Wedding Trend in the Philippines for 2011

Being in the wedding coordination business since 2007, I've seen different wedding trends emerging, revolutionizing every year.  When I got married in 2006, miniature cakes and cupcakes were becoming a big hit as souvenirs for couple and guests; 2007 was the year of the DIY souvenirs;  then in 2008 the photobooth revolution started, in 2009 I've seen the rise of the Onsite Video as well as photobooth, wine and chocolates as souvenir and in 2010 the couple's unique wedding dances...


Although, every year gives us a snapshot of newest trend, this trend would then be carried on to the following year and so on and so forth .. one example would be photobooth.  I've seen it make a BANNER HEADLINES in 2008 but until now you can see it's one of the major supplier every couple is eyeing into as souvenirs for their guests.


And now 2011, I've made my research/observations/survey as to what was the year's biggest WEDDING TREND here in the Philippines, so here goes my list in random order:


(Disclaimer:  This is just my honest opinion and observation, wink, wink!)


1.   Modern Choices

• Brides are now opting for the non-traditional dress choices for them, for their entourage etc.

(just like my bride Pebbles' modern and beautiful wedding gown c/o Frankie De Leon)

(the uber-unique and uber-comfortable choice of the ENTOURAGE'S dress from Jennifer's wedding - look at those sexy-skinny pants, cool right!)

• The cool backdrop and couple's chair so perfect for couple's pictorial during dinner

 - so the traditional couple's table is out

• Couple's steering away from the customary round table but would opt to mix table shapes and sizes like this elegant long table set up

• choosing cupcake and a small wedding cake for cake cutting instead of the traditional 3 or 5 layer wedding cake)

2.  DIY Weddings

• This started long, long time ago and now 2011it's still a big hit (and I guess in the coming years as well) so definitely this will forever be part of the wedding trend
• And also now, couple's are getting wiser and making use of their creative juices to make their wedding as unique, affordable and as cool as possible with the DIY stuff

DIY Couple's Welcome Banner

DIY wedding matches

DIY Stuff Toy to represent the couple in the wedding

DIY coloring books and kid's play pen in the wedding reception

3.  PHOTOBOOTH

• This I have to say PHOTOBOOTH is definitely here to stay in the Philippines and there will be more and more photobooth suppliers

4.  Couple's Unique Grand Entrance segue to their Unique Couple's Dance

• Well, thanks to the power of YOU TUBE as many couples are now learning the ropes of doing their unique dance; this is one way for the guests to show THE DIFFERENT SIDE OF THE COUPLE;  definitely this will continue on to 2012 and so on...

(This is one of my favorite couple Eric and Michelle doing their couple's dance in a very unique, creative and cool way, good job!)

5.  SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE and WEDDING WEBSITES

• Definitely, we'll get to see social media play a big part in the wedding planning process. Many of my couples nowadays would keep guests informed through their wedding websites and post updates or shout-outs about their plans/accomplishment on Facebook, Twitter, Blogs etc.  

6.  UNIQUE PRENUPTIAL VENUES

• Gone are the days that couple together with their photo/video would have their prenuptial shoot at La Mesa Eco Park as couples nowadays are thinking of unique ways where they can  have their prenuptial shoot (although La Mesa Eco Park still continues to be the No.1 prenuptial venue and most affordable place to be)

(this couple of mine Jennifer and Mark had their unique prenuptial shoot at the beautiful kitchen of one of the prominent political figure in the Phils. - Photo shot by Icebox Imaging)

(this couple of mine Dom and Roni had a flair for coffee specifically at The Coffee Bean so they've had their prenuptial shoot at one of the TCB branches - Photo was shot by Nice Print)

So there, I hope all of you enjoyed and agreed with what I have to say about 2011 Wedding Trend in the Philippines.

Best,

Cel

Wedding Coordinator's Digital Clock

A Wedding Coordinator's Happy Experience: The Big Show and the Super Heroes

Just want to share this with everyone - I'm done with the biggest event I had in August - last August 20, 2011 dubbed as the Big Show.

(Event Styling c/o my dear girlfriend and Gab's god mother - Ellaine)

The Big Show is a SUPER HERO THEMED PARTY.  As you can see with the main backdrop - the 3 super heroes:

• my dear sister Ryza aka WONDER RYZA (Wonder Woman)
• my handsome son Gab aka IRON GAB (Iron Man)
• my beautiful daughter Jaimee Pristine aka SUPER JAIMEE (Super baby)

Even the invitation (designed -graphics and layout by my brother Jeffrey) is all about super hero -

The party was made exciting, funny and enjoyable by magician/host SYMOND (c/o Polkadots Party Shop - Jhoanne Paris Henson) ... it was such an overwhelming feeling that all kids enjoyed the games, magic show and the ventriloquism done by Symond.

Not to mention about the game prizes, souvenirs and photobooth that was really hit with everyone!

And of course, what was so rewarding with this event are all the SMILES, LAUGHS, CAMARADERIE and BONDING MOMENTS that happened during this one of a kind celebration - 

Your Events Team to coordinate REYES-CHUA WEDDING (Oct 8 at Our Lady of Victory Place and Victoria Clubhouse Malabon)

Your Events Team to coordinate REYES-CHUA WEDDING (Oct 8 at Our Lady of Victory Place and Victoria Clubhouse Malabon).

Your Event Service will be on the day coordination with emcee services. We will be working with the following wedding suppliers - Ariel Javelosa Photo/Video Team, HMUA - Cel Sabile, Mother Butler Guild of Our Lady of Victory Place, Rejectkrew Lights and Sounds, Photospoof, All Scope Cinema for the generator, Eloquente Catering.

Keeping our faith and passion burning. This is our HAPPY WALK!

Best,
Cel

Your Events Team coordinated the Amio-Basaca Wedding Party October 1 at Christ the King Church and Blue Leaf

Your Events Team coordinated Erwin Amio and Dezzalyn Basaca Wedding Party last October 1 at Christ the King Church and Blue Leaf.

Big thanks to the couple who treated not just us but all the suppliers not as suppliers but as guests/friends. Highlights of the wedding were the couple's Dance Evolution Number, the Money Dance, the Bestman's toast and the sweet and fun thank you message of the couple.

Bravo and a big thanks to all the suppliers we've worked with that night! As always, wedding suppliers are the REAL PEOPLE on earth - you get to talk to them anything under the sun, laugh with them, argue with them but at the end of the day everyone's goal is to make the couple happy. Thanks to the following:
1. K by Cunanan Catering
2. Sir Anthony and Arnold and the rest of the team from East Digital
3. one of the best in her field - top caliber HMUA Ms Kay Rodriguez
4. Bridal Car Manila
5. one of the most adorable hotel in Ortigas - Oakwood Hotel
6. The Real Groove band for blowing the night away
7. the box office of the night, the mobile bar courtesy of Planet Shakers
8. Sound Level for the lights
9. the couple's cool emcee Randy
10. the dependable, helpful and cool management team and security of Blue Leaf
11. the very kind and understanding sacristan of Christ the King Church and also kudos to Kuya Jong and his choir members for providing the church music

and of course,
12. to Frankie De Leon for designing one of the most beautiful gown I've seen in my entire stint as a wedding coordinator - the gown you've made for Dez blew my mind, my heart and my spirit away! Good Job!

This is my happy walk...

Best,
Cel

Your Events Team to coordinate Espiritu 25th wedding anniversary celebration & birthday bash

Your Events Team to coordinate Espiritu 25th wedding anniversary celebration & birthday bash.

Suppliers:
1. Your Events team
2. Shutterbox photobooth
3. Studio 1 photo & video
4. Substance band
5. QC Sports club- venue and food

My train ride with Gab (1st time)

After a client meeting in Cubao (meeting for my Sept 25 event at QC Sports Club), I met up with my brother Jeff and my son Gab.

It was such a wonderful feeling for a mother to see excitement and joy from her son for his train ride experience.

He is just ONE of the reasons why the FIRE AND PASSION IN ME is still burning...

He is my HAPPY WALK!

Your Events Team - Sept 2011 Wedding Expo at SMX MOA Convention Center

Today is our 2nd day as Wedding Expo Bridal Fair Exhibitor here at the SMX MOA Convention Center.  It was great seeing the best of the best suppliers in the wedding industry, it was great to see fellow wedding suppliers who became good friends, it was great to see fellow wedding suppliers whom I have enjoyed working with since 2007 ...

Hencel while waiting for clients ...

Your Events Team ( Tita Cyn, Mean and Hencel)

My ever reliable cousin and bride's assistant - Mean ...

Your Events Manager and Head Coordinator - Hencel 

See you all at March's Wedding Expo 2012!

Best,

Hencel

Your Events Team at ThemesnMotifs WEDDING EXPO Bridal Fair Sept 10 and 11

Your Events Team at ThemesnMotifs WEDDING EXPO Bridal Fair at Sept 10 and 11 here at SMX MOA Convention Center ...

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

4 Stages of Marriage

I found an article from Retrouvaille about the 4 stages of marriage, it was an enlightening article - inspiring and moving.  Enjoy!

4 STAGES OF MARRIAGE:

There are 4 Stages of Marriage: (1) Romance, (2) Disillusionment, (3) Misery, and (4) Awakening. Due to the high divorce rate many couples never make it to the 4th Stage of Awakening.





Romance

Most are familiar with the 1st Stage of Romance. Life was so wonderful we couldn't stand to live without the other. Our thoughts often turned to the other when we were not with them. We had fallen in love and knew that this was the person we wanted to spend the rest of our life with. Little differences between us were cute and endearing.





Disillusionment

At some point those little differences started to annoy us. We felt bothered by some of those same things that may have been cute a short time earlier. The self-talk in the back of our mind started wondering why our spouse couldn't be more like us. We had entered into the 2nd Stage of Marriage, the Disillusionment Stage. During the Disillusionment Stage we start to realize that our spouse is not the perfect person that we had envisioned him or her to be. Sometimes, especially if our Romance Stage had been particularly intense, we are hurt deeply by this Disillusionment. We realize that the expectations we had of the perfect marriage were not going to happen. For some this realization is too heart wrenching and they give up on the marriage and divorce during this 2nd Stage of Disillusionment.





Misery

Many people stick with and try to work through their problems during Disillusionment. They seek the counsel of family, friends, clergy and marriage family counselors. Some of these people find the key they are looking for from these resources. Many others continue to struggle and their troubles worsen. Often the marriage deteriorates more deeply due to drug, alcohol or other addictions. Sometimes a third party relationship in the form of extramarital affairs result. As the couple finds themselves in this 3rd Stage of Marriage they know they have entered the Misery Stage.

The Misery Stage is where many couples find themselves considering a marriage separation or divorce. When children are involved this 3rd Stage of Misery is particularly difficult on them. Regardless of whether the couple stays together in misery or divorce the children often believe it is their fault regardless of assurances to the contrary. The effects of divorce on a child cannot be over emphasized. The pain is so intense during the Misery Stage that it is common to only want it to STOP. Much like the pain of a toothache that consumes your whole being you cannot seem to think of anything else besides stopping the pain. One spouse may be pushing hard for the divorce while the other wants to stop divorce.

If the couple ends the marriage at this point and remarry other partners they are more likely to experience the effects of divorce with their second or third spouse.





Awakening

Most people whose marriages end in divorce are not bad people. Rather, they are often people who never learned the proper tools for a happy marriage. This is where Retrouvaille (pronounced re-tro-vi with a long i.) can help. Teams of couples who have experienced all 4 Stages of Marriage present the Retrouvaille program. Instead of giving up they found solutions. In Retrouvaille they learned the tools they needed to live a happy marriage. They learned that marriage does not follow the Romance and Happily Ever After formula portrayed in literature and media. Rather, they learn that there are certain learnable skills, attitudes and tools that they can use to deal with the inevitable problems of the real world.


These skills, attitudes and tools give them what they need to move from the 3rd Stage of Misery into the 4th Stage of Awakening.


Whether you are in the Disillusionment Stage grieving the loss of that magical Romance or if you have moved firmly into the Misery Stage Retrouvaille can give you the marriage help you need to rebuild your marriage. Many tens of thousands of couples have turned their marriages around by giving this program a chance.


Can you save your marriage by attending and working the Retrouvaille program? You will never know until you try. Call the phone number or send an email to the caring Retrouvaille volunteers in your area. Ask them those tough questions that keep nagging at you in the back of your mind. The people answering the phone or responding to your email are people just like you who have been there and pushed through to the 4th Stage of Awakening. They will be able to relate to your feelings of hopelessness and loss. They will do their best to give you the answers you need about this program.


Best,
Cel

A wedding coordinator's Saturday Plan

5:30am - wake up, check email, blog
7:30am - breakfast, bonding with 2 kids
8:00am - had to leave house for a client meeting
9:00am - Client Meeting at Mcdo Shell Station Ortigas
11:00am - blogging, checking email here at Trinoma
1:00pm - Client Meeting at Trinoma
4:00pm - Visit Sun Shop (pay bills)
5:00pm - Go Home / Quality time with my kids!

Life is good... God is good! I thank God for all the BLESSINGS ... This is MY HAPPY WALK!

Best,
Cel

What's in it at the WEDDING EXPO!

What's in it at the WEDDING EXPO!  I've listed here 10 items that will make couple go to the WEDDING EXPO - enjoy!


1.  Your Events Team will be joining the WEDDING EXPO - you'll get to learn more about our services and happy walk - we are the most competitive wedding coordinator in the industry with almost 5 years experience in the industry.
2.  You'll find here the BEST OF THE BEST WEDDING SUPPLIERS!
3.  Wedding Suppliers are in a zoning area so you don't miss out the suppliers that you should go to.
4.  Josiah's Catering will have their grand food tasting at the Wedding Expo
5.  There will be a grand showcase of the Best Event Stylists in Town
6.  You'll find here CREAM OF THE CROP PHOTOGRAPHERS like Smart Shot Studio and Nice Print Photography just to name a few
7.  Wedding Fashion Extravaganza, you'll get to see latest designs of top caliber wedding fashion designers
8.  Bridal Jewelry Showcase to be led by Golden Hills Jewelry
9.  You'll find here the Tourism of Thailand Exhibit
10.  And more importantly, you'll get to see all wedding couples enjoying freebies, samples and enjoying the best, brightest and smartest ideas offered in this exciting and fantastic industry - the wedding industry!






Below are the schedule of the events that will happen at the Wedding Expo September 2011 (Sept 10 - 11) at the SMX MOA:

Saturday, 10 September 2011 

10 am 11 am - 12pm 10 am - 8pm   3 pm 8 pm

Start of On-site Registration Opening Ceremonies Tour of exhibit of special guests Exhibit Proper - grand showcase of exhibitors' product/service portfolios Bridal Jewelry Showcase by Goldenhills Jewelry Photo exhibit of Smart Shot Studio Grand Food Tasting of Josiah's Catering Hourly Raffle Draws Wedding Expo Specials per participating exhibitor Honeymoon Trip Raffle Promo Limousine Showcase  Power 7 Launch (c/o Thunderbird Resorts) End of Exhibit - Day One

 

Sunday, 11 September 2011

10 am 10 am - 8pm 8 pm

Start of On-site Registration Bridal Jewelry Showcase by Goldenhills Jewelry Photo exhibit of Smart Shot Studio Grand Food Tasting of Josiah's Catering Hourly Raffle Draws Wedding Expo Specials per participating exhibitor Honeymoon Trip Raffle Promo Limousine Showcase  End of Exhibit - Day One End of Wedding Expo Philippines - September 2011

Your Events Team will participate in Theme's & Motifs WEDDING EXPO - Sept 10 to 11 at SMX MOA

Your Events Team will once again join Themes & Motifs Wedding Expo September 2011 (Sept 10 to 11) in the WEDDING EXPO Philippines.


Drop by at our booth at the WEDDING PLANNERS aisle, learn more about our services and our happy walk.  

Excerpt from http://www.themesandmotifs.com/WEPS11/highlights.htm:

Wedding Expo Philippines is the local wedding industry's launch  venue of choice.  As such, soon-to-weds can expect the introduction of new companies, products, & services in Wedding Expo Philippines - September 2011.  

Wedding Expo Philippines - September 2011 celebrates the artistry of some of the finest food caterers in the Philippines.  The fabulous banquet set ups that simulate wedding day grandeur and the caterers' amiable staff on hand to assist soon-to-weds, make it a breeze to choose the one that best suits their taste and budget. Newcomers and veteran caterers alike outdo each other in offering nothing but the best deals and the most elegant of set ups for Wedding Expo Philippines soon-to-weds.  

May all of us have a happy walk all the days of our lives!

Best,

Cel