The road to success is a tale just as fascinating as the success itself. The story of how a person struggled to live out her passion is often a beautifully poignant journey of finding one’s personal greatness.
For the W@W Videofest, Veluz, the country’s most sought after wedding gown designer today, opened her life story to Bob Nicolas. The second of the six-part videofest delves into how Veluz nurtured her dream of becoming a designer. With the help of Veluz’s friends, husband and wife tandem Bob and Lette Nicolas masterfully retraced the steps back to when the dream started for Veluz.
What stands out in this film is the way Veluz’s story was told. It’s amazing how Bob weaves the thread through the numerous interviews, picking out the most salient parts and organizing them into a storyline that flows effortlessly. It’s almost like how Veluz creates her intricate designs, bead by bead– for Bob, talking head by talking head.
This isn’t the first time that Bob and Lette have been on the same path as Veluz. They have worked together on so many weddings in the past several years already. But on this walk Lette realizes what she admires most in Veluz. That no matter how successful she has become, Veluz has remained down-to-earth and real.
And it shows in how Veluz has touched the lives of her brides. Watch and find out what moves a bride, in whatever part of the world she may be, to proudly say “I am a Veluz bride”.
The 2015 W@W Videofest proudly presents “The History of Veluz” by Bob Nicolas.
And for what went behind the scenes, check this out:
Credits:
Bob Nicolas
Albert Nicolas
Dindo David
Myther Ganibe
Fidel Galapia
Benjo Borja
Let Nicolas
Gerz Vallao
Ernest Pascual
Leo Nicolas
Marvi de Guzman
Mimi Abesamis
Mervin Gobaco
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WaW-Veluz-Bob-Nicolas-Behind-the-Scenes1.jpg563750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-25 08:00:052015-05-25 10:22:13W@W Videofest: Veluz by Bob Nicolas
Whoever said that film festivals only happen in Cinemalaya, or Cannes, Venice or even New York was dead wrong. No need to travel far. In fact, there’s one videofest worth going to. I’m talking about none other than the W@W Videofest, another pioneering project of WeddingsAtWork.
It was back in 2009 in celebration of W@W’s 10th anniversary when John and Benz Rana rallied five of their wedding videographer-friends to create videos about W@W. This was a huge departure from their usual wedding coverage. It was big challenge for the original 5 videographers to produce videos that forced them out of their box and test their creative mettle.
Two years later the second W@W Videofest was organized which also featured 5 of the country’s leading videographers but this time with a different theme. A certain videographer had been making waves in the international scene with his distinctive style and artistic savvy. His brand of creativity amazed the world. To celebrate his genius and massive global influence, the 2011 W@W Videofest centered on long-time W@W friend, Jason Magbanua.
This year the spotlight has shifted focus to another genius, to the most sought after wedding gown designer in the Philippines today. Last Tuesday W@W hosted the 2015 W@W Videofest featuring Veluz. Six videographers put their imaginative minds to work and crafted 6 amazing videos on Veluz.
In the next few days we will be featuring each of the 6 videographers whose artistic works provided the world with a 360 degree view of the Queen of the Aisle, Veluz.
We begin with the videographer who opened this year’s W@W Videofest, Marvi de Guzman of Cinemaworks. According to Mimma Benz, it was actually Marvi who started the ball rolling for the recently concluded videofest when, in November last year, he posted on his Facebook account how much he had missed the W@W Videofest.
Prior to his Videofest debut, Marvi has been around the wedding scene for some time but he stayed mostly behind the scene, in the editing room, to be more exact. His interest in filmmaking has led him to dabble in indie films until seven years ago when he decided to make the jump and put up his own wedding videography outfit, Cinemaworks.
I chatted with Marvi right before the screening and he shared that he had initial reservations about being part of the group of videomakers chosen for this videofest. But he had always wanted to be part of the project. So he rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
Marvi’s film is a showcase of his cinematic style. A huge fan of French filmmaker Bruno Avellian, an award winning director of film shorts and international commercials, Marvi’s visual language is dark and moody. His interpretation of the world of Veluz is cast in dramatic shadows and brilliant color grading. To complete his masterpiece, Marvi sought the help of sound designer Willan Rivera, who created the film’s haunting soundtrack.
Like most wedding suppliers, Marvi has nothing but admiration for Veluz and her work. He did admit to being intimidated by her at first. But in the course of producing his Veluz film, Marvi got to know the person behind the name. Early impressions soon faded away to be replaced by more admiration for Veluz. When asked what was the one thing he admired most about Veluz, his answer was her focus. From Veluz, Marvi takes with him the advice not to give up even if the times get tough.
W@W Videofest invites you to watch “Trouve” by Marvi de Guzman.
Credits:
A film by John Marvi de Guzman
Model Julia Lazareva
Co Director Chuck Ronquillo
Script Writer Nina Comsti
Director of Photography Aris Magayanes
Gaffer Benjie Philip
Sound design Willan Rivera
Co Producer Ian Celis
Make Up Gery Penaso
Set Design Lia Villanueva
Production / Light Assistants Joemarly Inguito and Remark Nabong
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/marvi4.jpg500750Benz Co-Ranahttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngBenz Co-Rana2015-05-22 10:59:012015-05-22 19:38:29W@W Videofest: Veluz by Cinemaworks
Who doesn’t remember the flash-mob style surprise proposal of John Prats to Isabel Oli last Sept. 24, 2014? It all started there, and the wedding planning began.
The concept of the Four Seasons is something accidental. I was discussing with John and Liv (Isabel’s nickname) about the concept for the prenuptial shoot and it started with the idea that they will shoot in the US. Since there was a planned Prats family trip to the US, and Isabel was going to join them, there we two agenda for the trip: 1) to find the perfect wedding gown and 2) to do their prenup shoot.
And because the shoot will be in Big Bear, it was going to be a winter-themed shoot. From there, we all agreed that we would do a four seasons-themed prenup so there will be a connection amongst the four concepts.
We all thought it was a great beautiful and unique concept that we decided to use it for the whole wedding theme.
Below is copy of the invitation made by Print Divas, where the Four Seasons theme was shown, too.
The couple went on a very strict diet since January 2015. They were both into boxing and eventually reached their desired weight. John even had to go on a “Subway” diet, wherein he only ate Subway sandwiches everyday for a few weeks. Yes, this meant Subway for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Here’s a trivia that not much people know. The Christian ceremony area was to be converted into reception area in just 20 to 30 minutes. That was such a big challenge for the whole team! Fortunately, the teams of Juan Carlo Catering and Teddy Manuel were able to transform this area successfully and swiftly.
The cake is a suspended cake from the ceiling. Each of the satellite cake tells the story on how the John and Liv met until the time they got engaged in Eastwood and to their wedding day.
Unknown to many, John and Liv started their courtship via social media site Instagram. This is why why it’s on the first cake icon!
John saw Isabel on one of GMA new TV’s programs and he found her really pretty. He then asked his sister Camille to hook him up with Isabel. He also started greeting Isabel thru the comment box in her Instagram posts. He started posting in public “Hi, crush!” and many more cute and sweet messages 🙂
Also, this cake was the only design choice of the bride. There was no other option but this. 🙂
Did you know that this beautiful breathtaking property in Balete, Batangas where the wedding was held, is owned by John Prats and his family? They been developing this for the last three years and really tried their best to finish the development in time for John and Isabel’s wedding. It’s called Nayomi Resort and Sanctuary and it will soon be open to the public.
During the reception party, this was one such kilig moment. Binibining Pilipinas Universe MJ Lastimosa won in the bouquet game. Since the couple knew MJ has a crush on actor Sam Milby, John decided not to push through with the garter toss game. The couple decided to just surprise MJ (and the guests) and declared Sam as the winner of the garter game.
Isabel lost her father some three years ago. She wanted so much to honor her dad during her most special day, hence, she thought of putting these charms with her dad’s pic and a saying, “We know you’d be here today if heaven weren’t so far away.” In her speech to honor her parents, Isabel talked to her father, “Dad, it’s never the same since you were gone. There’s not a day that I didn’t think of you, Dad, and I miss you so much.”
The groom with his best men and best lady 🙂
John and Angelica have been the best of friends for a looong time already. They call each other “Petty.” In Angelica’s speech, she said that many wonder how they could have maintained a platonic relationship all these years, and some even think there’s something more to their relationship. But they’ve proven everyone wrong. Their friendship is really a solid kind of friendship that lasts the test of time. Angelica also said that indeed, Isabel was the answered prayer of John.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WaW-John-Pratts-Isabel-Oli-Wedding1.jpg500750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-19 09:00:272016-07-06 13:14:31WaWparazzi: The John Prats-Isabel Oli Wedding
Finally, you got the girl, the woman of your dreams. There she goes, all glammed up, with her heels so high, smile so bright, and dress so white. There you are, the sleek gentleman you always imagined yourself to be. Donning that classic coat, grinning from ear to ear, at last, the knight in shining armor has arrived.
Everything is unbelievably exemplary. You ask yourself how did you ever get to this point so smoothly and what the heck, is next?
Being together forever with your ever-beautiful girlfriend is definitely a picture perfect fantasy. Imagine, kneeling on one knee, asking her hand for marriage, getting a “yes,” updating your Facebook relationship status, that’s it, you are engaged. Planning, preparation, and all? Bring it on!
Sounds easy right?
Nah. Believe me, it’s not as chill as it looks like. Sometimes I wonder why bookstores lack self-help materials about the road to being a groom, a fantastic husband, and everything else in between the life before and after, gulp, the wedding. While our beloved soon-to-be-wives have tons of check-lists, guides, and reading resources about the big day, here we are, clueless on how to physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually prepare for it.
Yes, there may be seminars left to right, advices side to side, but it’s different when there’s that best buddy to consistently guide us all throughout this stressful, err I mean, amazing journey—someone who can truly relate, someone who already experienced the rollercoaster ride of being a man who’s about to get hitched and have heard stories directly from hundreds of others.
Fret no more; these are the very reasons the Groom Code is born.
Your bro-dude-pare-tsong, treat Groom Code as your one-stop shop to all your life-of-a-groom questions. Yes, those inquiries you are too shy to ask, those curiosities you are too embarrassed to say, Groom Code is here, your BFF to help you prepare for the big day.
Not sure if you can give up your young, wild, and free lifestyle? No worries, as Groom Code is here to guide you with that. Afraid of your spending habits and more financial woes once you decided that two is better than one? Well, Groom Code will escort you to be that efficient provider for your future family. Scared of being caught by the fashion police during the big day? Should I wear this? What goes well with this ensemble? #OOTD problems? Just check the Groom Code and you’ll be that heartthrob that will make your bride scurry down that aisle to get to you and make people double tap on Instagram. Woman problems? GF on PMS mode? Other stuff that you’ll face with your lady love as you prepare your dream wedding? Be ready as Groom Code’s, uhm, codes are here to make everything a piece of (wedding) cake.
Yes, bro-dude-pare-tsong, take the chill pill, as Groom Code is here – this is our story, this is our code.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Waw-The-Groom-Code-Oly-Ruiz1.jpg500750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-18 07:44:012015-05-18 19:23:30The Groom Code: This Is Our Story
Getting married or not, all humanity knows his name. Jason Magbanua. Like most ultra-famous Pinoys, Jason has his own kind of star. He is the indisputable “VideoStar.” But no matter how bright he shines, there is always that time before now when he was just a regular guy trying to find his place in the world.
Fellow wedding videographer Bob Nicolas presents a superb recollection of Jason’s life, when he was “just Jason.” Seen through the eyes of people who knew him long before the fame arrived–his family, his colleagues and close friends–Bob deftly works the intricate details of Jason’s legendary rise through the years. Yes, let us mention here that Bob unearthed quite a few interesting pictures and videos of Jason in his “youth.” *wink*
Admired across the planet by video enthusiasts in and out of the wedding world, pursued by brides with a desperation that makes grooms go hmmmmm, Jason is undeniably an enigma. There is more than passion than burns inside this man. He is making history. The guy has superhuman powers.
And that swagger. Completely effortless. Remember, he has made it to Manila’s Best Dressed List. So, if you want to know how legends are made, watch and learn.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Waw-Videofest-Jason-Magbanua-by-Bob-Nicolas.jpg500750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-16 09:00:082015-05-16 09:43:03A Look Back at "W@W Videofest Presents Jason Magbanua" by Bob Nicolas
Say Philippine wedding videography and what comes next? You got it! Jason Magbanua. So much has been said about this genius, from his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to international stardom. Jason singlehandedly placed the Philippines on the global videography scene. All hail the Master!
Still, there is more to the man everyone calls the “Boss.” Who better to give insider info on the guy than the people in his inner circle, the Jason Magbanua Team?
Created for the W@W Videofest on Jason Magbanua in 2011 by then budding videographer Ian Cruz, this tribute to the Boss is light yet sincere, informative but candid. The stars of the film are the people you never see in front of the camera yet they pulled off their film debut like pros.
Ian Cruz, for his part as director, pulls off a Brian de Palma-ish styled video (read: nosebleed) on his idol. You can actually dub his amazing work as “The Film about the Boss, according to His Team Made by a Fan in a Single Take.”
Whew! At the time of this project, Ian was still a diamond in the rough. Today he is a well-respected videographer, who has earned his own stripes through sheer hard work and creativity. No surprise on his success. After all, he learned from the Boss.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Waw-Videofest-Jason-Magbanua.jpg500750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-14 09:00:042015-05-14 10:06:28A Look Back at "W@W Videofest Presents Jason Magbanua" by Ian Cruz
We had a chat with recent bride, Nicolai, about her ranch-themed wedding, to her now husband, Toto Villaruel, held last March 18. She is not a W@Wie but she belongs to the W@W Universe.
Nicolai Melicor Wedding Photography, herself a wedding supplier, is used to the hustle and bustle involved in a wedding preparation. We were curious about what it was like for her being the bride this time.
The wedding was held at El Kabayo, Subic, a western-inspired venue in Pampanga. The wide open spaces of the ranch, surrounded by trees and white picket fences, was the perfect backdrop for Nicolai and Toto’s dream wedding.
The entire wedding setup –from the dressing of the tree, to the six long tables that accommodated 50 people for each, from the invites and the calligraphy on small chalk boards, to the bean bags and art materials at the kiddie table, was a collaboration of many great artists from the industry who excitedly worked on making the couple’s dream wedding a reality.
“Aira styled my prep area, I didn’t want a set that looked like a ‘set.’ And Aira is good at that! How to make simple things look really nice. Just the right amount of class and style! When I arrived at my preps place, it simply made me say ‘its going to be a great day!’ It started my day right.”
“Worked with Byron Velasquez a couple of times already, and his works is one of my favorites! Just beautiful. Not only that, he works well with photographers, assists the bride and takes care of the the couple talaga. Years before Toto and I got engaged, he told us ‘Alam ko matagal pa, but I will do your make up on your wedding’ and just like that, he was our 1st wedding supplier haha Forever grateful because he made me feel comfortable with make up and I’m not a make up fan!”
Gideon Hermosa, worked on our ceremony. We really didn’t know what we wanted so we didn’t know what to expect. We just wanted it to look raw, that’s it. So why hire a stylist if you want it raw? Now that’s where his artistry kicks in!! Gids maintained the realness of our location but gave it more kick! Tada! Our ceremony with tall grass and everything else he added there was spot on!
“I told Vatel Manila about this many times and I’ll say it again. It is because of his bouquets that I learned to appreciate flowers. Never was a fan of receiving flowers (even when I was younger), not until I became a wedding photographer and then started seeing Vatel Manila’s work at shoots would always make me wish that it was my bouquet hahaha. Thank you Dylan for making this for me! We were shooting my portraits when they handed the flowers to me, I had to stop the shoot and hugged my own Vatel Manila bouquet.”
“I really wanted a black gold with black diamond ring but after searching far and wide from Manila to HK, it wasn’t available. So Plan B it is white gold with black diamond. Still beautiful. “
“Badang Rueda did our reception! For the reception we were keen about the long tables and cascading greens over our tables, and really prayed that the set wont intimidate the guests but would make them feel cozy.”
Trusting new artists. Natalie Lim did the calligraphy and Istorya did the tie clips of the gents and necklaces I gave my girls. I was once a new artist and the couples who trusted me, aaaaah thank you! These two new suppliers were both game and despite the rush work I placed them in they delivered really well. So happy. I become my bride’s client
My invites was made by Paper Thread Studios, from my bride Pat Felizardo-Ruedas with husband Ian Ruedas. Despite the couple’s pregnancy they agreed to make it for us. I so believe in this couple’s talent, they are so driven and creative! I also got them to do the invites for our workshop last year!
“My robe was from ‘Amelia in Lace’ you can search them on IG, this was made by my bride Tia Bulan-Roco. I was on the search for a prep dress! And oh man was it hard to find a dress to wear for make up and pre portraits. You’re only going to wear it for a while right? But thanks to Tia, I was in a very nice robe. A robe you can still use after the wedding and for honeymoon, wink wink!”
Every detail had a different supplier assigned, but all of them had one concept in mind. According to the guests, the styling of all areas were on-point to the theme which shows just how well everything came together.
W@W’s very own Benz Co-Rana was one of the wedding sponsors for Nicolai and Toto.
If there was anything of huge consideration, it was the weather. There was news about a storm coming on the day of their wedding, but Nicolai and Toto were set on exchanging vows under “that” tree that they were ready and willing to get soaked in the rain when they say their I do’s.
“If the sun shines, then amazing!” Nicolai says, “Our faith wasn’t shaken, we knew that God made that day for us.”
Fortunately, there was not a drop at the time of their wedding.
The guests gamely dressed for the occasion as the couple requested. And even though the place was quite far from the metro, they stayed until the lights were out, dining, drinking, dancing and celebrating with the couple under a blanket of stars.
“Supplier Guests. Just a trivia: almost 180 out of the 300 guests were wedding suppliers. Every 18th of the month Toto and I would want to celebrate our monthsary but we would always have shoots. The 18th of whichever month is always a hot date. So to have these guys with us… to block our wedding date, not to book shoots, that they chose to celebrate with us was bliss! The people in this photo are people we love to make kulitan with during shoots, people in the industry who inspire us, who helped us and those who saw our love story.”
It helped that the couple was naturally carefree which made everyone else feel the same way. Beer was served right away, along with burger sliders for cocktails. No one minded how long the post-nup shoot was taking because everyone was full and satisfied while they waited.
This may also have a lot to do with the couple handpicking every single one of their guests and refusing to let the dramatics of some relatives affect them.
“Make sure that your guests who you invite are the ones who celebrate with you, and not be the celebrant,” Nicolai advises future brides.
For Nicolai, the best part about being a supplier planning your own wedding is that you have the ability to go crazy with ideas. The photo shoots happened smoothly, even the photographers were enjoying themselves.
And since they’re also friends with the suppliers, everyone got to join the party as well, an opportunity that doesn’t come by often in wedding shoots.
When it comes to the budget, Nicolai admits that beautiful weddings can be costly and that you can expect it to go over your budget. However, she’s quick to assure would-be brides that she’s talked to many other brides before her and they all said that they didn’t regret spending for their weddings.
Just make sure that you pay for a wedding that you really want.
Nicolai’s final word of advice for future brides is this, “Remember that wedding planning is preparation for marriage. It’s all about teamwork. You, your fiance and the Lord. You need patience, understanding, perseverance, fighting procrastination and more. So, when it gets tough, go to the Lord and then talk it out.”
Here are some of the highlights of their wedding:
About the contributor May de Jesus-Palacpac:
May jests that writing for W@W makes up for the details she missed at her own wedding. Prior to jumping into writing and editing full time, she was a full time musician who spent her last two years in the circuit serenading newlyweds and their guests. May is the Editor of the books Productive Pinoy and Right Start. She is also a blogger and a contributor for other websites and publications.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WaW-Toto-and-Nicolai17.jpg500750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-11 09:00:352016-01-11 11:08:39Toto and Nicolai
For the third installment of our W@W Videofest Throwback, we proudly bring back the hilarious collaboration of videoman Phoeben Tecson and the comical duo behind Mango Red, Ryan and Randall.
During the filming of this video, the pair was just new to the Manila wedding scene but has already made a name for themselves in their home province. Phoeben, a long time W@W supplier, presents a quirky take on W@W and its purpose with a parody of the hit movie “Forrest Gump.”
Since the release of this short film Phoeben has gone on to capture countless love stories of W@Wies. Ryan and Randall, on the other hand, decided to abandon their dreams of becoming movie stars in favor of becoming rock stars…of the photography world.
Six years after their film debut, Mango Red rekindles their W@W connection by lending their superstar skills to the shoot of the Veluz Videofest posters.
But for now, it’s time to watch and laugh. Enjoy!
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/W@W-Videofest-Phoeben.jpg500750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-05-07 09:00:012015-05-07 19:29:16A Look Back at W@W Videofest by Phoeben and Mango Red
We’ve been itching to do some tweaking on the W@W logo for some time now. When the project to revamp the W@W site came about, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for a logo makeover.
The W@W logo has become a familiar emblem of our community. We didn’t really want to do drastic changes with it. We still wanted the old but also wanted it new. We just needed to find that one perfect something that says everything about W@W’s past, present and future. We toyed with images, colors, more color combinations until we asked “What is W@W.”
W@W is community, friendship, bond, love, camaraderie. A sense of belonging.
In a word: connectivity. This word sums it up: people and technology.
The W@W logo is all that – a couple’s dream of the perfect wedding and the work that is needed to achieve that. The @ symbol is for internet technology that connects the people to each other wherever they may be on this planet and allows people to share ideas without boundaries.
As for the color blue, in any wedding you need something blue.
Putting it all together: W connects to W via the @ in one fluid, solid stroke.
Connected.
Together.
Old yet new.
And something blue.
All W@W.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/WaW-Logo.jpg500750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-04-29 08:00:232015-04-29 20:46:21The New W@W Logo
Hi there! Welcome to the new W@W! For those who are just discovering us now, W@W is the biggest sorority of Filipino brides in the world. This is the girl-groupie where “our men” (aka grooms) are most welcome! More than a website, W@W is a real life community that embraces Filipino brides and grooms. Countless couples have joined this groupie as they prepare for their dream wedding.
We started W@W 16 years ago when we, John and Benz, were preparing for our own wedding. With the wealth of information we gathered from our prep months, the sharing of information just kept going and going. Little did we imagine that our simple wedding blog would turn out to be Weddings At Work.
Since then we have sought to provide valuable insights and information to couples who, just like us at the start, were clueless about preparing for their wedding.
Along the way, our community embraced wedding suppliers who were just as eager to share their services and expertise to soon-to-weds. This synergistic relationship between couples and suppliers soon defined what W@W has come to be known for.
In the beginning it is W@W who inspired. Now it’s the other way around. W@W basks in the warmth of the love and friendships that had turned this little groupie into one big happy family. And the brood just gets getting bigger with each passing year. The cycle will never stop. As couples get married and subsequently “graduate”, new brides and grooms are welcomed into W@W and start their own journey. And we are here to hold your hand through every stitch and glitch as you make your way to your wedding day.
Welcome to new W@W!
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/W@W-The-New-W@W.jpg500750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-04-27 07:00:232015-04-27 16:30:32Welcome to the New W@W
Girls don’t want to be just any bride. They want to be a Veluz Bride. “It’s a girl thing,” as Veluz herself puts in. For several years now Veluz has made so many of these dreams come true with her awesome creations. She seems to weave magic into every piece she makes. When the bride and gown come together, an inexplicable radiance emanates. We’ve heard of the “bride’s glow,” right? For Veluz Brides, the gown plays a huge part in creating that aura.
Veluz is known for her attention to detail. Whether it’s perfecting that flower embroidery or the precise position of a crystal on a swirl, her craftsmanship is impeccable. But more than the dexterity she possesses, what makes her gowns a standout is her ability to make the gown and the bride one with each other. Veluz has the gift to make the gown bring out the true beauty of the bride wearing it. She does this by listening to the person, to that little girl in every bride who has nurtured her dream of becoming the princess bride for so long.
By freeing herself from any prejudices, Veluz allows the beauty of the bride to flow, captures it and translates into artistic flourishes in lace, embroidery, pearls and crystals. That is why whenever a Veluz Bride finally steps into her gown, she feels totally herself. Like coming to one’s self but this time more beautiful.
It is the Veluz magic that the 2015 W@W Videofest celebrates. W@W has invited six of the finest videographers in the country today to capture the enigma of Veluz in their short films. Each filmmaker presents a unique angle of this talented designer. An artist paying tribute to a fellow artist. This May W@W Videofest proudly presents world-class bridal gown designer, the Queen of the Aisle, Veluz.
Six years ago when W@W hosted the first-ever W@W Videofest, they turned to long-time W@W friend, Threelogy, to create the first video. Having been among the numerous wedding suppliers that owe their beginnings to W@W, Threelogy eagerly jumped at the opportunity.
The short film skillfully captures how the W@W Community has helped suppliers start their careers in the wedding industry. Talking heads of now well-established suppliers share their W@W stories and the special bond they have with the community. So, take a breather and enjoy this video by Threelogy.
https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/W@W-Old-Videofest-Threelogy.jpg500750W@W Editorhttp://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WAWLOGO.pngW@W Editor2015-04-23 09:01:112015-04-23 14:55:56A Look Back at W@W Videofest by Threelogy
While it’s pretty easy to Google body structures vis-a-vis wedding gown designs, it’s not very easy to actually choose a flattering wedding gown for one’s body structure. Call it the battle of wants vs realities. We want something but the style just doesn’t agree with the reality called “current body structure”.
We thought it would be a great idea to interview all 3 designers who made it to the top spot of the Weddings at Work Top 10. Yes, they each have Supplier of the Year trophies — Ms. Veluz Puno – Reyes (2005), Mr. Cecilio Abad (2008), and Mr. Boy Kastner Santos (2011).
After our interview with Boy Kastner Santos and Cecilio Abad, this is our Part 3 and this time with Veluz Reyes.
Q: When a bride comes to you for a gown design and her pegs are totally not possible given her body structure, what do you usually do?
A: I explain that we do have the same objective – to make her look her best on her wedding day. I explain why the pegs won’t work given her body frame then offer what I believe will compliment her the most.
Q: If the bride wants a lot of beadwork and has each of the following figures, where would you put the majority of the beadwork?
A: I am always after symmetry when I embellish and I make sure I arrange the embellishments to create that impression. Something that will make her look well proportioned. No particular part of her body popping out, just beautiful in every angle.
Q: If the bride wants a ruffled skirt, but has a certain body structure, would you say go or no?
A: It is not just the body, nor the specific garment details, nor the embellishments that make the gown beautiful. It is the bride’s character that defines it. The question is, is she that kind of girl? Can she pull it off? Because she may have the perfect body but if it’s not her to wear something with those details, then she won’t be able to pull it off and might look tacky or pretentious in the end.
If the ruffles are something that are non-negotiable and the body cannot afford the added bulge the ruffles give, then I offer other kinds of texture that will work best for her body.
Q: Many want bustiers or tube top gowns, is there a particular body structure that doesn’t agree with this kind of neckline?
A: A lot of women actually think they can pull off a strapless dress since it is very popular, even for non wedding gowns. On the contrary, it requires a lot from the bride. You need to have that perfectly shaped shoulder and trimmed arms to carry it magnificently. Not too fat nor too thin. You cannot wear one if you have wide or boxy shoulders, neither can you wear it if the shoulders are too narrow and too slanted.
Q: Which neckline can you consider as versatile?
A: Sweetheart is the easiest to pull off. frames the face too. Wouldn’t suggest it though if the bride is a cup C or D. Again, it is about balance.
Q: What cut best hides or takes away the focus on the following:
A: Wow, this is a really difficult question 🙁 There are so many factors to consider and really no hard rules. Putting my answers in a box will be too limiting and can be misleading too :/ Can I pass? hahahaha!
Q: Most full figured women go for sleeves and off-the-shoulder cuts, would you go with the same options? Why/not? What would you recommend for plus size brides?
A: It depends on the bride’s comfort zone. Is she comfortable showing off her arms? Sleeves can actually highlight big arms especially since wedding gowns usually come in light colours. It can even be an extension of the body if not properly embellished. But if she’s not comfortable with her arms exposed, then by all means, go for sleeves. At the end of the day, it is her comfort that is most important.
It is not only the arms that should be considered with plus size brides. First thing to do is elongate the torso. If it’s long already, define the waist, make sure the hipline is proportional to the shoulders. If the torso is long enough and the shoulder’s not too wide, then yes, we can do off shoulder. If the torso is not that long then sleeves from the natural shoulder line is advisable. Make sure to embellish the sleeves where there are still skin showing and with vertical illusion.
Q: If a bride wants to lose weight, up to how many months prior to her wedding date can she put off the measurement taking date?
A: I do not put off the measurement taking but I can delay the fittings, because I need to work on the embellishments too. I usually work with a bride 5 to 6 months before the wedding for non-peak months and 7 months before the wedding for peak months. I usually require 4 fittings and request that the weight be fixed after the third. Or at least tell us if she wants to continue losing weight so I can adjust my production schedule too.
Q: What percentage of brides per year actually end up altering their bodies after they declare they want to lose weight before measurement taking? (Rough estimate e.g. Only 1 out of 10)
A: 2 out of 10.
Q: Any general tip regarding gowns and body structures?
A: Be truthful, be honest, speak your mind but learn to listen. Keep in mind, the designer wants the best for you too.
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