Our Dream Team - Part 1

I know every couple calls their wedding team a dream team because these suppliers are really the people behind making a couple’s dream of a wedding come true. But I’d like to share with you how specially this happy bunch of ours have touched us with their passion, creativity and dedication to their craft.

ALFRED MENDOZA - www.alfredoastariomendoza.blogspot.com

Our photographer, Alfred Mendoza is a friend I’ve known way back in college. He has grown from a camera-toting yearbook staff, mountaineer- wannabe (oops, sorry Alfred ) to one of the rising stars in the photography industry. Having a friend as a photographer has brought a very personal touch to our wedding that no expensive lighting or complex lens technique can ever replace. There really is something different when the person looking at you through the lens really KNOWS you. This is what was very much evident during our recently concluded pre-nup session at “Marrakesh”.

The photos were just beautiful. It was a work done by a photographer who knew his craft well but also a friend who genuinely reached out not just to a subject but to cherished friends. Alfred’s photos truly spoke of his passion and his drive for excellence as well as reflect his desire to capture his friends in their most memorable moments.

Special mention too to Dom for loaning Gabby his costume, Nikki for loaning me her friend’s costume, Tanya for her styling expertise and of course to our dear Pao for his amazing house and wonderful food

ALFRED SAMONTE - http://www.philippinemadrigalsingers.com/

I first met Alfred Samonte when I was coordinating for a Christmas chorale series with The Philippine Madrigal Singers. That was the first time I heard them sing. I just stood in awe, eyes brimming with tears, my heart singing. In my heart of hearts then, I said to myself “I wish I’d have something like this for my wedding” (I’ve always been a sucker for beautifully-sung church music, even sometimes getting teary eyed in the middle of a Communion song ).

After that initial event, I had the chance to work with Alfred for other projects. I’ve seen how committed Alfred is not just as a singer but as an advocate of beautiful music. I know that he has not just been active with the Madz but has dedicated his time as well in honing talents from schools from all over the country.

A few months ago, I just mentioned in passing that I will get married in March of 08. Without missing a beat, Alfred offered to sing at our wedding. How could I say no to the Madz? So Alfred, without knowing it, has caught the wish I’ve offered to the wind and the heavens above, and given it back to me. He has patiently worked with me in putting together musical pieces that would make our wedding really special. But more than the expert opinion, what is truly noteworthy is his genuine love for music blended with his instinct on what truly brings out a couple’s harmony.

ENAN ALMANDO - 241 Amapola Street, Palm Village, Rockwell, Makati City 896.3457; 0917.8214183; enanalmando@yahoo.com.ph

We met Enan through our coordinator Liza. The first time we sat down with her, it took us more than two hours just chatting. I guess that laid the precedent for our next meetings for we never leave Enan’s studio without being filled with laughter and stories. With Enan, you don’t just talk about the clothes for the wedding but you can talk about anything under the sun!

Amidst all the talks, you can surmise that Enan is not just a talented and creative designer but also a hardworking one. Enan shares with us instances when she would personally hem a bride’s gown just to make sure that it fits perfectly or when she would spend all night cutting and sewing clothes together with her team just to make sure a deadline is met. Liza also tells us how very particular Enan is to the tiniest detail, ensuring that her gowns are cleanly made, with every seam and tuck in place.

Working with Enan has been a joy because we share the same love for deep, rich colors and penchant for the avant garde (she is the type who always looks “dressed to paint the town red” even when she is just home). Apart from this, I guess what makes our working relationship effective is that we have, in the short span of time, developed an openness as shown in our constant correspondence about suggestions on how to improve the look, what shoes to wear, what color looks best, etc. For sure, Enan will create the dresses that I will wear in the other seasons of my life

ROBERT BLANCAFLOR

I’ve also worked with Robert for stuff at work. He is the stroke of genius and flair that makes the difference in the events that we’ve had. Anything he touches, no matter how simple or mundane gets transformed into a conversation piece after he’s done with it.

In the course of working with him for the wedding, it was quite a surprise to discover that such a creative person can also be very pragmatic and matter-of-fact. He does not dwell initially on what flowers to use or what colors to blend but earnestly talks about all the scenarios that may happen if things don’t go as planned. In short, he plays a very good devil’s advocate first, forcing you to find alternatives should Murphy’s Law strike. Once all plans are set, that’s when he weaves his creative hand and let’s his colorful mind run wild with ideas on how to make your wedding setting picture-perfect.

His professionalism and wealth of experience is one of the foundations we are banking on as we plan for our dream of wedding. We are confident that with Robert at the helm of the design team, bearing with him a not just a creative but a well-planned execution strategy, the elements that we have always wanted to come into play in our wedding will be beautifully carried out.

FORSC INK - www.forscinkph.com

Name all the foreign acts that have been to the Philippines in the last months and I bet you that Forsc Ink is part of that in one way or another – lights, sounds, videos, screens trussing, tents, etc. Forsc Ink is one of the premier providers of event equipment reaching as far down South of the Philippines to service major events and shows. Under the expert leadership of Philip Santos, this provider has churned out quality equipment and service that have made them one of the preferred choices in the industry.

Having seen how Forsc Ink has worked in the past, it was easy to just tap them as the provider of our wedding needs. With the effective coordination of Anne Suner and the ever-enthusiastic Philip, we feel truly blessed to work with such dedicated individuals. We are very optimistic that with Philip’s team with us, the “dream ambience” of a Moroccan setting will not be far from fruition.

LIZA ALVIEDO (Kasalan Coordination Services) - kasalancoordination@yahoo.com

We first met Liza when she did Ate’s wedding five years ago. She jokingly chides Gabby that she hopes to also be there for his wedding. Fast forward to 2008, after friends’ weddings coordinated by Liza, she finally gets to help us for our wedding.

My friends ask me why I still got a coordinator considering I did events for a living. My reply- that’s exactly why we need a coordinator because I don’t even have time to fix my own wedding with the demands of work (I love my work, super, but it really takes up almost all of my time ). With Liza’s expertise, we feel that we are more on track with our preparations. It gives us a sense of security knowing that Liza is there to think of the stuff that get past our untrained eyes. It leaves us feeling more in control of the wedding plans knowing that she can be there to troubleshoot for us on the wedding day. Liza is basically the strong safety net that we have to ensure that all we have to do on our wedding day is have a wonderful time with our closest friends and family.

More than the reminders of stuff to do or the suggestions on who to get as supplier, it is Liza’s professionalism and systematic approach to weddings that are valuable to the come-what-may type of couple that we are. Without Liza’s ever helpful checklist and reliable note-taking during meetings we might forget to feed our crew or leave our wedding rings in Manila