Aissa and Andrew: A Fall Wedding

As the temperature continues to drop here in NYC, I find myself missing the fall season. 🙂 I used to think fall was sad and gloomy, but it’s just the opposite! It’s such a nice season, and the wedding of Aissa and Andrew last October truly showcased its beauty.

I was referred to Aissa and Andrew by my sister-in-law ate Daryll and her husband kuya SR. They’re all based in Chicago so Aissa and I just communicated through email, SMS and video calls– I was only able to meet her personally a day before their wedding and just a few hours before their church rehearsal! Naturally, meeting for the first time a day before the wedding would seem like a challenge for a wedding coordinator, but Aissa is like a ball of energy– so radiant and friendly, so warm and pleasant– that I was more excited than stressed to work on her wedding. Andrew quite the opposite– shy and quiet, and even a little formal, but you can feel his kindness and warmth as soon as he extends his hand to shake yours.

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Just a couple of hours after we met at their luncheon, we went to St. Peter’s Church for the rehearsal.

A few minutes with this couple and I already know just how loved these two are. Collective effort of family and friends made the wedding day possible (and made my job a lot easier!). Their sisters set up the entire reception. Yes! Our lead stylist was Aissa’s sister Shara and ate Daryll, and we helped set-up everything at the reception: from table setting to the escort card table and mini-gallery to the couple’s sweetheart table and backdrop. Andrew’s sisters Janice and Cristy were the ones who prepared their  souvenirs to all their guests (hot choco in mason jars, yum!).

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Rustic table set-up. Flowers by Shara, hot choco giveaways by Janice.

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Prep Team! After the rehearsal dinner, the ever-supportive sisters of Aissa, along with their cousins and myself, went back to Stonegate Banquet for the set-up. Here in photo are ate Daryll, our bride Aissa and Maid of Honor & Stylist, Shara

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We sourced some details from the Philippines, such as their invitations and misalettes. They turned out really nice, and according to Aissa, “exactly how I wanted them!”, thanks to Mark and Kat of Blissful by MarKat (the very same couple who did my invitations!)

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Beautiful photos were taken by Ryan Ortega, who is based in the Philippines but goes all around the world for engagement shoots and wedding coverage. I’m happy to finally get to work with him, as we never got to work together back home. Ryan is very fast and easy to work with. He is able to take great photos even if the time is limited. Being that he worked the wedding alone, and I only had Warren to officially assist me, we were able to help each other out and even found time to enjoy the rest of the night after the reception program ended.

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Lucky Girl. 🙂 With my supportive husband and assistant for the weekend.

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Aissa and her sisters: Shara, Rizza and Daryll Suaybaguio. Photo by Ryan Ortega

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Andrew and Aissa with the entire entourage. Photo by Ryan Ortega.

The wedding was like a family reunion– a big one, with over 170 guests. Relatives flew in from the Philippines and other states and celebrated with Aissa and Andrew.

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Our DJ from Show on the Road did a great job getting everyone on their feet! Dancing led by our bride and groom. 🙂

Over the years that I have planned and coordinated weddings, I’ve come to see that what really makes a wedding beautiful and memorable is the love that is shared by the bride and groom, and the comfort and joy of being surrounded by people who love you both so dearly on your special day.

Here’s Ryan Ortega’s beautiful SDE of Andrew and Aissa’s wedding:

 

Church: St. Patrick’s Church, Skokie, IL

Reception: The Stonegate Banquet Pavillion, Hoffman Estates, IL

Lights, Sounds, Emcee & DJ: Show on the Road

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