The Gown: Louise' 18th Birthday Celebration

You all know that I am coming back -- yes that is definitely correct.
This time, I would like to share how the wonderful gown of Louise came about.

Before I start, let me give you a glimpse of how the top looked like!

Let me share with you where it started...

First I was not thinking of a ball gown, instead I am only thinking of a tutu skirt because I am thinking that it would best fit the simple event that we would like to celebrate.  

Initially, I recommended this one:

And yes, I was so ready to order!   Another yes, that's how stingy I am!
Louise did not mention that she didn't liked it, she told me that she doesn't want sleeveless top (she sure knows which part of the body to emphasize!).

And so the search continues -- and I am still thinking of how to pull it off without spending too much.  Louise drew something and she specifically mentioned that she doesn't want sleeveless.. okie I get it!

Alright, so this is what Louise wanted and have imagined in her head (maybe several times) but I can't seem to figure out where are we going to find this kind of gown.  Definitely not in SM, not in any other malls, I am sure we need to get a couturier.

Still in search of the perfect gown to wear, one night, our Tita Baby visited us and we opened up about this debut and she recommended a gown where she found to be elegant and beautiful.

This one -- 

Okie, so a Rajo Laurel gown specially made for Alex Gonzaga when Tony and Paul was wed! Okie sa suggestion ha!

It was really good but I know how expensive it was so I was left with a blank space in my face!

What's next? Find a couturier -- someone who can deliver this design but not as expensive.. I was actually praying -- "Please Lord Guide me and bring me an angel who can pull this one off + with a cheap but elegant deal".

I started scouting (in San Pablo Laguna) and after several questions and stuff, I was able to find the perfect person to take on this gown, ate Maan Ortega!

Initially, Louise was thinking that the color of her gown would be orange, simply because that is her favorite color but when we consulted Kuya Alvin, he told us that it would be great to stick to this color palette and just tweak the design based on the body type of Louise.  

Aminin, hindi naman ganito ka sexy si Louise ---

After some months, we were off to the first and only fitting --

This was the raw gown -- still didn't have the bead and lace work on it.
Louise lose a bit of weight -- excited??

Then three days before the event, we got the final gown!

Words cannot describe how elegant it looked like -- 
I am very thankful that we listened to Kuya Alvin's recommendation and trusted the skills of Ate Maan that they can pull off this beautiful gown inspired by Alex' Gonzaga's gown (made by Rajo Laurel).

It looked perfect on Louise, she is the star of that night, the Princess!

Xoxo

The Venue: Louise' 18th Birthday Celebration

Another good thing about this event was the venue! 
Four months ago, my mother and I was scouting for a venue for this event and honestly we scouted to a lot of venues.

Of course I had to consider several things in choosing a venue and here are a few: 

1. Cheap - this is the hardest part! Haha
2. Even when cheap, very presentable and with good quality
3. Accessible
4. With a great hostess that I can talk to with my recommendations

Good thing, Papa Gary remembered where we had our JS Prom when I was in college.  At first, I can't recall the place but Papa was patient in picturing the place and so I remembered!  I remember Papa mentioning about the stairs where we had our pictorial, he also mentioned that it was the location where Erika had her 7th Birthday Celebration.

Let me share with you how the place looks like -- these shots were taken during the photo shoot of Louise last January 3 (a separate blog shall be posted on that).

At the background (on the left) that's the venue, on the right was the room that we rented.

Aerial Shot by Ralph

One of the things that struck me the most and I highly salute Tita Milette on this one, was how the stage was set up! 

It was a newly built backdrop and Louise was lucky to have a first dip in using it!  Can you see the intricate design there -- it was wood! Behind that was a spotlight where the color of the lights can be changed.  Of course we chose orange spotlight.

If you will notice, there are 6 white standee there (i dont know how they are called).  They were beautifully decorated with the DIY pompoms that I created (separate blog post on that one to follow) by JWs in-house Florist (Kuya Toffer).

Before you enter the hall, you will be welcomed by this frozen inspired ark as if you are entering into a magical kingdom! Indeed it was! 

Then there was a beautiful red carpet entrance for the celebrator.

Another unique thing about JW Reception is that they had a non-traditional candle holders. Beautiful!

A closer look.

These are just some of the highlights about JW Reception Hall. 
Here are some more including my recommendations:

1. They have their own Mobile System and DJ -- I never had an issue with the Mobile system and DJ BJ.  DJ BJ was very professional and we just need to tell him what to play and he will take care of it.  Certain costs will apply -- but all worth it!

(From Left) Marvin, DJ BJ, Ralph

Photo taken from DJ BJ

2. Cocktail tables -- If you want your guests to have pica pica first (outside the venue) then these tables are available.

3. Registration Table -- they have an available registration table and you just have to beautify them to be enticing (that's what we did).

4. Photo-booth Area -- they accommodate Photo-booths and they have a specific area for that, an additional fee of Php 1000 shall apply for the usage of electricity.

5. Rooms -- they have two available rooms that you can rent on the day (24 hours) of your event.

6. In house Caterer -- I can never stress enough how happy I was with the food.  I highly recommend them! I have a separate blog post on that.

7. Attendants - very friendly and accommodating waiters and waitresses, they were all very helpful and hospitable. Ad hoc requests were made and they duly obliged!

8. Hostess - overall in charge for the place and the caterer was Tita Milette, I cannot describe in words how blessed we were that we had Tita all along (from planning stage until the end of the event).  She was very helpful, accommodating, patient, open minded and kind!

9. Letter Standee - they have available Letter Standee -- yes no extra charge and it made the stage looked very special. One request though is to take really good care of it!

10. In-House Florist - I never requested for a florist because I know I can take on the decorations.  Tita Milette recommended one because she knows that her ideas can be executed well and I must admit that it was indeed carried out very well. I bought flowers for the bouquet because I was thinking that I can pull it off.  Upon realizing that I can't do it, I asked Kuya Toffer to do it and it was beyond simplicity and beautiful that I have imagined.

11. Garden - for pictorial purposes they have a well maintained garden that you can use. 

Aerial shot by Ralph

Aerial shot by Ralph

You may opt to have a garden wedding here or even a bohemian inspired event.

What else? I am not sure if I am missing anything else as my emotions are still ecstatic as the day of the event itself.

I highly recommend JW Reception Hall.  Not only if you are choosing for quality service but if you are choosing that your event be MEMORABLE!

Xoxo