Rings, Favors, and Gowns

Last weekend was yet again a weekend filled with finalizing things for our big day (and the days after), and Enrique and I were really pleased with our achievements:


Final Fitting / Delivery of Entourage Gowns
Due to conflict in schedules, we had two schedules for fittings/delivery of gowns: one for Enrique's side last Saturday afternoon; and the other for mine (Sunday morning). I was really happy with the outcome of the gowns, though there were still very minor adjustments that had to be made. The gown of Enrique's mom, though we had some concerns because she's very petite and, shall we say, a senior citizen, turned out to be really ncie and it suited her quite well. Our major concern though is that since she has scholiosis, the dress kind of shifts to one side (very minor though). Regarding the bridesmaids' gowns, one gained a bit so the gown had to be adjusted in the hips. The other one's straps had to be adjusted, but I got the gown already lst Sunday.

Then on Sunday, my mom fitter her gown, and I really liked the outcome as well!



Front detail
I got worried a bit because in the lower half there seemed to be a crease, crossing the front part, but later on Tet told me it's because of the pins on the side (there was a little more adjustment needed).

Anyway, regarding the gowns of my flowergirls, all three were flawless, so the gowns can be brought home. The secondary sponsors' gowns were also finished, so they were brought home as well. As to my maid of honor's gown, the only major thing that had to be changes was to shorten the chiffon train.

I was about to pay the remaining balance, but Tet told me that she will just get it when all gowns and dresses are delivered. The remaining gowns (moms, maid of honor, 2 bridesmaids, and the dresses for Enrique's sister and sister in law) will just be given to us by this week.

Rings
We got our rings already... yipee! The fit of our rings were perfect. The only thing that was a bit of a bummer was that our arrhae is still unavailable, and will just be given to us on Wednesday, same time as the cleaning of my e-ring will be done. Anyway, the reings were really wonderful, and though the pair was really expensive (for me at least), I'm still glad that we chose that design.

Favors
We also got our favors from Papmelroti. The boxes were really cute, hehehe. The gifts for the principal sponsors though were still unavailable because Rowena, our AE, found the boxes to be too small for the frames. She even showed me one and yes, the box for the gift was too small. Putting it inside was ok, taking it out wasn't.


I also ordered 3 more because I forgot to order for our parents' and us as well!

*Sigh*

Less than 2 weeks to go!

2 Weeks....

It may sound funny, but it just dawned on me that our wedding day is just 2 weeks from now. Wow, two weeks. In two weeks, I will be officially called Mrs. Enrique Pineda. I first had that feeling of being this "Mrs." when Enrique told me that his company included me in the list of guests for their conference's dinner as his wife. Of course, that thought sent shivers of excitement down my spine.

But then of course all the kilig feeling disappeared when we encountered yet another hurdle in our wedding preps: the missalette's approval is still pending and will only be approved sometime next week. This whole time of preparing, it is very ironic that we had the most difficulty when it comes to Church requirements, which resulted in heated debates between both parties, and between Enrique and I.

I just told Enrique that in this remaining two weeks, we should just let things pass and make these 2 weeks to be happy moments for us, up until we exchange our "I Do's." Frankly I'm quite fed up with dealing with difficulties that I just want to enjoy the days ahead of us. I mean, I want both of us to remember our wedding and the preparation as good and happy days, and not as one big stressful moment in our lives. So when we met up with our coordinator last Wednesday, I just told her to be the one in charge of what will happen during the day, and that I wouldn't be really that bothered with the program she will make because ours will just be the traditional (though some might think boring) reception and program. My only wish is that nothing major will happen and that things will flow smoothly. Not perfectly smooth, but just smooth enough.

We also met up with JJS last night. He promised he will take care of things, and I took that statement without too much expectations. Of course, I wouldn't want to be too disappointed in the end, like what other brides have aired regarding their services (they too have been promised to be well taken-cared of). But anyway, as long as there's music and it won't be the worst music, then it should be fine. I hope. Please.

So anyway, what else do we need to do (for next week at least)?

Saturday
1. Pick up our rings in Goldenhills
2. Pick up our favors in Papemelroti
3. Purchase the candles and matches for our Candle sponsors
4. Purchase a Bible for our bearer

Sunday
1. Final fitting of entourage's gowns
2. Finalize our officiating priest (either Mt. Carmel or elsewhere)
3. Buy Enrique's shoes and undershirt

Monday
1. Give my engagement ring for cleaning on Monday
2. Delivery of my gown, accessories, and Enrique's barong (Veluz's shop)
3. Pay Josiah's 2nd partial payment

Wednesday
1. Print those Missalettes!!!
2. Pick up my e-ring



Wait a sec... dang! We haven't prepared for our honeymoon!!!! Wahaaaaa!

Oh well, we still have time. Hopefully everything will be ok.

*Sigh*

Two more weeks. Wow.

Prenups in Tagaytay

Whew!

After a week of anticipation, the CD containing pictures taken during our prenuptial photoshoot arrived today. I was really excited to see the pics, and when I did... Wow! I'm really pleased with the outcome!

At first I was a bit scared because I was the only one who did my makeup that time, not to mention that we were really unprepared. Enrique and I just stashed some clothes and headed to Tagaytay the night before. Originally it was supposed to be a prenups session plus a fashion shoot (Archie wanted to practice what he learned when he studied fashion photography), but because we were unprepared, we decided to forego it. Well, in some periods we were asked to strike a pose (hehe) but it was more relaxed and surprisingly fun.


Anyway, the photo-ops were done in three parks: one in a small park near the Picnic Grove, then in the Japanese garden, then lastly in this park where people can ride on the horses. In the Japanese garden, our videographer (he has been recording the whole thing) interviewed us, separately then together, for our AVP which will be shown during the reception. The questions were really hilarious! Anyway, the third photoshoot though was really a very awkward moment for me, because I had a traumatic experience riding on horses when I was a kid. Enrique was of course supporting me and psyching me to just stay calm and all.

All in all, the day ended really well. I am so thankful that I got Archie and Enan to be our photographer and videographer for our big event!




PS:
The day was really special for us because it was our monthsary too. :-D


For more pictures click HERE

Our New Home

Yesterday was truly a memorable one because our very first home was turned over to us. We were tired because it was a long day for us, but as the day came to a close, there was still so much energy in us.

After sending out the invitations to our sponsors and relatives, we went straight to Rustan’s to buy some items...

Curtains
Our furniture will be delivered this Friday, and Enrique thought that we should go buy some curtains so that the windows will be covered (building of Tower 2 is in progress). We headed straight to Rustan’s, were we chose the very first curtains that we will use. Apparently, the consigner will be on sale from Thursday until Friday, and so we decided to just reserve the curtains (the saleslady suggested it!) and buy them the next day. Hehehe.

We also checked out some other furniture and items that we can buy or include in our Registry, but ended up looking at Christmas décor…. This is such an exciting time for us… First home, first Christmas as a couple! Enrique had to practically drag me out so that we can go to the grocery and buy...

Rice, Salt and Sugar
According to Enrique’s mother, there is a superstition that says that the very first things that should be brought to a new home are rice, salt and sugar. And so we went to the grocery and bought these 3 items, plus more! I could really tell Enrique was really excited, as he kept on buying things that were not really needed immediately: tabo (he still wants to have one), soy sauce, pepper, cooking oil, bathroom tissues, junk food, etc. It’s ok though, I didn’t complain!


We then went to his house and ate dinner first before going to the unit. We also decided to bring the appliances we got for free whenever we went to Duty Free: BBQ grill, teppanyaki grill, pressure cooker, dinner set, etc. We kept in mind however that the rice, salt, and sugar should be the first to be brought inside. And so we did.

It was such a wonderful feeling entering the unit together. We were so happy and so excited. Exhausted because of the long day, but still. Enrique commented that we should’ve brought champagne to celebrate the day. We should’ve thought of that earlier! But anyway, I suggested that we go down to the small shop and buy one. Too bad there wasn’t any, so we just settled for 2 bottles of Vodka Ice. Hehehe.



Create Your Own
I’m really so happy that in less than a month’s time, we will be living together in this lovely little place we call our love nest (hehehe, cheesy I know). I thank the Lord God for making all these possible and for all His blessings to us. Now, I can’t wait to start a new life with my greatest love...

Invitations and Canonical Interview

Finally!

We are finished with our canonical interview, after much stress given to us by the parish's staff and requirements. The only pending matters are the revision of our misallette (the readings should be Sunday's reading, because our wedding date falls on Advent Season) and the submission of the much-debated affidavit of undertaking.

Anyway, it was a wonderful experience, and the priest was really nice to talk to. He had answered most of our concerns, and I surely hoped that we will keep all the thigns he told us in mind. Another good thing was we learned that he came from Marinduque as well (my family's province).

After our interview, we had a good dose of Trellis food before going to the bank. We were pleasantly surprised when the owner of the unit that we are getting told us he was in the unit. So we went there and he formally turned over the keys and unit to us. Yipee (more story later)!!!

Then we headed straight to Paranaque to give the invitations to my relatives. First up was my Tito Cholo. Good thing he was there, so I congratulated him for being awarded Best Director during FAMAS awards. I'm so proud of him. Next stop was my Lolo's brother, Tito Ton. He was there also, and we had a little chat about our wedding. Then we went to Tita Albine, sister of my Lolo. It was her birthday last November 10, so it was also good timing for us to go to her house. She was really happy to see us! So we talked about our wedding plans and other things, and it was really a good visit.

It was a really long day for us, but we were really happy with the day's events. I mean, who wouldn't be pleased about the day, when it ended with us having a drink in our first home!



Now that's another story. :-D

Bridal Registry, Rings, and Furniture

Last week truly was a fun and good week, as we have done a lot of things for our wedding and for our new home.

Rings
Shortly before my bridal shower, Enrique and I dropped by Greenhills to have our rings resized. The last few times I have thought about our rings, I kept on thinking whether to push through with getting them or not. I really found them to be quite pricey, especially when I saw some sets in other malls and they were far cheaper than what we ordered. But when I saw the rings, I fell in love with them all over again. I have never seen any set that had the same design as ours, not to mention that mine matches my engagement ring. So we gave a go signal for the resizing. Oh, because we got the rings, we were given free arrhae (one less worry), and the rings will have a lifetime warranty. My engagement ring, though Enrique didn't buy it from them, will be given free service as well.

Bridal Registry
Last Sunday we went to Rustan's to choose the items for our Bridal Registry. At first Enrique was a little squeemish about the whole idea of a bridal registry, more so when it came to picking the items, but he got over it and actually enjoyed the whole process.

Home Furniture
After choosing the items for our registry, we went straight ahead to Our Home and finally confirmed our orders: our bed, sofa, dining set, and closet.

I'm so excited and can't wait till they are delivered! I can tell that Enrique, though he doesn't want to admit it (he keeps on saying getting married is so expensive), is really excited... I mean, almost everyday he visits the unit and measures the whole place!

Anyway, that's all for now. Our wedding and home preps are really full speed ahead, and we are so loving each and every moment!

Bridal Shower: Spa Theme

My bridal shower held last Saturday was truly a blast, and I was really happy and thankful to my friend Sarah for setting up a spa-themed shower for me. Six of my friends came over and I was really glad they were really up for it. They each brought their own sleepover attire and their own spa kits.

Of course Sarah was very complete in preparing for the shower, so she prepared these goodie treats for each of us. Mine of course was extra special... I had a towel cake!



Food was fantastic as well! Lasagna, garlic bread, fajitas, and fish "fingers" were served, and of course wine. Tehehehe.

Then of course there was the spa service of which we availed: foot spa and body massage. We first started with a foot spa, and ended the night with an hour-long body massage. Very relaxing. :D

The ticklish me!
We chit-chatted about various things, but what I really appreciated the most was the time when they asked me about Enrique and I: his most romantic gestures, comedic instances, why Enrique, etc... Though I found it hard to answer the questions (hahaha after an argument with Enrique that morning) it made me think of the wonderful moments we had in the past, and of course, made me more in love with Enrique.

Me and some of my friends

Then there was the game.... There was a bag full of undies, and I had to guess who gave what to me. Every time I guessed wrong, I would have to wear them. My friends of course were merciful and they made me first wear some pants.

The whole night was really fun, and I was really happy that my friends took time out to spend one night with me.

The morning after... breakfast in Jollibee... Thanks Sarj!

Invitations and Braces

Last Friday Enrique got our invitations from V-Craft, and I was really pleased when I saw them. Too pleased that I decided to take a picture of one in a very "special way." Hehehehe.

Here's from another angle...


I'm so excited to send out my invitations! Actually, I already did to those who went to my bridal shower. :D

Last Saturday, I also went to the doctor to have my braces removed. Finally, my the small overlap of my two front teeth was gone. But of course, I would have to put back my braces early January. In the meantime, I would have to wear retainers.

Bridal Shower

My friend Sarah is throwing me a bridal shower tomorrow and I was really excited when I received the invitation she made!


This is the first bridal shower for me, and I can't wait till tomorrow! Sarah has been preparing for this for the longest time (I think ever since I told her I'm getting married) and I really appreciate all the efforts she has made. I'm sure that we will have a blast tomorrow night... and the morning after! :D

Marriage License etc

I just got word from Enrique that he already has our marriage license.... Yipee! However, there was an error in the name of my dad, and I told Enrique to have it changed, considering how meticulous (maarte) Mt. Carmel is. And so he went back to the city hall to have it fixed.

*Sigh*

Only one month is left for us to prepare for and finalize our plans for our big day, but it looks like everything is turning out really well.


Favors
I also received an email from Papemelroti asking for our approval regarding the cover box of our favors. I found the text especially the date and venue to be a little small, but I hope it can still be enlarged by a tad bit.


Enrique's Barong
Enrique decided to have his barong made by Veluz... he he he, he got jealous of me. Since he had a feeling that my gown will look really nice (he has no idea what my gown looks like) and saw the receipt (ergo the cost of my gown) and contract given to me by Veluz, he wanted Veluz to make his outfit, though it would be more expensive than our original supplier.

House Stuff
We went to Dansalan to measure the unit and check if the furniture that we have been canvassing will actually fit the place. Unfortunately, the sectional sofa I really wanted might not be able to fit in the living area. I'm still trying my best to come up with a nice layout that will fit all the furniture we want. Else, we may have to buy smaller versions of what we want. This means that we have to buy again new items when we move in to our own home a year after. Sigh. I didn't think it would be this complicated. But anyway, I'm still happy and really excited to decorate our new home.

List of Songs
I already sent our preferred list of songs to JJS Entertainment, but I haven't received any feedback from them. Hopefully they can and will play all the crucial songs we wanted. :D


These are all for now! Next up are the delivery of our invites and meetings with Josiah's and our coordinator, Kay & Co. Exciting!