Monday, April 19, 2010

Macau on my mind

This post might look out-of-place in a wedding blog, but read on and find out why instead of just a simple trip, this turned out to be wedding-related too. :-)



Just weeks ago, I packed my bags and for a few days, treated my senses to the lovely Chinese-Portugese city that is Macau.

A cousin of mine who currently works in Hongkong graciously helped me tour Macau and some areas of Hongkong I had never been to before.

On my first night, she took me to a Lebanese Restaurant in Lan Kwai Fong, which I learned was the hottest night spot in Hongkong. After dinner, we had fondue at the nearby Haagen Daaz Cafe, fortunate enough to snag a table by the window -- so we could people-watch. As we enjoyed our fondue and exchanged notes about life and love, there was a commotion of sorts outside the cafe. At first, we thought that a famous movie star was causing all that fuss. Then we realized what it was -- an actual proposal was taking place! A woman in a dark blue gown had an enormous bouquet on her arm, and a man (who I presumed was her boyfriend) was kneeling beside her, presenting her with a ring in a box. Cameras started clicking outside and although I wanted to capture the moment, my camera just couldn't get a right angle. So, my heart took a picture to remember that night. I do remember though my fondue with much fondness...Slurp.

Different ice cream flavors, fresh fruits, mallows, cheesecake and danish cookies with your choice of milk or white chocolate. Yummmmeeee.
The next day, my cousin and I rode the ever-so-efficient metrorail system (MTR) and made our way to the Temple of The Ten Thousand Buddhas atop a hill. It was a steep climb but the view was worth it.

After spending an hour or two at the nearby Ikea outlet store, we headed back to Kowloon and lined up to experience the famous high tea at the Peninsula. The line was already quite long when we arrived -- about 30 heads were waiting to be seated. While we made ourselves full with scones, pastries, finger sandwiches and rose tea, we giggled as we counted three brides coming and going at the lobby, scrutinizing their gowns and bouquets, deciding on which bride looked the best. :-)


High tea at the Peninsula is a great way to spend the afternoon after sight-seeing and shopping.


I still think the Peninsula Manila lobby is so much more magnificent, isn't it?
The next day, we hopped on a ferry to take us from Hongkong to Macau. It was a Sunday so the lines were quite long, even at the immigration counters as you enter Macau. After the 45-minute boat ride, off we went to check in at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel. I liked the casual vibe of the hotel, with memorabilia from music legends, and hotel personnel wearing leather jackets instead of stiff suits. :-)

The Hard Rock Hotel reception area.

After checking in and a quick lunch, we headed straight to Macau's tourist spots. At Senado Square, we walked through the shop-lined streets on the way to the famous Ruins of St. Paul's, and got our souvenir photos at one of the first churches erected in Macau by the Jesuits.
Might as well blend in with the tourists. :-p

The steps of St. Paul's, from another point of view.

It was while we were going down the steps that I realized how happy I was being in Macau, momentarily forgetting I was in an Asian city and not in Europe.


What do we have here? An engagement photo shoot! Just look at those pretty pink buildings!

If the couple above was having a casual shoot that day, just look at the couple below who really dressed up. This was across the Haagen Daaz store in Macau this time. What is it with Haagen Daaz and wedding proposals and engagement shoots? :-P

Couldn't resist taking photos of these pretties. They were blooming everywhere! Pansies, I think.

And here's the finale --- an actual bride and groom having their photos taken beside the Macau Cathedral!
Near another church, St. Anthony's (sometimes referred to as the Church of Flowers since a lot of weddings are held there), was a quaint little piece of earth called Casa Garden, which was once the residence of a wealthy Portugese merchant. It would have been a beautiful venue for a wedding reception, wouldn't it?
And it was here where I met my furry Macanese friends!

After all that walking (and eating at the famous A lorcha restaurant), we headed back to Cotai and toured our neighbor hotel, The Venetian.

Here I am listening to the gondoliers serenading their passengers.

The next day, right after we checked out of the hotel, we hailed a taxi to take us to the Houses of Taipa -- five historical houses which used to be where the government officers used to reside. One of the houses is often utilized as a reception hall. We just weren't able to take photos of the interiors because they were still closed at that time. Just look at those pretty houses all in a row:
A few steps from the Taipa Houses is the Church of Our Lady of Carmel. Is there a law in Macau that churches should be painted yellow? :-P
Two gardens just steps away from the Church. Great for photos.

And now, for one of the highlights of my Macau visit (no, I was so not interested in any of the casinos)...
The Church of St. Dominic at Senado Square. Ignoring this church was virtually impossible. I couldn't take my eyes off the butter yellow and white frontage and the delicate cake-like interiors laced with white balconies. Can I get married again --- here? :-) It was a picture-perfect chapel. Only two columns of pews sandwiched the main aisle, just enough for a hundred guests or so. Half the time during the mass (which was in Portugese), I couldn't help but stare at the ceiling, the altar, the statues, wondering what the requirements are for foreigners marrying in Macau...haha.
The facade of St. Dominic's

One of the statues.

The Martha Stewart-esque ceiling. :-)

The altar.

Just lovely. Pure loveliness.

The balcony area.
I swear, my photography skills (or the lack of it) does not do justice in capturing the beauty of this church. These are times I miss my baby sister and her DSLR. :-( The trip was so quick, I wasn't even able to taste an authentic Macanese egg tart. But at least I took a photo. :-) See you again soon, Macau! Now, for that egg tart...

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Wedding gown worship

I've been dying to post this entry but words elude me.

There are just not enough adjectives to describe what it's like to meet the woman behind the gowns that make grooms cry. I might as well have kissed the ground she walked on. :-p


A few weeks ago, I accompanied an officemate for the first fitting of her bridal gown lining with none other than the dream-bridal-gown designer du jour, Veluz Reyes.

Another blogger that I regularly stalk, Veluz is one of the reasons I'd want to get married again. Her gowns are so mind-blowing, one might suffer from an aneurysm just by looking at all the gowns on her website.

Voted (and a winner of) the Supplier of the Year award from WeddingsatWork.com, Veluz' gowns have not only earned praises from her brides, their grooms and her peers, they have also been cited as one of the best bridal gowns by international wedding blogs as well. I wouldn't be surprised if her gowns find their way to the Oscars one of these days. :-)

Unlike most designers who spend an enormous amount of time planning fashion shows, filling up racks of ready-to-wears or creating gowns that celebrities borrow for pictorials or variety shows, Veluz' decision to shy away from mainstream publicity has made her more endearing for brides-to-be. Because unlike other designers who've earned quite a reputation for being overbearing with exorbitant gown prices, some not even able to deliver gowns on time or delivering gowns sloppily done, Veluz is truly a breath of fresh air.

Veluz, like her modest atelier, looks quite unassuming but once the conversation shifts to bridal gowns, she speaks with such eloquence, it would put all the Project Runway designers to shame.

I've always wondered how Veluz is in person. What's she like? Does she force you to accept her designs without listening to what you want as a bride-to-be? Is she snooty or snobbish, especially now that she's fully booked? Or is she as funny as her blogging voice?


Veluz' minimalist receiving room.
The door on the left leads to her office, the one on the right leads to the dressing room.


Below is a cabinet containing "thank you" pieces from brides,
her W@W awards and sample wedding accessories.





The fitting room.
Just stepping on the platform already makes the bride-to-be feel like a queen.

According to most Veluz brides, their fittings not only consist of conversations about not just the gown, but other wedding suppliers that Veluz would suggest to them. Because if her brides haven't decided or booked all their wedding suppliers yet, Veluz also recommends those that she has worked with based on the personality and vibe of her brides. She knows if her brides are the conservative, classical types or the avant-garde, adventurous types and suggests make-up artists, photographers, videographers and other suppliers that match her brides. How's that for all-around service?

Veluz also makes it a point not to overbook, limiting her weddings to just three brides per day. This is to ensure that she is present to dress up the brides and stays until the bride switches to her "second look" for the reception. Of course, it goes without saying that she will prioritize bride number 1 (the bride who books her first) but endorses her two other brides on the same day to her equally efficient staff just in case the weddings booked for the day make it impossible for her to be at three locations at the same time. :-)

It's obvious from Veluz' blog photos that she knows what areas to highlight and what areas to hide, making the bride look her best without resorting to plastic surgery. From the gowns you'll see in her blog, you would notice how she was able to make petite brides look elongated, brides on the heavy side less bulky and how each gown showcases the bride's personality.

Whatever the bride's silhouette, whatever type of cloth the bride wants -- lace, silk, satin, tulle, pina, chiffon, with flowers or feathers, Veluz' gowns look absolutely, utterly, without question, heart-stopping at any angle:

FRONT








BACK









SIDE






AS A WHOLE





OR IN PARTS





FROM TOP



TO TOE




Uh, you still breathing?

Whenever I read Veluz' blog, I swear to myself that the newest gown she posted is my favorite. Then she spoils everything by posting a new one that tops the last gown. Arrggh.

Since I have not had the chance to be in one, I can only imagine how a Veluz gown feels --- the playful fabric probably kissing the bride's skin ever so softly, the beads and crystals reflecting dances of light in her eyes, floral appliques waving in the wind as they whisper to the bride "you are loved...you are beautiful..."

And as the bride walks, no, floats towards her groom down the aisle in her Veluz, she truly feels that she is the luckiest woman in the world.


That's me and Veluz, hoping that the next time I have a picture with her, she'd be dressing me up. :-)


Veluz Reyes
By Appointment
2089 F. Benitez Street, Malate,
Manila, Philippines

Phone : (632) 4825754 (632)5245979
Mobile : (63922) 8175681
Email : veluzbride@gmail.com
Website: veluzbride.com

All photos of the other brides are from Veluz' blog, veluzreyes.blogspot.com