1.15.2010

Seeing Yellow, Black, and White: The Wedding

"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
1 Corinthians 13:4
This is the unifying theme of last December's event.  Truly a joyous celebration with a "mix of serious, funny, laughter, tears, romance and comedy...that's life, that's marriage...", perfectly summed up by one of the couple's ninangs (godmother / lady principal sponsor). And I couldn't agree more. After almost 12 months of planning with the bride and groom, the yellow, black and white wedding has finally been concluded, and with a bang!

Sleek invitation with letter-embossed card stock, designed by the groom, with the footnote: 
Faith + Hope + Love. But the greatest of all these is love - 1 Corinthians 13:13

From the well-documented DIY preparations to the bride's teary-eyed walk down the aisle, the choreographed 90s re-mix of the couple's first dance, down to the wacky antics of friends Mike and K.O. who hosted the program (Mike, incidentally, was also getting married the next day -- you're such a trooper Mike! How could I have left you out! And K.O. was so spot-on with her witty remarks!), it was by far the most unique, poignant and riotous wedding I have ever planned and witnessed. Kudos to the newlyweds who did wonders on the very personalized, one-of-a-kind elements for their big day.  It pays to have two very creative individuals who know what they want, and how to do it, for this all important day of their lives.

  
Trial hair and make-up with stylist Peddy

An ocular inspection of the church last July, with some souvenir shots of the bride-to-be who's about to try to walk down the aisle


I was so excited to take as many pictures of everything that day (with my brand new digital SLR of course!) but it's quite impossible for me to be a director and photographer at the same time you know. So, I was only able to steal a few shots during the bride's preparations, some behind-the-scenes moments, and a few of the beautiful elements from the wedding.

The elegant bridal bouquet of ivory white tulips and yellow calla lilies, accented with pearl beads, hand-tied in satin black ribbon.

The artist at work

Loot bag for the girls and boys of the entourage

 
Yellow satin peep-toe bridal shoes with subtle pleats and bow


The bride and her well-made traje de boda

The afternoon Christian ceremony at Holy Trinity was solemn, intimate, and with bursts of laughter along the way.
 

A simple yet elegant dinner reception at the Mandarin Oriental provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of great food, good music and entertainment, with loads of wonderful surprises.
 Ceiling swags with crystal drops create a warm yet classy atmosphere

The set menu for the evening was just delectable, and I have already taken photos of each dish during our final food tasting at the hotel a week before the wedding.
Tuna tataki with garlic-saffron aioli, mango salsa and assorted greens -- the aioli complements the fresh sashimi perfectly!

Following this delectable tuna starter was the Carrot-ginger soup with Crabmeat wanton.  I was not able to take a decent shot of this flavorful, light cream of carrot with a hint of spice.

Roasted chicken breast on cauliflower puree, broad beans, pancetta and maple glazed shallots -- unfortunately, I was not able to savor this main course, and you know why  since I'm directing the whole program, and having been able to sit and relish the starters and dessert were a bonus already!
  Passion fruit crème brulee with raspberry sherbet -- need I say more? You bet I cleaned my plate with this one...seconds please!
 
 Lovely 3-layered butter walnut fondant cake topped with yellow gumpaste rose buds

I personally recommend this hotel for your banquet needs as they offer one of the best, if not the best, wedding packages in the city. This was also my choice for my own wedding seven years ago as they have the most beautiful table settings, sumptuous selection of international dishes, and an efficient and personalized service as part of their great value-for-money event packages.

 
Gorgeous centerpieces atop an all-black linen-covered tables

My wacky-happy couple who outdid themselves with the biggest project of their lives


Surprise opening dance number to a medley of 90s dance hits which got full attention from everyone, including the hotel's food attendants, wait staff and technical crew

Fun, fast and fantastic -- instant souvenir photos from Baicapture

A note to my dear friends, the newlyweds:
I'm sending you my love and best wishes, and hope you may have a blissful married life. Thank you for your trust and confidence, and for making me a part of this most joyous and memorable occasion.

Cheers!!!


Now, on to my last event -- a post-wedding cocktail party, happening later tonight!

Check out Part 1 of Seeing Yellow, Black, and White and see the other elements of their wedding.

My girl's favorite button with the dinosaur -- so apt, as I always remind her not to be rude when talking to people :-)


Planning this awesome event requires creativity, resourcefulness, persistence, and lotsa love from a great team of wedding partners:

Bouquets and Church Flowers - In Bloom Events by Joy Cheng-See, mobile: +63917-5301673
Hair & Make-up - Peddy Acebo (message him at his Facebook profile), mobile: +63917-6279120
Venue Styling - Larry Natividad of Wedding Library, 5/F SM Megamall B, Ortigas Center
Reception & Floral Arrangements - Mandarin Oriental Manila, Makati City
Church - Holy Trinity Church, McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City
Photo/Video - ParkerShot Photography by JR Sebastian
Music / Sound System - JAV Lights and Sounds, (632) 7145736
Photo Booth - Baicapture, (632) 8941500