Posts Tagged ‘wedding’

IAN & JOEY’S WEDDING

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
I LOVE WEDDINGS!  It’s probably what I really love the best about my work.  Wedding gowns still compose a good percentage of my work.  Weddings for me are  very special because being involved makes you a significant part of memories.  In the end, that is what weddings are all about. Creating memories that will last a lifetime!
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One very special couple that is very close to my heart recently got married in the US and since a lot of us friends were not there to celebrate, they decided to have a wedding party here in Manila!  The couple are  my loves Joey Mead and Ian King!
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The gift table!

Saw this KING sign as I entered.

Robby Carmona is like a second mother to Joey. His speech left no dry eye in the room.

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They are truly a match made in heaven!  I could not have been happier for the two of them!   The party was so typical of their “bohemian” nature.  Their love of Morocco and all the earthy elements were so evident.  Plus the bride decided to wear HOT PINK!  LOL!
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That's Ian and Joey!

Joey and some of her besties!

My lovely bride Joey! I love her!

So the bride wore pink! Joey and I sat down and designed her dress in 5 minutes! One fitting and that was it!

One of the coolest couples I know. Congratulations!

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It was one of the most riotous weddings that I have ever attended!  Everyone was just on their toes dancing the night away.  I only wish Joey and Ian the very best and may they have a life filled with bliss and happiness!  LOVE YOU GUYS!
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Joey's bridesmaids!

The bride wore HOT PINK! LOL!

Back action!

The happy and super chic couple!

Tim Yap officiated the wedding rights!

Shots all around!

So cool!

YUP!

My beautiful brides!

SMILES ALL AROUND!

I LOVE THIS PHOTO!

My girl with the ZOMBETTES!

The "mother" of the bride!

LOVE THIS PHOTO!!!!

OMG! I sang the first song for the bride!

Unleashing my inner rocker! LOL!

Dancing the night away!

Then Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez took over the mike! She can really sing well!

I had to dance with Joey! That gown was meant for dancing!

See!!!

ALL HAPPY NOW!!!!!

The Bride's speech!

Georgina gives it a go! LOL!

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HUGS!
RAJO!

A medieval wedding part2!

Friday, September 30th, 2011
This is part 2 of my entry of JB & Chesa’s wedding.  It was one of the most unique and special weddings that I have ever created and attended.  It is not everyday that I am asked to do a medieval style wedding in a real medieval town so I was over the moon.  It felt like everyone in town was part of the program.  Everyone helped in creating  this magical experience.
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I designed the bridal boquet to match her wedding gown.

Instead of a veil and train, we did an extended cape and hood in Pina. I still had to iron in at this point. LOL!

The flowers of the entourage.

The bridal suite.

I really loved the flowers!

The bride with her parents. Mr. & Mrs. Zimmer.

The detail of the gown was inspired by Medieval crests and armor.

A really touching moment.

All set to go!

The bride's carriage.

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The whole ceremony was so moving.  Even the music came out of the metal organ way up high in the church.  I loved the fact that the organist played some Filipino music during the service.  I want to say more but I think I will let my photos do the talking!  LOL!
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The amazing church!

The bridal entourage!

The Groom and his men.

The ladies preparing for the arrival of the bride.

I love how this whole idea really worked in this setting.

The bride arrives.

Chesa preparing to enter.

Bride & Groom during the service.

Bride & Groom during the service.

The view from my seat.

Sarah on the side.

Nix and I after the service.

Nix and our lovely friend Kristine Nolan.

A gorgeous family.

The bridal entourage.

Me with the bride and groom!

Nix and I having a bit of a laugh!

NOPE! Not yet! LOL!

This is what surprised all of us when the bride and groom came out! Half the town greeted all of us! IN COSTUME!!! WOW!!!!

It was amazing!

I was floored!

Had to take some shots with the locals.

Everyone was so happy to see the bride and groom.

I had to take advantage of seeing everyone in full gear!

They even had a flute parade!

We were blessed with amazing weather. A bit on the warm side if you ask me.

Ate Celda and some town folks.

Nix and I had to take a photo too.

Tita Yolly with Nix and I.

Our friend Josh joined us.

Ate Celda, T. Arben and I enjoying a break from the festivities.

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HUGS!
RAJO!

A medieval wedding!

Friday, September 30th, 2011
I am here in Germany primarily to attend the wedding of my friends JB Santos & Chesa Zimmer.  Chesa is half German and when she was a little girl, she told her parents that one day she wants to get married in the church in Dinkelsbuhl.  Dreams do come true as JB & Chesa had one of the most memorable weddings that I have ever attended.
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Chesa was very clear from the start when we were making the plans.  She wanted a medieval style wedding with the possibility of including her Filipino heritage in the design.  I suggested we use Pina since this material is so unique to the Philippines that it will really make the garment distinctly Filipino.  Chesa then started sending me references like the recent Red Riding Hood movie and some other medieval drawings and even literature.  The whole process  inspired me and we came out with really interesting designs.
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Woke up early enough to take a nice walk around the town.

Spotted the carriage that would take the bridal party to the church and the venue.

The medieval inspired bridal gown!

The bridal boots! LOL!

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The day of the wedding came and everyone was busy.  I woke up early to prepare the bride and took a peek at the preparations.  I fell in love with the entire concept and because we were really in a medieval town, the sense of authenticity was truly heightened.  The reception was to take place in this huge hall which used to be a storage for grains.  The florist did a tremendous job decorating the place.  I can’t tell you how excited and pleased I was with the outcome.  This entry is all about the preparations.  Take a look!
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This is where the cocktail party will be held.

The entrance!

The stairs leading to the banquet hall.

The splendid souvenirs. This was all done by the aunt of the bride.

These were pots of very special white honey.

The banquet hall.

Floral arrangement. SImple and elegant. All the flowers were grown in the florist's backyard.

The view from the stage. AMAZING!

Detail!

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HUGS!
RAJO!

Congratulations Isha & Enrique!

Monday, May 30th, 2011

Two of my favorite people recently got married and it was really a beautiful wedding.  Isha is not only my friend but also my editor for my blog.  She is really one of the sweetest people on earth and seeing her so happy and beautiful on her wedding day really made me happy and fuzzy inside.  Isha wore a very chic 1940′s wedding gown in soft layers of illusion tulle.  Lightly sprinkled with sheer pailetes that would catch the light and literally made her glow.  Her gown was done by the very talented Joey Samson.

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The bride and the groom!

The bride and the groom!

I love that they chose Don Bosco  church for their wedding.  The altar makes it look so modern.

I love that they chose Don Bosco church for their wedding. The altar makes it look so modern.

Chic duo!  The Tan-Gan ladies!  Love how  they look!

Chic duo! The Tan-Gan ladies! Love how they look!

The Style Bible team!  They even look like an editorial.

The Style Bible team! They even look like an editorial.

So happy!

So happy!

Love the vintage yet modern feel.

Love the vintage yet modern feel.

Woo hoo!

Woo hoo!

I love how Isha looks here.

I love how Isha looks here.

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The entourage wore gowns by Rosanna Ocampo in shades of coral, nude and plum.  I really like how Rosanna mixes her fabrics and textures.  Each dress looked so unique and really special.  I was tasked to take care of the “other” bride Enrique. LOL!  It was really fun working with the groom because he was so involved which in my eyes is really refreshing.  The wedding was a blast!  They had this rock band that literally made the entire wedding party up on their feet and jamming away.  I myself unleashed my inner rocker and busted a few notes in the mike!  LOL!
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WIth the most glamourous women I know.   Agoo and Pauline.  Plum ruled that evening.

WIth the most glamourous women I know. Agoo and Pauline. Plum ruled that evening.

Raffy and Nix joined in.

Raffy and Nix joined in.

Cutting of the cake.

Cutting of the cake.

Bride changed outfits for the dancing!

Bride changed outfits for the dancing!

Cool tango!

Cool tango!

Givenchy-esque like table setting!  Tisci would approve.

Givenchy-esque like table setting! Tisci would approve.

Say Hi to Joey and Lulu.

Say Hi to Joey and Lulu.

Nix with Pauline and Daryl.

Nix with Pauline and Daryl.

Then the party began!  Isha unleashing her inner ROCKER!  Good friend Sarah Black really enjoying the music.

Then the party began! Isha unleashing her inner ROCKER! Good friend Sarah Black really enjoying the music.

The groom and I with our mayor!  Jun-Jun Binay.

The groom and I with our mayor! Jun-Jun Binay.

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I just want to wish the couple the best that this life can offer. I know in my heart that you guys are a perfect match!  All my love goes to you both!
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GIANT HUGS!

RAJO!

Jen’s Wedding!

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011
I am having this Grace Kelly moment!  It seems I can’t stop thinking of her and her amazing style!  I am also loving this idea of returning to modesty.  Where what is covered is often more sensual and mysterious.  I recently did Jen’s wedding and I was so shocked that she told me that she was my classmate in college!  The whole time we were meeting she never said anything to me.  She did say that she was heavier then and that she was “invisible”.  I was like OMG!  She is not invisible now!  She reminds me of the beauty queen Pebbles Asis.  Does anyone remember her?  She was our Ms. Philippines in the 80′s and she was a top contender.
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Anyway.  Jen wanted something light  and covered but also sheer.  I wanted a modern version of Grace Kelly and created a gown made from almost 80 meters of silk illusion tulle and the most delicate Chantily lace. I also made the train extra long because Jen is quite tall.  It was really a dream to dress her up because she was slim and elegant!  Thank you Jen, for trusting me and for making me a part of your wedding!
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The bridal gown set up.

The bridal gown set up.

The flowers!

The flowers!

I love this part when I put the veil!

I love this part when I put the veil!

The sheer tulle provides coverage yet shows a bit of skin.

The sheer tulle provides coverage yet shows a bit of skin.

Yards upon yards of tulle!

Yards upon yards of tulle!

I love this shot!

I love this shot!

So chic!

So chic!

Resting before heading to church.

Resting before heading to church.

SMILE!

SMILE!

Minutes before walking the aisle.

Minutes before walking the aisle.

Off she goes!  My very best wishes!

Off she goes! My very best wishes!

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HUGS!

RAJO!

Michaela’s wedding!

Saturday, April 2nd, 2011

I have been noticing a recent trends with my brides.  There is this desire for elegant modesty.  What I mean is more women are opting to have more coverage in their wedding. I actually find this trend really refreshing.  I am a staunch believer in “appropriateness”. This means that there are clothes that warrant a sense discretion.  Michaela’s family is very conservative and at their wedding, there was virtually an army of bishops and priest officiating, so I did not want to ruffle any feathers, so to speak!  What I did end up designing was a classic wedding gown influenced by the mid-century silhouette.  Thank you Michaela, for making me a part of your memories!  You were really a such a beautiful bride!     I just wanted to share this with all of you because it is the kind of wedding gown that transcends time and I can imagine it being worn by future generations.  I do hope that I live  long  enough for that day when a daughter of my bride would come to me if I could alter her mothers gown to her own wedding!  Now, wouldn’t that be awesome?

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Michaela's wedding gown was all about classical influences.  Think Audrey, Grace and Jackie!

Michaela's wedding gown was all about classical influences. Think Audrey, Grace and Jackie!

A close up detail of the Alecon and Guipure laces that I used.

A close up detail of the Alecon and Guipure laces that I used.

I was so happy that she chose my favorite orchid for her bridal bouquet.

I was so happy that she chose my favorite orchid for her bridal bouquet.

Looking at my photos I cannot help but be grateful.  I really love my job!

Looking at my photos I cannot help but be grateful. I really love my job!

My beautiful bride!

My beautiful bride!

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HUGS!
RAJO!

Pam’s Wedding!

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
I recently did a very dear friend’s wedding and I feel really awful that I could not attend her reception.  Although I did dress her up and took her to the altar, I still feel a nagging pain that I was not able to attend the party.  The reason being was that I actually had 3 weddings that day.  2 in Manila and one all the way in Batangas.  My dear friend’s wedding was the one in Punta Fuego and Tali so I had to find a way to spread myself for all my brides.  Unless I cloned myself ,there would be no way I could be with all of them.  So I had to divide my time with everyone equally.
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Pam is like a little sister to me!  I mean, were family friends and we grew up in the same village.  I was there for all of her special occasions.  The Prom, The Grad Ball, her amazing debut which seem like we just did a few months ago and now her wedding.  Our bond of friendship is deep and I was so happy and honored to be part of her wedding.
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This is Pam Ayson!

This is Pam Ayson!

Every bride just blooms on her wedding day.

Every bride just blooms on her wedding day.

All her friends from different parts of her lives were there.

All her friends from different parts of her lives were there.

Pam and I.

Pam and I.

Pam's gorgeous Mom is Tita Yolly Ayson.

Pam's gorgeous Mom is Tita Yolly Ayson.

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Pam was very clear from the start that she wanted a modern Filipino wedding.  She knew that she wanted to use Pina but she did not want something too Filipiniana,  meaning, no to the terno and no to the Maria Clara.  She wanted something simple and on classic.  I, on the other hand, wanted to do some hand embroidery with shells and mother of pearl touches.  So I put all our ideas together and created a gown that had all the qualities that Pam loved.

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Hand embroidery on pina silk is love!

Hand embroidery on pina silk is love!

Her veil and train.

Her veil and train.

I loved her make up. So light and fresh.

I loved her make up. So light and fresh.

The flowers were done by Margarita Fores!  So chic!

The flowers were done by Margarita Fores! So chic!

Tita Yolly putting on Pam's earrings.

Tita Yolly putting on Pam's earrings.

The Ayson Ladies.  Trixie, Pam, Yolly and Little Snowy....who is not so little anymore.

The Ayson Ladies. Trixie, Pam, Yolly and Little Snowy....who is not so little anymore.

Pam was a vision of calm and poise.

Pam was a vision of calm and poise.

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Her entourage were her sisters and dear friends from all over.  We chose a sandy beige chiffon for her entire entourage with subtle crystals and sea shells for the straps.  Capturing that tropical feel.   I just want to tell Pam that I am so very happy for her that she found such a beautiful person to spend the rest of her life with.  Please enjoy my photos and I think Pam is one of the most beautiful brides that I have ever seen!   I owe Begre and you big time for not being able to party with you!  I promise that I will make it up!
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Lourd did a great job with the hair and makeup.  Here he is ataching the veil with the help of her bridesmaids.

Lourd did a great job with the hair and makeup. Here he is ataching the veil with the help of her bridesmaids.

This is my favorite part when I put on the veil.

This is my favorite part when I put on the veil.

One, two, three and let go.

One, two, three and let go.

The bride and her girlfriends!

The bride and her girlfriends!

With the maids of honor.

With the maids of honor.

The brides maids.  I love the light that day.

The bridesmaids. I love the light that day.

A lovely photo!

A lovely photo!

We had a few minutes before we headed to the church.

We had a few minutes before we headed to the church.

One day I want to take photography classes.

One day I want to take photography classes.

Isn't Pam so beautiful?!!!

Isn't Pam so beautiful?!!!

Thank you for making me a part of your memories.

Thank you for making me a part of your memories.

The cute shell baskets.

The cute shell baskets.

I adore these hand written notes!

I adore these hand written notes!

The Mothers!  We decided to go with a taupe color for the mothers.

The Mothers! We decided to go with a taupe color for the mothers.

Almost ready for the march.

Almost ready for the march.

Spotted these amazing shoes on Abba Napa!  So beautiful!

Spotted these amazing shoes on Abba Napa! So beautiful!

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BIG HUGS!

RAJO!

Wyanet and Dima’s wedding!

Friday, March 11th, 2011

I am very grateful that  I have the best job in the world!    The highlight of my work is really the people that I meet and the women that I dress.  There is this invisible bond that unites designer and client that often cannot be expressed in words but if you have been my bride, you would know.  This was the case for my most recent wedding.  Wyanet is the best friend of Divine Lee.  Divine and I have become really close friends and her friends have become mine.  She has always been the most quiet of all her friends but there was this strength in her character.  This mysteriousness is what I was drawn to.
We only had 2 months to plan her entire wedding!  It was either this time frame or the bride and groom were going to elope!  Yikes!  So off we all went and planned  one of the most  unforgettable weddings in my entire life! I won’t get into details but it involves a groom in a wheel chair and the bride’s gown that had to have a surgical procedure when I literally got a pair of scissors and cut the gown in HALF!!!  I promised the bride that I would sew it back the very next day!

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Wyanet's wedding gown was a classic serpentina done in the lightest of French illusion tulle.

Wyanet's wedding gown was a classic serpentina done in the lightest of French illusion tulle.

I was so happy that I was able to get the perfect shade of Champagne.

I was so happy that I was able to get the perfect shade of Champagne.

The most chic bridal shoes!

The most chic bridal shoes!

The shoes were incredible!  I think they were like 6 inches high.

The shoes were incredible! I think they were like 6 inches high.

Wyanet was so calm during the preparation.  That is Nante!  He is truly a hair wizard!

Wyanet was so calm during the preparation. That is Nante! He is truly a hair wizard!

Wyanet's sisters with my team doing some final toucnes.

Wyanet's sisters with my team doing some final touches.

Almost ready.

Almost ready.

We added this "vintage" hair comb for that touch of drama.

We added this "vintage" hair comb for that touch of drama.

I love how radiant all brides are on the day of their wedding.

I love how radiant all brides are on the day of their wedding.

The shape of the gown hugs her beautiful curves.

The shape of the gown hugs her beautiful curves.

A pensive moment.

A pensive moment.

The bridal boquet by Robert Blancaflor.

The bridal bouquet by Robert Blancaflor.

Stunning!

Stunning!

The Maids of Honor!   Florence and Divine.  These girls truly worked their asses off for this wedding!

The Maids of Honor! Florence and Divine. These girls truly worked their asses off for this wedding!

The details.

The details.

The real Pamilya ZARAGOZA!

The real Pamilya ZARAGOZA!

Detail shot!

Detail shot!

More details.

More details.

The one in purple is the mother of the groom. She is the famous Mary Grace of the ensaimada and cheese rolls!  Here she is with Ninang Cielo.

The one in purple is the mother of the groom. She is the famous Mary Grace of the ensaimada and cheese rolls! Here she is with Ninang Cielo.

SO CUTE!

SO CUTE!

Nix and I!

Nix and I!

The entourage wore various shades of Blue.  Navy, Cerulean and Sapphire.

The entourage wore various shades of Blue. Navy, Cerulean and Sapphire.

Flowergirls.

Flowergirls.

Minutes before the walk.

Minutes before the walk.

Pose muna.

Pose muna.

These girls are gorgeous.

These girls are gorgeous.

Off she goes!

Off she goes!

Don't forget to smile!

Don't forget to smile!

Dima ( Adrian) and Wyanet!  YAHOO!

Dima ( Adrian) and Wyanet! YAHOO!

This is our gang!  WOW!  That's a whole lot of people!

This is our gang! WOW! That's a whole lot of people!

What a super couple!

What a super couple!

Charina Sarte was super fierce that day!  Here she is with Tin Magsaysay.  Both of them looked amazing in Charina's design.  I loved it.

Charina Sarte was super fierce that day! Here she is with Tin Magsaysay. Both of them looked amazing in Charina's design. I loved it.

Divine with Vic!

Divine with Vic!

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All in all, you know it is a super rocking wedding when the mother of the groom and the cool auntie’s out-party and outlast even the most hardcore party people in our gang!  I mean, Tim Yap was already seated and chilling and the Tita’s were still jumping up and down the dance floor! LOL!  Seriously though, I have never met a couple absolutely perfect for each other!  To Dima and Wyanet, my very best wishes and congratulations!  Thank you for making me part of the memories.

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The chic reception.

The chic reception.

The view from where I sat.

The view from where I sat.

Had some photos during sunset.

Had some photos during sunset.

Tim Yap hosted the evening.  Tim with Marc and Alta.

Tim Yap hosted the evening. Tim with Marc and Alta.

AWWWW!!!!!!!!

AWWWW!!!!!!!!

M was in charge of making sure everyone had a drink!  I LOVE YOU M!

M was in charge of making sure everyone had a drink! I LOVE YOU M!

Divine's back detail.

Divine's back detail.

OK!  Bride needed to party so I literally got on my knees and cut her dress in half!  LOL!

OK! Bride needed to party so I literally got on my knees and cut her dress in half! LOL!

Charina also had the same thing in mind!  LOL!  Agaw eksena!  Joke only!  LOL!

Charina also had the same thing in mind! LOL! Agaw eksena! Joke only! LOL!

One of my favorite couples.  Carla and Neil Mercado!  LOVE THESE TWO!

One of my favorite couples. Carla and Neil Mercado! LOVE THESE TWO!

Happy that Marc is in town!  I like Tim's ensemble.  How I wish I could pull that off!

Happy that Marc is in town! I like Tim's ensemble. How I wish I could pull that off!

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HUGS!
RAJO!

Alcasid-Velasquez Entourage!

Monday, December 20th, 2010

I consider it a real honor to be asked to do the wedding entourage of Ogie and Regine!  Both of which I have known for many many years!  My dad is actually Ogie’s ninong and Regine, I have known since I was an assistant designer of Louie Mamengo.  I have been a witness to their success both from personal level and from the view of a FAN and I am just over the moon with joy when they announced that they were going to get married!

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The wedding is really unique in the sense that most of the entourage members are children.  Nieces, daughter’s of friends and the daughters of Ogie.  The theme is sugar pastels, like light airy confections of pastel shades.  Imagine an explosion of sugared almonds and macaroon’s from Laduree’ and this is what you will be getting.  Each member of the entourage was specifically designed for her and  this makes the composition really interesting.  I am sharing some sketches with all of you.  I for one, am so excited for this big day!  Love is really in the air!

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Leila Alcasid

Leila Alcasid

Charlene Velasquez

Charlene Velasquez

Janelle Avanzado

Janelle Avanzado

Leanna Mitra

Leanna Mitra

Ezri Mitra

Ezri Mitra

Alliyah Roque

Alliyah Roque

hannah Mitra

hannah Mitra

Brianna Bengzon

Brianna Bengzon

Michaela Adrina

Michaela Adrina

Nicole Flores

Nicole Flores

Flower Girls

Flower Girls

Dianne

Dianne

Decca

Decca

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HUGS!
RAJO!

Camille’s Wedding!

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
I recently had the wonderful opportunity to take part in dressing up a really wonderful bride. Her name is Camille Pratts. My relationship with Camille goes way back! She had asked me to create her debutante gown a couple of years ago! I love the fact that I have grown with my debutantes and I am now doing their weddings!
 I love how peacefully radiant Camille looks here!

I love how peacefully radiant Camille looks here!I knew that Camille wanted something really special and unusual. From the very minute that we met, I knew that her gown would be an adventure. First, it was not your traditional white or off-white. Second, she requested a very intricate bodice with lots of crystals and fine details.The gown featured several crystal arrangements on a hand-corded bodice, which was finely traced by sugar crystals. The bodice alone took around 3 months to finish.

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