Church Hunting Journey Part 1

First things first, church. Since we want to have our wedding on somewhere East, we started our church hunting journey at Antipolo and Marikina.

Disclaimer: subjective opinions, they are based from our preference.

1. St. Therese

-along Marcos Highway, in front of SM Masinag.

- 15k for the flowers, carpet, priest, pianist, soloist

pros:

-the altar is stunningly beautifulit

- isnt hard to locate, SM Masinag is a sure landmark

- even if it's non-aircon the place seems refreshing since there are lots of trees at the back

- wide parking lot

- Ate, the one who assisted us seems to be very friendly

- Not too strict with the dress code as long as there's a strap that will support the gown and no low necklines

- good for intimate weddings :)

cons:

- not too long aisle for the bridal march - not really my preference.

- there's an ongoing construction in front of the church by the SM Management- Jaylu is thinking that maybe next year the construction is already done.

2. San Antonio de Padua

J.P. Rizal street Calumpang Marikina

wasnt able to get the price, we arrived at the church at the evening, office already closed

pros:

- beside the marikina river, good for photo ops

- since it is located uphill, i personally like the stairs that you need to take before reaching the church

- small church good for intimate weddings

- no bystanders expected since the location is somewhat hidden

cons:

- too small for us, same with St Therese, no long aisle for the bridal march

- since this is a hidden church, location is not too accessible, guests being lost on the way to church can be expected

3. Our Lady of the Abandoned (OLA)

- Calumpang, Marikina

- wasnt able to get the price, we arrived at the church at the evening, office already closed

pros:

- love the facade with the "banderitas" hanging from the church to its gate

- love the long aisle, perfect for the bridal march

- i like the chandeliers, it gives the church an extra brighter mood

- huge parking too

- we were not able to take a look at the altar closely but from our view, so far so good

cons:

- i am expecting some bystanders around since it is somewhat exposed to the Marikina people

- truth is, the name of the church is bugging me, "Abandoned". hehe but not really a biggie, I can use the Spanish name of it, "Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados"

We are planning to have occular on 3 more churches around Marikina and Antipolo/Taytay area, but so far OLA takes the lead.

I commend Jaylu for being so patient and being so actively hyper during this day. To think that he woke up earlier than me, went to MOA early in the morning and need to meet me up after lunch time. His energy is unbelievable, there are times I would shut him up because he is so madaldal and hyper while I am being attacked with my migraine maybe because i feel so tired of walking walking walking. hehe I am hoping he will remain this energetic attitude all through out our planning process :)

We got home past 8pm and celebrated my Kuya Jason's birthday and stayed up until 3am. I was happy to see my 2 kuya, Kuya Joey, Kuya Jason and Jaylu beer bond with each other. Talking about life at work and giving us advises regarding wedding preps :)

credits to Google for the pics

Where to start...

Find a good read from this site:

http://stylishweddingideas.com/articles/10-things-to-do-after-the-wedding-proposal

Its been almost a week since the engagement happened and I am at lost on where to start. I kept on revising the spreadsheet file I came up with which includes everything that needs to be done and I am so OVERWHELMED!

I am running through the list from the site and it seems I only got four out of ten checked. Jaylu wants it on June next year but I am still thinking if we can make it on June since it is September already, it will just be 9 months to go and we only got my spreadsheet to start with. hahaha.

10 THINGS TO DO AFTER THE WEDDING PROPOSAL

1. Share the good news with family and friends - ♥ only family and super closest friends

2. Plan an engagement party - ♥ shared dinner/lunch with our parents to finally formalize everything

3. Choose the wedding date - ♥ June 2012

4. Determine a budget - ♥ hoping we can stick with it

5. Put together the guest list - not yet done

6. Choose the place where the ceremony is going to be held - Church not yet booked/ decided but we want it on Antipolo City

7. Choose the venue for the reception - not yet done

8. Book an engagement shoot - n/a we dont need this one

9. Decide if you’re going to hire a wedding planner - n/a I think with the help of my friends and sis's we can do it :)

10. Choose the wedding dress - not yet done

Ask the parents - Done :)

2 days after our engagement and our trip from Cebu we immediately headed to Jaylu's parents to finally ask their permission about our plans. During dinner, Jaylu showed my hands with the ring to them as his introduction of our engagement and I think they are happy with it.

And today, Jaylu formalize everything with my parents. Prior to this, I already told my parents about it. They seem excited I guess because finally we are tying the knot.

Everything seems falling into places, I believe God will help us pull this through :)

...with the heavens crying tears of joy with me :)

And so it happened... unexpectedly :)

I can still vividly remember that Sept 17 2011 night 1130 pm at Beach Placid Resort at Bantayan Island Cebu. We were with our friends spending an out of town vacation. When we're about to call it a night he asked me to go out and walk at the shore. I am hesitant at first because I can feel some rain drops already. But he insisted to go for a walk.

And while we were walking at the beach, he started telling me the reasons why he loves me. This is the question I would always ask him whenever I make lambing to him, and to my despise I never get a serious answer not until that night:

(Note: Excerpt from my memory, expect some mushyness)

"I love you because when I was still a "no one", you're already with me. When I was starting to build my dreams andyan ka na sa tabi ko. When I was starting to fulfill these dreams, you are there. But came my downfall, alam mo naman yun kung ano, still you were there for

me. You supported and believed in me and now that I am starting to rebuild myself again, andyan ka pa din. I think now I am already a "someone" and still andito ka pa din. And for the next chapter of my life, I still want you to be there "

He asked what I think is that next chapter of his life will be. Clueless me, I cant think of any other plans that he has at that time, I was thinking of him going abroad or anywhere, so that is what I answered him.

"Hindi", he replied. Then he took out from his

pocket this life changing box and brought out the ring. He placed it on my fingers and that was when I realize he is proposing. Talking about slowness here. hehehe. I never had the chance to say "Yes" because I was so overwhelmed by the moment I just embraced him and cried, I really cried. And with the heavens crying tears of joy with me, rain began to pour :)

When I finally got back to my senses, we walked towards the light so that I can see my ring. I took off the ring from my fingers and since I was like crying moments ago, he popped the question again tutal hindi naman daw ako sumagot kasi iyak ako ng iyak. hehehe. So formally he asked me on his knees holding the ring, "Will you marry me?", I replied, "Yes of course!" *sealed with a kiss*

He is the sweetest ever *blushing*

@Bantayan Island Sept 18 am

"Nothing without you 2904"