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.

When Prince William got married to Kate Middleton in 2011, the internet went rabid with posters that said, “Keep Calm. Harry’s Still Single.” We were definitely not calm as we watched the live telecast of Harry and Meghan’s wedding last night. In fact, our collective hearts were completely aflutter at the sight of our beloved prince finally getting married—to a woman who dared to give love another try. Sigh. Happy ever afters do exist. Tiwala lang!

We especially admired how, at Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding, it was evident that the royal couple put careful thought into their planning process. It wasn’t just a glitzy affair but truly a #WeddingWithHeart that oozed love and affection. If you’re planning your own happy ever after (whether with a specific guy in mind or just preparing for the hopefully-not-so-distant future), take your cue from Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding! And no, it won’t cost you 32 million pounds. In fact, we promise that some ideas might actually save you a buck or two!

Harry and Meghan’s Wedding : 4 Hacks for A Royal Affair

1. Go minimalist.

We have to talk about that dress. With the royal family’s bank account at her disposal, Meghan could’ve chosen an opulent number. Instead, she went very elegant with her silk gown with three quarter length sleeves and a bateau neckline. Mind you, it was custom-made Givenchy and had a five-meter train, but it still looked simple.

And while the chapel was elaborately adorned with beautiful fresh flowers for Harry and Meghan’s wedding, the bride actually sported a very simple bouquet. Many of the flowers were picked from the royal gardens, which is in keeping with the “picked-off-the-road” trend in floral arrangements. Definitely a more affordable (not to mention more eco-friendly) option.

The couple went with a humbler, naked cake adorned with fresh flowers. If you’re really looking to save, you could probably get your aunt to copy this look for you. No promises about the taste though (unless your aunt is Heny Sison).

Also at the reception, it was reported that bowl food would be served from food trucks. While this is probably in addition to a sit-down, serviced meal, you can recreate a more relaxed reception environment (and hopefully save a buck) by serving similar dishes that your guests will be sure to enjoy. Because who wouldn’t prefer bacon and sausage sandwiches over cream of asparagus soup? Let’s be honest here.

2. Be charitable.

We’re sure that you’ve read that, instead of asking for gifts, the royal couple requested for guests to make a donation to their favorite charities. But Harry and Meghan’s wedding is hardly the first charitable wedding we’ve heard of. Similarly, Prince William and Kate did the same when they tied the knot. Some of you might be thinking that of course they could afford to do that—they’re princes! It’s not something normal people paying rent can do.

But giving back and paying forward when you say your “I do’s” doesn’t have to be such a huge sacrifice. Although we really admire this couple’s decision to donate their entire wedding fund to help Syrian refugees, there are many doable ways by which your own wedding (and marriage) can be a blessing to others.

Consider donating money for wedding favors to a charity instead. One wedding we recently attended had the couple—both nurses—distribute lottery tickets as wedding favors. They did this to support the PCSO, which in turn supports charity patients at local hospitals. Read this for more ideas on how to give back on your wedding day.

3. Phone a friend (or a hundred)!

Contrary to popular belief, the wedding entourage isn’t just there to add to the pomp of the celebration—or to help you pay for your wedding. More importantly, they are there to support the couple in this long, arduous, sometimes dangerous journey aka married life. Because we all know that it actually takes a village to make a marriage work (aside from the couple and God of course). At Harry and Meghan’s wedding, the service order (or missalette) had these words printed  in the Pastoral Introduction:

You are witnesses of the marriage, and express your support by your presence and your prayers. Your support does not end today: the couple will value continued encouragement in the days and years ahead of them.

At one point in the ceremony, the Archbishop also addressed those present if they would support and uphold the couple in their marriage in the present and in the years to come. What a beautiful reminder to all of us of the reason we go to weddings in the first place! (And all along we thought it was for the buffet LOL.)

4. Guests who matter

The previous thought will come in handy when you’re editing your guest list too. Unlike Prince William who invited 1,900 guests to his wedding, only 600 guests were in attendance at Harry and Meghan’s wedding. Being only sixth in line to the throne, Harry didn’t have to invite foreign leaders for formality’s sake. So if you’re still asking if you should invite that distant uncle who can’t even get your name right, Harry’s got your answer.

On the other hand, you can still include your dear departed loved ones in your big day. From the engagement ring to the flowers to having one of the readings done by her sister, Princess Diana’s presence was intentionally included by the couple in their celebration. Read this next for more ideas on how to add memorials to your wedding.

On a somewhat related note, if you’re also having trouble choosing your entourage, you can take a cue from Meghan and do away with it altogether! Meghan reportedly didn’t want to have to choose among her adult friends, so she instead went with adorable bridesmaids and page boys. This is a pretty diplomatic way to go about it. Bonus points because your friends won’t have to pay for bridesmaid gowns which (let’s be honest) they won’t wear again.

5. Get Lit!

No, not that kind of lit.

While planning a gorgeous wedding can sometimes be all-consuming, this is our ultimate advice for a true #WeddingWithHeart. Prioritize the ceremony first. And we don’t just mean make the church beautiful and get an amazing choir. Rather, prioritize the liturgy.

One of the noticeable things about Harry and Meghan’s wedding was the fact that their service was so carefully considered. The reading from the Song of Solomon resounds in our heart particularly as we think of #TheRightTime.

My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land.

It was also evident in the way they combined their respective religious traditions, the choice of readings—even the vows. We were bawling by the time Harry placed the ring on Meghan’s finger:

“With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

Each word, chosen and uttered intentionally has so much meaning, especially on this day when man and woman come before God and their family and friends. So choose yours wisely!

There you have it: our four absolutely doable hacks to recreating your own royal affair in the vein of Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding! More than their clever #TipidTips, we hope that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex inspired you to keep believing in the power of love and the possibility of second chances. Now excuse the us as we sign up for yet another speed dating event.

The post Harry and Meghan’s Wedding: 5 Hacks for A Royal Affair 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!

The post Sofitel Marriage Proposal: Benjie Tiongco & Criselda appeared first on The Top Knotters.

So, it’s no surprise that Joven & Thesa wanted to relive and capture this significant chapter of their lives for their prenup session. This is the time when they first met and became friends.

“It’s where the foundation of our love began. Our ‘College Sweethearts” theme depicted our young love that matured over time” 

Certainly, aside from being the stage for their meeting, college life must have brought some tests & trials for their relationship that made it stronger even as they’ve yet to be full blown adults. College life in itself is quite memorable with the new friends and larger than (highschool) life experiences one encounters throughout one’s stay. But having memories with one’s future spouse, no matter how big or small, as far back as your college years gives a couple a lot of special moments to look back on. Now, won’t having some kind of documentation about that phase in your relationship be such an awesome memento to show and talk about with your future kids?

But before even getting that far into the future, Joven & Thesa shares  with us how their ‘College Sweethearts’ prenup session went down for them.

https://vimeo.com/251952745

A Trip Down Memory Lane

“The whole prenup experience was wonderful! We had a great time reminiscing our college days, reenacting memories & just being ourselves without any pressure of looking good in front of the cameras.’

It seems to have been a time travel experience of sorts for Joven & Thesa. But if there was anything they wished they’d paid more attention to as they went about their ‘College Sweethearts’ prenup, it would be the details of their outfits for their shoot. Since they did not get any stylist for this prenup shoot, they were grateful that their photographer, David Garmsen, gave them a bit of help in that aspect.

“Since we, both, are not “fashionistas”, we just wear t-shirts, shorts and slippers most of the time, we struggled in finding what outfit to wear in the shoot. Luckily, Sir David gave us advice especially on color coordination.”

Fashionista or not, we can see that Joven & Thesa make a handsome pair.  Having found each other and beginning their love story as college sweethearts, we’re pretty sure their college life is just first of the many ‘best times’ that they’ll be sharing together.

Supplier Spotlight: Photography – David Garmsen | Hair and Make Up – Martin Bermudez

The post College Sweethearts: Joven & Thesa Walks Down Memory Lane appeared first on The Top Knotters.

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?

The post Intimate Wedding: Mil and Pam appeared first on The Top Knotters.

From a choice of intimates and robes, to romantic suits & gowns and a beautiful set up that elegantly matches the season with local details & charm, this fall themed editorial exudes a balance of modesty and sensuality. It’s been said that the excitement in love lies in leaving a little bit of mystery in one way and at one point or another. It gives room for a constant unraveling of something new to look forward to.

We love how La Tercera described the emotion and sentiment they associate with this season as a perfect inspiration for this wedding editorial.

“With summer waving goodbye and the chill of winter slowly creeping in over the horizon, it connotes perfect romanticism. A time of deep reflection, poignant love stories redolent of meaningful walks, hand in hand under canopies of fiery golden trees and over a red carpet of crisp fallen leaves. The cool breeze whispers promises of renewal and other beautiful things to come. This is the Fall we know and love, the Fall we’d like to share.”

We may only have two seasons, but who’s to say that we cannot enjoy fall as well, right? Especially as we set it as a backdrop for capturing a love so true meant to be cherished for all seasons to come. So, we asked La Tercera on their advice for soon-to-weds who might want to experience and capture this kind of vibe for their wedding. What they shared are tips that would apply to whatever theme couples would want to go with.

1. Choose something dear to your heart and one that is testament to your own love story.

Not only will the ideas flow organically, but it will also make the celebration much more special.

2. Research as much as you can

and decide on a supplier who understands your vision, and will be able to make it into reality. Choosing the right suppliers is key!

3. Be realistic with your budget.

Some themes may take more time and money to execute.

4. Book as early as you can

once you’ve decided on what you want.

Supplier Spotlight: Event Styling: Sweet Nest Events  | Chairs: Bella Banquets  | Tables: Event Rentals PH  | Pavilion + Ceremony Styling / Catering: Shekinah  | Tableware: Gala shop+rent | Flowers: Dave Sandoval  | Rings / Fine Jewelry: Ocampo’s Jewelry | Bespoke Shoes: Jefferson Si  | Statement Accessories: Christopher Munar  | Cakes: Bethany Dream Cakes | Dressing Gowns + Lingerie + Hair Pieces: La Tercera | Suits + Bridal Gowns: Bespoke by Raya  | Hair: July Vito | Make Up: Terence Buenaventura | Photos: Project JDG Weddings  | Video: The Viking Studios | Fashion Styling: Jeff Galang (@jefffgalang) | Coordination: Noel Gumapac of Bride Idea Wedding Planning | Venue: Alexa’s Secret Garden  | Light + Sounds: Sublight

The post A Fall Themed Editorial : An Autumn Romance appeared first on The Top Knotters.

There’s a certain excitement when you start dating someone. It gives you a rush as you tread on the unknown in hopes of discovering a priceless treasure. But we think the true test of a relationship comes once your adrenaline levels return to normal. What’s left after the high “kilig” getting-to-know moments? We can only hope that you have what Chip and Angeli have: an honest love.

Honest Love

When Chip and Angeli went to the prom together, they felt absolutely no spark between them. It was just the usual affair wherein your friend/cousin/parent finds a date for you so you can pretend to star in your very own prom movie. (Regardless if it’s “Jawbreaker”, “10 Things I Hate About You”, or “Carrie”.)

Eight years later though, when the two were merely Facebook friends, Angeli posts a random thought on her timeline. We assume she might have been ranting, which would’ve been completely forgivable for someone in her last year of medical school. Whatever it was, Chip saw it and for some reason decided to check Angeli’s relationship status. Seeing that she was single, he dropped her a line.

Soon enough, their conversations grew more interesting and came very frequently. And after three weeks of intense conversation on Facebook messenger, they finally went out to dinner and saw the movie, “Up”.

After four months of exclusively dating, they officially became a couple on Christmas Day in 2009. Chip referenced the movie “Love Actually.” Below is his super smooth line which you can copy for that moment when you want an answer to the question, “Are we or aren’t we?”

“You know, it’s Christmas. And on Christmas, you tell the truth. I’d like to know if you consider us a couple.”

Angeli responded with an “I’d like to think so” and the rest, as they say, is history. This was the moment that marked the beginning of a simply honest love. Theirs was a relationship that had its thrills. But more than that, they just shared a simple and easy kind of love that always looked forward to the future. And that was what made it last for more than seven years.

The Proposal

Chip finally decided to seal their honest love and propose when their families incidentally booked the same dates to travel to Japan. He asked for her hand in marriage from her parents two weeks prior to the trip (an experience he admits was nerve-wracking).

Chip had initially planned on proposing while they explored an iconic landmark in Tokyo but his nerves got the better of him. He ended up popping the question at a bus stop near Angeli’s hotel, before midnight and before the last train ride back to his place.

Because Chip was going on and on in a litany of “relationship realizations”, Angeli actually thought the was breaking up with her! Instead, he put a ring on it. (Avoid these 6 Marriage Proposal Don’ts!)

Angeli ended up answering with three questions of her own: “Singsing ba iyan? Tinanong mo na parents ko? Are you ready to take care of me?”  Because of this, Chip had to keep asking Angeli to marry him before she finally, finally gave her yes. 

On Choosing Hello & Co. Cinema

Chip and Angeli felt it was critical for them to choose the right videographer because they wanted something new and nothing cliche. They also had three main considerations: affordability, creativity, and rapport. Chip and Angeli narrowed down their choices to three videographers whom they met with personally just to get the right vibes. The couple also wanted to know if they could deliver their “How I Met Your Mother” theme for the prenup video.

The Top Knotters Moment

The couple shared how their first meeting with Phoebe from Hello & Co. Cinema was already a Top Knotters moment for them.

“She got us, she knew what we wanted, and we just loved her energy. We had no doubts when we shot for our prenup.  [The final prenup video] was superb. The SDE was also nothing short of amazing. Come to think of it, every step of the way was a Top Knotters moment.”

Chip and Angeli felt at ease while filming on the big day, so their honest love really showed through in the footage. They described the experience as “just like magic”.

“We loved how the SDE captured the delight of our guests. We knew we were the “bida”, but the occasion was a celebration of families and friends, and that was perfectly reflected in the video. It had just the right mix of excitement, drama and happiness.”

While a wedding definitely counts as one of those high “kilig” moments in a relationship, reliving it in the years after seems like a good way to sustain the excitement in an honest love. Make sure to save your own SDE in every device and press play for emergencies. You’ll thank us later.

Supplier Spotlight: Church: Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Muntinlupa | Reception Venue: Hampton Court, Hillsborough, Alabang | Preparations: Somerset Alabang Manila,  | Photo: Oak St. Studios | Video: Hello & Co. Cinema | Bridal Gown: Hannah Kong Designs | Entourage Dresses: Mara Chua | Groom’s Suit: Arvox Tailoring | HMUA: Jasmine Mendiola | Food: Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurant | Catering: Silver Table Catering Event Services | Wedding Cake: CwazyBakes | Stage/Styling: Ovents by Osio’s Catering | Drapes & fairy lights: Amaranthus Florist & Event Stylist
Florist: Red-Beri Flowers | Band: El Acustico | Emcee: Moxx de Vera | Photobooth: Pose and Prints  | Lights & sounds: RGB Lights and Sounds | Wedding Coordinator: The Party Staple | Leather Keychain souvenirs: Shibui Leather | Souvenirs for Principal Sponsors: Carafe and glass set from SM & glass etching by Keepitsimple_ph | Souvenirs for Female Entourage: Lulu swing

Do you have your own honest love moment? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Honest Love: Chip and Angeli (SDE by Hello & Co. Cinema) appeared first on The Top Knotters.

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.

“I love you – I am at rest with you – I have come home.” – Dorothy L. Sayers

Enough with the glitz, the pomp, and circumstance. For their prenup, Jonathan and Gabrielle decided to ditch the complications and come as they are. In these photos, we catch the couple in a most natural state: laughing with their heads thrown back, sitting by a window sill, stretched out on the couch. It almost seems as if their photographer just happened to be intruding on one of their lazy, laidback Saturdates at home.

While admittedly, Gabs said there was no “specific theme in mind,” she and John were sure they wanted a bit of their real story to shine forth by setting up the shoot in a place where a big chunk of their love story unfolded, in Gabs’ home. “We wanted it to be in a space we were familiar with, a space we’ve spent a lot of time together in,” shared Gabs. And this proved to be the riveting element that tied in with Jonathan and Gabrielle’s vibe: relaxed, lighthearted, and natural.

Their photographer David Garmsen was thrilled by how all the visuals seamlessly captured the over-all energy of this couple. “…The couple, the venue, the attire, they all went well together.”

Tips for soon-to-weds:

1. Choose a theme that is YOU.

While it’s tempting to pick whatever seems trendy and go for a Great Gatsby theme or a Fantasia peg for your pre-nup, it would be best to opt for a look that really brings out your unique dynamics and individual personalities.

“It isn’t often the we get to shoot inside a home since most couples prefer to shoot amidst nature, scenery, beaches and the like, but for John and Gabs, they chose a home. It suits them well, its suits their personality, moreover, it brings out who they are. John and Gabs are a very relaxed couple, and the venue brought that out, they were very calm, relaxed, and [at] home in front of the camera,” recalled David.

The last thing you want is to feel overwhelmingly awkward because of a theme you don’t really feel comfortable with. Sometimes, less is more.

2. Get silly!

While Gabs admitted the shoot felt “a little weird in the beginning, with all the cameras,” she listened and trusted their photographer who reminded them that pre-nups are supposed to capture actual fun happening. Shooting in a familiar spot like your home doesn’t have to mean blah. The emotions can and should be just as real.

“John was particularly amused at how Gab would pose since he mentioned that he never saw her move in that manner and that actually added to the emotion, the laughter, excitement, and overall happinesss of the date,” shared David.

In general, he stressed the need to be

“in your element.” “Be comfortable, be comfortable with yourselves, with your photographer and your venue. … Be happy, and let your photographer do the rest.”

Supplier Spotlight: Venue: Gabs’ home | Photographer : David Garmsen | Makeup: Ina Ferreira | Hair: Robert Lumbre

If home is where the heart is, we’re pretty sure these two have found what it takes to be sublimely happy.

The post Heart and Home: John & Gabs Prenup appeared first on The Top Knotters.