Christmas 2010!

Still have my Christmas Cheer!

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.  ~Roy L. Smith

Our Family's Happy Christmas!



Next year we will be Mr. and Mrs on Christmas day!

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Monograms by ME!

It's a Saturday night and no visit from Hubby today. Sigh! He is with friends and I am here stuck in front of my laptop. Bored but still thinking about the upcoming wedding, I started making our monograms. Inspired by the world wide web and minding our chocolate themed wedding, I tried  making ours thru Microsoft PowerPoint. I cant believe I was able to make two in such a short time! Imagine the possibilities if I study and learn photoshop! Hmmmmmm.. Not a bad idea... Maybe I should and do this for a living.. Hahahaha! Sounds Fun!

Presenting our monograms and my FIRST DIY!

Chocolaty!

Makes my wanna munch on chocolates!

Now where can we use these babies???  Hahahah! ^_____^

The Perfect Bridesmaid Dresses!

For several weeks our weekends are reserved for the wedding preparations, but last Sunday, Lovey and I decided to go to Divisoria for our Christmas shopping. While scouring every corner of 168, my eyes almost popped when I saw a dark chocolate brown dress hanging in one of the stalls. From a far I knew it was the same purple 7-in-1 dress my sister wore for her wedding prenuptial shoot 2 years ago, only this time it was in Daaaaaaaaaaaark Chocolaty Brown! The exact hue I want for my wedding motif! Yeiy!!!

Aside from the purrrrrrfect color its perfect because its less than one thousand pesos! Much affordable than the 7-in-1 dresses online and way more affordable than the gowns made to order! Even before finding the dress, we already asked our girls to shoulder their gowns due to our tight budget. At least with this fabulous find they will be able to use the dresses for other occasions! Now its just like I asked them to invest on a perfect dress! Hahahahah!

By the way, its called the 7-in-1 dress but your are limited only to your imagination!

Next week we need to decide what style will be for the MOH, Secondary Sponsors and Bridesmaid! Will post pictures as soon as we have our final decision. For the mean time the picture below is almost the same style and color of the dresses! PERFECT!!!

The dresses we have are knee-length! Almost the same color!

We got Nice Print for our P/V!

We have been officially engaged Nov.14, 2010 but we have been planning our wedding early October pa. Up to last week  our accomplishment was just the church, reception venue and caterer. We have been doing our research for prospective suppliers specifically for our photographer and videographer and still to no avail, until yesterday! Yehey!

I knew I wanted Nice Print ever since I saw their work. The only problem was, the Superior package (the basic package) was over our budget. My hubby and I tried to look for other suppliers similar to their work with lesser rates but we failed. I reviewed the package and saw some inclusions I believe we can live without or avail later, like the prenuptial photo shoot (yes prenups are nice but I feel we got hand fulls of pictures as a couple that can do) and the 6x10 blow up photo in special frame etc. With that in mind I made some calls, Nice Print agreed we can remove few stuff from the package with some deductions from the original price. I was not completely Happy though, because I felt the deductions is so minimal. I talked to my sister (my MOH) about this. After hearing the drama I had, Carla told me she will call Nice Print and put he haggling skills to work. Few days after our conversation, I got a text from her telling me she got the Superior Package within the budget we set! I was so happy! She manage to get the package with all the freebies!!! Great isn't it?? Carla should really think of making this as her job (magaling mang-barat)! Vic was happy too, actually he wanted a prenuptial shoot pala! Hahahaha!

Yesterday we went to Nice Print and paid the reservations, we even got Rupert as part of the team! Yehey!

Nice Print Office.. Nice indeed

The moment we sat down one of the personnel handed
my MOH a free magazine! Why her not me???

Vic and I was enjoying the samples while Carla (I think)
is thinking of more ways to haggle!



We celebrated Carla's triumph  (and ours) at Max!

Note:

Don't be afraid to haggle, haggle, haggle and haggle some more! No harm in trying!

Now what?

We already have our church, caterer and venue. Now what? Sigh... So much to do so little time. Too many things going through my mind I don't know where to start. Just getting through the pile of flayers from the first bridal fair we have been is already too much. Mahirap palang mamili, specially when you are in a tight budget. Whew!

If only we can focus on the preps it would be so much easier, but Vic and I has to work and earn more dough. Another sigh...

Actually we planned to see  Ate Nyebe, the couturier Mike suggested. But because of laziness (sorry) I wasnt able to go. I was a bit lazy to do it without Vic, he needs to be in Launion to celebrate his Dad's birthday. Hopefully  next week we can visit her and do another thing for the wedding.

I have to go back to the flayers, need to see if I can find gems from this pile!

Flayers from our first bridal fair

Engaged!

Saturday November 13,2010. This day is supposed to be Part II of our ocular visit. Well, that's what I thought.

Here it goes.

It was his first time to visit the church. I on the other hand have been there a couple of times. After a few camera clicks and checking if the door can be fully opened (for my dramatic entrance of course), I was in a hurry to look for the church's office.

Vic in his day dreaming mood.

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, naisip ko baka half day lang ang office so we have to hurry if we want to book now! Vic on the other hand was slacking, parang naglalakad sa park at nagmumunimuni (day dreaming). That made me a little bit crazy and mad, tumataas na ang kilay ko!

Aimee: Love we have to go! Halika na! Baka masaraduhan tayo sayang ang punta natin dito!

Vic: Relaks ka lang, tinitignan ko pa yung simbahan eh. Maaga pa naman.

Aimee: (Keeping my cool) Ok fine, first time mo dito sa St.Andrew diba? Why not pray and make a wish.

We went to the other side of the church near to the altar, I thought this was a good idea so I can take pictures of the altar. Vic was quiet while we were seated I asked him if he is praying and he just knod. I dont know why, but for some reason na irita ako (I was irritated). I told him, nagdarasal ka ganyan yung upo mo? Dont slouch when you are talking to God (umandar na naman pagka-taray ko)! He did not say anything, he just kneeled and started to pray.

  

I took this picture while he was praying.

Vic's eyes were closed while he was praying, After opening his eyes and lifting his head, akala ko he was done praying. Instead of standing up he grabbed his bag (still kneeling but in a different way) and got something out of it. It was a small red box. I was in awe! With lips trembling he said, "Love will you marry me?" He slipped the ring on my finger and I grinned! Hindi na ako naiyak kasi I saw him about to cry! Comedy kasi nauna pa syang naiyak kesa sa akin! He said "Ano na yung sagot mo? Nakasuot na yung singsing."  Biniro ko, I said wala ka ng ibang sasabihin yun lang, he said, ang suplada mo kasi kanina mo pa gusto umalis nakalimutan ko tuloy yung pinraktis ko". I smiled and I said YES! We were giggling and embracing each other. Parang highschool! I was kissing him on the cheek and he was too! And then i burst into laughter, I told him baka mapagalitan tayo, sabihin na nagda-date tayo sa loob ng simbahan! Good thing only few people are inside the church most of them are praying, so hindi kami masyado napansin. It was a happy happy moment! We are officially engaged!

The little red box that made my heart skipped a beat.

                                       

More than the rock, it is the act and the thought that counts the most. I always dreamt of this to happen. Pero nung nalaman namin ni Vic that Mom, Dad, Aila my little sister and most of my other relatives are migrating to US before 2012 we decided to get married 2011. Naisip namin that its better to have a simple wedding with special people around us than a grand wedding without the people we love. We just agreed about the wedding, walang formal proposal, akala ko ganun nalang yun. I'm just blessed to have a boyfriend (soon to be H2B) who loves me so much and thoughtful enough to officially asked me to marry him! For me it was the best marriage proposal, no elaborate setting, just the two of us with God as our witness.  Haaaaaaaaay.... I am still in awe. I love you Vic so much! Thank you.


To have and to hold. Forever!



Showing it off!



After the proposal, the church and venue reservation (yes we finally have them), Vic asked me out on a date. To celebrate daw our engagement! Simple dinner at MOA, Holy Cow! Sayang wala na yung fav cheesecake namin. Hehehehehe!



Vic about to enjoy his steak!



And to announce the formal engagement at home we brought PIZZA!!!! What better way to celebrate the day! YUM!

Yummy!!!!

My Tita and Mom - Pizza Fans!





Yeiy to this pizza and us!



First Church Hunting!

This is our first ocular visit. My sister Carla and his hubby Carlo together with their cute baby Nike accompanied us to this trip. It was fun! Although I must say after this trip we still did not have our final decision. Anyway here is the story of our pilgrimage to finding the perfect place!

What are we looking for?

Price should only be around 10-15K (all in!)

The Door!!! I want my "dramatic entrance" as a bride!

The church needs to allow toddlers as flower girls and ring bearers.

The aisle hopefully is long enough.

The church's interior and exterior should have the oomph factor! (whatever that means).

Near the venue for the reception.

St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Susana Parish

Alabang Muntinlupa City

Rates:

Church Fee - P12K

Soloist/Organist - P1,800

Decor - 6K and above

Church's interior.



The Alar!



View of the door outside



View of the door from inside



Love it!
The church is located in Ayala Alabang Muntinlupa City. It is the church near ATC!! So there will be lots of parking space.The aisle is a bit short but the door as well as the altar is lovely. Vic and I liked it already but after hearing (and reading) the requirements we had a change of heart.



Deal Breakers...

They only allow 5 years old and up for flower girls, bible and ring bearers. We asked if they will allow it if we assign an adult for guides and they still said NO.



No Sleeveless! Gowns of the entourage with no sleeves should have shawls and then boleros for brides. The church WILL PROVIDE THEM for rent of P250 per piece.

No Showering of petals and other stuff inside and outside of the church. Charges for overtime use of the church is way too much. For 10-30mins is P2,625. Whew!

 

 Parish of St.Joseph (Bamboo Organ Church) 

Las Pinas City

Rates:

Church Fee - P7,500

Video Electricity - P1K

Soloist/Organist - (Included)

Decor - You have to look for your own florist.

Love it!
I love the altar and we are happy to hear the rates!!!

The Bamboo Organ Altar

Deal Breakers...

The length of the aisle is long enough but the aisle is a bit narrow. The mood inside is sad (says hubby) and  I just cant get over the door. It can't be opened the way I want it to be. Sad.... Hubby said we might have a problem with the noise because it is near a school and we are planning to have our wedding on a Wednesday.



Long enough but the aisle is a bit narrow.



Vic is looking up and trying to see if the door can be fully opened.

Our Lady of Remedies or Nuestra Senora delos Remedios 
Remedios & M H del Pilar Sts Manila, Luzon
Rates:

Church Fee - P10K to P18K (depending on the time and day)

Inclusion:

Eucharist Mass/White flowers with tules/Candles/Red Carpet/Organist & Soloist/Lighted Chandeliers

Availability of Usherette and Church Staff/Civil registration of marriege contract/Use of Church for 1hr. and 15mins.

Love it!
We love that the rates includes everything! My hubby loves everything about the chucrh. I like it but I dont feel the oomph factor I am looking for. And yeah the dor can be opened both ways! Yeiy!



Malate Church's aisle and altar



Promising door of the church!



We also visited the Shrine of Jesus, Near Mall of Asia. All we can say is that it is a bit expensive. The wedding rates is P25K. The Altar and the exterior is very beautiful but the overall interior to us is mediocre for its price. Sorry but it is what we feel. The P25K includes the following;

• Eucharist Mass
• Basic Flower arrangement
• Red Carpet/Organist & Soloist
• Church Staff

Yes we visited 4 churches this day and we still have no final decision, although we promised ourselves to decide before November ends! Crossing our fingers!!!