Pre-Nuptial at La Mesa Ecopark

by: Karen

We had our pre-nuptial pictorial at the La Mesa EcoPark last June 9; which surprisingly came in on a holiday (we thought the holiday will just push through as it is on June 12).

Lo and behold there were lots of people when we came in there not to mention lots of couples doing their prenup take, too.

So what is a pre-nuptial shoot? Quoting our photographer, Bern Mejias, it is the most "korny" part of the wedding preparations. You would actually pose or be candid showing your ease with each other, trust, and love. It is usually done a couple of months before the wedding and is also a good practice in front of the camera before the wedding day itself because it would help you be at ease with your photographer and in front of the camera.

After I had my hair and make-up done by Irene Manigo's team; Melvin (our friend and second photographer and driver at the same time.. :)), Bryan and his sister, Tracy went our way to Jollibee-Philcoa to meet Bern and his team at 230pm.

When we arrived, they were already there so hurriedly we went to La Mesa Ecopark. Like I've said earlier it was a holiday so there were lots of people and the weather looked like it was going to rain.

At first, we had a hard time to shoot because of the lack of natural lighting; but thanks to the light props and occasional burst of sun we were able to get a good shot. Did i mention I was nursing a terrible headache during the shoot? But I just kept on moving forward because we didn't want to disappoint our two photographers.

It was kind-a-awkward at first, we didn't know how to pose. I, myself thought it would be more like a serious not all smiles kinda pictorial. But I guess I was wrong because we had to smile all the way till the end. Ang sakit ng panga ko!!

The shooting ended at around 5:30pm. Our sincerest thanks to Bern Mejias as well as to his two assistants for their patience and professionalism. Our dear friend, Melvin Castrence who assisted us all the way, made us laugh and made every shot worth it. Despite him being the second photographer he still managed to get a very good and professional shot! Lastly, to Bryan's sister, Tracy who also took some pictures, assisted us and made us both feel comfortable during our prenup shoot.

For few pictures that our photographers already processed, kindly check our photo galleries. We will post more as the remaining photos are delivered to us. Enjoy!

Sample Make-up and Hairstyle

by: Karen

The trial make-up and hair style for our pre-nuptial pictorial was done by, Irene Manigo. They came on time 12:00 o'clock noon last June 9 to fix my hair and makeup for our 2:30pm Pre-nup pictorial at La Mesa Ecopark. Irene's hairstylist was Ava who was very good in hairstyling my hair. I really loved the way she styled my hair. It's not the typical updo; as you can see in the back side it has layers of curls and pins.

Irene Manigo was very professional. She used Laura Mercier products for my face and it gave me the feeling of "no-make-up-on". She emphasized my long eyelashes, cheekbones and the blending of colors just matched my skin tone. She said she will deepen more my eyes and the colors on the day of the wedding. Surprisingly, during the Prenup the make-up stayed on and the more it was there despite us being sweaty and all, I still looked radiant and not tired/haggard at all.

I'm so glad we made the right choice for our hair and make-up artist. I can't wait for the wedding day itself.

Here are some of the pictures during the trial make-up and hairstyling:

The Wedding Invitation

by: Bryan

After we decided what would be our wedding motif and listed our principal sponsors and entourage, we plan for our wedding invitation.

We decided to have our wedding invitations be custom-made by us instead of having it created by vendor. At this setup, we can customized it the way we want. Karen did some research of the proper wordings being used in wedding invitations, some wedding invitation samples and designs. I did some trials of invitation styles using softwares like Microsoft Publishing and Adobe Photoshop. After comparing the styles, we come up with a design we created in Photoshop.

It is a three-fold design invitation. We bought specialty papers that would match with our motif, embossing template, punchers and ribbons. First, we printed a sample design in A4 size bond paper and have it showed to our families in Philippines. They were impressed with the style we created. We saw an elegant but simple specialty paper at National Bookstore so we decided to change the paper size so have a lot of space for the designs. Here is initial draft of invitation we showed to our relatives back in the Philippines.

We are still looking for best tool we can use to create the invitation. Here is the Photoshop images of the content of the invitation.

The design is already finalized.

We first planned not to use an envelope, but we realized, it would be more formal if we use one. So we looked for envelope sizes that could fit to our invitation. A 6" by 9" Catalog envelope fits perfectly for the invitation but we are still looking for a Baronial type of envelope for more formal look. After our vacation in Philippines last week, we found light blue Baronial envelopes in National Bookstore Glorietta. We will post here the final invitation once completed.

The “Pamamanhikan”

by: Bryan

In Batangas, this Filipino marriage tradition/ritual is better known as “Bulungan”. I am not sure how this tradition originated but as name implies Bulungan comes from word “bulong” or “whisper”. Some say this was originated when the old people in the families of couple, which includes mainly of parents and grandparents meet personally in Bride’s house to plan the wedding. These old folks speak very soft to each other that is why it is called “Bulungan”.

www.weddingsatwork.com defined “Pamamanhikan” as a treasured Filipino heritage which, first and foremost, avoids the embarrassing situation of having the parents see each other as strangers come wedding day.

Since the wedding is already planned as early as January, there is nothing to talk and discuss during our “Pamamanhikan”. The main purpose of the celebration is just to have both party meet personally, mingle with each other and to formally seek our parents’ blessing for the wedding.

Traditionally, it is being held at Bride’s residence. Groom’s family brings food for the celebration. But since Karen’s house in Filinvest, Cainta were already sold; we just reserved a function room at Max’s Restaurant in Glorietta as our venue. We first planned to have it in Oriental Garden Function room but the rental fee was not practical for the said events. We also thought of having it at Cabalens in Glorietta but we think privacy would be an issue in that restaurant so we decided to have a private function room in a restaurant somewhere in Glorietta. I just asked my mother to bring some food for Karen’s Family such as leche plan, “gulaman”, “palairot/palarusdos” o “ginatan bilo bilo”, "sinugno" o “ginatan munggo”, “kalamay na mais”, fried fish such as “samaral” and shrimps. As you notice, most of the foods we brought are “kakanin” or desserts. They are requested by Karen. =) Some of these foods are native to Batangas province. We also brought Indian mango. It seems like these were our Dote/Bigay-kaya o dowry. hehehehe…

It was June 8, 2008, Sunday morning when we left Calatagan. We used Tito Oyette’s car. I was with my Father, Mother, Lola, Nanay (my Lola in mother’s side), Tito Oyette, EJ, Tiya Cora, Ninang Theling, and Tito Boy. We arrived at Makati around 10:30AM. We took rest at our residence in Estrella. Around 11:30AM when we arrived at Max’s Glorietta. Karen and her Mom arrived few minutes later. I introduced my family to them. Few minutes Karen’s Dad arrived also and I introduced him to my family. Karen’s relatives arrived few minutes later. These include her Tita Lita and her husband, Tito Popong with Lola Pilang, Karen’s Lola in mother side. Moments later, Tiyo Rusty and his family also arrived. Tiyo Oyoy and his family also arrived later. Tracy arrived last as she had class that day. All the boys were together in one table while all oldies, including Karen and I, were all together in one table while the rest of my cousins and Aunts were on the other table.

As you can see, we out-numbered Karen’s family. Well, it was expected since I came from a big family. hehehe…=)

We ordered food and ate. It was quite awkward to both parties since this is the first time they meet. My mother was speechless. Karen and I felt awkward as we also didn’t know what to do and how to make the celebration more comfortable to both parties. I asked my mother to sit beside me so that she can talk to Karen’s mom but she was totally speechless. hehehe… unlike the boys, they were totally bonded with each other. Lola Pilang and Lola Tindeng with Nanay and Tiya Cora were also bonded to each other as they were seatmates.

After lunch, I asked Karen’s Dad and my Father to join our table so that we can at least talked. I formally asked Karen’s parents permissions to marry Karen and they said, “OK lang s'min, walang problema.” I remembered Karen’s Dad asked me, “Bakit kamay lang hinihingi mo?” hehehe… I told them that all are already set the wedding including the church and reception, list of “Ninong” and “Ninang” and mga “Abay”. Budget is also being talked in this event but since I felt very awkward, I forgot to mention that Karen and I will be sharing for the budget. Well, maybe, they already knew it. =) As expected, tears fell from my mother’s eye. Mukhang baliktad ata, sa side ko pa yun umiyak.

After that, Karen’s Dad and my Father returned to their table and continue to drink Chivas Regal brought by Tiyo Oyoy. I told you, the boys were totally bonded.

It was past 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon when we left the restaurant. After that, Karen and I went shopping for our dress to be used in our pre-nuptial photography with Bern the following day at La Mesa Ecopark.

Here are some of the pictures of our pamamanhikan:

The Entourage

by: Bryan

During the planning, the first thing we listed are the list of who are we going to include in our entourage o mga abay. These includes Best Man, Maid of Honor(not Horror!), Groomsmens, Bridesmaids, pairs for veil, candles, and cord, flower girls, ring bearer, coin bearer. We decided not to include the bible bearer as we can designate it as part of the responsible of the Best Man.

So here are the list of our Wedding Entourage:

Best Man: Pio R. Balistoy, Jr.
Pio is a friend of mine since college. We were schoolmate in MIT. He was also one of my senior co-scholar in DOST at MIT. At work, he became one of my teammates in Accenture, unintentionally. He was also my mentor as DBA and teamlead in Accenture and one of the witnesses of our love story(masugid na tagasubaybay). After we pursue individual careers in Singapore, he become my teammate again in Dupont Singapore.



Maid of Honor: Julieth C. Doroja
Julieth or "Jules" for short, is a "Kumare" of Karen at Accenture. Jules was her batchmate/"kastart-group", CRmate and "kacoffeehan" in Accenture. She was one of her closest friend during her Accenture time. She is also one of the witnesses of our love story. She is still working with Accenture.





Groomsmen:
Phyll Jayson M. Aytona
Jayson, also known to others as "Phyll" is my first cousin and "Kinakapatid". He is the unico-hijo of my Ninong Phil(brother of my father) and Ninang Theling. Jayson is currently studying at Philippine Womens University.







Errol Jay F. Aytona
EJ is my second cousin. He is also unico-hijo of Tito Oyette(brother of my father) and Tita Dhina. EJ is currently on his second year high school and studying at Dasmarinas, Cavite.








Bridesmaids:
Carina M. Blanco
Carina is Karen's cousin. She is the only daugther of her late Tito Juan(brother of Karen's mother) and Tita Alice. She is currently working in one of the call centers in Makati City.








Tracy M. Aytona
Tracy is my only sibling. She is seventeen years old. She is currently studying at MIT.








Candle: John Paul H. Torres and Joesil P. Flores
John Paul, better known as "Ipe" or "Doc", is my high school friend. He is one of closest high school buddies. This tsinito-looking guy is a registered Dentist. He is currently working in a clinic in Makati City as Dentist. He is also a single and available. =)


Joesil is one of Karen's close friends back in Accenture. Joesil was her coffee buddy, charades-partner and also one of the witnesses of our love story. She was part of our team in Accenture until her team re-organize to another team. She is still happily working in Accenture.




Veil: Jeffjodel S. Martinez and Marigrace B. Mendez
Jodel is my closest friend since we were first year high school. He is the "lukayo" of our barkada. One of my "Utol" sa tropa. We once mistakenly recognized as my "kakambal" or twin brother when we were in high school.


Grace, also known as "Gara", is one of my cousin in my mother's side. She is also considered as my sister as she grew up and lived with us since she was a child. She is a registered nurse.




Cord: Dennis M. Gamez and Ross Elizabeth R. Asto
Dennis, or "Bam", is also one of my closest friend since high school together with Ipe and Jodel. Dennis is my distant relative on my father's side. He is the first in our barkada to become married. He is currently working at one of the branches of BPI in Metro Manila.


Ross, better known as "Rach" was my former teammate in Accenture. She was also my teamlead in DBA team and also one of the "tagasubaybay" of our love story.






Flower Girls:
Anjoli Mikaila L. Aytona
Kyla is my first and only female cousin in my father's side. She is the unico-hija of Tito Bong(brother of my father) and Tita Sol. She is now five years old and studying at Alfonso, Cavite.








Reysell Anne P. Mendez
Reysell, or Bianca, is one of my cousin in my mother's side. She is seven years old and daughter of Tito Oyoy(brother of my mother) and Tita Russell. She is currently living and studying at San Jose, Pangasinan. She is also one of my "inaanak".





Pamela Kirsten G. Olalia
Pamela, also known as Pam, is Karen's niece. She is the youngest daughter of Zen(Karen's cousin) and Quesa Olalia. She is seven years old and currently studying at Paranaque City.








Ring Bearer: Sid Alfred A. Perez
Sid is one of my young cousins. He is also the unico-hijo of Tito Hernan and Tita Lu(sister of my father). He is seven years old and studying in Bacoor, Cavite.








Coin Bearer: Juan Carlo P. Paje
Juan Carlo is a second degree cousin of Karen. He is the son of Mr. Herbert Neil Paje and Mrs. Cecille P. Paje (Niece of Karen's Mom). He is five years old and is currently in kindergarten.

The Primary Sponsors

by: Bryan

After we reserved the church and decided for where would be our wedding reception, we listed down who will be our primary sponsors/witnesses of our special day event.

Traditionally, the Ninong at Ninang sa Binyag or the Godparents during Baptism of the couple are also the one asked to be primary sponsors for the wedding. So I choose Ninong Phil and Ninang Lorna, together with their spouses, to be my sponsors. Unfortunately, Ninong Phil will not able to attend our wedding on December as he is still working overseas. My parents decided to asked my father's another brother, Tito Oyette as my new Ninong to be partnered to my Ninang Theling. I choose to have two pairs only.

On Karen's side, she decided to have new sets of Ninongs and Ninangs. Most of them are close friends of her father and mother in their community.

Here are the list of our principal sponsors:

Mr. Rolando G. Aytona and Mrs. Estelita M. Aytona
Mr. Raymond R. Taotjo and Mrs. Lorna R. Taotjo
Mr. Remigio C. Clemente and Mrs. Fe E. Fernandez
Atty. Donn Pedro T. Lee and Mrs. Bella R. Carpio
Engr. Edgardo A. dela Torre and Mrs. Fina Lilia W. Pascual
Mr. Renee S.L. Domingo and Mrs. Lina K. Pornel
Dr. Glenn Vincent O. Yazon and Mrs. Ma. Lourdes V. Rubio

The Motif

by: Bryan

Well, our website shows what would be the motif of our wedding.

It's baby pink and light blue our favorite colors. It may not be your typical wedding color; but we chose these because its color fit perfectly for our day wedding.

Baby pink as it is associated with femininity and light blue as masculinity. The combination of both is like yin-yang; somehow their combination just fall into place when put together. Both colors are calming, and envisages care, love, trust, understanding, peace and delicacy; which we both agree are essentials in a successful relationship. It's cool in the eyes and at the same time gives you a feeling of peacefulness/happiness inside.

In our invitations and here in our website, we normally used any shades of pink and light blue.

Here are some sample colors:

in website:

• Baby Pink
• Light Blue

in invitations:

• Baby Pink
• Light Blue
• Light Blue

Here are the RGB triplet codes for the colors we used:

• RGB(255,153,255)
• RGB(51,102,255)
• RGB(255,161,239)
• RGB(151,215,255)
• RGB(70,160,255)