Overseas Couples

The past three weeks have been very hectic. We have met with seven (yes, you read it right) engaged couples wherein either the prospective bride or prospective groom is, or both are based abroad.

Couple # 1 – Jonathan and Hannah. Jonathan is a businessman based in Pampanga while Hannah just finished nursing in the States. She is in the country in time for her wedding on May 18. We have already met with her caterer, and she had her trial make-up with Aaron Lejadre of The Make-up Studio followed by a prenuptial pictorial session with Dino Lara. We have also set up meetings for her custom-made shoes, band and fitting with her designer, Parrish Carlos. Since Hannah was in Manila late last year, she had done deals with her major suppliers. We are currently attending to minor details, and simply tying loose ends.

Couple # 2 – Enzo and Yeng. Both Enzo and Yeng are based in Italy. They will be getting married in Punta Fuego in May. We are done with the alteration of her wedding gown (done by Parrish Carlos), food tasting and prenuptial pictorial in Intramuros with Ghie Javelosa of Studio A Photography. More meetings have been set up—band, sound system, the pastor, the emcees and the florist. This fun couple expect their 60 guests (most of whom they have billeted in Punta Fuego) to stay longer to enjoy their wedding reception. Friends from Italy will arrive next week hence, it would be a very busy week for all us.

Couple # 3 – Louie and Rico. These IT professionals work in Singapore, and were here just over the weekend. Straight from the airport, we had a quick meeting over lunch and proceeded to The Make-up Studio for Louie’s trial make-up with Karen Reyes. We also met with Tasha of Hyatt Hotel, Josie of Elinwood Church in Malate and Gina Galang of Royal Flower Shoppe. The couple also booked Jontie Martiniez to do the bridal gown as well as the entourage gowns. Louie and Rico handed me their save-the-date card which featured their caricature (cute, indeed.) They came in prepared complete with pegs as they “walked me thru” the various phases/stages of the December wedding they envision. I look forward to seeing pegs from brides since this will enable me not only to get to know the couple better but also to come up with my own ideas that complement their plan.

Couple # 4 – Michael and Sabs. This couple is based in Dubai, Sabs has an uncanny resemblance to Ara Mina. She is here to decide on her wedding reception venue. She wanted The Peninsula but finds Manila Polo Club more practical. In the end, she decided on getting The Peninsula Manila. We have already booked Santuario de San Antonio, Pat Dy, Jason Magbanua and Madge Lejano for the event.

Couple # 5 – Ric and Elena. Ric is based in Singapore while Elena is an executive from Dole Philippines. We have already commissioned Mimi and Karl to take their wedding photos and Threelogy for video. It will be daunting for the couple to choose from among Balai Taal, Hacienda Isabella or Splendido for their wedding reception. They have booked the quaint San Antonio de Padua Quasi Church in Cavite for their ceremony venue. Rico and Elena treated me for dinner in fabulously stylish Sala along Makati Avenue to give me an idea of how they wanted their wedding to be—sleek, contemporary, minimalist. Both wine connoisseurs, they plan to have free- flowing drinks to match their impeccable menu selection. We even went to Classic Confections in Greenbelt 5 to try out Baba Ibazeta’s sinful desserts which we plan to have as part of the dessert buffet. I am excited to see how a modern romantic motif in white, cream and yellow would look for their wedding in January 2009.

Couple # 6 – Anthony and Sam. Sam works in a cruise ship based in Miami while Anthony is based in Isabela and only goes to Manila once a month. Everything was in a rush since Sam would be leaving for the States mid May and would only be in Manila a few months before her wedding in March 2009. A very young and good looking couple, Anthony and Sam listens to suggestions and are both open to ideas which would make their wedding more personalized and unique.

Couple # 7 – Mark and Elaine. Both Mark and Elaine are based in the States. We were referred to Elaine by our common friend, Alvin. Alvin and Elaine used to work together for a pharmaceutical company before Alvin was pirated by another company and before Elaine went to the States to work. We are scheduled for a food tasting with Mean of Edsa Shangri-la, prenuptial pictorial with Dino Lara, fitting with Frederick Peralta, trial make-up with Jesy Alto of The Make-up Studio, and a meeting with Nina Comsti of Sound Salad.

We have yet to meet more overseas couples—Maan (based in the US) and Rhys (based in Canada) for their January wedding; Chelle and Michael (both based in Chicago) for their August wedding in Subic; and Remar and Joelene (both based in California) for their January wedding in Bohol.

Organizing the weddings of couples based overseas is challenging yet very fulfilling. This is one of the major reasons why we enjoy our work—having two strangers who allow us to be their eyes and ears for their once-in-a lifetime event. The couple’s trust and confidence motivate and inspire us more than ever to outdo ourselves in every event we handle.