Team R&B
By the bride/booker (is there even such a word?!)
We don't have a gazillion to burn but we have time. So what's a couple spending very hard-earned moolah to do? Research, research, research. Then pray, haggle, pray. This early, we'd like to thank our team (some of them superfriends) for being part of this. May God bless the works of your hands.
VENUE: Ambassador in Paradise Resort
Station 1
Sitio Pinaongon, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay Aklan
(6336) 2881540, 2881542
This is proof that God's hand is in the details of our wedding. The hunt for a private and quiet (and affordable) enough venue has been a challenge because of the commercialization of Boracay, and it was by accident that I stumbled on this resort. Well, simply said, it has EVERYTHING we're looking for and more. Left me gushing for six straight days. Ambassador offers modern luxuries without giving up its rustic charm. I LOVE their woven rattan chairs and tables (customized in Cebu), the ultra-classy rooms and aesthetic details (starfish doorsteps anyone?), the pool, the wide beachfront. And the food? It's worth flying thousands of miles for. I'm not kidding. Ambassador opened only in December 2008. We're the first wedding booked here. History. 8 )
PHOTO: Edwin Bacasmas
Makati City
This is a for-friends-only favor granted by the man himself, my favorite photojournalist in the whole wide universe, Edwin Bacasmas. It helps to have been his partner on a few news/feature assignments in the past. 8 ) I've been bugging Kuya Edwin to cover my wedding back when the groom was still TBD (to be determined), and he'd always say YES. So ngayon, singilan na! 8 ) Really, no one else can capture moments like he does (Erap can vouch for that. LOL) so I'm entrusting the most precious moments of our lives to him. This guy is the absolute best. Period.
PHOTO: Paolo Feliciano
This one here is such a find. My superfriend Lei sent me a link to her NY friend Erika's wedding photos, which led us to Paolo Feliciano's blog. Which fascinated me no end. Paolo is actually into interior photography (www.pampangaphotographer.com) but he has also started to do weddings. His eye for detail is AMAZING (probably owing to his photography orientation) and this shows in his wedding shots. The photos are so crisp, and yes, he can do those vintage/dreamy shots that I pine for. We're certain he will complement our main photographer perfectly.
POST-NUP SHOOT: Josephine Sicad
It's only right that I found this girl on www.rocknrollbride.com because that's what she does with a camera -- ROCK! When I saw Josephine's portfolio, I had one of my thisisit! feelings (which almost always leads to bookings). I contacted her on Facebook and I gained a photographer and pal. Since we could not do the Disneyland prenup in Hong Kong anymore, we're planning a post-wedding shoot in Universal Studios, Singapore. I'm crossing my fingers for this and trying not to get too excited (baka maudlot na naman!)
VIDEO: Phoeben Teocson
9 Manga Road, New Manila QC
inquiry@phoebenteocson.com, phoeben1@yahoo.com
(63)922-8339942, (632)7251013
We have two things in common: 1) We both love the works of Jason Magbanua (and Bob Nicolas, too!). Who doesn't right? BUT 2)We both got PTV (Trivia: Phoeben just got married in Nov. 2009). Well, it's hardly a compromise because this guy is one of the best budding videographers in the industry today. Lucky we found him before he turns into a Jason M. and his rates shoot way up there. I have full confidence that his young team will do my parents proud, as this is a wedding gift from momsy and popsy.
MUSIC: Saturday Night Project
Quezon City
katherine_solis@abs-cbn.com
Kathy: (63)9178589727, (632) 4152272 loc. 4607
The vocalist, Kathy, is the groom's former boss at ABS-CBN and one of his best female friends. Rhoel used to drive her to the group's wedding gigs. Now finally, it's our turn!!! Besides being an unabashed "fan" of our love story, Kathy has been a regular singer at our own families' gatherings and enjoys a fan base in our respective clans. At the wedding, Kathy will be accompanied by guitar and violin, in tune with the relaxed, chill-out atmosphere we want.
MAKE-UP: Pia Reyes
(63)9178485632
At some point in the HMUA hunt, I was starting to think I wouldn't find THE one. But all's well that ends with Pia Reyes. I found the EXACT look I want in her portfolio, thank you God. Pia is a freelance make-up artist who frequently does editorials for Metro and Meg magazines. She was an advertising officer for Bench before she pursued her passion at the Makeup Designory in New York. Coming back to Manila, Pia apprenticed under Kryst Bansuelo and is now making a name for herself.
INVITES: Twenty-o-Four Letterpress
Knowing the going rates, I did not even consider having letterpress, but Rhoel fell in love with the classy look of those pricey invites, so the search began for a reasonable supplier, price-wise and quality-wise. Of those I contacted, Mitzi was the most efficient in online communication, which is crucial to us. She patiently explained the whole letterpress process and presented samples. And then I, too, fell in love. Therefore, Twenty-o-Four will do our clean, classic letterpress invites. Can't wait to give them out!
GROOM'S SUIT: Bloomingdale's and Onesimus
A bride's major must-have -- a gorgeous groom. A groom's major concern? Budget. LOL. This is how we became a very happy couple: We bought Japanese linen from Bloomingdale's in Megamall (same store where super expensive designer Randy Ortiz sources his linen) and headed straight to Onesimus for tailoring. And I swear, even the store staff was pleasantly surprised at how gorgeous the linen suit turned out. Now Rhoel wants more excuses to have suits tailored there. 8P
BRIDE'S DRESS: Moiselle
Hong Kong
I saw my dress while we were out shopping for momsy's bag and popsy's shoes. We didn't find the bag or the shoes, but boy did we stumble on THE dress! And you know what they say -- when the right one comes along, take out your credit card!
P.S. The dress was actually two sizes bigger but I was sold on the fabric alone, so...
DESIGNER: Alodia Cecilia Sales
It took me eight long months to find the right designer to alter my dress. I was honestly beginning to have buyer's remorse -- until I met Alodia, who, thanks be to God, saved the day! She's a young fashion and jewelry designer whose ideas are so refreshing and whose talent for execution is amazing. In her capable hands I leave my wedding dress -- and veil and bridal bag and foot jewelry and... All I can say is: Good things come to those who wait (and look and look for eight months)! LOL.
OFFICIANT: Pastor Nuel Nañez
Every Nation- Galleria
Pastor Nuel was the first person that came to mind when we started thinking of a minister for our wedding. He was there in the most defining moments of Rhoel's life and was instrumental in helping the groom learn what a man after God's heart should be. His passion for God is real and this has influenced Rhoel a great deal as the groom completely surrendered his life to Jesus. We prayed that Pastor Nuel could squeeze us into his busy schedule, and what can we say, God answers prayers!
OTD COORDINATOR: Reian Musngi
Hulo Street, Mandaluyong City
moonra79@yahoo.com
(63)9175660613
Bride's college superfriend. She's one of the OC-iest people we know so we have no qualms leaving our big day in her very capable hands. Yani and I shared countless UP IKOT rides, tambay at the Sunken Garden (Remember the night of a thousand candles?) and an infatuation with one famous tennis varsitarian (such a long long time ago... dang, we're old!). Yani would have a great appreciation of our big day because she knows the long and arduous (for the groom, LOL) road that got us here.
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Angel Gonzaga
Mandaluyong City
angel_licas@yahoo.com
(63)9228133546
Bride's BFF from high school and another very capable person who can single-handedly organize parties. She's incredibly thoughtful and loves pulling off surprises. She once showed up at my house at MIDNIGHT and woke me up with balloons for my birthday! I always say she was born to run a household, and if we could, we'd live next door to her because she's a really mean cook (but we'll be in HK, so just move here please!). Angel has arranged our wedding in her mind long before we got back together, so there.
EMCEE: Janelle Pacete
Bride's cell groupmate from Every Nation-Galleria. A funny, fiery, kick-ass lady who admits to not being your typical Proverbs 31 woman. And I so love her for that. We've had our share of stories during cell group meetings (which I truly miss!) and I must say she never fails to crack me up. She mimics everyone (even pastors. uh, please don't excommunicate her. LOL). She sings, too. And dances? One-woman show nga! More than the humor, I know she will have something wise to impart -- in your choice of English accent. 8 )
EMCEE: Ryan John Fernandez
Often mistaken as the groom's older brother, Ryan appears to be Rhoel's anti-thesis, a trait which makes him the perfect emcee and the most suitable representative of the Fernandez clan. Both fun and funny, and generous to the core, Ryan could easily be described as a true "ladies' man" (but now belongs to one lovely, lucky lady). Despite their opposite-pole lifestyles and outlooks, Ryan and Rhoel share a surprising affinity for things mundane (but which, to their lives, are crucial). Through the years, Ryan has always stood up for family. This wedding is no exception, and that alone, makes his people proud.
FAVORS:
Because we're trying to save the earth, we're giving away practical wedding favors. It's NOT something that will gather dust, we promise 8 )
