It has been a dream of me to see my wedding in a place open to nature, surrounded by trees and flowers while the sky and the stars are watching above. So imagine my anticipation and excitement on the venue hunting. It was one of the most I look forward in our wedding preps. It took few months for me browsing possible garden locations in Tagaytay. I found six prospect venues but the Angelfields was where I got more interested despite that it was far from the overlooking taal venues which I first preferred. When I saw it on the web, I immediately e-mailed the owner, Mr. Bernie Concepcion for all my queries. He was accommodating and did replies faster than expected. A pencil booking was already listed on our chosen date and to be able to secure the venue, we have to pay the 10% down payment. I was blown away when I asked the total contract amount of the place for the 150 guests. I was thinking how can I convince Owen to take Angelfields with that amount. It broke my heart for a while thinking it will be impossible,
On the day of the ocular, a year before our desired wedding date, I made it last on the venue to visit since I thought I can see better and cheaper place and convince myself that it was fine not to push the Angelfields anymore. I just wanted to see it personally and that's it. I thought I can get over it. But when we enter the place, oh my, it was love at first sight. Although I already saw it in the photos, being physically there was different. My dream garden that I thought I would never find was there all over my eyes. At that instant I knew it got me and there was no way I will let it go. And Owen knew it too seeing how happy I was. Ha ha Ha. Thank you baby! We pay the needed down payment before leaving and I was the happiest bride-to-be ever. :D
These are the photos taken during some of our visits and planning:
A true Nature Sanctuary isn't it? I can just sit here all day.
The lower portion of the pavilion which was named as Pope John II Pavilion served as a restaurant they called "Cucina Bernardo" while upstairs was a chapel. If you want to see how it look, take a peak on the photos of our engagement shoot here.
Angelfields was just around 3 years in operation when we got it. The reason maybe that after browsing for almost 3 months looking for the venues, it appeared only on the web on the last two weeks before our scheduled ocular in Tagaytay. Although it was just recently opened to the public, Angelfields was 10-15 years in the making. They made sure first that the trees were all grown up since the mahogany trees need 10 years to fully grow. And the waiting was worth it.
Wedding Day
1.4.14
This was conceptualize by me although the dropped ribbons was inspired to other wedding ideas. We printed some of our photos and ask the guest to write their wishes at the back of those photos and tie it on the ribbons after. A hanging wishes for the couple.
Oh, I have such talented friends. They made this one. :)
Those little blue and white on the both side of the red carpet were strips of bamboos painted in blue with a candle inside. Got my father's help for that. Another DIY. They are good at night. And use a wider cuts of bamboos so it won't topple.
The table numbers were personally made by yours truly which were all about the books of Nicholas Sparks. I printed the actual book cover and put the most touching quotes from the book. Obviously, I love his books and most of his books that I owned were a gifts from Owen.
Except for the table numbers, all the set up in the dining area was all from JULIO'S Catering. The table set up, the flowers, the vases, the cake, the hanging flowers and the food of course. Although the hanging flowers was a disappointment at first because instead of a fresh white flower balls to be hanged according to what we had agreed, they hanged a paper flower ball with a color not fit to my motif. But nevertheless, they made a great job. The food according to my guests were really good. And they loved the venue and they enjoyed the wedding. That was what matters most.
The Program
Everyone should dance, whether they like it or not. Lol! Sorry friends! :)
..And here comes the newly wed!
We were in the clouds. :) Literally and emotionally.
This band was a friend's referral to me. I just saw and heard them from the very first time on the day of the wedding. They amazingly good!
Yes, expect a lot of kissing in a wedding event. ;)
Isn't it beautiful? If you will be using more lights and electrical equipment, you need to bring a generator for the power source like we did since we used a lot of party lights and other spotlights. Angelfields require a minimum used of electrical power because as you see, they had been using a lot on the garden alone.
Groom's Moment
He always been so funny!
Father - Daughter Dance
Thank you Papa for everything. You will always be my first love..
Our first dance as husband and wife..
Fireworks was not allowed on the venue as Mr. Concepcion was worried that the plants and those 10 years in the making mahogany trees may burn so we just had the sparklers as equivalent.
Although I had been hands on to all the details, I still got an event coordinator. There are options if you want a full wedding coordination, half coordination or a day coordination. A full wedding coordination means that they will be involve from the very start of the planning and will be the one to do all the needed chores and the one to contact all your suppliers. What we got was a day coordination only since I had ironed out everything. What I just needed was the one to put everything in order on the day itself. And yes, it is cheaper than the full event coordination.
So there was our dream wedding. I still sometimes got an overwhelming feeling every time I look at our photos and the memories flashed back. Angelfields was my happy place and will continue to be special in my heart. It was indeed one of the happiest and magical days of my life. The event went smooth as planned, thanks to the team of my reliable suppliers. But nevertheless, it was a dream wedding because of our friends who helped us and those who came to witness our wedding. It was beyond happiness to be able to gather them all and share with them the overflowing love and happiness that we felt and make them see how God had been able to work His miracle on us. And of course, the wedding should be always about two people made by God to be one. Thanks to my husband who had been supportive with all my requests. Thank you for being my other half. I love you, always.
Lastly, to all the brides who exerted all their efforts for their dream wedding like me, please on your wedding day, free yourself on all the worries. I admit to be guilty of that because from Day 1 up to the wedding day itself, I wanted everything to be perfect. The music, the program, the designs, the position of the tables and chairs and the rest of it. But remember, the reason why you shed money for the suppliers is to make you enjoy your day without the hassle. Let them do their work. And I know you have a lot of friends who will be willing to lend their helping hands for free. Take advantage of that. Share the chores with them. You will save a lot of energy. Never aim for perfection, as there will never be one. Aim for a good weather and a day full of laughter and tears of joy and an epic memories with your husband and your friends. Drink, dance, laugh, cry. Be marry. Make each moments perfect. Savor it. It's yours.
List of Suppliers
1 | Angelfields Nature Sanctuary
Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang Cavite
This was the day after the wedding. We spent 3 days and 2 nights at Angelfields. Although Angelfields was a little expensive, the convenience that it provided was all worth it. You will have the place a night before the wedding in order for you to prepare what is needed to prepare. Then on the wedding day itself, the whole day and the whole night will be yours. Most of the venues in Tagaytay only provide 5 hours use of the venue and will add additional charge if you exceed the allowed time. They will also provide a hotel for the couple alone good for the night of the wedding only. Angelfields allowed friends and family during the whole stay as the contract provides the used of 3 Casitas that can accommodate 18 persons. Yes, that's a catch right!
As of the moment, they already built a covered venue for the rainy season. And it looks elegant and beautiful. But the garden will always be the best idea for me. Just make sure it won't rain.
2 | Julio's Catering
Malate 4/F Zontar Bldg., J. Nakpil St. Corner Taft Avenue, Manila Cit
(02) 526-1369
Our guest loved the food! That was one of our worries as food will always be the gauge of satisfaction and enjoyment in every event. I'm glad we have chosen Julio's.
3 | Joey Comandao
Event Host
(02) 783-6353
+63917 888-5639
Mr. Joey Comandao made our wedding program enjoyable. He didn't push the standard wedding program and instead provide a new concept to entertain and involve our guest. He made the wedding mood light, exciting and happy. He is highly recommended.
4 | Treasured Memories Photography
Unit 217, Solare Bldg., Capri Oasis, Dr. Sixto Ave., Pasig City
(02) 218-2177
(Official Photographer and Videographer)
How I loved our photos and SDE. Thanks to the TMP Team!
5 | Diana Santos
Make up Artist
+63917 851-9216
My gorgeous make-up artist and her assistant. Hi Ms. D!
6 | Blissfully Hitched
Event Coordinator
Tagaytay City
+63922 523-7349
7 | JS Mina Soundsystem
Block 34 Lot 15, Phase 6, Brgy. Banaba,
Silang, Cavite
(02) 393-4711
(Generator Set Supplier)
8 | Metromix Lights and Sound
(Sounds and Lights Supplier)
All our conversation was thru e-mail only and yet they delivered smoothly. Good job!
9 | Roi Oliver Sta Maria
Graphic Artist
Lefthanded Design Studio
(Wedding Invitation Designer)
+63917 717-2446
Roi was our best man in the wedding, my brother in law. He has a full time job so he does designs of different stuffs once in a while. His concept of our wedding invitation was cool and unique. Our guests were impressed. Thanks Roi!
10 | Sunny Merindo
(Photo-booth / Photographer)
Sunny did one of our pre-nup shoot with our entourage. Although not really in a photobooth business, he agreed to do it for us. He's a landscape photographer. Thank you to some of our photos Sunny. As always, they are beautiful.
11 | The Acoustic Band
I have no direct contact with them so instead you can contact Ms. Maica R. Tan
+63923-720-0989
Tip: Book your suppliers the earliest time possible. A year before will be better. Trust me, it will save you 10-20% of their current rates. And find a suppliers within or near the town of the venue to avoid out of town charges.
Best wishes!
"Don't wait for the perfect moment.
Take the moment and make it perfect."
- Unknown -
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