Pieces Falling

#242: Into Place

Today is a very PRODUCTIVE day. I emphasize 'productive' because when you're done being a student and you don't have a job, and you don't have a visa to stay in the country where you're supposed to reside with your future husband, you try to squeeze the most out of the only thing that allows you to see RESULTS. The wedding.

Today I met with Mary-Sean of DreamWorkers. She's an answered prayer. I'm very iffy with the thought of handing over a big wad of cash to a stranger who'll do most of the work on that single day that cannot be repeated nor forgotten. If it turns out disastrous, a stranger will say, "Eek. A nasty blog entry and poor supplier review are on their way. Oh well." A friend on the other hand, will be very careful about the prints she leaves on your special day. And if it doesn't turn out as nicely as intended, her handprints will still carry the value poured by a well-meaning friend.

Mary-Sean has a been a friend since 6th grade. She set up an events planning business in 2003 with some of her friends. When I talked to her in July, she told me that they were already booked for October. However, I got an excited SMS last week saying that at the last minute, the other bride postponed her wedding, freeing her up to handle my wedding! The heavens opened and a host of angels sang, "Hallelujah" in flawless falsettos.

What use is a wedding day coordinator anyway? Well, when you're a bride 1.5 months away from your wedding date, you've practically used up all the 'goodwill' from nice friends who had been helping you out earlier with supplier hunts and payment arrangements. And you've basically soaked up all you can with regard to preparations. Wedding details are pouring out of your ears and nostrils. You get sick of trying to remember what else you've forgotten as you go through the 25th wedding checklist that came free with the 25 wedding magazines you purchased to get ready for this day. And so you're ready to turn over the responsibility to another person who'll do the anxious checking and re-checking for you as you content yourself with just preparing your heart to say "I do."

A wedding coordinator is also invaluable when your maid of honor is missing in action and all your bridesmaids have full-time jobs that pay them good money to stay away from unofficial business (i.e., wedding-fussing for a personal friend). Ah, wedding day coordinators are such cool inventions. :)

Along with having Mary-Sean fall on my lap, here are some more things falling into place:

Elements of our invitation.

The tedious process of calligraphy, sealing and shipping.

Charming table set-up by Pido Villanueva!

More Pido charm! (Aren't event stylists fab?)

Mary-Sean Felongco of DreamWorkers in pink. I'm in good trustworthy hands.

Bambi de la Cruz, make-up artist for the entourage. They're in good talented hands.

Are we excited yet???