Thursday, May 26, 2011

Wedding Motif

I was browsing the net looking for color combinations when I saw a site that can truly help you guys in combining colors for your motif. 
http://colorschemedesigner.com/  
www.colorschemedesigner.com offers you a great way of selecting color schemes either at monotone colors, complement, triad, tetrad, analogic and accented analogic color combination.


http://www.webdevelopersnotes.com/design/color_combinations.php3
An easier way to select your color motifs for your events is shown at www.webdevelopersnotes.com/design/color_combinations.php3.  Here you can easily pick the color schemes in Triad colors.  You can either use the 3 colors combined or 2 colors combined.

Wedding Venue: Osgood Garden

Osgood Garden is one of the scenic spots for small weddings or small gatherings for special occasions.  It can cater to 50 to 80 pax with a nice view of the mountains.  It has a gazebo and some ornamental plants scattered around to enhance the ambiance of the place.  The garden is situated inside the APTS Theological Seminary, Tiptop Ambuklao.  Just right after Pacdal circle, you enter the bridge and a few minutes, you can see a green gate with APTS signage on it.

They  only allow Christian weddings though and costs $200 for OSGOOD garden and P40/person for the corkage for the food.  They also offer affordable accommodations for your guests.

Here are some pictures of the place.








CONTACT DETAILS:

Contact Person:  Ms. Rachel Cosmiano
Email: guestservices@apts.edu
Website:  www.apts.edu

Wedding Venue: Hotel Supreme

Hotel Supreme is one of the most affordable wedding venue for your special occasions such as weddings, debut, birthdays and conferences.

They offer different halls for your events such as the Diamond Hall, Margarita Hall and Opal Hall among others.

It is managed by Mr. Jeff Ng who sometimes does emceeing on weddings.  Their Chinese Cuisine is superb to the taste! 

Diamond Ballroom


Contact Details:
Hermie Aquino
Events Manager
09189307107
website:  www.hotelsupreme.com.ph



Phone Number (074) 443-2011 to 18
Mla. Direct Line (02) 250-6025 (toll free)
Fax Number (074) 442-2855 / (02) 250-6025
E-mail Address hotelsupreme@skyinet.net
contact_us@hotelsupreme.com.ph

Wedding Venue: Heritage Mansion

Heritage Mansion is one of the newest established wedding reception here in Baguio City.  They have a hall that can accommodate to 500 pax.  You can rent the place at P10,000 and have the food catered by Solibao Restaurant or you can opt to have your own caterer with corkage fees.

The place is a historical place as well since it was passed on to generations from the signing of Japan and America after the war and it became a pizza parlor, then the Mullers eventually acquired the place in the 1940's.  In the 20th century, it had been the place for a Korean Restaurant before it became Heritage Mansion as it is known today.




Contact Details:

Heritage Mansion
Kisad Road thru Abanao Ext. Cor. G. del Pilar St.
Baguio City
Philippines 2600
Tel: (074) 445-2046 Fax: (074) 424-7336
mobile number: 0917.535.0105
info@theheritagemansion.com

Also offers Wedding Packages...

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Church Requirements in Baguio City

For those getting married here in Baguio City, you might want to know the Basic Church Requirements for different churches.  (requirements may change depending on the church's discretion especially that parish priests change rotation every 3 years)


A.   Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral (Baguio Cathedral as it is known)
  1. In line with Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) thrust of the Diocese of Baguio, it is encouraged that marriage be held in any of the couple’s respective parish.

  1. In order to reserve a wedding date:
    1. The couple should seek schedule for canonical interview.
    2. Upon reservation:
-         a written permission from non parishioners must be presented
-         a deposit of:
1.      P2,000 for parishioners
2.      P8,000 for non parishioners
will be remitted.  This deposit becomes the couple’s donation to the church whether reservation is consummated or not.  Confirmation of weding date is done upon submission of required documents.  This must be done one month before the reserved date.  In the event that the documents are not submitted on time, the reservation will be automatically cancelled.
3.  Requirements to be submitted or completed:
    1. Baptismal Certificate:  newly issued and marked: “For Marriage Purpose”
    2. Confirmation Certificate
    3. Marriage License (Health Center) or Marriage contract (for those civilly married)
    4. Certificate of No marriage (from NSO) for both parties.
    5. 1 pc. 2x2 ID pictures for Marriage Banns
    6. For Foreigners:  Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (from one’s respective Embassy in the Philippines)
    7. Attend Catechism Class on the Sacrament of Marriage
Schedule:          Every Saturday of the month at 9am      to 5pm
Venue:              2nd Floor Sangkabalayan Building
    1. Attend one session of the Pre-cana seminar
Schedule:          1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 2pm to 5pm
                        2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 9am to 12noon
Venue:              2nd Floor Sangkabalayan Building
    1. Marriage permit – those not from cathedral parish are asked to obtain written permission from their parish priest.
  1. If the solemnizing priest is not from the parish, submit a letter of request to the Parish priest to allow the priest of your own choice to officiate your wedding.  Once it is approved, the couple must submit the Officiating Priest’s license number to solemnize marriage in the Philippines.  (Only one priest may celebrate the Mass and solemnize the Marriage)
  2. For SCOUT BARRIO, LOAKAN and KIAS chapel, please consult the Parish Office for the availability of the chapels.
  3. Lector and Commentator:  Family members and close friends assignee to read and to proclaim are highly encouraged to coordinate with the commissioned lectors and commentators.
  4. Decorations inside the church c/o church florist – Bro. Zaldy CP#09089040843
NOTE:  Couple’s Choice of florist is respected.

8.  Wedding schedules are as follows:
Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays at 8am, 10am and 2pm
Fridays:   8am and 10am only (due to the Holy Hour every 3pm)
No weddings on Sundays
  1. Other Church Donation:
    1. Sponsors: P100 per pair
    2. Choir:  P1,500 for one hour and thirty minutes, exceeding time limit is P300/ thirty minutes
Choir registration fee of P150 is donated when the couple decides to hire from outside.
    1. Electricity: Donation of P1000
    2. Should there be any difficulties, please contact the Parish Office
For Further Inquiries:
Contact: 424-7871 or 09285566522
c/o Fely Com-ong

B.   Immaculate Concepcion Parish (Aurora Hill)
  1. MARRIAGE LICENSE issued by the LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR of the City or Municipality where either contracting habitually resides.
  2. MARRIAGE CONTRACT if the parties are civilly married.  A photocopy of the original would suffice.  In this instance, the Catholic marriage co validate the civil marriage.
  3. Marriage according to ART. 34 of the NEW FAMILY CODE for a man and woman who have lived together as husband and wife for at least 5 years.  No need for a marriage license from the Civil’s Registrar Office.  Instead an AFFIDAVIT OF COHABITATION AS PRESCRIBED BY THE CIVIL LAW.
  4. CERTIFICATE OF NON MARRIAGE from the National Statistics Office (NSO).
  5. BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE of both parties, taken from the church where they were baptized.  The baptismal certificate should be marked ”FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSE ONLY”.
  6. CONFIRMATION CERTIFICATE of both parties taken from the church where they were confirmed.  If any one of them has not yet received the sacrament of confirmation, the PRE-CONFIRMATION SEMINAR be scheduled by the catechist in charge, CONFIRMATION RITE to be scheduled.
  7. CATECHISM also to be scheduled by the catechist in charge.
  8. Compulsory attendance in the PRE-CANA SEMINAR being held in any of the following venues:
    1. ST. VINCENT FERRER PARISH – 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 7:30 to 12 noon.
    2. OUR LADY OF ATONEMENT CATHEDRAL, SANGKABALAYAN BLDG.
b.1  1st and 3rd Sunday of the month – 2pm to 5pm
b.2  2nd and 4th Sunday of the month – 9am to 12noon
  1. PERMISSION TO MARRY for those who are parishioners of the parish.
  2. Prepare a list of the PRINCIPAL SPONSORS with their addresses.  This should be submitted to the Parish Office 1 week before the marriage.
  3. FINAL INTERVIEW with the PARISH PRIEST.  This includes going over the rites of marriage and the filling in of other pertinent needed for marriage.
  4. INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION before marriage.  The reception of this sacrament is necessary for the couple as preparation for the sacrament of matrimony.
  5. FOR NON FILIPINO CITIZENS a certificate of AFFIDAVIT OF LEGAL CAPACITY to contract marriage is issued by the EMBASSY concerned.
  6. FOR MILITARY PERSONNNEL a certificate of affidavit of legal capacity to contract marriage issued by the EMBASSY is needed.
  7. IN CASE OF MIXED MARRIAGE the following forms must be duly accomplished by both parties:
    1. Promises and declarations of the contracting parties
    2. Dispensation from the canonical form provided for in C. 1127, 2 if there is a need of dispensation
  8. CONCELEBRATION is not allowed.
  9. IF THE COUPLE INVITES A PRIEST TO SOLEMNIZE THEIR MARRIAGE, THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF THE PRIEST’S STIPEND.
NOTE:
    1. Papers must be submitted at the Parish office 3 weeks before the wedding.  If there are difficulties, always consult the Parish office as soon as possible.
    2. No wedding ceremony should take place without fulfilling all necessary requirements.
    3. PUNCTUALITY is a must.  The wedding ceremony shall start exactly as scheduled. 
    4. Strictly NO GARDEN WEDDING.
    5. Ring bearers and flower girls are advised to be at least 5 years old and above.
    6. Photographers must avoid too many movements especially at the sanctuary.
WEDDING FEES:
  1. P4,000 – Reservation fee to be paid upon reservation and non-refundable
  2. P400 – For use of electricity
  3. P300 – Use of carpet
  4. P300 – Cleaning fee
C.  St. Joseph The Worker Parish (Pacdal) Tel. No. (074) 442-4021
1.      Documentary Requirements
  1. BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATES
-         newly issued marked “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES”
  1. CONFIRMATION CERTIFICATES
-         newly issued marked “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES”
  1. Marriage License (for new couple)
      Marriage Certificate      (if married civilly)
                                          ( present original copy & submit photocopy)
      Birth certificate (for unbaptized spouse)
                               (present original copy & submit photocopy)
  1. CENOMAR (Certificate of Non Marriage)
2.      Seminars
            PRE-CANA    1st Saturday (8AM – 11:30NOON; 2PM-4PM) or
                                    3rd Saturday (8AM – 11:30NOON; 2PM-4PM)
            CATECHETICAL INSTRUCTION
1st Sunday (8AM – 11:30NOON) or
                                    3rd Sunday (8AM – 11:30NOON)
3.      Canonical Interview
            (must be scheduled one month before the wedding with the parish priest)
4.      Fees
            Reservation fee………P1,000
                        (non-refundable but deductible from the marriage fee)
(the date of the wedding will only be considered as reserved upon payment of the reservation fee)
            Marriage fee…………P2,000
                        (resident of St. Joseph Parish)
 (family must have resided within St. Joseph Parish at least five years before the scheduled wedding)

P4,000
(resident of the Diocese of Baguio-Benguet)

P8,000
(non-resident of the Diocese of Baguio-Benguet)
            Fee for electricity (if lights and video are used)…… P1,000
            Fee for marriages going beyond 6PM
 (an additional fee of P1,000 every hour is charged for the use of indoor and outdoor lights and overtime pays of helpers and employees)
            God parents ……………..P100 each
            Seminar Fee……………..P150
                        (covers the certificate of PRE-CANA and snacks during the seminar)
            Confirmation……………P300 each
5.      If any of the parties is not from St. Joseph Parish and is from other parishes of Baguio, he/she should obtain permission from his/her respective parish priest to marry at St. Joseph Church.
6.      The aforesaid requirements must be settled one week before the wedding ceremony.
NOTE:            Only one hour and thirty minutes is allotted for each wedding.
                        Limit entourage and flower girls to three pairs only.
                        (fees will be asked for those who exceed the three pair limit)
                        Bearers and flower girls should be four years old and above.
There are no sponsors in church and civil wedding, they are either called god parents or witnesses.

D.  St. Vincent Ferrer Parish (Naguillian)


For Christian Weddings, requirements are interview with your pastor and Marriage License. 

Should you want to share your church's requirements, you can post them below.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

A Bithday Concept

I had the chance to do chocolate fountain catering and bubble machine set-up last May 21, 2011 at Ridgewood Hotel for a birthday party for one of my clients.  Here are some pictures of cool concepts that Ms. Michelle did for her son's 1st birthday. 
The Entrance


Registration Table

Table Setup.  Cool idea for the balloons set-up

Table Centerpiece with Carwyn's Pictures at the sides

Kudos to Vincent, the visual artist, displaying the birthday boy's name and black and white pictures
Kid's Activity Table (coupon bond with crayons)

Framed Photo Booth

The Floriade Chocolate Fountain
Sorbetes Ice Cream Unlimited with balloons being blown at the side
Ridgewood's Catering

Piñata 1
Piñata 2
Piñata 3
Face Painting by the visual artist
cupcake
The gifts on a separate table

loot bag with candies and cookies and school suppliers inside

Carwyn's Replica and my bubble machine at the side for added effects
Signature Frame

To Ms. Michelle, "Thank you for making us a part of your son's Birthday!"  May he grow up to be what his father said for his birthday wish, "That Carwyn will grow up to be simple like his father and a God-fearing child, living his life as to what he chooses to be."   Touching and inspiring words it is.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Where to begin….

         As a bride to be, it is very exciting to hear that you are getting married to the man of your dreams. However, as brides go into the planning of their wedding, they become frustrated and sometimes stressed out since they do not know where to begin. So here I have listed some of the ideas that might help brides-to-be and couples-to-be in order to achieve a stress-free wedding planning.

1. Set the theme/ mood and date for your wedding. 

              If you intend to have a garden wedding or beach wedding, the best time of the year here in the Philippines is during the months of December to June since stormy days are over. For the months of July to November, it is best to have the wedding indoors to avoid having to deal with unpredictable weather conditions. Here in the Philippines, with regard to history, before, weddings are tied up with their culture and traditions. In the Cordillera for example, every tribe have their own wedding ceremony to follow before couples get married. They held canao’s for how many days of celebration. But I will be discussing further the ethnic wedding practices later on my blog. Among these days though, most weddings are now customized or weddings are planned depending on the theme/mood that reflects the togetherness and character of the couples. Nowadays, many also go for infusing culture and modern style of wedding. So it is important for a bride to be able to talk with his groom on what theme they like to have for their wedding. It can be an out-of-town wedding, beach wedding, garden wedding, masquerade ball wedding, victorian style wedding, foreign wedding like jewish or greek style, fairy tale wedding, gypsy wedding and many more.

2. Decide on your budget

              It is imperative to make a list of the things needed for your wedding day. Avoid placing too much budget on things that are not necessary like expensive accessories or shoes that can be hidden under the dress, unless you can afford it. Since these are sometimes left unnoticed on your wedding day. What is important is the guests are full of good memories for them to bring home and to remember your wedding day. Food for example plays a very important role since this is the first thing that guests noticed aside from the flowers and styling. Second is the cake where guests are very eager see along with the program and souvenirs that they will get. But if you are a budgeterian, you may opt to remove the souvenirs or if not make your own souvenirs, invitations among others. Attend free seminars on bead jewelry making, floral arrangements, wedding planning so you can make it on your own most of all if you are very good at designing or you are very particular with detail.

3. Join Wedding Bazaars. 

           I also recommend joining wedding bazaars in your area so you have plenty options for suppliers to choose from. Some even offer discounts for those who are joining bazaars so it is recommended to canvass your suppliers there, ask around from your friends or family members who got married, and research through the internet or wedding books and magazines.

4. Ask for help from your family members and close friends. 

          Perhaps, your family members or friends would like to shoulder or give as gifts to you. some things needed for your wedding like bridal car, sound system, emcee, choir, caterer or floral arrangements. I got married 6 years ago and I only spend P50,000 for my wedding since my caterer is my mom and my relatives, I only bought the food to be cooked, tables, linens and chairs were borrowed from my aunt who has her own catering and canteen business, the reception was held in our house since there is a big space for the reception. I also asked my siblings and cousins to do the decoration and my aunties were the ones who made the program. My sister’s gift is the floral arrangement, bouquet and coordination in the church while my cousin’s boyfriend offered his car to be our bridal car. I bought floral arranged pots in the market for only P35 each and the guests can’t wait to bring them home after the wedding. My mother-in-law bought our wedding rings. So basically, what we have just spend was the rentals for wedding entourage gowns and barongs, our shoes, accessories, photography and food (our video cam got destroyed the day before the wedding, so it was quite frustrating though. So I suggest that you better hire a photographer and videographer to avoid relatives asking for money for them to develop the films they used during the ceremony and reception. If you can ask your photographer to picture each guests so they can also buy it or give it away after the wedding as souvenirs). They’ll surely love it. Invitations were also made by my husband since he’s very good in layouting. So we just bought the materials for it and I did the finishing touches.

5. Consult or hire a Wedding Planner or Wedding Consultant. 

            If both of you are too busy to handle the preparations or if both of you are working abroad and have no time to plan ahead, it is best to hire or consult a wedding planner. Since most wedding planners have special discounts with suppliers, it can be very helpful for you especially if you will be having an out-of-town wedding or beach wedding. They can offer a lot of ideas that you can also choose from and be able to help you out by giving guides depending on your motif or them and helping you in budgeting in order to minimize expenses but yet have the dream wedding you ever wanted.

6. Choose from 2 options only. 

         Trim down your options in order not to stress yourself too much. Especially in choosing your suppliers, take the list of suppliers you have and cut down your options to 2 then choose from there. Avoid moving back and forth with your decisions since this will stress you a lot. Stick with what you and your partner have chosen once you have decided on it.

7. Make it simple yet elegant. 

            Some of your guests may not like to come to your wedding in fear of being out of place. So it is best to make the wedding simple yet elegant. According to survey, many Filipinos are now into live-in since most couples are scared to wed because of the financial side of it. So if you can not afford a grand wedding, just make it simple. Perhaps, a simple dinner with the family after the ceremony will do. As long as the people whom you love are there to witness your bonding together, it would be a site to behold!

         Lastly, don’t expect too much since expectations can make your day dry.  Just seize the moment (Carpe diem!) and enjoy every minute of your wedding day.  Remember, if you have surpassed all trials and challenges during your wedding planning, then I assure you, you will survive a lifetime with your partner!

Happy planning!

The Art of a Good Marriage





The Art Of A Good Marriage
By Wilfred Arlan Peterson

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

SAMPLE CEREMONY PROGRAM


I.  Prelude     -   Music starts 5 minutes before guests start to come in
                    -    Entrance of Guests, will remain seated until Bridal entrance
II. Processional - Background Music
III. Bridal March  
IV. Opening Prayer  
V. Message of the Officiating Minister
VI. Exchange of Vows
a. Rings
b. Arrhae
c. Bible
VII.     Lighting of the candle by the Candle’s Sponsors
IX.      Laying of the Veil
X.       Laying of the Cord
XI.      Bread of Communion
XII.     Signing of the marriage contract
XIII.    Prayer for the couple by the officiating minister
XIV.    Removal of Cord and Veil
XV.     Parents Ceremony (If you have some simple gifts that can 
          remind of your childhood or past memories with you and your parents   
           and some personal messages to convey to your parents) - optional
XVI.     Proclamation and Pronouncement
XVII.    Kissing of the Bride and Groom
XVIII.   Picture taking
XIX.     Dove Release or Live Butterfly release

Friday, May 20, 2011

Wedding Reception Program

SAMPLE RECEPTION PROGRAM

I.      Introduction of Principal Sponsors and Secondary Sponsors (names will be called to be recognized. Stand to be recognized)
II.     Recognize relatives and guests from different provinces or places
III.    Entry of the Groom and Bride
IV.    Couple’s dance
V.     Releasing of butterflies/doves
VI.    Invocation by                                         
VII.   Message of Parents/Sponsors
Parents speeches
         Principal Sponsors speeches
VIII.   Dinner Dinner Dinner (picture per table then proceed to buffet)
IX.     Showing of AVP slideshow of yesteryears and pre-nuptial photo shoots
X.      Rendition by a relative of friend or Band
XI.     Cake Cutting and Toast Ceremony
XII.    Bestman and maid of honor toasts (bestman and maid of honor speeches)
XIII.   Father and Daughter Dance
XIV.   Mother and Son Dance
XV.    Money Dance
XVI.   Bouquet and Garter Ceremony (this can be done in a form of a game)
XVII.  Garter Ceremony
XVIII. Message from the Groom and Bride
XIX.   Dance… Dance… Dance…