CRANK - NACION (December 30 2007)

This is our last event for December 2007. There's been very short preparation for this setup, but it's because the floral arch has been made over and over and over that we're tempted to actually freeze dry the entire thing and just keep it in the stockroom for future engagements.

In fact, our January 3, 2008 client was here earlier and - you already know it - chose the same setup for her wedding. We can only sigh in disbelief and resignation (I am complaining because it isn't really easy to do). I have requested the farm to pull out the photos of this setup from the official photo albums. The thing is, it's on the latest cover of the farm postcard and they also blew it up into a poster for the January and February bridal fairs in SM.

I guess the floral arch is here to stay so I really should stock on Flanax starting today.

We are glad that our events continue to see more visitors from other countries. At least they'd be able to witness how our weddings are done, as well as providing a good opportunity for everyone present to learn from each other.

The groom makes his way to the altar.

Josh eagerly awaits his bride along with his friends.

Ms. Joy beams as she makes her entrance.

If you aren't really into sermons, your mind would probably wander to the trees and lights and what other guests are wearing, but when the officiating minister gives you take-home messages such as, "God’s plan can only climax by the joining of man and woman, your manhood can only be fulfilled by your partner (I forgot what he said exactly), because no one, no one can satisfy himself," you sure will sit up straight and rue your inattention. I think the take-home message really hits the nail on the head.

Sigh. Another day is over but thank you, Lord, for making every day special and meaningful.

PLEASE GET WELL SOON!

Our event today got postponed because the bride was admitted to the Makati Medical Center last night for a tummy ache (we are not privy to the actual medical condition).

Here's hoping Ms. M.J. gets well the soonest!

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM VATEL MANILA!

You can click on the esnips.com player below to play HALLELUJAH by my favorite classical composer, George Frideric Handel. Have a truly meaningful and merry Christmas!

Hallelujah.wma

DE GUZMAN - ISAAC (December 22, 2007)

The Annual Grand Foodtasting of Hizon's at the Mango Farm last August 5, 2007 brought with it an unexpected surprise - Vincent and Charmagne for Vatel Manila's first morning wedding ever. Such a charming couple who were intially quite mum about what they really wanted their set-up to be like.

We eventually settled for our all-time bestseller - the floral arch - but this time instead of moss, we used darker leaves so it would look heavier as the wedding is in the morning. The moss is perfect only for evenings as it gives off an ethereal effect under the yellow lights. A darker, heavier look suits the sharpness of the morning sun.

That kneeler is blocking the view of the couple who were seated facing the guests, but it's a required tool for the ceremony. I need to have that fabric pressed, grrr. It was added at the last minute.

Serious looking at first, but who would have thought that in the next 30 minutes they'd be in tears? I've never seen so many people in tears during a wedding. You'd know a winner wedding by the number of people crying out of happiness. It can get very infectious!

Two ladies cut beautiful figures in their lovely Filipiniana with the Farm greens as their background. We lean towards Filipino motifs a lot and we are glad that many guests still come in their finery. Somebody came in this really nice tea green Jean Goulborn ensemble. I noticed many guests asked to be photographed with her. Too bad we didn't get to take a photo of the dress.

Bored? Bring a Rubik's cube.

"Other men said they have seen angels, But I have seen thee And thou art enough." (G. Moore)

This is a series I took during the release of the doves - one of the most appreciated portion of a wedding ceremony. This one was fun and funny at the same time.

Here's how to release doves: One might want to throw one into the air and the other can simply put it down on the ground. At least it's different!

"Look! Up in the sky! It's a ... dove!"

"Look, sweetheart! They're unreachable!"

"That's right, but how long do you intend to keep your arms up?"

One of the doves landed with a crash over the podium...

...until the officiating minister caught it. Most caterers clip the wings of their doves so they could be caught and reused. I am seriously considering banning doves - and butterfly releases - from all of my events because of this. Oh, if there's only an alternative!!!

"I love thee, I love but thee With a love that shall not die Till the sun grows cold And the stars grow old." ~ (William Shakespeare)

Married life - like life itself - is a long road, a long trip. May pitfalls make your love stronger, and may joyous occasions lift you up ever higher. Best wishes from us at Vatel Manila!

LIJSTER - ACONG (December 21, 2007)

One funny thing that occurs during events organizing is that it is all too possible that you'd never meet the couple in the flesh until on the day itself. This is the second time it's happened and it can be rather disconcerting.

The worst thing that could happen is that there's actually no communication whatsoever and you're just handed an idea sketched on notepad paper and nothing more. Hmmm...


Despite an hour and a half of delay (because of late guests), Peiter and Abby finally got on with the ceremony. They've already been married in Netherlands early part of the year.

From paper to reality. A cabana-like structure takes center stage. I had nothing to do with this tent at all. This was the handiwork of one of our crew. The minister has got to be the youngest officiator i've ever encountered. He was very - what's the term for it? - masigasig.

There is unity in uniformity - pink balloon-skirt dresses and crossed legs all in one direction.

Songs and dances completed the night. I heard the youngsters were alagas of Kuya Germs.

Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. (Franklin P. Jones) and with this quote we send our congratulations and best wishes to the newly-weds. Mabuhay!

LAM - ANDRES (PART DEUX)

Photos courtesy of M.S. of TMF. Read on the full story in an earlier entry below.