Arvin & Leah, 09.19.08

Photographers: M+K
Location: Bonifacio High Street and La Mesa Ecopark
Hair and Make-up: Karen and Joel of The Makeup Studio Team

Here are some of the shots.
Take your pick...

It's OUT

The prenup pics are out! Yeyyy!!
We just can't wait.. to see them all!

"I'm so excited.. and I just can't hide it..
I know.. I know.. I know.. I know.."

Who is The Right One for Me?

Glossary: HMUA - "Hair and Make-Up Artist" (which I've learned through being a W@Wie)

I've been to a lot of make-up trials lately, and I never thought to be this hard. Well for me, in my case... =D

Since our wedding is on the hot month, most of the sought-after make-up artists have already been booked months or even years ago, much to my dismay and surprise. And while on my first few months of wedding preparation, I didn't consider HMUA as a major supplier. Basically, the reason is, I don't wear make-up in my everyday life. A little powder there, lip gloss here.. that's it. My sister and sister-in-law who got married had theirs from the not-so-well-known make-up artists (we knew them, of course). Believe it or not, I've been through five (yes, you read it right) different hands just to find the right one for me. Some of the recaps and short stories:

Trial One (T1)
He's good, one of the famous in the wedding industry. The first time I saw him and his works, I told myself.. this is it. I really liked my hair since they were able to do what I really wanted. It was so easy after all, I booked and paid him. But I got scared (of myself after the trial or him.. haha), don't ask why. Or maybe because, we didn't hit it off. After a few days, I decided to back out since I looked matured and nose looked bigger (ahhaa.. true ito.. malaki na nga, mas lalo pa), but not until I found the right one (which is the start of my long journey =D). Trial Two (T2)
I learned of her through one of the posts in W@W. Once I received her package, I emailed her back and set an appointment with her. When I saw her, hmm.. she looks more like a bride than me.. (insecure ang lola mo.. ahuhu). I said to myself "Di kaya sya pagkamalang bride at ako ay isang dakilang alalay". Anyways, moving forward, she's more approachable as compared to T1, kikay and madaldal talaga. And I really like her personality, she's so cool and no pretensions... hehe.. Kaso medyo na-shock ako, kasi ang gulo ng room kung san sya nagta-trial, it's seen in one of the pics below. I almost booked her, however, when I summarized my look, very natural talaga, as if I have no make-up on, which is parang wala naman talaga. My lashes are sabog-sabog, my lips dried up after a while and lipstick's gone, and my skin was oily in 2 hours. Although, I really liked her, it was still a NO for me (hirap ko paligayahin 'no?). Not really, I'm kinda a Little Miss Perfect lang naman. My thought is, if I'm going to pay naman, why not choose those who can give you what you really deserve and what you want.
Trial 3 (T3)
I had my trial again after 4 months. Naku, I really cried on my T3. Not because they did a bad job, but because they really made me happy and satisfied. Plus, both the make-up and hair artists are so fun to talk to, no dull and awkward moments. We even shared our story with them (our relationship, career, interests and everything). They even shared theirs, too. They're so mabait, maybe because of their strong convictions in their faith and beliefs. Kwento sila nang kwento, kami naman tawa lang nang tawa. As if we knew each other before. I was going to book them on the day of my trial, however, we didn't bring any extra money for the reservation fee. So I've decided to book them the following day at the wedding fair since we will be going there anyway. However, they already warned us that since that was the first day of the fair, they might get booked on our day and they can't guarantee the slot for us because they're not accepting pencil booking. So I thought, the chances were so odd for them to get booked on our day.. hmm.. (talaga lang ah). I planned to text in the afternoon telling that we will be getting them, but unfortunately I forgot.. hay.. ewan ba.. The following morning, while on our way to the fair, I texted the MUA that we'll be booking them na. When I received her reply, she told me that they were already booked! I was really devastated, since I really really loved what they did to me.. my look, my hair (oh my.. yan talaga ang gusto ko!), everything! I took a deep breath and cried.. huhuhu.. and accepted it with a sigh.
Trial 4 (T4)
A week after T3, went to another. She was nice, known also in the group. Most of her brides speaks highly of her and and her works. We travelled so early just to get to her soo far awaaay place. Though I really liked her, her make-up didn't. My skin could no longer absorb the make-up anymore. Me too wasn't sure why. It was the first time that happened to me. It looked too cakey on me, which was quite surprising since I know some of the brides really blended well with her colors.. hmm.. Maybe it's not meant to be.
Trial 5 (T5)
At last, this is it! When still looking, I said to myself, no matter what happened, this will be the last. I was already tired, my skin was drying up due to various chemicals that I was wearing every week. I'm already hearing the HMUA's name and been reading some articles about her, but I didn't try to contact her before. When I met her, she's very softspoken but accommodating. She looks sosyal to me, but down-to-earth naman pala. She has nice sets of make-up and lights. Her hands are too light and gentle, I almost fell asleep (I think nakatulog na nga ata.. haha) when she was putting on the eye make-up. She has an assistant who's doing the hair (though I love the hair, di nasunod yung gusto ko.. mapag-uusapan naman 'to.. hehe). I loved my make-up and I knew then, she's definitely the one for me (dapat lang kasi dami ko na nagastos for trial pa lang.. ;P).

Our Babies

They came to our lives 14 1/2 months ago. They were so cute, like sweet little angels. hehee..

Months later you can see they're already blooming. We really love their eyes, smiles, and everything about them.

We saw every stages of their growth. From their first tooth, to their first word and 'til the time they were able to walk. You'll forget your problems the moment you see them and they, smile at you.


Chloe is cheerful, she loves to laugh and sing. Chelsea is charming, she loves to hug and dance. Both of them makes us happy.

They're two of our flower girls. And we can't wait to see them walk down the aisle in their own gowns.
I really love them, of course, they're my nieces. c",)

Updates! Updates!

Whew! It's good to be back here.. 'been to a lot of work and pressure lately.. hehee..

Anyways, for the past months that we didn't write anything were the times that we did some wedding preparations. Once I got back, we've attended the bridal fair at the Megatrade sometime in July, I think. We didn't book any suppliers then. hehe... Much to our disappointment since we've been scouting for florists, bands, etc..

Well, here are some updates:

1. We went to Dangwa to meet Lawrence of Angel of Hearts, unfortunately he was not there. We've met his assistant, but did not come up with the final decision yet. We've met a couple of florists and stylists actually during the month of August, about four.. hehee.. We liked their work/idea however, we're in a tight budget and we don't think we can afford a Php150K styling for just one night! =D

2. We met Juancho and Meanne of Sensitivity a few days after, got a good deal from them. Still haven't decided yet, but after a week, we've confirmed that we're going to get them. We haven't made a reservation until the Themes and Motiffs fair came. hehee.. So that was September (a month after our confirmation) Good thing they are easy to talk with. Lights and sounds booked!

3. We attended the sample live session of TSG. We thought it was a full band set-up. Well, kinda disappointing, but since they have this promo and we heard some of them sing. Then it's a GO for us. hehe.. We booked them within a week and availed their promo for W@Wies! Yey!

4. We also booked BaiCapture during the bridal fair. We were looking for a cheaper alternative for photo booths and we found them. They gave us a great discount too since we also booked WINK for our invites during the previous fair. hehee... Sayang din ang Php500!

5. For the hair and makeup, we actually went to PICC mainly to book Karen Reyes and Joel Estrelles of The Makeup Team. However, due to some surprising and depressing circumstances (more about it later..huhu..), they're already taken on 12.21.08!!! And there's nothing we can do about it.

6. A week later, went to another HMU for another trial (which, for the record was my 4th!). She's really nice however, the makeup didn't look good on me. ehhe... So again.. no makeup and Php800 poorer (good thing the hair artist was not there).

7. Kinda depressed a few days later since I have to really find a good HMU. If you may not know, I'm going to change my previously booked HMUA since I find the makeup too bold for me. Although, I know the artist is really good and has lots of clients, but it was then I realized that even if the supplier is soo popular and talented, if it doesn't fit you then don't go for it. Maybe it depends on the bride.. hehee.. (bridezilla attack!!!)

8. A week after the 4th trial, Sunday at 1pm, I set up another appointment with a prospect. Lanie is accommodating even if their Salon is inside the Manila Polo Club. Although quite softspoken, I still see her as a very nice person. I really love the no makeup look(will share the pics soon). Just to ensure, I asked if there are someone else asking for her service on the same date. Fortunately none! But of course, I learned my lesson well and I have to decide sooner. I made a reservation the following day. Although I must say I have to change the hair since it's not the way I wanted it to be and the color of foundation. But overall, I love my look! hehee..

Within 3 months (July - September), we were able to book the lights and sounds, band, photo booth and hmua, but still NO florist/event stylist... Awwww...