Snippets of Married Life

I find it sweet that friends ask how married life is. Having been together for 8 years before settling down, transitioning to married life is a breeze.  I shared with Person A that the first few weeks of our marriage are the best days of our relationship ... YET. Though, if you ask him, he has a wittier answer that comes in different versions depending on the audience. 

After the blue-and-calorie-filled honeymoon

We slipped into routine by doing the laundry and dusting off our place. 

A trip to the grocery store is always a favorite activity.

Then the husband whipped up a few Malaysian/Indian dishes - inspired by the food trip stop we did in KL. 

When laziness kicks in, dinner is wine and cheese. Tasty, easy to prepare and again, inspired by the wine and cheese gorging we did on the island - 3 times a day. 

Cheese monsters. 

Person A booked us a couple of seats in the most talked about show in town - these days, at least. I loooove Wicked. All my life, I've been hoping to hear Defying Gravity live. On stage. It happened. 

Can I share, that this song is one of my favorite pick-me-uppers? -(",)-*wink*

"Something has changed within me

Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap!

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!"

What's more, the show we watched was the benefit show for Yolanda victims so a live auction followed after the show with Tessa Prieto hosting (she's so funny!) and the cast showed up on stage again.

Happy wife. Happy life. 

Yes, life is still full of lemons but I just put on my lipgloss and make a glass of lemonade. 

Jasmine Mendiola: "Lakas Maka-Fresh" Bridal Make Up

The best piece of advice I got on bridal make-up was the Kate Middleton philosophy: "The reason why Duchess Kate opted to do her own make up on her wedding day so she will achieve that "natural look" that her husband will see her in everyday."

I couldn't agree more with the Duchess. On my big day, I want to look like my everyday self: maybe a little prettier. More so, I have the face of an 11 year-old (naks!), thus wearing make up doesn't really suit me. Also, I believe most people are prettier with no make up on. Hence, when I was searching for the perfect make-up artist, I knew I wanted the "fresh, dewy, just woke-up-looking-like-this" look. 

However, I never achieved this look every time I have my make up done. Ever. Make up artists tend to pile on the products and either I get dramatic eyes, redder-than-red lips, matte skin tone or overly done blush. 

Thus enter Jasmine Mendiola - I say the best there is in dewy, fresh make -up or as I'd like to call it "lakas maka-fresh look". 

Agree? 

If this kind of make up is your cup of tea, here are some of the reasons why Jasmine Mendiola is the real deal.

1. She enhances your looks and do not change any of your features. Her philosophy is not to pile on products; thus to achieve my look she studied my natural coloring and settled on: (a) no eyeliner to retain the youthful feel but she glued on light, feathery false eyelashes to open up my eyes (b) eyeshadow used were of earth colors (c) extra light foundation for dewy skin tone (d) blush on color is my natural cheek tint which is pink (e) and peach lipstick to retain my lip color.  

2. She entertains you. Apart from listening to her client's requests, she regals you with personal stories, play her own playlist for your wedding and she's just so fun to have on your wedding day. 

3. She's a pro in handling the business side of the deal. She promptly replies to inquiries, works around your schedule and tries to give you the best hairstylist that suits your preference. Hairstyle is by Elaine Ganuelas. She's also great.

4. She doesn't do "before" and "after" photo. I also think it's doing dis-service to your client. 

Here are a few tips I'd like to share to brides on how to look your best on your wedding day:

1. Always have a trial make up session. The reason why I ended up with Jasmine Mendiola was the trial make up session I had with another MUA did not match with the look I wanted to achieve. This was my trial make up look with Jasmine: "parang walang make up lang."

Also, don't forget to bring a friend along so she can give you her opinion on the make up. I also met up with the then-fiance so I can gauge the level of satisfaction of my primary customer.

2. Hydrate and nourish your skin everyday. If you have great skin quality, you're already a step ahead of the game on looking your best on the day of your wedding. Drink lotsa water, have ample sleep, protect yourself from the sun, clean your face, use moisturizer and eat healthy. 

3. Have a happy disposition. No amount of make up can hide stress, anxiety and discontent. If you're happy your eyes twinkle and everyone looks more beautiful smiling. 

So if you are still thinking about it, yes, Jasmine Mendiola is the real deal. 

Jasmine Mendiola Make Up

info@jasminemendiola.com

63.917.800.5299

Chestknots Studio

One of the wedding suppliers that we're very sure to partner with for our wedding is Jayjay Lucas who heads Chestknots Studio. After nailing down the church and date, I contacted Chestknots for their packages and booked them on the first bridal fair we attended. 

Side story, while booking them sometime February 2013, we took some photos, took our receipt and Mr. & Mrs. Jayjay Lucas happily sent us off. While walking around the fair, Person A touched his pocket and asks "Why do I still have the money for the photographer?" As it turned out, the 10% downpayment was not collected and nobody noticed. We went back to Tin Lucas and handed her the money. It was an opportunity for us to "save" on cost but I don't think that's how things should be done with your wedding partners. Also, what goes around, comes around:so kids, it pays to be good and nice, okay?



With the husband very interested in photography while I want dreamy photos to show my grandkids, the photography team is a priority on our list. We narrowed down the list to 5 and talked to some of them and here's the reason why we chose and are recommending Chestknots Studio:

1. Generally, Chestknots photos are very fresh, light and relaxed - pretty much how we wanted to showcase our day. Nothing is staged, emotions are raw and the approach is journalistic with that dreamy, whimsical feel. We want to have photos showing our crooked faces smiling from ear to ear rather one heavily-photoshopped worthy of a page in high-fashion magazines. 

2. It only takes a talented bunch to be creative in arranging hangers, coins and the bouquets to give that oh-so-cool pictures. Yes, they're very easy and fun to work with. For non-models like us, only simple instructions were given and it resulted to my Pinterest-kinda-wedding photos. "Magtawanan kayo" ==> you get the iconic tawanan sa damuhan shot, "walk towards us, parang nagddate lang" ==> you get the skip hop photo "rest your head on Nestee's chest" ==> you get my I-am-super-kilig-even-with- my-eyes-closed portrait. Yes, they have non-intrusive shooting style. 

3. Reasonably-priced. Chestknots have increased their price from the time we booked them but I believe it is still considered average in the industry. 

What are our key takeaways for couples who are searching for their wedding day photographer:

1. Decide on the feel of the photos you want to have: (a) light, fresh, raw and Pinterest-worthy (b) dramatic and fashion magazine-worthy. We chose the former. 

2. Shortlist photographers according to the shooting-style you want and check out their blogs, Facebook page, Vimeo links to see if they are consistent with the style you are searching for.  

3. Check if the rate suits your budget. 

4. More importantly, meet them and see if you have that working rapport with them. You don't wanna be stuck with a bunch of people - that you paid for - who you don't like. Really. 

Finally, we are recommending Chestknots Studio because they delivered and exceeded our expectations. The photos in my previous posts and what you'll see below are proof that they can deliver Pinterest-worthy photos while making us feel at ease. Most of the locations in the shoot were chosen by them, so please trust and give your partners room to decide.

Book them, they're worth it.

Pink socks never look this good and manly

On to some crazy shots. My husband looking dapper and handsome while I... I am being myself.

I can remember Yakie directing her Ryza Mae poses here that's why we were laughing hard with the  girls still looking very lovely

We do have a few (maybe 1?) proper portrait shot

I love, love this class photo by the steps of the Chapel

Now on to the what really happened during our day - capturing the raw emotions of the people at the wedding. I noticed 98% of the attendees were photographed with their biggest smile on -(",)-*wink*

The hug of brother bear



and a mother



The would-be in-laws



and guests showing their hands







Even the gentlemen did not escape Fr. JP's show of hands



This tender kiss



And the smiles of my FE boys -(",)-*wink*

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Chestknots Studio
Facebook Page
chestknots@gmail.com
63.2.942.2226
63.917.539.4822