PHOTOS BY GLENN TUNGOL |   MAKE UP BY REA of MAKE-UP DESIGNORY MANILA   |    HAIR STYLING BY DIANE COLES   | STYLING    AND WORDS BY ALANA BARRETTO  |   Special Thanks to Bellevue Hotel, Alabang for venue

When I started planning my wedding a few years ago, the last thing on my mind was hiring a Chicago wedding photographer to create my wedding album.  Like many engaged couples these days our resources were extremely limited, and I knew if I wanted to pull off a wedding without amassing a huge amount of debt, I would have to be a bit creative.  I had read a lot of articles online that provided tips for saving money on your wedding by taking on a do it yourself attitude.  There were tips on creating your own bouquets and centerpieces.  There were also tips for creating your own wedding albums and videos.  The approach seemed quite logical to me, so me and my fiance agreed not to hire any professionals unless absolutely necessary.

As I went about the tradition of ensuring I had something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, I began to think a lot about family traditions and heirlooms.  This is when my view of wedding albums, and wedding photographers in Chicago began to change.

I began thinking about my great grandmother’s wedding album, and how it had been passed down from generation to generation.  My mother now had not only her own wedding album, but also my grandmother’s and great grandmother’s wedding albums on her mantel, and one day it would become my turn to safeguard those pieces of our family’s history.  Although I had not been present for any of their weddings, their wedding albums always made me feel as though I was connected to that magical day in my own special way.

It was then that I realized my wedding album was so much more than just a collection of photographs.  My wedding album would be my very own family heirloom.  Just as I would some day care for my great grandmother’s wedding album, my children, and my children’s children would one day care for mine.  My wedding album would ensure that long after my wedding day had come to an end, generations of my family would be able to look back at the love we shared that day, and feel connected in their own special way.

While me and my fiance still chose to take a do it yourself approach to many aspects of our wedding, we both agreed that a professional wedding album fell into the necessary column.  If we were going to be starting our very own family, we should have a proper family heirloom.

So if you are looking for ways to save money on your wedding, by all means make your own bouquets and print your own invitations, but don’t skimp on something as valuable as a Chicago wedding photographer.  A hundred years from now no one will remember what color dress your bride’s maids wore or what song was playing during dinner, but your family will still be able to remember and cherish the love that brought your family together through a beautiful and timeless wedding album.

Click on the poster to enlarge

Think of all the planning and nail biting your husband-to-be underwent in order to make your proposal just right – choosing the perfect sparkling engagement ring to propose with, setting an elaborate scene, swearing best friends and family alike to secrecy. Why not show your appreciation and delight him with his own unexpected wedding day surprise? Here are five ideas that will jumpstart turning your fiancé’s men’s wedding band into a lasting and romantic memory.

Add a hidden customized inscription.  If you and your fiancé have already chosen his men’s wedding band, adding a personalized inscription to the interior of his ring is a perfect way to show him your love and offer a little surprise. You can engrave your wedding date, the date you met, both of your initials, a meaningful phrase or an inside joke shared between just the two of you. Some specialty engravers will even allow you to choose your own engraving font or fill in the etchings with a contrast color. Just make certain that you give yourself enough lead time so that you will have his men’s wedding band back in your possession well in advance of your marriage.

Upgrade to diamonds. If you’ve caught your husband admiring the new bagatelle on your ring finger more than once, consider upgrading his men’s wedding band to a diamond accented version. Many designer men’s wedding bands currently on the market will offer a similar style both with and without diamonds, allowing you to seamlessly swap out for a diamond-accented band without arousing your husband’s suspicion. Popular settings for men’s diamond rings include channel, bezel, burnish and pavé, and black diamonds offer an unusual and masculine alternative to traditional clear white stones.Diamond men’s wedding rings don’t have to be stodgy or old-fashioned – get creative with your husband’s wedding band with one of the many contemporary bands now available.

Choose an alternative metal or material. If your husband requires something more off the beaten track, or if you are seeking a high quality ring but cost is an issue, an alternative metal may very well be an excellent choice for you. Modern alternative metals and materials include titanium, tungsten, cobalt chrome and ceramic. Some of these materials boast additional useful inherent qualities, like being hypoallergenic or crack or tarnish-resistant. Many contemporary alternative metals offer a variety of sophisticated designs with or without diamonds. For those seeking a truly high quality metal, rare white metal palladium is an attractive and more budget-friendly alternative to platinum.

Find a ring with a special detail. If you want to make your men’s wedding band stand out from the crowd yet still maintain a certain timelessness, look for a classic band that offers a special detail or design. Thanks to the wide variety of men’s wedding band styles currently on the market, there are a number of unique designs that will perfectly suit your husband’s personality and lifestyle. Some popular contemporary accents includemilgrain or beading details, blackened accents, wood or carbon fiber insets, MokumeGane (a Japanese design accent), grooves or cuts in the band, rivet or beveled edgesand more.

Present his ring in a memorable or customized ring box. Accentuate the look of his men’s wedding band with a lovely customized ring box. Choose a wood or leather box for a more upscale presentation- a higher quality of ring box will showcase his men’s wedding band to the fullest extent. You can even have the box engraved with a special message of love or your wedding date to serve as a memento. A beautiful ring box can continue to be used long after your wedding date; simply ditch the included standard black velvet case.

-Article by Vinod Joshi

If there is one aspect of a wedding couples are advised to splurge on, wedding photography is the common answer. Your wedding  pictures will get to document every last detail of your wedding from  the bridal march to the simplest groomsmen boutonnieres. But  rather than splurging on the most in-demand wedding  photographer to-date, being smart with your wedding photographer seems to be a better choice.

Popular wedding photographers may not always be the best choice as popularity does not always equate to good pictures. Instead, take the time to shop around to be able to find the photographer you are  most comfortable with. Aside from asking for recommendations from family and friends, you can also ask wedding suppliers who have worked with good photographers in the past. You should also remember to book your photography at least 6 to 12 months in advance as photographers can get full schedules especially during wedding months.

A good tip to know is to look at two to three wedding albums from start to finish. It would be typical of photographers to showcase one or two of their best photos. However, you will be able to look at a photographer’s expertise by looking at an entire wedding album. Examine the photographer’s work closely by taking note of clarity, exposure, composition and color. Most importantly, pay attention to your photographer’s ability to capture emotions which is probably the most important factor in wedding pictures.
Being expensive does not always mean quality wedding pictures.  Find a photographer that will not only fit your style but also your  budget. Looking at wedding photography packages will be a better  run for your money. Most wedding photo suppliers will be willing to  take out something you do not need without hesitating to add a little extra to the package.
Finally, gauge a photographer’s professionalism. Find out how long your photographer of choice has been doing weddings to give you a better idea of his or her experience. Wedding photography is  completely different from other types of photography which may  mean that experience keys in as a huge factor.

The right picture can instantly bring you back to the happiest day of your life. Follow these simple yet basic steps to ensure that you will  receive a wedding album that you will treasure for years to come.

 
Buttercream: Sweet and buttery (as you would expect!). The consistency of buttercream can very and be quite soft on wedding cupcakes and quite stiff if used on a tiered cake. It is also great for adding decoration through a piping bag.

 
Royal: As you will see from the infographic this type of icing gets its name from having been used on Queen Victoria’s wedding cake. It is nice and sweet and it dries pretty solid. It can be used to cover the whole cake or for making flowers and other decorations.

Fondant: Can be rolled or poured. Great for covering wedding cakes as it leaves a satin sheen across the cake for an extra special finish

 
These are just 3 of the many different types of wedding cake icing. There is also a huge selection of cake types, fillings, shapes and decorations so you are sure to find something that you love. One thing that you may be wondering is how the tradition of having a  wedding cake came about. Just take a look at our infographic to find out…

 
Author Bio: Erica loves cakes! She has a passion for home baking and ties this in with her love of
weddings to create useful and fun articles for brides to be.

As a marriage goes on for years, there are times that life gets in the way. One might not be as satisfied as they first set out. That is the reason why some men and women are often freaked out with the idea of getting married. Responsibilities take over, financial issues, and other worries set in. It is important for married couples to find the time to remember why they got married in the beginning so that the meaning of their marriage isn’t lost.

Painting the town red

Going out on dates is really important. It is free time that a married couple can go out on their own, have fun, and bond. The dates can be as simple as a picnic in the park to an extravagant trip abroad. And bringing the kids along doesn’t count! It should be a way for the couple to try something new together, forget about problems, and get to know each other again. People change over time, and couples will be surprised that it is interesting to relearn things about the spouse especially in new situations.

Talk

Every now and then, couples should take the time to communicate how they feel other the relationship. By talking, they can figure out what one wants from the other. It erases misunderstandings about expectations as well. With an open communication, couples get to know each other in a deeper and more sensitive way.

Care

Married couples should go back to their roots every now and then to keep the relationship alive. One should not be above the other and there should definitely a certain amount of concern for the other. It is not about how much you receive, but how much you give that counts.

All in all, it is important to keep a marriage healthy. If there are times that it gets stale or routinary, it is a sign for couples to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities. Also, by going back to their roots, clearing out the cobwebs by talking, and showing as much concern for the other as possible, there should be no problem in keeping a marriage alive.

New York

The center of the universe comes at a costly price for weddings. Brides will spend up to $67,000 to throw the big bash. But if you have the big budget, then why not try it out?

Chicago

The windy city is a lovely place to have a wedding. The picturesque landscape is the perfect backdrop to what could be your wedding destination. It will set you back by over $50,000. That’s double the usual budget! But then, astonishingly enough, quite a number of couples go the extra mile to get married in Chicago.

London

Weddings have become really expensive in the UK over the past several years. A grand one can set you back a whopping $47,000. Although there are cheaper alternatives to certain elements, no cost is too much for the day you’ll never forget.

Above is the table setting in nothing but lavender, baby blue, and green. Instead of creating a boyish look, the reception theme comes off as delicate and soft.

Even the bride’s car and flowers match the overall scheme.

For the ride that will take you to your reception, make sure to keep your green, purple, and blue theme consistent!

Photos from Once Wed    |    Words by Alana Barretto

Creative couples who want to break out of the box when it comes to their invitations can take a look at these unique designs.  If formal isn’t really your style, then any of these will really announce your wedding with flair.

Reminiscent of school projects, this dial is a fun way to have an invitation that’s simple to understand and quirky at the same time

Make your wedding a classic novel by using the format of a book.

Also a reminder of the good ol’ days is this invitation design. View Masters were all the rage and guests will get a kick seeing an invitation with photos in them.

People love traveling the world. Make them feel as if they are about to embark on a journey with you through your wedding invitation!

Use your profession as inspiration! This magician couple decided to put their wedding invitation on playing cards to incorporate their love for entertainment.

Photos from Yahoo! Philippines    |    Words by Alana Barretto

Simply Irresistible!

Paella

The classic Spanish dish is the ultimate way to celebrate. An entire meal on it’s own, guests will indulge in a rich and tasty Paella. You can even bend the rules when it comes to theme as well. For example, suppliers like Purpledish Catering can create a fusion Paella for a Mediterranean wedding. Either way, a wedding is not complete without it on the menu.

Just as fun as birthday spaghetti!

Noodles

Traditionally served to promote long-life, noodles can be a way for couples to ring in a long and happy marriage. For Asian-themed weddings, pancit or stir-fry would be a delicious item on the menu. For other reception themes, the classic spaghetti or carbonara is a good staple to have. If you’re feeling a bit more experimental, have your noodles in more complicated pasta like Alfredo or Putanesca.

Juicy to the last morsel

Lechon

No celebration is complete without the roasted pork. Filipinos do not hesitate to go for the lechon because it is crispy, juicy, and flavorful. The menu favorite goes with all kinds of cuisine as well so it is an easy add-on for any buffet line-up.

Sweet!

Wedding Cake

For the sake of posterity, I’ll mention that it isn’t a wedding without the big cake! Suppliers nowadays create anything from the traditional white cake to the funky colorful kind. Just make sure that the cake is as delicious as it is beautiful!

Cheers!

Open Bar

At the end of the night, there is nothing like washing everything down with a refreshing drink. To give your guests a good time after the scrumptious meal, let them party on with an open bar. Alcohol is a great way to give a toast to the bride and groom and get everyone up on the dance floor.

When it comes to your celebration, nothing says party like a good menu. A wedding is the perfect excuse to take a break from a diet so best not to disappoint. Ultimately, these five items are a surefire way to throw a reception that’s fun and where everyone is satisfied and nicely intoxicated.

Article by Alana Barretto     |     Photos from opensourcefood.com

In 1952, Dick Hauke was stuck doing his time for the US Army. However, it didn’t stop him from writing daily love letters to his future wife, Arlene. One day, he wrote to Arlene saying that he wanted to marry her. His proposal even described the ring Dick got her.

“I got your ring today, I sure hope you will like it,” the letter reads. “I wish I could have gotten it long ago darling.”

However, with the flawed mail systems at the time, the letter was sadly lost. It wasn’t until Dick came home soon after that he formally proposed to Arlene.  The young couple had been married soon after.

It was not until last week that the proposal letter had been delivered. To the amazement of many, Dick and Arlene were found 60 years later and still happily married. The ring, still on Arlene’s finger.

No doubt the delivered letter had brought memories and hope, love, and smiles to the couple that had found true love.

Photos by Artu Nepomuceno   |   Make up by Make-up Designory   |    Hair by Dave Grona  |   Words and Styling by Alana Barretto

Mokume Gane

Mokume gane is a 17^th century Japanese decorative technique of layering metals for a swirling, wood burl-like look (mokume gane translates directly to “burl metal”). Originally used in samurai swords, today the mokume gane look is generally created by heating different layered metals in a special furnace and applying compressive force using bolted clamps or a hydraulic press. The swirling mokume gane design in wedding bands for men can stretch across the entire band, or be seen as an inlay accent. The addition of colored metals like bronze, copper, or yellow or rose gold can make for an even more striking appearance and accentuate the rippling lines of the pattern, making it seem almost marble-like. Not only does mokume gane have an original and attractive look, but many men appreciate its rich history and evident craftsmanship.

Inlays

Naturally, the options for inlays in men’s wedding bands vary far beyond mokume gane. Inlays provide the opportunity to add a touch of color or an unusual material or element without overwhelming the look of the entire ring. One popular choice for inlays in men’s wedding bands is wood, which can lend a more rugged and rustic appeal to an otherwise contemporary design. Another prominent inlay material is carbon fiber, which can come in a veritable rainbow of colors and patterns. Carbon fiber (sometimes known as graphite fiber) is a fibrous material made from carbon atoms that is often woven into geometric patterns, making men’s white tungsten wedding rings that are at once modern and warmly original.

Mixed Metals

Mixed metal men’s wedding bands don’t just offer an offer an alternative look from solid metal rings – they can prove to be incredibly versatile, especially for men who tend to regularly wear other items of jewelry like watches or bracelets. The most frequently seen option, of course, is yellow gold paired with a classic white metal like platinum or white gold called as gold plated tungsten ring. However, some of the most stunning mixed metal wedding bands for men can emerge from unexpected color combinations. Rose gold is being seen increasingly in mixed metal rings, as is black gold. Another idea is pairing a contemporary metal that has an industrial look, like gunmetal grey tungsten or titanium, with yellow gold. Not only does this create a rich interplay of precious and alternative elements, but it also makes for a more cost effective wedding ring.

Diamonds or Gemstones

The addition of gemstones to men’s wedding bands, precious or semi-precious, is enjoying a resurgence in today’s market. Many husbands-to-be find themselves appreciating the beauty of the diamond in their fiancée’s engagement ring and wanting something similar for themselves. Diamonds are the most popular precious option, and can be found in both crisp traditional white and increasingly sought after black. With a variety of setting options, from more contemporary settings like burnish or bevel to traditional settings like pave and channel, diamonds can complement practically any style of ring.

It’s not just diamonds that men are adding to their wedding bands. Other precious gemstones that can be seen in wedding bands for men include sapphires, rubies and emeralds, and can add a welcome hint of color. Semi-precious stones like onyx, carnelian and turquoise are also gaining prominence. Some individuals even opt for including their birthstone into their wedding bands for a more personalized touch.

As you can see, wedding bands for men extend far beyond the simple gold ring. Choosing a ring with one of these unique design elements is sure to make for a memorable and much-loved symbol of your union.

Article by  Tanya Zilinskas Naouri