Esel and Gelo's Tagaytay Wedding

I've only attended two weddings of my high school friends. The first being around five years ago in Alabang and this second one further down south and up the hill in chilly Tagaytay, and one ofthe most beautiful weddings I have ever seen. Although I'm not the bridal makeup artist here, this is a wedding definitely worth blogging.

The bride is Esel, and she married Gelo, her love of seven years.

I've known Esel for more than a decade already, since we were awkward teenagers, because we went in the same school together in high school. I could say that she was one of the girls that I looked up to, those perfect girls in high school that I admit secretly envied. She had it all -beauty, brains, poise, talent, success with being team captain, cheerleader, honor student, and student leader at that. She's also the one I have kept in contact with the longest, not only because I work with her but also she's the one who keeps the batch together organizing reunions or occasional dinners/meetups.

Knowing her OC-ness and her being a perfectionist, I knew that she's the bride who'll be super hands-on with her wedding, making sure that every detail and stitch falls in the perfect place. Esel and Gelo chose to have a destination wedding, inviting only close friends and family. They chose a perfect place to get married - Hacienda Isabella, a beautiful garden setting with an old-world Filipino charm. If you've been following my blog, it's the same place where my Jho got married last year. Since I've been to the place already, I absolutely had no excuse to get lost in transition right? Besides, there were numbers listed in the couple's e-vite of who to call should anyone get lost or need directions.

Esel also delegated me to be supplier that day. I was assigned to be a makeup artist to her mom and three ninangs, and I couldn't be happier. I'm already honored to be invited but it's even more of an honor to be part of her wedding supplier list. I wouldn't mind getting my hands in primers and lipsticks and carrying my equipment then switcharoo to a cocktail dress. As I remember, a year ago, Esel drove all the way from QC to Daang Hari, Las Piñas to be there on our wedding braving January traffic. If she asked me to pick flowers for additional sprigs on her bouquet I would.

Esel was a picture of a beautiful blooming bride - everything was perfect. She wore a beautiful Monique Lhullier gown. Tita Roselyn, one of the ninangs, told me the story of her gown. Esel was gown-hunting in New York. She walked in Saks Fifth Avenue and found it - it was in the designshe wanted and it was her size, as if fate made her see the gown for herself.

I've never seen Esel so happy, radiant, and nervous at the same time.

The party continues at Hacienda Isabella.

As the couple did they post-nuptial shots, the guests enjoyed cheese and cocktails (Wiiii!!!! Food) and the place's old rustic charm. And although I played supplier that day, no way will I look like a train wreck when it's guest mode. I followed the wedding dress code of cocktail dress/long flowy gowns in pastels or neutral colors. May isang pasaway lang dyan who didn't follow the traditional Barong Tagalog code.

The look I pegged for me that day was Angelina Jolie meets Victoria's Secret - that explains the big wavy hair and smoky eyes.

I love, love, love, love this dress. I already wore it once and I'll wear this once more. It's such a pretty, pretty, and comfy dress that hugs me well. This dress will have a sister pretty soon, and I have my alkansya ready for that.

Dress: Pia Gladys Perey

Hair: Lorybelle Barretto

Makeup: Me! I airbrushed myself again

Shoes: SM

Bag: GWP from Body Shop

Belle did an amazing job with my hair, despite the fact that she had like twenty minutes to do my hair. Should I red-carpet this look? Why not?

Okay, OOTD commercial over. Back to the wedding.

I made sure that I had a picture with the bride as soon as they arrived from the photos before the rest of the world does. :) I am so dark compared to her. And shorter, because she's in heels and I'm in flats because it's a garden reception.

I'm glad my outfit had a drapey front detail because I must have enjoyed the food that day that I needed something to hide me. The reception program wasn't the usual formula. In true Esel style, it was very entertaining, with presentations, both in video form and live presentations.

Gelo's friends from Duke University surprised the couple with a dance number and invited them to join too. It was really sweet of these guys to take time off and travel all the way to the Philippines to witness this special event.

More video presentations were shown - song-and-dance numbers edited in true MTV style from loved ones abroad, an AVP made by Esel's bridesmaids (who are our classmates from high school, which I have to thank the high heavens for not including embarrassing awkward shots of our teenage selves, 90s fashion and all), a song number from Gelo's siblings, an original song written by Gelo's dad, that he sang with his mom and a modified toast by the best men and maid and matron of honor done in The Buzz-style talk show form.

The couple's first dance as husband and wife was something that I have seen for the first time in my life. It was beautifully rehearsed and choreographed. It was only that night that I've seen a couple's first dance polished to pointed toes, clean lines, backbends, headthrows, and spinning/flying moves.

For giveaways, the couple chose a very practical choice: food! A slice of yummy chocolate cake enclosed in a pretty box prepared by the members of the entourage. You know how I found out it was chocolate cake? I stuck my finger inside and got frosting on my index finger. Then, I read the tag:

The tag read: "All you need is love but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt". Ayun naman pala, magbasa kasi.

To end the night, the couple took inspiration from the movie Tangled and along with the other guests lit sky lanterns and released them to the night sky.

Rapunzel was right. They do look like stars.

Thank you so much, Esel and Gelo for choosing us to be present to witness your very beautiful wedding. The drive to Tagaytay and back was definitely worth it. Lots of love and happiness to both of you!

*pictures taken from personal cameras

*Esel's makeup by Kris Bacani. Esel's hair by Dimple Callada

Bridal Work: Dea

Last October, Wacks and I trooped over to chilly and foggy Tagaytay to primp and prettify Dea, our bride for October. From Fort, we met up at Sucat and then proceeded to Tagaytay. We were there early. Yay! Although I think we did wake up the entire venue. Hahaha. But nevertheless, although it was a pretty drizzly day, nothing's going to ruin Dea's big day, right? She in fact, greeted this day with a smile. It's her wedding day after all.

Dea's been following my blog for quite some time. That's how she found me, by the way. She's also a makeup artist too and she knew exactly what look she wanted down to the products to use. For her bridal look, she wanted to have a bridal version of her trademark look - red lips with the hair pulled back in a neat bun. During our trial, she said to go smoky (although in this case bridal smoky) but after being inspired by a celebrity's look in a magazine, she wanted simple eyes, defined brows, and red lips. I love it! I asked her quite a number of times if she really wanted red lips, as it was a very bold choice. It was a yes for her, and I was happy to oblige. Red lips are awesome!

For her makeup, it was fun and easy. Dea and I knew what products to use. MAC Mineralize Foundation in NC35 check! Russian Red lipstick (both our favorite) Check! Girl/Boy Brow Set Check! And Urban Decay Naked Palette. Dea has this and omigosh, it's just so pretty! It's got pretty pigmented eyeshadows that are perfect for the neutral eye. Although it was going to be a bare, almost nude eye, it still needed a bit of depth since we have to consider pictures, so I did a bit of "cheat" contouring so her eyes do not get washed out in photos or videos, but it still looks natural.

Dea before makeup.

Since Dea was getting married in Caleruega, she opted for a simple white dress, and since Caleruega is a small chapel, she skipped the veil (with permission from the priest) and had vines pinned to her hair like so, in a pretty ensaymada bun.

Although her hair was pulled back, Wacks didn't make it super school marm tight that it hurts. There's still a bit of softness, but it's got the neat quality Dea wanted.

Although Dea entrusted me to do her makeup, when it came to her mom, she played her makeup artist role by doing her makeup. So our pretty bride while waiting for her hair to set whipped out her brushes and tools too. I love it!

Dea's sister was the maid of honor and her sister-in-law one of the secondary sponsors. In contrast to the strong lips-neutral eyes Dea had, I gave the girls smoky eyes.

Everyone is a pretty girl that day, yes?

One more shot before changing. Now wear the pretty dress and...

Tadaaaaa!!!!! I took these photos from my camera as Dea was getting her portraits done. I really love the no-veil part, because with a look as pretty as that, why hide it, right?

This picture is a very classic Grace Kelly-ish look. I can't wait for the official photos from Mimi & Karl.

Her bouquet of lilac roses is the absolute cutest ever!

After the preps, I met a cute little kitty too. I think it was our lucky kitty because it was such a happy and pretty day, who cares about the drizzlies?

I really know that her wedding won't be the last time I'll see her, because I'm pretty sure I'll bump into her in work.

Credits:

Bride: Dea Macachor-Mesa

Makeup: Bambi de la Cruz Makeup Artistry using traditional method

Hair: Wacks Joaquin

Location: Tagaytay

*photos all from my personal camera

Bridal Work: Kae

Kae is one of my work friends and the sweetest girls I know. She's one of Yeoh's closest model friends that has been strutting catwalk after catwalk and gracing magazine and broadsheet editorials. I met her at a photoshoot and it was great that through Facebook, our precious memories are preserved.

One time, while at dinner, Yeoh told me that Kae was getting married and he asked me if I would be her makeup artist. I was really happy because Kae's really, really pretty and it's flattering to do a friend's makeup. In fact, I'm the type of girl that if given the choice, I'd rather be the wedding makeup artist than the abay and wouldn't mind if I played both parts. Why? Because I feel that I'm really part of it, it's like really an immersion.

Her wedding was really a romantic getaway. We were whisked off from hot and humid Metro Manila (her wedding was right after Holy Week, the summeriest of all summers) to cool and breezy Tagaytay. Going to Tagaytay, we all met up Christine at Sucat. Kae also got Christine to be her wedding photographer, and Christine's got two of our friends, Ryan and George to help her up with shooting the event.

I haven't seen Kae since the R2R fashion show since it was a busy busy time with Christmas looming through and all. So when we saw her, it was big hugs and kisses. It wasn't just Yeoh, Christine, and Ryan who were there. Kae got two of her close model friends as part of her entourage.

Doing makeup for Kae was a breeze. Yeoh also helped me to do her hair. It was a breezy half-up, half-down look with loose curls, since it's going to be a garden wedding. For her makeup, I inspired myself with the gunmetal gray and old rose motif, with a silvery subtle smoky eye and a neutral pink lip (my choice for her was MAC Viva Glam V, one of my favorite bridal lippies).

This is why I love Christine. Her wedding photos tell a story. She goes beyond stiff angles and templates.

The weather also cooperated that day. Knowing our country to have weather with bipolar disorder and this would be an outdoor wedding - wishes, prayers, and enchantments, if possible were called out for a beautiful clear sky.

The ceremony was overlooking Taal Lake. By the time nightfall came, the temperature dropped so the weather was super cold I had to use the upper chiffon later of my dress as a shawl. On the other hand, I'm glad everything went well and Kae became as radiant as ever.

The best part was when Kae texted me the following day thanking me for being part of her wedding. It was my pleasure, and she was definitely awesome!

That Rustic Tagaytay Wedding

Left: January 8, 2011. Right: May 15, 2011

As I've told many a people, Jho didn't have to formally tell me that she was getting married. I was able to read between the lines while we were texting. I clearly remember I was on my way to Makati for a shoot when I asked her to be my veil sponsor. A few moments later, she told me she wanted me to be part of her entourage. Kahit flower girl, papayag ako. Jho has always been there for me - in difficulties, in food, in tears, in work, and in play. She's probably one of the fewest people who has never let me down ever. That's why during the happiest day of her life, I had to make it a point to be there, by hook or by crook.

Her wedding day was a day where everything just fell into place. The day before, Bugsy, Benjie, Ram, and I were panicking as to how are we going to be complete there. After managing to turn some logistics around and packing light, swearing to the high heavens that we had to make it to Jho and TJ, we were all set for the wedding of the summer. While on the road, I turned my seat into a micro-makeup station completing my hair and makeup (down to false lashes).

It was an early day for us, After doing my makeup base and setting my hair at home (bawal magmukhang pulubi kay Jho), we picked up Benjie at McKinley then picked up Bugsy at Southwoods before heading off for lunch. We also made sure that we had our cameras with us because we know how much the couple loves pictures.

The wedding was held at San Antonio de Padua church in Cavite, whose rustic details matched the wedding theme. We got there early, deciding to head to the church right then and there so we would be early, have a good parking slot, and of course, do as we promised: bring our camera and take pictures.

Buhay Baboy friends of Jho check!

Curl insurance: lots of lots of humidity-resistant hairspray.

Jho wanted flowy dresses with very feminine and romantic details. The bridesmaids wore beige-colored dresses with various necklines to match their own tastes. For the secondary sponsors like us, we had a rosy rosy pink color.

I wore my Fila sneaks in a happy lilac color so I could be comfy, run around, and have fun.

The bride was a vision. As soon as she entered the church and she started walking, everything just felt right.

I love the rose details on her dress. They were like this rose-brown combination. Jho herself was OC in handpicking the details she wanted. She got everything right, down to the last stitch of the cabbage roses.

Long epic train. :)

I've shared so many laughing moments with Jho and TJ but never have I seen the two break down and cry when they said their vows. Midway through his vow, TJ, who I have never seen cry in my entire life broke down. Some members of the entourage and the couple's close friends and family were also in tears. Their vows showed how much they loved each other in the 11 months they have been together, and now for a lifetime.

The happy couple with the secondary sponsors. Coincidentally, I was the veil sponsor as Jho and TJ were in mine. ;P

Hacienda Isabela's courtyard garden was instantly turned into a very elegant setting. Jho and TJ love to take pictures. Aside from the guestbook, Jho and TJ printed out their pictures in different 4R prints, where guests and friends could write to the couple their messages and hang them for everyone to see.

Back at the table, I took pictures of the flowers.

Buhay Baboy friends. The food was really yummy. I must have eaten more than the couple combined did. :P

The couple had a wonderful list of suppliers too. Particularly, they were lucky to have ace wedding videographer Jason Magbanua to cover their wedding. Jho just shared us the link to Jason's SDE video, which he showed during the reception and you guys could view it here and be witness too to my friend's happiest of all happy days.

To my dearest friend, I wish you and TJ a happy life together. Thanks for letting me be your veil sponsor for your wedding. And when you guys get back, we will hang out with the newest adopted member of the Buhay Baboy group.

My Nurture Spa Experience Day 1

An e-vite I got in my inbox weeks ago to an event at a destination spa tells me one thing: I am overworked and I need to de-stress but I love my work so much that I go bonkers if I not get my hands on my brushes in a span of 24 hours. The keywords spa and destination were those that gave me my yes since it's been a long time that I went to destination spas and I would love to see this for myself.

I've seen Nurture Spa in leaflets and magazines as well as some of my friends' own personal experiences. It used to be a smaller spa before but it has now expanded its area and added more facilities and services. Aside from their massages, body wraps, and facials, Nurture Spa now has other activities such as Qi breathing and stretching exercises, cooking lessons, and wellness talks.

When we arrived at Nurture Spa, it was like we were whisked away to a totally different atmosphere. The temperature was relatively lower, for one thing. Instantly, the cement-paved streets of the metro were replaced with fresh air, vegetation, and of course, a shower of petals that welcomed us to the venue.

Tarragon tea was also served as a welcome drink.
We were served cocktails after registration. We parked our heavy bags in the dormitories and we were given a tour of the place.

Eric and I couldn't resist a bit of camwhoring when we toured the rooms. The matching glasses and green tops weren't planned, swear. Thanks Eric for the picture!

A little self-portrait indulgence.



We were introduced also to the Meditation Path, a spiral stone path of stones of various textures and sizes. We were supposed to walk barefoot in this path and the stones are supposed to target various pressure points in our feet. It does hurt a bit, especially the smaller ones. After the walk though, we felt a sense of relief, like we got rid of some of the tension in our legs, hips, and feet. The meditation path was quite interesting though. It reminded me of the stick they used to massage my feet when I get my weekly Thai massage.

They also showed us various treatments, like the signature Nilaib massage, a Filipino version of the stone massage using steamed hot pouches of traditional Filipino herbs wrapped in banana leaves to pound away stress and knots.

The venue has also been modified to cater to weddings. Nurture Spa has now tied up with Josiah's catering to provide more food choices and treats in case some couples would want to spend their wedding reception here. As you can see, the place has been set up to simulate a wedding. Aside from weddings, Nurture Spa now caters customized proposal, engagement, birthday, and anniversary dinners.

Some of the guests tried out the 10-minute head and shoulder massages using Nurture Spa's coconut-based oils. Other guests tried out the DMS or Digital Meridian Scanner, which was a computerized checkup to monitor symptoms of illness at their early stages. The procedure is proven to be 80-90% accurate and those with phobia of needles and scalpels would be happy to know that this is a very safe and non-invasive procedure.

We also got a chance to chat with Mike and Cathy Turvill, the owners of Nurture Spa who gave us a brief overview of the place. They even posed with us for this photo-op.




(Thanks Jo for this picture)

Dinner was a treat in itself. We indulged ourselves in DIY Mongolian bowls and pasta. I kept my dinner light but satisfying avoiding meat and indulging on seafood, veggies, and lemongrass and ginger tea.

Cocktails were also served. This shot of bubblegum lambanog was as smooth as water and it didn't burn from the inside.

After dinner, those who were just there for the day had to leave. I felt that I needed to stay the night, to get a full grasp of the whole experience. More on this on Day 2.