Shoes Inspirations

Ah, the things we women go through to get ready for the big day!

This past few weeks, I was having visions of what my gown would like.   The inspirations are endless that I ended up posting another blog about that bridal gown slash dress which I'll be having custom-made in Divisoria  (or as my mom calls it, 'La Rudy Vi').  Now of course, as any girl can attest, when you start thinking of the gown, you also try to visualize what the entourage gowns will look like.  And let's not even talk about the mothers.  They have their own styles and preferences to consider, making this whole issue of gowns and dresses exciting albeit challenging.  :-)

And when you start talking about gowns and dresses, can shoe talks be far behind?  :-)   See, this whole wardrobe thingy is a package.  Gown + Shoes + Make-up + Hair + Accessories = Look for the day.  I'm taking my own sweet time trying to finalize what my gown will look like, and I learned that when you have a gown custom-made in Divi, it will take them only about three months, so I figure I still have time to spare.  It's a good thing I've long settled the issue of make up with my one and only choice, Rae Venturanza, and I already have an idea of what kind of hair style I want for the big day, so that's not a problem.  The accessories I will wear on our big day are my e-ring and earrings which I will be borrowing from my sister-in-law (How sweet. Thanks, C!).  And so, I'm left with the shoes.  

Where do I begin?  First of all, I hate the white bridal shoes concept.  I don't like to wear, much more spend, on a pair of shoes that I will wear only once in my lifetime.  So no to Kate Middleton-inspired lace and beads type of shoes.

Duchess Kate Middleton's 5 1/2 size hand-stitched bridal shoes were designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

Source:  The Daily Mail

Now, if it were something I could wear for after the wedding, then I'd reconsider.  Especially if it looked something like this:

Sexy but subtle --- whether in jeans or in a dress 

Nine West Jack Toe Peep Pumps

Source:  This Next

Sometimes, I wish I could just wear something flat for my wedding.  After all, I'd be sitting, standing up, kneeling, jumping (?), running (?), posing and dancing for more than four hours.  So I thought I'd buy anything like these:

Dainty and stylish for my jeans -- perfect for those relaxing weekends 

Chloe Square Toe Ballerina Flats - $450

Source:  Barneys

Classic and always in style

Lanvin Cap Toe Ballet Flats - $650

Source:  Barneys

When I mentioned this to my mother, I got a big, big frown.  Hahaha!  She said I should wear comfortable heels (about 2 inches) to match the dress.  Heels?  I never wore heels!  Remember my gladiator heels from our date at the Diamond Hotel?  I only inherited them from her because she can no longer wear high heels due to her arthritis.  But given the chance, I wouldn't choose anything higher than an inch!  So of course, here are what I saw and liked if I could be convinced to wear something like these on our big day hehehehe :-D  (Of course, the budget is a separate consideration.  Hahaha!)

 Burlina

Christian Louboutin - Patent leather peep toe t-strap pump with adjustable buckle at ankle - $945

Source:  Barneys

Lady Peep

Christian  Louboutin - Patent leather platform peep toe pump - $945

Source:  Barneys

Madame Butterfly Pump

Christian Louboutin - Satin platform pump with large bow at pleated peep toe - $945

Source:  Barneys

So So

Christian Louboutin - Patent leather platform peep toe pump with cross strap at toe and halter slingback - $895

Source:  Barneys

Orlina 

Manolo Blahnik - Elastic open toe slingback sandal with multiple crossing contrast bands at instep - $735

Source:  Barneys

 Sedaraby

Manolo Blahnik - Satin open toe multi-strap sandal with adjustable posted ankle strap $755

Source:  Barneys

 Evita

Tabitha Simmons - Satin platform open toe T-strap sandal with jewel embellished strap, grosgrain ankle tie and closed back -$2,185

Source: Barneys

Tribtoo Pump

Yves Saint Laurent - Patent leather platform round toe pump - $795

Source:  Barneys

 Faustina by Nine West in Moon / Roccia - $119  

 Knot by Nine West in Black Suede - now only $39.60 from $99

Mega by Nine West in Natural Leather - $49.50

From real brides' shoes, here are some of my inspirations:

Cenyang's shoes as captured by Jaja Samaniego

Source:  Jaja Lifestyle Photography

San Pedro-Alcasabas Wedding

Source:  Perfect Match Shoes 

 Santiago-Reyes Wedding

Source:  Perfect Match Shoes

Manguiat-Tripon Wedding

Source:  Perfect Match Shoes

Sigh.  I'm glad I only have a budget for one pair of shoes; otherwise, I'd go crazy with all these lovely footwear!  So to finalize my choices, I figured I'd rather have something that meets the following criteria:

1. with heels but only about 2-3 inches --- just enough to give my 5'1'' frame a taller illusion;
2. with heels that are not too thin (as in those Louboutin shoes) but are not too thick -- something like in the style of Mega by Nine West;
3. closed, and may or may not have straps for added protection from slipping and / or accidental removal of shoes while walking; and
4. in a color and fabric / leather that can be flexible enough for after-wedding use 

Sweetie has been reminding me to finalize this one too so that I can start with our DIY.  Oh, and he's buying me the shoes as his wedding gift!  Yipee!!! :-)  Thanks, Honey :-)

Pasig Youth Development Center

If you're a frequent visitor of this blog, you would know that I am from the beautiful, clean and green city of Pasig.  I've lived here all my life, but I've studied in two other major cities near our place, am currently engaged to a wonderful fiance who hails from the southern outskirts of Metro Manila, and will get married in another new city within the Metropolis.  It's ironic that I don't know my city that well, and that's why I've decided to 'make up for it' by featuring this lovely place just beside that spot I call my own office. I know it is difficult to nail down one's wedding ceremony venue, much more a reception venue, so without further ado, here's the Pasig Youth Development Center (formerly known as Youth Training Center):

Side entrance to the YDC

The quiet lobby of the YDC.

The glass door to the left of the welcome counter is the office of the very accommodating and bubbly administrator, Ms. Isabelita de Leon.  The glass doors to the right is the library.

When you look to the left, you will see the first function room of the building.

It's the Sampaguita hall where can hold weddings for as many as one hundred and fifty persons.

Across from the Sampaguita hall is this flight of stairs leading to the 2nd floor where you'll see another function hall.  The stairs to the lower floor is where you'll find the amenities for youth programs (ie, Dance Studio, Music Room, Lecture Room, etc.); hence, the name Youth Development Center. The Mayor built this center to hone the talents and abilities of the city's youth ---- for free!

Another shot of the Sampaguita hall entrance

A quiet nook for those who want to visit the administrator

Another quiet nook across from the Sampaguita hall and near the staircase going up the 2nd floor.

This is a painting of the city's former Mayor, Soledad C. Eusebio.

The library.  Sorry, it was closed temporarily when I visited that's why the shot came out quite dark.

This is the interior of the Sampaguita hall.  It has a nice view of the gardens outside of the building.

This place is actually a stone's throw from the Rainforest Park, a water sports complex, garden / park, playground, events place, and zoo in one.  The park is a project of the Eusebio family.  Those who chose to hold their special events here at the YDC usually decide to have pictorials in the Rainforest Park because it has lots of lovely spots to serve as your background.  Click here for a sample from one of my favorite guys behind the lens, Noel Salazar.

It's a little dark in my pictures because I was too shy to ask for the lights to be turned on.  But even with this late afternoon sun, you get this very maaliwalas look, thanks to the many windows.  What more if you hire a lights and sounds supplier to brighten up this venue.  This hall, by the way, is airconditioned and has its own restrooms for both male and female.

Another shot by the door

The Sampaguita Hall also has its own kitchen --- perfect for your caterer!

That glass door leads to the restrooms.

Yes, they are labeled as GIRLS and BOYS, instead of FEMALE and MALE. Hahaha :-)  But they're pretty decent and clean, and this is very important when holding your events.  Icky restrooms can turn off guests.  YDC, thankfully, has a very nice and industrious set of staff.  They always clean up the place every so often.

When you climb the flight of stairs I was talking about earlier, it will land you to here.  This floor has the computer room (for out of school youth), another set of rest rooms, a dormitory, and a bigger function room or auditorium, the Narra hall.

These two aluminum doors lead to the two dormitories.  This shot is the spot where you'll be when you climb up to the 2nd place.

This is the Narra hall or the auditorium.  It can fit 300 people theater-style.  It's ideal for lectures, plays, and big group activities.  I heard they have done weddings here too.

This hall has a very high ceiling.  You can easily do drapings here with all the scaffolds.

They were organizing for an affair when I took the pictures, so pardon the mess and disarray.

The auditorium has a stage, a white screen for film showing, a dedicated high-powered LCD projector and professional sound system.  I asked the staff if I could try out the LCD projector, screen, sound system and aircon, and wow, I was so impressed!  The equipment were still brand new, so whoever will rent out these facilities will get 100% satisfaction from their quality.  The sounds and projector were so good, I felt like I was in a rock concert!  Too bad, I didn't think of shooting short videos of those.

The upper deck of this auditorium houses the control booths for the lights and sounds.

For those who wish to rent out either of the two function halls, you may call Ms. Isabelita De Leon of the Pasig Youth Development Center at 628-4291.  You may also drop her an email at litsdeleon@yahoo.com. The center is located at F. Legaspi Street, Rainforest Park, Maybunga, Pasig.  Landmarks nearby are the Stella Maris Church along Stella Maris Street, Maybunga Barangay Hall, Hampton Gardens Condominium, and C5.  Tiendesitas is also a mere five minute-ride away from the place.

The rental fee for the Sampaguita hall is around Php 10,000 inclusive of five hours use of the venue, airconditioning system, chairs, LCD projector and screen and sound system.  The rental fee for the Narra hall is around Php 15,000 for the same amenities.  The price is still negotiable, but please make sure to personally visit the administrator.  Ingress and egress for your affairs are also flexible and will not be charged separately from your account, as long as this is done within working hours.

To read about other possible Pasig reception venues from this blog, click here and here.

Happy venue hunting!

Grateful

Among a thousand and one items on my list, I am truly awed by and grateful to God ---

For the three decades that God has allowed me to live and enjoy life on this earth
For the challenging yet exciting career (and breaks) that God has allowed me to pursue
For the most awesome family, friends, co-workers and new relationships and ties that God has given me
For the beautiful ring that sits on my finger and for the godly and kindhearted man I will marry next year
For the assurance of eternal life and glorious future I have in Jesus Christ

As I always say during small group meetings at church, the current year has been my best so far.  2011 rocked, but I also do look forward to an even bigger, better and grander 2012.

Thank you, God.  I am truly undeserving of your love and grace; yet, I experience it everyday.

Ladies in Pink and Green

Images above taken from Artie and Lia's 2010 wedding 

Shot by Benjie Tiongco

Early this year, I was toying with the idea of having a cherry blossoms-themed wedding.  It would have been perfect, especially since I had tons of props, visual aids, various paraphernalia and ideas on how we could execute the theme.  Alas, my dear mother didn't want a wedding with fancy details like a yukata, origami decors and Kanji table labels that only a few of our guests can relate to.  The dutiful daughter that I am (ahem! ahem!), I immediately shelved the idea and instead, opted to revive it for a prenup next year hehehehehehehe ;-)  O di ba, at least sa prenup man lang, Japanese pa rin  (At least even for the prenup, it's still Japanese).  

So with the thought of asking my lady entourage members to wear yukata-inspired dresses on our big day set aside, I needed to think quickly for other gown options and alternatives since deciding isn't easy.  If settling the issue of what my gown will look like isn't hard enough, triple that with the pressure of having to conceptualize dresses / gowns for at least six different ladies --- flower girls not included.  Yes, the wedding is still eight more months to go, but come 2012, the days will just pass by so quickly that I'll hardly notice it's already August.  I also have reasons to be concerned albeit this early.  It's quite a challenge to gather all six ladies since geographically, they are as apart as the East is from the West, and they are all as busy as bees!

Okay, so let's start with the color.  There is no question that I'll be incorporating my favorite, pink.  But what kind or shade, I am not sure.  All I know is that I want all kinds of that color.  To add some accent or perhaps to distinguish the mothers, they'll be donning lime green.  Ah, but don't get me started on what type of fabric, what kind of embellishments, or even what cut they are going to wear.  I'll save that for another post as I am totally clueless about these things.

They always say don't make decisions if you're confused.  So for now, I'll just stare at these lovely creations:

 Various shades of pink as interpreted by Lea Michel (Oscar de la Renta), Natalie Portman (Viktor & Rolf), Megan Fox (Armani Prive), Sandra Bullock (Jenny Packham), Emma Stone (Calvin Klein), Claire Danes (Calvin Klein), and Julianne Moore (Lanvin)

Source:  The Fashionist

Janna Simpao's entourage gowns in chiffon

Source:  http://brideandbreakfast.ph/2010/09/14/close-to-home/ 

Shot by Pat Dy

  Veejay Floresca's entourage gowns in fuschia pink made of jersey fabric

Source:  Veejay Floresca's Tumblr

 Source:  Carlo Cecilio of Imagine Nation Photography

 Wanda's bridal gown by Veluz

Entourage gowns by Zandra Lim

Shot by Dino Lara

 Source:  Erron Ocampo

Lora's bridal gown by Veluz

Lora's Entourage gowns by Veejay Floresca

 Shot by Aira Photography

Melissa's Bridal gown by Veluz

Entourage gowns by Veejay Floresca

Source:   Jayson and Jo Anne Aquiza 

Shot by Mimi and Karl

 Shot by Dominic Barrios

 Shot by Metrophoto

 Shot by Nelwin Uy

 Patrick and Michell's Entourage gowns...

 and flower girl dresses...

as shot by Jeff and Lisa

 Ciara's bridal and entourage gowns by Veejay Floresca

Shot by Erron Ocampo

 Con's secondary sponsors'...

and flower girls' gowns by Veejay Floresca