“Basta simpleng wedding lang pero bonggang honeymoon….” – This has always been the way I put things every time I imagine myself entering a new chapter of a woman’s life. But when it was my turn to prepare for my big day, I realized “Isang beses lang naman ako ikakasal……”. We had 18 months to put together some of the best wedding suppliers. Life was generous with the amount of time given to us to attend bridal fairs, browse the internet, and make decisions. It was very challenging but I was certainly ecstatic with the whole wedding preparation. It was like luxury not available to everyone.
What we’ve experienced including what we spent was no big joke but it’s all worth it. I was the first one who got married in the family and the event created memories. I wouldn’t see them happy together if it wasn’t for the wedding. I felt that it was not only my big day but theirs as well so we really tried our best to make a well-planned wedding. Although in reality there’s no perfect wedding. There’s only a grateful Groom and Bride who entrust everything to God, family, friends and of course the suppliers. Here’s the list of our wedding suppliers:
Church: St. Vincent de Paul
Inclusions: flower arrangements, officiating priest, and red carpet
Address: 959 San Marcelino St, Ermita, Manila
Website: http://www.mass-schedules.com/
Contact #: 524-2022 loc. 101
Rate: ₱12,000
Quick Review: highly recommended, very picturesque
Reception and Caterer: Ibarra’s Garden
Inclusions: cake, decor, doves, bridal car, and photobooth
Address: 525 Padre Faura St, Ermita, Manila
Website: http://www.ibarraspartyvenues.com.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibarrascatering
Contact #: 522-9999
Rate: ₱104,000
Quick Review: recommended, generous serving, great food
Hotel: Pan Pacific Manila
Inclusions: breakfast and use of hotel amenities
Address: M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar St, Malate, Manila
Website: http://www.panpacific.com/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/panpacificmanila
Contact #: 318-0788
Rate: ₱11,600
Quick Review: highly recommended, great staff and breakfast
Photographer: Imagine Nation Photography
Inclusions: 2 photographers and 1 onsite photo slideshow
Address: 17 G. Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Website: http://imaginenationphoto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Imaginenationphoto
Contact #: 716-3311
Rate: ₱25,000
Quick Review: recommended, Ms. Kim is very creative and professional
Videographer: BA Studio
Inclusions: 3 videographers, 1 onsite video, 1 full coverage video, prenup, and use of studio
Address: 912 Luzon corner Benavidez St, Manila
Website: http://bastudio.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bastudio.net
Contact #: 251-1317
Rate: ₱28,000
Quick Review: admin staff needs improvement
Gowns: Ms. Cherry Beruela of Jannah & Keith Fashion Boutique
Inclusions: 1 bridal gown, 15 gowns, pouch, cord, veil, and wedding coins
Address: 168 Shopping Mall Stall LGE-05, Divisoria, Manila (near Robinson’s Supermarket)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherry.beruelasbridalgowns
Contact #: 0999-3734488
Rate: ₱63,000
Quick Review: recommended, classy gowns
Hair and Make Up: CJ Jimenez Make Up Shop
Inclusions: trial make up, unlimited retouch for the bride, airbrush make up for the bride and 2 heads, groom
Address: 138 Timog Avenue, Barangay Sacred Heart, QC (in front of GMA-7)
Website: http://www.thecjjimenezmakeup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CJ-Jimenez-Make-Up-Artist/
Contact #s: 0922-8646645 / 0917-3592192 / 990-4329
Rate: ₱17,000
Quick Review: highly recommended, experienced make up artist, very professional, answers queries in a timely manner…I just love her!
Event Stylist: Forget Me Knot
Inclusions: floral arrangements for the church, reception, and couple table
Address: Katarungan Village 1121, Muntinlupa City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgetmeknotflowers
Contact #s: 0927-8320159 / 0927-8319984 / 0949-4534946 / 0915-6247858
Rate: ₱26,000
Quick Review: admin staff needs improvement
On the day Coordinator: Gen Lee Events
Inclusions: 2 physical meetings, unlimited consultation, double check suppliers, assist in making the program
Address: The Wedding Library, Building B, 5th Floor, SM Megamall
Website: http://www.genleeevents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenLeeEvents
Contact #: 0933-2453898
Rate: ₱12,500
Quick Review: head coordinator (Ms. Dawn) was very pleasant but one coordinator needs improvement on stress management
Music: SJT Strings
Inclusions: music for the wedding ceremonies and reception
Address: A8 Friendship residence, Felix Manalao Avenue, Brgy. San Isidro Cainta, Rizal
Website: http://sjtstringensemble.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/sjt-string-ensemble/
Contact #: 681-6693
Rate: ₱14,000
Quick Review: recommended, great sound
Invitation: Urbanista Invite
Inclusions: accordion invite, envelop, seal, and thank you card
Address: Unit 3C2, 3rd Floor, Enriqueta Building, 422 N.S Amoranto Sr. Avenue corner D. Tuazon St, Quezon City
Website: http://www.urbanistainvites.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanistaInvitation
Contact #: 522-3915
Rate: ₱41 per piece
Quick Review: recommended, follows designs accurately
Groom’s Suite: 4th State
Address: 182, Alabang-Zapote Road, Barangay Pamplona, Las Pinas City
Contact #: 873-1588
Rate: ₱6,000
Quick Review: recommended, classy suite
Cake Topper: Clay and Me
Email Address: carriemoreno08@gmail.com
Rate: ₱900
Quick Review: needs improvement on the quality of the cake topper
Souvenirs: Michelle J. Cayanan
Address: 2019-A.G-G Cruz St, Baclaran
Email Address: angelito_cayanan@yahoo.com
Contact #s: 552-0143 / 0928-8760918 / 0908-6949908
Rate: 38 per piece
Quick Review: needs improvement on the quality of the souvenirs
For the shoes and jewelry which was bought in a department store, we wanted something that we could still use even after the wedding. But I guess the only thing that can be used regularly is my Groom’s shoes. The other stuff that we needed was given by our relatives.
Wedding Planning Tips
1.) First step…choose your wedding date!
2.) Set your budget and attend bridal fairs for discounts, freebies, and raffle prizes.
3.) Know your theme and motif.
4.) Make a list and prioritize.
5.) Stop and unwind if necessary!
Happy wedding preparation everyone!
Jackie LC 