College was where they met, but for Rhessy Laine and Mark it was going to be a long and at times rocky relationship. Yet at the end of it all they would still be the one’s to walk down the aisle together.
June 2001, was when these classmates at their C++ Programming Language Subject at Mapua Institute of Technology met. Both had no idea this was the start of their future together. Yet almost 10 years after this meeting mark proposed to Rhessy. In the words of the bride their relationship was not perfect as they are human as everybody else.
“February 4, 2010, it was our 8th year anniversary (that’s total years, because we separated July 2006, and then back together in 2008), it was at the parking lot at Bonifacio High Street, we are going to run after our bonding moments at Intramuros, reminiscing our college days, before leaving the car, kunwari nag aayos siya ng shoes, he proposed, lumuhod cya sa mga bato. It was unexpected place and time, no hints on my side, I thought maybe he would propose at Intramuros, naisip nya na sa BHS kasi dun yung first date namin when we’re back together.” Rhessy revealed.
A few weeks after the proposal they started their wedding planning. “We went to our first bridal fair on February 13, 2010,” she shared. The date of their wedding was also relevant to both of them. “Yung 11 memorable sa amin kasi he courted me Sept 11, 2001. Naging option din namin yung Feb 20 (022011), parang 2 becomes 1.
Ayan yung una naming pinareserve kay Pia of Grand Palazzo Royale,” she intimated. In the end they decided on April 2, 2011 as their date.
Rhessy and Mark had to think quite a while regarding where to have the ceremony and reception. They had to consider their guests when they chose the location. Since they had a lot of guests coming from Bulacan and Pampanga they search for a venue in Angeles and found Grand Palazzo Royale. They found the location perfect as Rhessy fell in love with Holy Rosary Parish Church’s long aisle and choir loft for a beautiful panoramic shot of the ceremony. The reception and church venue out of the way they turned next to look for their perfect suppliers.
The bride shares how she found me. “I chose Events and Concepts as part of the package of Grand Palazzo Royale as my On-The-Day Planners even without a meeting. Because when I search the net I saw that most of the event s was by Events and Concepts. Then we met at the Wedding Destinations Bridal Fair. Parang close na agad, because you guys were so friendly and accommodating, and very down to earth, we had our photo pa nga eh, it was so cool!
And when we had our meetings, there were no dull moments, you really helped us on our ideas, the paw prints and crosswords, we love those ideas. And of course, you have proven that on the wedding day itself, you’re the best. From the villa, to the church up to the program, we really want to thank you for making our big day a blast!”
For their photo and video suppliers Rhessy shared, “Start pa lang sabi namin sila na yung gusto namin kasi sila din dun sa wedding nung officemate ko, as in hindi na kami nag-inquire sa iba, nakita din naman namin kasi ung mga gawa nila and the way they interact with the couple, very cool is Jason and Joan Arquiza. And saka gusto din namin noon si Chug Cadiogan, siya na talaga sa video, at mas ok kasi magkakilala at magkaibigan yung photo and video, para ok yung working relationship nila. “
The florists Rhessy chose were Aida Roque of Villarosa Creations for the ceremony and Pancho Pantig of Plumeria for the reception. Aida extended a lot of support to the couple that it truly made a difference for them.
Pancho was also very helpful to Rhessy and Mark. Pancho was event the one who helped the couple cut some of the cost without sacrificing quality and presentation.
Rhessy gown and Mark’s attire was created by Marlon Tuason. The bride’s make-up was done by Ms. Am Yapjoco and Ate Fe for hair style. “Kasi I’ve seen their works on my 5 friends from Smart. Very natural look that never fades easily, she’s also the one mixing the cosmetics. I had 2 trials, one airbrush and traditional. I’m satisfied with her work.”
For their souvenirs, Rhessy and mark chose to have a photobooth to provide the photo souvenirs. “Ever since we attended bridal fairs, we always try different photobooths, and it’s only BaiCapture with the fastest printing time, at the same time good quality as well,” says Rhessy. Their wedding cake was made by DDL Homemade Cakes.
They created a unique cake with dogs as cake toppers. This is what truly made their entire wedding so one of a kind. Their dog theme was taken to so many levels during their wedding as everything centered on their love for dogs. Their videos had dogs as stars, there were paw prints on the floors of Grand Palazzo Royale and even their invitations were inspired by dogs!
As a couple managing everything, they encountered a lot of problems but they were successful in getting what they wanted for their wedding day. Rhessy shared, “First is budget management, like other couples preparing for their big event, we needed to decide whether it’s a must have or only nice to have. We really can’t have everything, because there’s no perfect wedding. Time pressure also plays a big part on the preparation.”
What is your best advice to all those soon-to-weds? Rhessy expounds on this clearly, “First, plan as early as you can, so no need to cram. Search, search and search before booking your suppliers. Also, stick to your budget, know your must have’s and nice to have’s, know what will last and what is important to you.
Always pray for God’s guidance in every decision that you will make. Always remember, this is your wedding not theirs, so follow what you want. And also bear in mind that a wedding is only for a day, marriage is a lifetime, so never ever forget about the marriage in your preparations. On the day itself, just relax, don’t think if there are still problems, just enjoy, it happens very fast, savor every moment of it! One more thing, Love and Respect your suppliers.”
Events and Concepts is organizing WEDDING DESTINATION:PAMPANGA YEAR 3—the GRANDEST Bridal Fair to happen in Central Luzon. This will be on July 8-10, 2011 at the Event Centre of SM City Clark. More than 60 of the BEST wedding suppliers in Pampanga will gather in this fabulous event. Admission is FREE. For details, contact Events and Concepts by Voltaire Zalamea at 0917.8139475
