Back to back weddings and sweetness overload

No, I didn't do what Katherine Heigl's character did in the movie "27 dresses" where she was straddling two weddings in one day. I did however, attend two weddings last weekend -- one on Friday and one on Saturday.

My Friday fete was my distant cousin's wedding. Rikka and I have never met in person but my Tita Zeny who lives in the US introduced us "virtually" via Facebook. Since she was an "overseas bride," I was giddy everytime she asked my opinion about certain elements about her wedding. Couldn't wait to attend her wedding, obviously so I could meet her. I had planned my outfit to be 1920's inspired.

My Saturday wedding was the wedding of my hubby's good friend Jerdy and his paramour, Malaya.

Although just hours apart, I was fascinated by the uniqueness of the two weddings I attended. Nothing beats a wedding where the personalities of the bride and groom shines through. Just by looking at the wedding invitations, you already know how different the two weddings would be.

Rikka and Chris had a classic wedding invitation with touches of the gunmetal grey and powder blue motif while Jerdy and Malaya gave out not-your-usual wedding invites printed out like passports to match their avant-garde black and white motif.

That Friday, we went to Santuario de San Antonio for Rikka and Chris' wedding ceremony. I had earlier assured Rikka that choosing to sign up 92AD for her choir and 3rd Avenue for her reception band was a choice she would not regret, and true to form, both musical groups did not disappoint!

But first, the wedding march...

My wedding partner in crime, my sister strike a pre-wedding pose while waiting for the entourage march.

That's the groom, Chris doing the ceremonial last walk as a bachelor.

That's my dad standing in for one of the ninongs (male principal sponsor).

And that's my aunt who flew in from Boston as one of the principal sponsors.

The parents of the bride, Tito Ramon & Tita Helen .

And there goes the beautiful bride, Rikka, escorted by her parents to the altar.

Although small in number, 92 AD's voices filled the entire chapel and gave everyone goosebumps through their songs especially with their rendition of The Lord's Prayer.

As part of the wedding ceremony, Rikka and Chris offered flowers to Mother Mary.

The first kiss.

The newlyweds.

Anything you'd like to tell all the single ladies out there, Rikka?

While most brides change their look for the reception, I too had something up my sleeve, well, more like pinned to my hair...trying to complete my 1920's look.

After the ceremony, just as our car passed Manila Polo Club's gates, it started to rain. Really hard. My sister and I dropped of my dad and aunt at the entrance while we parked the car in the pebbles and sandy soil area. Before we went down, we grabbed a shopping bag, donned our Crocs and proceeded to the reception area. We went to the bathroom to change into our dress shoes and hid our comfy shoes under our dinner table. Hahahaha!

Below, the elegantly-decorated Manila Polo Club, a witness to thousands of wedding receptions. I liked the touch of this particular set-up where white drapes covered the entrance to the main hall while the guests enjoyed cocktails at the adjacent foyer.

Just like the wedding ceremony flowers of white roses and calla lilies, Rikka and Chris opted for all white dendrobium orchid centerpieces for the reception. The presidential table was dotted with white tulips and lavender hydrangeas. Yes, a smile was pasted on my face once I entered the reception hall. :-)

The presidential table. A setting of understated elegance.

The hosts for the night, the groom's brother Mark Halili and wife, Pia Arcangel-Halili.


The father and daughter dance. Rikka is the only girl in their family.

Below are photos of the lovely cake and the ambrosial dessert buffet by Bizu.

Between the "ooohs" and "ahhs" as I was getting my fill of sugar from the dessert buffet and while trying to stop myself from popping all the petit fours into my eager mouth, I was truly in a sweet surrender. How often anyway do I indulge in this much saccharine? Ok, don't answer that.

Above, 92AD singing songs that the oldies were singing along with.

Below, the 3rd Avenue band rocking their tunes from the 70's, 80's, 90's and the latest dance music which made everyone strut to the dancefloor. It was like a flash mob as dance instructors not only taught most of the guests how to do the swing, but led the choreography for the more popular songs sung by 3rd Avenue.

It had been a while since I danced in a party so I went home tired but a happy kind of tired that night.

Before the night ended, Rikka and Chris gave out Bizu cakes for their female principal sponsors and macarons for the male principal sponsors.

Each of the guests received delightful boxes of chocolates.

The next day, my husband and I attended the wedding of his friend Jerdy and the stunningly beautiful Malaya Lewandowski. Unlike Rikka and Chris' wedding which had a Catholic ceremony and a separate reception venue, Jerdy and Malaya's wedding was Christian -- the ceremony and reception of which took place in the same venue, Crossroad 77's convenarium.

That's Jerdy with his parents going down the aisle.

Hubby as one of the principal sponsors.

The radiant bride, Malaya obviously excited to be with her groom at the altar, accompanied by her
her mom and her sister.

The first kiss as husband and wife in front of about 300 guests. Note the widescreen behind the couple which gave us a more intimate view of the ceremony vis-a-vis the enormous venue.

Hmm...the stage, the lights, the set-up reminded me of a weekend noontime show. Haha. At one point during the picture-taking, I couldn't help but get a tissue to help Jerdy blot sweat/oil from his forehead -- wouldn't want him to look shiny in his wedding photos, now would we?

Above, the presidential table. Below, the centerpiece for the other tables. Jerdy and Malaya opted for a colorful palette -- reds, salmons, lilacs of various flowers -- roses, stargazers, mums, carnations and hydrangeas.


Above, the newlyweds as they re-enter the convenarium as husband and wife. Below, the newlyweds cut the wedding cake. I just hated that the smoke machine was making my photos foggy. Hmp.

Above, Me and hubby and with the newlyweds and below, with the gorgeous gals of Creative Futures.

Below, the dessert buffet by Hizon's and the chocolate giveaways for the guests.

Here are some more photos that Malaya posted on Facebook:

Just look at that ridiculously gorgeous bouquet! Love the peacock feathers!

Even for a sweet-toothed senorita like me, binging on two dessert buffets and chocolates was overwhelming. Or maybe it was intensified by the all the love and sweetness that I witnessed during the two weddings? Hahaha.

To Rikka and Chris, Jerdy and Malaya, may the good Lord bless your marriage for many years to come -- filling it with more sweetness each day!

Inside The Great Wall of Santol

When I was growing up, my family and I used to pass by an enormous wall near the main street where we live. This wall was usually the victim of graffiti and political posters every election time. To most people who pass by, this was just a wall. But to me and my sisters, it symbolized the unknown, and we all conjured stories of what was beyond that wall.

Once or twice, we were able to see the other side of the property, yet another wall, embracing two giant gates with lionheads that looked like massive door knockers. The sight of those gates all the more piqued my curiosity as a young girl. I wondered what it was like inside, a mansion perhaps? A field of flowers? A swimming pool?

During the third quarter of 2008, construction work was being done inside the walls. Even from my parents' home, we could see what looked like tent tops and lamp posts. Then, as Christmas neared, all the trees were being dressed with capiz lanterns. Since news travels fast, some of our neighbors were able to find out that an events venue was being constructed for a wedding and that soon, the place was going to be open to the public.

Suffice it to say that I was always intrigued with what those walls were hiding and last Sunday, I finally found out.

The entrance to Light of Love Events Venue. This used to be part of the great wall that faced Santol street. Still no business sign except for an address number.

I received an email for a food tasting from Hizon's at a new events venue and the address was Light of Love, 1163 Santol Street, Quezon City. I immediately texted my sister to accompany me that day so we could both get a glimpse of the secret place that we had always wanted to discover.

Inside, we were surprised to find out that there was not just one but six event venues!

Light of Love is nestled on a property of almost two hectares, its centerpiece being an ancestral house offering three indoor venues and one outdoor venue. Built within the property are two white tents with walls that can be rolled up for those who would like a garden feel of their event (yet still covered).

Not one tree on the property was left without capiz lanterns. The trellis leading to the two tents was generously strung with tivoli lights and I could only imagine how magical it would be to go back here at night.

Each indoor venue is fully air-conditioned and has its own service area for caterers. The venue manager, Paul, informed us that soon, they will have a venue and catering package once they've finalized their list of accredited caterers.

Paul also showed us the guest rooms which can be used by the debutante or bride as a preparation room or wash up area before the ceremony or reception. All the guest rooms which have their own bathrooms are located at the main house. I really appreciate event venues that have guest rooms which save the celebrants time and money in booking a hotel room which will only be used just for taking photos. The only difference is that you have the convenience of chambermaids, housekeeping and room service in hotels :-)

The trellis leading to the Trust tent on the left and Loyalty tent on the right. Further down would lead to the open air venue, Cherish.

(Below) The Trust venue where Hizon's hosted its food-tasting event. This venue can accomodate up to 500 guests. Hizon's added drapes and crystals for the event but without the decorations, it's basically just a white tent with cement tiles.

(Below) The Loyalty venue which can accomodate 400 guests. Aside from the airconditioners, you can also request available misting fans.

(Above) The Love venue which can accomodate around 150 pax. Although this venue can be packaged with the Atrium, I would suggest having the Cherish (outdoor, below) venue instead for your ceremony and having the reception indoors at Love.

As seen from the photos above, it goes without saying that the Cherish venue should not be used during the rainy season. :-) The elevated area was originally the house's swimming pool.

(Above) The Integrity venue. Although most people would not prefer an L-shaped venue, this area has its plus points. It has a classier feel with the marble tiles and chandeliers and from this angle, it gives a more intimate yet fuller view of all the guests. It also has an adjacent balcony (below) where you can have cocktails or a cocktail/coffee bar for debuts or weddings.

For kiddie parties, you can also use the balcony for an inflatable, a bubble show or food carts. Integrity can hold around 150 guests and possibly 50 more if you include the balcony area.

(Below) The Atrium.

The Atrium has a skylight perfect for either a daytime or nightime event. The center area could well be your dancefloor. :-)

The foyer leading to the Atrium. (That's me and my mom who was equally giddy as I was in touring the venues)

The stone lions guarding the entrance to the Atrium and Integrity venues. It really still does look like someone's home. To me, that's a good thing.

Since the reason for being at Light of Love was a food tasting, Hizon's Sales Manager, Raymund David treated me, my mom and sister to Hizon's new buffet menu offering:

Cocktail Buffet:

Mozzarella and Tomato Crostinni, Onion Marmalade Crostinni, Smoked Tanigue Canapé, Bruchetta al Fungi, Salmon Gravlax and crème fraiche canapé, Asian Cocktail Salad, Carta Musica with Artichoke and Hummus Dip, Vegetable Sticks with Wasabi Mayo Dip

Quesadilla Station - a variety quesadillas freshly made by our chef

On Spot Pasta Station - Gourmet Pasta stations prepared on the spot by Hizon's chef

Gourmet Salad Station - Four Unique and healthy salads Asian Salad with wanton crisps, Caesars Salad, Vietnamese Chicken Salad, Salmon Gravlax Salad

Carving Station - 8 hour Oven Roasted Beef Fillet seasoned with Rosemary and Garlic, Char Grilled Beef Tenderloin Finished on a slab of Heated Granite, Pepper Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Stuffed Roast Turkey

Entrée - Lengua Royale, Panko Crusted Fish Fillet with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce, Bacon Wrapped Chicken in Marinara Sauce, Vegetable Au Gratin, Shiitake Mushroom Rice

Dessert Buffet Station - Miniature Cakes Served in shot glassesChocolate Mousse, Vanilla Mouse, Black forest Mousse Mango Pannacotta served in miniature teacups, Tiramisu, Crème Brulee

Classic Desserts in Margarita Glasses -Coffee Jelly, Buco Pandan, Nata Con Peaches

Crepe Station - Crepes Made on the Spot by our chef

Chocolate Fondue Fountain - 5ft chocolate fondue fountain served with fresh fruit dippings

The quesadilla station

The pasta station

The salad station

The Chocolate fountain!

Below are some of the table set-ups offered by Hizon's.

A larger than life buddha statue serenely smiling by the sprawling garden.

Because the rain refused to stop that day, my sister and I weren't able to take pictures around the garden areas which from afar looked perfect for post-ceremony pics or even for pre-nuptial photos.

I hope I can visit again soon so I can take a tour without the rush. I've waited more than 30 years to see the inside of the wall and I hope it won't take me 30 more to go back. :-)

Light of Love Events Venue
1163 Santol Street, Quezon City
(632) 714-7989, (632) 714-3871
www.lightoflove.com.ph

Wedding on Fire

Last May 21, my officemates and I went to Peninsula de Punta Fuego for a much needed (although quick) vacation. The weather was perfect, the breeze was just right, the water in the pool was soothing, the food was delicious, the firetree-lined roads were paved with red flowers and then...we had to go home. Not for anything, but because that was all the time we had. Yes, I know, time really flies when you're having fun.

On our way home, I asked one of my officemates to stop by the chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe so I could take photos for the blog. I've never been to a wedding here but the 3-4 hour trip from Manila would be quite worth it to celebrate in a quaint and pretty place like this:

The crucifix inside the chapel

A wide shot of the chapel and pews. The chapel can comfortably sit 200 guests.

It's not air-conditioned though.



Below, basins for holy water.




Above and below, the "outdoor" portions of the chapel.
There is a trellis of sorts that partially covers the area.


A shot of the chapel and the bell tower.

The path leading to the chapel.

Juday and Ryan K.I.S.S.S.S!

Kept It Simple, Secret, Sweet & Solemn.

Unless you've just come out from under a rock in the last two decades, you know that Judy Ann Santos is one of the country's superstars of her generation, much sought-after endorser and until last month, was one of the country's most eligible bachelorettes. It was no surprise that after Ryan proposed to her last year, Judy Ann's fans have been excitedly preparing to gatecrash their wedding to finally see their idol get hitched. But the couple simply would not allow that -- they kept the date, location and other details secret until the last minute, even barring cameras from participating in what was to be a very simple and solemn affair, witnessed only by immediate family and very close friends. It was earlier reported that there were only about 80-100 attendees at the 7am wedding and a few friends from Manila (who weren't there to witness the exchange of vows) travelled 3-4 hours for the beach reception that night.

While I am not particularly a fan of either Judy Ann Santos or Ryan Agoncillo, I was gushing at all the photos and videos that showed their private ceremony last April 28 in Batangas. I must say though that I am a fan of their wedding. Haha.

Reports say that Judy Ann and Ryan pulled all the stops to make sure that their wedding ceremony and initial reception was going to be a private affair. They wanted to keep the guestlist down but unlike most couples who do so, it wasn't because of budget constraints. On the contrary, in wanting to keep the ceremony very private, they had to employ a reported 300+ personnel to construct the platform that they used for the Anilao reception, security to keep uninvited guests at bay and make sure the three locations (church, brunch reception in Laiya and evening location in Anilao were ready for all their guests).

It was really to keep the true ceremony solemn and they chose to "celebrate" later on by holding another reception in Makati four days after the wedding. They might've earned a few raised eyebrows by choosing not to invite some people at the wedding but hey, it was their wedding, they paid for it and so, I respect that decision. I mean, how many weddings have we heard of, showbiz or not, that turned out to be a circus? How many couples look back at their photo albums and not recognize their guests?

The interior of the San Juan de Nepomuceno church in San Juan, Batangas.

I also liked the little nontraditional nuances they did during the wedding -- the entire entourage didn't have to march down the aisle -- it was just the little bride, their daughter Yohan and the real bride, Judy Ann, although having the Matron of Honor, Sharon Cuneta was asked to march at the last minute.

Loved the flowers, loved how the church was made even more beautiful. Loved the reception decor -- down to the floating luminaries by the beach. Loved that everyone wore white, loved the cute and casual but secretive invitations (half a pair of white slippers, the other pair to be claimed at the reception) -- each guest was asked to donate a peso in claiming the slipper since it was Filipino custom to give a peso to someone who gives you footwear (for luck). Loved the gown, loved that they kept it intimate, loved the dream team that made it possible:

Paul Cabral - gown designerJerome Lorico - groom’s suitRita Neri - wedding plannerRobert Blancaflor of 1816 - event stylist/floristGene Gonzalez of Cafe Ysabel - catererBalai Laiya / Trivona Beach Resort- reception venuesPenk Ching of Pastry Bin - cake makerPrintsonalities - invitation printerPatrick Uy - photographerRaymond Isaac - photographerJason Magbanua - videographerBaicapture - photobooth

To this day, I marvel at how they pulled it off beautifully -- I wonder what time they started setting up in church to put all those beautiful flowers, how many meetings they had to make sure logistics was perfect for the couple and their guests. And to plan everything in less than two months!

Bravo to the brave couple!