Aldrin and Mellany's Wedding

My friend and travel buddy, Mel, got married yesterday. Actually only few friends were invited to this wedding and I was one of those lucky friends to be included. =) The wedding was held in Enclave T House, Tagaytay.

Mel had requested me to take photos although they had an official photographer to cover their wedding. She's my travel buddy and a photo enthusiast like me, Mel had seen some worthy pictures that I've taken hence, the request. It was less pressure on my side as I don't have to cover the whole wedding ceremony. Jamie, our common friend, was also there and did some assistance in the lighting. Thanks Jamie!

Hope you like the pictures. Congratulations and best wishes to Aldrin and Mel.

Jaypee + Lindsay Nuptial

Jan29,2010
St James Church;
The Belleveu

Mazato and Len Prenup Photo Shoot

Rico requested me to handle the prenuptial photo shoot of Mazato and Len two weeks ago. I've handled prenup shoots before but this was the first time that I'll be doing it for Rico. Because of earlier commitment he had to assign this shoot to me.

I've asked my friend,John(a.k.a One),who's also a photographer(I met him at Kelby's photowalk) to join and assist me in this shoot.

The couple had arrived in our meeting place,La Mesa Eco Park, earlier than the set time which was 2pm. Mazato and Len were already married in Japan and they would want to have a ceremony also here in Manila. Len,the bride, was a bit displeased because the place was crowded (it was Rizal's day,non-working holiday). She's also complaining of mosquito bites. Mazato, the groom, was sweating all over but never complains and looks so calm. I emphatized with them, Japan has winter and here we have the opposite plus humid. Well, the place definitely had something to offer, we just need to be patient.

Len and Mazato were accompanied by Kathy, Len's sister, and their driver. Archie (fondly called asMama Archie),make-up artist was also there. I would say Mama Archie did a good job in making Len more beautiful. The make-up looks natural on Len's face.

Len suggested to have the photoshoot in another location, Tagaytay. Since it was already past 2pm, it wouldn't be advisable to move to another location because we're not sure of the traffic situation in South. It would already be late if we'll reach Tagaytay. So I explained to Len of the pros and cons of moving to another location. Plus we don't have vehicle service to transfer to another location. I was grateful that Len and Mazato agreed to stay and have the photo shoot at the La Mesa Ecopark.

It was quite a challenge because the place was teeming with patrons and guests. Finding the right spots to shoot was equally a challenge. Mazato is a Japanese and Len speaks well of their dialect so communication wasn't much of a challenge. Mazato speaks English but Len still need to translate in Japanese language.

It was fun doing the photo shoot with this couple. Building rapport is a must. Quick thinking,creativity and most of all a lot of patience are needed when you have limited time. Hope you like the photos.

See you both on your wedding day, January 8, 2010.

Lito and Bing Nuptial

Jason and Tin's Wedding

It was December,last month, when Rico told me that he had two bookings lined up at the start of the year 2009. The dates are January 03 and 04. Two consecutive days, gosh, I need energy drinks!

Well, I said yes to Rico. I’ll be his back-up photographer on those dates. It's nice to start the year with photography works. Photography has always been a passion for me. I never get tired of taking pictures of the lovely brides. It’s wonderful to see the glow on the face of the bride especially when she walks on the aisle. It seems like there’s a beam of light focusing on her face. It must be the excitement, the warmth and the purity that makes the bride stunning.

I was excited to know that the wedding was in Calaruega. This venue is very popular for couples getting married. The church is located in Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas, outskirt of Tagayatay City. The place is very solemn and quiet. It has a picturesque view, perfect for wedding pictures. In fact the church has already filled bookings in 2010.

I remembered the prenuptial shoot last Jan.05,2008 with Milton and Gina. We sneak out photo shots at the church. It’s not actually permissible to take prenuptial photo if the couples do not have reservation in Calaruega church. The view at the picnic area is more scenic, it’s green and trees abound and it’s surrounded by mountain.

The team meet up 3:00am at Rico's place in Katipunan. The team were composed of Rico,myself,Mang Boy,Mario. We drove south for Tagaytay and arrived in Taal Vista at 5am. It rained slightly when we got there. It's cold and gusty caused by fogs that settled in the area. We waited inside the car took a nap for almost an hour as it was still early to go up to the bride's room.

It was 6:00am when we went to Tin's room. Her make up was already half done when got in the room. Had we gone up early, I could have taken more pictures of the bride's preparation. 7:00am the team split up. Rico and Mario were left with Tin. Mang Boy and I went to the groom, Jason who checked in at Days Hotel, about 10KM drive from Taal Vista. I took the photo shoot of the Jason's preparation and other details on the stuffs that he will wear.

The church ceremony started at 8:30am. Just few minutes late as the entourage awaited for the parents of Jason. =) Three priests officiated the mass. The priests were former classmates of Jason in the seminary. The reception followed at Josephine's restaurant in Tagaytay.

It was a nice wedding. Jason and Tin are lovely couple. Goodluck and best wishes!

Manny and Jeng's Wedding

Totep and Daisy's Nuptial

Related post:Totep and Daisy's Prenup

Totep and Daisy Prenup pictorial

Totep and Daisy will get marry on the 6th of December this year. The wedding will be held at the Archbishop's Palace in Mandaluyong City. Their reception is at the pool area of the Renaissance Tower in Pasig City.


These prenuptial photos of Totep and Daisy were taken at the University of the Philippines in Diliman Quezon City.

Hope they like the photos. See you both on your wedding day! =)

Lester and Grace's Nuptial

Yesterday was Lester Matias and Grace Duron’s wedding. I was a back-up photographer to Rico at this wedding which was held at St. Pancratius Chapel in Paco Park, Manila. The team met 9:00am at Rico’s studio, Memory Lane in Katipunan. Rico discussed few notes on positioning of light and focal point of each one inside the church. The team was composed of Rico, the main photographer, myself as back-up photograpger, Mang Boy,the videographer, Wilsuan, the lightman and one utility/service guy. Wilsuan occasionally does backup photography to Rico.

After a few minutes, we proceeded to Diamond Hotel, where the couple checked in. We arrived there at 10:30am where we took pictures of preparation of the bride and groom and some other details. The bride’s room was quite full. The parents, some relatives, maid-of-honor, bride’s maids and flower girls were all there. The make-up artist, Archie (fondly called as Mama Archie) whom I met during the couples’ prenuptial shoot in Tagaytay, and his crew were also there busy putting make-ups on the entourage. We first took pictures of the bride’s preparation, the details and stuffs used during the marriage vows, bride’s gown and the bride’s maids. The groom and his entourage were on separate room. Rico took care of taking picture of the groom’s preparation.

It was 4pm when the rain started to pour. Grace was flustered earlier that her event coordinator hasn’t shown up yet. It was raining hard. The reception venue was a garden set-up. Grace managed to take her cool when she got a call from the coordinator who's according to her was already in the hotel's vicinity. At least there’s someone who will take care of the worrying for her. She’s almost done with her make-up. When she donned her wedding gown, there’s that beam in her face. I guess all brides wear that different glow, such an elegant aura.

The wedding was actually at 6pm and the reception was on the same place at Paco Park garden. It was a good thing that the rain stopped before we left the hotel. All went well that night.

Congratulations and best wishes to Lester and Grace!

Manny and Jheng Prenup pictorial

Manny Anore, our friend and orgmate in OCMI and former officemate, will soon tie a knot to a lovely lady. Her name is Jennifer Midel or “Jheng” for short. Both were actually my officemates in Bankard. The big day is on December 20, 2008. Manny and Jheng entrusted me and Rosahlee (a.k.a Dad) to cover the event.

We’ve met with them a month ago and planned for the date and venue of the prenuptial shoot. The chosen locations were Parks and Wildlife and La Mesa Eco Park situated in Quezon City.

I woke up at 5:00am and looked outside to check of any sign of bad weather. It’s been raining for the past days now and if weather will not cooperate with us we will have to call it off for next week.

Rosahlee and I were already in our meeting place, McDonald’s Edsa, Quezon Ave near the MRT station at 6:30am. We’ve informed Manny that we’re already in McDonald’s waiting for them. It was raining in their area and thought that we will have to cancel the pictorial. There’s no sign of rain from where we’re staying although we barely see the sun coming out. So, we told Manny to come over and go on as planned. When they arrived at McDonald’s the rain started to drizzle. They brought with them Dwight and Hannah, their cute dogs.

We were lucky that it didn’t rain the whole day. We managed to have the pictorial as planned. It was enjoyable as the couple was cooperative as well as the dogs. 
Hope they like the pictures. See you both on your wedding day!

Buboy and Jen's prenuptial pictorial

Two days ago, I together with my friend Alvin took the prenuptial photos of my brother, Buboy and Janelma. The pictorial took place at La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City.

The wedding preparation has yet to be completed but I hope it will all be okay come the big day. Their wedding day is on June 20 at Sta. Rita de Cascia, Philamlife Quezon City.
For now, I'm on the look out for the reception venue, although we have already visited this wedding venue Patio Ibarra, Quezon City. It's very near the church. Well, of course the budget has to fit.

Incidentally, today is my brother's birthday. Happy Birthday, Buboy! =)

related post: Planning for Wedding

Rian and Gleng Nuptial

I'm swamped with daily deliverables at work. In between daily reports and ad hoc requests, meetings, were UATs and presentation deadlines on my plate! Aaarrrrgh! I need to breathe!

What can a poor gal like me do? I’m a slave! huhuhu  I’m not complaining though I just felt helpless. I hated it when I’m not in control of things, sighed!!
Spending weekend in Bicol was an opportunity for me to momentarily forget my dilemma. I was just in Bicol a month ago for a holy week getaway with Rosahlee and Mellany. I’m visiting again to attend my friend’s wedding and to take pictures as well. It was Rian Loriega and Glengs’ wedding. I met Rian through Alvin, who’s his co-teacher. Alvin was my classmate at advance photography workshop in FPPF. Alvin and I and another classmate, Charina covered the still shots for Rian and Glengs’ nuptial.

Alvin and Charina had left Manila day before my schedule. I left Manila 19Apr, Saturday at 8:20am via Cebu Pacific flight. Because it’s summer season, domestic airport was teeming with tourists and local travellers. Besides, airline fares are on promo so it’s expected. Thanks to Charina for booking my flight at Cebu Pacific. It was a comfortable travel for me because the usual 10-hour land travel was shortened to just 45 minutes.

I arrived in Legaspi City past 9am and it was raining. I waited few minutes for Alvin and company, they picked me up me at the airport. We went straight away to Rian’s house. I met Rian’s mother who’s also a teacher. She’s actually a school principal. Like mother like son. =)

It’s quite busy in the house as everyone prepared for tomorrow’s nuptial. I enjoyed the food at Rian’s house especially the “laing” so delicious!!! After lunch, we went to a nearby transient house where Rian’s mom pre-arranged for us. We enjoyed the whole afternoon strolling the town. In the evening we went to Gleng’s house where we had dinner. The atmosphere was festive. There’s the usual entertainment, videoke. Old folks were drinking and singing to the tune of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. After dinner, we went back to our place and fixed our things for tomorrow’s shoot.

Everyone woke up early and prepared for the big day. We took pictures of Rian first. Immediately after, we went to Gless’ house which was an hour travel from Rian’s place. The church wedding started at 10am. It was sunny during the day so we had an opportunity to shoot outside the church. It was past 12noon when the church ceremony ended. My flight was scheduled at 1:20pm. I was hesitant to go to the reception as I might not catch my flight but Rian’s mom requested me to join so I gave in. The reception area was about 30 minutes travel from the church. Approximately there were 250 guests at the reception area. This is typical Filipino culture especially in provinces. I didn’t stay long in the reception. Alvin and Charina took care of the photo shoots at the reception. It was eat and run for me. The van that I’m in was flying in the road. I checked in at the airport still in one piece. I wasn’t late but I have to wait for an hour as my flight was delayed! Whaaaat!!!?? ngek@! =)

Congratulations Rian and best wishes Gleng!!!

Planning for wedding…

My brother, Buboy, is married to Janelma for more than 3 years. They had civil wedding and would want to renew their vows in church. My parents promised to give them church wedding next year and both gladly appreciated it.

Of course, they’ll need a wedding planner. My mom and sister had appointed me to be the wedding planner/coordinator. So it means if this didn’t turn out well, they all have to point their fingers on me. How I wish it’s my own wedding that I’m actually planning =). Well, I guess I should treat this as a practice preparation for my future wedding which only God knows when! Hahah!

So initially I prepared a checklist that would help us in the preparation. Last Saturday, Janelma together with her sister, Janilyn and I went in Quezon City and look for the prospective church. Buboy had to work that day so he wasn’t able to join the search.

We visited two churches, the first church was Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish located inside Philamlife Homes, just walking distance from MRT North station. We met the staff named Jane. She’s very accommodating and very helpful in attending to our queries. She gave as a leaflet/wedding requirements. The wedding package cost PhP12,000 inclusive of the following: clerical jobs (pre and post wedding); stipend for the priest solemnizing; fresh flower décor; carpet use; electricity consumption for video coverage and marriage fee for local civil registrar; The church also has a social hall for reception which has a capacity of 250 persons. It costs PhP 8,000 with reservation fee of PhP 1,000 and PhP1,000 caterer’s fee. They have five (5) wedding time slots in Saturdays which starts at 8:30am followed by 10:00am, 11:30am, 2:00pm and 3:30pm. We requested to be tentatively enlisted on July 14, 2008 (Sat) at 11:30am slot.

Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish Church

The second church was Mt.Carmel Parish near Broadway and St.Paul College,QC. We inquired at the office for the wedding package. The staff was not as accommodating as the staff of the first church. The lady staff just pointed her finger on the bulletin board to see for ourselves the wedding package. The guard approached us and was kind enough to give us a flyer. I was actually copying the info on the board when he gave me the leaflet. “Naawa sa akin.” I had a chat with the guard and I learned that he will be retiring this year. He accompanied us to the social hall where there was an on-going set up of wedding reception. We took a peek and took photo of the venue.

Mt Carmel Parish

If I were to choose, I would like the first church. However, the reception hall is not as nice-looking as that of Mt Carmel’s, which is newer and bigger. It would take a good caterer to turn it into a lovely venue. More updates to come…

photos originally uploaded by Juvy Torno

Edwin and Rochelle Nuptial

I’ve been wanting to shoot actual wedding since finishing my advance photography class. I wanted to experience how it is done and get the feel if this is the kind of expertise in photography I will pursue in the near future, who knows?!!!…

Alvin Balunes, who’s my classmate in FPPF advance class was kind enough to invite me to a wedding shoot, Rochelle and Edwin’s. He has been assisting some of photo shoots of our instructor in FPPF, Sir Ador Pamintuan. He’s supposed to assist sir Ador but he was commissioned to be the wedding singer hence, he gave me his slot. Thanks Alvin!

Edwin and Rochelle’s wedding was held last July 28,2007, 3:00 pm at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Makati. Reception followed at the City Garden Hotel in Makati.

It would really help if one reads wedding photography books as well as magazines to get ideas in posing the bride and groom. I would sometimes just observe and learn from the pro, sir Ador and sir Vic, how quickly they compose artistically and how they can easily command the group for candid shots.

It takes a lot of courage and patience and most of all practice to become pro. For now, I am enjoying every step of the way to hone my skills. I hope that I will someday wear the hat of a pro. =)

photos originally uploaded by Juvy Torno