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.

Wedding Sneakers

In my previous bridal event – January 5, 2010 – I’ve had the privilege of working with one of my coolest bride (hi lee and miko!).  She’s so down to earth, full of energy, super cool and yet simple.  In fact during their first dance as a couple, both of them wore chuck tailors and their first dance was “Forever” by Chris Brown.

Cool. Nice.  Fun.  Entertaining. 

What was so memorable that day was that Lee enjoyed dancing with her shoes.  Some of my bride-clients would change their wedding shoes during reception with a different color, different design, different style but for Lee it was totally different – from the traditional wedding shoes to a wedding sneakers (in the form of chuck tailors!)

So what I’d like to discuss right now are WEDDING SNEAKERS.   

Not so many Filipina brides have accepted the wedding sneakers style unlike in the US.  So hopefully this creates more information for my brides who are on the lookout for comfort, uniqueness and ease in walking.

Wedding Sneakers are beautiful, comfortable and affordable alternative wedding  shoes for bride on the lookout for comfort and pain free wedding day. 

The good thing about this is you can also make your own unique wedding sneakers if you’re the savvy and meticulous bride, here’s how:

1.               Buy a new pair of sneakers in any style, color or type. Make sure that they are comfortable. Walk around in them awhile in the store to be sure.

 

2.    Create your own style. Go to any craft store and purchase craft paints. Acrylic paint dries faster and is easier to use than oil paint, is odor free and washes off easily. Use this paint to decorate your shoes by adding designs or even your new name after you have been married.

3.  Fancy silk laces.   Look at the various types of craft supplies available. Check out the smaller stencils. Buy some fancy lace or ribbon to make shoe laces. Little pearls or beads can also make great decorations. These may be glued onto the shoe using a hot glue gun or sewn on using a needle and thread. Create designs with the beads by gluing or sewing them in a pattern.

4.   Finish off your frilly and fancy wedding sneakers with a bow of your choice and color scheme.

 

 

 So there, enjoy and have fun with your wedding sneakers.  It's the next big thing in the wedding industry - a trend and a great idea.

4 years - Going Stronger: Growing Together

How did we became "US"?


Well that would be courtesy of our good friends Genesis and Russel Binagatan - they set us up for a group date.  

What was our common topic that day - all about "police work, stuff etc." - during that time my brother was a member of the Makati SWAT and during that time Sherwin is still finishing his Criminology Course.  It was not love at first sight .... but the friendship blossomed into romance - August 24 Year 2003.



After 3 years of being together as boyfriend-girlfriend, we made it official ....

We started our wedding preparations in 2005, that's when I got the idea of wedding planning, the hustle and bustle of it, wedding expenses etc.

Then came April 8, 2006 ... the day when we both decided to say "I do" ... the day when we decided to grow old together....

That day was a very good day .... no rain... the sun was out ... traffic was not that heavy ... all our principal sponsors and entourage came... guests complete .. a total of 257 attendees all in all in our wedding (Yes, 257 we've got a big family on both sides, hehehe)

This day I will marry my FRIEND

the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, and love

LOVE knows no limit to its endurance

no end to its trust,

LOVE STILL STANDS

when all else has fallen ...

1 Corinthians 13:7-8

During holy communion, we both decided to pray as one - a prayer to keep us strong as trials come our way, to keep as united in spirit and in heart all the time, to keep us faithful to each other, to have the grace to raise beautiful and obedient kids and to be able to withstand the test of time until we reach our golden days.  It was such a beautiful communion prayer ...

Both of us have big families, very evident in the line up of our entourage .... I'd say the most beautiful of them all of course would be my sister Ryza ....

Let me also share how our wedding cake looks like .... we only had an 8inch round cake (from Vienna Cakes) - it only goes to show how practical we are ... I just realized then that we will only be getting a small portion of the cake during the Cake Cutting Ceremony so we opted for a smaller one instead.

And then for the entourage and the guests, we decided to go for the mini satellite cakes so they'd get to take it home and enjoy it's delicious taste (thank you ma'am josephine and cecille of Vienna Cakes)

The year that was...

Our life was never the same after April 8, 2006.  Sherwin and I enjoyed each other's company as a married couple.  God has been very good to us in strengthening our relationship and outpouring his abundant blessings to us. Yes, there were trials, hardships and difficulties - all part of a marriage life but we survived it and prayerfully and hopefully we'll withstand all of it and reach our golden days still as a couple...

God gave us the greatest blessing in our family and that is GABRIEL and hopefully there'll be addition to Gab in the future as well...

Year 2006 has been a great year for us after getting married ... As always we are looking forward in celebrating US in the years to come with Gab, our family, relatives, friends and of course with God as the center of our lives.

Wedding Shoes

A bride would always consider the style of shoes she’ll be wearing as she walks down the aisle. I have had brides who wore strappy sandals, some wore pumps, some wore sneakers as well – yes, sneakers and she was really cool that day.

What are the things that a bride should consider when looking for her wedding shoes:


1. Choose a comfortable bridal shoes


a. Reason: You’ll be standing in them for hours on your wedding day

b. My experience: I have had brides complaining about their wedding shoes on their big day; instead of focusing on having fun with their spouse, friends and family they would just whine and sit because of their aching feet.


c. Comfortable Bridal Shoes Suggestions: Choose a white satin ballet flat or a low slingback sandal


2. Consider the wedding shoe fabric


a. Reason for this: Wedding shoes are reflection of your personal taste but they must also be compatible with your wedding venue

 b. My Experience: Silk wedding shoes can easily stain in grass or on wet ground; leather pumps are unique but will be far too hot for a summer wedding


c. Wedding Fabric Suggestion: Satin, silk, velvet and lace



3. Remember your dress


a. Reason: Don’t fall in love with a particular pair of wedding shoes before you buy your bridal gown.


So there, those are the 3 things you need to consider in choosing your wedding shoes – comfort, fabric and of course, your wedding dress.


There are hundreds of styles of wedding shoes available to fit any type of season, bridal gown and most importantly, the bride’s unique personality. It is all up to you.
During my wedding – I wore a sling back type of wedding shoes for the church ceremony and then during the reception ceremony I wore gladiator type of sandals – yes! I wore sandals during the reception, why? I just thought it would be comfortable walking around and thanking guests if I’m using sandals instead.

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:

 

Wedding Color Combinations

Last saturday I received an inquiry from one of my bride-client about her preferred wedding motif and what would be a complementary accent to it.. and as her wedding coordinator I gave my suggestion - the pros and cons.

So I did my research and hopefully the following wedding color combinations would help out my future bride in choosing their wedding color combinations - enjoy:

• Blue and White
• Emerald and Aqua
• Red and Aqua
• Blue and Silver
• Marigold and Pewter
• Pink and Gold
• Green and Brown
• Fuschia and Taupe
• Lilac and Brown
• Lavender and Red
• Pink and Copper
• Brown +Green+ Orange
• Light Pink and Black
• Purple and Blue
• Cranberry and Bold Pink
• Black and White and Green
• Light Pink and Brown
• Blue and White
• Red and Orange
• Green and Brown
• Orange and Brown
• Green and Purple
• Orange and Green
• Yellow and Orange
• Green and Pink
• Orange and Bright Pink
• Light Pink and Bright Pink
• Purple and Orange
• Green and Cream
• Lavender and Pink  
• Turquoise and Orange

 Below are sample pics of the color combinations-

And this one is my favorite color combination as well - Light Pink and Black - modern look but with a classic touch  (this is sooo nice, if I could redo my wedding in the future I'll go for this one Light Pink and Black - so refreshing)

But in the end, I always tell my bride there's no such thing as a perfect wedding color combination - as long as you're comfortable with the color, as long as it exude you and your groom's personality and as long as you're happy on your wedding day - that's what makes the color motif perfect.

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. 

Latest trend in Wedding - VINTAGE

What's the newest wedding trend? 

VINTAGE INSPIRED NUPTIALS.  Yes, based on my research, I found out that Vintage Inspired Nuptials is fast making banner headlines around the world even here in the Philippines - in fact I have bride's who'd advise me that their wedding theme is vintage. 

So why is vintage or RETRO WEDDINGS making a comeback? I guess many of our brides and grooms nowadays are into SIMPLICITY.  Hosting a retro weddings can help cut costs on their part so I'd like to say that brides are beginning to budget -  meaning couples now are limiting their wedding expenses.   Is it because the crisis? I guess partly but I'd like to believe it's more of the solemnity, the simplicity, the stress free event that they'd like to experience by having a wedding theme such as this.

What other factors are taken into account here?

• Vintage inspired weddings are easier to manage
• Good options for brides on a budget
• Venue options becomes really creative - you're not confined to larger banquet halls ; you can also consider venues like restaurant, bed and breakfast, art galleries, museums or even your family home
• it's easy to look for vintage items as souvenirs

So again why vintage?  Are brides and grooms turned off by extravagance?

I would say NO ...

Those who prefer VINTAGE just want INTIMATE, FAMILY COZY FEEL. 

So for soon-to-be married couples, no worries VINTAGE INSPIRED THEME is still STYLISH and still has its OWN stamp.

ATE A - all in one package (my assistant head coordinator, bride's assistant and sister)

Let me introduce ATE A (as most of my bride's call her that)

She's my multi-assistant coordinator -

>She is the Assistant Head Coordinator whenever I am unable to join the event on that day; 

>She is the all time ever reliable Bride's Assistant and she really demonstrates effectiveness and efficiency with that role given to her, I'm sure my brides could attest to that;

>She is my trusted coordinator whom I delegate all the payments for the suppliers

>She is my ELDEST SISTER, yes she is and I guess that's why we have a good rapport because we are not just bounded by friendship and trust, we are also of the same blood!

 

Happy Walk ... makes Happy Client

The HAPPY WALK is back...

Our Team launched the HAPPY WALK PROMO last 2008 and it was an overwhelming year for us, in fact the happy walk promo was also extended in 2009.

Why HAPPY WALK?

All walk in the aisle is a HAPPY WALK.  

Your Events would like to be part of our clients' happy walk .  We understand our couple's tight budget that is why through this promo we'd like to show them we care - our going motivation is - EVENTS SERVICES NEED NOT BE EXPENSIVE with YOUR EVENTS.  Our rate is one of the most competitive and affordable rates in the market and with that comes quality as well.  

Thus, HAPPY WALK makes HAPPY CLIENT.

Join us in our happy walk at THE WEDDING EXPO on March 13 and 14, 2010 at the PICC Forum and learn more about the happy walk promo.  

CARDPRINT

What I like about CARDPRINT -
1.  friendly and accommodating staff - Tess of Rob Galleria Branch and May Anne of SM North Edsa branch 
2.  online store
3.  every now and then , during bridal fairs - they offer good promos to their clients
4.  they have a wide array of sample invites - most are embossed style

Ocular Visit at Santuario De San Jose

Excerpts from  Wikipedia.Org

"Santuario de San Jose (Sanctuary of Saint Joseph) is a parish church found inside the Green Hills East Village in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It is designated as the Shrine of Saint Joseph the Patriarch. It is run by the Oblates of St. Joseph (OSJ). It is the home parish of different chapels: the Holy Family Chapel (inside the Greenhills Shopping Center) and the two chapels of Crame, Immaculate Conception and Sacred Heart.

It is named after its principal patron, St. Joseph, husband of Mary. Secondary patron saints include St. Joseph Marello, founder of the Oblates of St. Joseph, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Its principal feast day is on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Secondary feasts include the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the feast day of St. Joseph Marello."

Had the chance to do an ocular inspection of the church (located at Buffalo corner Duke Streets in East Greenhills, Mandaluyong City) and I must say the church was elegant and beautiful in its own way.  I enjoyed my tour of the whole church surroundings (same with my son Gab and father HTV).

What I like about SJJ:

1.  such a lovely altar; it exudes solemnity.

2.  the aisle was perfectly right for a bride and groom to have their happy walk.

3.  there is a second level - photographers will have the time of their life making overhead shots

4.  wide space at the back for the entourage to stay for the processional

5.  it's airconditioned - just one of the few churches who has a/c

6.  plus it's not located in a congested area - well, since it's located inside an exclusive village for sure there's no uzi's or wedding crashers  (hehehe, sorry for the term)

7.  church personnel are fun to talk to, very accommodating 

8.  the door was beautifully designed; perfect for photo ops especially before the bride enters the church venue

9. the garden scenery was designed well (green grass, trees in the right places, flowers etc.) 

 

the driveway 

  

the lovely altar of SJJ

  

  

 

  

  

  

organ for the choir

  

the main entrance of SSJ (chinese/oriental/asian ang dating ng door, right)

  

 

  

the driveway - for the bridal entrance

  

way going to the office

 

the grotto 

  

my assistant coordinator - Gab

  

I'm training Gab na for this kind of work para siya na ang magmana, hehehe =)

 

  

 

so there, a bit of info about Santuario De San Jose (SJJ) and some pictures. =)

Ocular Inspection at Makati Shangrila

Had an ocular inspection at Makati Shangrila yesterday and what can I say - talagang maganda, very elegant and classy talaga if you'll be having your wedding there. It would be my first time to coordinate a wedding here at Makati Shang and I am very excited (Matusalem-Vallestero Nuptials on February 15, 2010 wedding).

I was assisted by Ms. Avril Mariano - Events Manager of Makati Shang and very customer oriented and accommodating as she showed me Quezon Ballroom by accompanying me to the place and giving me suggestions of how to decorate the place.

My client Michelle (who's a very cool soon-t0-be bride by the way) will be having her wedding reception at Makati Shang and I need to check how big is Quezon Ballroom and what style can be incorporated with it.

The Quezon Ballroom has a 375 pax capacity - however Michelle's guests would comprises of 150 pax only, so we are thinking of what other things to include in the Ballroom (like photobooth, photo gallery of the couple etc.)

The Quezon Ballroom has a center foyer and low ceiling area so we really need to conceptualize how to make it more elegant and how the foyer will not distract the guests nor make it the center of attention in the venue.

Thank God, I'll be attending the free career enhancement seminar of Themes & Motifs on July 28 at PICC Forum, CCP Complex. One of the seminar is about Events Styling and the presentor will be Mr. Henry Pascual (whew! I am sooo excited to see him conduct lecture about event styling and learn new ideas for him). And hopefully through that seminar it will give me ideas how to event style the Quezon Ballroom.