High Tides and Pre-nup photos: Capones Island Experience

High Tides and Pre-nup photos: Capones Island Experience

Shared by Mr. and Mrs. Ronquillo 

     August 21, 2018 when our pre nuptial photo shoot’s weather is not that good but rain or shine we go to finish it up. Almost five hours of travel from Manila to Zambales and 15 to 20 minutes of boat ride to an island. Our advice whenever you’re going to have a beach pre nup photoshoot – always check the weather condition to ensure the safety. Much better if you have correspondence with the venue for the freebies and discount. It just happened when we have to do our photoshoot during bad weather – the huge tidal waves and risky travelling crossing the sea but the good thing is we almost have the place to all by ourselves, easier to do our photoshoot, beautiful sceneries in sight and the serenity of the place.  We really enjoyed the experience and the result of our perseverance.  We are really thankful to our Almight God for blessing us to giving us the opportunity to work with the Elite Memoirs.

Dedication to Elite Memoirs:

Hi ma'am Ehlle,

We’re really gratified by your team for every steps from preparation, precarious sea crossing up to the beautiful reception set up. You exceeded our expectation as our guest, relatives especially our parents were ecstatic at our wedding day – from sumptuous food to exhilarating programme. You made our wedding extra special, we really appreciated everything to the photographer and videographer for stunning shots, to ma’am Yury and to her colleagues assisted us in hotel, church and reception preparation. Kudos to all. I commend your team and thank you for being great help to us. 

-Mr&mrs Ronquillo

Mr. Tom and Kim Francisco Wedding story: When Accident becomes a Blessing

Mr. Tom and Kim Francisco Wedding story: When Accident becomes a Blessing

Shared by Mrs Kim Alyssa Francisco (married in church Jan 19, 2019). 

It was June 2, 2018 (Saturday) after lunch when I requested Tom to go in ManilaMed to get the endorsement letter for arthritis from Bella’s Doctor. It was almost two to three weeks or so since it was entrusted to us to get it as she can’t go to the clinic and busy on studying again.  I would like to go to Quiapo to buy Elly’s clothes from SM Clearance Outlet. I’ve said to him that we ride the motorcycle to get there faster and to avoid traffic because we can’t leave my youngest sibling alone as she’s a breastfeeding mother. There’s a numerous times I persuaded Tom to go but he insisted that his intuition want to make us stay at home and something might happen bad.  But around 4 or 5pm, he gave in, so from home we take U.N. near Unilever, heavy traffic greeted us. While on green light, around St. Pius XII on U.N. avenue, we tried to outstrip the trucks as we cross road but unfortunately, we hit someone. He was crossing the street when we collided with him – luckily we haven’t hit him hard and we didn’t stumbled down as well. I’m more worried with the victim because he is an elderly man. I’m upset with Tom as I scolded him for being careless yet we cannot do anything since we are the culprit. Upon rushing him to the nearest hospital, friends of attorney Doy (the victim) decided to take him to Manila Doctors Hospital as we’ve heard that they have a lot of connection and their family doctors reside there. But hearing that fact make me flustered with the idea of that hospital being more costly than Asian Hospital. We have money but it isn’t sufficient enough to cover the possible expenditures. I felt clammy and hypertensive at the same time. While waiting for the doctor, one of the SVVP Organization staff told us to stay and don’t worry because money isn’t the issue with our victim and they can provide as well. We just need to wait for his wife and decide what the outcome of negotiation. 

 While waiting, Atty. Doy interviewed us and know our background – if the motorcycle was Tom’s, his job, where do we live, and why we’re rushing things. We’ve waited for one to two hours until his wife came. She scolded us, took our photos, identification and contact number to call us for any procedures and necessities needed. Atty. Doy requested us go home as he told us our children waiting for us but we insisted to stay to see what measures they’re going to do. During our stay, we’ve been asked for some personal details like what we do for a living, where do we live and are we married since we have kids of our own. Honestly, we like to laugh when we’ve been asked about our marriage since our friends and relatives asked the same question. All of the sudden, they have this idea and knew what will our punishment and blessing at the same time. They’ve said to us to get married in the church. We’re flabbergasted with the thought like what the? We thought are they really serious about it? Because we’re not. We’ve been eight year in relationship and it never crossed our mind about it and we knew we’ll get there eventually but not for now. Tom even asked them if they were serious about it and they affirmed it with their Yes. We just need to process our papers and they will be going to take charge of everything. They made sure about it by putting it into writing before we leave. 

 THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT CEFERINO PATINO, VICTIM HIT BY MOTORCYCLE OWNED BY TOM FRANCISCO (BARTOLOME II B. FRANCISCO) PLATE # NF79421 JUNE 2, 2018 AROUND 5PM INFRONT OF PIUS CENTER U.N AVENUE MANILA. AGREED TO AMICABLE SETTLED THE CASE AMONG THEMSELVES. CEFERINO PATINO'S SIGNATURE BARTOLOME II B. FRANCISCO'S SIGNATURE after the letter. They’ve photocopied the ID and gave us church representative’s calling card to contact in regards with wedding preparation.

July 16, 2018 - We’ve started to inquire for the necessities in church and caterer for the venue. We admitted that we’re both pressured for the wedding preparation due to lack of funds for a lavish wedding. We’re both glad that the church staffs assisted us in financial and documents wise. God bless and guide us to make it possible. We’re felt down when slots aren’t available or limited on venues, caterers or churches. People like us who had children first and contented in that kind of relationship would not though nor we have don’t have any interest in tying the knot or most likely we’ll have a simple civil wedding instead, we cannot afford to spend too much money  on it due my first born health maintenance expenditures. She was diagnosed with ITP (low platelets count) and arthritis until now she’s on continuous medication and check-up. She also have delayed growth and communication disorder that make us no choice and set our priorities to our child than to have ourselves married. It’s our biggest challenge because Tom is the only breadwinner. He has to work hard to sustain our needs and yet still our faith for God keep us to get going. 

Two to three weeks before our wedding when we have this big misunderstanding – we already talked to the church staff to cancel our wedding and we want to separate ways due to the complexities of our situation. Tom want to leave the house and I’m too exhausted that I want to give it a rest. We don’t know what to do. After 2 weeks, we decided to continue even though we’re still mad to each other. We attended the pre-cana seminar and this seminar made our eyes open to the fact that men and women have differences and what God want for the married couple. We just recently knew that if you’re decided to settle down, you’re going to have yourselves to get married. No need for lavish and grandiose wedding if you’re willing to get married. We would like to thank Elite Memoirs for accommodating us, you made our wedding flow smooth and memorable. I know it wasn’t the dream wedding because of its simplicity but to be wed with the one you love in front of our Almighty God is the dream wedding I always dream of. Thank you very much to the St. Pius X parish for prioritizing us. 

Thank you Atty. Doy our fate crossed and make us to pursue and make this dream come true. THANK YOU LORD, Time challenge us and even though our blessing comes early which is our children. You didn’t forsake us and make seem to be impossible things possible. 

And Lastly Hon, Tom, Thank you. Thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve done to us. Thank you for being understanding and considerate. Challenges will come, just hold on and God will provide. 

Message from messenger: 

Hi miss Ela, first of all i wanna say thank you, even though sometimes we settled our payment late. Thank you so much elite memoirs for fulfilling my dream wedding. Since our workflow from the time that inquiry until the prenup preparation gone smooth. You guys are very accommodating. Photographer, videographer and make-up artist are very friendly. Even though we just correspond via facebook messenger and cellphone – due to the distance between Sta. Ana to Novaliches. You comply with all our needs. To sir Jhunelle, sir Joseph, maam Yury and the rest of the make-up artistry staff. Thank you so much for accommodating us. To the hotel, church and reception coordinator and catering team, thank you very much for making the flow of my wedding smooth even though there’s changes to the very last minute we’ve change our location for reception as you ms. Ela and ms. Yury suggested the said place. To SDE team, thank you very much. The video was amazing. We’re so happy on the video and everyone’s pleased with the video. We are so blessed that we found your team to make our wedding extraordinary. Kudos to your team miss Ela. More clients to come elite memoirs. 

Love lots 

Mr. and Mrs. Francisco

Life in photography by Jhunell Abalona

Life in photography by Jhunell Abalona

Continuing on from my previous note, life in photography has given me a huge improvement in my personality and social being. Giving me higher self esteem to face anything and an ability to communicate well with other people. It is indeed a step to boost out the best of what I can do. After knowing I could help to feed my family on this skill, I became more aggressive to learn what I need and improve what I already have. 

Sharing to you some of my photography tips after years of experiencing the photo shoots: 

Where: Knowing your location & equipment

It is also important that you should know the limits and extended capacity of the camera that you are holding. Wether it’s an expensive unit or not but the shots varies on your hands and the way you capture each moment. Because every type of lenses sees more than your eyes wanted to see. And the camera is just the medium you use to make the scene or subject larger than life. Venue or scenic locations will make you adjust your gear from wide to close up portraits. There are offers in the market where you can search for lenses you wanted for a particular set up. So be informed of this prior to the photo shoots date so you are ready to take a lot of different shots when you’re on the location.

What: Subject and elements

Of course, Take Note that you should be eager to know more about your subjects or the person before taking their photos. It also helps you to get their mood and softness to make them bring out the natural smile, best angles and not compromise the photo session. Throwing out funny jokes and punch lines have been a big help all the time.

When: Gearing up

Setting my camera while having the free time is one of the practice I’ve learned during Photoshoot or even before the celebration takes place. There are different types of venues which requires you to play in a variety of lighting set up with your photography equipment. Shadows and shadings will allow you to create a unique art and creative shots. The more you explore: the better the photos will come out. Sunny days will give you natural lighting. Rainy days are not really a hassle if you have been prepared. Water proofing your gears is a bit nasty but sometimes, you’ll enjoy it after giving life to the raindrops.

Why’s: answering the questions

You by then have much of the information of the purpose of your Photoshoot. 

If the client set it by nightfall, then they might wanted to have a candlelight mood and so you must search beforehand an art of shadows and lighting photography. Light painting is one the hardest but coolest form of art here. One best photo will come out from lots of timing and unbreathable postures of your client. If both of you is impatient then you won’t succeed. This session will bring out how much you can extend your wit for a goal shot. 

Yury’s Tips In having Natural look

Every bride deserves to be look flawless on her big day.  
Here are some tips that can help every bride.

1. skin preparation - skin texture is big factor on applying make up base. If ur applying some.treatments for acne and.skin peeling it should be done on three consecutive months before the wedding to get prepared ur skin and avoid last minute irritations 1 month before the wedding. Dont apply any spf products on ur skin, the flash on photography will bounced out on ur skin and it will make u washed off.

2. Choose a Pro Make up artist.
Ur big day is not an experiment. Look for someone who can understand ur lifestyle.  Schedule a trial and request for 2 different looks. It is important that both of u is comfortable to work together. Some one who can work with time pressure and can be a team player of the coordinators and photo and video team to meet ur timeline.

3. Use Waterproof make up
- since we are here on tropical country it is important to wear a water proof products of make up specially when u are summer bride.

4.  Colors and  Highlighters - Matte brown is usual choice can play monochramic on any skin tone. peach and champagne eyeshadow, pink blush on cheeks combined with bronze highter. nude lipstick with touch of pink will make u look fresh.
Your make up should look bold so it can easily to adjust on ur nxtlook.

4. Must have on your pouch - No matter how your make up brand promise a 24 hour long lasting. it is important to have ur retouch to refresh your looks. We cannot declare the situations and weather putsode since wedding has an early preparations and took a transfer location for ur church and venue and your movements on photohoots. Msut have your lipstick, press powder and tissue on your pouch for your retouch

5. Enhance Natural Beauty - On wedding it should be look a natural you. its not a make up transformation to be look like someone else.  The best bridal.make.up.is simply polished the version of who u are.

7. Falsies or waterproof mascara - choose a natural look and light mascara good adhessive to make it last longer. And if u feel.that u r not comfortable with the falsies go for volumnizing water proof mascara, you can use Doll eyes contact lens to emphasize ur eyes

Professional Hair and Make up Artist trained in Singapore, Trainor/Salon Owner
-Yury

JHAY BAAY as VIDEOGRAPHY / FILM MAKER

“I always see myself as a filmmaker - a Storyteller

I worked in any medium that I can complement with.”

JHAY BAAY as VIDEOGRAPHY / FILM MAKER

Set Your Budget, and Stick to It

Your budget will be the driving factor for many of your wedding-related decisions, so this should be one of the first things you tackle. If any family members will be contributing, chat with them about what they’re comfortable spending. If you’re footing the bill yourself, it’s time to take a hard look at your finances. Once you’ve got that magic number, stick to it! 

Work As A Team With Your Fiancé

Don't feel like you're in this wedding planning process alone. Turn to your fiancé for help along the way and even make wedding planning something fun you do together.

Get Yourself a Wedding Planning Book

When you don’t have a wedding planner, a wedding planning book is the next best thing. Something like Mindy's Elite Bridal Book will include tons of expert advice, tips and tricks and even examples of timelines and checklists. Better yet, search BRIDES.com for answers to all your etiquette questions.

Get Organized

You can use checklists, spreadsheets, Word/Google Docs—anything, really—as long as you have all your thoughts, budgets, numbers, etc. in one place. There are also some great programs and apps out there that can keep you organized.

Select a Theme

Whether it’s a few colors or an actual theme (like the Roaring Twenties or Festival Chic, for example), choose something to design your wedding around. It will be much easier to make design decisions and will make things look cohesive.

Talk to Other Married Couples

Did you just attend a wedding you really enjoyed? Chat with that couple! They probably have some expert tips and tricks for you. Sometimes friends and family are the best source.

Add A Personal Touch

With all of the wedding traditions that people tell you that you should have at your wedding, be sure to plan in some personal traditions too. If your family has any wedding traditions that they've done in the past, or if there is something you want to start for future generations, don't be afraid to give your wedding a personal touch.

Mawie’s Point of Views: Tips for Wedding.

Mawie’s Point of Views: Tips for Wedding.

1 Get ready in a space with plenty of Natural Lights

 This is THE most important thing you can do to ensure beautiful getting ready images. Natural light is KEY! A room with several windows makes for beautiful, flattering, well-lit photos. If you are having your hair and makeup done in your room, your beauty team will love this too! Lots of natural light will allow your makeup artist to perfectly match your foundation with your skin tone.

2 Choose a spacious room

Remember, your room will be full! …Your hair/makeup team, photographer, bridesmaids, Groomsmen will be there! Choose a space with plenty of seating and floor space so that everyone will feel cozy and relaxed.

3 Don’t Forget about your Bridesmaids

We want you to look gorgeous in your getting ready photos, and the same goes for your lovely ladies. Your bridesmaids, and (of course) your mother and father have to be “camera ready” when we arrive. This way, they’ll be fully dressed in the photos and will have time to help you get into your dress, put on your veil, and help with any last-minute details.

4 Don’t Forget the Guys

The prep photos of your groom and his groomsmen aren’t nearly as involved, we still have a few suggestions for the guys! Their room should also be well-lit, spacious, and clean. The groomsmen should be fully dressed when we arrive, and the groom should be mostly dressed with the exception of his jacket, boutonniere, shoes, and tie. Another quick tip for the guys — empty your pockets! Cell phones, keys, and wallets make for unflattering, bulging pockets in photos.

5 Keep your room clean

With so many details and people to focus on, this one is more challenging than it sounds.  We suggest designating one or two people ahead of time to be in charge of keeping your room clean and “photo ready.” Ask them to throw away trash, hang extra clothes, hide suitcases under beds, etc. If all else fails, we will do a quick clean up job when we arrive (we ARE a full-service photography team, after all!) but keeping things as organized as possible before we arrive will allow us more time to photograph you, your bridesmaids, Groomsmen and all of the getting-ready-loveliness of your day

6 Have Fun

The getting ready shots are about the details, sure. But really, they’re about the candid moments and the emotion of the day. Relax, enjoy yourself, and try to pretend we aren’t there… We’ll take care of the rest! Don’t sweat the small stuff. Allow yourself to FEEL the excitement and anticipation. We are going to capture it all so that you can relive those moments again and again.

Tips For Prenuptial

1 Find a Venue

Most often than not it is the couple who tells the photographer where they want to have their prenuptial unless they don't have any idea. Your photographer can also suggest places where he had photo sessions before depending on your preference or theme. Securing the venue will be your responsibility. It would be nice if your venue will complement your theme. Most couples these days want to make full use of the service of their photographer so they go around the metro for the prenuptial. Some photographers/studios won't specify in their contract that you are limited to 1 or 2 venues for your prenuptial. It is best to check with them first before you plan out your schedule.

2 Theme that you love.

Are you following a certain theme or anything goes? If with a theme, you might need props to compliment your attire and venue.

3 Weather

If it's raining, do you have a backup plan? If it's too sunny, be sure to have an umbrella, a face towel to wipe your sweat off or extra shirts. You do not want to be sweating like a pig during your prenuptial. Oh! And bring water! 

4 Attire

Bring 3 sets. Preferably something casual, formal, dressy or according to your theme. It would be nice if you can bring a friend to help you when you change clothes.

5 Permits

Some places/venues would require permits and some don't. Some would charge you as low as Php 50.00 (just to cover the entrance fee) and others will charge you as high as Php 10,000.00. You will have to pay and secure the permit, not your supplier.

6 Foods

Everyone is happy when they're not hungry so when you go out for your prenuptial session be ready to provide snacks, lunch or dinner. Your photographer might even go the extra mile if you take care of them (like no extra charge for an extension, more pics or more venues).

7 Transportation

Some Photographers or Hair and Makeup Artists will bring their own car while others don't. Check with them first so that you know if you can just give them a transportation allowance or you can pick them up from their studio. Just to remind you as well, you have to bring them back to the studio after the shoot. More and more couples are going out of town for their prenuptial. If you're one of them, please be prepared to shoulder the cost of transportation, food, and accommodation (if applicable) of the people coming with you. Take note that there are some Photographers and Makeup Artists who will also charge extra for an out of town shoot. 

8 Have Fun

Relax, enjoy yourself, and try to pretend we aren’t there… We’ll take care of the rest! Don’t sweat the small stuff. Allow yourself to FEEL the excitement and anticipation. We are going to capture it all so that you can relive those moments again and again.

MARWILS ENRIQUEZ Drone Pilot / Videographer / Photographer

From Exes to Long Distance Relationship mode made it to the wedding day

From Exes to Long Distance Relationship mode made it to the wedding day

Shared by Harrold and Sabby

Hello guys! We are Harrold and Sabby. We would like to share some of our experiences on bonding and teamwork until the day we got married. We used to be lovers a decade ago before we get back to each others arms again. He’s my sister’s bestfriend on New Era Highschool. It started year 2018, when I send him message. We chat and got ourselves entangled.

 Since we knew each other back then, our courtship didn’t that last long and it blossomed into relationship. I didn’t hesitate to ask her hand for marriage and she said yes.  We did it online via video call at that time that she is in Canada while I am in Manila. I would like to share some pointers about how our set up in facilitating our wedding. I give my utmost attention to the details as take down notes like her parents’ birthdate in which some necessary details needed on processing documents. She always give her outputs wherever aspects she needed like the make up, talking to sponsors and cast for the entourage. My advise for the ones who in long distance relationship – communication is essential. We end our day until to sleep with video call. Yes it sound cheesy but sweet. Trust is also one vital part of the relationship – you need to be open to each other like sharing your social life and personal aspects in your life. You will both feel comfortable and at ease without any doubts. Thank you. Godbless..
Rold&sab

Thank you very much Ka Ehlle and to the Elite Memoirs! In 6 months you never let us down and always there to support with your tips, suggestions, advices that why our arrangement in facilitating our special day aren’t that difficult and went well. Keep it up always team and God bless.. 

Harrold and sabby