It’s been a while since I’ve featured a picture perfect beach side wedding. And before you get excited, this wedding wasn’t in Dubai. {I know… if only Dubai was a little more tropical}
Laurice and Laurent got married in March earlier this year. They said their ‘I do’s’ on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. This wedding really is gorgeous… and I’m so excited to feature it on MLW today!
So now for all the lovely details…
The Venue…
Boracay Island, Aklan, Philippines. http://www.asyapremier-boracay.com/
Finding My Wedding Dress…
I searched the internet for inspiration, and then asked a friend of mine to tailor it for me. She owns a wedding shop, so it was perfect.
Groom’s Threads…
We didn’t go overboard with spending too much, so we went for high street rather than designer. The suit was from Zara, and shoes by Balmain.
My Lovely Accessories…
I basically wore all the jewelry given to me by my husband when we were dating, such as a simple Swarovski necklace and earrings, and a Morse coded bracelet.
My Lovely bridesmaids…
The same tailor also made my bridesmaid dresses. I let them choose their preferred cocktail dress design and we asked the tailor to modify a little according to body type –again this was budgeted within our target.
The Flowers…
We sourced our flowers from a local island supplier– Boracay Bundles
The Planning process…
Most of the planning was done online. We researched and researched, and planned the wedding over a five month period. We were determined to find a beach venue because we love the beach and Boracay is one of the world’s best beaches. The venue was perfect for the vision I had for my beach wedding. ‘It was also close enough for suppliers to travel to.
I planned everything online.. from the flowers, photographer/videographer, live band and wedding gown. I designed and created my own save-the-date card and invitations and other stationery items with online support. For all other small items (e.g. tokens, candies, lanterns) I ordered them from flowersandfavors.com and they delivered directly to the venue.
My Details + Décor…
It was a beach themed wedding, so we chose décor to match. Some of the decor was from the hotel which was great. I also had friends add personal DIY touches, which everyone loved.
Budget…
Up to AED40,000 including airfares (and we spent less than budgeted!) Amazing I know!
Favorite moments…
The walk down the altar, looking onto my husband and seeing the wide smiles and some happy tears from my friends and loved ones, with the glorious sunset on the background :). Our first dance, backed by the live band’s romantic serenade.
Advice for other couples…
(On planning a wedding) A DIY wedding is very fulfilling but only if you are full-time to it, otherwise –know what you want and carefully choose your wedding coordinator and suppliers; (On “ever after”) Life is full of happy and sad, good and bad, bitter and sweet moments – hold on to your love and keep thy promise at your best efforts.
The Cake…
The cake came from the hotel, as part of the wedding package, including the champagne (sweet!).
Our Honeymoon…
The wedding was in a paradise and we continued onto our honeymoon right after the wedding at that enchanting and exclusive resort.
Credit for friends, family & suppliers…
Love and thanks to my friends and relatives who traveled from across continents and cities just to be with us on our ‘best day’; to my gorgeous husband for all the support and more importantly for being my brick wall and breather during trying times of planning and arrangements; to my friends who had impromptu and special participation –Anna (emcee), Aj (make-up), Ria (hairstylist); to our bridesmaids and groomsman who traveled 20 hours minimum to reach Boracay; and to my cousin (Chi-Chi) for being my dedicated right-hand and on-the-day coordinator, running around in sweat and not having the time anymore to change to her intended dress for the wedding 🙂 I love you all more!
Photography credits go to http://www.youreverafterstudios.com/
If you’re getting married the Philippines then you must check out this studio… they are fabulous! 🙂 Love love love!