Our Fairytale Wedding

Stan and I didn't wish for a grand wedding. We just want a solemn ceremony and intimate reception. It was a wish granted. Some of the plans have changed because of the rain, but still, it was the wedding we've dreamt of.

A glimpse of the beginning of our happy ever after...

by Atty. Raymond Fortun

the Bride - Fei

Program Finale: Fireworks Display

Related Links:
Photos by Myphotato
Same Day Edit Video by Cinemaworks
Onsite Fusion AVP by Atty. Raymond Fortun
Blogged by our Florist - Vatel Manila

Officially On Vacation and some Updates

Today is my last day at work... for this month. :) Because I am officially on 2 weeks vacation leave. Our big day is fast approaching. Only 8days to go and I'll be Mrs. Ocampo.

So let me run down our latests accomplishments and see if I am still missing something.

Ceremony
Church -check
Officiating Minister - check, final meeting on Nov. 16
Rings - check, fully paid
Bible - check, it's a lavender Princess Bible
Cord - check, labor of love by Mareng Janice
Pianist - check, nephews of the Bride
Singers - check, friends of the Bride
Flowers - check, for pickup on Nov. 19 and will be arranged by the Bride and her family
Marriage Contract - c/o Pastor
Pens - check
Unity Candles - check
Misalette - done


Reception
Venue - check, balance to be paid on wedding day
Caterer - check, fully paid
Cake - check, fully paid
Lights and Sounds - check, balance to be paid on wedding day
Emcee - check, fully paid
Projector - check
Signature Thumb Tree - check
Photobooth - check
Table Numbers, Escort Cards, Menu Cards, Reception Rules - done printing
Fireworks - finalize on Nov. 17

Outfit
Bridal Gown - for pickup tomorrow
Mom's Gown - check, on hand
Entourage Gown - check, on hand
Flower Girl's Gown - check, on hand
Groom's Barong and Pants - Onesimus and Rey Casedo
Father's Barong - check, on hand 
Entourage Barong - check, on hand

Photo and Video
Photographer - check
Videographer - check
On the Day Photo AVP - check
Same Day Edit Video - check
Engagement Pictorial - check

Gifts and Favors
Gift for Pastor - check
Gift for Principal Sponsors - check
Gift for Parents - check
Gifts for Entourage - check

Miscellaneous
OTD Coordinator - check
HMUA - check
Bridal Car - check
Groom's Car - check
Invitations - check, already distributed

Honeymoon
Airfare - check
Hotel - check


Health and Wellness
Teeth Cleaning - check
Spa - scheduled on Nov. 18
Facial Care - scheduled Derma visit on Nov. 16
Manicure and Pedicure - scheduled on Nov. 16 and Nov. 19

Did I miss anything? Let me know... I'm glad we started the preps early. I still have time to relax and breathe.

Preps Update - 24 days to go

Time flies so fast. It's 24 days to go before our Big Day.

1. Flower Girls Gown - checked!
Supplier: Emil Ocampo of E. Ocampo Fashion House
 

Yesterday, we picked up my flower girls gown. I've always envisioned them looking like princesses while marching down the aisle, and boy am so happy with the finished product. 

my nieces - Aneko and Sachiko

Kassie

They look so fab and adorable, aren't they?


 2. Mother of the Bride's Gown - checked!
Supplier: Tita Ching of Ching's Creation

My mom's requirement: not the traditional Pina Gown and a design that will hide her tummy. So we went to her trusted gown maker for the past 25 years. She chose to have the mestiza-inspired gown in matte gold color.

during Mom's 1st Fitting

3. Groom and Dad's Barong - checked!
Supplier: Mang Rey Casedo
We already got Stan and Daddy Rolly's barong from Mang Rey. Stan loved the texture of the pure pina fabric.


So far we are on-schedule. Will post more updates on weekend. 
Thank you Lord!

Proud RF Couple

I am just so happy today despite that I arrived in the office wet because of the rain. We (Stan and I) are one of the recipients of the bagtags of our Main Photographer Atty. Raymond Fortun. We super loved his works that we changed our date 3 times so that we can get him as our main photographer.

The Bagtags

See you on our wedding day Atty. Fortun! :)

The Perfect Will

When I was young, my mom would always remind me to seek for God's perfect will in my life. This applies to all the decisions I make like course to take in college, solutions to problems, but most especially in finding my future mate.

At the age of 10, I started to pray for my future husband. All along I thought I was doing the right thing. I'm asking God for His perfect will but I gave some specifications - an engineer with a not-so-common sports, very technical guy with an artistic side, Christian  plus of course the traits of a lover. That's my dream guy. I continued praying that God will give me that person in the future.

My past relationships somehow satisfied the criteria except for one - they are non-Christians. I still pursued for it believing that it was the will for me, but deep within me, I know they're not the one. The relationships were all failures. With the heartbreaks I had experienced, I decided not to have a boyfriend for a year and re-structure my prayer. This time, I didn't provide any criteria to God. I purely trusted Him and waited patiently for His perfect will.

While waiting, I devout my time serving Him. I played the piano at church and was actively involved in our church's youth organization. I also have bonding time with my parents, sisters and friends which I have previously ignored the past years since I am pretty much occupied with my relationships. Everything went smoothly.

And then I met him, in the most unexpected way I could ever imagined. I never thought we would end up together, but we did. We are totally opposite poles but by God's grace we understand each other and we're able to have a harmonious relationship. I ask God, "Lord is he the one?" And then I checked my heart and all I can feel is love and peace within. Now I know, yes he is.

He may not be the guy I've dreamed of. He's not an engineer, he's not technical but he is a Christian. My relationship with him may not be perfect as this guy is not perfect as well. But I know he is the answer to my decade-long prayer. He is the one reserved by God for me, my perfect match, His perfect will.

Happy 3rd year anniversary Honey. I love you.
I'm looking forward to spend our years together as husband and wife.

taken from Partypics Photobooth, our Photobooth Supplier

Preps Update - 54 Days to Go

September 26 - our day started as early as 7AM. We had an appointment with Mr. Rey Casedo for Stan and Daddy Rolly's barong. Mang Rey is from Lumban, Laguna and is famous in W@W for his good quality barongs. Actually, Stan already bought a barong from Onesimus last July. But my ever OC mom wants Stan to be his best on our big day so she kept on bugging me to get a custom made barong. Stan will be wearing a pure pina barong. He doesn't want the swirly designs so he chose the one with the straight lines pattern.

with Mang Rey (sorry for the blurry pic)

In the afternoon, we distributed our invitations to our Principal Sponsors. We first met Ninong Ferdie and Ninang Dyn in Goldilocks Megamall. After a few chichat, we left and met Ninong Louie in Makati. He was in a meeting so we didn't get a change to chat with him. We then proceed to Singalong and met Ninang Joy. We didn't stay that long since we're planning to drop by MOA to meet my kumare Kits. We had a round in the bridal fair then ate together at Congo Grille.

Gift for Principal Sponsors

 This is the start of busy weekends. 8 weeks to go!

License to Wed

We applied for our marriage license last Friday, September 17 in Bauan, Batangas. Mom, Stan and I arrived in the City Hall as early as 7:30AM. We went to the Civil Registry Office and were immediately given forms even though it's not yet office hours. We finished filling up the forms in less than 15 minutes. We submitted the forms, then the staff informed us the amount to be paid. The staff volunteered to bring the payment to the Cashier so we don't need to fall in line. After a few minutes, he was back with the receipt. We will be getting the license on the 30th of September.

You might be wondering why I didn't mention anything about the Marriage and Family Planning Seminar. Yes, we weren't required to attend those seminars. 

City Hall

Stan filling up the forms

Oh, that's me!

For future applicants, be sure to bring the following during your application:

1. NSO Copy of Birth Certificate - both Groom and Bride

2. NSO Copy of Cenomar - both Groom and Bride

3. Photocopies of Birth Certificate and Cenomar

4. 2 Ball Pens so you can fill up the forms simultaneously

5. Payment - we paid a total of Php600

This is really it! We're down to the last 2 months of our preps.

Labor of Love: Mini Eco Bags

It all started when I showed my mom the eco-friendly bags in supermarkets late last year. I told her i wanted to have the same souvenir for our wedding. February this year, we booked Partypics for our photobooth and they gave us eco-friendly loot bags. I showed it to my mom and she decided to pattern the size with it. We bought "katsa" cloth and my mom did the sewing. Stan on the other hand did the layout of the design printed in the bag. My contribution? Is the concept considered? :P

Stan ironing the bags

the output - as simple as i want it to be

The bags will be tied with the personalized ribbons we bought from All Corners. We will pack everything this coming weekend. Yey!

Are you invited?

We are happy customers of Paperflair by Adworks. Dealing with them is a breeze. I love the layout and the colors. Stan is really happy with the output as this is his non-negotiable. We already distributed some of the invitations last weekend and will continue to distribute them until end of September. We hope our guests will cooperate with the RSVP.

 

Our Invitation. Erased our Names for confidentiality. Charing!

Ring for a Kiss

I got the idea of making Kissing Bells last year when I became a member of W@W. These bells were our first DIY for the wedding, finished them as early as October 2009. hahaha. It was a labor of love of Stan and my mom. Well, I helped in the first 5pcs but Stan commented that I was too slow with all the gluing so he took over. They finished the 100pcs that same afternoon.

100pcs Kissing Bells

A Closer Look of the Kissing Bells

I am still thinking if I will still add a tag on the bell, or put the instructions in the reception rules. 

Rolled into one...Post :)

Latest updates regarding our preparations.

1.  We finally decided to let go of our previous video team and booked Cinemaworks for our Video Coverage. I recently blogged about our meeting with them and last August 27, we paid our DP. 

Stan with John & Merwilyn of Cinemaworks

2. Measurement taking of my adorable girls happened last August 28. 

my 2 lovely girls - Ane and Sachi. I forgot to take picture of Kassie :(

I also had my first fitting. But will not post the photos for the element of surprise. Haha!

3. Went to Divilandia after the measurement and met with W@Wie friends Ayeth and Ellen to buy some materials for our DIYs. And here's what I've done with some of the materials I bought....

my tossing bouquet (is that how you call it?)
I'm planning to add more flowers to make it look fuller.

4. Yesterday (Sept. 5), we met with our wedding officiant at Figaro Festival Mall to discuss the ceremony flow. We also signed up for the I DO pre-marital seminar which will be held every Wednesday evening, whole month of October.

I am excited for the coming long weekend (Sept 10-12) and finish more of our minor details -

2nd Gown Fitting, Rings' pick-up, Trip to Lumban for my bros' barong, Stan's pant's measurement + shoes hunting and finalization of the layout of our paraphernalias. But even with this busy schedule, I can still squeeze in a coffee date with my W@Wie friends on Friday afternoon. :D

Triple Treat - a long overdue post

Note: This is a long overdue post.

We usually have a double celebration every 17th of August since its my birthday and at the same time, my parent's wedding anniversary. But this year, it will be a triple treat. My parent's decided to throw a simple party for Stan and me, last August 14 to celebrate our engagement. It was a small event, around 40-60guests mainly composed of relatives and close family friends. The venue was decorated by my cousins, and they conceptualized the programs/games as well. We were also entertained by a violin number. On the later part of the program, gifts were given to us. And we almost complete our kitchen needs! It was a happy and blessed afternoon indeed.

the stage...thanks to my dear cousins for styling

Dad, Mom, Stan and Me

my cousin, Engr. Allan facilitated the games

the food were prepared by my Mom and her sisters

Stan and Me

Sukob Na!

Last Saturday, August 21, we had our video shoot for the Save the Date. 

We arrived at the venue around 1PM and immediately discussed our story board. After half an hour, we started preparing for the shoot. I did'nt realized that a 2-3minute video will be shoot for around 4-5hours. We have to take different shots with the glide cam and they are mentioning something like a wide screen shot. We don't really know this stuff so we just do what the videographers say. 

I thought it won't rain since the sun is shining brightly at noon time. Then a few raindrops, but still the sun is out. Around 4PM, it started raining. The videograpahers asked us to bathe in the rain. It was fun, just like our childhood days. But with my heels on, not really. haha. Rain was pouring hard aroung 5:30PM and it was so dark that the lights around the venue plus the videographer's flash wasn't enough. We have to changed the ending of the story. I was dripping wet after the shoot.

Stan and I with the video team

Stan and I already received the final output and we are satisfied. It will be posted soon! :)

Meeting with Cinemaworks

August 17, 2010 - I was really upset before going to this meeting since we are already late. The traffic had been really bad due to rainfall that afternoon. I kept on apologizing with the couple we're meeting on our way to Megamall.

Then finally, we met the partners - John de Guzman and Merwilyn Cerda of Cinemaworks. Stan and I really like their works and fell in love with it more when we saw the samples of the final video. It was not the usual MTV style, it was like a short film. 

We then proceed with the discussion of items such as - number of videographers on wedding day, equipments that will be used, package inclusions and delivery of the final output. Their rates already increased based on my last inquiry and it's all my fault since I didn't book them in advance. That's the consequence we have to endure.

I was initially thinking of meeting another videographer end of this month, but after meeting with Cinemaworks, we decided that we found the one. 

To see sample of their works, click here.

Detailing with Hizon's

August 17, 2010 - Stan and I went to Hizon's Catering office to have our detailing and food tasting. We arrived around 11am and met Drew, our planner. Being a self-confessed OC bride, I brought my laptop with me with all the notes and photos that will help me explain to our planner what I wanted for our reception.

We discussed the following:

1. Menu - primary goal of the food tasting is to choose the menu we will have on the big day. We were served 2 viands for the chicken, pork, beef, fish and vegetables plus the cheesy lasagna. It took us a while before we come up with a decision because all dishes are great. We just noted that there should have a different flavour for each dish, so we had somewhat creamy, something sweet, salty and cheesy.

2.Table Set-Up (Couples, VIP and Guests' Table) - here, we chose the linens to be used, on how the ribbon will go with the chairs, backdrop, the flowers and centerpieces. I showed Drew the photos of the set-up that I wanted and he said it is do-able. 

3. Amenities Included - we discussed if we will avail the bridal car, emcee, cake and doves included in the package. In our case, we availed all except for the bridal car. So Drew showed us the sample cakes we could choose from and confirm the availability of the host that we prefer. We were also asked to choose if we want to have a sword or torch parade.

4. Other Items - We discuss the number of guests to be stated in the contract, the package price, additional scoopers, serving time, serving set-up for the cocktails and other add-ons they could offer. 

Around 3:00PM, we reviewed together what we have discussed and then printed the contract. We paid 50% of the contract price and agreed to meet again 2-4weeks before the event to finalize everything.

our planner Drew with Stan and me

Then off we go to our next stop - SM Megamall for our Rings and Videographer meeting (to be posted separately).

What a great way to spend my 25th birthday :)

we are featured!

Today, I am celebrating my 25 years of existence and last year being single. The best way to start the day is our love story be featured on a co-W@Wie's blogsite.

Read and enjoy:

http://meinytoper.blogspot.com/2010/08/stan-fei-from-chuckie-with-love_17.html

Pamamanhikan - Check!

Pamamanhikan - the asking of the girl's parents' permission to wed the affianced pair

 

The 'blueprint' of the wedding plans are drawn or made known on this occasion. The pamanhikan is often hosted by the bride's family where the groom and his parents set to visit the bride's family to formally ask her hand in marriage and discuss plans for the upcomming wedding over lunch or dinner. This can be a real uneasy situation if it's the first time for both sets of parents to meet. The groom- and bride-to-be may feel a little awkward (nervous even) seeing and listening to each parents consult each other face-to-face on matters like their wedding budget, guest list and the likes. It is customary that the the visiting family bring a gift (often, the mother's best home-cooked specialty) for the hosts. Others may opt to hold the meeting on a 'neutral ground' (a restaurant is a likely choice) or invite a mutual acquaintance to the gathering and help ease the first meeting. Why bother with all the trouble? Filipinos seek their folk's blessings for a happy and hassle-free marriage. Afterall, pamanhikan is a treasured Filipino heritage which, first and foremost, avoids an awkward situation having the parents see each other as strangers come wedding day.

Last Saturday, August 7, Stan together with his dad, uncles, aunt, bro and future sis-in-law went to Batangas to do the traditional pamamanhikan. I guess it's more of "meeting of two families" since the plan and bookings were already done. We just had chichat and lunch together.

@Jollibee Rosario, breakfast before travelling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stan's Family taking a walk in our backyard

My parents, 2 eldest sisters with their hubby

before leaving for Manila

 We'll be back on the 14th for our simple engagement celebration.

Engagement Party coming soon!

Just in time for my 25th birthday, my parents decided to throw an engagement party for Stan and me. We will have it in our Batangas home on the 14th of August.

Let's have a run-through of our checklist:

1. Food - my mom will take care of the food. we decided to have 3 dishes, 1 pasta and desserts

2. Program - my cousin, Pastor Gian, is in-charged of the program. I don't know what they included in it.

3. Tarpaulin - although I'm not really into it, I have to give in to my mom's request. Stan was assigned for the layout and printing. Final product will be delivered this week.

4. AVPs - will start with it this week

5. Prizes - need to buy

I am so excited for the upcoming party :-)

Oh by the way, Stan's parents will do the traditional "pamamanhikan" on Saturday, August 7. Excited or Scared? hahaha

Long Overdue Post: Mock-up Invitation

I mentioned last July 6 that Stan will be getting our mock up invitation that afternoon but I haven't posted any pics yet. So here's a glimpse of our lovely invitation

Paperflair by Adworks did a good job. We so love our invitation.

Pence

Thanks to my friend Alma for the Ten and Twenty Pence. My Six Pence will arrive around next month courtesy of Stan's Aunt and one of our Principal Sponsor, Ninang Jean.

Now my something something tradition is complete :-)

Love love love Paperflair by Adworks

Okey, it is too early for me to post this rating but I can't help it. :-)

Our wedding invitation is one of Stan's non-negotiable. He wanted something that would reflect our wedding theme and our caricature with it. I know from the start that he is only referring to one supplier - Adworks Graphics. They are way over (150% over) our budget and I am worried about the negative feedback from fellow W@Wies about them. But I know Stan really wanted to get them so I gladly obliged to my fiance's request.

We booked Paperflair by Adworks last March 13 at the Themes and Motif Expo (PICC Forum). We visited their Ortigas office last June 4 to finalize the requirements - motif, theme, font, wordings and wedding details. They informed us about the 2 weeks lead time for the layout. It was okey for us since June seems to be too early for us to have our invitations printed. I was surprised when I received their layout the following day. I replied with an instruction for the revisions to be made. The next day, I received the revised layout. We have a total of 6 revisions (sorry, maarte talaga! haha)  but they we're able to send the revised layout the following day after I emailed them the revision instructions.Tomorrow (July 8), we will be getting our Mock Invitations. We are so excited!

So far, we are satisfied clients of Paperflair by Adworks.  :-)

I love them!

Project Diet starts now!

I am down to the last 4months before the Big Day. I really need to work hard on my diet as I don't want to march down the aisle this big. Goodbye frappe, blueberry cheesecake, Chinese cuisine, crepe and ice cream.

I need to get this shape back!

January 2009

One Busy Saturday

Yesterday (July 3, 2010) was a busy day indeed. Stan and I were scheduled to visit some of our suppliers.

1st stop - Emil Ocampo, Gown Designer

We arrived exactly 10am, just in time for our appointment. We immediately started discussing about my gown. He showed me some swatches, discuss the details of the gown and the flower girls. It took me a while to finalize the cloth to be used for my lovely girls' gown. We combined purple, pink and lavender swatches to come up which one will look best. For my gown, Emil suggested to use Mikado Silk. I then remembered all the raves on this cloth, and I agreed to use it for my gown. Final measurement will be on July 31.

2nd Stop - BA Studio, Photo and Video Coverage

We arrived past 11am. Rachelle greeted me, as well as Ms. Nelia. I was just there to clarify some package inclusions because my contract copy is fading already. We also watched some samples of On Site Videos. Though I heard so many negative feedbacks about them, so far dealing with them is such a breeze.

3rd Stop - Tabora St. Divisoria

We just checked where to buy feathers and some beads. I didn't bought anything though. Next trip probably.

4th Stop - Chinese Restaurant

I forgot the name, I have to ask Stan for it. Its the restaurant with 2 Black Pigs in the doorstep. And man, the pigs are alive. The owner believes that they (the pigs) bring them luck. The food were great - yang chow, siomai, fried chicken and beef broccoli.

5th Stop - Dangwa

Since we are cutting costs, we decided to visit Dangwa and canvass for flower prices. My niece-in-law (is there such a word?She's the wife of my nephew) will be the one to do the church arrangements. We will just buy the flowers ourselves.

6th Stop - Megamall

We passed by Carolinas. I saw a sample of Original Duchess Satin and fell in love with it. It was the perfect shade I am looking for. I informed Emil regarding this and he said we'll discuss it on the 31st. Whew. Then we passed by a boutique which made Stan really really happy. Will share about it soon.

We thank God for guiding us the whole day and for all the accomplishments made.

In Loving Memory of SAM

"Sad" is not the appropriate word to describe what I feel now.

Last Saturday (June 19), I left Sam at my apartment when I went to Batangas. I was worried of leaving her alone, but since she survived when I left her during Stan's Division Outing I decided to leave her again. We were back Sunday afternoon and like her usual self, she was waiting for me at the doorstep. I just noticed one thing, she did not touch her food.

Monday morning before I go to work, she was still playful. But when I arrived in the evening, she was already quiet and just sitting in her bed. She doesn't even touched her food for that day. I was worried so I asked Stan to check on her and if we should bring her to the vet.

Tuesday morning before I go to work, Stan and I brought Sam to the vet. There was blood in her poop that made me worried even more. The vet told us that she'll be confined and will be under observation. Initial findings were fever (40C), cough and colds.

Wednesday afternoon, we visited her again hoping that we could take her home. The vet advised for her to stay for the night for more observation as he is suspicious that Sam had Leptospirosis. (Damn those rats in the laundry area from my neighbor!!!) So I just gave my babySam a hug then we left.

Thursday morning, I asked Stan if he could get Sam in the afternoon. So when I arrived home, Sam was home already. She walked towards me, but not that playful as before. I carried her, gave her dextrose thru the syringe and arranged her bed. My heart was broken upon seeing her yellowish body. Her tummy is bloated because she couldn't pee.

Friday and Saturday, we took care of her. Stan gave her the medicines and I let her drink the dextrose through the syringe. Her tummy is not bloated anymore since she was able to pee because of the given medicine. She's moving fast as well. I thought it was a sign that she'll be better.

Yesterday (Sunday, June 27), Stan and I went to church then have a meeting with our wedding officiant. We arrived home around 4PM. I noticed that Sam is weak again but I thought it was because she wasn't able to eat for hours since I am out. I immediately gave her some dextrose. She was able to gain back the little strength she has and walk around the house. After an hour, I gave her again some dextrose and we both fell asleep for some minutes. When I woke up, I placed her in her bed but she decided to sleep on the floor beside the sofa where she usually stays when I'm watching TV. Then I went to sleep.

This morning, I woke up early to feed and give medicines to baby Sam. I was so happy because I noticed that her ears are white already (she's been yellowish for days!). I was calling her name for the medicines but she's not moving from the foot of the sofa, her eyes opened staring at nothing. I called her again, but still she didn't move. I came close to her to pick her up but her body is already cold and stiff. I was left dumbfounded. I was hoping what I'm seeing is not real. I was hoping I'm just dreaming, but I'm not.

I lost my baby Sam this morning. I lost my first baby as I really treated her special. I'll miss my kulitan times with her. I'll miss her playfulness everytime I'll open the door when I arrived home from work. I'll miss her lambing when I'm watching the TV. I'll miss carrying her, sitting on my lap and sleeping together in the couch. I'll miss the times that she will stole some of my food in the table and I will ran after her. I'll miss cleaning her mess - the papers scattered on the floor, her pee and poop at the laundry area. I'll miss everything about her.

To you my baby Sam, mommy Fei and daddy Stan will forever love and remember you. You will always be our first baby. We love you so much and we miss you terribly.

I love you baby....

Baby Samantha (December 31, 2009 to June 28, 2010)

During our Prenup Pictorial

Mommy Fei, Baby Sam and Daddy Stan

150 days to go

We're down to the last 150days before the big day. Stan and I were thankful because we're almost done with all the bookings of our "must-have" suppliers. Aside from that, I am really happy and thankful because with the modest budget we have for the wedding, we were still able to get some nice-to-haves booked. God has really been faithful to both of us.

We officially started our preparations July 19, 2009. Now, allow me to present our accomplishments.

     Church: free of charge, will just give love offering on our wedding day
     Officiating Minister: free of charge, will just give love offering on our wedding day

     Reception Venue: dp paid, balance to be settled on October

     Preps Venue: part of the reception venue package
     Coordinator: 50% paid (reminder: need to deposit payment now!!!)
     Caterer: dp paid, 50% of the balance neatly stacked in an envelope for August payment
     Cake: included in caterer's package

     Main Photographer: dp paid
     Photo and Video: dp paid, 50% of the balance neatly stacked in an envelope for August payment

     Bridal Gown Couturier: dp paid, 50% of the balance neatly stacked in an envelope for July payment

     Bridal Shoes: paid, i currently have 3pairs to choose from (hahaha)

     Bridal Accessories: will use the jewelries given by my mom

     Unity Candles and Matches: c/o Couturier

     Unity Coins: mom's coin collection 

     Groom's Attire: dp paid, 50% of the balance neatly stacked in an envelope for July payment

     Wedding Rings: 80% paid, balance to be settled in August

     Entourage Florist: payment will be on August as advised by florist

     Church Florist: payment will be on August as advised by florist

     Hair and Make-Up Artist: dp paid
     Invitations: 50% paid, remaining balance already stacked in an envelope and to be paid upon pickup
     Church and Reception Band: free of charge, will just give tip on wedding day
     Host: included in caterer's package
     Souvenir: mom and H2B's labor of love

     Bridal Car: dp paid

     Photo Booth: dp paid

     Principal Sponsors' Gift: 50% paid 

     Documents - already requested for Birth Certificate and Cenomar. Marriage license around September

Below are some minor items that we are currently working on:

     Groom's Shoes: Stan already bought a pair of shoes but still undecided if he'll get another one
     Groom's Accessories: looking for belt, handkerchief, new perfume, new frame for his eyeglasses and still deciding if he'll use his current watch or buy a new one

     Butterfly Wings: already checked out some samples, will buy around October

     Mom's Gown - our (Stan and I) moms volunteered to pay for their gowns, but they asked us to choose the design for them. I already presented several designs to my mom, but she kept on changing her mind everytime she sees a new design.

     Entourage Gowns - all my sisters will pay for their gowns. Couturier found, just need to finalize design

     Engagement Party - scheduled on August, but haven't started with the preparations

     Reception Program - draft done, will discuss with emcee

     DIYs - almost done, need to print the reception paraphernalias

     Guest List - never ending revision! hahaha

Here are some nice-to-haves (ranked based on priorities) that we are assessing if budget still permits:

     Fireworks and Confetti

     Butterflies

     Cake - cake is included in our caterer's package but being the super-arte me (hahaha), I want to get a separate cake supplier

     Hotel Preps Venue - though the place included in our reception venue package is good, I am not comfortable waking up and traveling early in the morning just for me to dress up in that place. I also would want to have this "staircase shot" (arte talaga hehehe)

     Mobile Bar or Coffee Bar - either of the two, much better if both :-)

     SDE only package - I am eyeing on this videographer from the start but we decided to get a photo-video package from another supplier to save money.

With few days left before the big day, I need to double the effort to finish everything. 

I am really blessed because my hubby-to-be is ever supportive, and we have a big God who fills all our needs.