Venue Prospect: The Tents at Alphaland Southgate

This was a good contender for our reception venue.

The Tents at Alphaland Southgate is located at the 6th floor of the Southgate Mall. It's connected to the Magallanes MRT station and it's on the corner of EDSA and Pasong Tamo Extension.

We initially wanted a brunch reception so we could enjoy cheaper venue fees and catering menu packages. But when we walked into The Tents, we were convinced that it would look better at night. When you walk out into the balcony, you'll get a New York, urban, rooftop party vibe. We agreed that at night, the map posts on the street and the light from the cars and the traffic would look even prettier. It looks over Magallanes, Edsa and Pasong Tamo, but it doesn't look stressful even with the traffic.

Letting go of dream venue: Filipinas Heritage Library

For years, I've been dreaming of having a simple, outdoor reception at the Courtyard of the Filipinas Heritage

Library. Formerly the Neilson Tower, it is probably the most vivid reminder that Makati was once an airport. 

I've never been inside, but I knew in my heart that this was the perfect venue for us! I had everything planned out. We were going to have the preps at the Manila Peninsula, and walk across the street to the wedding venue. A photo studio would be set up in one of the rooms inside. Then I wanted to have cocktails catered by K By Cunanan in the Courtyard and be surrounded by trees and tall  lit-up buildings at the same time. 

Everything will fall into place

I scoured the interwebz for the perfect venue for us in Manila.

We've always dreamed of having a Tagaytay wedding. Or a beach wedding. The same beach where he proposed to me.

But out-of-town charges and the high probability of rain fall made us think otherwise.

So Manila it is.

And what great Manila wedding it will be!

So it begins

Ask any bride-to-be and for sure they'll say that planning a wedding can seriously be such a nightmare!

2 weeks in and 10 months to go but I feel like I'm about to lose my mind. The devil is in the details, yeah right. I just want to get everything done and over with.

So many options! So much to think about!
- Does it really cost that much?
- Seriously, for 4 hours?!
- Why am I supposed to pay him that much when I can do it myself?!
- Why don't we just use the money and take a trip somewhere?!

But, we're the first children in our respective families to get married. And the first grandchildren to get married, too.

I know there's no need to worry. Just a hug from the hubby-to-be and a quick glimpse at my bling and the sparkle takes all my stress away. Just gotta get out of this rut and get down to business.