Last Sunday, we had our Graduation Day at the Catholic Junior College. We've finally come to the moment we've all been looking forward to. We were very thankful and blessed that with all the activities made to complete the 6 weeks journey -  we have made an effort to be punctual, meet new friends and learned a lot.

In each exercise, we have been given time to write and express ourselves to our partner, share our thoughts and feelings and practice positive affirmations. We have some fun doing the activities. It gives us the opportunity to stop, be present with each other, and look deeper into marriage instead of just planning our wedding day.

The group sharing is wonderful, we may have some differences, our group consist of Catholic and non-Catholic friends, sharing opinions depends on each other's background and culture but everyone is open and our course facilitator Steve & Louisa were a very good listener and gentle loving couple.

We have learned love as a decision and not as a feeling. Feelings come and go but love that is chosen, love that is a decision is a committed love. Pledging myself to my partner that in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, I am committed and will love him unconditionally.

The MPC help us a lot to reflect heart-to-heart how to grow healthy marriage relationship. By sticking with each other, keeping each other as our first priority, listening for love, willingness to work on our relationship, by practicing loving communication and revealing ourselves to be open in marriage and much more.

This past week we have grown together. We recognise the need to trust, to focus on changing yourself rather than your partner, speaking gently and work together to resolve conflicts, listen and do the act of reconciliation by showing thankfulness and forgiveness with each other.

Characteristics of Marital Love
Come FREELY to this union, give yourself TOTALLY for better or for worse, be FAITHFUL till death and FRUITFUL to pledge to have the children that God blesses you with.

Two elements of Forgiveness

1. Reconciliation - We are hurt and distant from each other. We need to get together, share and discuss.
2. Healing - Disappearance of guilt feelings, mistrust and hurt. This is replaced by feelings of inner peace, joy and greater love

Week 1:	Difference between Man & Woman Decision to love
Week 2:	Communication in Marriage Faithfulness & Decision Making Forgiveness
Week 3:	God & Sex - The nuptial meaning of the body Sanctity of life / Abortion Natural Family Planning
Week 4:	Sacrament of Matrimony Covenant of Marriage Marriage as a vocation
Week 5:	Divorce Three major areas of conflict: Religious differences, In-laws, Career vs Children
Week 6:	Breastfeeding Sharing Graduation Day

Overall, it was a great experience to prepare as we enter married life. We got to learn and hear stories from married and engaged couples. Good marriages don't just happen. Relationship and love need constant decision to love and sacrifice and putting God in the center of our relationship.

It was a good way to reflect and understand that receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony is not just for formalities but accepting marriage as a vocation.

We both really enjoyed our Pre-Cana session and for OFW couple in Singapore who are considering doing it here, I’d highly suggest it. It brings up all kinds of questions and issues that couples might not have been through before, things that all couples should probably address prior to getting married.


Although, our pre-cana took us 6 weeks, the sessions are longer than back home, we were very thankful we sign up and that we were able to get through and open up some valuable lessons we didn't imagine before.


xoxo,

We went at Kasalang Tagaytay Bridal Fair last July 31 at Marina Bay Sands, we met Kenneth Uy, randomly we asked him, what is the advantage of having printed invitations and he told us one point that we didn't think before, "Ang matatanda kapag walang invitation hindi sila pupunta, hindi nila mafefeel na invited sila".

A few days later, I asked W@W December Brides support group for suggestions if they have their Save The Date cards printed, some have it printed at least 20 pieces, some just send it through Facebook, Whatsapp, etc.

Then, EJ and I talked about it, our main invitation is scheduled in October. And since we will have a 2 days vacation in Pinas this month, we thought of giving them a Save The Date cards printed first, especially to our Ninong/Ninang and immediate family. My cousin Sheryl can bring some cards too as she will be back in Bohol end of August.

I knew from the start that we wanted to make our own wedding website and invitations. Not because we can do these stuffs, but because this is the only DIY we can do to add personal touch.

Layout, brainstorming, choosing fonts and browsing designs inspiration were very time-consuming. All is beautiful. All cards are perfect. You can't get away from feeling overwhelmed.

xoxo,

xoxo,

Every single one of your wedding supplier should be a good fit with your budget and your personality. Breathe, and enjoy this moment of planning your wedding.

What are some tips for choosing your wedding caterer?

1. Accredited to your target venue
   The venue is the first thing we consider when choosing the caterer. We started scouting for our possible caterer after we selected our reception in Quezon City. It's a big plus if the caterer is accredited in your target venue. As they will have the portfolio to showcase and you can save cost to avoid non-accredited caterers fee. Some venue charged 30% corkage fee based on the caterer's total contract price.
   
   We booked KbyCunanan as it is accredited in 55 Events Place. But, when we changed our venue KbyCunanan is not accredited to Felicidad Mansion. We go through some pros and cons, and we still chose KbyCunanan catering service.
   
   
2. Location
   Firstly, we searched which caterer is nearby, as much as possible, we wanted around Quezon City area only. This is our personal preference. We wanted their office accessible for us to do the food tasting, etc.
   
   When we first consider Gazebo Royale as our possible venue, we asked EJ mom's help to check out Eloquente Catering. They had food tasting and their feedback is very good. They like the food and Ms. Bheng accommodated them well.
   
   
3. Feedback
   This is what we can do mostly, reading previous clients feedback, reviews, and recommendations online. To check if they deliver exceptional service to their past couples. You can browse through Facebook fan page, online group/forums recommendation is a great niche too. Ask your friends recommendations and check out other blogs.
   
   
4. Quality of food
   We wanted to make sure we choose delicious foods our guest will love on our wedding day. We want them to remember na nabusog sila at masarap ang food.
   
5. Service, inclusions and amenities of the package
   The moment we send them an inquiry, we evaluate their service already.  If they can deliver us the inclusions and amenities of the package clearly. Some caterers offer full packages with bridal car, wedding cake, emcee, etc.
   
   Make sure the Account Executives your are working with is responsive, helpful, reachable and you're comfortable with.
   
   
6. Styling your wedding theme
   It really depends on the catering you hired. In our case, we don't plan to hire an event stylist, delicious food, menu presentation and service are okay with us, superb styling is a plus.
   
   Our wedding theme is classic romance. Browsed their portfolio to check their previous styling and set-ups. We contacted some caterers that do styling very simple but we still consider them if they are accredited at our chosen venue.
   
   
7. Budget
   The caterer consumed the largest portion of our wedding budget. This is the biggest investment we can share on our wedding day. Depends on the caterer, most packages are presented as “per-person” charges, sometimes service charge is not included and the VAT.
   
   Remember to make sure your chosen caterer is within your budget. Once you have the budget it is easier to make choices. How much can you afford to spend? Think, think, think.
   
   
8. Food Tasting
   Pinaka importanteng part ito, especially if you're in Manila, you can take advantage of the several food tasting events as well. Check if the caterer offers free food tasting, some caterers sends email and updates on Facebook page.
   

Firstly, discuss with your fiance and decide on your budget. Make a list of your possible caterer and email them directly to ask their current rates and packages. Check their customer reviews online, from all of them select one whose services are good and suits your style and taste.

Mostly, choose the one that you really like and you believe can provide delicious food and good services for your wedding. Don't forget to check about all cost and any hidden charges, check thoroughly the menu packages and what is inclusive. And importantly do a menu tasting before you finalize.

We locked down our Caterer as soon as we’ve got our reception booked. In our case, we trusted KbyCunanan based on friends personal feedback and online recommendations, we booked them through in Bridal Fair without having a food tasting.

We listed below the list of wedding caterers in Metro Manila that we contacted, rates and packages as of January to February 2016.

Queensland Catering They have regular food tasting on Sundays at Ysabel's Garden, Bf Resort Village, Las Piñas City. Registration starts at 3:30 pm and food tasting at 4:00 pm on a first come first serve basis. Good for 2 persons. Please check with them first. Diamond Wedding Package PHP 770++ # 633 Sicily St. Cittadella Exec. Village CAA Road, Las Piñas City www.queenslandcatering.com

Osio's Catering Bronze Wedding Package starts at PHP 145,000 for 150 persons Silver Wedding Package PHP 180,000 for 150 persons Gold Wedding Package price starts at PHP 350,000 for 100 persons www.osioscatering.com 2/F Gian Plaza Bldg, National Highway, Tunasan Muntinlupa City

Eloquente Catering Price starts at 680 per head up to 740 per head. The pricing we received is based on Gazebo Royale package. www.eloquentecatering.com #33 Albany St. Brgy. Silangan, Quezon City

Tamayo’s Catering They have Grand Food Tasting every Sunday from 10:00-1:00 PM in Villa Immaculada Intramuros, Manila, for 2 pax only. Please confirm with them first. Classic Star Wedding Package Buffet Lunch/Dinner PHP 850.00+ 12% VAT/pax www.tamayos.com.ph Plaza San Luis Complex Gen. Luna, cor. Real St. Intramuros, Manila

Verleo Catering They have food tasting schedule every Friday 11am or 1 pm or Saturday 11am or 1PM at San Juan office. Please confirm with them first. Their wedding packages starts at 550/head and maximum to 970/head + 12% VAT + 10% Service charge www.verleo.com 277B P. Guevarra St., cor. Ibuna St. San Juan.

Red Chef & Events Specialist, Inc. PHP 700 + VAT PHP 780 + VAT PHP 880 + VAT www.redchefandevents.com.ph 95 Guirayan St., Brgy Dona Imelda, Araneta Subd., Quezon City

Albergus Catering Total wedding package starts at PHP 170,000 up to PHP 225,000 For International Lunch/dinner buffet menu price starts at PHP 700 per pax up to PHP 1,100 www.albergus.com No. 16 Capitol Hills Dr. Old Balara, Diliman, Quezon City

The Chefs and Sauces Gourmet Catering Inc. Lite Wedding Package PHP 488 Standard Wedding Package PHP 588 Premium Wedding Package PHP 688 Unit U-2263Taft Avenue,Barangay 39,Zone V, Pasay City  www.chefsandsaucescatering.com

Juan Carlo the Caterer Package A price without prawn PHP 197,085 net for first 150 pax, add PHP 995 ++ per pax in excess of 150 Package A price with prawn PHP 233,685 net for first 150 pax, add PHP 1,190 ++ per pax in excess of 150 www.juancarlothecaterer.com 24-B 11th Jamboree Street, Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Hizons Catering They offer Free food tasting in their partner venue from time to time, just check their website. Their customized package sent to us isPHP 1,000 + 12% VAT www.hizonscatering.com 22 Renowned Lane Sanville Project 6, Quezon City

Josiah's Catering Luxe Wedding Package by Josiah's, minimum of 150 pax, PHP 165,000 all-inclusive www.josiahcatering.com 34 East Drive, Marikina Heights, Marikina City

Passion Cooks Catering 2016 Wedding Package starts at PHP 1,090 + 10% Service charge www.passioncooks.com #111 Ma. Adela Bldg,, Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines

M Catering Wedding package starts at PHP 750++ per head up to PHP 1,095 with minimum of 150. www.mcatering.ph No. 1 Kalantiaw St., cor 20th St., Project 4, Quezon City

Purple Dish Catering Stated in their package, they only accept one wedding event per day. Wedding package for 2016-17 starts at PHP 990 per head + 10% service charge and 12% VAT, minimum of 150 pax www.purpledishgroup.com Private dining place for food tasting: G/f Cocoon Boutique Hotel, Scout Tobias Corner Scout Rallos St., Quezon City

K by Cunanan Wedding package starts at 990/head up to 1195  + 10% Service Charge and 12%VAT www.facebook.com/kbycunanancatering 103 Green Meadows Ave, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Price available upon request, depending on the location and subject to change without prior notice.

xoxo,

Wedding preparations can become quite overwhelming. We started January this year, sourcing suppliers for the photography and videography services.

We intended to book these two major suppliers early.  If you really want a particular P/V or any supplier, book as soon as possible. These suppliers are in demand as they are the best and won’t let you down.

There are lots of amazing and talented wedding photographers/videographers in the Philippines, below we listed our guides in choosing our photographer and videographer.

Portfolio
We depend on everything online and a portfolio is the first thing we look for. This is a great advantage for wedding suppliers who appears on the first page of Google search engine, a website, blog, directory list, Facebook fan page, Vimeo account is good enough to check their works. If their website was opening slowly or not loading, we skip it and will look for their contact page to check their social media accounts.

The first step we did in choosing our wedding P/V was going down to their personal style. Creativity, naturalness, quality of the photos/videos, minimalist, candid, formal, romantic is what we admire and look for. Especially, the consistency in quality, capturing and eye for details, experience, and ability. Every P/V has their own style, and you need to know if it goes with what you desire.

Recommendations
We loved reading comments and recommendations from previous brides/grooms. This is a big plus for us, as we imagined whether they were a great person to have.

You can ask your friends for a referral, join W@W group on Facebook or forums like Female Network. We already have our P/V before I joined W@W group. It would be nice to have a support group like this to get feedbacks and recommendations from previous brides who recently got married, brides are very happy to share their photographer and photos and other lists of suppliers.

Communication and Availability
We were surprised to get a response quickly. We understand they might be in an event or busy but fast reply to our email makes us more likely to shortlist them.

While enquiring about their services, you can sense if you have that camaraderie with them or if you would like to work with them.  Make sure you feel comfortable with their rates and packages. You should feel a sense of joy and excitement.

Before emailing, make sure you listed your wedding date and location. If in case they are unavailable on your date, ask them for recommendations, they may know someone with a similar style.

Budget
Ever since we got engaged, planning our wedding has been a financial challenge, especially since we were both OFW. We don't want to splurge. On the other hand, we think, it’s a special day the one moment in our life when we’ll be surrounded by all of our dearest family and friends. So why not splurge? But we also think: we don’t have a huge income.

My fiancé and I are saving for a house and lot, we are building our emergency fund, so extravagance isn’t necessary.

We understand hiring the best photographer and videographer will be very expensive, and will eat big chunk from our budget. With this in mind, however, we wanted to have the best photographer and videographer according to our style, preference, and needs, that will fit within our budget, the one we can afford realistically.

If you really like their style of work, tell them upfront if they can work within your budget, they can help you customize and quote accordingly. Some give freebies and discounts.

Shortlist and discuss with your fiance
Lastly, we narrowed down our list. We contacted below suppliers and we shortlisted 3, from there, we give time to choose, we listed the pros and cons. We compare each other packages and pricing, payment terms, responsiveness and "that this is it feeling".

Bottomline, list down your potential photographer/videographer, go through their portfolios, check their personal style, story telling, personality and client's feedback.

Tips, if you really want to hire them, do not confirm verbally. Get a proper contract, place your deposit and check with them directly if you have other questions and concerns about the contract, terms, and conditions. Ask as much as you can think of. Can I customize a package based on my needs? Do you include engagement photos in your packages? How long after the wedding will I get the photos/videos?

Above all listen to your instincts and after you booked them, befriend, follow their portfolio, look forward and trust them.

Below are the list of photographers and videographers we contacted from January to February 2016.

Marlon Capuyan Photography	Basic Package Without Engagement Session (Php 50,000) Basic Package (Php 65,000) Premium Package (Php 80,000) www.marloncapuyan.net
James Limsoc Photography	Silhoutte (PHP 50,000) Creative Package (PHP 70,000) www.jameslimsoc.com
Gail Bitoon Foreverydayphoto	Package One (PHP 85,000) Package Two (PHP 100,000) Package Three (PHP 110,000) www.foreverydayphoto.com
Big Bliss Wedddings	Wedding coverage: (PHP 40,000) Engagement session: (PHP 17,000) www.facebook.com/bigblissweddings
Ram Marcelo	Intimate (PHP 25,000) Momentous (PHP 45,000) Grandeur (PHP 65,000) www.rammarcelo.com
Blu Fish Photography	Ryan Raquino (PHP 160,000) Blufish Elite (PHP 120,000) Platinum (PHP 100,000) Premium (PHP 80,000) Essential (PHP 60,000) www.blufishphotos.com
CamZar Photography	Be Complete (PHP 90,000) Be Extravagant (PHP 65,000) Be Astonished (PHP 50,000) Be Creative (PHP 25,000) www.camzarphoto.com
Fresh Minds Digital Photography	Basic Package (Service Only) PHP 52,000 Classic Package (PHP 60,000) Special Package (PHP 75,000) Special Package 2 (PHP 85,000) Superb Package (PHP 110,000) www.freshmindsphotography.com
Mayad Studios	Photo Package Wedding Day / Alvin (PHP 130,000) Photo Package  Wedding Day / Jamie (PHP 110,000) www.mayadstudios.com
A & A Photography and Video	Photo Services Only 3 Photographers (PHP 20,000) Photo Service + Prenup + Album 3 Photographers (PHP 35,000) Photo Service + Prenup + Album + SDE 3 Photographers (PHP 40,000) www.aaphoto.ph
Randolf Evan	Wedding Coverage (PHP 50,000) www.randolfevan.com
Myio Okamoto	Engagement Session (PHP 15,000) Wedding Coverage (PHP 50,000) www.myiookamoto.com
C1 Chapter One Studios	#C1Couple (PHP 30,000) Premium #C1Couple (PHP 55,000) Elite #C1Couple (PHP 75,000) www.chapter1studios.com
Chestknots Studios	Package A (PHP 68,800) Package B (PHP 98,800) Lite Rates (PHP 48,800) www.chestknots.com
Enrico Nepomuceno Photography	Tropical Package (PHP 88,000) Sunrise Package (PHP 98,000) Sand Castle Package (PHP 120,000) Fire Dance Package (PHP 165,000) www.enriconepomucenophotography.com
Wedding Campaign	Coming Soon, Logo – Engagement (PHP 28,000) Now Showing, Logo – Wedding (PHP 38,000) Emmy’s, Logo – Wedding, Engagement (PGP 58,000) Sundance, Logo – Engagement – Wedding (PHP 68,000) Cannes, Logo, Engagement – Wedding (PHP 88,000) www.weddingcampaign.com
Jay Mayuga Photography	Elijah wedding package (PHP 35,000) David wedding package (PHP 45,000) Joseh wedding package (PHP 53,000) www.jaymayuga.com
Extreme Details Photography	Photo Service Only (PHP 30,000) Photo & Video Budget Package (PHP 48,000) Photo & Video with SDE (PHP 81,000) www.extremedetails.ph
Pictratto Photography	Package 1: (PHP 30,000) Package 2: (PHP 45,000) Package 3: (PHP 65,000) www.pictratto.com
RS Studio Ojie Ramos	Full Wedding Coverage (PHP 98,888) Light Wedding Coverage (PHP 68,888)
Bob & Zab Photography	Faith (PHP 35,000) Hope (PHP 50,000) Love (PHP 75,000) www.bobandzab.tumblr.com
Manny & April Photography	Service Only PHP 50,000 Package 2 PHP 65,000 Package 1 PHP 85,000 Engagement Session PHP 15,000 www.mannyandaprilphotography.com

Videographers

Bethena Aundrea Films	Grand Video Package (PHP 55,000) www.bethenaaundreafilms.com
Noel Samson	Package C (PHP 35,000) Out of town coverage fee: *Luzon/Manila - P 5,000 www.noelsamson.net
Motiondiaries	Premium (PHP 80,000) www.motiondiaries.com
Ghe Consolacion	Full Set (PHP 90,000) www.gheconsolacion.com
ALT X Videos	Director's Cut (PHP 85,000) www.altxvideos.com
Cinemaworks Weddings	Cinema Highlights (PHP 90,000) www.icinemaworks.com
Notion in Motion	Life (PHP 100,000) www.thenotioninmotion.com

I hope this helps in some way.

Happy preps!

xoxo,