"WEDDING INQUIRY", TO BE OR NOT TO BE, MY THOUGHTS........

 I am a responsible professional event (wedding, debut, special events) supplier. I am up and about with my replies to inquiries.

I treat every inquiry as if I am giving them pointers in considering decisions for their concerns.  It’s not just about being able to give your price quotation to every inquiry.  I am very thorough.  I'm sure other suppliers/vendors share the same sentiment when we are treated like a piece of s_ _ _ .  When they just stop following you up after many e-mails and exchange of thoughts and ideas.  When you thought and feel like it’s almost there and would be requested to send them your working contract or even set a personal appointment inquiry in your office or elsewhere and signing of contract to follow immediately.  Like they make a schedule to meet you up via SKYPE, but they themselves fail to come up with their presence and concern regardless of reason.  Or after a lot of correspondence via e-mail, they suddenly cease without any form of notice like vanishing in thin air.

I consider my professional undertakings real so I hope we suppliers are treated accordingly most especially when we are very responsive to them despite corresponding with them only on an inquiry status.

Some of us suppliers are guilty of doing the same to inquiring potential clients.  Of course like these inquiries, we provide all the reasons in the world to make an excuse why some of us do not respond.  It’s not of my interest to know why.  An indirect tit for tat experience with inquiries.  Likewise I hear stories from these inquiries that other supplier does not respond to their queries or it takes a while for some suppliers to respond.

Let us (suppliers / vendors) all take our job seriously.  Yes!  It would be better if we just delete our business e-mails if we are not conscious that e-mail inquiries should be addressed accordingly and with sense of urgency.  Too bad for suppliers like me who are very attentive and diligent with inquiries to potential clients.  I defy being typecast-ed with suppliers as such.

This is my cause and I hope future inquiries will be very professional as well. No! I refuse to give up.  It’s not a "c'est la vie" mode for me.  Oh yes, I can only be speaking for myself.  But that's how my mind is set about this concern.  Being a professional the moment you open your door to someone who is knocking and hoping they are accommodated properly.  

This is not about frustration.  This is writing about appropriateness, setting a good example and being dedicated not just to our craft but to our level of professionalism.  I continue to be optimistic.  One day, I will have to stop e-mailing lost-to-follow up inquiries.  I agree, it’s not just our (suppliers) fault.  Some irresponsible inquiring individuals should likewise be reprimanded for their uncanny behaviors towards us.  Sometimes you get the feeling that they are just toying on us or to put it bluntly, window shopping on suppliers.  Or I hope they are not part of us suppliers spying on other suppliers prices!  Oh no!  But this is not remote.  It’s starting to get complicated.  I am open to reasons, discussions, opinions, recommendations, and hopefully some conclusions.  Moving forward still and determined.  I am inspired to perform my task and excel on it.

Jasper+Carmel Fusion Onsite AVP (Quimiguing - Saavedra Wedding, June 7, 2013)

Barongs for my Fil-Am First Cousin for his Wedding at Maui, HI (May 24, 2013)

I feel honored and privileged that my cousin Phil Rem all the way from New Jersey has been messaging me and has commissioned me to do his barong tagalog along with the rest of the guys.
Some Caucasians in a Barong in Maui , Hawaii.
A Filipino-heritage infested state of the US. Hawaii, a state with a high standard of living. The more in Maui. Bur I am very certain Phil has prepared for this.
I am using a piña-silk sinuksok design for Phil along with callado ( perforated design detail) that should make it look more elegant and fitting for a groom's attire. He had only 2 special endorsement. A spread collar and a french cuff. Just the way I see him very fitting in this barong detail style. For my uncle Oscar, Sr. , its likewise a piña-silk sinuksok pattern for him that has a resemblance with the groom's attire. I am all set to start . Just waiting for the barongs that I commissioned to be made in piña-jusi but with hand embroidered detail. Big and tall men the line to serve as Phil's male entourage. This is going to be an exciting celebration and union of two families. I hope I could be there to personally witness the event but my condition will not allow me go. I wish Phil and my other three cousins will have great time with this wedding event.

A Greco-Roman Theme Inspired Wedding from a couple from Kuwait (Quimiguing - Saavedra Wedding, June 7, 2013)

Hair and Make-up Artist Mauri Estrada clipping the bridre's veil

A veteran wedding planner and a bridal fair organizer, Summer "Sam" Caraullo text-ed me to refer these couple nurse who are based in Kuwait.  My privilege as always to the different wedding planners in the industry who have entrusted me their clients.  It was the bride, Carmel whom I was in touched all the way and thanks to viber for making it happen.  She wanted a very Greco-Roman themed wedding but somehow modern in its treatment.  She opted for an aqua and chartreuse motif for the entourage with an infusion of gold as embellishment likewise with her wedding dress      
Jason from Dipolog, Carmel from Tacloban and the rest of her entourage coming from different parts of the Visayas region.  Of course I have my way of having the gowns fitted.  And it came out pretty well considering the very minor adjustments we did for these entourage whose measurements were only sent.  Yes, I sent Carmel my own version of the measurement guide form.  Even for the moms, I was very happy to note that I only had to do the hemming and nothing else.
Carmel as how I treat all my bride-clients sounded just like a friend and my distance with them was never a hindrance to get their concerns addressed including changes.  Yes, Carmel really wanted a very Greco-Roman design for her dress.  I enjoyed doing 6 designs for her and I felt so hilarious when she uttered that the more it confused her.  But its my way of making sure that I treat my bride-client well.

Mother of the Bride

Mother of the Groom

Jason's typical tuxedo style was much easier to deal with.  A real straight guy who entrusts everything to his designer and I made sure that he stands out as a groom with his attire.  It was a perfect from his tuxedo jacket , to his vest and dress shirt. Alas! the trouser's waist was perfect though the  length was too short.  But of course, I will be addressing it so as not to disappoint Jasper. And we did.Come wedding day, I had to make sure I will be there to personally supervise the dressing of Carmel and some of the present entourage and Mrs. Saavedra of course.  Summer's team was to be commended as her staff had to voice out her concern about the time we all have to leave the hotel considering its a friday and the traffic can be horrendous travelling all the way from Shaw Blvd. all the way to Sanville along Visayas Avenue where Fernwood is.

L-R ( 2 Junior Bridesmaids, Bridesmaid,  Maid of Honor, Bridesmaid)

Everyone started to line up. Soon it was time to commence with the bridal march.  It has been emotional for all weddings that I have witness the bridal march.  I guess its a mixture of feelings for everyone.  Carmel has started to walk the aisle.  We waited for her to reach the altar and get fixed.  It was time for me to say goodbye for Sam and her staff for the meantime.  I have to hurry back to the office.  Another group of clients are picking up their
gowns.

Maid of Honor

Secondary Sponsor

Secondary Sponsor

Secondary Sponsor

 
  I don't know why I can't justleave some things to my other staff.  Yes! I'm obsessive compulsive with my job. I love it!

Wedding planner and coordinator:  Summer Caraullo and team of VRC
Photo and Video:  Raymond Fortun by Zye de Guzman
Hair and Make-up:  Mauri Estrada
Reception Caterer:  Juan Carlo, the Caterer
Reception emcee:  Chacha Datu

Flying from San Francisco, California to Tie the Knot ( Chua - Esteves Wedding, May 28, 2013)

Francis is a licensed physical therapist who have chosen to live and practice his profession of being an allied medical health practitioner in in San Francisco.  This is quite a long distance relationship for him and Aezel but both have done their best to make it work. Aezel  however is a registered nurse though she is back in school finishing another degree this time in medical technology.

Rosie de Vera of flowers and Foliage , a long time friend happens to be related to Aezel, the bride-elect and has recommended me for  Aezel and Francis' wedding attire.

Come to think of it, its a lot more convenient doing the attires for the celebrants even up to their folks as the entire female and even male entourage can become a real ordeal for us responsible , professional designer supplier in the wedding industry.  Azel I thought came  in unguided so as an accommodating designer, I had to prime her , introduce to her the ideal steps in deciding on how  to have a wedding gown made. I had to guide this 23 year old young bride somehow.  It most definite that I am only a designer and does not ambition to assume other roles for the couple.

Fitting came and as the saying always applies, "There is always a second time if the first time did not succeed."  I had to request them for a second fitting. I succeeded after the second fitting and soon it was time to prepare and pack the commissioned attires.  Some pampering that I voluntarily did not just for the couple but for Ate Rosie's delight  as well.  Over all, I have all praises for this couple. Very cooperative, understanding and considerate.
Come their wedding day, as my commitment to myself primarily to see all my bride-clients commence with their bridal march.  Despite my condition, I made sure that my goodwill service to the bride is carried out very well.  The photographer and videographers  were in full force, taking her pictures.  I have been  assisting my bride-clients in all my years of work and this goodwill completes my feeling of fulfillment .

The photo-video team were made to wait outside the bridal suite. My staff made sure that she was groomed very well from her petticoat to the lining of the gown, making sure the gown's zipper is maneuvered properly.  A very pretty set of white peonies was her bridal bouquet.  We got the body form we lend to them and made sure that it was placed properly in my car.  When we reached the floor head for room 848 where Aezel was preparing  I was just kinda surprised the photo-video team all left downstairs not catching the moment for the bride to be walking along the corridor of  the eighth floor of  Sofitel Philippine Plaza..
Aezel has  transformed from a naive looking medical technology student to a radiant bride. Francis of course is not to be left behind, Looking so chic clad in his wedding attire with a sporty shades to protect him from the sun and wore it well.  Of course he looked even more dashing during the actual commencement of the wedding ceremony when he had his sunglasses removed.  It was a balmy afternoon but the weather was very cooperative having their ceremony celebrated at the sea wall area of the hotel. We are confident we did a good job for Aezel and Francis.  As soon as Azel reached the area to receive Francis hand and eventually have themselves seated well,  my task has ended.  Wishing this couple a married bliss.

Dusit Thani Hotel's Muse and Escort for Makati Santacruzan 2013

 I can't recall if this is my 6th year with Dusit Thani Hotel in supporting them with their participation with the local government of  Makati City with their Santacruzan activity.  This includes participation of the different de luxe hotels in the city along with the big comapanies.  Being from Makati City myself where I reside and where my office is, I find it a huge privilege of being able to participate in activities like this .

"Nina getting the final touches of her look"

Mr. Aldrin Mendina has been the hotel's in-charge for this activity and has never failed to refer to me when this activity is fast approaching.  I see this as a two way opportunity.  I am grateful and I feel privilege for the trust and appreciation accorded me.
This year (2013)'s muse is Nina of the Events Department and Kevin Reyes of the Front Office of the hotel.
I have likewise tapped Mauri Estrada, hair and make-up artist to do the Nina's hair and make-up which turned out to be well executed.  This is just my second year to come and see and even assists  the models for this event.  Just likened to a wedding or a debut, the moral support of the designer somehow gives the entire
team a moral boost along with the support of the hotel.
My appreciation likewise goes to Fritzvon Robles who continues to be support Aldrin Mendina with this cause.

Nina and Kevin posing for photo on one of the hotel's room used for preparation and dressing

Nina and Kevin with Dusit Thani Hotel's bigwigs

The scourging heat this time prevented me from witnessing the festivities.  But as I saw it

the year before, it was a well attended event .  Dusit's representatives are always seated in a decorated horse drawn carriage for the event.  Thank you Aldrin, Von and Dusit Thani Hotel for always appreciating my talent and craft.

 Hair and Make-up Artist, Mauri Estrada with Nina

Me with Nina and Kevin