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It’s a great place to meet some of the vendors who are– likewise– just as excited to meet you, answer your questions, and attend to your inquiries. In attendance as exhibitors at the Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair are: Antipolo Valley Event Center, Masiha Photo and Video, 55 Events Place, BT Collection, LeBlanc Hotel and Resort, Augustine Bridal Wear, Makeup by Miss A, Simply Cups n Cakes, Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort, Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila, Phone2Prints, Luljetta’s Place, Adeva Jewellery, FacesbyLynette, A. Bernardo Jewelry, Project M Acoustic, Photoman, Bounce Events Ground, J’s Diamond Jewelry, Boxed PH, GDGFilm, Annasthetic Designs, and Suarez Wedding Rings among many others.

Before you head out to the Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair, however, here are a few useful tips:

• List down your priorities and how much you want to spend for it.
• Check out the date of the fair and schedule your visit with your fiancé, maid of honor or your mom. 
• If you hired a Wedding Planner already, have her tag along. She will be able to give you tips or introduce you to suppliers she has worked with in the past. If you haven’t booked a Wedding Planner, Eventist Manila and Simply Beautiful Events are onsite. Visit them for a FREE consultation.
• Do research online, ask for recommended vendors from family and friends. 
• Download our budget management file from our website. This will help you allot a certain amount for your preferred, budget and practical vendors.
• Save on entrance fees. Guests, couples and debutantes who register at http://beforeidobridalfair.com/, enjoy FREE entrance when they present their event tickets at the registration booth.

Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair has also partnered with Hizon’s catering to give you a grand food tasting and this is open for soon to wed couples, debutantes and their parents! Just register online to book your seats at http://beforeidobridalfair.com. A representative from Hizon’s Catering will confirm your reservation. Doors open at 11:00am daily.  So be sure to come early!    

Looking for a prenup venue? Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair and Nana’s Farm has got you covered. Visit http://ow.ly/b1ps50vHPAC and simply tell us why you are excited to attend #BeforeIDoBridalFair on September 21 and 22, 2019 at the Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall and get a chance to win a photoshoot pass at Nana’s Farm and possibly an overnight stay too!

The Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is made possible by the much-appreciated support of our partners: Hizon’s Catering, Tagaytayliving.com, Kasal.com, TheTopKnotters.com, Wedding Wonderland PH, WhenInManila.com, Sound Level, Dangwa Florist, Metrotech Rental Solutions Inc., Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall and Simply Beautiful Events.

If you plan on joining as an exhibitor, get in touch with the Before I Do Bridal Fair team via email at before.ido.bridalfair@gmail.com, or by phone at 809.3119 for more details.

The Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is a production of VRC Creative Events Management Corporation.

The post 6 Helpful Tips When Attending the Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair appeared first on The Top Knotters.

While it is truly a day of joyous celebration, you also want to make it fun, memorable, and– probably most of all– perfect.

What does it take to have your own perfect dream wedding?

Every bride and groom wants to have their own unique spin on the events of their upcoming big day. But more than the act of making a wedding eclectic, unconventional, and extraordinary, wedding experts believe that it is still far better to let your own personality shine.

Introducing your own DNA into your wedding planning almost certainly guarantees a unique wedding experience. Your love story, your preferences as a couple and as individuals, your aspirations, your hopes, and dreams can all come shining through on your big day.

Whether traditional, modern or outright quirky, for as long as what you do resonates well with you as a soon-to-wed couple, you will definitely have that perfect wedding that matches your unique style.

That being said, our wedding experts have pointed out these three common downers that suck away the joy of wedding planning: 

1. Peer Pressure/ Family Pressure

That being said, our wedding experts have pointed out these three common pitfalls that can prevent you from having that perfect dream wedding of yours:

Just because your friend or a relative had their wedding done in a certain way means you have to have yours done in that way as well.

Planning a wedding is mostly fun, yes. But there’s always that nagging feeling that you must do things in a certain way. For Filipino soon-to-weds, families definitely have a strong influence on what should go on in your wedding– usually citing tradition or their own preferences.

“Don’t let other people pressure you to do what they want for your wedding,” says Summer Reyes-Carullo of veteran wedding planning and coordination team Simply Beautiful Events.

“Remember, your big day is about you and your significant other. While it’s easy to say “your real friends and family will support your wishes no matter what”, the reality is– these things happen, and you have to somehow smooth things out and resolve matters before your wedding day.”

Your parents might insist on getting so-and-so as part of your entourage, or a friend might “aggressively encourage” you to get a certain vendor or supplier.

“Ultimately, it’s all up to you. It is your wedding, your call. All we can do is to guide you and give suggestions. At the end of the day, you make the decisions and we will execute them for you,” reiterates Summer. And adds that you can choose to accept reasonable requests, but at any time something doesn’t sit well with you, or puts you in an uncomfortable or compromising situation, then don’t.

“Compromise and meeting halfway are great, but your happiness is much more important.”

2. Latching on to Unnecessary Wedding Trends

Just because you’ve seen something done in a magazine, in a movie, in a TV show, or in an article online means you have to have those done at your wedding as well.

“Many of these trends are picked up by media outlets because they might make a great story, but remember not to get too carried away by these trends,” says Renzie Baluyut of Sofia’s Cakes Tagaytay, a custom cake shop exclusively serving soon-to-wed clients getting married in the neighborhood of Tagaytay.

He adds that almost every bride comes up to them with Pinterest Boards of all kinds of wedding inspiration (including wedding cakes).

“But that’s what they should be– inspiration. We always make the effort to advise our couples on what can be done, or what can’t be done, or if there might be logistical issues, and what sort of options we have to give it a bit of their own personality.”

When it comes to a wedding reception, many things must be considered. “Weather, budget, venue, and timeline, for starters,” continues Renzie, “but in the end, we tell our couples to have a real good look at what’s realistic, and then work with their wedding vendors to see if it can be executed correctly.”

3. Picking The Wrong Wedding Vendors

Just because you have the budget for it means you have to sign up the most high-end wedding vendors (or packages) available.

“It’s not even a question of price,” points out Luis Ignacio of Silvermoon Studio, one of South Korea’s leading names in wedding photography (which just set up shop here recently in the Philippines).

“The more important question is: do you believe we are the right wedding vendor for you?”

Wedding photographers are very astute at observation, and Luis continues to elaborate that they have been at several weddings when the couple has picked out a master of ceremonies, a band, or a DJ that isn’t as well-received when it comes to the wedding reception program.

“It’s not that they were horrible or had a bad performance– it’s just that the guests (and the couple) were likely expecting something else.”

Which is why Luis thinks that it is very important to really take the time to get to know your wedding vendors, “especially so if you’re still considering which vendors to sign up for your big day.”

Conclusion

Having an extraordinary dream wedding is easy when you allow your personality to shine.

Don’t get pressured into doing anything you don’t want for your ceremony or reception. Be wary of wedding trends– some might work for you, others not so much. And take the time to find out if your wedding vendor selection reflects your own vision and expectations.

Planning is still key. So when you come to visit the next bridal fair to have a look at wedding vendors and venues, you have a better idea of what you need for your big day.

Stick to your own personal style. Know what will work for your big night (and what won’t). Show off your personality as a couple (and as individuals).

But most importantly, make the experience worthwhile, not just for your guests but most especially for you. Document every step of the way, have fun, and best wishes!

The Before I Do Bridal Fair Series

Looking for a few more wedding vendors to complete your roster for your big day? Among the many photographers, hair and makeup artists, and coordinators available, you’ll find a lot more suppliers for your event requirements.

The 36th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair happens on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7, 2019 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3, with over a hundred wedding vendors and suppliers you may want to check out just as you’re planning on putting everything together for your wedding day.

Have a look at what’s new, take advantage of special only-for-the-weekend rates and packages, and sit down and chat with some of the best wedding venues and vendors around.

We have a good mix of old favorites as well as up-and-coming suppliers such as 55 Events Place, Liz Rañola Photography, Confections Of A Chocoholic, Taters, The Mango Farm, Silvermoon Studio, Jacque A. – Makeup Artist, Simply Cups N Cakes, Goldmine Jewellery, Mick Perez Couture, AMI Jewels, Beauty by Hannah Piaduche, Boxed Ph, Villar Sipag Events Place, Ever Engraving Stationery and A. Bernardo’s Jewellery.

Visit www.beforeidobridalfair.com, the official Before I Do website, and register today to enter for FREE upon presenting your event tickets at the registration booth. You can also get in touch with the Before I Do Bridal Fair team via email (before.ido.bridalfair@gmail.com), or by phone at 809.3119 for more details on joining as an exhibitor.

The 36th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is a production of VRC Creative Events Management Corp., and is made possible by the continued love and support of our event partners and sponsors: Kasal.com, The Top Knotters, TagaytayLiving.com, Sugar Petals Enterprise And Events Management, Sound Level, WhenInManila.com, Imelda’s Jewelry, Dangwa Florist, Metrotech, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, And Simply Beautiful Events.

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How you each prioritize, or manage finances, or solve problems are some of the very useful things to know during your wedding planning stage, sure. But even more, mundane stuff from preferences in food, music, or decor, and even how you entertain guests or interact with each others’ family and friends also come into play.

Your wedding gets you more involved than most celebrations making it a great foundation to get to know each other even more.

DIT: Everything is Better When You’re Doing It Together.
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When planning your wedding you have to work together to decide what really matters to you as a couple. Years from now, when you look back, you will always remember those days when you both went to the gym and made the effort to lose weight, your trips out of town to look for that elusive one-of-a-kind wedding venue, attending the all-too-important food tasting appointments, and even going to fitting sessions with members of your entourage, just to name a few.

DIY wedding projects are a lot more meaningful when you DIT, or Do It Together. Think of the DIT Movement as our way of encouraging couples to be as invested as possible, as early as the wedding planning process. We believe that, as a couple about to get married, each of you should be just as involved in the entire process: from deciding on a date and venue, to figuring out a theme or motif for your big day, up to choosing your wedding vendors, managing your guest list, all the way down to deciding what favors or souvenirs to give away, or writing down toasts to recognize people for their contributions to what might be the most important day of your life– the entire experience only serves to strengthen your relationship as a couple.

Both of you not just feel included, valued, and heard when you DIT, you also create a lot of new memories together throughout the entire process. As your own wedding planning journey is made more meaningful, we also hope that you also have fun and learn a lot of things about each other along the way.

Life is Short, Celebrate Everything!
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If you need more help putting things together for your big day, come bring your fiance (or your girlfriends, or your family and friends) to the Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair, happening on the weekend of November 24 and 25, 2018, at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall.

The longest-running intimate bridal event of its kind, the Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair helps make planning your special day easier and a lot more convenient, as our featured vendors and venues are all happy to help you out with special packages and other promos just for the weekend.

Some of our participating wedding and event suppliers include the good people of:
BT Collection, The Wild Ones Videography, The Grand Cobo Events Place, Godfather Shoes, Vireef Digital Inc., Ivan Ruiz Atelier, Happy Town Coffee, Maru Rodriguez Artistry, Densol’s Catering and Events, Global Noble International Corp., Erick Delim Photography and Films, BeautyPaul Makeover, Felipe and Sons, Great Image Events Photography, Silvermoon Studios, Alon Wedding Photo and Films, Liz Rañola Photography, Antipolo Valley Event Center, La Rosa Bridal, Cactus and Canvas, Photoman, J’s Diamond Jewelry, Infinity Closet, AMI Jewels, Bounce Events Ground, Studio1 Photography, Hair and Makeup by Gloria Cruz, Print & Co., TEAMRED: Makeup by Red Gaa, A. Bernardo’s Jewelry, A&V Studios, Polespino Photography, Diamond with Love Jewelry Shop, Nice Print Photography, Makeup by ReyC, Print Divas, Eventist Manila and Makeup by Miss A.

For your convenience, go right ahead and register at http://beforeidobridalfair.com, and present your ticket at the entrance to enter for FREE!

Doors open at 11:00 am daily. Three (3) lucky early bird brides and debutantes get a gift from Simply Beautiful Events. Other prizes to be given away to event attendees for the weekend include special gifts from sponsors and exhibitors during the hourly raffle draws.

This event is made possible with the help of Jeffrey Namoc Events Styling, Sound Level, Kasal.com, The Top Knotters, EventsVenuePH, TagaytayLiving.com,  Weddings Tagaytay, WhenInManila.com, Business Mirror, The Mango Farm, Mitch Desunia Bridal, Sugar Petals Enterprise & Events Management, Makeup by Anne Magadia, Imelda’s Jewelry, Dangwa Florist, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall and Simply Beautiful Events.

Remember, in wedding planning everything is better when you DIT.

Before I Do Bridal Fair Series is produced and organized by VRC Creative Events at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall where we have over 3,000 anticipated guests per event with not more than 100 of Manila’s established and upcoming event suppliers under one roof.

For inquiries on how to be an exhibitor, get in touch with our team at 8093119 or 09178587787 or click here to inquire online.

The post The Best Way When Planning For Your Wedding appeared first on The Top Knotters.

Event vendors such as Diamond with Love Jewelry Shop, Elaine Celestino-Makeup Artist, J’s Diamond Jewellery, GQ Mobile Bar, Mick Perez, Les Alajeras, Cactus & Canvas, andProject Bliss Life Stories are all eager to be of assistance in helping you plan your big day. Also featured are fellow exhibitors Manila Diamond Studio, Gemline Jewelry, Studio 1 Photography, Coco Melody, Make Up by Miss A, Nelsy Ernst. Pro Make Up, Bounce Events Ground, Robert Camba Catering Services, Print & Co., Photoman, and AMI Jewels who are all giving great discounts and freebies for on-the-spot bookings.

Now even with the prevalence of wedding fairs, it’s still very easy for engaged couples to be overwhelmed and stressed out. Putting together a dream wedding is surely no easy feat for anyone – most couples usually worry about having enough time to prepare, not having explored enough vendor options, or not being able to maximize their wedding budget.

What better way to help out fellow soon-to-weds than tapping bridal fair experts, a.k.a former brides who have braved the bridal fair scene before they got married. They are all-too-familiar with the challenges soon-to-weds face, so you’re in luck they’ve volunteered to share their secrets:

Tips on Making the Most of Your Visit to Before I Do

Bridal fair experts– in this case, former brides who braved the bridal fair scene before they got married are all-too-familiar with the challenges soon-to-weds face, so they’ve volunteered to share their secrets:

1. Plan Ahead.

Janine, our Before I Do April 2018 bride, has this to share:

“It was last 8th of April 2018, when I’ve decided to visit the Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair to check the resources in store for brides-to-be, like me. (I feel) I’ve made the right decision since I met a bunch of (suppliers who were) willing to extend their (assistance) just to make our wedding extra special and hassle-free.

For first timers like me (to visit a bridal fair), I was amazed that on-site suppliers are approachable and not persistent to clients. They will give you ideas and tips on how to plan the details of your big day.

Just a piece of advice for first-timers: it is best to visit every booth on the fair before (deciding on) a specific supplier so that you can compare which (vendor) will best suit your budget and needs. Our wedding will be on the 3rd of May 2019 but I’m glad I started planning a year ahead, for me to thoroughly choose the best for my once-in-a-lifetime event.”

2. Be Open To Ideas

Chai, our Before I Do April 2017 bride, has this little nugget of wisdom to impart:

“For (starters), it would be best to attend bridal fairs to gather concepts and establish connections with proficient service providers. Aside from the discounts and special rates during bridal fairs, one can get a snapshot of the latest trends in wedding essentials and bridal fashion and compare ongoing rates of services.”

3. Be Thorough

Linrose, our Before I Do July 2016 bride, shares her experience at the event:

“We needed a “one-stop shop” as we were running out of time, (but fortunately for us) everything was set after our visit at Before I Do. We had a satisfying experience. I believe it helped a lot of couples just like us, searching for the perfect pieces for their perfect moment.

We were all over the place, literally! Everything that a couple (might) need was there and we had a hard time choosing, but that’s because all of the exhibitors were great. We even won a free prenup video without purchasing anything! We just registered onsite and our name was in!

Then we finally got what we (needed), the guest performers started their set and it was the best way to end our day. It’s a good thing we were done when the show started. We went home satisfied and entertained.”

The 33rd Before I Do Wedding & Debut Fair is made possible with the help of: Sound Level, SugarPetals Enterprise & Events Management, WhenInManila.com, Kasal.com, The Mango Farm, JenryVillamar Photo & Video, Makeup by Anne Magadia, Imelda’s Jewelry, Dangwa Florist, TagaytayLiving.com, Weddings Tagaytay, Business Mirror, The Top Knotters, MSD Godspeed, and Simply Beautiful Events.

The Before I Do Bridal Fair series is produced and organized by VRC Creative Events 4 times a year at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall where we have over 3,000 anticipated guests per event with not more than 100 of Manila’s established and upcoming event suppliers under one roof.

Register online via www.beforeidobridalfair.com to enter for free. For inquiries on how to be an exhibitor, get in touch with our team at 8093119 or 09178587787.

The post 3 Tips on Making the Most of Your Visit to Before I Do Wedding & Debut Fair 33rd Edition appeared first on The Top Knotters.

Imagine a young Filipina moving to a Melbourne to pursue her career. Fairly new to the city, she meets a Fil-Australian guy in a club one random night. They eventually get to know each other better and find out that they’re so different from each other. Yet despite everything, somehow, they just hit it off and love blossomed. Fast forward to 9 years after, they find themselves back to their roots, saying their ‘I do’s’ in the scenic Madre De Dios of Tagaytay Midlands.

We love stories of how people who seem so different actually turn out to be the best complement for the other. As their love for each other endures, they eventually find their common, connecting ground.

Of their relationship, Tosca shares,

“We have nothing much in common apart from our love and closeness to our families. Even though we are so different, for some reason, it works for us.”

And what an amazing 9 years it must have been for these two. What with Xavier’s proposal in Guam in true romantic form.

“It was special, just the two of us walking in the beach after a nice dinner, he knelt on one knee and he asked me if I would marry him.”

There are so many ways proposals have been done over the years, yet this scene never gets old. It’s a story that can give a girl all sorts of ‘kilig’ feelings once relived, or even just told.

Such a journey these two must have had from Melbourne to Midlands. Their wedding photos and videos captured by the talented Mr. David Garmsen reflected such refreshing and enduring love. We see a peach spring theme that simply & elegantly fell into place.

Tosca shared with us how this once in a lifetime milestone is accentuated by their Top Knotter moment.

“It was definitely the SDE. I knew that there was going to be an SDE, but I didn’t expect it to be that moving and emotional for all of us. I knew David and his team are great at what they do and I wouldn’t expect any less, but actually watching it and looking back at the last couple of hours was really special and emotional for everyone and Im truly grateful that David and his team captured it beautifully.”

https://vimeo.com/264823005

Now, preparing for a wedding from Melbourne to Midlands might be quite a challenge. But Tosca & Xavier had their bases covered.

We asked them if there was anything, on hindsight, that they wish they knew while they were planning for the wedding.

“I think I was prepped well. I knew it was gonna be hard and a bit frustrating at times most especially because we were doing a destination wedding. I’m just very grateful to my wedding coordinator, Tina Offemaria as she helped me through most of the things that I was stressing about.”

From Melbourne to Midlands. From now til forever. To Tosca & Xavier, we wish a strong & smooth married life. They might encounter some bumps & hiccups in this new journey of theirs, but we trust that their years forward with be as or more amazing than the 9 years they’ve had. And may the bond of love and family always see them through with God always in their midst.

Supplier Spotlight: Photography & Videography – David Garmsen | Flowers: Flowers by Rosabella | Gown: Maggie Sottero | Barong: Onesimus (Custom Made) | HMUA: Toni Aviles Glam Team | Coordination: Illumination Events | Bridal Car: Bridal Car Philippines

What do you think of Tosca & Xavier’s from Melbourne to Midlands Peach Spring wedding?

The post From Melbourne to Midlands: A Refreshing Peach Spring Wedding appeared first on The Top Knotters.

That Special K-bond

But there’s more to this shared love of KDramas that led to choosing Seoul as the setting for their Korean prenup.

“We were together for seven years before we decided to tie the knot. And during those years, we struggled to find one thing in common that will keep us together. He was a gamer and I couldn’t stay in one place. But one thing we have in common is that we’re obsessed with Korean Dramas. We used to binge watch on dramas during the weekends while eating Korean comfort food–and this was before Netflix! Unbeknownst to both of us, this weekend routine was already a special part of our relationship and because of this, Seoul is really close to our hearts.”

Autumn in Seoul

This is how the couple describes their theme for this idyllic Korean prenup. Albeit this was probably influenced by the range of interesting yet romantic K-Dramas they’ve been watching together and ‘obsessing’ on. 

“Autumn is like a romantic canvass. You don’t need a stylist because the vibrant colors of Maple and Gingko leaves are already breathtaking. We wanted a relaxed photoshoot with everything raw and unstaged. We wanted a medley of vivid autumn leaves behind warm, passionate and natural candids. So, it had to be Autumn in Seoul.”

In A Different Light 

The couple admit that this two-day shoot opened up ‘a whole new experience’ for both of them.

“The shoot was really fun but very tiring! It was a 2-day shoot and we were practically crawling (Aika included) on our way back to the hotel each night. It was a whole new experience for both of us. At the end of each day we would tell Aika “Nakakapagod naman trabaho mo beshie!”. But she would just laugh at us.” 

This also gave them a new appreciation of photographers, specially with all their photographer, Aika Guerrero, did for them to have this idyllic Korean prenup session.

“Now we really appreciate all photographers who are passionate with their craft. We were just glad that we did the shoot. Aika taught us how to pose comfortably and this really helped us a lot even up to our wedding day.” 

Sweet & Unforgettable

This is how Archie & Jamiee described their Korean prenup experience, on the overall, specially it being their first time to visit Seoul.

“Until now, when we look at our photos (they turned out really awesome), we arereminded of the amazing experience.”

Travel Tips to Take Note of

Asked if there was anything wish they did differently for this shoot, they zeroed in on the way they did their travel arrangements, which we can sum up into two super useful travel preparation tips:

1. Fix Visa Before Booking

This could be the answer to a ‘chicken & egg’ type of question you may have in mind when it comes to traveling to countries that require visa for entry.

“If I were to turn back time and do the shoot again, I would’ve prepared for the visas first before booking the flights. We ended up having unnecessary spendings because I chose to do it the other way around.”

 2. Make Sure to Know How to Get Where

 It’s ok to go all adventurous and figure out directons when you get to your destination if you’re there for a long leisurely stay. But for instances like this idyllic Korean prenup, where you’re there with a checklist of items to visit within limited time, this tip is for you.

“We also should’ve done more research so we can cut the travel time. We heavily rely on google maps during our overseas trips so we got lost a couple of times in Seoul because the app doesn’t work in South Korea. We had to skip Gyeongbokgung Palace because we didn’t have enough time.”

K-Love to Last

With such an eventful yet idyllic Koren prenup these two had, it’s safe to say they will continue bingeing on a whole list of Korean Dramas even in late nights and wee mornings during their honeymoon & beyond. Thanks to their lovely prenup photos, they even have proof to share their kids & grandkids of their own version of a Korean love story.

How about you, has the Korean Drama craze bitten you and your loved one yet?  

Supplier Spotlight: Photography – Aika Guerrero | Floral Dress – Mel Orlina | Blue Gown – Jocelyn Heredia | Fur Wrap – The Fur Factory | Wedding Hanbok – Byulgungteo Hanbok

The post An Idyllic Korean Prenup: Archer & Jaimee appeared first on The Top Knotters.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with this woman”

These were the words that were running through Benjie’s mind when he finally decided he is ready to pop the question. Criselda was taken by surprise when Benjie brought her to a place that had a special significance to them. It was one of the very first few places they went to for their dates which has now become the backdrop for their memorable Sofitel marriage proposal.

“I wasn’t expecting the proposal that night. I actually thought that he just forgot to buy me a Christmas present and decided to take me out to dinner instead.”

Benjie and Criselda were high school mates and college course mates but Criselda was one batch lower. They have worked together as part of an art committee during college but their friendship never grew   from there. It was only when they got reintroduced to each other that they were able to reconnect, get to know each other and got closer. After a year, they officially became a couple.

The Preparations:

Finding the Perfect Ring

“I simply wanted every bit of the ring to be perfect for her.”

Benjie shared that a lot of hours were spent more on finding the perfect ring for Criselda. He researched about settings, the cut of the stone, the metal that will be used for the band, plus understanding a ton of jargons that came along with them.

The Talk with Her Parents

“Talking to her parents was another thing that I had to plan carefully.”

As a wedding photographer, Benjie has heard dozens of stories of proposal fails where the parents (especially the mom) would be too emotional or too excited that they’d drop hints to their daughter like “dress up before you meet him” or “did you polish your nails?” risking the element of surprise. But of course, it’s always good to ask blessing from the girl’s family before proposing.

The Location

“Sofitel is one of the hotels that offer an amazing view of the sunset. I was actually thinking of proposing during that time but I had to move the proposal to after dinner. Surprisingly, it worked better than the original plan. The spot where I planned to propose was literally empty and all that was left for me to do was to set up a camera as what we usually do .”

Well,  “It truly pays to be resourceful” especially if you know how to take photos using a tripod. You won’t have to hire any photographers to capture your own intimate proposal. It helps too that Benjie has had the habit of capturing Cris’ expressions, their trips, dates and moments together. It seems to have helped in keeping Cris clueless about the surprise until Benjie knelt & popped the question.

Her Reaction:

Criselda revealed that she wasn’t really expecting any proposal that night.

“I thought he was just taking me out to dinner because he forgot to buy me a Christmas present. I was just enjoying his company (and the good food) Lol.”

When we asked her what her reaction was at the moment that Benjie was proposing, Cris responded saying,

“Everything was a blur. I remembering not answering right away because I was saying “Seryoso?!”. I couldn’t believe that he was already proposing. But I loved the way he proposed. Just the two of us.”

Don’t you just love it when men are able to successfully pull off a Sofitel marriage proposal such as this? You can also see how much time and effort Benjie put into this video and in documenting their time together as they journey together while travelling.

Proposal Tips from The Couple:

I didn’t prepare myself in any way. I guess I can just say that they shouldn’t think too much about when and how the proposal will happen. And when it finally happens, just be in the moment. No need for a rehearsed reaction or speech. Just be spontaneous. – Cris

Knowing your partner well will help a lot. We’ve been together for nearly 6 years so I already knew her personality. I’m sure she didn’t want something grand and I’m also sure that flash mobs or a huge crowd in front of her were a no-no. She’s the type who’d love an intimate moment where we can be ourselves. – Benjie

We so love what Benjie shared for his tip for all men out there (and women as well).  Get to know your partner as much as you can. Know what she loves and hates, what makes her happy or sad, and what she values in life. And most of the time, you will learn if you’re both compatible when you travel with them.

And when you think you finally know everything you should know about her, ask yourself:

“Do you want to spend the rest of your life with this woman?” 

Just like what happened with Benjie and Cris’ Sofitel marriage proposal, we hope the answer is a resounding YES!

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