Planning for your prenup shoot is no easy feat. Though it may be of a much smaller scale than planning for your wedding day, one can’t deny the list of decisions that still need to be made for this. Before they could pull of their royal engagement in Davao city, Mon and Mai had to go through the same.

The top three decisions that you’ll need to make are (1) choosing the theme of your shoot, (2) locating a venue that suits your theme, and last but definitely not the least is (3) deciding on the photographer whose style best fits your vision. Mon and Mai share their story on how they got to plan their royal engagement in Davao city.

Choosing Their Venue & Theme

Usually, picking out the theme of your prenup shoot comes first because it then serves as a guide to selecting the appropriate venue. However, it was a different case for Mon and Mai. After finding what seemed to be the perfect venue for their royal engagement in Davao city, a place that is still relatively new (and as a bonus, it is one of those peaceful and uncrowded places, perfect for a prenup shoot!), that was when they realized what their theme should be like.

Seeing the castle in this venue reminded them of how their love had made them the King and Queen in each other’s lives. So they decided that the theme of their prenup shoot should be a royal, magical, and happy one – perfectly reflecting their love story.

“We discovered the place through Google. I really love the all-white castle view of their pool side and I find it very mesmerizing and special. Plus, it is not a crowded place! We chose the venue because the castle reminded us of how we are each other’s King and Queen.”

Their experience during their Royal Engagement in Davao City    

With the venue, theme, and suppliers locked in, Mon and Mai were set for their royal engagement in Davao city. This being the couple’s first photoshoot, they felt anxious at the beginning. But being with a great team, Mon and Mai were able to have a grand time. Recollecting their Top Knotters moment, the couple share:

“The whole prenup session was so much fun, memorable and also challenging especially since it’s our very first time to do a photoshoot. Our entire prenup team made it easy for us to just show our natural smiles which made us enjoy the shoot.”

As a bonus, the couple shares their secret to a strong and happy relationship. Love your partner unconditionally, respect one another, and always put God in the center of your relationship. Treatment befitting a king and a queen, indeed!

Supplier Spotlight: Venue: Filinvest Talomo, Davao City | Theme: Royal, Magical and Happy garden theme | Full prenup and wedding coordinator: My Dream Events of Ace Cahiyang  | Prenup Photography & Video : Jay Razonable Photography | Prenup & Wedding HMUA: Michelle Sy | Venue & other prenup decors : Leni Hernandez

The post Royal Engagement in Davao City: Mon and Mai appeared first on The Top Knotters.

To make their engagement session truly memorable, Albert and Carla chose to return to the place they call their haven. They organized a Nikko, Japan prenup shoot because it was a place dear to their hearts, where even the heaviest of snowfalls couldn’t diminish the fire and warmth that their love creates.

“Albert was based in Japan during our engagement, while I was based here in the Philippines. Japan had been our second home, and our “together” haven. We love to travel and it has been our dream to experience winter together. We thought this was the perfect time to do that and would make our prenup session more special.”

The Magic Behind their Nikko, Japan Prenup

One of the most common #relationshipgoals for couples these days is to travel to Japan and experience its rich and fascinating culture. The country also offers a host of scenic locations made even more magical by the changing of seasons, which has turned it into a popular destination for out-of-the-country engagement shoots. Albert and Carla gush about their magical winter experience during their Nikko, Japan Prenup.

“It was -2° to -5° in Nikko during our shoot and it was snowing and drizzling the whole time. There was a restaurant beside the Marshland where we changed. I remembered clearly when I stepped out of in my white gown and all the locals started ooooohing. They  congratulated me and Albert as if it was already our wedding! Or maybe they were thinking how brave we were for facing the winter in a wedding gown and a suit!”

Despite the challenges, not only of the cold, but of planning an overseas prenup shoot, Albert and Carla’s Nikko, Japan Prenup turned out to be a success. The results are a set of romantic and dreamy photos captured by the brilliant husband and wife tandem, Manny and April Photography. Below, the couple recall their Top Knotters moment with their photographers:

“Shooting outdoors during winter was very challenging, but because of of Manny and April, it became such a breeze. They were so patient and caring the whole time. We never felt any pressure at all. It was like one a holiday trip with friends, but at the same time capturing moments and beautiful photos. Manny and April have pure talent and very kind hearts. We love them both!”

(Looking for more winter engagement sessions like this Nikko, Japan Prenup? Click to read about this heavenly Hokkaido Prenup!)

How to Make it Better

Although Albert and Carla had a decidedly enjoyable and successful Nikko, Japan prenup session, the couple shares the things that they wished they had put more attention to during their preparations:

1. Get a little bit of help

“If I had to redo one thing, it would hire an HMUA to be with us the whole shoot. I did my makeup on my own but. It would’ve been a lot easier to have someone help me fix my hair and makeup, especially after the snow shoot.”

2. Know your location

“We missed the shoot at Shinkyo Bridge because we overlooked the operating hours of the area.We arrived there just after it had closed.  It would’ve been better if we had researched prior [to fix our schedule].”

We’re so grateful to Albert and Carla, not only for sharing with us these gorgeous photos, but also such practical advice for all soon-to-weds! We hope you’ll also find what this couple has, so that, when the cool breeze of winter comes, you will find true warmth in love.

Supplier Spotlight: Photo: Manny & April Photography | Gowns and Suit – Louis Pangilinan.

Got any more location ideas for a magical winter experience? Share with us your secrets in the comments section below!

The post Nikko, Japan Prenup: Albert and Carla Find Warmth in Winter appeared first on The Top Knotters.

Double prenups seem like something only celebrities can aspire for—what with the practicalities of building a home after your wedding looming over your shoulder.  Kenneth and Remalyn, who are both based in Dubai, had set their minds on doing just one in the Philippines, where they were getting married and where all their suppliers were.  They never dreamt they would be having their shoot done, not just in Tagaytay but also in Dubai, at the place where their love story began! The unplanned engagement session in Dubai was a sweet surprise that fate, as well as the Freshminds Photography team, had conjured for them. The couple were so grateful to their dream team’s generosity for this rare opportunity, a truly unforgettable Top Knotter moment.

“The original plan was to shoot solely in the Philippines. But it turned out that Freshminds was joining a bridal fair in Dubai. They came up with the idea to shoot our prenup in both countries—one where we met and where our road to forever began, and the other where we would be tying the knot.”

From the very beginning, the couple knew they wanted to prioritize their photos because these were mementos they could keep even after the wedding had long passed.

“A friend told me that I shouldn’t mind investing on photos and videos because when we get older and have kids, these will remind us how much we love each other. These photos are priceless possessions that we will forever treasure.”

While some couples might choose to do away with the engagement session, a lot also believe that it’s a must. Great memories can also be made during the shoot. Plus, you’ll get to know your dream teams before the wedding itself, allowing you to be comfortable around them and in front of the camera!

Engagement Session in Dubai

But even with this unexpected blessing, the couple knew they would still incur a few additional expenses. To cut down on these, they kept props for the engagement session in Dubai to a minimum. This also allowed the innate splendour of the city to shine through. They then got the help of friends, who were not only their stylists but their cheerleaders and pick-me-uppers as well.

”We were lucky to have our friends with us from the planning and execution of the whole engagement session in Dubai. It was exhausting because it was just me, my sister, and our friends. But we were grateful because they were behind us every step of the way.”

Prenup Shoot in Tagaytay

Once the couple had arrived in the Philippines, things got easier as they had a full team to help with their e-session at the Forest Bard. Yvonne Camay was also on-board to style their shoot. It was a decision that proved to be another big check as it lessened their worries and stress during preparations. Yvonne was definitely a great addition to the couple’s growing dream team of Top Knotters!

“From the budget-friendly venue to the  concept, I just relayed to her what I wanted my prenup to be like. She exceeded my expectations! She planned everything to turn out the way I had wanted.”

Practical Planning Tips

After their double engagement session in Dubai and Tagaytay, Kenneth and Remalyn were only too happy to share their insights with other couples planning for their own.

1. Prepare Early

Start your preparations at least two weeks before the shoot. This can help prevent issues like forgetting to bring items you need.

2. Be brave and experimental

This is a chance for you to try things that you don’t normally do (or wear)! Instead of choosing your normal pastels, consider using a brighter palette to bring life and variety to your layouts. Be brave enough to at least have one layout showing a different side of you and your fiancé.

3. Loosen Up

Try to have fun on your prenup shoot. Embrace your crazy side and step out of your comfort zone once in a while!

On their experience of having a double engagement session in Dubai and Tagaytay, the couple have this to say:

“Having a prenup in two different countries was really tiring. But every time we looked at our photos and videos, we smile and can say it was all worth it. The photos really reflect the love we have for each other.”

Now if that’s not a reason to have one (or two) engagement session, we don’t know what is!

Supplier Spotlight: Dubai Prenup Photo/Video: Freshminds Digital Photography | HMUA: Maricel Mirasol | Philippines Prenup Venue: The Forest Barn | Photo/Video: Freshminds Digital Photography | Stylist: Yvonne Camay

What do you think about having Engagement Sessions on two different countries? Where would you want to have it?

The post Engagement Session in Dubai and Tagaytay: Kenneth and Remalyn appeared first on The Top Knotters.

Every soon-to-wed couple wants to have the perfect wedding—one that’s solemn or sentimental at the right times, and lively and cheerful when appropriate. Most guests understand this code. But when some of your guests haven’t learned to go potty or tie their own shoelaces yet, it’s too much to expect them to do the same. Fret not! An adults-only affair isn’t your only option. With the right mindset and strategy, you can have a perfect and kid-friendly wedding too!

When managed properly, children can bring a unique charm and joy to any occasion, most especially weddings. Don’t miss the chance to see these balls of sunshine in the cutest suits and dresses! Here are some tried-and-tested ways for you to have a completely kid-friendly wedding.

5 Tips for a Kid-Friendly Wedding

1. Have a Kid-Friendly Menu

Photo Credit: Jose Villa on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly

One way to keep children well-behaved is by making sure that their tummies are satisfied. But kids can be very picky when it comes to their food! So ask your caterers if they offer a Kid’s Menu. This will not only please your little VIPs, but also cut down your food budget since kids’ meals are cheaper than the normal plate. Win-win!

Another sure-fire hit is a dessert bar filled with a variety of treats that would satisfy not only the kids but also the adults on your guest list. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone! 

2. Keep ‘em busy!

Since kids get bored easily, make sure there are activities for them to do while the ceremony or the program is ongoing. It can be anything from providing coloring books or board games, to having them play junior photographer! This is an almost fool-proof way to keep your kid-friendly wedding exactly that.

Try out these free printable activity books here and here.

3. Set up a play area

If your venue (and budget) permits, designate an area where your little VIPs can hang out during the reception. Decorate this area with toys, books, and more fun activities. This way, they can also have a grand time at your kid-friendly wedding.

4. Get creative with loot bags

Loot bags are a staple at children’s parties. Why not prepare “For Kids Only” loot bags filled with different fun and yummy goodies? Inject your personality into it by filling these bags with not only food, but also your favorite childhood toys! If you are a 90’s kid, think about adding jack stones, yo-yos, Mik-Mik, Haw-Haw, Pintoora and the like! But we’d recommend staying away from the plastic balloons—remember how difficult those were to get out of clothing?

5. Give them a role to play

If you’re including kids in your entourage, find time to meet them or call them up to personally orient them about their roles. Accompany them during their fitting and have them practice their walk and smiles. Showing them how excited you are can help get them excited too. It allows them to prepare to do their part, and helps prevent sudden attacks of fear or shyness on the actual wedding.

But because they are kids, make sure you have a plan B! Maybe their dad or mom can help them walk down the aisle, or a favorite adult of theirs can help cheer them up before the procession.

The best way to know which idea will work is for you to put yourselves in the children’s shoes. We were all kids once (and maybe still are kids-at-heart) and have been in these situations at some point too. Just think of what you would have appreciated then. We’re sure that, when you make these small adjustments to have a kid-friendly wedding, the children (and their parents) will appreciate how much you treated these little ones as VIPs too. Hurray!

Are you planning to have a kid-friendly wedding too? Share with us your own tips in the comments section below!

The post Kid-Friendly Wedding: 5 Ways to Manage Your Little VIPs appeared first on The Top Knotters.