Covered - In & Out (Lejan and Jerilyn's wedding)

Last night, I happened to check pictures from previous events waiting to be posted. Aside from the little sadness that I have gained a lot weight since last year (talk about being vain), I suddenly felt the need to write. So many stories to tell, so little time.

So I decided to post one and chose Lejan and Jerilyn's wedding to begin with .

This photo is courtesy of Wally Gonzales

Theirs was fairy tale made in heaven. Perfect match. Soulmates as they described each other, Lejan and Jerilyn finally sealed their vows with a kiss and a tight embrace on August 5, 2006.

Start of the day at Shangri-la, we were amazed to see the wedding gown very much covered as if a princess will be wearing it for a grand ball. It just arrived from the hotel laundry where we had it pressed. Since we were the first to arrive, David had the chance to photograph it before it was removed.

It was a gown she had dreamed of. Something that fitted her description of "wanting to feel the magic on that certain day". The designer on our team, Jun Pimentel made it possible. The beadworks were inspired by the craftsmanship of a gown design for an indian princess since the designer found Jerilyn's features very regal.

Being particular to details, the couple also made sure that everything was well coordinated, the groom's attire of no exemption. Aside from the suit that was bought in Dubai, the personal items of the groom were handpicked by both of them before they flew back to Manila. The male entourage also had similar neckties in old rose.
The day started with final instructions and some phone calls from friends who extended their regards and wishes.

The whole team was delighted to see the excitement in Jerilyn's eyes. The lack of sleep( as any other bride would experience) did not prevent her from looking radiant as expected. Eddie Bruan made sure that her updo specification was followed. In fact, Jerilyn even bought a copy of the updo she wanted during her trial make up.

Le Jan on the other hand, carried an aura of lightedness. Yet, he wanted to make sure of one important thing- That his vows were written legibly and made sure that an extra copy was not forgotten. I can not forgot his final instructions "Queen, ikaw na bahala ah. I just want this wedding to be memorable and special for Jerilyn". I guess it did become memorable, not just for Jerilyn but for him as well.

We had a great time working with them from the very beginning even if they were both on-shore. Lejan and Jerilyn were in Dubai the whole course of the wedding preparation. We communicated via email and once in a while, whenever Jerilyn had a flyback to Manila, we would meet. Their families were easy to deal with, very warm and appreciative and treated us like their own. We were very thankful for their trust. During the event, we were more eager to make everyone feel comfortable and enjoy the moment that they deserve. I was enormously happy that even the kids ( Lejan's niece and nephew) gamely posed everytime they see a photographer around. Manang- mana kay tito boss! ( their term of endearment for Lejan)

It was also great to have worked again with one of the better photographers around, Wally Gonzales. Having him covered the wedding made us worry free knowing that important shots will not be missed. His energy and enthusiasm were very much contagious. Mauuna pang mapagod ang couple kesa magsawa sya sa pagpicture. :) Whenever he saw an opportunity, he grabbed it. His ideas were overflowing and he made sure that the couple felt comfortable after a few shots.

To view some of his offical wedding shots, please visit Lejan and jerilyns website - http://lejan-jerilyn.weddingannouncer.com

The christian ceremony and reception were both done at the Venue 1 of Fernwood gardens.I was relaxed since I was sure that the team of Josiah's Catering will be able to settle the table arrangements after the ceremony on time. They did. Ambilis nga. About 10 minutes after the rites, the venue was transformed into a magical garden reception. Guests enjoyed their meal and the overflowing booze.

It rained so hard during the reception program, in and out of venue 1. Outside, blessings from heaven started to pour midway of the program. Inside, people were shedding tears of joy as the mothers shared their messages, as the couple rendered songs for each other and as they had their first dance as if the angels were tying an invisible knot around them.

Everybody had their cameras ready and captured those rare moments. And everybody meant everybody. Including of course, Lejan's very suppotive brother in law, Sonny.

After the program came the most awaited party as guests danced their way all night to the music of The Sentimental groove's all in one band.

The party was enjoyed ................

.... by guests of all cultures. ( Some of Lejan and Jerilyn's guests flew from different parts of the globe just to witness their union )

- by guests of all ages

- by friends who have remained loyal despite the distance.

It was a great night. A night when dreams were fulfilled, tears fell, rain poured so hard, wishes granted, families and friends reunited. As I have mentioned during the program, "No amount of words will be able to describe how blessed this couple is". It was a day when eveything got covered. Somewhere, somehow God's magical hands took charge.

Baby Ice

Our family got bigger yesterday. :)







Justin Ice, 1st born child of Jackie and Jhoelle was born yesterday at 5:44 AM. Anlaking bata. Imagine 8.1 lbs, 48 cms. And take note ha. Normal delivery - Ang lupet mo Jacke!!! So proud of you.






Pero ang cute cute. Look-alike ng daddy nya.
Ampula pula pa. Maputi sigurado yan. :0



He got Jhoelle's nose ( at talagang nose ang nauna ), lips - that's how Jhoelle's lips look like when he's sleeping. Hmm, mukhang nakuha yata kay Jacke yung eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes ( meron ka ba nun Jacke?)

We are really waiting for him to grow a lot bigger and a little older so that we can have our group pictorial when his dad arrives.
I used to remember another staff saying " Ah kaya Justin ang ipapangalan dyan kasi " Justin Like Ours " . :)

Fab, Fun, Feverish (Fed and Ria's Wedding)

Fed and Ria

They are lucky to have found each other, we are luckier to have found them. One of the coolest couples I have met, Fed and Ria made their event a spectacular celebration of love and a lot more.

Fed, seemed to be relaxed the whole morning of the preparation. His whole family was there to crack jokes, watch television and even take a nap with him. Come ceremony time, I was stunned with his overflowing emotion. (I happen to have the chance to attend the start of the ceremonies since the reception is just beside the church)

While Ria, on the other hand looked as relaxed as Fed, her suite was much busier having been filled with some guests and suppliers. After the make up( by Ara F.) and wearing of her gown( by the ever reliable Veluz). She looked fabulous!

Looked like everyone would like to make sure that the entourage flowers were fresh and complete ( Nice flowers, by the way from Mang Boy Mahusay-Mahusay talaga). The staff who is counting the flowers is Jackie - 9 months pregnant! We are actually waiting for the newest Just Like Ours Baby to come anytime within the week .

Let me tell you how they pulled off a stylish wedding....


They chose a church that's special and near to their community. Bamboo organ is a small historic church which is fit for an intimate wedding. It is quite warm in the afternoon. The couple however, prepared fans for the guests. The coordinating staff gave these upon entrance. The church picture shown here was for another wedding. The floral arrangement during Fed and Ria's was a lot better!!!! Ria's dad made some bamboo tall flower pillars and these were filled with white flowers and dragon snaps. We don't have the actual pics though since David was busy with the ceremonies.

The reception venue is at St. Joseph's gym ( gym inside the school beside the bamboo organ ). It looked very plain but with the aid of an event stylist ( Lala of Interplay ), a great transformation was made for the venue.

This is how it looked like during the actual event!!!! The mood lights really made the difference. The drop down swags of white cloth covered the stage ( because we never wanted their reception to look like a graduation ceremony. :)

The car was decorated with some ornaments and a pair of teddy bears dressed as bride and groom.

This decoration actually helped us pass through a slight traffic near the church. The traffic officer were even amazed, my staff heard him say to other drivers " O, padaanin muna natin ang ikakasal at baka mainitan ang mga teddy bear!"

The reception was made more special with a beer keg! Parang October fest. :)

Fed and Ria's best buds had the time of their lives as well, the bride singing Can't take my Eyes off You for the groom, opened the floor for dancing and a night of fun. A professional dance instructress helped their buddies unleash their dancing prowess.

The event made us meet some familiar faces as well. Tim, Ria's Matron of Honor was also a Just Like Ours bride. We actually met Ria through her wedding.

The night ended with lots of laughter, tired legs wanting to dance more and 30 liters of beer finished off - we actually had to order some more!!!!...

And did I ever mention I was very sick that time? Oh I did not even mind it. Fun and fever went along quite well. :)

My Dad, His Camera and Me

3 years in the making, David has gotten a new baby. Gone are my selos days. I got used to him being so passionate about this. As a sign of my undying love - I finally got him a new camera. I'm pretty sure he is still inlove with his Yashica FX3-2000, but for now, the "old baby" has to take a back seat. Buti na lang I am the forever baby otherwise, I would be kept in the closet too. ;)

Honestly, I am so glad with his new toy too ( teka lang, parang expensive yata for a new toy ). In fact, this baby has documented some precious moments during our events these past weeks. I'll be posting them soon.

" Be married to a passionate man and discover endless possibilities life can offer ".....

" Be married to a passionate woman and hear the untold stories of tomorrow's promise "...

" Buy a new camera and record your journey, let the pictures speak of your conquest ".

The name

What's in a name?

Is it life's meaning one has found halfway through his journey? Or a lingering thought that one can never let go of?

Is it something that creates an opportunity for one who wants to succeed? Or something that gives hope during missed expectations?

Is it something that delivers a sense of royalty? Or is it just...... something, simply something?

After a long battle with my usual excuse of "I'll start my blogsite later, I'll rest muna", here I am starting to post something that has been on my mind for several seasons only to find out that in thinking of how to start it will only make me think more.

I finally decided on starting this with our name. " Ay bakit Just Like Ours? ", " Ang cute naman! ". These are the usual reactions from people when they learn about our name. Wala pa namang nagsabing mushy hahahaha. I'm sure nobody would have the courage to say it.

But why Just Like Ours?

Several months after our wedding, my wonderful and handsome husband ( take a backseat Brad Pitt ) DAVID and I have been thinking of a name we should give to a group we have been planning to create. We can't think of any that fits. It took us weeks before we thought of something. It was hard! And whoever said that having a name for your baby is easy, think again. Especially if the baby you are pertaining to is a working group. Not a baby who wants a change of diapers every 2 hours or so. Imagine if we will be called David's Angels? Buti kung kasing sexy ko si Lucy Liu, or Masters of Events - parang Master showman walang tulugan. Or the Bride of David - ay naku baka magselos si Chucky at maging horror pa kame. Nothing fits!

Then suddenly, a thought just popped out of my mind ( sorry dada, idea ko talaga hehehehe). Why not Just Like Ours? David said "Ah huh" - seems like I am preparing for a thesis topic and reporting to a professor hahahaha.

Kidding aside.

Every event gives us something in return. It helps us cultivate friendships, it spices our relationship, it makes us wonder and turn back to the time of our own wedding. It gives us an opportunity to grow and help others grow with us. It makes us believe that we can hold on to something more important than any form of success. It gives us a glimpse of a future we can never tell. It makes us human in this fast fast fast and quick quick quick world. It makes us one.

In return, we help them make it a celebration of love and life, because every wedding deserves to be. It is a union where my team members are not merely workers but a family. Where couples are more of PERSONS than brides and grooms who are shelling out some money from their pocket with minds filled with expectations.

We take it with equal passion, with equal focus, with equal belief. We dream with them, we spend sleepless nights with them, we pray with them.

We share their thoughts, their joys, their fears, their triumph. We help make their event something that would LINGER. Just Like Our own wedding, Just Like Our Lives, Just Like Ours.

It fits.

It's Perfect.

It's Us.

It's Mushy.

But it's Real.

Now, I'm really blogging. :)