Philippine Wedding Encounter

We moved

2005-12-30T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hi peeps,

We moved the blogs of wedding preps to http://abfeb18.weddingannouncer.com/diary.html . Need the password to view it? , just email me at cornflakegirl_1979@yahoo.com. See you there, already have 8 pages of blogging there and still going...so come on over and do some catching up.

The After wedding blog will come later, oh and by the way, please take time to view our photosite at www.ab0218.com, thanks to all our guests here.

Photo blogging

2005-11-10T03:34:00.000-08:00

I am inviting you to see my succeeding blogs on my new website. just posted lots of pictures from mags that can serve as inspiration, especially if your motif is purple. Link is in the post prior to this. For wawies, the password to enter the blog is in the wedsite links sa homepage of the group sa yahoo.

Website-again

2005-11-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

Well, been busy with a lot of things lately. One of them is creating a new website. Discovered this through a wowie who had their page in www.weddingannouncer.com. It is so much easier to create, since I spend so much time trial and error in html for the template sa blogger.com.

I discovered a loophole to create certain htmls in weddingannouncer using Opera internet browser. Instead of text editor html will come. The only downside is that it can't read scripts like codes from bravenet, daisypath, flash items and message board. But they do have most of the thing you need like guest book and forum instead of a message board. May blog/diary pa nga, so I will start blogging there more than here, kasi mas simple magpost and add image, but I will update this blog eventually. Ang kulang na lang for that webbsite is a calendar.

Btw, do your browser see the banner on top of this page, kasi I used another computer to open my page and it didn't appear.

Oh well, un lang muna, me iba pa akong topics to discuss.

Another hairstyle fave

2005-11-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

I must stop browsing for ideas, or else I will have a difficult time deciding...But I just have to add this style up.

Sharing my sisters wedding

2005-11-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

Made a collage of my one and only's sisters wedding. She got married last year, February 12 so we are in the same boat as February Brides. She made the graphic layout of the cd/invitation herself as she is a fine arts graduate. Wish I had her skills. Most of her suppliers are local ones (Muntinlupa) and friends & relatives(production of cd, printout of cd slipins/invitation, florist-my auntie & rings-gift from cousin,bought from Turkey,makeup artist Rey Arciaga). Other suppliers are Jasonmagbanua, Fol Rana, Sentimental Groove and Judy Uson.

Web addictus

2005-11-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

I spend too much time on the internet and pc, approximately 70%, the rest is sleep and just the basic needs. I am getting stuck in this blog and With WAW that I am a standstill on other things. I need to strike a balance to be more effective and productive, not just in the wedding planning phase, but also with the rest of my life in general. This is the backside of my wedding planning stage. I spend so much time with details and preperations of the one wedding day, that I almost neglect the reason why I am getting married in the first place...my other half! Need time to celebrate our love and not officiating our love.

A funny twist to "save the date"

2005-11-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

Just finished another suggestion for save the date card/magnet. Ignore the models as I only used one of the random pics from the website of our studio. It still is a little rough. I know only Adobe Photoshop Elements, and I just teach myself and explore. I plan to make my sister do the finishing as she is the artist in the family.

Then it's official! I have an HMUA

2005-11-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

I have a makeup artist; Jasmine Mendiola. Even her name fits our theme, as in Jasmin and Aladdin di ba :) All I can say is: A whole new world, a dazzling place I'd rather be...Gawin mo ako beauty queen ha with ur magic wand and make up kits, and ever trusty Ney...Thanks to Bride Faye for the tip.

Pics of important cultural love events

2005-11-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some pics from events in Norway prior to the September 3 Wedding. Picture 1: Henna evenning (celebration day prior to wedding), Picture 2: Nishanya (Engagement party March 12, 2005, the picture shows a ritual where the grooms family gives gold to the bride) & Picture 3: Nishanya too (First attire I wore, made by Palmos who also made my wedding gown)

Save the date Draft

2005-11-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

I been working on a design for the save the date card/magnet. Here is the outcome so far, and the allowance on the left side is reserved for a picture I am waiting from the studio (Fame Studio).

Belly Dancer

2005-11-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

Posted an ad in classifieds section of WeddingsatWork where I am seeking for supplier for belly dancer. I got a reply from Music Podium. The belly dancer will be my exotic touch to the reception. Dance, baby dance ;)

Co-curricular activities

2005-11-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Beside from blog designing and wedding planning, my fave past time is interior. Just rearranged our crib some days ago, and above is a glimpse.

Backstage Mama

2005-11-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

This is non wedding actually, but this was taken during a wedding out of town (I got a break from wedding planning;but di mapakali with the loss of my beloved pc); you see my hubby is a wedding singer (for kurdish weddings), so although he is not so much involved in wedding planning, he still has a wedding title ;)

Modus operandi of a wedding planner

2005-11-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

I am a freak in getting organized in whatever aspect of life, and wedding is no exception.
Here are my Top Ten Tips:

Put sticker tabs on favorite pages in magazines
Scan if possible all inspirations to the computer
Make a folder system in the pc with accompanying subfolders, the narrower it gets, the better
Make collages of favorites and finalized and put it in a summary folder
All contracts and terms should be scanned for back up and put in a folder
Have paper copies, and literally have a folder beside from the pc, organize in division with divider and subdivision with sticker tabs, for documents that is too pretty or too important to be worn and torn, provide plastic folder slip ins for protection.
Create a to do list using "calendar" and "tasks" of Outlook, print it out
Use tools found on the knot/wedding channel for guest list or budget
Maintain a blog to document progress or serve as a log
Make an excel documents with several sheets like for example supplier/entourage/seating/budget.

New Layout

2005-11-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Been busy giving the website/blog a new visage, so haven't been posting so much. I consume so much time in blog design due to trial and error. I am just in the self learning process of html, my newfound hobby. Anywayz the design is more in tune with my theme and colors. Created a new banner with pics of our ring also, although the look of the blog title needs polishin. Moved Daiypath to the bottom and replaced it with a new countdown on days and not on months. Added my link to photos in Flickr as well..It's beginning to shape up. Thanks to the blogs of Wowies who contributes to ideas for my blog :)

Souvenir hunt

2005-10-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

I have a clearer picture of the souvenirs, still in doubt with the papemelroti as they are more "country" style which is far from our theme. I want to give to guests a gift that won't be used up like chocolates or cosmetics/body products, mini cakes, and I want to give different gifts to male and females. I saw some nice ideas from a foreign magazine;

My budget is max 20000 pesos including gifts to entourage, parents and sponsors. Got a nice idea for guys from a message post in WOWIE, swiss knife andf cuff links. My major problem being so far is the lack of website of filipino suppliers, i am sure there are many who offers unique and stylish souvenirs, but hasn't got the website up yet. Hope to get help through referrals. I want to avoid the crystal and porcelain types of souvenirs, want something modern and practical, and even better if it matches with our theme. Another idea for the girl ento is to buy a mesh pouch, and buy different accesories and goodies. Here is my idea so far:

Sharing our rings and their corresponding rating

2005-10-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

Some of those viewing already know that we have had our first wedding in Norway, and therefore mine and my hubbies' attire as well as our rings are already madde and used. Both of these elements were acquired in Philippines and brought here by my bro-in-law. It saved us a lot because things here in Norway are generally expensive. I don't feel that saving on the budget, cut down the quality, and I believe that Pinoy's handcraft is one of the best! The internet helped us a lot in the process, corresponding through email to keep up with the progress of the product, finding a supplier, and so forth.

The rings with white backgrounds are images found on weddingbands.com and which we based our design from, the rest are the actual. Finding a ring made me learn about specs of a ring like clarity and color of a diamond. Matus Jewellery is handled by one of the nicest couple I've ever encountered, and I haven't even met them yet...Definitely recommended; supplier rating 9,75 (-0,25 for being realistic & rings didn't fit in ring finger because our rings were so thick that they were afraid it wouldn't fit, professional opinion that went wrong, but in the end it's the thought that counts, they wanted to make it perfect, better with a little allowance than too small; we're planning to resize it when we come home; and they gladly obliged)

Hairstyles and other achuchuchu

2005-10-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

I have compiled hairstyles found on the internet and scanned from my bridal magazines, maybe this can serve as ideas for other brides to be as well.

Other than that I sent inquiry to mint basin and sweet thyme, informed Faith my bridesmaid, called my mom and finalized the entourage, confirmed that she has given downpayment to the venue, participated in wowie and browsed notes on makeup artists, sent email to Jasmine again and sms to Angie Cruz, made a list of suppliers with contact info on microsoft excel, rearranged furnitures in our crib, emailed my maker of attires and florist/coordinator at the same time the collage of designs for bridesmaids, posted a classified ads on Waw regarding belly dancer, scouted for more ideas in the net and magazines, added a counter to this site and the list goes on...

Important for me to accomplish the next following days: invitation (find a supplier, come up and make a design), studio pics here in Norway to be used in our invitation, finalize souvenirs, inform rest of the entourage, set up prenups and other meetings with suppliers to get the most of my two and some more days stay in Pinas before the wedding, prepare things for my inlaw to fix and downpayments to pay when he leaves Nov. 20, get my mini album for my parents and inlaws from photographer of my norwegian wedding, get started on the attires, travelling arrangements and bookings for me and my nine other delegates, distribute the rest of the thank you cards from our first wedding in Norway, post more pics in my blog, find sound system, belly dancer, inquire prices at balay kandila, compile wedding pictures I like to show to Dino Lara my preferences and finalize the menu which I already narrowed down from before.

I think that's about it for now...I am quite satisfied with my progress...I think.

Appreciate suggestions on which of the hairstyles are nice:)

It's down to two MUA

2005-10-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

I've contacted my prospect make up artists, and got answers from all except for Madge Lejano. The list is cut down to two, and the lucky winners are Jasmine Mendiola and Angie Cruz.

Here are my basis for conclusion:

Angie Cruz-Reserved, but will look upon it, and give me final answer later,Best rates, no need for discount, according to Wowies, punctual, fixes areas of problems, make up holds through out the night.Saw Neal and Maybelles pics with Angie Cruz, really excellent, clean and simple,big plus to hairstylist,who was known to be quick and efficient,bihasa ika nga.Uses high quality products.
Jasmine Mendiola-After having reviewed pics and posting in Wowie, and looking at jazz' blog, I dig her style,uses high quality products,Faye Linsangan,recent bride and member of Wowie, recommended her.From all I have contacted,she had the longest reply, very informative & personal.For me it's important to have good connection with supplier and possess a personality that will relieve tensions on the wedding day.Lacks info on her hairstylist though, just heard that the hairstylist needs more xperience.
Ara Fernando-Great portfolio,good credentials,but newbie in wedding so I can't read so many feedbacks.Looks like she has a rocking personality as well.
Madge Lejano-most expensive among the choices, no reply, submit form in website not working but wrote to her email ad in Yahoo.Although magaling, pricewise, not practical.

Blog clog

2005-10-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

had posted some pics and updates, but encountered some problem, so I'll just summarize the latest preps and post pics and details later.

Finalized bridesmaid looks and gowns (all 4 in different design, but interconnected and same colors, has yet to inform the other unaware bridesmaids of mine)
Narrowed down the style and design of the flowergirls, and moms attire
Narrowed down my hair and makeup style
Found supplier and items as souvenirs
Narrowed down the list of hair and make up artist
Joined weddingchannel.com
Updated my blog

A short list, yet a lot of work...

Update on Make up artist

2005-10-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Changes in potensial make up artist since last time. Ditched Eddie Braun because of bad experience from members of WaW, not because of lack of skills, but for services. Anyways it's down to these 4 potensials:

Angie Cruz (best rates, good reviews, high quality products)
Ara Fernando (good reviews, good credentials and high quality products)
Jasmine Mendiola (after research and recommendation of Faye Linsangan)
Madge Lejano (good reviews, has a website where I saw her work is satisfactory)

Has posted in Wow e-group for advice from fellow members. So hope to get help from there. Hope anyone who reads my blog can help me too. The bad thing is I have to decide, coz if I am going to wait for the trial make up when I arrive in the Philippines, then maybe they are already fully booked.

Juggling Act

2005-10-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

Omigod, I am freakin out. I have so much to do, and so limited time. I am on the internet from the time I wake up till the sun rises again in the morning. I want to finish everything at once, and if it wasn't for my hubby almost literally pulling me off my chair, then I wouldn't lift my *ss. This wedding better rock the house, coz I poured my blood, sweat and tears to pull this off. The succeeding posts deal with what I've done in less than 48 hours, and at the same time rearranging our home. entertaining guests, attending my daily needs and small breaks cuddling with my hubby in between, and designing/posting in this blog, thus a Juggling act

For 11th of November, 2005

2005-10-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ceremonial room in Oslo Courthouse

A new date to remember

2005-10-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Finally I ordered to get married in the Oslo courthouse, now we have an additional date to celebrate and remember. Here are the others:

Sweetheart anniversary: 26th of December, 2002
Marriage in the mosque: 3rd of December, 2004
The wedding in muslim way; reception only: 3rd of September, 2005
Coming civil wedding: 11th of November, 2005
Coming wedding in Pinas: 18th of February, 2006

..and I hate keeping track of dates, can't even remember birthdays of families and friends...

Previous & actual hair and makeup

2005-10-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is the hair & makeup I had in our Norwegian Wedding Sep. 3, 2006 inspired from the image in the previous post. Won't use the same though in this coming wedding.

Hair & Make Up potensials

2005-10-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

Eddie Bruan has no website, but I did see Madge Lejano's. I browsed through WOWIES and saw some pics from Trial make ups and so forth and I think I'd go for Eddie, but still have trial makeup from both. The thing that bothers me is the use of very orangey hues in the lipstick and orangey and browns in eyeshadow, what about lilac, purple, pink, violet and coffee colors, turqoise, use of glitter, etc. seldom see this in Pinay makeups. Need to be more contemporary, hairstyle more varieties than bunts. Really hope they can satisfy my taste! Mehndi makeup and hair is really nice. Based my make up in our Norwegian wedding from an Indian Wedding Magazine clipout. This link has more styles Asian Bridal Look. Enjoy the sights!

Villa Kaloo; Perfect Honeymoon Scenery

2005-10-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

Last night we reserved Villa Kaloo from SPR Boracay estates for our honeymoon with my hubby and my delegates. I am so excited and looking forward to spend lazy days in the sun with massage in the sunbeds, panoramic views, adventures in the sea and culinary delights

Color Swatch

2005-10-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

This is a color swatch I created just quickly to send over to Penk Ching, my cakemaker. Note, darker, less neon, less pink, more violet, less blueish hues, smoother transitions

Sleepless nights in Oslo!

2005-10-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

In the last few days, I have slept so little just to finalize several concepts of the wedding. I really want to have all of these things finished so that I can concentrate on polishing details, travel arrangements and list of vendors. Sometimes I feel like me being overly organized and perfectionist slows me down bigtime. It's less than 3 months left, I still have no concept of what that timespan actually means in my case. Too short time in relation to my progress, or fair enough? Anyways, I am officially a member of WOW e-group, so I am a WOWIE now. I realized now how handy this will be for my planning rituals...So await links of fellow WOWIES in this blog later...

Status Update

2005-10-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

The suppliers that are done deal is basically the photographer, videographer, venue including the caterer, cake supplier, florist and our attires. These are already booked and reserved for that date.
I have an idea of whom to get for the fireworks and additional decor and lighting, but I am clueless as of now on my emcee, invitation, souvenir, hair and makeup, sound system, performer and additional decor.
In concept I have yet to finalize the layout of my invitation, the souvenirs, background music, digital album style, dvd style, my entourages gown design and fireworks. The cake is almost finished, except for the topping and the right combination of layers.
I have worked extensively on the guest list and even seating arrangements.
I just found a hairstyle yesterday, pero secreet, wouldn't want to reveal too much.
The menu is halfway done.
The rest of my entourage is still unaware that they are a part of it.
Most of all I am really stressed out with the whole flight arrangements and accomodations for me, my groom and my delegates.
It's juz around the corner, I can almost smell the tension building up.
So please, I could use some referrals/recommendations on the remaining suppliers to be booked.

Cakes Galore

2005-10-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

This is the initial sketch I received from Penk Ching of Pastry Bin, still undecided on the topping though. The last picture is the one that I inspired me in design and supplier.

The Making

2005-10-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

This blog consists of the making of the wedding set on february 18th in the Philippines and about the wedding highlights as it unfolds.
This is intended as a diary and a tool at the same time.
The site is still in progress, so there will be constant updates and changes.
Since it is going to be published for everyone's viewing, I wish to hold back some of the details so that not all details are revealed for my invited guests.
There will be an email form that you can submit your RSVP.
For useful info that I can access immediately pliz use the message board so that I can easily see it. If I have any post begging for help, leave a comment on that particular post. Otherwise I also have a guestbook if you have longer, general messages.
Any feedbacks, suggestions or referrals will be very much appreciated.