Excited for tomorrow!!

I don't know why - but I'm quite excited to attend the Pre-Cana seminar given by CEFAM at Ateneo tomorrow. Yey! At least, one down - right?

I super hope that my questions (the things that have been bothering me) will be answers, if not - kahit na maging enlightened lang. HHihi... :)

By the way - I've met with 2 designers:
1 - Kate Torralba
2 - Cesar Gaupo

I like them both very much! They're super okay for me.

The problem is - I don't know who to get! (since I like them equally!)

They're major opposites kasi HELP!

XOXO
Miss B.

Coordinator: Booked!!

Finally booked my Coordinator!!

I got - Carol Sevilla.

Why her? Well, honestly - she's the only one I met.
According to:
Friend #1 - She's the best, we're in good hands!
Friend #2 - She's sanay and very OC!!
Friend #3 - She's very organized and she knows what she's doing.

I met her and personally, I like her. The fact that her aunt is mine and my mom's Chinese teacher in High School - makes a difference! Hahahaha...

Now, on to:

a) Videographer
b) Designer for my gown
c) Florist
d) Entertainment
e) Did I leave anything out??

XOXO
Miss B.

Updates! Updates!!

Honest to goodness - there is nothing to update.

I've somehow forgotten that I have a wedding to plan in less than a year!!

Our venue is still in limbo. I don't want to discuss the matter anymore because I'll just be stressed all over again!

The food tasting was great by the way - and we're stuck at that.

As for the wedding coordinator - the one I was planning to get has already been booked. I'm meeting (my first meeting) this afternoon. Hopefully everything turns out very well!!

BTW - I was at Fiance's grandma's house for lunch last Saturday (his mom's side) most all uncles and aunts were asking me how the preparations were going - I had nothing to answer because in all seriousness - I'm stuck! Future MIL and FIL are hesitant to make downpayments more than 6 months prior to the wedding date. Even questioned me once why I had to make downpayment 'matagal pa naman!' and retorting back to me 'Ngayon lang ako nakarinig ng ganon' Would you feel better?

So right now, I'm doing things at their pace. Waiting, patiently.

I would like everything to be polised by December 2008. By January - I'd like to be relaxed.

On a lighter note - thanks to the many many friends who are willing to help me prepare!! I love you guys!! Thanks for all the support and help and advice!! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!

XOXO
Miss B.

Food Tasting Part 1

Will be at the Sofitel on Wednesday at lunch time...

Hopefully the future family likes it..

I honestly - have no opinion.. Why?

Because any of the two remaining venues are fine to me.

XOXO
Miss B.

Which venue?

Will pay the downpayment for our photographer tomorrow!

I'm so happy! I don't know why!! Hahaha.. :) Finally! I can say that we've booked it already!! Yehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

Now that I've booked my Church and my photographer(tomorrow) - it's time to decide on the venue..

We're looking at 2 place:
1 is Edsa Shangri-La
2nd is Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Fiance, Fiance's brother, Fiance's sister and future MIL are keen on Sofitel because it's something different.

Future FIL and Fiance's SIL would like to have it in Edsa Shangri-La simply because its been tried and tested already.

I on the otherhand - well, I honestly preferred Edsa Shang before - but then considered Sofitel because of the location AND because Fiance built it up so well. Hahahaha!!

Now that I've psyched myself up to having the reception at Sofitel - it seems like future MIL might change her mind pick Edsa Shang! Hahaha.. choices, choices!!

I've told Fiance - if he likes Sofitel - he should push it himself, because for me - any of the 2 venues are GREAT for me. Any of the two venues will be alright for me. It's more that what I thought I'd like (to be honest)

Seems like a seamless planning is ahead!! :) Hahaha...

XOXO
Miss B.

On-Site or Not..

I've declared to Fiance long before he proposed that I would love to have an on-site avp. And just the other day - when we met with our photographer PD - I was convinced to get his stills AVP on-site.

Last night, I was looking at the most popular videographer - and I think I may have to eat what I said - that 1) I will not get a an on-site video and 2) that I won't get Jason Magbanua.

Argh! I love his work! Sooooooooooo much!!

I'm still contemplating....

Help?

XOXO
Miss B.

Overwhelming..

I've been sleeping at 2am for the past 2 nights. Mainly because I was busy making an excel file to 'present' to future FIL. You see, he wants me and Fiance to 'present' to him costings of an Event Hall receptions versus a Hotel reception.

Yesterday, I was chatting with Fiance, asking for help and support. Instead of telling me to wait for him so we can compute together - he said that I can do it alone. Dammit! I was irritated! I was the one who was calling all the hotels and venues, caterers and etc. - now, what does he do? He prints all the proposals. That's it! Argh...

There were moments yesterday that I wanted to quit what I was doing and leave it all to him. But the OC-ness in my always sets in. I give in to the urge and do it again. Who wins? Fiance wins. Darnit! I hate it! Its in my blood and personality. Damn you blood and personality!!

So today - we are scheduled to meet. I haven't told him that I already finished ALL the computations. I will have him swim in oil first - and then come 'presenting' time I will take the honor of doing everything.

Fiance is lucky that way. I just hope he sees it.

Oh! And when I told him I made an excel file and that he should suck up to me since I did it ALL MYSELF - whoa?! He retorted that I stop that 'suck-up crap''

Tangina ah!! (Konti nalang... Hahahahahahaha!!) Sorry for the language!!

XOXO
Miss B.

Scouting for venues and caterers..

The search is now ON!

Finally got to talk to future FIL last night.

He wanted these 2 Chinese restaurants, but Fiance disagreed! Hahaha..

He wants us to compute and 'present' to him our findings: whether its cheaper to get a venue + caterer or a hotel (which has a package altogether).

Hmmmmm....

I'm now looking into designers also.

I'm shocked at the prices! 6 effing figures!! YIKES!!

XOXO
Miss B.

Photographer: Booked!

I AM SO HAPPY.

The feeling is indescribable

I think I've never felt this happy!!

Hahahahaha!!

I can't wait!!!

Look at Pat Dy's works.

Tell me what you think!!

XOXO
Miss B.

Generous budget

So far, with my friends' wedding preps - I've been noticing that they've been given generous budgets! Isn't that the best?

That's one of the coolest things ever!

I wish we can discuss the budget soon!!

Cross your fingers for me!!

XOXO
Miss B.

Guest List

Fiance and I are now making our guest list.

This is to know which venue to book.

Future MIL said that we need to have a number, before we discuss with future FIL the plans.

So... we're making THE list..

Future MIL was nice enough to inform me and Fiance that their guests (MIL and FIL) are.... 332

That not including Fiance's friends, Fiance's brother's friends, Fiance's sister's friends.

Mine? I said about 250-260. But for allowance, I might just say 275. That's already including my friends.

XOXO
Miss B.

Checking venues

Checked the photographer that I like - Still Available!

As for the Venues and capacity:

Makati Shangri-La - maximum of 900 guests - Booked
Edsa Shangri-La - maximum of 800 guests - Waiting (3rd)
Crowne Plaza - maximum f 1,200 guests - Available
Mandarin Oriental - maximum of 500 guests - Available
The Blue Leaf - maximum of 750 guests - Available
One Esplanade - maximum of 600 guests - Booked (paid)
Gloriamaris Greenhills - Available
Century Seafood - maximum 960 guests - Available

Fiance is sort of leaning towards getting an events venue rather than book a hotel for the reception. He says it might be cheaper. But for me, I think it's kind of a hassle - I mean you'll need to book all the suppliers, it's not as convenient as it would be in a restaurant or in a hotel right?

Hmmm...

XOXO
Miss B.

House Hunting..

Yesterday, Fiance and I went house hunting.

After we checked out The Blue Leaf pavillion (we sort of crashed Claudine Barretto's party without knowing it) We walked around the venue (outside) looking in - I found it strange that there were ABS-CBN cameramen - so when I thought of the name of the celebrant - I told Fiance 'Parang party ata ito ni Claudine Barretto' and when we looked again - we saw her, at the buffet table. Hehehe...

So, back to house hunting - we saw 4 houses.

House #1
It was very spacious - although I didn't like the interiors - they used weird colors - but that can be repainted. The rooms were quite big, that is why Fiance liked it.

House #2
I love the feel of a 'Glass House'! There were glasses everywhere which made the house look big. I liked how they used glass instead of lights to light up the place during day time. Nice idea.

House #3
The floor plan was quite odd but it works!

House #4
Fiance said I will like this house because the walls were all painted white. Well, true - but the rooms were not that spacious. Fiance is kind of keen on having a huge master bedroom.

Anyone knows a house for sale? Brand new? Semi-furnished or bare? Quezon City area (New Manila, Sta. Mesa Heights, Banawe area, SFDM area) Contact me at myweddingpreps@yahoo.com

XOXO
Miss B.

Theme, Color, Motif

I am so clueless on these things!

I have no idea yet, what I want!

But there's something that I want...

To be told the budget and the venue.

So I can freaking start the planning!!

Well, Fiance's family is odd - they do things last minute. And then go on blaming one another for the delay and the creases and cracks that will show up on the wedding day. Lots of fun right? To them maybe, but for me and my family (we plan ahead and hate to cram), unnecessary headache and drama!!

Haven't they learned anything at all?

Sigh...

XOXO
Miss B.

My cousin's out!

Okay, the other day - I called my cousin telling her that she will be part of my entourage. I found her reaction quite odd honestly - but dismissed it off. She was sort of NR. But then, I thought she might be tired or something.

Just a few hours ago - I got a text message from her - she apologized because she won't be able to be part of my wedding! Continuing on that she has made other plans and will be out of the country.

Great! Just great! I was hoping for her to be part of it. I mean since way back - I knew I'd like to have her part of my entourage.

I just hope that it's THE real reason. Well, our parents are not actually in the best terms, but I was hoping she'd see pass that.

I've been trying to call her but... she won't answer. I've been trying to call her mom as well, but - again, no answer!!

I was hoping they'd all see passed that - I mean since it's my wedding right??

The complications...

Tsk.. Tsk..

XOXO
Miss B.

As of press time - My cousin has told me that she will be leaving to study in a nearby country. I asked her to come home for my special day, but.. I don't know. I have a feeling that she won't. I'm right now passed the 'sadness' and have turned into the 'walang pakialam' stage..

Permission to shop!

My mom told me last weekend that I have to slowly buy the things that I like..

Like clothes, shoes, bags and appliances.

So that we won't have a hard time buying everything all at the same time. Better to slowly buy the stuffs already and just compile them all.

But here's the catch - I can't wear or use them.

Yep.

It's a little bit of torture actually.

But it does make sense right?

XOXO
Miss B.

Getting Organized

Yesterday, before going to dinner, I stopped by National Bookstore in Podium to buy a clear book!

Yes, I bought a clear book for my wedding stuffs. (What stuffs and I talking about?! There are no stuffs, YET!)

Well, since we reserved the Church - the Parish secretary gave me about 4 long bond papers which were all list of things to do, things needed and a final checklist of requirements.

Which gave me the idea - to organize everything I should put it in a clear book! So I won't need to file and punch! All I need to do is insert all the documents needed and voila! It's all in one handy clear book!

Yey!

XOXO
Miss B.

One down - many more to go!!

Fiance and I booked the Church last Saturday! (SSA it is!!)

Yipee!!

But as we were walking away from the Parish office - I felt scared, I mean - giving the reservation fee meant that - this is serious - we're really pushing through with our plans!

Yikes! I'm honestly 85% Scared and 15% Excited!

Next step would be booking the venue, photographer, and florist! After that I have to decide on who's going to make my dress! Yikes!!

One down, many more to go!!

XOXO
Miss B.

We have a date!!

Okay, so the date is final...

Now, we need a Church and a venue!!

Yipeeeeeeee!!!

XOXO
Miss B.

So....

Cold Cold MIL.

I have this friend J who was visiting from abroad. It so happened that I brought her to Fiance's house. I think it was proper of me to introduce J to my future in laws (at that time they were still BF's parents) as I found them seated on the sofa of one of the rooms of the house - I went to them to give them a respectful kiss on the cheek. As I leaned forward - they did not even lean towards me (so that I won't need to lean all the way) I was the one who noticed it - but then brushed it off. When J saw it - she found it kind of off. She then told me while we were in the car (Fiance was not there yet) I remember what she told me she said '(My name), when you get married - can you not live with your in-laws?' I asked why - then she told me that she found it odd that the parents did not lean forward when I kissed them. Okay - so it wasn't just me that noticed! Hahaha..

So last night - at dinner time there were weird moments:

1) When we were discussing the date and time of wedding, she told us NOT to follow the time anymore! I told her that the friend who helped us get a date told us that why did he even bother to get us a date when we won't follow it anyways.

2) I have been trying NOT to eat pork and beef for the past months - she gave me a hard time when she learned I did not eat rice. So now - when she learned that I was abstaining from pork and beef she uttered 'Eh last year ka pa nagdadiet eh!' with her knowing look (that was like saying - eh hindi ka naman pumapayat!)

3) During bye bye time - when I leaned over to kiss her - she did not budge. Her facial expression was blank and seemed (to me) like she was unhappy (it might be that I am just paranoid. To be perfectly honest, future MIL is not one of those happy faces you see- she won't smile at you immediately - but would wonder first - unlike me! As I smile to everyone who catches my eye.)

Now, my friend K has reminded me countless of times that I am NOT marrying future MIL but Fiance. I should always keep that in mind. But I get affected with these things, I mean I value family - and if one does not like me - well, I'm going to have a hard time becoming comfortable.

Acceptance - I need to feel that from her. I am actually hungry for it. And I don't know why?!

XOXO
Miss B.

MIGHT have the date already..

Do I have a wedding date? Well, in theory - I do have a date, but there some complications.

Complication #1 - The time of the wedding. The Feng Shui master said that we should be married by 11:00 am!

Complication #2 - The wedding day - Sunday. Where in Manila will I find a Church that has a 10:00 am schedule for a wedding?

For starters - Fiance and I are leaning towards a Saturday wedding - why? Well, for the following reasons:

Reason #1 - We would like to have a rest day that is still a weekend! (Although we know that we get the week off work - because we just got married)

Reason #2 - We would like to have our friends over after the reception - so they can have an official rest day. (like us!)

Reason #3 - So we can stay up till the wee hours of the night!!

Reason #4 - So we won't have to stress on having guests leave early because of work the next day.

So ask me again - do I have a wedding date? Well, yes - BUT there are some ironing out to do.. Hahaha!!

But seriously - the reason behind this stress? Well, Fiance did not want to pay for a 'consultation'. What the cons of having had someone from China (really) to give us our date - well, we can't ask for changes anymore. At least when the Feng Shui master in in Manila - we can easily ask him/her for changes - right? Tsk.. Tsk..

Makes me think - will I be shortchanged? I mean like future SIL?? Yikes!!

XOXO
Miss B.

ALERT: Tinipid!!

Oh my EFFING Gosh!!

I learned from future SIL that she was..... tinipid!

Oh my.. I couldn't believe it!!

And I thought all along that future SIL's planning was super smooth! It wasn't.

I also learned something - remember MIL being so weird? Well, future MIL was also weird with future SIL.

Yikes!

I'm getting scared to be very honest, super scared!!!!!!

XOXO
Miss B.

Impossible!!

The date ...

It's going to be close to impossible to book it.

Church is booked!

Most venues are booked too!

Haha.. Might have to look for another date!!

XOXO
Miss B.

December 28, 2008

That is the tentative date.

When fiance told me - I was shocked. Firstly because I knew that December is the peak season for weddings here in the Philippines! And it's already mid-March, I fear that the suppliers that I want will be booked already!

That's 9 months to go. I don't think that's enough time to prepare. Really.

I've decided on the Church - that's non negotiable.

I'll have to call the Church on Monday.

Dang it!!

Who will make my dress?! Will they still accept my entourage??

Dang it!!

XOXO
Miss B.

Conversations with MIL 2

I never thought that preparing for the wedding entails so many details! I assumed that you'd only need to book the Church and the venue - and that's it! I was wrong, I was dead wrong! There are so many things to consider! Yikes!!
Since I'm Chinese - there are certain traditions that I need to follow. For one, I'd have to decide if I need to have a ting-hun (aka formal engagement) - my partner is not too keen on that, I on the otherhand - would like to do away with the ceremonies but would like to push through with the exchange of gifts. I'd like to make it as simple as possible.

But last night - when finally we announce that we'd do away with the ceremonies - future MIL interjected that: 1) My 4 sets of gifts will be given after the wedding - honestly, this sounded quite odd for me. I mean why tell me personally that the gifts will be given me after the wedding?! 2) She asked me if I'm already okay with just the 4 gifts - why the effing is she asking me about these things? I am in no position to answer! My point is - you give me whatever it is that you want, DO NOT ASK me that you need to give! You have friends you can consult with! 3) Since my family will be giving my fiance a watch - she asked if she needed to give me a watch too?! Effing gosh - what the hell?! what the effing hell!!

I was really offended that she asked me. I really am. It seems like every time she opens her mouth to discuss with me certain things - I get stressed, literally stressed out! More and more I discover that she's not what I thought she was. Honestly, I'm having low opinions of her - it's deteriorating. I swear!!

XOXO
Miss B.

Conversations with MIL 1

Last night, I felt so bad. I felt like I was cornered! I think I literally was. I never thought I'd feel this way but I did.

The scenario: Fiance and I were in his room - MIL enters.

future MIL: May ting-hun pa ba kayo? (Are you going to have a formal engagement?) Kasi alam ko ayaw na ni Fiance.

Me: I want it to be really simple, wala ng ceremonies

future MIL: Kasi alam ko ayaw ni Fiance, pero ako - anything goes!

Fiance: I don't like a ting-hun

Me: Ayaw ko lang yung ceremonies like walking backwards and punta pa sa bahay.

future MIL: So that means walang ting-hun! Kasi wala ng punta punta sa bahay pa..

Me: I don't know..

MIL: Hindi, wala ng tinghun kasi sabi mo wala ng punta sa house eh..

I fell silent and I think my expression dropped. Literally. I felt like I was being pressured to agree on their decision. I hate what I felt.

future MIL left the room. I think Fiance saw me - I knew I looked stressed. It was really nice though, because he sat beside me and said 'Whatever you want, we'll do it' then kissed my forehead.

At least he was nice enough to respect what I wanted.

XOXO
Miss B.

I got my RING!!

I was with Fiance and his college buddies in a resto in Ortigas Center...

We were talking about the ring and how it was stolen when...

out of nowhere - he placed a jewelry box infront of me!!

Here it was finally... My ring!!

I can't believe it!!

XOXO
Miss B.

FINALLY!!

My then BF now Fiance has finally proposed over the long weekend!

He finally popped the question!

But am I ready??

I think... not yet, but what the hell right!? Hahaha..

XOXO
Miss B.