Independence Day Holiday

I woke up feeling sick… good thing today’s a holiday because I’m running a fever the whole day. My muscles feel like I just had the workout of my life and my throat aches every time I swallow. I was feeling bored and dizzy from too much sleep so I browsed the internet for more ideas on weddings… I saw these really nice yet simple flower girl dresses that I would like mine to wear.

Baclaran Shopping

I arrived at KFC Baclaran first and ordered Chips and Dip. I was nibbling on the chips while reading a magazine when he arrived around 15 minutes later. He was starving so he ate a super late lunch first before we started our trek to Baclaran. Actually our main reason in going is to buy beddings for Charlie but we didn’t pass on the chance to look at the shops that showcased wedding gowns. First, we looked at a shop near the church (actually right beside the Redemptorist) which displayed nicely crafted gowns. This is where my cousin Tin-tin got her wedding gown last December and it was nice naman but I want a longer, softer “more bagsak” kind of veil which the saleslady said I could get from them for an additional price. A wedding gown package would also include pillows for the rings and arrhae aside from the veil. The prices were very reasonable considering that the gowns were nice-looking and most of them even had beadwork. There were also gowns for bridesmaids that were likewise reasonably priced. Also there were quite a number of choices for Barongs. After looking at two other shops of the same kind, we went about our business of buying Charlie’s beddings. Charlie and I now have a little idea on how much we would be spending on the gowns and barongs. We would also look at shops in Divisoria but since we’re still both busy and the wedding is still months away, we would have to schedule that for later.

Diet! Diet! Diet!

You’d think with all the activities I’m doing like work, preparing for the wedding, running errands and nights out I would at least maintain my weight if not lose! Unfortunately, my body seems not to agree with me! I gained weight… AGAIN! I really have to start a diet regimen if I want to look good on my wedding day! I mean I am not dreaming of having a supermodel figure (well, actually I am but I’m a bit more realistic than too optimistic) but I want to at least trim down to a size that would at least look good in my wedding pictures. Hmmm…. must remember to exercise at least three times a week and watch my food intake! Easier said than done, I know but I need to discipline myself to achieve my goal!

19 months and counting...

Today Charlie and I celebrated our 19th monthsary (wow! 1 year, 7 months and still counting…). He picked me up from work then we spent a couple of hours at RHC (Reyes Hair Cutters) in Kabihasnan, beautifying ourselves (he got a haircut and I got a manicure) then we had steak dinner at Sizzling Plate, SM Sucat’s food court. At (my) home we talked about our wedding plans and discussed the number of guests. We decided that we’ll limit our guest list to 150-200. That would mean we would only be printing about 100 invitations. We definitely decided on the celadon (a duller hue of mint green) and hot pink motif where the bridesmaids, flower girls and secondary sponsors would wear celadon gowns with hot pink accents like a ribbon or a butterfly brooch or sash. All the flowers would be pink. I want to carry a bouquet of pink tulips. (insert picture of “bouquet”). And we’re going to look for butterfly wings that the flower girls would be wearing with their celadon gowns. We already saw the butterfly cages that the girls would carry at Acclaim. We’re still finalizing our entourage though… Anyway we still have at least 11 months to prepare! Too bad we were not able to attend the affair at Trader’s Hotel for would be couples a couple of weeks ago, it would have probably given us more ideas and insights but what can we do? There were just too many conflicts… not to mention the invites arriving on my hands late…

The Wedding Date

We are still contemplating on having the wedding in April or May...
"APRIL PROS":
1. Right after the wedding which would have to take place on or before the 19th, we could have our 2nd reception in Ilocos in time for the fiesta.
2. Most of our friends and family have been informed already that the ceremony would take place sometime in April
3. Considering that I am targetting for a garden reception, this month would be "safer" from rainshowers.

"MAY PROS":
1. I really want to get married on a Wednesday and considering that the 24th (our anniversary) day of May falls on a Wednesday is somewhat providential.
2. There would be a little bit more time to prepare.
3. It would be summer time so I wouldn't have to file for a leave at work to have my honeymoon.

Welcome Home Honey!

Charlie’s back! I was so excited to see him that I did not go to work so I could welcome my honey home! We spent hours at their house talking over lunch and then later on merienda. He showed me pictures taken on his cellphone of the painting he did and the hung curtains we bought in Baclaran. Then later we had to take a taxi going to my house because I had a huge box of pasalubong from his parents and relatives.

Parting is such sweet sorrow...

Tonight my honey is going to Ilocos… without me! He has been asking me to go with him for the fiesta for the longest time but alas! wasn’t able to go on leave at the office. Also, he would be painting their house and since I have Asthma, Idont want to risk having an attach there when I smell the fumes from the paint.
We started the day early by going to Baclaran to buy “pasalubong” for Nana & Tata (Charlie’s parents). we also bought new curtains to complete the house in Ilocos’ new look. At around 3pm we went home (my house) to pack what we bought properly then at around 4:30pm we said our goodbyes then he went home (espana, manila) to get his things and then went straight to the bus terminal. :(

Hazelle's Debut

Yes! Although there were several hitches, like some of the guests getting to the party later than the assigned time (for a more surprising effect), Hazelle's (She's the girl in the picture... the dog's Nafnaf) Surprise Party was all in all a success. There was enough food and drinks for everyone. Our Tito Rey and Tita Janet pinched in with the softdrink flow, Mom ordered special pancit, I took care of the 4-course buffet, my cousin Dette and sister Mae helped out with the invitations and giveaways and Zelle’s friends spread the word (in whispers, because it’s a surprise!). There was singing (we set up our magic sing), a bit of dancing, and a lot of merry-making! Charlie even brought videocam to document the affair. My dad even brought out his black label and had a couple of shots with his friends and Charlie. Wow! My honey’s really slowly starting to be part of the family!

Gift Hunting

Went to SM Manila to look for possible gifts for Allan’s and Hazelle’s birthdays and for Lichelle’s upcoming wedding. We were able to buy a portable organ for Allan (he belongs to a band called “5 leaves left”) then we bought paper and ribbons for Hazelle’s Debut/Surprise Party invitation. We were not able to find anything for my cousin, Lichelle’s wedding though… the wedding would be in Batanggas, first week of May… will we be able to attend?

Progress on the Ring

Mom’s jeweler Cynthia took our ring sizes and promised to look for a smaller stone for the setting. We told her that the ring was pretty expensive and we would not be able to afford it anymore if there would be an increase in the price (you know, in case the gold gets more expensive or the stone setting is bigger!). She informed us that we could get our rings on installment basis since the wedding won’t be for another year… (hmmm… good?)