Wedding Preps Series: First Grand Food Tasting with CVJ

Yan's most awaited part of our wedding preps: food tasting! Yesterday we went to our very first food tasting at the CVJ Clubhouse in Marikina.

The place was fully set up as if a wedding will take place. There was a lighted buffet table where their best-sellers were served. We were given a menu of the items being served that day. I was so happy to see Yan taking lead for the first time since we started planning our wedding. He was the one really assessing each dish and checking and crossing out items on the menu. It's what it takes to get him to participate - FOOD.

Wedding Preps Series: My Wedding Party Venues Reviews and Shortlist

I am happy to share my supplier reviews hoping these will help other bride-to-be's who are looking for options and feedback. The first supplier shortlist post I did was my hair and make up artists shortlist.  And now I am sharing with you my party venues options and shortlist. 

I have already booked our wedding party venue. It will be at the Light of Love Events Place in Quezon City, and I could say that we don't have any regrets booking the place. I like this place ever since I saw its photos online. You may see here my stories of our very first ocular and when we finally booked it.

When choosing the party venue I considered the following:

1. Budget: Will it not exceed our budget? (Big question)
2. Value for money: Does it include packages that will make my life easier and will cut down on my cost? 
3. Not too stiff: We do not want it to look too formal so we do not want a ballroom. We also do not want the venue to look too stiff as we want a fun and perky party.
4. Ambiance: Is it beautiful? Is there anything special with the place compared to other venues?
5. Space: Is it big enough and will not be too tight? Tight venues are no-no for us.
6. Service: Will the staff be of great service to us attending to our queries and needs before and during our wedding day? Will they make our big day stress-free?
7. Food: If food packages are included, are they good enough? Is the price worth it?
8. Parking: This is important. Will our guests not have difficulty parking?
9. Location

I have researched so many venues and I will try to lay them all out here for you. I will quickly do a run-down of all the venues I looked at (online) and my actual shortlist. If you want to skip to the shortlist you may scroll further down as I have pretty much included in this post all the venues that I have encountered along the way, including those that I still looked up even after I have booked our chosen venue.

Wedding Preps Series: My Hair and Make-up Artists Shortlist

I'm happy to say that I have finally booked my HMUA after thorough research and forum reading - which you can read about here. For those who haven't booked one yet and are still looking, I want to share the HMUAs and their packages that I've shortlisted and considered. It's a copy-paste straight from my personal note (which I have organized a bit, of course) from my Wedding notebook in Evernote that I'd be happy to share with you.

As I have mentioned in my previous post, I've never considered booking an expensive HMUA because I know I can find lots who are as good and who offer reasonable rates. As I've began my hunt for my HMUA, I've seen a lot of artists who offer reasonable enough rates and I've compiled them all. What I look for? 3 main things (in order of importance): client feedback, rate, portfolio.

Wedding Preps Series: Hair and Make up Artist Booked! - Berny Tia

I've never considered booking an expensive HMUA because I know I can find lots who are as good and who offer reasonable rates. As I've began my hunt for my HMUA, I've seen a lot of artists who offer reasonable enough rates and I've compiled them all, sharing my shortlist here. What I look for? 3 main things (in order of importance): client feedback, rate, portfolio.

I was eyeing Mich Camclang and Mhec Gado. Mich's already known in the industry and her rates are affordable. However, it was a bit difficult to get in touch with her personally for questions. I know she's really busy and it's obvious why. With her packages and reputation, many bride to be's are dying to book her. Though her being hard to reach is a common feedback about her, many have vouched that she can really deliver.

As with Mhec Gado, if Mich was hard to reach, Mhec was so accommodating and replies fast. I am quite ready to drop by at the Blush Beauty Bridal Fair then to have a make up trial with Mhec Gado when I started talking to Ms. Berny.

Wedding Preps Series: Wedding Planning Back on Track!

Holla! Just got back the country from a 2-week business trip abroad and I am so excited to continue with my wedding preps. I'm back on track. There are lots of things to accomplish!

I am sort of pencil booked with Berny Tia HMUA and Events Simplified wedding coordinator.