Bold and Beautiful

This post is actually part of my Love to Wedding Blog Series. I know I'm almost 2 months too late but I won't give up, even how late it is, to have all my intended blog posts out. *challenge accepted!* So, you just wait and see... 

Anyway, with all the Axe news I've been posting recently, let's talk about something sexy today, shall we? This is not about Boracay anymore but something more intimate. This is about three bold women out to empower women through photography. I'm talking about, no other than, the Boudoir Dolls.

Boudoir ['bu:dwa] is a lady's private bedroom or dressing room. The term derives from the French verb bouder, meaning "to pout." In the old days when a lady would sulk, she would go to her boudoir to do so. In today's time though, in terms of photography, boudoir takes on a new and delicious twist. [I just LOVE how the Boudoir Dolls put it] Instead of coming to boudoir sessions to sulk, you'll be coming to celebrate. [source]

The Boudoir Dolls is an all women group of photographers catering, specifically to women. Backed up by extensive photography experience in glamour, fashion and portraits, Danielle, Arlene and Shayla brings a little bit of themselves into each shoot. They know the joy, the trials and the triumphs of being a woman. Each shoot is your story mixed with a little bit of theirs. It's sexy yet classy. [source]

(L-R) Danielle, Arlene and Shayla
The fierce ladies of Boudoir Dolls Photography

I came across the Boudoir Dolls several times in group buying sites before but my interest wasn't peaked until one of good girl friends told me what the Boudoir Dolls is all about. And since I was getting married at that time... *light bulb* I thought this would be a great gift for myself (a remembrance of my glory days) and my husband to be. Then, once it came out again on Deal Grocer, I instantly hit BUY.

Getting to the shoot was mission impossible for me, as in [HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL]. I even had to throw many lies to get to do it. Luckily, I was sharing my voucher with my good girl friend who was also getting married just a month after me, which made the whole experience more fun. 

It only took me one day to think about my costumes but hell of a three sleepless nights to prepare myself for the intimate shoot. I was freakin' out of excitement and nervousness all at the same time, but once I got to the studio, I really felt comfortable with Arlene and Liz, then it was GAME FACE ON. And here, are my best shots...  

Hair & Styling by the Clueless Mrs. (Aiza Soller- Garcia)
Make Up by Julz Manaois

It was an experience I won't forget and probably a fantasy fulfilled as well... It's definitely something I'd do again, maybe when I get pregnant. 

If you're interested to the same and need a stylist to glam you up, I'm open to offer my services, just email me at aiza.soller@gmail.com. *wink* 

Disclaimer: I have fought long & hard with my husband to get his permission to publish this blog post.  Have I mentioned he has sometimes (extremely) conservative standards? Ironic because between the two of us, he is the one who has this mentality. For the love of art and true beauty, I am publishing this.

The Boudoir Dolls

Imagine Nation Photography 17Q G.Araneta Ave. Quezon City

T: (02) 713 7189

theboudoirdolls@gmail.com

xoxo, 

The Clueless Mrs.

Play of Elements

With the evolution of modern day wedding planning and photography style innovations, prenup shoots are getting more and more complicated and may I say competitive(?) as couples amp up their games in varied creative engagement photo sessions to show the world.

Well, ours is pretty simple with a lil' bit of editorial twists and creative styling here and there. Bottom line is (again) it reflects us as a couple and we definitely had a lot of fun...

My original idea for our prenup shoot is actually a present day vision of our dreams - me as a Fashion Empress ala Kimora Lee Simmons and JM as a Real Estate Tycoon ala Donald Trump, but since it's going to be production heavy, we decided to go for a simpler theme and went for an "Elements" themed shoot (Water, Fire, Wind and Earth) and then play with costumes and styling instead. We thought the theme is also perfect for our photographer using Infrared photography and the landscapes in our chosen locations are so picturesque.

Here's another proof of my OC-ness. My visual pegs to prepare for our prenup shoot, complete with location oculars, test shoots and costume pegs, like it's a real production. 

And here are our best prenup photos.

Location: The Marina at Peninsula de Punta Fuego

Location: The Ridge at Terrazas de Punta Fuego

Location: The Peak at Terrazas de Punta Fuego

Location: The Peak at Terrazas de Punta Fuego

Location: Beach Club at Terrazas de Punta Fuego

Our photos by the beach was actually a last minute decision and we didn't really prepare for it but since we were there already, we thought, why not? When we got to the beach, the sea was so serene and the horizon was breathtaking, we were so amazed how the pictures turned out.

Special Thanks to The Crew (from L-R)
Dad (Co-Pilot)& Mom (Caterer)
Aiza the Bride (Prenup Stylist)
JM the Groom (Logistics Manager)
Mars (Bride's Styling Asst)
JD & Kim (Groom's Moral Supporters)
Julzee (Hair & Make Up)
Pao (Production Asst)

Prenup AVP is not actually part of the package we sealed with Vignette Photography, but since they had a new guy practicing his videography skills on us, we asked for the raw footages and my sister edited this nice video for us.

Music: All this Time by One Republic

Special thanks to my sister, Mars Soller, for the video.

Photos by
Bogs Ignacio
Vignette Photography
Suite 15, 2nd Floor, Midland Plaza, 
Hotel M. Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila
M: (0918)9910831; (0922)8556870 to 72; (0922)5388718
T: (02) 526-1348; 6828992
E: vignette@dannyignacio.com
bogsphotography@yahoo.com

xoxo, 

The Clueless Mrs.

The Big White Dress

While the rest of the world is talking about Halloween, I still have butterflies in my stomach sharing about my wedding story on my Love month this October. And what better way to start the week with a post about... well, just the most important detail in every wedding, "the Dress."

The Dress, which alter any engaged girl's senses and make everything sink in in heightened emotions at the very first gown fitting;

The Dress, which all eyes will be on as Brides walk down the isle on the biggest day of their lives;

The Dress, which will encapsulate any Brides' memory about her wedding day.  

I can go and on about the importance of the "the Dress" but do you get the point how much pressure it is to find/ create the perfect wedding dress? *phew* I feel a little tense now... 

Before I even got engaged though, I already had an idea how I wanted my wedding dress to look like. I'm usually very insecure about my fiercely real figure but on my wedding, with Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez as inspirations, I embraced my full figure and my hips that don't lie with a mermaid cut wedding gown. Ergo, the Peg.

The Peg

I had few magazine cut outs and sketches with me when I visited my designer but when I was looking through magazines while waiting for my turn, I saw this gown and fell in love. I knew then this was IT. 

Tito Bill, my designer, is my mom's friend who I've known every since I was in high school when we borrowed a gown for my United Nations pageant, which I won by the way. *yabang lang* 

He owns the famous boutique in BF Homes, The Dream Maker, and because I've always liked his designs, there was no doubt in my mind to have him design my wedding gown. Lucky for me, when you book with him a year in advance, he'll also give 50% discount for the whole entourage package! *kaching kaching*

The Moment of Truth. 

When it's time to take your measurements.

It will take about 6 months to finish my Wedding gown so, I followed a systematic timeline. One that will give Tito Bill the flexibility of time to polish my gown and for me to lose some pounds. Tip for Brides-to-be, when you have your measurements about to be taken, wear a fitted dress and bring heels with the right height that you're most comfortable with. 

To also prepare for your fitting and look good on the big day, do 10x crunches every morning when you wake up and lift some dumbbells to tone your arms and lose the batwings! 

My First Gown Fitting

Yes! pumayat ako!

I look so puffy. I'm like a walking pom pom.

Daddy's Girl.

Tip, remember that every designer has their own interpretation of their designs. Key thing is to trust your designer because they have no other priority than to make you look and feel pretty on your wedding day. So, since the mermaid cut will be more flattering to taller girls, we opted to move the skirting up to my lower hips. 

My Second Fitting

Trivia. Did you know that my wedding gown weighs about 8-10 lbs. heavy? No kidding! This dress consumed 60 yards of Silk Organza. 

Time to face the Spotlight.

French Lace embellished with Swarovski crystals
to support the weight of the gown

My Wedding Gown &
my After-party dress, a gift from Tito Bill.

Glowing Bride

When the big day comes, drop all your woes and enjoy the day, whatever happens, you'll be looking radiant the whole day.

Dream Maker Couture

Bill Calubaquib

#21 President's Avenue

Tahanan Village, Paranaque City

T: (02) 401-7192; 809-9886

M: (0917) 8407541

E: tdmcouture@yahoo.com

LIKE Dream Maker Couture on Facebook

xoxo, 

The Clueless Mrs.

Get Started Planning your Wedding your own "Book"

Successful weddings don't come easy. It all starts with a plan and good planning always come with "THE BOOK" and a reliable wedding checklist.

AKA
your Wedding Organizer...
your Memory Scrapbook...
your Life... (for this very important event anyway)

I almost died when I saw this Wedding Organizer from Kikki K. in a wedding blog. It's just so OC and pretty that I just had to have one so, when my then-colleague was going to Singapore, I begged for him to buy me one even if I know it'll overburden his baggage, and since I used my puss-in-boots eyes, he couldn't say no. When I finally got it, I realized that it's freakin' S$49.90 (est. PhP1,500++) for a good looking Organizer with very few sleeves so, I made sure to use it to its maximum bulkiness. Thank God for compatible sleeves! (Seagull JC306-A available in National Bookstore).

Here I keep cut outs from magazines, my mood boards, creative pegs, all our receipts, invite proofs, misalette to program script drafts, calling cards, etc. etc. etc. 

Call me sentimental but I'm sure that when we look back, these are the things that we'll be reminiscing about and showing our kids in the future. Every detail counts...

This is very helpful for me till now coz it also serves as my credentials (proof of my OC-ness in wedding planning) when I present to prospect couples for my thriving new Wedding Coordination biz Fairytale Weddings & Events.

It also helps if you have a reliable wedding checklist to keep you on track of the things you need to accomplish on time. I, personally, used the Wedding Checklist supplement FREE from Wedding Essentials magazine. If you're techy, there are free wedding checklist apps available too for iPhone & Android phones and the one from bridalbook.ph when you register to their site is also pretty good. 

If you ask me about Wedding Planning tips, first thing I'm going to tell you really is to book suppliers early and book them at Bridal Fairs to get the best deals. 

Here's a list of suppliers we met and booked at Bridal Fairs.

• Josiah's Catering (Blue Leaf accredited caterer) 
• Vignette Photography
• AMI Jewels for our Wedding Rings
• Rosary Collection for our Chord
• Glam PH (Color Artistry by Mitch Camaclang)
• Sober Club Mobile Bar
• Designer Weddings
• Clip Photobooth
• Sensitivity Lights & Sounds
• Enrico Braza's Entertainment Center

More about my A-team on later post, here are upcoming bridal fairs for you to check out.

We're Engaged Bridal Fair

Ultimate Wedding & Debut Fair

Weddings & Beyond

Wedding Belles

Weddings & Debuts 2013 Bridal Fair

xoxo, 

The Clueless Mrs.

Sealing 01.14.12

When we were looking for churches and reception venues for our wedding, the most important thing we considered is CONVENIENCE -  for us, for our suppliers and specially for our guests. 

Since we wanted to give our guests NO REASON to miss our wedding, we chose a very central location with only 10 minute travel time between the church to the reception venue. Convenient, right?

For newly engaged clueless couples, like we were before, note that the Church and the Reception Venue are the first two things you need to book for your wedding, and the rest can follow suit. 

The Church

Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus

My walk down the blue isle

We didn't actually consider the Shrine at first because we thought it was too big and we wanted an intimate and solemn wedding ceremony but it was just November 2010 and we're already running out of church options for a January 2012 wedding. Like, seriously??? All booked already?

When we finally considered the Shrine and looked at wedding photos on the internet, the blue carpet just won my heart. No kiddin', contrary to other Bride's desire for a long isle, I go for the carpet color! I am simply just not a red person. *lol*

So, on a sunny afternoon, we visited the church and knelt in prayer... And as the afternoon light illuminated the stained glass walls and the birds chirp in harmony, we knew... "THIS IS IT." 

This was seconded when the availability of the church matched the availability of the reception for the wedding date we're looking at like it was just meant to be... 

Tips for couples to be wed at the Shrine, follow their policies, specially on misalette and song list, to the letter. They're really really strict about this. 

Contact the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus for Weddings at the Shrine. Ms. Rose (63 2) 854-3024; 425-1756 

The Reception

Blue Leaf Events Pavilion

It's funny coz Blue Leaf was also not in our initial list of reception venue options because we had a perception that it's going to be very expensive, but to our surprise, Blue Leaf is amazingly easy on the pocket. 

Aizy, the Event Specialist assigned to us, was very accommodating and they're very flexible too (vs. hotels where you get billed for every move you make specially for unaccredited or competing suppliers ie. mobile bar, photo booth, etc.) You also have the option of getting their complete package, which comes with Caterer, Overnight Hotel Suite Accommodation at no less than the Peninsula Manila, Photo booth, Fully Draped Pavilion and more... or just booking the venue, which also comes with good perks so, you have the flexibility of negotiating and booking your preferred suppliers. See Blue Leaf Packages

Since we're looking at 200 guests, we booked the Silk Pavilion. It's octagon shape makes for a more intimate ambiance while its glass windows all around the pavilion makes the room look bigger. Best of all, it has a balcony which we we're thinking of turning into a DJ booth for the after-party. It was just perfect.

Contact Blue Leaf Events Pavilion

Aizy Soriano (63 2 ) 844-2583; 898-2583; 887-2175; 887-5687

And then... it was sealed.

For more Bride-2-Bride tips about booking at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and Blue Leaf Events Pavilion, message me.


xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

See More of the Clueless Mrs.' Love to Wedding Blog Series:
October Love
Finding Mr. Right
My Relationship Rules
The Crazy Eyes
The Proposal
Great Expectations

Great Expectations

Sorry guys, I was experiencing writer's block so I just had to de-tech for a while to revive myself. Well, you know what they say, "you can't rush art." *haha*

So, where was I in my Love to Wedding Blog Series? 

hmmm... *light bulb* Oh yah... 

Have you ever imagined what your wedding will be like when you were a kid? From the dress, decor, even the church where you will say your "I Dos" up until the whole wedding reception? Well in reality, when you reach that point in your life when you're actually engaged already, some of your ideas or even the whole thing will be scrapped! Why? Simply because it's not just about you... that's the ugly truth. 

JM and I were the first ones to get married from both sides of the family. Aside from the fact that there's no one to tell us the dos and the don'ts of planning a wedding, imagine the pressure of "EXPECTATIONS." *I'm saying this in a big low voice in a very slow manner*

Before the pamamanhikan----

Pamamanhikan - a Filipino ritual where both families of the affianced pair meets so that the guy's family can officially ask the girl's hand in marriage. The guy's family is required to bring food for everyone. There, both families ask the couple about there wedding plans, when they plan to get married, ideas on where, how much the whole wedding will cost and sometimes who will take care of what. The custom symbolizes honor and respect for the parents. Want Tips?

----there are five important things you both need to discuss and agree on. 

1.) Date

When selecting the date for your wedding, think about the weather/ season or if you're a lil workaholic, like us, choose the month when you think you're the most relaxed. Avoid "planning" season, usually October to December, because it will be hell for you both. For us, we chose January 14, 2012 - second Saturday of year 2012. "Planning" season is already over, the weather is cool and we'll have a reason for an extended Christmas break every year! *haha*

Oh, also consider how long you both need to save up for the wedding. JM made use of his budget planning skills by creating an excel template to plot our cash inflow & outflow schedule. Good thing our wedding planning OC-ness match. 

2.) Number of Guests  

This is critical especially when you're starting to look at possible venues already. You both must agree whether you like an intimate celebration (50 - 200 guests) or an extravagant one (200 guests & up). Draft a mock guest list so yo'll have an idea how small or big your wedding will be like. You also have to be very firm on this as you go high-speed in wedding planning and remember to apply the 20% no-show rule. If you're looking at 200 guests, your invite list should be for 240 guests to avoid empty tables, which will cost you an est. P10K - 15K per table loss, just so you know. 

There might be some tears and conflicts as you filter and filter and filter your own guest list, your dads', your moms' and your siblings' but try not to easily give in because you'll suffer the bills after if you're both lenient too.

3.) Concept 

To start your wedding planning, make sure the overall concept reflects you as a couple. Ask each other simple things like "do you prefer light colors or dark colors?" then agree on the color set that you BOTH like, maybe your two favorite colors combined? How about "formal or fun", "traditional or modern," "simple or extravagant." Once you agree on the core details of your wedding then you now have an idea on where the whole celebration will revolve around. 

For our wedding, we wanted dark colors, modern and fun! So, we came up with this inspiration board.

Wedding links I love:

Bridalbook

Bride and Breakfast

Wedding by Color

Style Me Pretty

The Knot

Wedding Wire

Pinterest

My parents wanted to kill me for some of my ideas (ie. black invitations) and for sure your parents might want to kill you too but remember, this is YOUR wedding and this will only happen once in your life so, be sure to make it uniquely YOU!

4.) Venue Options 

When choosing a venue, consider again how intimate or extravagant you want your wedding to be, your budget and the ambiance that you want to create for your guests. Do you want your guests to stay long or you both just want a quick celebration to head straight to the honeymoon? 

If you want an intimate, short & sweet wedding, go out of town. Tendency is, less guests will come and they also won't stay long because they still have to travel a distance going home. 

Now, if you want to "parteeee" and max out your venue rental, do it within the Metro. Just make sure you have a good mix of party music + overflowing booze to make your friends stay. 

I know my reception tips are bitin but don't worry, I'll give more in my succeeding posts. 

5.) Budget 

As much as you just want to go on and on with planning every money-burning detail of your wedding, you simply just can't avoid facing the inevitable truth - the BUDGET.

Sit down and agree on how much you both are willing and capable to spend for your wedding. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT just go straight to the nearest bank to apply for a loan to splurge on your wedding. You do not want to start your marriage in debt, right?  

Now, the OC cash inflow/ outflow template JM authored really helped us in keeping our major expenses within budget--- I'm just sO proud. *blush* If you're lacking funds here & there, don't be distressed, blessings will come your way in the most pleasant and magical ways. 

---

Take note, it's never too early to start planning your wedding. Trust me... We had one whole year and two months to prepare for the big day but it still seemed too short.

For newly engaged couples out there who get to read this post, hope this helps!

If you want to get a copy of our OC cash inflow/outflow excel template or if you need more wedding planning tips, just email me at aiza.soller@gmail.com and I'd be more than happy to help.

xoxo, 

The Clueless Mrs. 

The Proposal

I know you guys are waiting for this. The lowdown on "the proposal."

Good thing I had this drafted for our Bridalbook.ph feature so I didn't have to rewrite every single detail... So, here it is.

It was the eve of our 7^th year anniversary, 22^nd of October 2010, which was also JD's birthday, JM’s brother, so we had dinner with his family as usual. It was nearing midnight and we were still out having dessert at the Peninsula lobby and I was getting really tired and sleepy and I wanted to rest to save some energy for the next day’s simple anniversary celebration. When we were finally heading home and my eyes were heading south, JM kept bugging me to stay awake with his “energizer” playlist. 

When we got to my place, we greeted each other happy anniversary then kissed each other our usual goodnights. 

I went inside, then as I reached the stairs, I was greeted with a parade of roses tied on every handrail with a sticky note indicating every anniversary from October 23, 2003 all the way up to October 23, 2010. My first reaction was, “awww… nag-effort, ts ako greeting card lang that I bought just the day before our anniv, with no composition yet.” =(

JM's partner in crime? Ate Vangie, our househelp.

From October 23, 2003 - October 23, 2010.
7 years of an imperfectly beautiful love affair.

To add to my surprise, when I entered my room, a 3-rose bouquet and a card with a CD inside were waiting for me on my bed. Then again, I thought "awww... nakakaguilty naman, sya merong gift, ako wala"

The card said, “Play the CD then call me”. The CD was a photo montage of our sweet years together with background music “Just Say Yes” by Snow Patrol (courtesy of my now sis-in-law, Cielai). #nowplaying: Just Say Yes (Acoustic Version) by Snow Patrol.

I was crying my eyes out while I was thinking to myself, “eto na ba toh?! I don’t want to assume but I’m always wishful thinking” then again, “inaantok na ako…” ahuhuhu… [PS- I'll try to rip the CD and update this post with the video soon]

I thought the video will end with a big “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” but instead, it said “HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I LOVE YOU!...  *hahaha* so much for not assuming…

Following JM’s instructions, I instantly called him after watching the video. I was still crying when he answered the phone then he said that he still has a surprise for me. He asked me to look outside my window then I saw that he was still there. Funny that I asked, “bababa ba ako?” (Duh- ofcourse diba?)

As soon as I opened the gate to greet him, a banner affixed to his car read “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” shocked me. I immediately slapped my face with both hands covering my eyes as tears flooded my face. 

Banner courtesy of my now bros-in-law, JD & Jake.

He got down on one knee and showed me the ring. 

To tell you the truth, I never saw him kneel because I was covering my face with both my hands, just crying and crying... I was floating with joy, sleepiness and amazement. It was so surreal, I don’t know if I was just dreaming or was it really (finally) happening. When I finally got myself to calm down, I answered “Oo naman”.

I loved the ring! It was tapered with side stones and the size of the diamond is perfectly just right. Just the way I imagined my engagement ring to be.

It was just so funny coz we didn’t know which hand to put the ring on.  

Coincidentally, my brother also arrived just when I was just about to say yes…. So, we went for the movies version and put the ring on my ring finger on my left hand. 

Then again, my brother said it should be on the
right hand so, I transferred the ring to
my right hand instead.

Enggggk.... Sa left pala talaga dapat! 

Since I didn't see him kneel,
we had to re-enact the scene. 

If only I had even a slight sign that
that was the night he was going to propose,
I would have worn something nicer.

The best night of my life,
even if I was already half asleep.

Acknowledgements:

To my brother, for trying not to be there when JM proposed.

To my sister, for keeping JM’s proposal plan to the extent that she had to sleep somewhere else the night before so there’s no way she can spill the beans, and for taking the pictures.

To Ate Vanjie, for arranging the roses.

To Cielai, for the video/ photo montage.

To Jake & JD,  for the banner.

To Ate Jai & to Ate Gail, for helping JM choose the ring.

To Daddy Bong & Mommy Tess, for extending the night with a dessert in Manila Pen to make sure it’s already October 23 when we get home.

To my parents, especially my dad for keeping his cool.

xoxo, 

The Clueless Mrs.