Love in Bloom's Ate Jo

One of the nicest,coolest and loyal person I've known as she remains a good friend/supplier contact is Ate Jo (Jo Laguna-Pafin), manager and creative florist of her own flowershop - Love In Bloom.  I've worked first with Ate Jo at one of my couple's wedding (Allan and Mabel Estioko - January 2, 2010) and since then we've continued to nurtured the friendship.

(this was taken last 11.12.11 at Crowne Plaza Hotel where my bride's dressing venue took place and where Ate Jo had an event at one of Crowne's function room)

Love In Bloom Flowershop can bring magic to any of your events - from classic to creative, from simple to stunning and that is what Ate Jo does to provide a personal touch and creativity in all her events.


You may visit her site at http://jejgig.multiply.com and see for yourselves the wonderful and elegant bridal and entourage bouquet she has made as well as her creative event styling.


Keep up the good work and the passion burning Ate Jo! See you soon!


Best,
Cel

Landslide - My No. 1 Stress Buster Song

• One of the most simple song I've heard is "Landslide" - great rhythm rocking, perfect melody!  A very simple country-folk-inspired song where the lyrics describes the metaphor of the physical world and its power to effectively describe a love affair. Truly, Stevie Nicks is a genius in making this song!

I would say this is one fine song ... Whenever I feel blue, whenever I'd like to be relaxed with a smooth/relaxing sound, whenever I'd like to meditate because of all the stress (the hustle and bustle of work) I'd listen to this song (this specific video in You Tube) and everything else falls into place ... a traditional but very effective stress-buster song!

Let me sing my favorite lines in the song:

Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changing ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Mmm, mmm, mmm

Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older and I'm getting older too

(Video Credits from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhNrrrCCTdA -"thank you!")

Best,

Cel

Tarpaulin Out - Standee and Frame Up Display, now the IN THING

With the popularity of Facebook, Twitter and Multiply ... I would say that the popularity of having a Tarpaulin during one's event is becoming less popular ...

Now is the time for STANDEE and FRAME UP DISPLAY. 

Here is a sample standee from one of my couple-clients (Sunny and Elaine - July 9 event at Century Park Hotel)

The great thing about this standee is that guests would also post with it and take pictures, it's as if the couple is with them smiling at every shot they make.


I'd also recommend another option available for one's event - Frame Up Display (One supplier I know who caters to this would be FRAME UP DISPLAYS - add them via Facebook)

(Image Credits:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=147692245289354&set=a.127418997316679.18896.117947358263843&type=1&theater)

Definitely with the frame up display at your event, all your guests would be WOWED by its elegance and unique features - it would display not just one but different pictures of the couple/celebrant via slideshow presentation.


Well, this is just an opinion of a wedding coordinator.  I'm not saying that Tarpaulin shouldn't be in one's event anymore, Tarpaulin would still remain in everyone's event for many years to come aside from the fact that it's the most affordable.  However, I'd like everyone to have options available for them - tarpaulin, standee or frame up display.  This is a free country so anyone can choose what they'd like to have in their event.


Best,
Cel
www.yourevents.multiply.com

Quality Photo Souvenirs from Pose and Print

One of my favorite photobooth team would be Ma'am Therese's POSE AND PRINT ...

The first time I worked with them I guess was sometime in 2008 and thereafter I've continuously worked with them as most of my couples would get their services.

What makes them unique from others?

1. They cater to all events - any event you can think of, they can deliver
2. They only produce high quality photos as instant souvenirs to the guests
3. Personalized, elegant and unique photobooth layout
4. Accommodating Pose and Print staff
5. Above standard services and affordable packages

For those who would like unique souvenirs for their events, give it a go for a Photobooth and if I may suggest get the services of POSE AND PRINT.  They never fail, They always deliver.  Definitely your event will be a blast!

Alwin & Wendy's Wedding_6.18.2011

Alwin & Wendy are such a cool couple ... they've followed everything I instructed them, from the timeline, pending items that needs to be submitted and most of all to leave everything to us on and RELAX and ENJOY on their BIG DAY.


Indeed they RELAXED and ENJOYED ...


It was an honor to be working with them.  I remember the day Alwin and Wendy dropped by our booth last March at the Wedding Expo 2011 at MOA, no if's and but's Wendy said "We'd like to book you", no questions asked.  Talking about TRUST.  And thankfully we were able to DELIVER.


A short message coming from Wendy via sms last June 19 -
"Good morning cel... thank you so much sa maganda at maayos na pag-oorganize sa wedding namin... Thank you sa team mo ... God bless you and your family"


Thank you for those very inspiring and uplifting messages.  Couples like Alwin and Wendy are the very reason why I continue to strive more and this business will continue growing and going ...


Sharing with you pictures from their beautiful wedding ...

This is how we do it, preparing the couples' accessories 

"Here Comes the Bride" was made by Wendy 

Wendy, the bride being dressed up

Your Events Head Coordinator -Hencel, keeping the faith and the passion burning...

Your Events Team - Ate Cynthia, Mean and Trina

The Couple's Photo Gallery (c/o Arch Edu Cortez Photography)

Alwin and Wendy's Prenuptial Photo Shoot

Sta. Rita De Cascia Parish

This is how we do it - we also distribute flowers before the church ceremony

A unique way to introduce the bride - the Little Bridesmaid carring the HERE COMES THE BRIDE banner

Wenalyn Dy together with her parents

The church's ambiance was very solemn and cool - located inside Philam Subd.

t

Onsite Wedding Songs (Part 1)

And since ONSITE WEDDING VIDEO is the current trend now in the wedding industry ... let me share my preferred choices for Onsite Wedding Video - first 4 songs (this will only a be series of featured songs, i'll indicate why I like them for onsite video):


1.  If It's Love by The Train

• my top choice; 1st reason is because it's from the Train, 2nd music and lyrics are amazing
• An excerpt from the lyrics:

If it's love, And we decide that it's forever

No one else could do it better

If it's love

And we're two birds of a feather

Then the rest is just whenever

And if I'm addicted to loving you

And you're addicted to my love too

We can be them two birds of a feather that flock together

Love, love

Got to have something to keep us together

Love, love

That's enough for me

2. Marry You by Bruno Mars

• feel good music coming from Bruno Mars; such a creative musician to come up with such a beautiful song - one word PERFECT SONG for a WEDDING
• obviously the lyrics bespeaks of the guy saying to his bride "I wanna marry you, just say I do"
• Take a look at the lyrics:

It's a beautiful night

We're looking for something dumb to do

Hey baby

I think I wanna marry you

Is it the look in your eyes

Or is it this dancing juice?

Who cares, baby

I think I wanna marry you

Well, I know this little chapel

On the boulevard we can go

No one will know

Oh, come on girl

Who cares if we're trashed

Got a pocket full of cash we can blow

Shots of patron

And it's on, girl

Don't say no, no, no, no, no

Just say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

And we'll go, go, go, go, go

If you're ready, like I'm ready

3.   You make me smile by Uncle Kracker

• another top choice; if during my wedding I had an onsite wedding video this will be the song hehehe (cheesy!)
• why I love this song - obviously the lyrics says it all - Why would you want to marry that person?  All because HE/SHE MAKES YOU SMILE, just the thought of HIM/HER makes me WILD
• Check out the lyrics:

You're better then the best

I'm lucky just to linger in your light

Cooler than the flip side

Of my pillow, that's right

Completely unaware

Nothing can compare to where

You send me, lets me know that it's okay

Yeah, it's okay

And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed

Sing like bird, dizzy in my head

Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Oh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone,

Somehow you come along just like

A flower pokin' through the sidewalk crack

And just like that

You steal away the rain, and just like that

Don't know how I lived without you

'Cause every time that I get around you

I see the best of me inside your eyes

You make me smile

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed

Sing like bird, dizzy in my head

Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Oh, you make me smile

4.  Marry me by The Train

• another beautiful song by the Train; try watching it's official video; I love it that this words are incorporated the lyrics "Marry me today and everyday, Marry me if I ever get the never to say hello in this cafe, say you will, say you will"
• Definitely the music & the lyrics says it all - the very definition of why you would want to grow old with that person, why you want to be with that person forever
• Check out the lyrics:

Forever can never be long enough for me

Feel like I've had long enough with you

Forget the world now, we won't let them see

But there's one thing left to do

Now that the weight has lifted

Love has surely shifted my way

Marry me today and every day

Marry me if I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe

Say you will, say you will

Together can never be close enough for me

Feel like I am close enough to you

You wear white and I'll wear out the words I love you

And you're beautiful

Now that the wait is over

And love and has finally shown her my way

Marry me today and every day

Marry me if I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe

Say you will, say you will

Promise me you'll always be happy by my side

I promise to sing to you when all the music dies

And marry me today and everyday

Marry me if I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe

Say you will, say you will marry me

Candles used in church wedding ceremony

I'm often asked by my couple-clients what candles will they be using during the church ceremony for their wedding.  It depends actually, if the couple will be having a Unity Candle Ceremony (usually adapted in a Christian ceremony) that means there will be additional candles.  


So to help everyone, below are the usual candles used for the wedding (photos taken from my recent event courtesy of Elnar-Aldeguer Wedding):


Ceremonial Candles

-very important; these are being lighted by the couple's Candle Sponsors (secondary sponsors); most of the time this is included in the church's package though couple has the option to provide for their own (usually customized candles prepared by the couple) - just make sure that the candle fits the church's candelabra




Offertory Candles

-important;  these candles are being offered by the couple for church's use and are usually brought by the assigned relative/friend of the couple during the Offertory Ceremony;  Couple can personalize this using their color motif






Unity Candle

-very important (for Christian Ceremony);  The Unity Candle Ceremony has always been part of the Christian Ceremony although early part of the 90's it has been adapted by Catholic Wedding (though some Catholic Churches do not include this in their ceremony as they would say this is for Christian rites only)
-after the ceremonial candles has been lighted by the Candle Sponsors, the couple will then light their Unity Candle to symbolize unity/oneness in their lives




Couple's Lighting Candles

-very important if couple has the Unity Candle Ceremony; these are 2 small size candles used by the couple to get light from the ceremonial candles after which they will lit their unity candle




Memorial Candle
-important; there is a memorial candle for couple's whose parents have already gone;  from the word itself they'd offer this in memory of their loved one - this is optional and yes, some Catholic Churches do not allow this as well.




So there, enjoy the ceremony!  


Best,
Cel

The Cake Cutting Ceremony

The Cake Cutting Ceremony is a time-honored tradition for the bride and groom to share as they demonstrate their commitment to support one another. Whenever I do hosting for my events I’d always say that this is highly anticipated in the wedding reception as it creates a nostalgic moment that symbolizes the first time the newlywed couple breaks bread as husband and wife, and it also demonstrates their pledge to support and nourish one another.

 

Depending on the type of the wedding reception, the cake cutting may take place either early or during the latter part of the program. If this is done on the first part of the program – I’d always say that this would be the first task that the newlywed couple will perform as husband and wife. After the cake cutting, it will be followed by the Ceremonial Toast and The Couple’s First Dance.

 

Another fun part of the ceremony is how the cake is cut – because it can a tricky task. Just as every wedding cake is unique, every first cut will also be different – there also goes a symbolism of the purpose of the cake cutting.

 

As a wedding coordinator and host, I make it a point to keep my bride-groom informed of what the symbolism of this ceremony and what are the things that they should consider.

 

Remember!

1. Listen to your photographer – Cake Cutting is a highly photogenic moment and your wedding photographer will ask you to cut a particular layer of the cake that will work best for the photos.

 

2. Work Together – the groom’s hand should be over the bride’s as the first slice of the cake is cut to show how they will work together in their marriage.

3. Use a serving set – a decorative cake serving set has both a knife and server that are lovely utensils for this important event. For a military wedding, a sword may be used instead of a knife.

4. Feed each other first – gently feeding one another the symbolic first bite of cake is a lovely tradition that symbolizes the nurturing relationship the new husband and wife share.

5. Offer slices to in-laws – the couple may choose to cut additional slices of cake to offer their respective in-laws; this shows the connection between two families and is a delicious way to show respect to one another’s families.

Originally, wedding cakes were called bride cakes.  So this means that bride is not just the center of attraction in a wedding, but it creates a link between the bride and the cake.  Lucky for us =)

But whatever symbolism we think of the Cake Cutting Ceremony we should always remember that Wedding is a commitment to share whatever path life takes you on, with love and devotion, and the shared cutting of the first slice represents this commitment.  Sharing of the cake to each other symbolizes your vows which means to love, honor and respect one another. 

So, to sum it all up, the cake cutting ceremony is just a tiny part of two people as ONE facing life's journey together.

Unity Candle

Many of my bride-groom clients would include the Unity Candle in their usual church ceremony (for catholics) - in fact the unity candle ceremony has really been part of many protestant and christian weddings.  But I guess it was in the 80's that catholic couples adapted it (though some catholic churches still doesn't follow it).

The Unity Candle Ceremony is a touching way to signify the union of two lives in holy matrimony. 

How is it being done?

• It usually starts with the Lighting of the Ceremonial Candles - any special someone chosen by the couple can light the taper candles (for christian ceremonies) but for catholic weddings that will be the responsibility of the Candle Secondary Sponsors;

• Lighting of the Unity Candle - this is always handled by the bride and groom and typically takes place just after the vows and rings have been exchanged; to light the Unity Candle the couple will be using their individual lighting candles for this part.

What is the symbolism of the UNITY CANDLE?

It is sometimes performed to symbolize the joining together of the two families, and their love for the bride and the groom, into one united family that loves the new husband and wife. More often it is to symbolize the union of two individuals, becoming one in commitment.

As the bride and groom use these two flames to light the unity candle, they bring the love of both families together in a united love of the new couple.

Generally, the two ceremonial candles are left burning and replaced in their holders (because each family's love for their own will continue). However, in some ceremonies they may blow out their individual candles.


When the ceremony is alternatively performed to symbolize simply the joining together of the bride and groom, the ceremonial candles may be blown out, to indicate that the two lives have been permanently merged, or they may leave them lit beside the central candle, symbolizing that the now-married partners have not lost their individuality


If a couple would like to have the Unity Candle as part of their usual ceremony they should consider the following:

• Unity Candle
• Ceremonial Candles - the two medium size candles in front of the altar
• Lighting Candles of the Couple - small size candles that the couple will be using to get the light from the Ceremonial Candles so they'd be able to lit their Unity Candle

Below is a sample pic of a Unity Candle with the Lighting Candles of the couple:

and here is a sample of the taper or ceremonial candles:

 

My Wedding Subject: FLOWERGIRLS

Last March 23, I organized a small talk entitled "Photography 101 with Atty. Raymond Fortun" and got inspired in another pasttime PHOTOGRAPHY.  I'm not so sure if I have the eyes for this thing but if ever given the chance, and if God is listening and would like to give me another talent I'd like to go into this field.

I was inspired by what Sir Archie said "you need to choose a wedding theme".  For him it was wedding shoes.  Try going to his multiply account - www.raymond42n.multiply.com and be inspired.

Well for me, i'd pick FLOWERGIRLS.  I'm always fascinated by the little girls walking the aisle, how they are feeling and what was the reason they were chosen by the couple.

Look at them VERY CUTE  right...

So why choose them as my WEDDING SUBJECT just in case I'll be a photographer (and as soon as I have my DSLR), the following are my reasons:

1. they have a special role in the wedding - the flower girl walks up the aisle with a basket full of petals of flowers, the petals which are usually rose petals are spread or scatter on the way of the wedding aisle - this prepares for the entrance of the bride
2. they say that the petals brought by the flowergirls meant good luck to the bride; so the more flower girls means more good luck
3. they are so BEAUTIFUL with their wedding dress
4. sometimes they STEAL THE SHOW - especially during their walk in the aisle 

So you see i love FLOWERGIRLS as my photography subject - they complement the BRIDE during the WEDDING.

Little bride or flowergirls?  I would still go for the FLOWERGIRLS - they spruces up the wedding with special innocence, fun and charm.