Julie and Rafael: Vineyard-inspired Wedding Cord and Candle Set

When Ms. Julie contacted me to create their wedding cord and candle set, I was ecstatic to know that they are going to have a vineyard-themed wedding. That's another chance for me to explore my creativity. The sweet aroma of a vineyard should be evident in the design aesthetic while using the couple’s wedding colors, which is a combination of purple, charcoal gray and light blue. Let’s see what I came up with:

Planning our Personalized Wedding on a (Tight) Budget

Online Diary,

Boo! It’s Hallow’s Eve everyone! It’s time to talk about spooky things. *grin*

Now, there are two things that I wanted to talk about – our wedding budget and some of our suppliers who turned out to be a disappointment (unfortunately, some of them did not measure up). These are two of the most horrifying things that brides do not ever want to encounter. Do you agree?

Since staging an elaborate (read: personalized) yet budgeted wedding is generally what brides fear the most, let’s start with that matter. We will talk about the other concern later during the supplier’s rating.

While it’s true that holding a church wedding is not inexpensive, you can control your budget by following one or all of the following tips based only on my own experience:

Bridal Fair Escapade: Kasalan 2010: Ikalimang Yugto

Dear Online Diary,

Kasalan 2010 is definitely the last bridal fair that we attended before the Big day but it proved to be one of the most memorable bridal fairs.

{Kasalan 2010 Bridal Fair Registration Area}

An Early Wedding Present

Dear Online Diary,

It’s a busy Saturday for both H2B and I. What can we expect? It’s just a week before our Big Day *kilig*.

People say the amount of time and wedding details are enough to make one go crazy, thanks to numerous great people around me (and in cyberspace), I kept my sanity (at least that’s what I think. hehehe).

Speaking of great people and new found friends, we met Sir Alex and Ms. Michelle earlier today as part of our Saturday itinerary (and various meetings, including the last bridal fair that we attended before the wedding. Read more about it here). They are the husband and wife tandem behind the heavenly yet sinfully tasteful Belgian chocolates, better known as Sophia’s Chocolat. We have received our order and we can only thank them for making beautifully packaged chocolate goodies for us and our guests. BUT let me hold my horses as this post is about an awesome early wedding gift that we received today...

DIY Home Stretch Projects

Dear Online Diary,

Here’s my chance of sharing some of the latest DIY projects I’ve been doing even when I was under the weather. These candies served as my stress reliever and helped me get back on tip top shape. :))

{DIY Gift tags}

Our Movie Poster errr… Tarp Photo Layout

Dear Online Diary,

Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I’ve posted something here but I’m sure you’ll understand why. We’re on the homestretch of our wedding preps and I only have good praises to all our wedding suppliers for being oh so cooperative and helpful. The reception details and program draft are doing great. I can’t ask for more.

As a freebie, Ms. Anj of Ma Del’s will give us a welcome tarpaulin to be displayed at our reception venue. We’re going to set it up at the registration area so guests wouldn’t miss it. Here’s the exact design I’ve sent to Ms. Anj just moments ago.

DIY Escort Cards & Table Numbers

Dear Online Diary,

I can't believe that I’m at the last leg of my DIY projects for our wedding. So today, I’d like to share our DIY Escort Cards and Table numbers*.

{DIY Table Numbers: Printed and framed. Ready for the Big day.}

{DIY Escort Cards for the guests to bring home a piece of something special from us}

Update: Documents and DIY Fascinators

Dear Online Diary,

Alright, it’s 19 days to go before the Big day. Should I panic? Am I feeling giddy?

Maybe. I'm not too sure exactly how to describe it but when I think about my husband-to-be *kilig* and all the details of our wedding, I feel happy and light as a feather. Let me share some of the things that we’ve acquired and achieved for the past two weeks...

DIY: Head Candies for my Girls

Dear Online Diary,

You've seen the sneak peek... and now, I’ve finished one of my special projects – fascinators.

These fascinators are personalized, handcrafted and created with love for my female entourage, who are all very special to me. All designs are unique, just like each of my girls. :))

My MoH requested a small, simple fascinator. Here's what I've made for her:

{for my MoH}

A Quick DIY Update

Online Diary,

I’m on my second day of “hibernation”. I can say I’ve done most of the final details needed for our wedding. Before hitting the sack, I just want to post a sneak peak of what I was doing today, which I expect to complete tomorrow.

Report: Accomplishments & DIY Projects

Dear Online Diary,

There’s a lot of things going on now that it’s almost just a month before the wedding. I’m so thrilled because H2B (finally) shows some hint of excitement towards the wedding. Our AVP (his project) is looking great. Get this: with 3D effect! (Winner!)

Groom’s Attire: Major accomplishment!!!

Dear Online Diary,

At long last, suit-hunting days are over!

H2B was able to come up with a decision as far as his wedding attire is concern. He purchased a suit and pants (complete attire) yesterday with the help of yours truly.

With this ring…

Dear Online Diary,

"With this ring, I thee wed, and with it, I bestow upon thee all the treasures of my mind, heart, and hands."

We got our rings -- the symbol of our love, happiness, commitment and forevermore. It’s the most beautiful rings I’ve ever seen. I was trying to find the correct words to express how I felt when we first saw it but, I just can’t. What I’m sure of is that we’re a big pile of love today, not to mention, happiness. :))

{Our "babies" from Goldenhills Jewelry: Love. Happiness. Commitment. Forevermore.}

H2B is a bit more inspired today as he “playfully” took all these shots. Will he be the next Raymond Fortun? (Hi Atty. RF!) ^___^

The Designer: Marc Rancy

Dear Online Diary,

Most of my readers knew that I had a change of heart. Turns out, it’s a blessing in disguise -- a blessing by the name of Marc Rancy.

Marc showed interest in fashion at an early age. He’d constantly flip through fashion magazine and went as far as designing the suit that he wore during their school’s Graduation Ball. While reading his story, I’d like to think that he’s destined to become a fashion designer.

{Marc Rancy's elegant gown collection (photo taken from Marc's Facebook Page)}

Wedding Checklist: Guestbook

Dear Online Diary,

We finally received our guestbook!

Earlier this month, I learned from sis Grace, a co-W@Wie and co-October 23rd bride, all about Photobook and how easy it is to create your very own photo album using Photobook’s downloadable software (Thank you, sis Grace!).

{Fresh from the box: Our semi-DIY Guest Book from Photobook}

Sharing: Our Mock-Up Invitation

Dear Online Diary,

Last Wednesday, H2B and I received the mock-up version of our invitation from Wink. It’s exactly what we want. H2B is happy especially with the way the main invites turned out. Can you guess why?

{Our Mock-Up Invitation from Wink}

Wedding Checklist: PS Gifts

Dear Online Diary,

We have found our principal sponsors gifts!

Just like most couples, we want to give them something that will remind them of our wedding (sans frames and figurines and the likes) but deciding what to give them was one of the hardest things we had to do. H2B suggested giving them practical items good for everyday use but it won’t be as romantic and memorable as I want it to be.

The solution: we’re going to give them two gifts – edible and non-edible.

We’ve searched the web for as long as I can remember when I found the page of Sophia’s Chocolat. Their bridal car design is too irresistible. It’s unique, plus, they do have elegant boxes of delicious Belgian chocolates. After browsing through their product photos, I sent an inquiry via email. Surprisingly, Sir Alex sent a reply with precise answers to my questions later that day. He suggested to set an appointment in order to see the actual products and, get this, taste test the chocolates.

{The cutest (edible) bridal car I've ever seen. (Photo taken from Sophia's Chocolat)}

E-session Highlight: L♥VE Grows

Dear Online Diary,

I was creating the layout of our guest book when it occurred to me that I haven’t been able to share our engagement photos. I’d love to share some! These are the highlights of our simple yet fun and colorful engagement shoot last June 4, 2010 at La Mesa EcoPark, Quezon City (If you would like to see the preview of our engagement shoot and a couple of behind the scene photos, you may click here).

All photos were taken by Little Dreams by Decisive Moments. Hair and Make-up by Val Villarin. Huge thanks to these professionals for the labor of love. Kudos and more power!

X.O.X.O.,

A Blessed Canonical Interview

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Dear Online Diary,

Couples who wish to marry are required by the church to attend a Canonical or pre-nuptial interview, or dulog, as it is known in the vernacular to find out any possible impediments to the forthcoming wedding, to ensure the freedom of both parties, and to determine the couple’s knowledge of the duties, responsibilities and doctrines of a Catholic marriage. Source: Kasal.com

When Ms. Miles scheduled our canonical interview, my heart started to race and immediately after, I searched the web for anything about canonical interview and what we need to expect. Unfortunately, the sources aren’t many. Some says the priest will ask you to recite several prayers, enumerate the Ten Commandments, pray the rosary and such. We did ask our relatives about it but all we got from our titos (Uncles) and titas (Aunts) is a knowing smile, and the same old phrase, “Just be yourself and be honest.”

Updates for the Past Week

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Dear Online Diary,

It dawned on me that it’s been ages since my last post. I’ve been very, very, very busy with all things related to wedding now that we have a little more than 2 months left before the Big Day. Now, for the updates: