Real Weddings: A Romantic Spectacle

Jonathan Que-Kris Rea
Santuario de San Jose
The Penisnula Manila

The wedding of Jonathan and Kris could be easily characterized as elegant, charming, and timeless.

For the first time in my wedding planning career, it was the groom whom I met first, before the bride. You see, Jonathan Que, the groom, was into the wedding preparations himself as much as his bride, Kris Rea. During the initial meeting, I showed Jonathan some of the graphic designs I did for previous weddings projects, and how these materials tied everything together beautifully. Good thing Jonathan appreciated and believed in “branding” a wedding. He then asked me for another meeting, this time with Kris. He said that he was sure Kris would be excited when I present her some of my ideas for their wedding.

The second meeting was a breeze. Kris and Jonathan were easy to work with. Not only did they know what they wanted, but also they were open to suggestions. A mood board was conceptualized to help us out with the wedding planning. Here’s a peek into their gorgeous wedding.

On her wedding day, Kris was every inch a beautiful bride made even more stunning by Madge Lejano’s “madgician’s touch.” Felicity Son created a hairstyle which framed the bride’s charming face. Veluz Reyes designed an ethereal gown made of multi-layered organdy and topped with lace cutouts and fabric rosettes. The gown was dreamy, yet very modern. The flounce on the skirt created the illusion of Kris regally ambling down the aisle, as if walking on clouds –- truly a breathtaking sight! Niko Hernandez was in charge of the female entourage’s earth tone silk taffeta gowns which featured fabric cutout accents. Francis Libiran tailored a classic black suit for the groom. Grooming was done by Joel Estrelles by Make Up Studio Team. Kris carried an all-white, hand-tied bouquet of Ecuadorian roses, cymbidiums and gypsophilia arranged by Beth Amat of Eve and Company. The bridal bouquet matched Jonathan's boutonniere. The bridesmaids’ bouquets, like the bride’s, featured roses. To bring out the earth hues in their dresses, they also carried purple lisianthus and red celosias. The couple seized every chance to customize their wedding including their letterpressed invitations which highlighted a red damask pattern. This pattern was the common thread that tied together all printed items –- from the misalettes, table numbers, and menu cards, to the place cards and escort cards.
The couple named the tables after the places they have visited together. The adult guests learned their seating assignments from cards attached to small bags containing Hershey’s kisses in orange, red, and brown foil. Beth Amat was also responsible in making the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila brim with modern elegance. All-white arrangements were done on all tables. White cloth drapery and crystal beads cascaded from the ceiling. For a more vintage feel, the event stylist covered regular glass cylinders with gossamer fabric and lace –- the effect was simply romantic.
The guests had a gastronomic feast of Smoked Salmon with Garden Herbs and Dill Mousseline; Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Toasted Bacon Bits; Cajun Roasted Chicken Roulade with Caramelized Onion Confit; Seasonal Vegetables and Mashed Potato; and Mango Panna Cotta. The wedding reception hall resounded with the heartwarming message of the maid of honor and sister of the bride, Khristel Janna C. Rea, and the ceremonial toast led by Michael Anthony C. Lo, the groom’s best man. To Jonathan and Kris, may your love for each other thrive for as long as you live, and continuously inspire family members, friends or strangers, and all lovers around you.

All photographs courtesy of Lito Sy.

Martha Stewart Weddings Philippines / Issue 3

September 2009-February 2010

Second time to be featured in Martha Stewart Weddings. In this issue, not one, not two but three feature stories on my brides and yours truly can be seen on the glorious pages of this magazine. Enjoy! Grab your copies now.

SINCE THEIR FIRST charmed meeting nine years ago, Califronia-based couple Joelene Sarmiento and Remar Balatero have been running high on romance with the kind of love that comes straight out of a storybook. When asked about that fateful moment, the self-confessed opposites share a real-life story of love at first sight. Joelene muses, “I even asked him that same day when we would get married!” This fearless forecast caught Remar’s attention, and the rest, as they say, is history. Last year, with the sunset as his backdrop, Remar proposed to Joelene after an exciting day of snowboarding on Big Bear Mountain.

Baclayon Church offered a symbolic location, as it was the same place where Remar’s parents exchanged vows. “It was important for us to keep that tradition going,” says Joelene, whose trip to Bohol was her first to the province, and to the country, after fourteen years. The days leading up to the ceremony became even more memorable as guests went on tours and dinner parties, which all highlighted the island’s best.

The couple chose the vivid hues of bright green and magenta for their special day. Joelene adds, “We were also greatly inspired by the couples around us who continually show each other devotion, love and friendship in their many years together. All these make up the commitment and strength that it takes to make a marriage flourish.”

Above all, it was the pair’s overflowing love which made a lasting impression. As for the future, Joelene says, “Remar and I dream of a life filled with adventure. We hope to be blessed with the greatest adventure of all – children. ‘So as with all fairy-tale endings, this story is bound for “happily ever after.”

These pages, clockwise from far left: The newlywed couple beams happily at the altar.

Ernest Pascual, the couple’s coordinator designed the plum-colored invitations.

Joelene and her sister-in-law bought the bridesmaids’ dresses at bargain prices from an LA shop; a simple crystal brooch topped off the look.

Flowers served as subtle accents, like on this basket of petals.

Snowy white flowers star in the bride’s beautiful bouquet.

Tiny tots begin a light shower of petals along the church floor.

Vintage earrings from a thrift shop decorate this unity candle and matchbox pair.

A radiant Joelene awaits her cue to enter into the historic Baclayon church.

Clockwise from top left:

Rows of calla lilies lead the way up to the majestic altar.

Personalized M&Ms read “Sweet like candy to my soul,” a line taken from the couple’s favorite song.

The wedding cake, embellished with a damask pattern and silver studs, was made of delectable butter icing.

Chocolate favors offered bite-sized words of wisdom.

Diamond details enhanced the tiniest elements, such as these elegant matchboxes.

From top:

Each table was a vision in white.

Guests enjoy a hearty laugh.

The buffet of local treats included cookies in the couple’s initials.

Joelene and Remar in a candid moment.

Friends and relatives were greatly amused by one of the reception games.

Clockwise from top left:

Light pillars and drapes add a dramatic effect to the vast Dagohoy Ballroom.

Love poems rested on every table, all twenty five of them were personally chosen by the bride.

Tall and short centerpieces add clean touches to the candle-lit setting.

Every element at the table was in place for the lovely feast.

Heartfelt quotations greeted guests as they took their steps up to the grand ballroom.

Guests cheer on the husband and wife as they relish their first dance amid a shower of confetti.

Underneath the ostritch feathers, purple bow and platinum wrapping paper lay personalized social cards for each sponsor, given by the couple as tokens of thanks.

Sources:

Ceremony: Baclayon Church

Reception: Bohol Tropics Resort

Gown: Veluz Reyes

Coordination: Ernest Pascual of Events! Events! and Supreme Weddings

Event Stylist: The Blue Grass Project (Michael Yu and Joseph Dumadag)

Videography: Jason Magbanua

Invitations: Craftmaster Invitations

Photography: Mimi and Karl

Cake: Lola Lilia’s Homemade Specialties

Real Weddings: Romance is in the Air

Ricardo Pedrosa-Elena Belmonte
Madre De Dios
Tagaytay Midlands

Elena and Ric’s wedding was enchanting, captivating, and romantic.
Imagine how much pressure this wedding had generated earlier when this client couple finally chose me to be a part of their milestone. “We have great news for you, Ernest,” the groom-to-be said. “We have decided that you’d be our wedding coordinator because we believe that you are a man of style.” Gulp! I almost choked in fear – tremendous pressure, indeed.

Elena Belmonte had thought of only one distinctive look for her wedding to Ric Pedrosa: modern romantic. As luck would have it, the couple found the ideal sites that would reflect what they had in mind after several changes in the ceremony and reception venues. The final choice was Madre De Dios and Tagaytay Midlands where acres of lush greenery and the cool Tagaytay weather were perfect.

Elena dressed up at the Tagaytay Country Suites, and rode in a Jaguar Mark V which brought her to the chapel.

Florist and event stylist Jing Tanada spruced up the quaint chapel with white roses bundled together and tied around each pew. She covered the red carpet with white cloth and loose white rose petals. The bride didn’t want too many decorative touches clashing with and overwhelming the simplicity and natural beauty of the chapel.

Elena was a picture of authentic elegance. She was proverbially a sight to behold in her off-white illusion tulle Patrice Ramos-Diaz creation. Her wedding gown was accentuated by lace, floral appliqués, and three-dimensional fabric cutouts. In addition, it was punctuated by sparkling, strategically placed crystals.

The bride originally wanted white peonies for her bridal bouquet. Unfortunately, the flowers didn’t make it in time for the occasion. Jing made two equally gorgeous bouquets for her – one, a bundle of white hyacinths; the other, a cluster of Ecuadorian roses. Both were tied with silk ribbons. The groom also had two boutonnieres to match the bride’s bouquets as later, Elena astutely opted for the Ecuadorian roses as her church bouquet, and for the hyacinths as her reception bouquet.

The reception was simply breathtaking – with ambient lighting, crystal beads, and fabric draping from the ceiling, the perimeter added to the romantic vibes. Each floral arrangement was a work of art. Kudos to Jing Tanada who made certain that Elena got her wish. Truly, romance was brimming all over the place. Each table had antique copper votive candleholders and handmade crystal napkin holders. The names of the guests seated in the presidential table were laid out in handmade place card holders. In fonts used for the invitation and the misalette, the names were printed on off-white board and then pasted on top of a bronze board with hand-embossed details. Shortly before the newlyweds entered the reception hall, Crystal, the evening show host, spearheaded a fun, moving-around ice-breaker. It made every one to loosen up a bit, and created a relaxed and festive mood for the occasion. The menu for the sit-down dinner consisted of Arugula with Basil Vinaigrette, and Cherry Tomatoes & Pine Nuts topped with Warm Goat Cheese & drizzled with Highlands Honey; Cream of Mushroom Cappucchino & Brandied Prawn Bisque served with Bread Rolls with Sweet Butter in demitasse; Lemon Sherbet with Russian Vodka (garnished with Mint leaves); US Beef Tenderloin Medallion with (more) Gongonzola Sauce; and pan-seared Lapu-Lapu with Potato Gratin. Immediately after, the couple presented an unexpected but leisurely change of gustatory pace – a dessert buffet from Bizu in time for the cake-cutting ceremony. The cake with tiny flowers was also from Bizu.

Each table had cards card on which the couple’s party rules were inscribed:
1. No calorie counting
2. Curfews not honored here.
3. Talk to somebody you don't know.
4. Indulge yourself with the yummy desserts.
5. Approach Ric and Elena anytime.
6. Enjoy a nightcap of alcoholic beverage.
7. Party hard and have fun!

The card also contained a poetic stanza that exhorted guests to:
“Dance as though no one is watching you
Love as though you have never been hurt before
Sing as though no one can hear you
Live as though heaven is on earth”

The night ended with a visibly overjoyed groom singing his heart out with the band, NATF, singing the couple’s favorite songs.

Lastly, I could not forget how the couple thanked me profusely in their speech: “To Ernest, our wedding coordinator, who has given us so much help, and who has likewise put up with our constant need for assurance… You are the best. This wouldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you for everything, and especially your good humor, which has helped lighten the preparation for this occasion.”

Watch Threelogy's Onsite Video here. All photos courtesy of Mimi and Karl.

Endless Gratitude

On the eve of my 33rd birthday, I paused, looked back, and saw what a wonderful journey I had –- with people from all walks of life who had made, and continue to make, my existence one such great experience. In my own little way, let me say to all of you: “Thank You.”

• To my Events! Events! Family—Joy, Ali, and JC—thank you for giving me a super fun time at work. Actually, working with us guys is not working at all, but having a good time. Cheers for more events!
  
• To Wow Alberto-Henares, Cookie Amador-Ang and Peaches Go-Tiu—thank you for teaching me that true love waits and that your marriages to Ron, Alvin and Franklin respectively are great examples of such love.
  
• To Tita Agnes, Sir Alain and Ma’am Eliz—my former De La Salle University Press colleagues—thank you for being the best critics of my work and giving me that elusive first break. I am thrilled to have been surrounded by artistic people who have creativity and passion for perfection.
  
• To Gina Galang, Cristina Canada-Lazo, Chinkie Agregado, Niko Hernandez, Jong Mesina, Liza Alviedo, Marite Ilagan, Sid Estrella, Penk Ching, Dino Lara, The Make Up Studio Team, Mimi and Karl de Leon, Teddy Manuel, Pooh Ong, Amanda Tirol, Oly Ruiz, Mangored, Threelogy Boys, Bob Nicolas, Noel Jimenez, Jason Magbanua, Tania Ventura, Don Peji, Maya del Rosario, and the rest of the Sun Life Family—thank you for making my work a lot more enjoyable. I value the friendships gained on top of the generous support I get from working with you.
  
• To Veluz Reyes—you are truly an inspiration and I owe you a great deal. You have been my mentor and guide in my becoming a successful businessman, and more importantly, a better person. Thank you for the unwavering support in everything I do. I look forward to our heart-to-heart talks which enable me to see things with a clearer, better perspective.
  
• To Madge Lejano—I treasure your friendship now more than ever. If there is one wish I have for you , it is that you find your Mr. Right soon. Your strength, passion in what you do, and endless love for your children are things I admire in you. I like as well to see people continue to treat you with more respect and kindness which you truly deserve.
  
• To the many couples whose unforgettable nuptials I organized and mounted, thank you for allowing me to be the bride several times over and making me a part of probably the most significant event in your lives to date. It is impossible for me to enumerate all of you, but you know who you are. Thank you again for all the kind words, referrals, and friendship even long after the wedding.
  
• To Tito Parrish Carlos and Tita Maribel Mijares—my confidantes and mentors-- thank you for always pushing me to do my best in my personal and profession life.. My countless phone calls to and consultations with you have truly paid off.
• To Robert Lynch—for always reminding me that I am a good person. Thank you for rediscovering faith, hope and love through “angels, butterflies and clowns” with me. You have never ceased helping me and you’ve become part of my growth as a person. What we have defines and enfleshes a real friendship. You are truly a blessing.
  
• To Ross Gonzales—for being the “first person I will be meeting in heaven” and for being my “Morrie.” Yours is a wisdom that never ceases to amaze me and I thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts with me. Certainly, you have helped me move on.
  
• To Simeon—your ability to see through me and the immeasurable respect we have for each other is something I value. I look forward to our conversations filled with exciting disagreements. Thank you for showing me how one’s love can overlook human frailty. Although I am yet to see the time when you will forgive me wholeheartedly, let me care for you from a distance. I dare say again how extremely lucky I am to have you around.
  
• To RJ—for showing me what fun is all about. I immensely enjoyed every single time we spent together. Wherever you are, remember that you are always in my heart, mind, and prayers.
  
• To Joisce, Tetet, and Ria—for making me part of the “SAMAGA” (or the Samahan ng mga Magaganda) group. Joisce, thank you for the PSI experience and for the enlightening New York meet-up. It has truly opened many doors for me. I will be forever grateful to you on this journey.
  
• To Eric—for teaching me to put myself first and making me realize that, indeed, loving oneself is the key to true love. We have become better persons over the years and you should know that you made it possible for me.
  
• To Rachel and Fofo—we have been through a lot… thanks for keeping me sane and grounded.
  
• To Dra. Lilia Pajarillo and Dra. Audrey Camacho—for making me beautiful. Thank you for your wise and effective exhortation that one has to be at peace with himself first for the inner glow to show.
  
• To Jason Santos—our 26-year friendship is one for the books. We have been friends for as long as I can remember, and I thank you for encouraging me to go on and achieve more. You are truly an inspiration not only for me but for people around you.
  
• To the Pascual Family—Tita Milet, Tita Vimin and Tito Loy, JD and Kuya RJ, Tito Ciel and Tita Pet. Batangas has become part and parcel of my life. My yearly vacation/exile to the province never fails to unleash a flood of childhood memories.
  
• To the Sunday Group—Tito Ethel, Tita Lyn, Kuya Maynard, Kristin and Emilio, Kuya Joel, Lia, Tito Ato, Tita Amee, Lex, Ali, Ada, Tito Boy, Tita Nieves, Tides, Kim, Tita Bing, Tita Kar, Tita Gwen and Tita Gemma—our weekly get-together has taught me to value our family more. The undeniably close ties among all of us reflect the genuine love and concern we have for one another. Truly, I am blessed to belong to this family.
  
• To Lola Mommy, who surprises me with her ability of living life to the fullest. I would want to live longer if only I would look as glamorous as you are when I reach your age. My love for photography can be traced back to my early childhood with you around. You have an eye for beauty and I’m glad I got it from you.
  
• To the cutest pamangkins—Iñigo,Julio and Gela—thanks for giving me joy each time you smile. Rest assured, I will treat you like my own, and I’ll do my best to keep you out of harm’s way.
  
• To my sisters, brother, and in-laws—Ate Ara and JP, Mon and Tessa, Ella, Mikko and Ria—growing up would not have been wonderful if not for each and everyone of you. Your acceptance of who I really am is greatly appreciated. It has an immense impact on how I live my life now. I may not be as demonstrative as I would have wanted to, but I love you all.
  
• To Mama—thank you for believing in me; for teaching me how to pray; and for picking me up every time I fall. You have taught me patience--a trait I thought I could not develop. Mama, I love you.
  
• To Papa—thank you for instilling in me the values of integrity and responsibility. Being at least half of the person that you are is my goal. Thank you for the inspiration. Papa, I love you.
  
• To my O—it felt like home with its abundant love, contentment, security, and happiness the first time I met you. Thank you for making me believe that love can come at the most unexpected moment that defies time and space. Thank you, too, for making me experience what true is really all about. Your unwavering support in my chosen career and your love for my family are things I value, and I am truly thankful for.
  
• And for those who went before me-- my Inang Milia, Lola Corazon, Lola Ely Nery, Lolo Cile, Lola Ely Pascual and Lolo Aris Garcia. I know that you are looking out for me from up above, and making sure that no harm will come my way. Thank you, my angels, for your divine protection.
  

Summing up, I have, indeed, a blessed life, a life I never thought I would ever have. And as I turn a year older, I feel that the best for me is yet to come. And it will happen through God’s divine grace and because I am surrounded by all of you. Therefore, to all of you, again I say, Thank you.

Overseas Couples Redux

As if it was déjà vu, April proved to be another frenetic month for me–-not for weddings, but for meetings with overseas couples. I met with eight engaged couples (all in less than three weeks) and it was a thrill interacting with them during the customary ocular inspection, food-tasting session, and cordial discussions with their chosen suppliers. Truly, the energy, excitement, and fun were endless.

Couple # 1 – Brenson and Myles. Both Brenson and Myles are based in Japan. They will get married January next year at Punta Fuego in Batangas. At the helm, Myles is bent on having sunset colors for her motif. Kaye Cunanan was tasked to whip up a sumptuous feast for 150 family members and close friends of the couple. Jason Magbanua plus the husband-and-wife team of Mimi and Karl will be in charge of videography and photography, respectively. The latter found a perfect spot inside Punta Fuego for the Christian ceremony--not the beach front though. The location is top secret for now but let us just say that the site is a sight to behold.Couple # 2 – Roger and April. Both Roger and April are doctors based in the States. Roger is already a resident physician while April will begin her residency program in July. She e-mailed me while I was in New York, and we decided to meet up in Manila to finalize her wedding plans. Working with her was a breeze–-she exactly knew what she wanted, and we were lucky to have her cool, doting mom to help us out in the preparations. Roger and April’s wedding is set in Tagaytay. Jason Magbanua and Pat Dy will do the videography and photography, respectively. Veluz Reyes will prove once more why she ranks among the favorite couturiers of brides. Couple # 3 – Romeo and Jen. Both Romeo and Jen are based in the United Kingdom. Having been together for a long while now, the couple has decided to tie the knot in April next year. Kaye Cunanan, Aaron Lejarde and Veluz Reyes top their list of suppliers. We managed to maximize the couple’s brief stay in Manila by finalizing almost all of their wedding requirements before they headed back to the UK. The food tasting in Kaye’s residence was definitely several notches above satisfying. Her bright food ideas always attest to her enviable status as one of the most sought-after caterers in town. Aaron transformed Jen to a lovely bride which prompted her to say, “I never thought I could be this beautiful.” Meanwhile, Veluz’s vision for the bride made Jen giddy with happiness. Couple # 4 – Jasper and Karen. Jasper and Karen are both doctors based in the States. I met them in New York, thanks to Mimi and Karl who recommended the very soon-to-wed couple to me. The first meeting was very casual–-I remember I didn’t have a proposal to show them. What were the odds of having a successful client meeting while on a vacation, right? (I’m not complaining, okay? I think this is way beyond coolness – booking a wedding while on a vacation.) Threelogy Video, Veluz Reyes, Madge Lejano, and of course, Mimi and Karl are part of their dream team. It rained hard during the photo shoot at a new resort in Angono, Rizal, but there was nary a whine or whimper from the couple. I love this couple to death. They’re one of the easiest people to please and work with.

Couple # 5 – Mike and Ysabel. A few weeks from now, Mike and Sabs will say their wedding vows. Jason Magbanua, Pat Dy, Rajo Laurel and Madge Lejano will help me make this couple’s dream wedding a reality. Surely, this young couple will have the time of their lives come their wedding day. This will also be my first time to work with Audrey of Bizu who’s doing the full catering for the occasion. I couldn’t stop talking about how accommodating she is with our countless requests. Couple # 6 – Jeff and Kathleen. Kathleen is a flight attendant for Qatar Airways while Jeff manages his own business in Manila. They were recommended to me by my brother. We are concocting a wonderful night of fun, festivity, and good music for this young couple, as well as for their more than a hundred guests. Madge Lejano will prettify the already gorgeous Kathleen. Bob Nicolas will do the video. Eagerly anticipated are the avant-garde bridal gown and cutting edge suit designed by Puey Quinones for the couple. When Kathleen flies back to Manila in time for the wedding, Oly Ruiz will be ready to do a prenup shoot which promises to be another kick-ass e-session.Couple # 7 – Mark and Rica. Mark works in United Kingdom while Rica is a Manila-based marketing executive. All systems go for their Tagaytay wedding in June. When Mark returns home in May, the couple will have their prenups with Paul Vincent with whom I will work for the first time. Teddy will spruce up Sonya’s Garden with his eco-chic floral arrangements. Completing Mark and Rica’s suppliers are Threelogy Video, Niko Hernandez and Veluz Reyes.Couple # 8 – John and Heidi. It’s crunch time for John and Heidi who will get married in a few days. John is a physical therapist while Heidi is a doctor practicing family medicine in Illinois. Mimi and Karl will take photos of the wedding while Oly Ruiz is in charge of the postnups. Jason Magbanua will document the wedding on video. Heidi will don a Veluz Reyes creation. Jing Tanada will transform the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila into an ocean of pink and magenta flowers. Finally, guests should look forward to the yummy cake of Alex Franco.