Pages

Friday, September 13, 2013

Part I: My Modern Filipiniana Wedding

 
A celebration of love, faith, family, and friendship.  This is a mini-compilation of photos from my modern Filipiniana-themed, Catholic wedding.

Classically decorated pair of matchbox for the ceremonial candles 
by The Wedding Library
Matte white gold on glossy yellow gold, comfort fit - wedding bands by Suarez
Bridal bouquet by Flowers of May

Gold-and-silver-plated arrhae (aras) by Endless Treasures
Arrhae, in Filipino Catholic weddings, traditionally symbolizes prosperity.
The 13 pieces of arrhae represent the following virtues:  love, forgiveness, wisdom, spirituality, respect, gratitude, perseverance, trust, optimism, integrity, discipline, gentleness, and passion.

Embroidered pouch by Ms. Carmen Reyes
Madrina de Aras (antique Narra box for storing the arrhae) - I bought this from an antique shop along Crisologo St., Vigan.

Invitation designed and printed by Print City Invitations

Filipiniana-inspired wedding gown with panuelo and detachable train
by Ms. Carmen Reyes

Intricate beadwork on the panuelo

Payneta showered with crystals - handpicked by Ms. Carmen Reyes
(Payneta is a traditional hair piece, originating from the Spanish colonial era)

Custom-made shoes embellished with native fibers and sequins by Ms. Carmen Reyes
Background - throw pillows made of Abaca (Manila hemp), gift for the primary sponsors (Ninong) - bought from Kultura.

The ever-traditional Barong Tagalog for my groom,
by Ms. Carmen Reyes. 
Barong is an embroidered formal shirt from the Philippines.  It is usually made of pina (pineapple fiber), jusi (abaca or banana fiber),  and polyester organza (synthetic fiber).   

A few moments before I walked down the aisle...
Hair:  AJ of Make-up by Garla
Make-up:  Ms. Garla Cabuco, chief make-up artist of Make-up by Garla
 
Pagmamano - this is a Filipino custom, a practice of respect by asking for an elder's hand and touching one's forehead while bowing.  The elder blesses the person.
Fisheye shot by Sir Lito Perez of Close-Up Photography
- a solemn Catholic wedding ceremony -
Father Jeff of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Tagaytay City
Veil - signifies union and oneness.  Together we will build a future for ourselves (and our children to come) through love and perseverance.  Cord - signifies strength.
Our closest 'couple-friends' cum Secondary Sponsors (candle, veil, cord)
Gowns by Ms. Carmen Reyes

Our 'HHWW' moment, enjoying the gentle summer breeze at the patio of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. HHWW is part of the Filipino pop culture.  HHWW = Holding hands while walking. :) 


Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Tagaytay City
 ------------------------------------
 
BFD and I were hands-on in our wedding preparation. We did not hire a wedding planner until the final stage of preparation.  Our good friend Banjo was our on-the-day coordinator. We have had three meetings with him before the big day.  He made sure the plan was properly executed. 
 
Until today, by just looking at the photos, we are still overwhelmed by the level of support our suppliers had (whole-heartedly) given us.  We were in good hands.  All our transactions were done in a professional manner.  We did not have to worry about timelines and budget overrun. Our suppliers are so much in the know, not only on trends, but also about the dynamics behind weddings. 
 
These are the wedding suppliers featured in this blog. 
  
*  Flowers of May - Ms. Evelyn Legaspi 
    +63 918 936 6750 
    email:  liza_n_legaspi@yahoo.com
 
*  Suarez Wedding Rings - SM Mall of Asia
 
Endless Treasures Wedding Arrhae - an affiliate of Golden Hills Jewelry  
 
*  Invitations by Print City - SM Center, Las Pinas City
 
*  Bridal gown, dresses, Barong Tagalog by Ms. Carmen Reyes
   8 and a Half Trends
   4F The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
   +63 2 624 0114
 
* Hair and Make-up:  Ms. Garla Cabuco and Team
 
* Photo and video:  Sir Lito Perez and Team, Close-up Portraits and Photography
 
* Church and choir:  Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
  Priest:  Father Jeff
  Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay City
   +63 46 413 0758
 
* On-the-day coordinator:  Mr. Banjo Asiddao
 
 * Kultura - SM Mall of Asia
 
*  The Wedding Library - SM Mall of Asia