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Wedding Videographer Ian and Shy Cruz’s Breathtaking Batanes Wedding

May 30, 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]Ian Cruz, the videographer, has been with Shy Duran for 15 years now. They have 2 kids and the plan to marry has long been there but the date and details just didn’t fall into place. Last January, when Shy and friends were discussing their Christmas dinner, the discussion turned into jokes and banter for her wedding instead and before she knew it, that was the catalyst that started the wedding planning. The seed had been planted but no moves were made until 3 months before the planned wedding date when they started to seriously put plans into action. By March, Shy freaked out and started seriously working on the wedding. Though the wedding was going to be really intimate with less than 50 guests, there was still a lot to plan.

Once they started, things just fell into place. They got their wedding suppliers eagerly and happily saying “yes” to be part of their wedding. Their wedding date being the day after the election was probably why the suppliers were all available. The couple was also able to ask fellow videographer and mentors Jason Magbanua and Bob Nicolas, to be their ninongs. Sadly, lone ninang Benz Rana was going to be out of the country. The only supplier they were unable to book was Ian’s choice for the musician, Johnoy Danao, whose music was supposed to be perfect for their cozy, rustic 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=”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]The wedding day finally arrived. Everyone was excited as prep started at 8:00 a.m. at Fundacion Pacita.[/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_block_grid type=”four-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_item title=”Block Grid Item 4″][/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]Shy shared that she was relaxed during the prep but became sentimental, teary and tense when the ceremony started at 2:30 p.m. and she saw Ian crying his eyes out as the church door opened.[/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_item title=”Block Grid Item 4″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 5″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 6″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 7″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 8″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 9″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 10″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 11″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 12″][/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]There were no dry eyes in the crowd as well. After the ceremony, cocktails were served at the Bunker’s Cafe, near Naidi Lighthouse where the reception was held. Shy said that “it was picture perfect for its exquisite view and thrilled vibe”.[/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_item title=”Block Grid Item 4″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 5″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 6″][/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]What Ian and the guests didn’t know was that there was going to be a surprise waiting for them. As wedding coordinator, Ernest Pascual of Bespoke Manila gathered everyone to walk uphill to the reception, they suddenly heard Johnoy Danao’s gentle guitar stringing and singing. It turns out that Shy planned all this as a big surprise for the groom. She and Johnoy, together with Ernest, Madge Lejano (make-up artist) and Aze Ryan Ching (the host) kept the secret for a month![/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]Ernest created a “dapper and chic” reception and table settings with garlands and florets from Vatel Manila. The guests enjoyed sumptuous food served by Cafe Tukon. The details and the program were nothing short of remarkable.
[/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_item title=”Block Grid Item 4″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 5″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 6″][/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]Overall, Ian and Shy thinks that Batanes outdid all their expectations. Everyone was happy and took home many wonderful memories. It was a wedding spent in a breathtaking paradise indeed![/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/2016/05/IanShyCruzWedding4.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]A fifteen-year love story between Philippine wedding videographer, Ian Cruz and his new wife, Shy Duran, finally culminated in an intimate and romantic wedding at scenic Basco, Batanes last May 10, 2016. Check out these photos from Dino Lara & Rex of We do it for Love.

Photos from Dino Lara
Photos from Rex Carrascoso of We Do it for Love

VENUES:

PREP – Fundacion Pacita
CEREMONY – Tukon Chapel (Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel)
COCKTAILs – Bunker’s Café
RECEPTION – Naidi LIGHTHOUSE

SUPPLIERS:

GOWN – Veluz
GROOM & KIDS SUIT, NECKTIES – Boy Kastner Santos
SECONDARY GOWN – Joe San Antonio
BRIDE’S MAKE-UP ARTIST – Make-Up Studio by Madge Lejano
ENTOURAGE HMUA – Aaron Lejarde
COORDINATION – Ernest Pascual of Bespoke Manila (Styling, Invite, Escort Card Etc.)
MUSIC – Johnoy Danao
FLOWERS – Vatel Manila
WEDDING BANDS – Imelda Jewelry
ARRHAE – Unity Coins
WINES – c/o Francis and Mayone Bakunawa Balbarin
RECEPTION FOOD – Café De Tukon
PHOTOGRAPHY – Dino Lara Photography & We Do It For Love
VIDEOGRAPHY – Ian Cruz Films
HOST – Aze Ryan Ching
BATANES COORDINATION & VANS – I.B.S Travel & Tour[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

#JMagWillWorkforFree: Going Back to Basics

May 14, 2016/in Blog /by W@W Editor

The premise was simple. Having acquired a new piece of equipment, he wanted to go back to his roots and shoot alone. Likewise, it was a creative exercise as well as a practical way for him to train for his upcoming shoots in Europe.

To enter, couples had to simply send him the details of their wedding, including the venue and list of suppliers, and take care of transportation costs, meals and music licensing. It was, therefore, not a surprise that 7000 entries were accumulated at the end of the promo after it was publicly posted and was picked up all over the social media.

Due to a strict schedule of availability though, Jason could only choose a handful of winners and the first lucky one was Stacy Munar, who was then set to marry Niel Riddle. Stacy’s email caught Jason’s attention and lucky for her, he was available on the date of the 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/2016/05/JMagWillWorkforFree1-e1463202073647.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]Last May 5, 2016, Stacy and Niel’s wedding finally took place at San Antonio de Padua with a reception at Summit Ridge Tagaytay. According to Jason, it was definitely a learning experience for him. Although his partner, Madge (Lejano), accompanied him, he learned it was tremendously hard to shoot alone now.

Jason said, “After years of having your crew around you. Driving you. Carrying stuff for you. Setting up everything for you. Getting water for you. Packing up for you. Then you’re by yourself. The physical strain was immense. Plus, the mental strain of coming up with something beautiful and meaningful.”[/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/2016/05/JMagWillWorkforFree2.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]”I learned to bring only the essentials. To plan ahead. To pack light. In recent memory, I’m terribly isolated and misinterpreted as aloof on the wedding day. I’m totally gregarious on the meetings. I’m the best friend. But on a regular shoot, I’m super quiet and tucked in a corner. Listening. Thinking. Planning. Last Thursday, I was front and center. Talking to the bride, the entourage, making them feel comfortable. Totally out of my comfort zone.”

Now what everyone wants to know is, will there be any more winners and when will they be announced? After how tired Jason was at this wedding, we’re just going to have to wait and see if he’s going to pick another one. Haha![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Wedding Tip Sheet: Anatomy of an Afternoon Wedding

May 11, 2016/in Blog /by W@W Editor

What’s the usual timeline? Read on.[/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/2016/05/AnatomyOfAnAfternoonWedding1.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]7:00 a.m. – Wake up, take a bath, breakfast

8:30 a.m. – Arrival of hair and make-up artist to set-up shop in the bride’s room (Yes, everyone will have to come over for their styling needs except the groom – the HMUA does not need to bring much anyway when styling the groom.)

9:00 a.m. – Make-up begins (assuming you have the usual bride plus 2 or 3 plus groom; 1 hair stylist and 1 make up artist)

It would most likely go this way: both mothers at 9:00 a.m., then at 10:00 a.m., the bride starts with either hair or make-up. The other head would be on stand by to take the other chair, for instance, if the bride’s hair is being styled, the other lady, usually the maid of honor, sits on the chair of the make-up artist.

You know what’s great about this time slot? Your girls/entourage can actually go to their respective parlors or make-up artists because the preps won’t happen at ungodly hours. No need to have a crowded hotel room from start of preps till pictorial.

11:00 a.m. – Lunch arrives (If to be delivered, so everyone can start having lunch – staggered basis, but the groom and family members are usually asked to eat right away since their pictorials will start earlier.)

11:30 a.m. – Groom’s pictorials (The groom should not be wearing his groom’s attire yet, those are part of the shoot.)

12:30 a.m. – Bride’s pictorials (The bride should have eaten before this time, the same is requested of her family – only the family and entourage should be wearing their wedding attire; the bride will have to wait for instructions.)[/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/2016/05/AnatomyOfAnAfternoonWedding2.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]2:00 p.m. – Bride leaves for church

2:30 p.m. – Arrival at the church; assembly and line up (Also the time stated in the invitation)

3:00 p.m. – Ceremony time

4:00 p.m. – End of ceremony, Group pictorials

4:30 p.m. – Recessional. Guests will travel to the reception venue. Bride and groom will have pictorials together.

5:00 p.m. – Cocktail time at the reception venue
*Upon arrival, the bride and groom may continue the shoot or go straight to the room for retouch and a light meal.

6:00 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. – Start of program

6:30 p.m. / 7:00 p.m. – Dinner

8:00 p.m. / 8:30 p.m. – Party time[/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/2016/05/AnatomyOfAnAfternoonWedding3.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 details do you need to take into consideration?

a) Your attrition rate could be lower when you get their responses via your coordinator’s RSVP report. Why? Because this is the most common time slot — people expect to go out in the afternoon (2/3/4 p.m.) on a Saturday or even a Sunday. They won’t mind going to your wedding.

If you really can’t invite too many but you really can’t handle the early preps of a morning wedding, you can choose to have a weekday afternoon wedding. Even a Sunday wedding would most likely yield fewer “yes” responses than a Saturday afternoon wedding.

b) Given that your preps would cut into lunch time, you can expect that some will decide to forego lunch in favor of getting dolled up. So yes, provide heavy cocktail food items as well. These are especially necessary since your post-nuptial shoot + retouch & eating time will take longer than the usual cocktail hour. If you will go beyond the maximum waiting time of 1.5 hours — open the soup and salad station as well. However, note that not all caterers/venues allow this option.

Since your time slot takes up snack time and dinner, you can really expect to provide more food. If you can get away with 3 viands for a lunch time reception, you may not be able to do the same now. People will expect a bit more since you’re providing dinner — minimum of 4 courses plus dessert, salad, and soup.

c) Expenses could go higher as you might feel compelled to hire a band for entertainment and party time, and hire a mobile bar or bring in additional booze for your guests. You may also feel the need to have more elegant evening gowns (long & with bling-bling) for your entourage. Your male entourage will most likely look more dapper in suits as well.

d) This is the only time slot though that gives you a bit more leeway in terms of post ceremony pictorials. People won’t pressure you to serve dinner right away especially if you will provide cocktail food items that aren’t just plain nuts and chips. Dinner is at 7:00 p.m. traditionally so if they get to the venue at 5:00 p.m., they won’t expect dinner, unlike a morning wedding wherein they will arrive at almost the exact moment they expect to have lunch. They are also crankier during lunch events coz it’s generally warmer unlike afternoon ceremonies which usually end when it is much cooler already.

e) You can go all the way with mood lighting and even fireworks. Plus you can get even a 3,000-ANSI projector and people will still see the AVP. Note though that the recommended ANSI lumens is around 4,500 to 5,000 so the colors are more vivid.

f) You can expect a few more guests to stay longer for party time since it’s neither too early nor too late. Of course, if you will go for a weekday, your end time will be just right — enough time for them to travel to their homes and rest for the next day’s school and work challenges.

Although you can expect guests to have a better tolerance for the program and its contents, do try to stay within the usual 1.5-hour maximum cocktail time and 2-hour program. That way, you won’t end up with a near empty hall by the time you will show your SDE or give your final speech.[/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/2016/05/AnatomyOfAnAfternoonWedding4.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]Other points to consider:

1) For garden & beach weddings, it is best to follow the timeline below:

3:30 p.m. – Invitation time (An earlier time would cause guests to fry and bake.)
4:00 p.m. – Ceremony
5:30 p.m. – Recessional (No extension for additional group pictorials.)
5:30 to 6:00 p.m. – Couple pictorials (while there’s still a bit of sun)

2) For those having weekday or Sunday weddings, please do not choose a wedding time of 5:00 p.m. Stick to 2/3/4 p.m. That way, you can still expect people to finish the program. A 1:00 p.m. wedding really cuts through lunch so it’s not very advisable as well.

3) While a lunch wedding reception can’t occur in an open air venue, a late afternoon to evening reception can take place at a garden or by the beach. Do provide fans and the like to make everyone a bit more comfortable.

4) Give yourself enough time to plan (read: a year or more) so you can get these coveted afternoon ceremony and early evening reception slots. They go so quickly. Sometimes, even if you just dilly dally for a few hours, someone will snatch the slot away and you’d end up either changing your date or going for the so-called less desirable time slots.

5) Get enough sleep the night before your wedding. The wake up time is not too early so there’s really no excuse to come to your reception looking sleepy or groggy.

BOTTOMLINE:

This is the time slot people expect, so it’s going to be pretty easy to invite guests. However, there is more competition for venues and suppliers so couples who wish to have this coveted slot should start booking ahead of everyone, i.e. 1 year to 1.5 years ahead of the date, especially if it falls on a Saturday. People will be in the mood to party so you can go for everything – elegant clothes, a band, lots of booze, and the like.[/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]Note from the WaW Team: Having a morning wedding? Read the Anatomy of a Morning wedding here and the Anatomy of an Evening Wedding here.

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

Looking for the Perfect Wedding Venue and Caterer? Hop On and Join The Wedding Tour!

May 5, 2016/in Blog, News, Press Release /by W@W Editor

The Wedding Library has been assisting couples with all their wedding needs for the past 20 years starting with their all-in-one wedding shop. The shop has always provided unique and innovative offerings to answer untapped needs of engaged couples, including a unique bridal shower or honeymoon line and the first Bridal Fair to offer a major on-the-spot booking Cash Raffle Promo.

This year, The Wedding Library asked some brides for ideas on any needs in the wedding industry that have yet to be met and two of the most predominant answers were wedding planning seminars and ocular visits to reception venues. Voila! The Wedding Tour was born.
[/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/2016/05/WeddingTour1.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 Wedding Tour is a fun, convenient, educational, time saving, and cost efficient way to scout for the right venue for your reception. Also available to debutantes, the tour likewise gives couples an opportunity to network with other about-to-be-wed couples and get tips from long time wedding suppliers, all in one fun-filled, enriching, and worthwhile day. The Wedding Tour promises to be:

Fun: Couples get to mingle with each other, play games, share tips, talk about common experiences and issues and more while en route to the venues.
Convenient: Couples do not need to sweat driving through traffic and worrying about parking.
Educational: A newlywed speaker and a wedding supplier will share tips to the couples/debutantes en route to the venues.
Time Saving: There will be 3-5 venues featured in one day. As this will be a scheduled group visit, the venues will be ready to present to The Wedding Tour participants.
Cost Efficient: The tour price is a fraction of what will normally be spent on gas, parking, and lunch to visit all 3-5 venues.

As if that’s not enough, some of the venues will also be giving discounts or freebies to The Wedding Tour participants. More freebies and games en route to the venues also await participants. Couples can enjoy all of these for a tour price of only Php 750 per person, maximum of 2 persons per wedding/debut per tour.[/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/2016/05/WeddingTour3.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]Couples can also choose among different types of tours depending on the budget they are allocating for the venue and caterer. There are six different tours to choose from:

1) The Wedding Tour Standard Series (venue packages below Php 100,000)
2) The Wedding Tour De Luxe Series (venue packages between Php 100,000-150,000)
3) The Wedding Tour Premier Series (venue packages between Php 150,000-200,000)
4) The Wedding Tour Gold Series (venue packages between Php 200,000-250,000)
5) The Wedding Tour Platinum Series (venue packages between Php 250,000-350,000)
6) The Wedding Tour Diamond Series (venue packages between Php 350,000-450,000 and 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/2016/05/WeddingTour2.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 price range of the venues are based on their weekend rates and the most inexpensive menu offering of at least one of their accredited caterers. Initial tours will be scheduled in June based on responses from interested couples. There are currently initial tours being planned for Tagaytay, Quezon City, Rizal, and Metro Manila.

Interested couples can start by answering this questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S5NQP8P. The Wedding Library will then correctly match the slots of The Wedding Tour itineraries based on the couple’s needs and preferences. Couples who completely answer the questionnaire will also get a chance to win FREE or discounted slots for the initial runs.

For more information, visit www.weddinglibrary.com.ph. Wedding venues interested to be part of the Wedding Tour Packages can email inquire@weddinglibrary.com.ph or call 9751596 or 0917 8822608, or call The Wedding Library SM Megamall branch at 6385791 (Mon-Sun 10 am-9 pm).[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Wedding Tip Sheet: Anatomy of a Morning Wedding

April 29, 2016/in WaW Wedding Tip Sheet /by W@W Editor

What’s the usual timeline? Read on.

2:00 a.m. – Wake up, take a bath
2:30 a.m. – Set up of HMUA stations (one for make-up, one for hair)
3:00 a.m. – Make-up begins (assuming you have the usual bride plus 2 or 3 plus groom; 1 hair stylist and 1 make up artist)
4:00 a.m. – Breakfast arrives (Check if the hotel allows such an arrangement.)
5:30 a.m. – Groom’s pictorials (The groom would still be in his prep clothes by the time the p/v team transfers to his room for his pictorial with family; the rest though – family and entourage should be dressed and ready to take part in the shoot by this time.)
6:30 a.m. – Bride’s pictorials (The bride would be in preps clothes at this point while the rest should be dressed and ready to participate in the shoot.)
8:00 a.m. – Bride leaves for church
8:30 a.m. – Arrival at the church; assembly and line up (also your invite time)
9:00 a.m. – Ceremony time
10:30 a.m. – Recessional
11:00 a.m. – Cocktail time
12:00 p.m./12:30 p.m. – Start of program (This makes the 9:00 a.m. slot ideal. Your program will not be too late for lunch.)
12:30/1:00 p.m. – Lunch
2:00/2:30 p.m. – Party time/End of program[/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/2016/04/WaWWeddingTipSheet_MorningWedding2-e1461933967395.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”right” 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 details do you need to take into consideration?

a) Your attrition rate could be higher when you get their responses via your coordinator’s RSVP report. Why? Because this time slot requires everyone to wake up pretty early and if your wedding is on a weekend, some may not be willing to get up even earlier than they would on a week day. Nonetheless, if you really wanted an intimate gathering anyway, the lower number of attendees would be ideal.

b) If your wedding is on a weekday, you will have to brace yourself for traffic, so you may need to allot more time for travel between the hotel and ceremony venue & between the ceremony area and the reception venue. It will help to book places that are really close together.

c) Note that the early preps would most likely require you to have extra space for your entourage to have their make up done there in your hotel. Maybe a 2-bedroom suite would be better than a 1-bedroom suite. You see, it’s hard for them to visit their friendly neighborhood parlors at such an ungodly hour like 3 or 4 a.m. Best to hire a team for your entourage. Do not forget to give the exact number of heads in advance so the HMUA team can bring the right number of people as well.

d) Given that their preps would cut into breakfast time, you can expect that some decided to forego breakfast in favor of getting dolled up. So yes, provide heavy cocktail food items to compensate for the breakfast they missed. These are especially necessary since your post-nup shoot + retouch & eating time will take longer than the usual cocktail hour. If you will go beyond the maximum waiting time of 1.5 hours — open the soup and salad station as well. Find out if the caterer/venue allows this kind of arrangement though, some don’t give in to such a request.

e) Expenses could go lower since you will not need to spend too much.
– On clothes (No need to have suits. Suspenders or vests would be fine; dresses could be knee length or may reach mid-calf only, no need for long gowns and bling.);
– On booze (In fact, no need for alcohol because people don’t necessarily look for an alcoholic fix during lunch.);
– On entertainment (no need to have a full band, strings would do);
– On lights (Especially if the venue allows the sun to filter in), and
– On food (It’s a lunch reception, so you can go with comfort food, not necessarily steak and other expensive dishes. You can even get away with brunch type meals.)

f) However, despite the savings, you may expect to spend on an LED wall instead of a projector and screen combo because it might not be possible to see AVPs on a projection screen if the sun filters into the venue.

g) This is a time slot that does not allow for punctuality-related problems. You can’t be late for preps because it would create a domino effect and guests won’t appreciate having lunch at 1:30 or 2:00 p.m. — although this time slot is one you can’t avoid with a 10:00 a.m. wedding ceremony.

h) People are also more inclined to go home after eating because they are sleepy or they have other stuff scheduled in the afternoon. They usually expect the event to be done by 2:00 p.m., and they aren’t usually in the mood to party since by 2:00 p.m., some may have been awake already for 10 to 12 hours.

i) You can’t have fireworks but you can always have confetti, which would cost a lot less.

j) This one is most important: get enough sleep. Do your best to check in on time, relax, and sleep earlier than usual. It won’t help to have too many people in your room. So do your best to have only a few individuals, and do not attempt to finish DIYs and forego sleep. Give yourself at least 6 hours of sleep so you can handle the rigors of your big 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/2016/04/WaWWeddingTipSheet_MorningWedding1-e1461934105696.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]Other points to consider:

Ceremony Time Constraints:

If your chosen church only has a 10:00 a.m. slot or worse, a 10:30 a.m. slot, you might want to consider either of the ff:

1) Go for couple pictorials prior to the ceremony — check first if your parents are ok with this.

2) Go for couple pictorials after the reception – you will have to make arrangements in advance with your photo, video, and HMUA teams.

Both measures are designed to make the waiting time shorter. Of course, you can always provide heavy cocktails for waiting time.

10:00 a.m. – Ceremony
11:30 a.m. – Recessional
12:00 NN – Cocktails
1:00/1:30 p.m. – Start of programme
1:30/2:00 p.m. – Start of meal time
3:00/3:30 p.m. – End of programme

For a 10:30 a.m. slot, cocktails will be at 12:30 p.m., programme will start at 2:00 p.m., and lunch will be at 2:30 p.m. End of programme will be at 4:00 p.m..

For garden & beach weddings, it is best to follow the timeline below:

6:30 a.m. – Invitation time
7:00 a.m. – Ceremony time
8:30 a.m. – Recessional
9:00 a.m. – Cocktails
10:30 a.m. – Program starts
11:00 a.m. – Lunch
12:30 p.m. – End of program

You may also adjust:

7:00 a.m. – Invite time
7:30 a.m. – Ceremony
9:00 a.m. – Recessional
9:30 a.m. – Cocktails
11:00 a.m. – Program
11:30 a.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – End of program

However, if you’re having a garden or beach wedding, please make sure you have a covered, air-conditioned area for the reception. It won’t be fair to have people stay under the scorching and deadly heat of the sun for reception. Usually the heat can still be a bit bearable before 9:00 a.m.

Do provide fans and the like to make everyone a bit more comfortable during the ceremony. Reserve part of the budget also for getting a tent to ensure protection from the harsh rays of the sun.

BOTTOMLINE:

Overall, this is a time slot that is supposed to save you money. It takes away a lot of things you may find necessary given evening receptions. It also usually lessens the need to invite too many guests — it caters to those who want intimate celebrations.
[/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]Note from the W@W Team: Having an afternoon wedding? Read the Anatomy of an Afternoon wedding here and the Anatomy of an Evening Wedding here.

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″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″]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][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

PRESS RELEASE: The Wedding and Debut Expo 2016

January 13, 2016/in Events /by W@W Editor

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]Good news, Brides-to-Be! Weddings at Work will have a booth at the 23rd Weddings & Debut Expo on 2016 and we’ll be giving out FREE WaW Bride’s Yellow Pages and WaW Wedding Primer to the Fairgoers!

The 23rd Edition of The Wedding and Debut Expo 2016 is happening on January 23 & 24 at the PICC Forum, CCP Complex in Pasay City.

The Expo will feature some of the industry’s best wedding suppliers and will showcase the latest trends and offers for this year.

Weddings & Beyond will also be handing out FREE Weddings & Beyond Directory Magazines at the event to help brides-to-be plan your weddings and find suppliers for your big day.

To find out more about The Wedding & Debut Expo 2016, check out the details on weddingsnbeyond.com
[/x_text][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section]

Presenting…the WaW Calendar for 2016!

January 2, 2016/in Blog, Featured /by W@W Editor

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]Weddings is what we are about. So what better way to start the New year than to feature some of the most beautifully photographed weddings in our calendar this 2016?

We’re proud and excited to present to you this year’s W@W calendar! We collaborated with 12 of the best lensmen in the land and no less than the talented Joanna Candi doing her magic with the artwork and calligraphy.[/x_text][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar21.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar31.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar41.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar51.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar61.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar71.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar81.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar91.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; 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padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar12.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar13.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar14.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/waw-2016-calendar15.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; 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WaWparazzi: The Elvis-Alexa Gutierrez Wedding

June 29, 2015/in Blog, Celebrity Wedding, W@Wparazzi, What's New /by W@W Editor

Last June 26, 2015, Elvis Gutierrez, one of the six kids of power couple Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama tied the knot in Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park.

Groom Elvis was emotional and teary-eyed all throughout the processional. His parents Eddie and Anabelle and Richard look on.

In the speech of Richard the best man, he mentioned that 3.5 months in a year, Elvis and twins Richard/Raymond become triplets since they were born only nine months apart.

Elvis and Alexa have been a couple for the last nine years and the most challenging times were the time when Alexa had to move to the US to study. Elvis would often visit her there during those times. They said the long-distance relationship made their relationship stronger.

The bride wore an Albert Andrada creation 🙂

What a huge gigantic beautiful cake it was!

The Bethany dream cakes creation drew inspiration from the concept that the bride herself chose. It’s a cake that’s cut in the middle adorned with soooo many fresh pastel flowers.

Alexa hand picked her bridesmaids and maids of honor consisting of family and best friends. Her now sister-in-law Ruffa was one of the maids of honor. Also part of the entourage Sarah Lahbati, Richard Gutierrez’ girlfriend along with her other best friend.

A light moment during mass amongst the ninongs : Gov. Chavit Singson, Senator Bongbong Marcos, Senator Tito Sotto and former President Joseph Estrada.

Beautiful set-up done by Robert Blancaflor at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion

Show-stealer and crowd favorite Zion was such a cute ring bearer.

The handsome and debonair Gutierrez men namely: Groom Elvis, dad Eddie and brothers Tonton, Richard, Monching and Raymond plus nephews of the groom, David and Zion.

Ruffa, who is the only girl in the Gutierrez children, is always always the life of the party. She is the “ate,” whom all of the Gutierrez boys look up to. They always describe her as the most generous and most supportive.

Mommy Anabelle happily looks on as the two were pronounced husband and wife. During her speech, mommy Anabelle was not hiding the fact that Elvis is her most favorite child. She said that Elvis is such a kindhearted boy and that he will always be her baby. She fondly calls Elvis Taba or Bobot.

A light moment amongst the legend Eddie Gutierrez, Anabelle Rama and their kumpare former President Joseph Estrada.

These two are always sweet and generous with their appreciation of our photo/video output and hard work that’s why I truly love them 🙂 They are the key as to why I was able to start being trusted with the photo/video needs of the Gutierrez family. My first-ever coverage for them was the much talked about coming out/birthday/baptism of Zion. 🙂 Since then we have been capturing numerous events for them including, the birthdays of Ruffa, Zion (including his pre-birthday shoot,) Sarah, Venice and Annabelle Rama.

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Charisse Tinio is the brains behind Nice Print Photography & Exige Weddings. Read more of Charisse Tinio’s WaWparazzi articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/wawparazzi/.

Toto and Nicolai

May 11, 2015/in Blog, W@W Weddings, What's New /by W@W Editor

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.