In Philippine culture, the word “family” conjures up images of relatives down to the fifth degree (or further). So wedding parties often range from big to grand to half the population of New Zealand. While we’re sure plenty of couples have wanted to have an intimate wedding, very few actually go that route.

Meet Mil and Pam, a couple who enjoys exploring the world together. They celebrated their fifth year of being together with a trip to Japan—and ended it with a proposal, a picture-perfect jump start to a new chapter in their lives.

But the couple wanted to walk the road less-traveled. That is, they wished to celebrate such a momentous event within a tight-knit circle. And when we say tight, we really mean it. Can you imagine inviting only TWENTY people to your wedding? That probably only covers your siblings and parents right? But Mil and Pam prove that intimate wedding and Filipino can exist in the same reality. Read on for the scoop on how they accomplished such a feat.

Intimate Wedding: Still a memorable affair

At big weddings, the program is tailored to create memorable moments. It could be that tita of yours catching the garter, or a kickass father-daughter dance, or a best man speech to bring the house down. But if you’re planning an intimate wedding with a small party, you can do away with most of that.

“We didn’t want to have a wedding program, which is really for bigger weddings. Our goal was to have a simple ceremony and a memorable dinner party. We only have our immediate families, a pair of principal sponsors, and few friends.”

With a smaller wedding party, Mil and Pam’s intimate wedding banked on the company for entertainment. And it worked! The fact that everybody knew everyone else ensured that there’d be no awkwardness or boredom among the guests. It felt very warm to be surrounded by their most beloved family and friends.

Whether Intimate or Grand, You Need Good Food

Of course, one of the major elements that comprises a wedding is the food. An intimate wedding is no exception. Having Pio’s Kitchen take part in Mil and Pam’s celebration was a definite Top Knotter moment for the couple. Not only did the restaurant’s atmosphere make the affair feel very homey, but working with Chef Chin was also such a breeze.

“We really enjoyed working with Chef Chin because she was bubbly, very hands-on, and had a lot of ideas for the reception. It was easy to work with her and she was really excited to host the dinner. We had no problems communicating with her and were pleased with the outcome.”

Same Goes for the Suppliers

Even if theirs was only an intimate wedding, the couple still had to go through the same somewhat daunting process of choosing suppliers. Pam, in particular, felt paranoid at times because of other couples’ horror stories with bogus suppliers (See The Top Knotters Marketplace for legit and lit event suppliers). But she armed herself with fate and plenty of research to help overcome her fears.

“I researched a lot and read a ton of supplier reviews to plan the wedding. I’ve come across a lot of horror stories and that made me a bit paranoid. But after sending the suppliers my pegs and telling them the specific outcomes I wanted, I learned to trust them.”

Contrary to what consumerists would have you believe, you don’t need to go bankrupt to have a #WeddingWithHeart. Mil and Pam’s intimate wedding proved that, even with just twenty people, a wedding is still that. Not only is it a fun and memorable event, but it is also sacred and really quite magical. As long as we spend it with the people we love—most of all the person beside us at the altar—then it’s definitely worth cherishing ’til death do you part.

Supplier Spotlight: Photo: Ralph Lee Photography | Church: St. John Paul II Parish | Preps: Eastwood Richmonde Hotel | Reception: Pio’s Kitchen | Florist: Clint Carl | Wedding Dress: Desino Dulce | Suit: Bespoke | HMUA: Gem Uy | Entourage Dresses: Love Humbly | HMUA for Entourage: Alessandra Makeup Artistry | Rings: Karat Gold | Cake: Scout’s Honor | Invites: DIY

What’s the least number of people you think you could invite if you were to have your own intimate wedding? Post the number when you share this article! Be realistic, ok?

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This is the strangely wonderful thing about life. No matter how much we try to plan our lives, we can only have so much control of the future. But the universe has its way of conspiring to take us where we’re meant to be–and with whom we’re meant to be.

Meet Marius and Leslie, whose story started in the confines of the workplace. Leslie probably never thought that the UI designer she was interviewing for the company she worked for would one day become her husband.

Everything makes sense

Marius likes to recall little details about that first day when he met Leslie, remembering how it all began. They started dating a year after and complemented their romantic relationship with a fruitful working one that saw them through two companies and countless freelance projects.

Beyond their harmonious working relationship, the couple still show signs of being truly meant to be. They both love music, food, travelling, and even sharing business ideas. With so many similarities and such an effective partnership, it just makes sense for them (and for us too!) to spend their life together as a married couple.

The vision for their SDE

The couple wanted to avoid the usual formula of a wedding video and wanted to make it look really natural.

“We wanted our video to be more about candid moments, capturing the genuine emotions, with some artistic shots. We wanted to make it authentic and meaningful.”

“It was important to get a videographer that really understood where we were coming from; who is also excited  to share in and execute our vision. When we first met Taavi Films at a bridal fair, there was an instant connection. We just felt that they got and understood us.”

Their Top Knotter Moment

Shooting throughout the day was fun, easy, and fast for the couple and their team. Because they had decided to skip most of the staged poses we see in wedding videos, they couple actually had extra time to mingle with their guests! They were actually 30 minutes ahead of schedule (an occurrence as rare as the super blue blood moon).

Marius and Leslie’s vision for their SDE paid off. All the scenes felt genuine, while the couple looked comfortable and sincerely happy.  They share their Top Knotter moments from Taavi Films below:

“When we first watched our wedding video, it was simply a confirmation of what we felt all along: that Taavi Films was the right choice for us. We felt that our video was so ‘us’, and captured the best parts and feels of our special day.”

“We kept gushing because, each time we’d re-watch it, we’d notice a nice little detail that they snuck in. These little details would bring us back to a special moment on that day, and it’s such an amazing feeling.”

Extra Memorable

Their special day turned out to be even more memorable when they were be serenaded by their favorite band, Ben&Ben.

“It was such a big deal for us to have Ben&Ben there, we were over the moon! Our wedding definitely wouldn’t have been as special and memorable if it weren’t for them. Their whole performance exceeded our expectations and was just the perfect complement to the best day ever.”

While none of us have control over how our life unfolds, we can always hope that what’s meant to be for us will truly come to pass. We’re taking our cue from Marius and Leslie, neither of whom expected a job interview to lead to something eternal. If you’re hopeless romantics like us though (fine, we admit it already!), you might say it’s destiny.

As the song from their SDE goes: “everything happens for a reason”. Don’t you agree?

Supplier Spotlight: Preps Venue: Velada Estate | Church: Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (PIHM) | Church Flowers: Flowers by Edmar | Bridal and Entourage Flowers: Duane’s Fleur Creatif | Venue: L’Aquinum Garden | Caterer: M Catering | Cake: Dr. C’s Cupcakes and Sweets | Photo/Video: Filterpan/Taavi Films | Band: Ben&Ben | Sound system: Audiotronix | Makeup: Makeup by Jem (Jem Biscocho) | Hair: Arianne Clayton | Gown: Benhur Dychangco | Coord: Absolutely Knot Events

The post Meant To Be: Marius and Leslie’s Wedding (SDE by Taavi Films) appeared first on The Top Knotters.

Having met through a dating app, Miko and Lea wasted no time to get acquainted with each other. And even in short span of time, they discovered how they complement each other.

“We wanted to have more photos of us. We didn’t have long years as boyfriend and girlfriend and so we want to have beautiful photos captured together.”

Finding the Alternative Venue

It is through this prenup session that they got to be creative in order to create more memories before a new chapter in their life begins. They decided to go unconventional selecting multiple themes for this prenup session. And among the themes they have selected, it was the safari-themed prenup shoot they enjoyed the most. Though the sand dunes in Ilocos Norte proved to be an elusive dream, she was able to find an alternative option. The great thing was, it didn’t cost as much but has a similar atmosphere.

“I saw an alternative location on how we can achieve the 4×4 ride and sand which is the lahar area in Pampanga. This was a perfect location because it’s just 2 hours away from the metro.”

It wasn’t the most elegant but the safari-themed prenup session turned out to be highlight of their set. It felt as if they were in their element – out of their comfort zones. The candidness of the session showed how Miko and Lea are as a couple. No drama or acting, both showed their playfulness without worrying about the ruggedness, dirt, and the weather. Even with the absence of elaborate props and outfits, the unexpected drizzle added a natural touch to the scene.

The Key To A Successful Prenup

With Lea’s keen sense of planning, they are able to execute the plans with the help of her suppliers making it a Top Knotter moment. Though it proved to be struggle to align everything especially the suppliers’ schedules, Lea was able to make necessary adjustments.

“Planning for this safari-themed prenup session was a success and all the things we’ve planned have been executed perfectly. I first aligned the final mood board concepts and then coordinated with Daydreamers Studios the lookbook prepared by the stylists. Finally, I made a detailed timetable where I defined the sequence and timing for each theme.”

As always, just like Lea said, good planning is always the key to achieving your desired prenup outcome. And another key factor to remember is to have fun and be yourself. Because at the end of the day, everything else will fade but the memories created during the session will last for a lifetime.

Supplier Spotlight: Photo: The Daydreamer Studios | Styling: Tipping Point Collective | HMUA: Toni Aviles | Video: Paradox Films | Gown: Mak Tumang | Venue: Clearwater Country Club

What do you think about this safari-themed prenup? Would you still push through Ilocos Norte or or do you think this looks just perfectly fine?

The post Safari-Themed Prenup: Miko and Lea appeared first on The Top Knotters.

And that’s how it happened for Mat and Aki. Friends since freshmen year during their college days, their encounter was not filled with butterflies, rainbows, and fireworks. Yet even with the absence of these details, it was memorable. They got to know each other in the simplest yet beautiful way which is through friendship.

The trip to El Nido to mark their 9th anniversary became a turning point in their lives. You’d think that since they’ve been together for almost a decade, a big and extravagant proposal was what awaited Aki. It was the opposite, though. But the beauty  was in its simplicity that made it more memorable and romantic. After all, it is not always about how you carry out a proposal but it’s more of the sincerity and intimacy of the moment.

“I love how he planned his proposal, simple but sincere and romantic. Looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Believing in each other’s love is what made us stronger. We faced trials and hurdles all throughout our relationship but we never thought that we will not make it.”

Aiming for something to last for a lifetime and to wish for a happy ever after takes a lot of hard work. It’s given that  preparing for a wedding will test anyone’s patience so it’s important to coordinate  with people who share the same vision as the bride and groom.

“I think this is why we enjoyed our wedding preparations and the day itself so much. They weren’t just suppliers but our friends as well. If you are nice to your suppliers they will go beyond the extra mile to make you happy.”

Mat and Aki worked with teams that were able to capture beautiful moments before, during, and even after the wedding ceremony making it their Top Knotter moment.

“Some of our favorite moments are the Onsite Photo made by Paper Project and SDE by Aceron Studios. They were able to capture our raw emotions and show how we really are as a couple. Whenever I look at our photos and videos, I still get ‘kilig’ and I think it will remain like that forever.”

Although the wedding is mainly about the bride and groom, Mat and Aki felt that they were able to survive the whole wedding preparations because of their friends from the community, Weddings @ Work. Everything was laid out according to plan and how it was envisioned. Surrounded with friends, Mat and Aki are truly on the road to a happy ever after.

Supplier Spotlight: Photo: The PaperProject | Video: Aceron Studios | Coordinator: Absolutely Knots Events | Preps: Oakwood Premier Joy | Church: Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao | Reception Venue: Light of Love Events Place | HMUA: SEKA Makeup Artist | Flowers: Amelia Blossoms | Bridal Gown: Mel Orlina Couture | Groom’s Suit: Arvox Tailoring (Mang Roger) | Souveniers: Cactus & Canvas PH | Band: Teejay & Sandy

The post Happy Ever After: Mat and Aki Wedding appeared first on The Top Knotters.

There are a lot of options for engagement session themes, especially when you’re willing to get out of the busy city. Whether you’re wanderlusts, adventurers, or a couple of foodies, the choices are endless. For Miko and Lea, their countryside romance prenup session was something they just had to do when they saw the El Kabayo Stables in Subic.

Miko and Lea’s nostalgic countryside romance prenup serves as a wonderful contrast to how their love story actually began: through a dating app! Their romance might have began in millennial fashion, but it still found its way into a more traditional happy ever after.

Planning Their Countryside Romance Prenup

While their relationship blossomed organically, Miko and Lea’s countryside romance prenup took a little bit more advanced planning. It was a good thing that Lea was great at planning and budgeting. She herself laid out all the necessary details for their engagement session, including the schedules and logistics. She even took the lead in planning the setup for their shoot. While other brides might prefer to leave it up to their suppliers, Lea was more hands-on…and, boy, did it pay off!

“The key to success is to be clear about what you’d like to achieve and to clearly communicate the concept with the suppliers. It will be easier for them to give and show their output if you are clear about what you expect from them.”

If there were a time to be outspoken and assertive, we’d have to say planning your wedding and prenup would be one of those! After all, when things are well-planned and going smoothly, you’ll grow at ease and feel more comfortable on-cam. You’ll also get to enjoy and savor the moment, which we think is just as (or even more) important than the output.

Supplier Spotlight: Photo: Happy One Photo | Stylist: Styling by Melange | HMUA – Makeup by Katrina Guzon | Wedding Gown – Mak Tumang 

Most couples usually go with a theme to represent their love story. We love how Miko and Lea contrasted their more modern meet-cute with a countryside romance prenup. But whatever you do decide on, we hope you learn from their solid advice so that you can enjoy your special moment too! Cheers!

The post Countryside Romance Prenup: Miko and Lea appeared first on The Top Knotters.

Isn’t it funny how, just when you thought you were totally in control of your life and had everything planned out, destiny decides to intervene? It’s kind of like living in an episode of Game of Thrones, though hopefully the less bloody ones. In the same way, Nico and Ally had already set their own plans and were on their way to slaying their goals by the time they met each other. They instantly clicked. But choosing love was not as easy as it seemed.

When they met, Nico was about to be relocated to Singapore for work.  Ally, who only wanted to get into a serious relationship, decided to stop seeing him. She thought if they ended up in an LDR (Read about a couple who did make it work), it would distract her from her career goals. But Nico didn’t let her go.

https://vimeo.com/198833706

“He refused the relocation even though this meant he’d be resigning from his job. Instead he looked for another one. He did all this without telling me because he didn’t want me to feel like I made him stay. I never asked him to stay in Manila but he did it for me.”

Nico and Ally’s relationship might have looked like a whirlwind romance to the public, but they didn’t think this was the case. They were aligned on all their career goals, and both were serious about their relationship.  They talked about how many children they wanted and how they wanted to raise them, what kind of lifestyle they wanted. The couple was aligned about everything and talked about all the practical aspects of marriage. Two months after they became an item, Nico officially proposed to Ally in a super grand way at Nike Run Club. The rest, as they say, is history.

Choosing Love: A happy ending, a new beginning

When Nico and Ally tied the knot a year later, it unfolded like a dream. What a way to mark the happy ending of their separate lives, to celebrate how choosing love changed them forever. Though it took them some time to discover each other (even though they had met as early as high school), what matters is that, when they finally did, they were wise enough to not let go.

“Since I was a little girl I’ve always dreamt of this day… But this moment right here—being in front of you, my soulmate, my best friend, my everything—is just beyond my wildest dreams.” (Ally)

“Today as we cross over to a new chapter of our lives, one that will force us to really be adults now, one thing is for sure: our priorities will definitely change. However, what I do promise is this: even when the weight of all our numerous responsibilities comes crashing down upon us, you will always and forever be my number one priority… I give you my life, my heart, and everything else that comes with it.” (Nico)

And a dream of a team

With a team that was carefully selected, everything that this type A couple envisioned fell perfectly into its proper place, just the way the hoped it would. One of their Top Knotter moments involved working with their videographer, Ian Celis.

“Ian and his team truly went above and beyond from what we expected. There was no need to follow up on anything or remind them about time. The SDE he made wasn’t a formulaic, copy-paste video. It really captured me and Nico as a couple: fun, energetic, dramatic, and sweet.”

That moment when the SDE was shown during their reception also became one of the highlights of their wedding day.

“We were blown away. It was exactly what we asked from him: emotional, dramatic, beautiful, and most of all, happy. My initial reaction was, ‘This is more than what I expected.’ When Ian promises, he really delivers. I watched it numerous times weeks after the wedding and it still brought butterflies to my stomach.”

Nico and Ally proves it isn’t just destiny that determines whether we end up with the love of our lives. Rather, it’s the sacrifices we make that greatly contribute to the happy ending of that journey. Choosing love doesn’t happen by accident. Rather, choosing love means exactly that—making a decision and standing by it. Let’s hope we’ll be smart enough to do a Nico and recognize an irreplaceable pearl when we find one.

Supplier Spotlight: Coordinator: Joseph Vila of Company of Brides | Bride’s Gown: Francis Libiran | Groom’s Suit: Sarto | Make up artist: Ting Duque | Hair: RJ Dela Cruz | Bridal Robe: Micah Lacap | Grooming: The Union Station Barbershop | Video: Ian Celis Productions | Photo: Benjie Tiongco | Pre-wedding preps venue: The Manila Peninsula | Church: Nuestra Senora de Gracia | Venue and catering: Manila Polo Club | Florist: Billie Orario | Bridesmaids: Tantease | String quartet: Manila String Machine | Wedding cake: The Sweet Life by Ange | DJ: Nixdamnp | Hosts: Nikko Ramos and Katz Salao | Invitations: Ink Scribbler | Wedding singer: Happy Mabulay | LED, Lights and Sounds: Forscink

The post Choosing Love: Nico and Ally’s Wedding (SDE by Ian Celis) appeared first on The Top Knotters.

If you’ve ever been to Metropolitan Manila, chances are you know what waiting is like and are getting tired of it pretty fast. There’s the spiraling line to board the MRT, the carmaggedon on EDSA and just about every other avenue in the city, even months-long waiting just to renew your passport. But waiting can be a good thing too–especially when it’s for something truly worth it, something you’ve prayed long and hard for. Some people believe that that moment when you’re about to quit is the time to keep going, the turning point before all things work out for good. That’s pretty much true for Max and Cristal too, who, after overcoming their disbelief, finally tied the knot at their tropical island wedding.

https://vimeo.com/218320567

Theirs is a story that proves that waiting can truly be good–and that even the heartbroken shouldn’t give up on love just yet (or ever). Cristal waited for her soulmate despite her doubts and only truly believed when Max came into her life.  As for the groom. his heart had been longing for the woman whom he’d spend the rest of his life with.  There was nothing in their pasts that could prevent them from binding themselves to each other for the entirety of their futures.

Max and Cristal are two different and unsuspecting individuals brought together by fate.  To mark their love for one another, they chose to have an intimate wedding ceremony on an island, surrounded by their dearest family and friends. True to their laidback spirits, they made sure guests had a fun time partying and basking in the magnificence of nature in their tropical island wedding.

Max and Cristal’s Top Knotters Moment

While destination weddings are always a challenge, and outdoor weddings in the Philippines always hold an air of uncertainty, Max and Cristal’s carefree attitude was the perfect answer to the erratic tropical weather.  That, as well as their superb wedding suppliers.

Meeting with the videographer was definitely a Top Knotters moment for the couple. They wanted someone who could creatively execute the filming and give them helpful directions. They found their answer in Derek Yee.

Max: “Not feeling very comfortable in front of a camera, I was a little anxious how it would turn out. But Derek took my concerns very seriously and  calmed me down completely. The friendliness and open ear for my concerns really made me trust him, and that ensured a great atmosphere during the shoot.”

Another special moment with their Top Knotter was when the couple first saw their SDE at the end of their reception.

Cristal: “It was [unforgettable] when we saw the SDE photo and video on the spot, a quick glimpse of everything that happened during the day. We weren’t even aware of some of [the things that happened].”

In the presence of their family and friends,  Max and Cristal vowed to commit to and love each other ’til death do they part. It was definitely a night to remember and something that the newlyweds will cherish for all eternity. Overcoming their differences as well as the difficulties in their pasts, Max and Cristal are proof that good things happen to those who wait and keep the faith.

Share with us your “waiting” story in the comments section below!

Supplier Spotlight: Video: Derek Yee Video | Photo: Myio Okamoto Photography | DJ –  DJ Marc Marasigan | Floral and Set up Arrangements – Ken Hupanda of Dos Palmas Resort | Gown – Rue de Seine | Groom Men’s Suit – Kachin Dubai | HMUA – The Make Up Studio Team (Randy Sta. Ana and Aaron Lejarde) | Pastor – John Mateos Ong.

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There is a reason why lazy Sundays exist. Because our lives are constantly bombarded with work and other priorities, we deserve a day to rest and to do the things we love. That was our couple’s inspiration for their laid-back prenup.  Joseph and Dianne are a couple of homebodies who wanted something simple and relaxed, like them. A Sunday free from all hustle and bustle, no crowd in sight, complete with fair weather.

True to their carefree character, Joseph and Dianne chose a place just within the metro for their laid-back prenup. A relaxed but stylish loft-type condo in Eastwood City and the modern and hip ambiance of BGC completed the look our couple was going for. With the absence of the typical outdoor and nature setting, the focus was on the couple as they geared up in their most comfortable clothes in the minimalist setting.

“We chose indoor because we are the type of couple that just loves to stay home and cuddle. We wanted a laid-back, perfect Sunday theme. A big thanks to AirBnB because the location we found was exactly what we wanted. At first, the idea was to have the session indoor but since we still had the entire day, we went to BGC for our outdoor street shoot. It was the idea of our photographer and the videography team. They really brought out who we are as a couple and that is exactly what we wanted.”

And it proved to be relaxing and fun as both Joseph and Dianne felt comfortable and natural in front of the camera.

“Doing this prenup session was one of our treasured experiences. We really enjoyed it and it was one of our best days during our whole wedding prep months. It was like a throwback to our first days as a couple. The lambingan and fun was there and it was as if we were not shooting at all but just hanging out with the photo and video team.”

As perfect as this laid-back prenup session seems, there were other things the couple thought of including in the session. But sticking to their theme and resisting the urge to turn it into “more” worked to their advantage. The photos came out exactly as they had hoped they would.

“We didn’t hire a stylist because it wasn’t included in our budget. And since our theme was simple and laid-back, we could just wear comfy clothes and not be overdressed.”

There was no need for extravagance in this laid-back prenup session which perfectly captured the personalities of Joseph and Dianne. The joy they felt by being comfortable in their own skin was quite evident in their photos.

We hope this Lazy Sunday-inspired session reminds you that, whether you go for glam or down-to-earth, what’s important is allowing your natural selves to shine through by doing what’s comfortable for you. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to go far for a perfect prenup session (unless you want to!). In fact, the simplicity of this session that made the experience more special and intimate for Joseph and Dianne.

https://vimeo.com/192476310

Supplier Spotlight: Photo: Colove Studios | Video: Kreative Machines | HMUA: Mary Letim and Marky Buenaobra

Want more laid-back prenup inspiration? Check out this Cozy Weather Rockwell Loft E-Session!

The post Laid-back Prenup: Lazy Sundays at Eastwood and BGC appeared first on The Top Knotters.

Seventeen years prior to their autumn-inspired wedding, Marc and Annegi’s love story first began to unfold on that fateful day in a classroom in UP Los Banos when they first met. But it wasn’t until a few years after that they would get to embark on a journey that would change their lives forever.

“Marc and I met in UPLB. We were classmates during our first year in college. I found out through common friends that he liked me but he only started courting me after three years, and we became a couple after another. We’ve been together since then. We had our simple civil wedding in 2016, at Las Pinas RTC, on our 12th anniversary. But because we wanted to honor God through our marriage, and celebrate with friends who were with us from the start of our relationship, we decided to wed in church a year later, February 18, 2017.”

As with all wedding preparations, there will always be unforeseen circumstances. The same went for this autumn-inspired wedding.  In fact, Annegi experienced a crisis that no bride should have to go through: two days before the wedding, she still didn’t have a wedding dress!

At first she had one made in Divisoria but wasn’t satisfied with the dress itself and the poor customer service. She decided to just pay for it and look for another one.  A month before the wedding, while looking for an RTW wedding gown, she found a black gown which the designer said they could make for her in white. But still, there was a problem with it and she had to give up the dress.  Annegi now had only two weeks ’til the big day.  We can imagine other brides shaking their heads by now, mouthing, “Que horror!”  But in true Hollywood fashion, it was this big crisis that paved the way for a definite Top Knotter moment.

“Less than two weeks before the wedding, my mother-in-law referred me to Jun Marcelino, an established gown maker in Taguig. They gave us a shopping list and we went to Carolina’s in Megamall to buy the needed fabric and accessories. They were able to make the gown I wanted and we got it on the morning prior to the wedding. All’s well that end’s well.”

You’d think, after such a heart-attack moment, fate would be kind enough to give them a rest.  But on the day of their wedding, nature decided to play a trick and add a bit more excitement to their day.

“Another Top Knotter moment for us is, one hour before the start of the ceremony, it rained. The ceremony and reception were both set up outdoors, so the Casa San Pablo staff had to bring in the tables and ornaments, and take them out again afterwards to re-do the whole set-up when the rain stopped. It happened a couple of times until heavy rain poured steadily. We were already contemplating moving the ceremony and reception indoors. But we held on to our faith that God would answer our prayers and give us a beautiful wedding. At around 3:00PM, the rain stopped, the sun came out, and He gave us cool, calm, and perfect weather.”

It  may have rained hard before the ceremony even began, but it still worked out in the end. After all, after every storm there is always a rainbow: a promise that good days are up ahead.

Marc and Annegi made sure that this autumn-inspired wedding was an intimate celebration with their close friends and family. Simplicity was key. They had a small entourage composed mainly of principal and secondary sponsors. Even the dress code didn’t require anyone to get into formal wear but to simply dress up using the colors of the autumn season.

The bride and groom share their tips for planning for the big day and adding a personal touch to it.

1. Stick to the vision

   “Our vision was to have a backyard wedding where our guests can  feel at home in the presence of family and friends. We didn’t want our guests to bother with what to wear or the roles they have to play; the goal was to let them come and celebrate with us and have a good time. We opted for soft lighting using string lamps to match the rustic vibe of Casa San Pablo and the cool February weather. The set up was no-frills, even the dinner program was light and straight to the point. Live acoustic music at the reception added to the soothing ambiance.”

2. It doesn’t need to be expensive. There’s beauty in simplicity.

   “Simple doesn’t necessarily mean cheap. At the onset, couples need to set their minds on which items are most important, and which can be done away with. And they need to stick to these decisions. We were guided by the thoughts, ‘If we were guests at someone else’s wedding, what would be most important to us?’”

3. More heads are better than one

   “Get help from family and friends especially when you find yourself in a very tough situation. Yes, a lot of suppliers can easily be found online but by getting personal recommendations from people you trust, you can save yourself from the costs resulting from wrong decisions. Family and friends can also pitch in with the DIY projects. Things become more special when you know they’re made with love.”

All was well in the end despite the many challenges.  After all, the day wasn’t just about having a perfect wedding, but about celebrating the love between this fated couple. But the warmth, intimacy, and even the simplicity of their autumn-inspired wedding only added to making this day unforgettable for Marc and Annegi.

Supplier Spotlight: Photo: Vital Image Photo | Coordinator: Happenings Events Management | HMUA: Beauty by Lace | Venue/Caterer: Casa San Pablo

What was your favorite moment or detail from this autumn-inspired wedding? 

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Take for example Jay and Framel, who find so much joy in travelling. They are both wanderlusts at heart, and together they boldly embark this journey towards perhaps one of the most important events in their lives. To cement this moment further in their memories, they wanted a memorable prenup session to mark the beginning of their married life together, which is truly an adventure of a lifetime and for a lifetime.

Shying away from the usual prenup locations, the couple went on to have their session at Osmena Peak as suggested by their creative team. With the cool crisp air, the lush greenery surrounding them, the jagged rock formations, and miles and miles separating them from the chaos of the city, Jay and Framel felt the magic of the mystical Osmena Peak.

“We always find great joy in travelling. That’s mainly the reason why we chose this theme; we can be more ourselves. When we told Lex (Project LxD) about the theme, he suggested to have the shoot at Osmena Peak. We were so thrilled with his suggestion. The place reminded us so much of the day we got engaged at Marlboro Country in Sagada.”

The city may have it all, but it’s always nice to take a breather and explore more of the wonders that travelling can bring, especially if it takes you to places that lets you enjoy the comforts of the outdoors and sets you on unique adventures at the same time. Though the session became challenging because of the elements of nature, it was, as you would expect from an adventure of a lifetime, all worthwhile in the end.

“We didn’t feel like we had an engagement session; it was more like we were just on another adventure and having fun.  Project LxD did the magic amid the strong wind and thick fog. They managed to finish everything just in time before the rain poured.”

Jay and Framel wanted to make sure that the result of this session would be something they’d be happy with for the rest of their lives. It’s important to consider some important factors to make a session both memorable and enjoyable. Consider these tips from the couple to make your own engagement session personal, timeless, and, of course, crazy fun!

1. Communicate with your spouse-to-be.

   You wouldn’t want to go into an argument about what goes on during the session. Consider each other’s opinions and input so that the session reflects both personalities.

2. Communicate with your suppliers.

   Let them know what you want and, at the same time, listen to their input. They can give excellent directions to make an amazing overall session.

3. Hire professionals.

   They are in the business because they know what to do. It is comforting to know that you are in good hands.

4. Get enough rest so that no one would look tired and haggard in the photos.

5. Be yourself and enjoy!

   Let your personalities shine through the photos to make it more natural. Also, remember that the session is one of those moments wherein you get to celebrate your love for each other so, more than looking good, just enjoy your time with each other.

Supplier Spotlight: Photographer: Project LXD

The post Adventure of A Lifetime: An Osmena Peak Prenup appeared first on The Top Knotters.