Where everything is at...

When we first decided on renewing our vows, I had very few concrete ideas. Where I was marrying, the designer for my gown, and my hair and make up. Beyond that, I had nothing. No ideas, concepts or even a where I would find it. I was working on the plans from the US and it was difficult. That was in May, 2004. Today, it's a lot better:

Michi Calica-Sotto - designer

She had made my first wedding gown and it was absolutely gorgeous. It was a white gown with black beadwork and swarovski crystals. The veil was a mantilla with the same black beadwork and crystals. Everyone loved it and so did I. I didn't think twice in getting her again. This time we decided on a more simple cut, flowing but elegant gown. I was insistent on no white this time though, and she agreed. She's doing the gowns for my mom, sister and daughter and my son's barong.

Fernwood Garden - reception and church

Although I initially wanted to have our wedding in Caleruega - logistically it would've been a nightmare. So I went for the next best thing - a rain forest atmosphere in the midst of the city. They had a beautiful chapel and several areas for a garden reception. We booked it in June.

Via Mare - caterer

Of the accredited caterers of Fernwood, Via Mare was the one that stood out for me because of our experience with them. Our family had used their services before, their food has been outstanding and they had a lot of credibility due to how long they've been in business. They were easy to talk to about the menu, cost and inclusions - so far, so good.

1816 Flowers - Florist

In our first wedding, I was going to use Robert Blancaflor and Clive de los Santos of 1816 Flowers. I envisioned a black and burgundy theme and Clive jumped at the idea - he said he was getting tired of the usual wedding themes. When we decided to marry again, they weren't my first choice because of costs but ended up with them anyway because they're the only ones I truly trust. Robert met with my mom and he remembered me from 5 years ago! He gave ideas, visions and had the whole picture in his head of the moroccan theme I wanted. Done and done.

Eddie Boy Escudero - Photographer

We met Eddie Boy when we first planned our first wedding and loved how his pictures captured the emotions of his weddings. He didn't have an album or stuff like that but we were convinced by his pictures that it didn't matter. When we chose the photographers this time, he was my first choice. He was available, he was so open to ideas and we booked him.

Claycakes - Wedding cake

The cake was a hard choice because I didn't really have any ideas except maybe do a gourmet cake with several mini cakes for guests to bring home. Or maybe a cupcake tree instead. When I saw Karla Magbanua's cakes though, and when my sister met with her, it was clinched. She designed the cake, the concept and even the original cake toppers for our cake. We signed with her, I approved the design and chose the flavors - which was GREAT! I love her cakes.

Emphasis Salon - Hair and Make up

This was a no brainer - I've been going to Teng Roma for my hair for YEARS. It was only fitting that I was going to use his beautiful salon for my wedding. They gave me a wonderful package plus a special gift for being a loyal client and we were done. He planned my hair style 4 months before and gave me a haircut to prepare my hair for his vision. That was his style. The best hairstylist there is. Plus the fact that his salon has a spa, the best threader (Mae) and make up artist, it was an easy decision.

Fiorgelato - Gelato

I wanted an ice cream bar for the wedding and when I found out about Fiorgelato was branching into the wedding services - it was perfect. Brian loves gelato. We visited them at their location and they served us gelato and their sherbet - orange, mango and buko pandan. It was great. They had a presentation to it as well which made it even better. And Rickie was just so accomodating, it was easy to make that choice.

Exclusively His - Brian's barong

Maan is a good friend of ours and her family owns Exclusively His. I've seen their work in a bridal fair I had gone to and was actually interested in it except Brian wasn't interested in wearing one. But when he found out that Ian would be wearing one, he decided to do it too. I texted Maan, got a reply and my mom is meeting with her for designs and embroideries.

Celebrations Event Specialist, Nenita Zabala - Wedding Coordinator

We were going to get Jody Liwanag who was a highly rated wedding coordinator in weddings at work. A lot of brides had used her services and had rave reports about her. Unfortunately, she was going to give birth in March and wouldn't be available, we did the next best thing, ask Jody who she would refer who could do what she did and she trusted to do a great job. She referred us to Nenita. My mom met with her, liked her and wanted me to meet with her when I came to Manila. I did and she seemed really on top of it and will be able to take care of our day. She was very organized, which I liked, and was going to be available to us for any questions, etc. We paid half and was done.

QP Designs - Invitations

Tried and tested, always good quality invitations AND gave us a great discount on the perfect invitation. We've checked the proofs and ordered 200 invitations.

String Minstrels - Musicians

They sound great, reviews on their performances have been above par and they're open to suggestions and songs. We're still in the middle of talks but I think it's been decided.

Edsa Shangri-la Hotel

Our regular hotel stay when we're in Manila. The grounds are surprisingly private inspite it being in the middle of busy Pasig city. Service and quality is always excellent. It's great - it also helps to have a friend to help me with the rates and room selection. The bridal car will also be coming from the hotel. Two birds with one stone, in a wedding is always a plus.

So far, so good...all that's left are the details.