Sigrid and Jon

These both doctors actually prepared for their wedding from overseas. I met them while they were doing occular in Coconut Palace last year, very timely as I was hosting (emcee) a wedding there at the same time. What a small world as my mother-in-law is a good friend of Jon's mom. They are ballroom buddies in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

It was a beautiful day last January 18, 2007. We were a bit concerned in the early afternoon as the clouds are starting to cover the whole of Coconut Palace. When our team arrived in the venue, it started to drizzle! And oh, the caterer's (Josiah's Catering) waiters have to pull out all their linens from the set-up.

At 330pm, the clouds started to clear, up until the end of the reception. The couple were able to have their picture taken capturing the sunset.


We started the wedding a bit later than expected of 430pm because of the sun that is pretty pain on the skin. I would never forget the wedding vows they professed to each other. That made all the guests in ceremony teary-eyed (even me!). It is never written, nor just memorized...you will know, it both came from their hearts. Time and distance can really not separate these two beautiful people.

After a week of their wedding, we got this message from the bride...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sigrid Formantes" <sigrid.formantes@gmail.com>
To: <jody@events-experts.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2007 1:25 PM
Subject: 4 pictures for you
hello jody! thank you again for making our wedding organized, you did such a good job! jon and i as well as our families were able to enjoy the festivities, and my sisters commented that they felt the difference with our hiring an organizer (and an efficient one at that!) as compared to the previous weddings that our families have had. more power to you and your team! keep in touch!

sig

As the start of the year...

What a good way to start the year with a receipt of a testimonial from a previous client. The wedding happened over a year now but we are so glad to receive an appreciation up until this time. It is indeed a boost of our confidence, to make every wedding special. Thank you so much Ian and Von Dizon!

----- Original Message -----
From: von salongadizon
To: jody@events-experts.com
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 7:03 PM
Subject: Thank You
Dear Jody,

Firstly, sorry for this very late message. It's been a year since our wedding but a lot of things have happened since! Among these, found out I was pregnant in September and had since been advised to take bedrest until December. It's been a delicate pregnancy but we're happy now that I and the baby (girl!:) have recovered.

Anyway, it's better late than never....don't want to let this chance slip away....

"We would like you to know how sincerely we appreciated what Events Experts (and of course, you!) had done for us on our wedding day. You and your team made it a worry-free day for us -- indeed a very memorable occasion in our life as a couple! We remembered how we happily chatted after the reception - about what happened that day. The unavoidable glitches you told us came out as a big surprise since we didn't have the slightest idea they even happened! Thank you very much for being on top of things and for handling them well. You helped made those tiny glitches 'disappear' when they happened letting us savor each second of our wedding - trouble-free! We got to focus and enjoy what really mattered! We can't thank you enough for making it the perfect wedding for us: you helped turn our dream wedding into reality - such a perfect day we will relive in our memories again and again in the coming years. This, for us, is simply priceless!

God bless and more power! We hope many more couples would also get to experience your indispensable services so they too, can have their perfect weddings!"

Best regards,


Ian and Von Salonga-Dizon
January 7, 2006
San Agustin Church/Fr. Blanco's Garden

Our Christmas Party...

Our team deserves a Christmas Party...



We had a simple celebration last December 29 at Italiannis, Megamall.

(ahh, never mind the plates!)

The year that was...

2006 is a great year for Events Experts.

We ended up with 52 events.

1 debut and 51 weddings, 2 of which were 50th wedding anniversary.

13 of which were out of the country brides/couple.

January started on the 5th. It was a heavy month with 6 weddings in a row.

February was still full with 5 weddings, 2 of which were out of town (Baguio and Batangas) and both were overseas couple.

March was a bit light with 3 weddings. (Glad I was able to prepare for my daughter's 1st bday)

April was Holy Week and had only 2 weddings. (Learned also that I was pregnant for our 2nd child)

May took its toll on me as we had 7 weddings.

June was still overwhelming with 6 weddings. 2 of which were big ones...high profile weddings.

July was calm at 4. (I was preparing for a trip!)

August was a vacation in US. On the side, joined the first Filipino bridal fair in San Francisco. Tina took over all the preparations.

September was more relaxed at 2 weddings. One 50th wedding anniversary and one "forgettable" wedding. It was a bad experience for us. We through it out in the window already.

October was becoming popular with 5 weddings.

November was only 1 purposely because I gave birth. Tina handled the event.

December, I was back on my knees. We had it at max of 10.

It was one great year...great people, great experiences, great moments...we're so glad we made it through!

To all our 2006 clients, we are so grateful to be part of the most important day in your lives. We will never forget the smiles on your faces, the heartwarming appreciation of our work and the friendships we have built with you. Thank you very much and we wish you all a happy marriage!

Bonus: There were some very FEW ("i cannot be a photographer and coordinator at the same time) fortunate times that I was able to bring my camera and did not forget to have pictures with our clients...



Mark Mosqueda and Cindy Bernal
St Pancratius Chapel, Paco Park and Ilustrado
January 28, 2006







Michael Feliciano and Erlyn Rose Orenza
Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish, Fernwood Gardens 1
February 5, 2006








Bey Distrajo and Ma-am Espiritu
Nuestra Senora de Gracia and Peninsula Manila
February 11, 2006










Jay Alcala and Joy Pinaroc
Caleruega Chapel and Colossians Garden
March 18, 2006








William Cabelin and Haydee Calingo (with soul siren-Nina)
Christ the King Church and Edsa Shangrila Hotel
March 26, 2006







Mato Salientes and Li Anne Quianzon
Nuestra Senora de Gracia and Edsa Shangrila Hotel
May 14, 2006





Andrew Ang and Marivic Tan
Santuario de San Antonio Church and Peninsula Manila
June 14, 2006

(*this was the wedding were I was featured in "US GIRLS Show of Studio 23. Interview was made by Cheska Garcia about a day's life of a wedding coordinator.)





Allan Cacpal and Jo Ann Coronel
St. James the Great Alabang and Palms Country Club
December 8, 2006







Jeremy Gallardo and Catherine Cruz
Manila Cathedral and Coconut Palace
December 9, 2006





Edward Guinto and Melissa Deveza
San Sebastian Church and Peninsula Manila
December 17, 2006







Pierre Niles and Stephanie Lim Uy
National Shrine of Sacred Heart and Rockwell Loft
December 22, 2006

Bambi and Francois

It was a French wedding! We are always fond of doing weddings of say a Filipina and a foreigner. This time for Bambi (a filipina) and Francois (a frenchman).

Bambi contacted me while I was in the US. We were highly recommended by her good friend, Mimi Abesamis (thanks Mimi!) to be her on-the-day wedding coordinators. Upon exchanging emails with her, I knew from the start that she's a very hands-on bride. In fact, she sent me numerous checklists that I have to review each of those and make sure to understand all the previous planning she did with her family and friends.

Met with Francois about 3weeks before the wedding and I was suprised to know that he's not very new here in the Philippines. In fact, he already live in our country before for 3 years. He was accustomed to Filipino ways. How can I tell? He knows how to send sms messages!

The meeting with Bambi prior to the wedding was fruitful. Was able to finalize all the details with their reception happening in Hyatt Regency Manila. We took care even booking the rooms for Bambi and Francios and Bambi's families prior to the wedding.

Francois was well supported by his family and friends with about 20 warm bodies from France who came for their wedding. It was a challenge talking to them cause not all of them are fluent in English. But it was a nice experience.

The wedding was wonderful. A lot of family and friends complemented us for a job well done. It was heartwarming for us. Even the French delegation was congratulating us!

Preparation started early as 9am. We had to follow our timelines for pictorial. Transportation of all foreign guests should be taken cared of. Ceremony in San Agustin Church started on time. What do we expect from that church anyway? We have to clearly follow their rules. The foreigners had their pictorial at the ruins after the ceremony. They enjoyed their time there. Thank God, the weather cooperated.

The guests were then greeted in Kundiman Room of Hyatt Regency Hotel for cocktails. Champagnes were overflowing. What a good way to partner it with pritson! Madrigal Singers sang about 12 songs during the cocktails making a grand welcome to all the guests. After an hour, guests were ushered already to the main reception venue, the Sampaguita Ballroom at the penthouse.

The couple's friends, Jen and Arnaud (bestman) were the hosts for the evening. They did a great job. Arnaud was so funny during his ceremonial toast and even made the guests laugh more with an AVP he did for Francois.

Both parents of the couple said their worthy speeches. Wishing Bambi and Francois a lifetime of happiness in marriage. Two of their principal sponsors also shared some words of wisdom. Their first dance was a choreographed waltz. Bambi and Francois had a great time dancing. They were joined by their parents after. Of course, the traditional prosperity dance were also included in the program so the French people can also join in that Filipino tradition of ours.

Party time was from 9pm till 12mn. They really danced the night away. We left them after ensuring that everything has been turned over and everything has been accounted for. That was almost 12mn already. They were still in the dancefloor. I guess everyone enjoyed the entire day.

Bambi and Francois, thanks (merci!) for making us part of your wedding. Thanks for saying that we made your day "perfect!" We are honored to be of service to you. Congratulations and Best Wishes!

For slideshow of their pictures, you may view it from the site of Mimi and Karl...(thanks for letting us borrow it)

http://show.fotogra.ph/fx-bambi

Tet and Raymond

Amidst the busy schedules and frequent international trips (Tet is an FA in Cebu Pacific), Tet and Raymond managed to prepare for the most important day of their lives.

October 21 was a beautiful day for both of them. Starting off in a wedding preparation in Vivere Suites, ceremony at St Jerome Parish and capping the night away for the reception in Palms Country Club.

Tet is one and only daughter and with respect to her mom who already passed away, I got carried away when I saw her walking down the aisle with her dad waiting for her in the middle. It was an emotional scene for them. But both of them managed to carry it through.

Raymond on the other hand was very cool waiting for his bride in the altar. The two held hands coming through the altar. It was a good ceremony. We started on time and we finished on time.

Reception was all together a different light. Food in Palms Country Club is always superb so guests were all happy and delighted. The program wasn't too long. In fact, most of the guests stayed and finished the program.

Tet and Raymond, Congratulations and Best Wishes!!! We wish you a happy marriage for the rest of your lives.

Cheryl and Noby

After an enormous heartache from a wedding last Sept 24,(I won't bother to blog about it anymore, cause it's not worth the time!) I was elated about our recent wedding --> Barretto-Mapa Wedding which transpired in Christ the King Church and reception followed at CTK Hall last October 7.

The mood was so at ease even during the wedding preparations in the hotel. I have to say, I was fortunate to handle such kind and very organized couple. I was glad that they clearly followed my instructions re the materials to prepare. Everything was organized even the food of the crew in the hotel cause the groom asked his assistants already to buy it ahead of time.

Things were cool from the hotel up until the church and the reception. Reception program was followed spontaneously even if we have to change the host right that very day. Still it was a success. The bouquet and garter game was a hit to all the guests considering that the Che and Noby actually specified the winners already. Wonderful AVPs were prepared by the uncles and there was a revelation there of Noby's favorite super hero---> Superman!

The day ended early at 730pm. Everyone went home with smiles on their faces and I'm sure happily enjoyed munching the chocolates that were given as souvenirs.

To Cheryl and Noby, Congratulations and Best Wishes to both of you. Special thanks for the sweet gesture of giving me a bigger share of the souvenir! Thanks for the gift! Clients like you would always be close in our hearts.

We wish you a happy marriage throughout the rest of your lives!

On 50th...

Last Friday, Sept 8, 2006, we coordinated a very blissful event...a joint celebration for the Enriquez family. It is the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr and Mrs. Salvador Enriquez and the 25th wedding anniversary of their first son, Mr and Mrs. Jojo Enriquez.

It was a happy event...with all the Enriquez children participating in the program even their 14 grandchildren who by the way, were named after the alphabet...(arvin, bryan, cristina, david, elysse, francis, grace, helene, ian, julia, karissa, luis, michael and neo) Isn't it cute?

The grandchildren performed a heartwarming song "Dahil Sa iyo" and the Enriquez children sang "Que Sera Sera", the favorite of Mrs. Violeta Enriquez.

Guests and their families danced the night away with Nonoy Lopez and his band.

At the end of the party, I had to approach Mr and Mrs Enriquez and congratulate them not only about the party but also for the 50 years of being together.

Mrs. Enriquez told me..."it's grace from God that made us stay together."

I really look up to them. Both of them are still very healthy and strong that's why their union is still worth celebrating.

At the back of my mind, I'm praying that my husband and I may also wither all trials in married life and that we may triumph over the years and reach the golden years of our marriage!

A Magazine Feature

Grab a copy of Entrepreneur Magazine September Issue featuring "15 Hot Businessess You can Start from Home"

Coordinating Weddings is one of those businessess...

It is a priveledge to be picked and counted on it...

On time schedule...

July 29, 2006 marks the beginning of Aura Perez and Dex Cruz's lives together as husband and wife. The wedding ceremony happened in St James Alabang and reception followed in the Grand Ballroom of Bellevue Hotel.

The wedding was a reunion of family and friends I must say. I noticed a number of balikbayan relatives from both sides making the celebration more festive. Infact, an uncle from abroad rendered very special saxophone numbers in the reception. He was indeed good in his performance.

We have always been strict about the wedding day schedules cause it is important to be on time in the church. Have informed most of the participants that they have to be in St James the Great Church at 215pm in order for us to organize and brief them because ceremony would have to start exactly at 3pm.

At 245pm, personnel from the church is already coaching us to start the ceremony. I was fixing the processional line-up already that time. At exactly 3pm, they want us to march but we still lacked around 4 pairs of Principal Sponsors. We were left with no option but to proceed with the processional at 3:10 with incomplete sponsors.

That how it is in most churches. Shouldn't take that for granted cause during the reservation alone, couple are being briefed already about the importance of starting on time for the ceremony and for us wedding coordinators, we are being coarsed to really follow the rules, otherwise we would have to answer for our own actions.

Returning to Basics

As the purpose of this blogsite is created...I want to return to the basics. This is meant to tell some stories about the weddings we have handled. There are so many events for story telling...hope you'll get patient for our backlogs.

For the meantime, as I was fresh from the wedding scene yesterday, nothing more accurate that to let me do my piece now...

The above photo is from Dino Lara (www.dinolara.com)

After four years of being together, Jimmy Ng and Evelyn Ang finally tied the knot yesterday, July 23 at United Bethel Church despite heavy downpour of rains. It was a well-attended reception at New World Hotel Ballroom.

Jimmy and Evelyn saw our team in a wedding we were coordinating in New World Hotel few months back. The initial meeting was very candid as we did it in their office in 6750 Building in Makati. I knew from the start that I'm talking to a couple who knows exactly what they want. Both are hands-on with the preparations and was even prepared for their assignments ahead of time. Oh, I love working with such kind of couple!

On the day of their wedding, both were relaxed. Jimmy is such a jolly person. He finds humor in everything. And Evelyn is someone who laughs around his jokes. I knew then that they are meant for each other.

Wedding day Schedule had been followed. We started at exactly 3:00pm in the church. People from their church especially their pastor were very helpful, making our lives easier! It was heartwarming seeing Jimmy shed some tears as Evelyn walked down the aisle. Their vows were very spontaneous, you know it came from their hearts. The ceremony finished at 4:05pm, giving Dino Lara, the photographer more time to shoot the couple.

In the reception, it was all together another festive mood. Though we have to time every single course coming out from the Chef's kitchen, since we have a pretty not-so-short program, we managed to finish everything in 2 hours after starting at 8pm. It was a success! How can I gauge that? It was a chinese wedding and no single guest left the ballroom without finishing the program. It was our battle with the host and the captain waiter!

Jimmy towards the end suprised her bride, all the guests and so as me, (read: It was an impromptu act as coarsed by the host) for a song number--->Crazy Little Thing Called Love! It was a show, as everyone roars and cheers for him!

After all the events that day, Jimmy and Evelyn went back to their suite as a very happy newlyweds. That's the most important thing for us...returning to the basics of our purpose in this business...to make a happy couple at the end of the day! It was an award for us to see them enjoy their wedding day!

A Taste of Bridal Fair in San Francisco USA

Events Experts has a priviledge to be part of this bridal fair set in San Francisco USA on August 11-13, 2007. This is the first leg of Kasal Pilipinas Bridal fair promoting Philippine-based suppliers to all Filipinos based in the US. It is also a time to promote the country as a destination wedding venue for foreigners.

We are excited for this venture. I hope to bag some few clients from SFO! and of course to gain an inch of exposure and experience of joining a bridal fair in the US.

For the schedules:

August 11 - Philippine Center447 Sutters St., San Francisco, California, USA
August 12 & 13 - St. Patrick Church Social Hall756 Mission St., San Francisco, California, USA

To know more information, visit www.kasalpilinas.com

Let's talk about Bare Beauty...

Since a rebound just came into the scene...it is by all means necessary as well to promote my new diversification...a new venture...presenting...

No..no plans yet of becoming a make-up artist...maybe I should delay that dream job for now to give way to just sell the next big thing about make-up at this age...Mineral Make-Up! And the best brand of course is Bare Escentuals.

A rebound...

It's been months of being out of the blog world...

Forgot the username...

Lost the password...

Coordinated more than a dozen weddings...

Met with celebrities and political personalities during the past events...

Booked few more events coming...

2 TV interviews and features...

1 Magazine interview and photo shoot...

Made additions in life...

A much-awaited trip...

Celebrated the ups and downs of a number of wedding days...

Stories to tell about the wedding scenes, behind or upfront...

A comeback...A rebound!

25 Tips to Enjoy The Day

This is an article which I wrote in The W@W Wedding Primer Third Edition 2005

The big day has come! After months of preparations, this is the day that you will finally say your “I do’s.”

Here are some tips on how you can truly enjoy your wedding day.

1. Know what is important to you and don’t waste precious time and energy worrying about insignificant details. You have heard the saying “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Now is the best time to heed it.

2. Plan, Plan and Plan. After knowing your priorities, planning is one of the best things you can do ahead of time that could help you to avoid panic and stress and just have a great time on your wedding day.

3. Make lists and more lists. List down your essentials and everything you want to be taken cared of. Make sure to check your lists from time to time to see what you have accomplished.

4. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate. You don’t have to do everything. You can either get an efficient wedding coordinator or ask for the help of your family and friends. Make sure the assigned person is willing to be in charge. You shouldn’t worry about ANYTHING on your wedding day. You want to enjoy and be a spectator on this important event in your life. Nothing can be more meaningful than just seeing how things beautifully unfold before your eyes.

5. Go to confession a week before your wedding. Do it together as a couple. It is good for the soul.

6. Take a vacation leave from work at least a week before the wedding. Inform your office about it ahead of time so you can plan with your boss/workmates the schedules and tasks you need to finish before the week of your wedding.

7. Plan your activities well especially pre-wedding parties. Ideally, schedule your shower parties not later than 2 weeks before the wedding. If you can do it a month or two before, it will be better. Plan your itinerary for 2 weeks before the wedding for the final errands.

8. Pack your gifts ahead of time. You don’t want to do the wrapping the night before your wedding and even asking your groom to run to the bookstore to buy ribbons. Spare yourself from this tension.

9. Pack your things one week before. Prepare two boxes and label it: 1 for church materials and 1 for reception materials. Put everything that you will need on these boxes.

10. If you are leaving few days after the wedding for your honeymoon, buy things you need and prepare your bags a week before the wedding as well.

11. Schedule your Spa session, Manicure, Pedicure accordingly. Book the salon at least 2 days before your planned date and stick to that schedule. Forego everything except pampering yourself.

12. If you really have some last minute errands/to do’s the night before the wedding, DROP IT! Let go of the non-essential items unless it is very, very important to you. You can probably just do a phone call rather than going out of your hotel. You can just delegate also to someone you can trust.

13. Don’t stress yourself out with the seating plan.

14. Check-in the hotel the day before the wedding, NOT the night before. Meaning, go to the hotel on the usual check-in time of 12nn/2pm instead of going to the hotel on midnight. You need to settle already and enjoy a hot bath in the tub. This can relax your muscles and can even put you to sleep.

15. Arrange for breakfast to be brought to your room and for all those joining you for preparation. Include lunch if you are having an afternoon/evening wedding. Order these in advance or assign someone to do it. You don’t want to do the worrying in the morning and starve yourself.

16. Plan out payments a week before the wedding. Have those ready in sealed envelopes and have someone in charge of giving them to the vendors. Confirm with suppliers if check payment is allowed to pay the balances. You don’t want to find out later on that day that you are short in cash. No time to go to the bank! Ask your groom to take care of it, or he can give it to the best man.

17. At least two days before your wedding, have a special dinner with your groom without talking about wedding details instead just focusing on your love for each other and how much you are looking forward for the day to come plus spending the rest of your life with one another.

18. On the night of your wedding, write a special letter if you can for one another. Just scribble your feelings that moment. It’s so nice to read even after the wedding, you will always be reminded of the main reason for all of your preparations. Arrange to have it brought to each other’s room on the morning of your wedding. Reading it is such a good way to start the day, while eating breakfast.

19. On the day of your wedding, have a nice and enjoyable bath. Do this early so you don’t need to rush.

10. As you walk down the aisle in the church, focus your attention to your groom waiting in the altar. Don’t think about the flowers going against what you envisioned, your seat plan not yet arranged, your late commentator and a lot more. CHIN UP, SMILE…you look radiant and take pleasure on every step you make. Just savor this time.

11. The ceremony is the most essential part of the wedding because you are committing yourselves to one another before God and His people. Pay special attention to the homily, on what your officiating priest will share with you. Focus on your exchange of vows, rings and arrhae. It so heartwarming to do all these ceremonies in front of the people around you.

12. In the reception, take time to mingle with your guests and be with their company. Most of the couple is so preoccupied on the reception program sequence without even recognizing the people who attended. Remember, they also took time from their busy schedules to attend your wedding. Never forget to thank them for coming and tell them how much you enjoyed celebrating your union with all of them. The clue: make a SHORT program so you have more time with your guests.

13. SMILE, SMILE and SMILE. The day after your wedding, you will feel that your jaw must have stacked up. It’s ok. It will definitely show in the pictures and videos. Guests always remember a happy couple, not just your food, flowers and dress, etc.

14. RELAX, RELAX and RELAX. Try not to worry about any of those little details that don’t go as planned. Those could turn into cherished moments later. Find humor into it. Few years after, you will look at it with laughter and fondness.

15. ENJOY, ENJOY and ENJOY. After all, it’s the best day of your life.

Married on December...

December is the busiest month for the wedding industry. Wedding coordinators are not spared from this. And being in this chosen profession, my december is anticipated not only because of the holidays but also of the number of events red-marked on the said month.

My couples for December 2005

December 14 - Mara Ang and Edgar Cabrera
St. Francis of Assisi Chapel and Coral Tree, Fernwood Gardens

December 16 - Ruby Algarme and Mar Tanglao II
Saint James the Great and Palms Country Club

December 17 - Marose Valencia and Marion Pascual
San Sebastian Church and Peninsula Manila

December 18 - Sheryl Maglaya and Stephen Isidro
St. Francis of Assisi Chapel and Coral Tree, Fernwood Gardens

December 18 - Valerie Villamar and Mark Gemarino
Christ the King Church and Edsa Shangrila Hotel

Decemebr 19 - Gizelle Constantino and Larry De Cesare
San Agustin Church and Casa Manila

December 22 - Leah Decena and Joseph Epistola
Saint James the Great and Palms Country Club

Since I have joined this wedding industry, I had the least number of events on December 2005. Previously, it was 18 then down to 12 then 10 and 2005 was just 7! Whew, this speaks that I have learned my lesson to also enjoy a bit of the holidays!

For our Dear Clients...

A Wedding Prayer

Today is the beginning of the years that lie ahead
May you always remember how special is this day
that you are wed.

May you encourage each other and be best friends.
May you always share a special love without end.
May your home be filled with patience, forgiveness, and love;
all of these are gifts from God above.

This blogsite is inspired by the many wonderful moments we treasure from every weddings that we are a part of. My heart is truly touched of the emotions that surround these happenings.

I would like to dedicate this site to all our clients (previous, present and future). I will be scribbling some highlights of the day, more of the way we coordinated the event and even the happenings that weren't captured in scenes.

In other words, how we have survived another wedding day!