Letter To Our Dear Guests

Dear Guest,

ITS A SHORE THING... And we are getting married!!!

The honor of your presence is requested at the beachside wedding of 

STEVE BALISTA and SHERLYN MYKA SUBRIDA ^_^

DRESS CODE:
- Feel free to wear earth colors. This colors will definitely looks good on you. 

- Girls: Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, georgette and cotton. Avoid too much fashion. We want you to look beautiful and comfortable. Avoid wearing stiff looking dresses.

- Boys: Cotton tops or linen tops. NO TSHIRT!!!  DO NOT wear jeans or maong or board shorts, please!!!

REMEMBER, THIS IS A BEACH WEDDING. IT IS A SIGNIFICANT DAY NOT JUST FOR US BUT THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE AND WE WANT TO BRING BACK THE GLORY TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. HONORING GOD IS ALSO SHOWING RESPECT TO OTHERS. 

I WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS PHRASE FROM ONE OF MY WEDDING COORDINATORS, "If you want to look good on photos when you're attending an event, dress accordingly. Don't dress down if you can dress up" 

SEE YOU BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS OF GOD ON DECEMBER 20!!!

Photos below will help you find a beach formal wear that suits the occasion.

(Photos courtesy by Nelwin Uy from Sotto-Hermosa Beach Wedding and other photos inspired beach wedding dresses)

Wedding Path: ALL ABOUT DRESSES

I am grateful for all the people who helped us when it comes to our wedding dresses. I read a lot from wedding magazine and browse photos of dresses for wedding entourage. Honestly, wedding dresses were so expensive nowadays. However if you are determine to find what you desire then you will not end your day disappointed. I am so blessed that finally Steve and I found the right people to take care of our wedding dresses.

For the Best Man, Male Secondary Sponsors and Groomsmen:

- Armani Khaki Pants

- White Cotton Polo Shirt

- Ensembled with Theme Buttoneire

- Beach Sandals/Slippers

For the Maid of Honor, Female Secondary Sponsors and Bridesmaids:

- One shoulder Venus Cut Chiffon Dress (From light to dark shade of Aquamarine Blue)

- Customized Footwear Accentuated for Sandals/Slippers

For the Bearers and Flowergirls: 

(Sorry ladies and gentlemen, this outfits is my favorite!)

(Flower Girls) One shoulder Venus Cut White Georgette Dress white Coral Orange Ensemble Flower

(Bearers) 3/4 Khaki Pants and White Cotton Polo Shirt

(Photos Above taken from Pinterest and Google Images)

Seeing these photose come to reality is so exciting!!! The rest of the entourage like our Principal Sponsors, we already talked to them and we want them to wear earth colors from brown to champagne to mocha. We want them to choose their dress. As for my groom's suit, I am so happy thay we were able to find one. I am looking forward to see him wearing that suit. 

My wedding gown was like hunting a treasure chest. A piece of advice for brides to be, stick to your dream wedding dress. Cut images or draw your wedding gown. I had the hard time to come out with a design because of information overload from magazines and what is trending and according to them wear a gown that fits your wedding theme. Before the day for the Couturier, I was praying the night before. I prayed to God my heart's desire about this wedding. Whatever I choose I wanted to shine for the Lord on my big day. I wanted to be the Bride that God prepared me to be. Then I rest in God's assurance. 

And God never failed me. We are on the hands of right people. My wedding gown describes what I am for Jesus. It is made with love and grace. I am so excited to walk down the aisle wearing my gown. 😘😁😘

Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary, Jonathan And Hananeel!!!

Repentance to Bring Blessing

Return, Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount warhorses. We will never again say ‘Our gods’ to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion.” “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain, they will blossom like the vine— Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him. I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me.” Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. (Hosea 14:1-9 NIV)

It was 2012 when Hana and I had a chance to spend time together here in Singapore. It was late in the afternoon we were sitting overlooking the prominent Marina Bay Sands Hotel and its surrounding central business district. Our purpose was not to stroll the place, we were their to expect great revelations from the Lord. I have seen Hana in my subjective view based on what my eyes saw. Honestly, the Lord wants to open my heart and just be with here. But I do not want God to used me as a tool of blessing for Hana because out of my human nature I judged her based on what I saw.

I will never forget that day where she poured out her heart and just be herself as I listen to her. Just like her, I was moved. The Lord's presence was so tangible that I could not help but feel sorry not for Hana but for myself. The Lord taught me a lot after that encounter. I am too selfish. Hana always make her way to reach out to me but it takes a mile away from the Philippines for us to see what God wants us in our lives.

By God's grace, I am so happy to see Hana to be with Jonathan. She learned how to open her heart and align her heart in God's desire. I am blessed to see a different Hana, a lady who always seek God's heart. The bible passage I shared in this blog was the passage that we read the day we met at Marina Bay Sands. It is the Lord's love that bring Hana back to God and leading her to what God has intended for her and that is Jonathan.

Before this special day ends for Jonathan and Hana, I am praying and declaring great things ahead for your marriage and family. Continue to be a blessing. Have a great life ahead.

Quiet Moments with God: His Abiding Presence

Its been a very busy 12days vacation I had for the wedding preparation. Steve and I needs to settle things together. We want to accomplish everything accordingly. It is also our bonding time together. We are so blessed for the time we spent together. The only moment of rest aside from sleeping was at the car while he is driving and I am on a passenger seat next to him. Before we go out, we prayed together and declared greater days ahead. We also prayed for those people we met. Favor upon favor. Blessings upon blessings.

Steve stored playlist of praise and worship in a USB. He never failed to play it while we were on the road. It really soothes my raging spirit. Yes, I admit! Its been a stressful week. From squeezing out our creative minds for almost one year then time flies so fast that we only have 3months left for the wedding. From venue to caterers, engagement photo sessions to contract signing and marriage requirements. My personality as a perfectionist comes out. Its our big day, my wedding day and I want everything from small details to bigger one be extremely perfect.

On the other hand, Steve is exactly tremendously different from me. He is the coolest person ever I met. Define being cool? Relax in the spirit and he has the peace of God in his heart. Whoa! What a man! And I am blessed to have him. I thanked God for bringing him into my life.

Just want to share this song from Steve's playlist. Overflow by Israel Houghton.

I have learned that you cannot put God in a box. He is everywhere. Worship is not about music. Its about lifestyle. Worship is about a heart that never stops longing for God and thanking Him for everything not just in times of goodness but in times of trials and suffering.

Whatever situation you are into right now, let us declare how God will overflow His presence in our lives. His abiding presence that never left us.

Wedding Path: CLUB BALAI ISABEL

Location: Talisay, Batangas

I dream of having a destination wedding in a garden or beach setting. 

People who were close to me really knows what are the prayers of my heart. During high school days, I always verbalized to my bestfriend(Chie Reyno) how I wanted to have a beach/garden wedding. Both of us even dream to become a wedding planner. 

It was a desire of my heart that the Lord has its own ways to fulfilled it. When Steve asked for marriage, the next question is where are we going to tie the knot? Steve knew that I wanted a beach/garden wedding and because he also loves the wonderful creation of this beaches, it was finalized to have a beach wedding.

The next puzzle is where? We thought of all the places we went for the youth camps and retreats. Steve and the rest of the team went to Subic, Zambales and Batangas. I was not around because I am working away from home. All I can do is to suggest and browse through the web possible wedding venues. They were two things we want to consider for the venue: the amount of venue fee and the comfort of travelling for ourselves as well as for our guests.

It was January 2013 but almost half of the venue were fully booked for 2013 calendar of events. 

Steve and the team went ot Batangas and they had fun searching the treasure island! The problem with this beautiful beaches were too expensive. Weddings nowadays is like business. Steve and I wanted to change that culture. We wanted to make a difference. I am so blessed that one of our Ninong go for extra mile to guide us and reminded us that this is just a one day event and you need to prepare after the wedding - marriage life.

I told Steve to visit Club Balai Isabel. I saw this wedding venue on a bridal magazine and asked him to check it out. On a beautiful Sunday morning, together with Ate Penny and Mariko a.k.a Switaii, they visited the place. For the whole day I did not heard anything from them. I am praying that day hoping something good will turn out because searching for a venue is very tiring and they have their own careers to look after. After the church service, I called Steve because i was so impatient waiting for his call. Then he break the good and bad news! The good news: beautiful place and the budget set for the venue is within the range! Switaii also verbalised that time, "Ate, as I stepped on to the designated area for wedding ceremony, I knew that this is the place God wants you to declare your vows." I am so happy to hear that but the other side of the coin. Two couples ahead of us inquired for the place and the same date also. During that time, Steve wanted to pay the reservation fee but he kept them on hold to pay courtesy for the two couples who inquired first. Then I told Steve no need to argue with them, "If God wants that place for us, He will do great things for us. If it is not for us then God has something greater instore for us." 

I know how does the two couples felt, it was also their dream to have a beach wedding. I do not want to be the cause of unfulfilled dreams. I just prayed that night not just for me but for the other couples. I prayed that God will place us in His will with a humble heart. 

The next day, the corporate officer of the Club Balai Isabel called Steve. She told him that the two couples cancelled the reservation. I am so blessed for the answered prayer. 

Club Balai Isabel: 

- Good for indoor and outdoor weddings.

- Can cater to 500 guests depends on what venue you will choose.

- Hotels/Villas for accomodation (they have promotions that will enjoy your stay not just the money)

- You can choose their own catering service or outside caterer services with fees. 

- The staff were nice and accomodating. 

- Not just that! I have a wonderful coordinator who knows how to deal with people! Thanks Ate Penny!!!

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV)

By the way, I visited the place last August. I am so overwhelmed with God's unconditional love that reminded me how great God is in my life. It was more than my expectations. As walked through the path leading to the Pantalan where I can see the silent waves of the lake and the magnificient beauty of Taal Volcano. How sweet it is to be kissed by the soothing breeze of the wind that keeps on telling me how God's grace brought me this far. I will be forever grateful and thankful. 

And the journey begins!

(Photo taken by Sir Jeric Lee)

I thanked God for the favor He brought me into my life and I am so blessed that my nurse manager allowed me to go on leave for 12days not for vacation but for my wedding preparation. 

Steve and I were having difficulties when it comes to execution of our wedding plans because of one main reason and that is the word DISTANCE. We wanted to plan our wedding together, visit places and attend wedding fair together however we were miles apart. It was not that easy. I always cries to God, talked to Him and just laid down everything what my desires are. God has been so patient with me and He is been so faithful. 

For 12 days of wedding preparations together with planning and execution. I am blessed to be surrounded by people God used to made this possible. For the next few days I will be writing and sharing to you how every pieces of the puzzle were fit together and made perfect by God. From engagement photo session to wedding dresses to venue and cateres and to every bits of this journey. This is also serves as a wonderful avenue for me to remind myself every now and then on how God orchestrated everything to made our love story as one of His best.

What A Fun Filled Day!!!

Finally its here!!! We received our engagement photos mailed by our photographer, Sir Jeric Lee. One piece of DVD disc with 600 photos. We need to choose 60photos for our guestbook! What made this elimination process very hard is that all the photos were great! No exact words could described how those images were captured. 

Here are some of the photos we would like to share. 

The theme of our engagement photo session is four (4) seasons of love. 

(A) Winter:

(B) Spring:

(C) Summer:

(D) Autumn/Fall

Thanks to the following production staff!!! Without you this will not be possible!!! Thank you Lord for giving us wonderful people. Steve and I feel so blessed and loved!!!

Hair and Make-Up Artist: Mrs. Hananeel B. Bercero by Lady Hana

Photographer: Mr. Jeric Lee

Videographer: Mac and Pau Videography with Mr. Macky Macapagal and Myles Capareda

Concept Director: Miss Jeah La Guardia

Production Assistant: Mrs. Rosie Marie Subrida, Mr. Otet Macapagal and Mr. Jonathan Bercero.

Location: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife, Ecopark and Centris