89 Days ♥

Changing my status and my last name in 89 days! :)

Will start preparing tomorrow for our civil wedding on January 6, 2012 and I'm excited for December 2012 to come for our church wedding. I'm praying for God's blessings and praying for our plans next year and for the years to come.

I will come back tomorrow and update you guys! ;)

XO,
Justine

Something Big, Something New!

WE HAVE SOMETHING BIG TO TELL OUR FRIENDS, RELATIVES AND LOVED ONES. :-) AND... WE HAVE A NEW WEDDING DATE! WE'LL ANNOUNCE SOON!

WE'RE REALLY, REALLY EXCITED! I HOPE EVERYTHING WILL GO WELL!

XO
Justine

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Believe it or not, I haven't received it, yet! I wasn't well aware (I think as well as my parents?) how important this sacrament is. When I was a kid, I thought the priests would slap you in the face! Haha! And I was wondering, I studied in a Catholic school during grade school, haven't they slapped me? Anyway, I was scanning our documents and files and couldn't find a certificate, so yeah, I haven't been slapped before.

My friend got married two years ago and like me, she haven't received the sacrament of confirmation. I learned that you won't be allowed to have a Catholic church wedding if you haven't been slapped. This is a major, major requirement. Anyway, few weeks before her big day, she asked me if I could be her "ninang" and of course, I said yes. I was her MOH, by the way. It was a regular Sunday service and in the middle of the service the priest announced that there is someone who will receive the sacrament of confirmation and my friend was asked to stand in the middle of the stage and the priest started doing the ritual. After several minutes, the priest suddenly called "the ninang" and I was asked to stand beside my friend and rest my hand on her shoulder, in front of everybody else! Wattanexperience! And I don't want/need the attention. And by the way, priests won't slap you!

I thought I should get the sacrament before 2010 ends. And obviously, I was too lazy and I forgot to sign-up for this. And come January 17 - Tadaaa!  My fiance proposed! So by hook or by crook, I need to get this over and done with and the earliest schedule I know for this year is this August, the feast of San Bartolome. There'll be another one in December but what the heck, I don't wanna wait anymore and I wanna accomplish something wedding related. 

I'll be passing my requirements tomorrow and it's a good thing my cousin works there, there's someone who can help me. It feels so weird that almost everyone who will receive the sacrament of confirmation are like gradeschooler's. I'll be like one of the ninangs! Hehe! Anyway, I can do this! A friend volunteered to be my ninang! Yay!

xo

Justine

New Date! :)

Our new wedding date 12-01-12 :)

513 days more!

Food Tasting - Ma Del's

We finally had our first food tasting last Sunday, July 3. As I've said on my previous entry, the event was held at the penthouse of Marc 2000 building in Quirino. Ms. Anj told us to be there by 4 in the afternoon because the event will start at 5. We arrived around 4:10 and there were a few guests already. Early birds! We then asked the receptionist for Ms. Anj and we were lead inside the hall. 

a

Everything was in place already including the food, wait staff and everything. The set-up was simple but it looks really elegant. Just the way we want it. We don't want our reception to be overly decorated. Here are some pictures:

The Presidential table:

Sit-in for the presidential table

Table set-up

Potato Croquettes for starters

For the couple (picture taking purposes). The couple will eat at the Presidential table 

Buffet area

If we're to change anything, we'd probably change the cloth underneath the vase on each table. But everything  is okay to us. Ms. Anj also told us that if  we have a theme in mind all we have to do is tell her so they can work it out without extra cost. I'm very glad James loved everything :)

And guess who we saw and met? Mr. Elmer of Rejekrew! Ms. Anj told us that Mr.Elmer is the one in charge of the lights and sounds (he's highly recommended in GirlTalk as well!). It's like hitting two birds with one stone! James approached Mr. Elmer first then we asked about his services. The lights are amazing and the sound system is very nice, too! We took Mr. Elmer's number and we'd probably get him on our wedding. 

I'm very glad on how things turned out last Sunday :)

Here are pictures of the take home sample Ms. Anj gave us. These are the food the couple chose on their big day. Our take home samples are placed on microwavable containers. We had a little of the main courses

Food samples in microwavable containers, placed inside a brown bag

Pasta, my favorite

James and I liked the food. We ate half of everything and I took the rest home for my parents to taste and I'd like to know what my chef dad thinks. I also informed my parents we could request for another food tasting - our choice of menu.

Ms. Anj is very nice and accommodating. Thank you Ms. Anj for squeezing us in your very busy schedule. :)

• Marc 2000 Building Penthouse rental: P15,000. You'll get a P2,000 discount if you know a Rotarian. Secured and ample parking space for your guests.
• Rejekrew: P8,000 for amazing lights and sounds.
• Ma Del's Food and Set-up: P375/head. (Standard)

Email us for questions: happybrideblog@gmail.com

XO,
Justine

Food Tasting 101

You have no idea how excited I am! :D we're scheduled for a food tasting this July 3, a Sunday at Marc 2000's Penthouse in Quirino, Taft Avenue. Sweet!

James and I started talking about our wedding again and the excited me started day dreaming again, searching the world wide web and lurking at the engagement and wedding section of GirlTalk. 

We're set to book the following before this year ends: Church, P/V, Caterer.

Church - We already know where but we will finalize our wedding date first before we go visit the church.

P/V - We have a shortlist

So we're left with caterer. We're on a budget wedding so we're looking for affordable yet offers good service and yummy food! Thank heavens for GirlTalk! BTW, my dream caterer would be Passion Cooks. I always browse their site and drool! :p Unfortunately, we can't afford them. Oh well, next time. :) GirlTalker's highly recommend Ma Del's Cuisine and Quido's Catering. Also, there's Kusina ni Kambal and Center Table Catering. They cost more or less P400/ head.

I know choosing a caterer will be a very long process. We have to attend food tasting's, actual set ups and meetings before we decide. I know, I know. We have more than a year to prepare. But you see, those caterer's with affordable yet offers good service and yummy food get easily booked and we don't wanna lose our chance!

I texted and emailed Ms. Anj of Ma Del's Cuisine last June 23rd around 12nn and she replied to me around 3pm telling me about the food tasting sched and other details. I asked my fiance and when he confirmed, I confirmed our attendance with Ms. Anj. Food sampling is on July 3rd, a Sunday. There's a wedding in the afternoon and people inquiring about Ma Del's catering could go at the wedding reception venue before the guests arrive. 

I also emailed Ms. Gina of Quido's and she replied promptly with their food tasting schedule. Most of their clients are around Sucat area but unfortunately, that's too far from us. They have an event in Intramuros, Manila around October so we'll probably go there. 

I'm a happy and a super excited bride and I can tell that my groom feels the same way, too! :) My mom is as excited as me, by the way. 

Wedding Date Crisis and More

We're thinking of changing our wedding date. Well, it was actually my mom who requested to move it to another month and we just couldn't say NO to her again. At least it's within the year we want. Initially, my mom was bargaining for another 5 years. My reaction was "Ma, menopause na 'ko nun!". After sometime, she asked if we could move it January 2013 and her reason was "para maganda ang pasok ng taon"! Haha! Unbelievable! She'll do anything to prolong my stay at home :) Two months ago, she mentioned again that we should move our wedding date. July daw is rainy season plus many, many, more reasons. She suggested a month and she was successful on her third try! Haha! I was thinking "yeah, why not?". I've discussed it my fiance and consulted my MOH. Moving our wedding date won't hurt us. In fact, it will help us adjust and save a few more thousands for the wedding. 

We already have a date in mind and I know my mom and dad will be thrilled! :) But it's not final, yet. We'll discuss again probably next month. I'm not saying anything to my mom not just yet.

So that's it for now. I'll be back real soon! 

XO,

Justine

Colors

Midnight blue and Sunny Yellow ♥

Wedding Expo - Part 4!

My 4th wedding expo and this time I will be going with my fiance's officemate, Julie. It will be her first time to attend a bridal exhibit and I'm excited for her! (I'm excited to meet her, too!) Wedding expo will be held at the PICC forum on June 18-19, 2011 from 10 in the morning 'til 8 in the evening. 

I'm not looking for something in particular, I just wanna take advantage of the photobooths! Lol :) Kidding aside, I hope I can get lots of ideas this time and buy Martha Stewart's wedding magazine half the price! Really looking forward to buying the magazine! Haha!

Click here to see more and to register.

XO,

Justine

Traditional vs Airbrush

I want airbrush make-up on our wedding day. In fact, I'm willing to spend 14k for airbrush make-up! Silly me! One time, my mom and I are discussing about make-ups and she was really surprised to hear how expensive it is now. Finally, it came to my senses that I don't want/need to spend too much on something I will wash after a few hours. (For real? :))

This article will explain to you everything about traditional, airbrush and even mineral make-up. Reading this also enlightened me about something I heard before - airbrush make-up is better for those who have oily type of skin (the main reason why I want airbrush). Anyway, here's a sneak peek:

Airbrush Make-up:

"On the other hand, if it does become wet thru crying or sweating, you run the risk of it streaking. Imagine a dusty table, if you ran your finger across it, you could clearly see a line from the surface underneath, even if the colors are the same. And like a dusty table, once that line is there, you can do nothing to blend it back. The table must be wiped entirely clean. Same thing with airbrush makeup, if the makeup for any reason gets wet and leaves a streak, there is nothing than can be done to blend it." 

Traditional: 

"And although, like its main competitor airbrush, it typically does rub off slightly or fade a little over the course of the day, it is highly bendable therefore anything can be fixed within seconds. It’s my personal belief, off the record, that this is the most versatile, therefore the best option, for wedding makeup. "

Here's a must read for bride's as torn as me! Read along, ladies! http://www.fairytalehairmakeup.com/Makeupcomparison.html. 

Thank you for this article I've already decided what I want on our big day :) 

HTH!

P.S my fiance has a new job already! Thank God! We can now get back to our wedding preps.

XO,

Justine

Prep Plans On Hold

Our prep is on hold for the mean time until James finds another job. He recently resigned from his work and now we're waiting for God's answer.

We scheduled for an ocular visit in Manila and we're supposed to check The Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, RMC Hall, Malate Church and Aristocrat Restaurant in Roxas Boulevard this May but we decided to move it. I just hope and pray that God will answer our prayers and give James the job that God wants for him and the desire of James' heart.

No ocular visits for now, just lurking around "Engagements and Weddings" thread at GirlTalk and scouting for a photog and HMUA. So far so good! We already have a photog in mind aside from our friend, Jake and I've found a lot of potential HMUA. :-)

I hope to be back and rant about our ocular visit soon!

The "This is it!" Feeling

I wonder :)

Metropolis Ocular Visit

Weeks after James told his parents about our wedding plans, his folks suggested for our reception to be held at a clubhouse in a subdivision where they live. So after a month we scheduled to check the clubhouse for ourselves. 

We dropped by last Sunday and when we got there, there were cars parked and found out that there's an event. A play being held at the covered court and program for the kids at the small hall that looks like a huge gazebo. It's a church activity if my memory serves me right. We were entertained by the lady, who I think, is very sincere. She gave us all the information we needed and although there was a program, she allowed us to take pictures of the venue anyway.

The small hall

     It's so small for wedding receptions. But it's nice! It has a high ceiling and almost looks like a glass house. But it's just too small. I really don't think 50 people will fit in here.

The main hall

Inside

    It's a lot bigger and has it's own prep room and bathroom. Around 150 people will fit in here. The main hall costs P6,000 including electricity and water. But if you're a homeowner, they will slash P1,000 off the price. P5,000 is not bad at all, in fact it's a steal compared to venues in Manila. But there's an area where the ceiling is low and an area where it's really high. Didn't find an aircon installed or even an electric fan, just natural air but it felt okay considering we went there at almost noon time.

A part of the parking area

Parking

   Parking lot is a no problem. They have more than enough space for cars.

The clubhouse is not far from the main gate, in fact it will just take you a minute to get there. There's security, too, so we won't be worrying about gate crashers or thieves.

It was our first ocular visit and we forgot to ask a few things. I will probably bring my handy dandy wedding notebook next time we're checking out something so I won't be forgetting anything.

Next: St. Francis church and ocular for our PLAN B which is wedding in Manila  ;)

Entrance

Doors

Back door overlooking the pool

Flowers for My Flower Girls

I've already decided who my flower girls will be and I know I've made the right choice! Two lovely girls will walk down the aisle with ninang. :)

I'm torn between getting them a pomander or flowers in tin can with a teddy bear. 

Pomander's will be by the florist. 

Flowers in tin can will be DIY. Will get fresh flowers from Dangwa and buy the can in Divisoria in advance, decorate it and make a cute strap - probably from ribbons or beads just like in the picture. And will get the teddy bear in Divi, too.

What do you reckon?

Photo credits to the owner

Wedding Expo - Part 3!

Themes and Motifs will have their wedding expo at the SMX convention center on March 12 - 13 and I'll be going with a friend whose identity remains secret because she hasn't made the big announcement yet - She's getting married, too! :D

I'm really glad we could go together and talk "wedding". I've pre-registered our names the moment she said "it's a date!" But we're still undecided whether to go on the 12th or the 13th, though.  


I'm really hoping to meet cheap and new suppliers in this fair. Can't wait for the next weekend! Yay!


The Wedding Expo's site here.

Flowers

Bridesmaids Flowers - wrist tied corsage. But undecided still.

Credits to my friend, Google

Midnight Blue and Yellow Wedding

Finally, we have our color motif! I really want blue and yellow to be our color motif and James wanted something green. We were undecided at first and as the days go by, I was already thinking about using green. But last night, I told James my mom's asking about our motif and I was surprised when he said it's going to be yellow and blue! Yipee! Thank you for saying yes! Mwah! 

Next: Theme. 

I'm so glad we have lots of time to prepare. 

XO,

The Search is On

My mom wants our wedding to be held here in Manila. That means no more St. Francis church in Gen. Tri, which is a steal at P1,500. So the search for the good but cheap wedding venue reception is on. Oh, God. Please help us! Venue fee will eat up almost a quarter of our wedding budget :( Mom, please change your mind.

So how to choose your reception venue? My friend, Google, showed me this:
1. Budget
2. Location
3. Amenities 
4. Check out all the rules and terms 
5. Try to find some referrals
6. Decor, decor, decor.
7. Comfort and Ease


Read more here. Good luck to us!

Invites, STD's etc

Invitations says a lot about what your guests should expect on your big day. But invites need not to be very expensive because after your big day invites go to the trash cans. 

When to order your invitations?

     - Invitations should be ordered when you have all the details of your wedding set... place and time of ceremony and reception as well as your guest list. Plan to place your invitation order at least 3-4 months in advance. Especially if you are ordering custom made invitations or handmade invitations.

When to send them? 

     - Iideally invitations are sent 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding. It is best to send out-of -town guests their invitations 8 weeks in advance, this will allow for making travel arrangements. 

Consider sending out-of-town guests save the date cards earlier, with information on hotels, flights and car rental. 

TIP: If you're ready to order your invites attend bridal fairs and book on the spot to get a discount. Some give as much as 20% discount! 

Wink (Written In Ink) - They have invites as low as P40. They also make STD cards as low as P25 and invitations for other occasions.

Print Divas  - They have a wide array of invitations from the simple ones up to the Diva-nized ones! The simple ones are priced P6,500 for 100 main cards, 100 entourage, RSVP/Reception cards, envelope with sticker seals.

Impress Prints - They offer affordable invites and STD cards. STD cards with magnet strip cost only P10 (minimum of 100).

Disclaimer: jamesjustinewedding.blogpspot.com is not related to any of the suppliers listed on this blog. 


Credits: wedalert.com

Wedding Band Inspiration

Credits to the owner of the picture. :)

Our ring inspiration. We wanted a simple wedding band. Plain band for him and band with a tiny tiny stone for me, if budget permits it. :-)

Welcome to our WedSite!

This will be our official wedding site - jamesjustinewedding.blogspot.com :) 

I'm just not used to using this wedsite but feel free to try it out, it's easy to register. 

This is where I will be writing everything and I mean everything about us. Our story, wedding preps, suppliers and what-not's. I also made this to help other brides out there. *wink