storm.

Point #3 – Because we don’t know love – Love has many levels… You tell our wife “I love you” and later on say “I love my dog”. Do you love them equally? Of course not! Another example: Monday you tell her I love you and Friday you again tell her you love her but there is a possibility you love her more on Monday than friday depending on your mood that day. Why is this so? Because the love we know is different from biblical love… Here is how Jesus describes this love:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” Ephesians 5:25

How much did Jesus love the church? So much He died for it. He loved it more than he loved himself. Jesus also loved the church regardless if it could love Him back. When Jesus decided to die for us, we were not worthy and in fact we were sinners, but Jesus died for us because He loved us.

This my friend, is how we are to love our spouses. Jesus set an example that we are to follow. Not dependent on our mood, or what our spouse does, but our commitment to love is unconditional. Now how can someone who don’t know the Lord know this? Where else can we see this kind of love being given out?

So here in my 3 points are my reasons, as to why we say and hold firm to the principle that in Marriage, in order to be close to each other, we need to get close to God.

Read more of John and Monique Ong’s Before I Do articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-before-i-do/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″]About John & Monique Ong:

Husband and Wife John and Monique Ong are partners in every sense – from homeschooling their children, running their business Imagine Nation Photography Inc, blogging, and in helping equip soon-to-wed couples and newlyweds for their lives together.[/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Aisle Do: Filipiniana-inspired Wedding Details (Part 1) – Table Number

August 9, 2016/in Aisle Do, Blog /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]In this column, Ernest Pascual of Bespoke Manila talks about how to DIY your Filipiniana-inspired wedding. With the help of Adrian Ardiente for photos, Ernest shows you how to add these personalized touches for your wedding.

A Filipiniana-themed wedding is becoming more and more popular these days. Here are two great ideas to help you come up with a truly memorable fete.

Table Number

One of my pet peeves as a coordinator is to see table numbers which do not jive with the theme. Imagine, your event stylist has gone through the difficulty of creating a beautiful tablescape only to be spoiled by the generic-looking, ugly table numbers. Here is one way of numbering your tables which is suitably used for a Filipiniana-themed wedding.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/AisleDo_TableNumber1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Here’s what you need:

Gold wrapping paper
Cutter
Illustration board
Paint brush
Gold glitters
Plastic table numbers (Used for numbering houses)
White glue
Glue stick
Glue gun
Ruler
Cutting mat
Sinamay

Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Paint some white glue on the number and carefully place glitters on it. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”three-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 3″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Make sure you brush off and gather the excess glitters. Set aside and let it dry.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 2: Cover one side of the illustration board with gold wrapping paper. To do this, use double-sided tape covering all corners. Cut the excess wrapper.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”three-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 3″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 3: Cut sinamay according to size and cover the gold-wrapped illustration board with it. Use the glue gun to secure the sinamay. Make two pieces per table number.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”three-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 3″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 4: Place the other sinamay-wrapped illustration board on top of the other board, hiding the excess sinamay.

Step 5: Use the glue gun to secure the table number on the sinamay-covered board.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/AisleDo_TableNumber15.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Bespoke Tip: Make sure that your table numbers can be seen by your guests from afar. The table numbers should face the venue entrance to enable the guests to find their tables right away.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article next month! Read more of Ernest Pascual’s Aisle Do articles at weddingsatwork.com/category/aisle-do/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Bridal Blurbs: Nifty Apps You and Your Fiancé(e) Can Use While Planning Your Wedding

August 3, 2016/in Blog, Bridal Blurbs /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Note from Mimma Benz: Am happy to have on board as our columnist, Kassy Pineda. She’s a Wawie who will write about her adventures and experiences as bride. Her first article is lifted from her Tumblr Account talking about how to survive in this digital age of planning. Please welcome Kassy to the WaW Fam![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Here’s the scenario: You (or your fiancé[e]) own(s) a desktop or a laptop, or if you two are of the techy kind, you own a tablet. Because seventeen or more years in school and/or work requires you to be equipped with basic knowledge of tinkering around MS Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you use these applications to help plan your wedding.

But, alas! Your twelve-year-old laptop crashes…on the ground. Your desktop tower suddenly refuses to cooperate because of that motherboarding motherboard. Or your tablet gets stolen. Did you keep all your updated files in a USB or did you back it up on a hard drive? No? Darn.

Okay. Something similar happened to me a few days back. You see, I’ve been using my work laptop for my personal use (sorry, boss!) since I turned over my six-year-old Macbook Pro to its new owner, my colleague’s teenage daughter. I was supposed to do some work at home during this week’s city holiday when my laptop’s screen decided to conk out on me. I NEED TO WORK! I NEED MY FILES! OUR CUSTOMERS NEED ME! I NEED TO UPLOAD ADVISORIES ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS!!!

The next day, I sent my laptop to our IT guys and they revealed that my laptop screen and keyboard are not functioning, but my files are still intact, so they backed up all my work files as I wait for a proper diagnosis from the technicians.

You ask now, why am I not worried about our wedding preps files? You get your answers below:[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/WeddingApps1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Dropbox.

Back when I was working in a Digital Media agency, I used to share files with my colleagues on the fly. I was a Manila-based writer doing Social Media content planning for Singaporean companies, and most of my officemates are in the Little Red Dot, so we found it efficient to exchange files through Dropbox. Now that we are planning our wedding, the fiancé and I keep our files in a shared Dropbox folder where we consolidate supplier quotations, guest lists, pegs, and other files. I have now migrated my Dropbox files to my dad’s laptop while I wait for IT to fix my laptop, and I can also access my files using my iPhone! Pro tip: Increase the capacity of your Dropbox by referring friends to join Dropbox, tweet about it, or connect several computers to your Dropbox.

Evernote.

If you are less effective in jotting down notes using pen and paper, it’s faster to type it in! Like Dropbox, you can sync your notes from suppliers’ meetings, do a checklist, and even write your vows! You may also access Evernote on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Google Docs and Google Drive.

This is an alternative to Dropbox, since you can edit your guest list using Google Docs on your web browser simultaneously with your fiancé(e). Also, you can keep your files in Google Drive. Personally, I find Dropbox easier to use than Google Drive, but I like Google Docs especially when you and your fiancé(e) are discussing guest lists on Skype (hello, LDR couples!), Facebook, or Facetime.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/WeddingApps2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Viber/Facetime/Line/WhatsApp/whatever.

If you have a mobile data plan, or if you carry a pocket wi-fi with you all the time, you may want to use this to call your fiancé(e) in the middle of a meeting with a supplier, or in the middle of a meltdown because of a supplier or somebody else (maybe you? Loljks!). Phone bills are no joke, and your existing data plan may just save your bank accounts from its possible demise. But what if you do not have a data plan?

Sign up for unlimited call and/or text promos.

Call your service provider and know your options. Calling your suppliers, fiancé(e), entourage, or family every so often during your preps may cause your communication expense to skyrocket. Some mobile service providers offer boosters for this purpose, and it’s better to pay a minimal amount instead of experiencing a shock of your lifetime when you see your bill!

Facebook/Messenger.

Some suppliers respond faster on Facebook, plus you get to see their sample works before you even send them a message. Also, you get to gauge your suppliers on how they have a relationship with their (potential) clients through their responses made in their Facebook page.

My favourites? Evernote, Dropbox, iMessage, Viber, and Facebook. What are yours?[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″]

About Kassy Pineda:

When not engrossed with her day job as a Digital Media Manager for a utilities company, Kassy muses about her thoughts on wedding preparations and her future married life with her fiance.

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WaW Before I Do: 10 Financial Tips Before Getting Married

July 20, 2016/in Blog, WaW Before I do /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]1. The Great Huddle

Find a time to sit down and discuss all financial matters between you and your fiancé. In this huddle session, you are to be transparent regarding your financial status. It’s like presenting your Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) to each other. Here you can have a clear picture of how much each one earns, spends, invest and in some cases what kind of debt you will be marrying into. This meeting is a MUST because it gives you a framework of the life and lifestyle you will be having as a married couple.

2. Seek a Financial Counselor to see how to merge your finances

We are strong believers in seeking help to build a strong foundation of marriage. You may want to attend financial learning seminars like the Family and Finance Seminar. You can opt to sit with a financial adviser to help give you direction and can help build a 5- year plan for your family finances.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BeforeIDo_FamilyandFinance3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]3. Set up your first budget as a couple.

You can start putting down both your monthly income in an excel file column (make sure its net of all taxes and benefits such as SSS, Phil health and Pag-ibig). Then you start writing down on another column all your possible expenses: Rent, transportation, food and grocery expenses, communication expenses, utilities and even leisure and entertainment expenses.

When you have written down all your expenses, you can now deduct your monthly income from your expenses to get your monthly net worth. This will give you a clear picture if you are earning enough. It is good if you can have savings at least 20% of whatever you earn. If you are running on the red side, we suggest that you look at your expenses and note which are wants and which are really needs. You can now adjust and make wise decision as to what you will be willing to spend on as a couple.

4. Identify the Family CFO (Chief Finance Officer)

People have always asked us – who should hold the money? Is it the one earning or the who is at home? Should it be male or female? Should the one who earns more have the better say? What is the right formula?

We always find it amusing when couples choose their CFO based on who earns more or based on gender. The truth is, it should be based on who has the talent or gift to manage your family finances. In our family, Monique is the CFO because she has the gift of accounting and managing funds. It is also okay to have the Chief Purchaser of the family because that will be someone who can find the best bargain for the run of your money.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BeforeIDo_FamilyandFinance4-e1468987329679.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]5. Begin saving for your emergency fund.

It is wise to save for rainy days. We want to prepare for things we don’t expect to come such as: health concerns, home repairs, upgrades, work layoff and other unnecessary expenses. You need to be ready to face these situations. So setting aside savings for your emergency fund is a good way to battle unwanted circumstances in your life. A good emergency fund amount to be raised should aim to have a minimum of 6 months’ worth of your income saved. You put this in a separate account and only touch it when it is for emergency use. It is highly recommended that you set up your emergency fund first before investing in other things.

6. Stop Spending on Credit

I know it is so tempting to use credit card for all your transactions. Credit card users must have the discipline to pay off the amount when the bill is due. If you cannot manage to pay on time, then credit cards are not going to be a helpful aid to you. If you are starting off as a family, we recommend to work on an envelope system. Every envelope has a designated amount of money assigned to be used to keep you within budget.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BeforeIDo_FamilyandFinance5.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]7. Pay Bills on Time

Paying your bills on time sets you free from penalties, inconveniences of having services cut off and running into debt. Have the discipline to know the payment schedule of all your expenses so you can learn how to manage your cash flow.

8. Pay Off Debt Plan

For those who find themselves tangled in debt, we want to encourage you to get out it as soon as you can. Create a pay-off schedule plan and stick to it. Being debt-free means also allowing you to take away stress from your marriage.

9. Plan a Wedding on a Realistic Budget

We know everyone looks forward to their dream wedding. In many cases these weddings are very lavish, luxurious and to a fault impractically expensive. When planning a wedding, know what will matter most to you as a couple. Prioritize on things that will last. Always keep in mind that the wedding is just one day while marriage is a lifetime. So don’t jumpstart your marriage with debts. Be creative, find alternatives and if you really want a supplier to be part of your dream team, be responsible enough to find ways to pay them without hurting your marriage.

10. Live Below Your Means

It’s not how much you earn but how much you spend that spells the difference. We have seen people who have lower income compared to others and enjoy a full life. On the other hand, we know of people who earn so much more and still cannot make ends meet. The secret is seen in how they spend. It’s a good practice to learn how to live below your means. That means you fully understand how far your money can stretch and are fully aware of the priorities of your family’s needs. You live humbly and wisely.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BeforeIDo_FamilyandFinance2-e1468987774960.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]If you want to learn how to be financially healthy, join the Family and Finance Seminar this July 30, 2016. Learn how to EARN, SPEND, SAVE and INVEST the RIGHT WAY.

Read more of John and Monique Ong’s Before I Do articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-before-i-do/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About John & Monique Ong:

Husband and Wife John and Monique Ong are partners in every sense – from homeschooling their children, running their business Imagine Nation Photography Inc, blogging, and in helping equip soon-to-wed couples and newlyweds for their lives together.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaWparazzi: Bangs Garcia and Lloyd Birchmore Prenuptial Shoot

July 14, 2016/in Blog, W@Wparazzi /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Valerie Bangs Garcia and Lloyd Birchmore are truly such a good looking couple :):) That’s what really came to mind when I met this fun loving couple.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BangsGarcia_LloydBirchmorePrenup8-e1468403777942.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]They are very much in love, always laughing when together and they both love to travel. So when we were conceptualizing their prenuptial shoot, we really had to have one concept that’s travel related. Hence one concept was road trip with luggage on top a cute vintage Mini Cooper :)[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BangsGarcia_LloydBirchmorePrenup7.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BangsGarcia_LloydBirchmorePrenup6.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Choosing the perfect venue was a challenge. They were both very clear that they didn’t want a beach prenuptial shoot because their wedding next year will be held in the beach. Second requirement was that it had to have a big lush garden. And third was that it had to have a vintage feel. Hence I really took time and made effort to find the perfect spot! Fortunately, I came across Villa Milagros, a new venue in the east that has a beautiful, white mansion as its main attraction.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BangsGarcia_LloydBirchmorePrenup4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BangsGarcia_LloydBirchmorePrenup9.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]During the whole shoot, the beauty of the couple truly stood out amidst the white elegant setting that was Villa Milagros.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BangsGarcia_LloydBirchmorePrenup5.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BangsGarcia_LloydBirchmorePrenup10.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Also notable during the shoot was the love between Bangs and her younger brother, Ayi. Even in her Instagram account, one will notice that her brother goes with her and Lloyd almost anywhere and everywhere they went. It was my first time to meet her brother during the shoot, and instantly he was also sweet and caring towards me. :)[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”three-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 3″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]How beautiful to see genuine love not only between a couple getting married, but with their family members as well.

Read more of Charisse Tinio’s WaWparazzi articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/wawparazzi/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Charisse Tinio:
Fan mode on high as WaW columnist Charisse Tinio brings us behind the scenes of the latest celebrity weddings. Charisse, the business maven behind Nice Print Photo, delivers the juicy inside info on the entertainment world’s newlyweds.

No gossip here. Pure delish celebrity wedding scoop. Read on!

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WaW Wedding Tip Sheet: Anatomy of an Outdoor Wedding

July 8, 2016/in Blog, WaW Wedding Tip Sheet /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Out-of-Town weddings have become popular — in fact, too popular, that suppliers are so used to flying in and out of Manila or going on long drives week in and week out.

What does it take to mount one?

Let’s focus on out-of-town garden weddings.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/AnatomyofanOutdoorVenue4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The ideal timeline would look like this:

Friday Check-in at the Preps Venue

Saturday Big Day:

6:00 AM – Wake-up and shower, have breakfast

8:00 AM – Start of make-up and hair (Usually there are more people for make-up during out of town events, this assumes bride + 4 to 5 ladies & 1 make-up artist + 1 hair stylist.)

10:30 AM – Arrival of photo and video teams (detail shots using paraphernalia in the bride’s room)

11:00 AM – Lunch delivery, distribution, and actual eating time for all (Count heads very well and order extra packs for unexpected heads; it might not be easy to order from a fast food outlet.)

11:30 AM – Dress up of all those included in the groom’s pictorial; lunch time of the bride

12:00 NN – Groom’s pictorial along with his side (including dress up & detail shots)

1:00 PM – Everyone should be finished with make-up, ladies & gentlemen are dressing up to join the bride’s side pictorials

1:30 PM – Bride’s pictorial along with her family and entourage (including dress up and leeway for sewing the gown and what-have-you)

3:00 PM – Travel to the area of the ceremony (Usually roads are narrower and bumpier so even if the venue is near, it’s good to allot some time for hitches along the way or for the slowness of the car/buggy due to the uneven terrain.)

3:30 PM – Invitation time for a garden wedding

4:00 PM – Line up and marching time, ceremony starts right after

5:30 PM – End of group pictorials, recessional; couple pictorials should start immediately to capture the sun’s rays

6:30 PM – Start of programme

7:00 PM – Dinner

8:30 PM – End of formal programme and start of party time (Still not so bad for those who will go back to Manila right after the out-of-town event.)

Note: Even if it ends a bit later given that the programme may not start at 6:30 PM due to the number of possible areas for in-between pictorials, the guests will most likely be willing to stay since Sunday is a non-working day/no-school day anyway. A Sunday out-of-town wedding might be a bit more difficult since guests might choose to go but leave early or not to go at all in order to rest and be ready for the work/school week ahead.

Of course, Sundays have less traffic so it’s a good idea as well. One just has to be more conscious about following the timeline and ending early enough to give people time to travel back.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/AnatomyofanOutdoorVenue2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]What are the look-out points?

Because you will be at the mercy of the elements, please check on the following:

a) a Plan B covered area in case it rains — with air conditioning units please, or…

b) have stand-by tents (some tent companies have stand-by rates which are lower than their regular rates)

Said tents or the area where the event will be held should have cooling fans around, so people won’t be too uncomfortable.

It will not be easy to follow the timeline if the people doing set-up are held up by dark clouds and the chance of rain or if rain suddenly falls and almost everything gets wet right away. Sometimes, there are no droplets, it comes down in torrents right away.

Some caterers or chair providers and stylists might also charge for double set-up since their people will not just be tired in the usual sense — they will be terribly tired with all the carrying they will have to do to remove the items that are exposed to rain and return them when the sun comes out again.

Tip: It usually rains in May. March and April seem to be safer when it comes to having sunny weather all throughout. Of course, there’s climate change and all the hullabaloo it brings.

Make sure your invitation helps people understand what they ought to wear. I’ve seen ladies come in stilettos thinking that the area would be cemented and covered, only to find out too late they would need to walk on a grassy area wearing stilettos. Think of how many times their heels will sink into the soil. Not a pretty sight plus their heels might get damaged.

Do a thorough check of who is coming. Attrition rates usually increase with venue distance, unless you are providing vans or means of transport.

Give detailed maps to guests with instructions on how they will get to your venue/s. That way, no one will complain about getting lost. If you can put up signs, better. Such signs are good for venues which are pretty far from the main road. Remember, it might be the first time for your guests to go to your venue/s, and their cellular phone signals may fluctuate; thus, preventing them from calling or sending an SMS to you and your coordinator just to clarify if they are still going the right way.

If you got a van for them, please make sure the van driver knows where to go. That way, no one will be late for your ceremony.

Your gown, the groom’s attire, and your entourage attire should match the venue and its nuances. Your designer will most likely design something else for you if you were to have the event in a hotel compared to having it close to nature. Less bling, no ruffles, tried and tested cuts, and designs that don’t have too many layers would be best for you and your entourage. An outdoor ceremony is also the best excuse you could have for using a birdcage veil or a shorter one, since a long veil might fly off or get caught on brambles. Your groom might be better off with a less formal top since the heat might be too much if he’d wear the usual 3-piece suit.

Yes, you might end up spending less for your clothes since you don’t need as many layers and you definitely don’t need a lot of beadwork as well. Oh, and don’t forget to purchase shoes that match the terrain.

Due to the number of hours required for travel and the length of time before dinner, the couple should provide a hearty lunch for all those present at the preps venue — suppliers, parents, family members, entourage, etc. Be sure about the head count since it will not be easy to look for a quick fix due to the distance of fast-food outlets.

Also the couple should provide cocktail food items that will tide guests over. Imagine that they didn’t have much time for lunch just so they will be on time and they didn’t have snacks as well since your ceremony is in the middle of the usual merienda hours. This will also ensure that guests will not complain of hunger and cut short your in-between pictorials as bride and groom.

Have dinner for your suppliers as well. Just as your guests will travel a long time to get home, so will your suppliers.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/AnatomyofanOutdoorVenue1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

Have useful giveaways — fans, umbrellas, sunscreen, mosquito repellants, and slippers. People will surely use them. The coins and paper bills they will give in exchange for the slippers could be given to a nearby church. {Why coins? We, Filipinos, have a little superstitious belief that prevents us from giving away footwear, unless the recipient “pays” for it, even with a peso.}

Giving away fans and umbrellas makes it possible for people to endure going to the ceremony area even if it’s still a bit sunny, i.e. the assembly period and marching period between 3:30 and 4:15 PM.

If you’d rather not get a tent, you can also use the umbrella giveaway as a “safety net” in case it suddenly rains in the middle of the ceremony. It helps you have peace of mind that guests would be fine no matter what climate change throws your way.

The officiant must not be late. Garden weddings are usually mounted because the bride and groom would like to have nature and sunset shots. If the officiant is late or takes too long with his message, most likely, the bride and groom will just look wistfully at the sunset — no actual couple shots will be taken.

One option to have safety shots is to have a first look* type of pictorial or to have pictorials the previous day — assuming the photo and video teams agreed to come in earlier. The latter will entail extra expense though due to additional labor as well as accommodations.

*First look refers to having pictorials together even before the ceremony time. This one is done by the bride and groom in order to have more photos at the chosen venue instead of the time-bound pictorials between the ceremony and reception.

The relatives must be advised that the pictorials will follow the set number of photos — even if there is no church structure. This will ensure as well that the couple will have the couple pictorials needed at a point when darkness has not set in. After all, the couple can’t start the ceremony earlier as well since it would still be too warm. There will still be time to take more photos with groups of relatives in the reception area, but the sun has a time limit. Usually because there’s no church structure, relatives add additional groups — cousins of the bride from her mother’s side, cousins from the father’s side, all nephews and nieces, etc. This wreaks havoc on the timeline which allots only 30 minutes for pictorials after the ceremony.

Because out of town gardens have preparations, ceremony, and reception venues in one big compound, it is easy for entourage members to dress up and change before the program. If you’re a stickler for the uniformity of their entourage dresses, tell them to dress up after their parade/entrance.

Fireworks for outdoor events are great — one can have them set off at the end of the first dance or upon the couple’s grand entrance. After all, guests don’t need to move from their seats to see the lights show in the sky. One can’t have such with indoor receptions.

Incidentally, you will also have more buffet options — including on-the-spot cooking since you are outdoors. You can also have a lechon baka with the full roasting oven simply because you have enough space for it.

We had a Filipino fiesta themed wedding before, and we were able to bring in a man selling isaw only because the cocktails happened to be situated in the garden.

Get photo and video teams who can create their onsite AVPs pretty quickly. That way, there will no need to stretch the programme just to wait for them to finish. Stretching the programme will cause it to end later; thus, some guests might leave before the onsite AVPs are shown.

Note: If your reception is over brunch or lunch, or if you will start around 5 PM, you might want to consider getting LCD TVs or an LED wall so that you can really see what is being shown on screen. The sunlight will overpower even your 5,000-ANSI lumens projector and screen combo. This happens even with indoor venues that have glass wall.

12. You might not need a mobile bar or a full band for the after party as well given the long drive home. Thus, you may channel your savings to a coffee bar for them to have coffee before going home. Or you may get caterers who offer coffee service already.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/AnatomyofanOutdoorVenue3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

Bottomline: Will you save because you’re using a garden venue? Not really, the savings you will have from having simpler attire designs, avoiding having a mobile bar and full band, and paying for a venue without air conditioning will be balanced off by having to provide air coolers, tents, and out of town fees.

Needless to say, out-of-town weddings are more difficult to mount. Thus, if you have the budget to hire suppliers who know the venue or the over-all area and have much experience with handling out-of-town events, go for them. The wisdom they’ve gained from experience will be useful in the long run, especially in handling problems that might crop up when you’re close to or you’re in the middle of your big day.

Special thanks to Drs. Allan and Hannah Corpuz whose photos are in this article. Thank you as well to their photo team led by Alex Ruelo.

Read more of Darlene Tan-Salazar’s’ Wedding Tip Sheet articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-wedding-tip-sheet/.

Read:

Part 1 – Anatomy of a Morning Wedding

Part 2 – Anatomy of an Afternoon Wedding

Part 3 – Anatomy of an Evening Wedding

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Darlene Tan-Salazar, W@W Supplier of Year (2015): Darlene started out as a Planner/Coordinator of Perfect 10 Weddings. Since she needed more time for family matters, she opted to focus on emceeing, and has since started “The Wedding Tip Sheet“, a Facebook page that tackles the practical points in planning a wedding.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

The Story Behind Atom Ungson’s Marriage Proposal to Carissa Luna

June 27, 2016/in Blog, What's New /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]From Mimma Benz: I love the behind the scenes, the story behind, how the plan was made and how it was executed. When I saw Atom’s proposal photos posted online, I knew I wanted the inside bits, the how, the who and the whats. So, I asked Atom to share with us his proposal “kwento” and thankfully he obliged. Congratulations Atom & Carissa! Wishing you the very best!

Here’s the “kwento” in Atom’s words.

All girls like flowers. No doubt about that. But my girlfriend Carissa’s appreciation for flowers is different. She just really, really loves them. She’ll take photos of colorful flowers, whether big or small, and it always puts a smile on her face.

So I thought that the best place to propose would be in a field of flowers. Started planning in January of this year. But after searching for a beautiful field of flowers in Tagaytay, and all the way in Baguio, and even in Atok, Benguet, I found none that matched what I was looking for.

So I went for Plan B. I decided to put a “field” of flowers at the upper lobby of The Peninsula. Why Peninsula: Because it is very significant to the two of us. My fiancée worked at the Pen for 8 years and she loved her stay there. As for me, I have always loved the Pen, because of its lobby, the warmth of the Pen team and staff, plus most of my favorite weddings were held there. And that’s where we had our first kiss. Hehe =)

Suppliers tapped:
Coordinator: Chinkie Uy
Flowers: Dra. Nikki Chatto
Photo: Pat Dy
Video: Jason Magbanua
Musicians: Pen Strings and 3rd Ave.

So I chose June 8, as it is our anniversary. It gave us a reason to have dinner at The Pen, and a reason to be dressed up.

The story:

Upon entering Pen, we were supposed to “accidentally” run into Chinkie (who is dressed in her coordinator outfit, complete with belt bag). After pleasantries, we were supposed to say it’s our anniv while she was to say that she had a wedding at The Conservatory. She was supposed to invite us to go upstairs to check out “her client’s amazing setup at the upper lobby”. We were to tell her that we’ll go after our dinner.All this time, my family, her family, and our friends were to have cocktails upstairs while waiting for us to finish.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]This was when we were having dinner in Spices. I was texting with Chinkie to inform her of the status of our dinner. Pat and Jason had cameras hidden behind the counter of the waiters and behind a plant. Haha I was super nervous of course. Couldn’t concentrate so much on dinner. But I had to keep it cool.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]After dinner and on our way out of Spices, I nonchalantly asked Carissa, “So are we going up to Chinkie’s wedding?” She said ok then we went up. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]This was us walking from Spices to the upper lobby. I could feel my knees shaking and my legs were numb. Haha.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]My friends Will and Ging goofing around before we arrived at the upper lobby.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]As soon as we reached the upper lobby, she saw the flowers and as expected, she was wowed by them. But of course at this time, she knew it was the flowers for Chinkie’s wedding. Then 3rd Ave and The Pen Strings began to sing “Cheerleader”, again a song significant to us because we started hearing the song when we started dating, and also coz when I checked the lyrics, it was simply perfect for the occasion.

From Mimma Benz: I couldn’t help it. I’m too “usisera”. I had to ask Carissa too! How she felt and what was going thru her head.

Carissa: I was getting disoriented when he was “leading” me to the spot in front of the flowers. I felt like I was invading the “set up”, ‘yun pala yung set up was for me. He even said, “all of this is for you babe!”[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]This was when we just got there. She was wondering why 3rd Ave was there. And this was when I told her that the whole setup was for her.

Carissa: Sa sobrang wala akong alam sa mangyayari I was screaming, LITERALLY! Tapos akala ko masusuka ako kasi diba we just had dinner… tapos end of the night engaged na pala ako. OMG grabe. Sobrang SAYA ko! I did not have any clue Benz wala talaga. I thought that we were going to celebrate our anniversary with a dinner then maybe drinks after or dessert cos that’s what he said, that he had dessert plans after dinner.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The lyrics of the bridge:

You give me love and affection
Baby did I mention
You’re the only one for me
And I don’t need a next one
My mama loves you too
She thinks I made the right selection – At this point my mom and family comes out
(I think your mama likes me too) – This is not part of the lyrics, but I added it in and this was the cue for her mom and family to come out; and our friends to come out after.

Now all that’s left to do is just for me to pop the question. And this was where I knelt down and presented her the ring.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal5.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]This was right after she said yes.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal6.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The crowd couldn’t hear her so I turned to them and said “She said yes!”[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal7.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Carissa’s mom.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal8.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Hugging my mom. With my sister crying in the background.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal9.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Me and Carissa with our moms.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal10.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Chinkie and her beltbag. Lol![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Atom_CarissaProposal11.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The ring.

Photo Credits: Pat Dy

See more of Atom and Carissa’s proposal here and check out the proposal video from Jason Magbanua below.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_video_embed no_container=”false” type=”16:9″][/x_video_embed][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Before I Do: The Marriage Club

June 21, 2016/in Blog, WaW Before I do /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Do you know that it is only in the Philippines where we have godparents as part of our wedding entourage? In several cross cultural weddings, foreigners would find it very unique for Filipinos to have “Principal Sponsors”. We believe “godparents” are handpicked to help couples be guided through married life. We have seen godparents of the bride and groom from their baptism or dedication become the same godparents in the next phase of their life. There are those that have impacted the couple the most in their career or relationship that they find it significant for them to be part of their sponsors list. In many Filipino weddings they invite very respectable and honorable VIPs to be part of the married couple’s life.

The concept of having godparents is an ideal picture for any married couple starting up their family. Interestingly though, 90% of the time godparents never really play an active role in the marriage of the couple. That is why treading into married life can be very lonely at times. I say lonely because you have no one to confide to when issues creep in. No one is cheering you on or is giving you a check and balance if you are doing okay as a married couple. John and I have found the secret to surviving and enjoying married life more. We have decided to join the marriage club![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/TheMarriageClub2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Okay so we put a fancy name to it. What we really call this marriage club is “Couple’s Accountability Group”. How did we find them? It was divinely orchestrated. John and I are major believers in enriching and nourishing our marriage. So we push ourselves to go and join couple gatherings like “SATURDATES” or joining the Before I do Workshop. We also get into a yearly couples retreat. We do this not because we are problematic. We already try to solve it before it ever becomes a problem. In these special venues, God has given us marriage mentors and couples to walk with in our married life. We do not meet to brag about our perfections. We meet because we know we are very broken and we need people to help us see our blind spots. They are our prayer partners for all our dreams and struggles as a couple. We learn from each other’s mistakes and our goal is really to be better husband and wife.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/TheMarriageClub1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]What happens in a couple’s accountability?

Couples accountability usually becomes a group date. You can go out for dinner in a nice restaurant or you can pot luck in one of the couple’s home. The goal of the group is to always make the marriage like a well-oiled machine. This is not a gossip gathering. It’s a time for honesty, learning, growth and maturity. We begin by rating our marriage from 1-10. One meaning we are completely a wreck this week to 10 – we are really enjoying the fullness of marriage. This rating gives us a picture of the temperature of each other’s marriages.

We ask questions. We ask hard questions.

What were the issues that arose this week? Did you resolve it? If not how do you plan to resolve it?
What is God teaching you this week?
What sin are you struggling on?
How can you improve as a spouse this week?
What is your prayer request?

Then we dig into God’s word and truth on marriage and be strengthened and encouraged by it.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/TheMarriageClub3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]We don’t expect that everything gets fixed in one meeting. We understand that change is a process but being able to air it out, share it and listen to godly advice is a big start to a having the marriage you have always wanted.

I highly recommend every couple to be part of a couple’s accountability group. It has saved so many marriages. It has enriched our marriage. Our children are growing side by side theirs. It’s really what we call growing together and walking life on life. We don’t just meet to air our grievances. We meet to make our life more meaningful. We travel together and we have made the best memories as families.

Want to find your very own couples accountability group? You can join us on June 25, 2016 at A. Venue Makati. Check out ido.com.ph.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/TheMarriageClub4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

Read more of John & Monique Ong’s Before I Do articles at weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-before-i-do/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About John & Monique Ong: Husband and Wife John and Monique Ong are partners in every sense – from homeschooling their children, running their business Imagine Nation Photography Inc, blogging, and in helping equip soon-to-wed couples and newlyweds for their lives together.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]