The Effervescent Kimberly

I first saw Kimberly Tan-Evangelista or Kim as an emcee when I was an entourage member of my best friend Katherine Ang-Tan’s wedding last 2009. And for the first time, I was truly drawn to an emcee’s manner of hosting. Normally, I am the kind of guest who is REALLY cooperative during weddings. From the ceremony to the reception, I am always patient in listening and being attentive to the mass, the speeches (even if they're 30 minutes long), the videos…everything. It’s my way of respecting the fact that it’s the couple’s big day and if I can give them a few hours of my time, I’ll certainly make it count. I’ll laugh at the funny moments, cry when the mood becomes sentimental. In short, I make a good audience! But this time around, I was even more focused because, aside from Kim’s overall pleasant and lovely disposition, she captivates everybody through her dynamic hosting skills. She speaks Chinese and English so eloquently that you can’t help but pay attention. And as a girl, I appreciated the fact that she made an effort to wear a long gown for the formal event and made sure that she blended in perfectly with the elegant backdrop of the ballroom. By the end of the night, even if I had no plans of getting married YET at the time, I told myself that I’ll get her as my emcee if a wedding were in my future.

Kimberly with my best friends Kathy and Harvey (2009)

When the time came for me to plan for my own wedding, Kim Tan was one of my non-negotiables. I wasn’t the type of bride who would canvass several wedding suppliers before finding the right one. I basically knew who I wanted just by remembering their performances in the weddings of my sisters, my cousins or my friends. Before my first meeting with Kim, my best friend Katherine told me that she’s very nice and that she’s always on time…and that is a trait that I truly appreciate. True enough, on every single meeting that we had -- and we had at least 4 meetings prior to the wedding day -- she was always punctual, usually arriving a few minutes before the scheduled time. After our first encounter, I knew that she was indeed the best candidate to host the program for our reception dinner. It felt as if I were simply talking to a new found friend because I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts with her as she listens with interest. She’s not the type to impose anything on you as a bride. She will adjust to your style and personality and she does it with ease. She had a lot of brainstorming ideas to make the program more fun and exciting. I thought that somebody young, vibrant, and elegant like her would best represent me and Jarvis as a couple. I should also probably mention that she is a true lady. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her dress down in jeans… she was always wearing a dress. And I remember during our final meeting with all the suppliers together…I looked so tired and haggard (given that the wedding is only a few days away and I was so stressed out) but she came in looking fresh and blooming. At that time I thought, “She should be the bride!” 

  

Both sets of parents did not know Kim yet and have not seen her in any wedding, but I knew in my heart that she wasn’t going to disappoint. I was, in fact, very excited for them to witness her hosting skills for themselves on the wedding day and have them be as enthralled as I was when I first discovered her from Katherine's event.

About 4 months to the wedding day, I received a phone call from Kim. She sounded like her usual cheery self but there was a tinge of apprehension in her voice. She then broke the news that she was pregnant. I think around 2 months at that time if I’m not mistaken. That means that by December 18, 2011, our wedding date, she’ll be 6 months into her pregnancy term. This didn’t really come as a shock to me. I knew she was recently married and in fact, I mentioned to my sisters and several friends that she might get pregnant during the time of my wedding. I called it… and it happened! In Chinese customs, I knew that those who upheld traditional and strict beliefs prefer to avoid pregnant women in wedding ceremonies. They believed that you’ll be taking away some of your own “luck” when someone pregnant is present. They say it’s like having a tug of war on prosperity and of course, you do not want to risk losing your luck. But for me personally, I didn’t see it that way. I respected beliefs and I’ll follow customs to please elders, but I saw her being pregnant as a blessing. I would never think of somebody getting pregnant as bad news! Kim then asked me if we were going to continue with her as our emcee for the program. And I told her on the spot, YES! But that I needed to confirm with my groom’s side because I do not want to cause any issues. It turns out that there wasn’t any because my groom said that as long as she can still do the job, there shouldn't be a problem! I was so relieved and happy that everything was still going according to plan. Kim assured me, albeit needlessly, that she’s not going to have a huge tummy yet and that she’ll wear a decent dress for the occasion. I knew that no matter what, she was going to show up still looking fabulous.

Kim was not only our emcee for our wedding, she was kind enough to do the voiceover for our Prenuptial Audio Video Presentation as well. She didn’t hesitate to lend her speaking voice in telling our love story throughout our video. And despite having to go back to the recording studio a few times just to correct some issues, she willingly did it because she wanted things to be perfect for me and Jarvis. She had that initiative and I’m truly grateful to have someone like her involved in our wedding. She went above and beyond expectations.

Kim hosting our wedding program

During the wedding reception, our coordinator said that when Kim arrived at the ballroom of The Peninsula Manila, she was only carrying a copy of the program…a piece of paper. If “I” had to speak in public, I’ll probably bring a notebook or flash cards just so I can remember everything. You can tell that this comes naturally to her and that she always comes prepared. She wore a nude empire dress that made her look elegant. Her gold accessories were a wonderful contrast to her subdued dress. The fact that she was pregnant may have been unorthodox to some people, but to me it just made her GLOW even more.

The Charming Kimberly... I love the accessories!

The entire program went smoothly from beginning to end. She was able to do everything that we requested of her. There was never a dull moment, as several guests told me. In fact, one of my sisters (whom we call the number one critic of everything of all time) commented…that for the very first time, a wedding program held her attention up until the end of the night. And knowing my sister, that is a major compliment and I attribute a substantial part of that success to Kim. The couple’s game that she prepared for my sisters and their husbands AND Jarvis' brothers and their wives to participate in was very entertaining and incredibly fun to watch! 

The Couple's Game: How Well Do You Know Your Spouse?

A Candid Moment

Kim gracefully saying that the answers do not match

Having laughs during the game

Our parents were very much impressed and satisfied with her overall performance. Relatives were interested to get her as a host for their own events. And some people actually thought that she was my friend and not a hired supplier for the wedding...maybe because the manner in which she conducted the whole program was very personal and intimate. It was exactly how Jarvis and I pictured our wedding reception program.

Even if the wedding was just ONE DAY, Kim has definitely touched my life beyond that occasion. In our "thank you" card after the event, I wrote, "You are truly an exquisite woman and we’re so blessed to have had you in our wedding". Some people tell me that after a wedding, their relationships with their suppliers end. But with Kim I can say that I've gained more than an acquaintance. I truly wish all the best in life for her. 

The Magic of "LEO"

 

Choosing your Make Up Artist or M.U.A. for your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most crucial decisions you have to make as a bride. I do not exaggerate when I say that it can make or break your whole wedding. You are after all, ½ of the two celebrated people that day and it’s imperative that you look your best. I’ve heard of disaster stories wherein the bride had to get another make up artist ON THE WEDDING DAY ITSELF just because she wasn’t satisfied with her the original make up artist. Can you imagine all the stress and panic she must’ve felt?! If you’re not happy with your hair and make up, it’ll show on your face, not to mention, your wedding photos. And you’ll want to look back on those with pride and happy memories. Make Up Artists should enhance your natural beauty and accentuate your features, not make you look like an entirely different person altogether.

My eldest sister's wedding in 2007 with make up by LEO

My younger sister's wedding in 2009 with make up by LEO

 

After having done the make up for the weddings of my two sisters (as shown above), this decision was a no-brainer for me as a bride. And considering how in-demand he was, I had to book him right away! We know that he always gets the job done with FLAIR. I say that because whenever his team arrives, the FUN definitely follows. Leo and his team like to converse, joke around, sing along to music…it truly makes you feel at ease if you’re nervous or stressing about the wedding. It helps you relax and forget about your concerns, making it a pretty good start to your day! As a bride, you want that because you still have a looong day ahead of you. I remember Leo singing along to Rihanna’s “We Found Love” while he was doing my make up and I loved that song ever since. It became a soundtrack to my wedding preparations. Every time I hear it now, I reminisce about those fun moments in our hotel room.

With the handsome Leo Posadas

A candid moment with my MUA

 

Having 4 other sisters who are gorgeous, not to mention, a mom who looks like a celebrity…I’ve always considered myself the Plain Jane among them -- the nerdy, bookish one. And during that final week before the wedding day, I was under a considerable amount of stress and I was worried that I won't look my best. How am I supposed to possess a bride’s glow if I didn’t feel beautiful? That has always been my dream. In all the weddings I’ve attended, I’ve seen brides look their absolute BEST. They were all ENCHANTING, and STUNNING. I’ve always wondered if it’s because of the make up. How do they look so beautiful and ethereal? It seems as if they have a special light focused down on them, making them shine. I couldn't help but wonder... is this a normal occurrence if you’re getting married?  Does the universe bestow upon every bride the gift of ideal loveliness for that one day? If it does, “I” wanted to possess that GLOW. Of course, worrying about how I’d look only made things worse. I was afraid that my stressful week was all going to show on my face. I certainly didn’t want to be a haggard zombie-looking bride! Oh, no. 


That’s where Leo comes in…to change an ordinary girl into a real princess for the most important day of her life. He promised me that I’ll be the most beautiful woman of all. And that was not an easy feat considering all the beauties in my family. He took his time in putting on my make up…at least 1.5 hours, I believe, including the hair. I didn’t really have a peg for him to follow, I just told him I wanted to look beautiful. Simple as that, because I trusted him completely… and the end result was unbelievable!  

 

 

Obviously, my mom looked as GORGEOUS as EVER. Leo also did her make up.

I felt beautiful. I felt confident. I felt happy. Initially, I was so afraid and nervous about the idea of walking down the aisle with so many eyes on me. I had constant nightmares about it because I wasn't used to that kind of attention. I thought I was going to hyperventilate! But because I knew in my heart that I looked my best... it monumentally helped in giving me that push to stay calm and collected. And look! I was even smiling. 

When I reached my groom at the end of the altar, he whispered in my ear, "You look stunning." It reminded me of Prince William uttering the same words to Katherine Middleton during their wedding ceremony.


If Leo hadn’t transformed me into the best version of myself, I don’t think I could’ve looked as radiant as I did. Everybody admired his work and expressed their awe for his talent in making me GLOW. Yes, I, Catherine Ching Lim, finally possessed that wondrous glow! But for me, it wasn’t just talent, it was MAGIC. I only wish I could look and feel that beautiful every day of my life.  

Me and my sisters...the most beautiful girls in the world to me. Hair and Make up by Leo and his team.

 

With a LEO POSADAS and VELUZ REYES combination, you cannot go wrong. These two wedding suppliers have mutual admiration for each other. When you mention one name to the other, they’ll only have the kindest words to say. Both will probably say, "BONGGANG BONGGA"!

My only regret was forgetting to take a photo with Leo and his team. It would’ve made a wonderful addition to our wedding album. Despite missing that opportunity, the memory of having them around will always be cherished. A special thank you to Ate Weng for doing 2 looks with my hair, a side pony for the church and cascading soft curls for the reception. Both looked amazing.

Having done the make up for my two sisters before me, and now also two cousins, PLUS several friends…Leo is practically family since he's always there for the most important day of our lives! He has the gift of beauty and I think it’s such a great gift to have. He’s definitely making the world more beautiful, one bride at a time. Until next wedding, Leo!

Right after make up retouch!

Go to this link for his side of the story: http://leoposadas.blogspot.com/2012/05/wedding-catherine-ching-endearing-bride.html?spref=fb

My "VELUZ" Dream Come True

Our wedding occurred 5 months ago. But I vowed that if I ever found the time, I would pay tribute to my favorite suppliers by writing about my personal experiences with them. It’s also a way for me to remember this once-in-a-lifetime event and the many people who came together to make everything perfect for our big day. Since the wedding gown is perhaps the most important thing for a bride on this special occasion, I thought I’d start with my designer, Veluz Reyes. I know she writes about her brides in her blog and I think it’s a bride’s turn now to write about her.

 

I only have admiration and love for Ms. Veluz or "Ms. V." as most people like to call her. From the very first meeting, she already made me feel that she knew who I was. How she does that....I have no idea, but it must be a gift. I can remember her telling me that I was dainty and feminine, and she drew inspiration from there to make a sketch for me. A few strokes of her hand and I was in love.

 

Ms. V gives you that feeling of warmth, giddiness, and basically just everything good inside. The only downside was finding out that I was not her first bride for December 18, 2011. I was aware that she maintains a rule that she will go to the wedding of the bride who books her first for a particular date. And I was so disappointed that I was a little too late in that department. I felt so envious of whoever that first bride was! To be able to have Ms. Veluz Reyes dress you for your big day and be included in your once-in-a-lifetime photos will have been an honor. However, she immediately went on to comfort me that HER TEAM is better than her when it comes to dressing up the bride and resolving issues that may occur at the last minute Her exact words were, "Mas magaling pa sila sa akin!" Coming from someone who has achieved so much success in her field, I was astounded by her humility and I respected her all the more for that.

Fast forward to the fittings one year later, Ms. V and her team never failed to make me feel so secure and well taken care of during my visits to Benitez St. in Malate. It was like I was among friends and they were doing everything in their power to make my dress a masterpiece. Every visit has a new surprise in store. Each time my dress evolved. But more than delivering the perfect gown, they all made me feel that they cared about me as a bride and from that stemmed a very personal relationship. What I love most about Ms. V is that she takes the time to get to know you throughout the fittings. It wasn’t just about delivering a gown for your wedding – any designer can do that….but it’s about creating a work of art that is an extension of who you are. That’s how I felt about my gown…it perfectly captured who I am as a girl. (I still find it weird to call myself a woman) The garment was nothing extravagant or gaudy…  it’s simply sweet and romantic…yet truly BREATHTAKING.

First Fitting

Second Fitting (with the lovely Veluz staff)

Third Fitting

 

You can tell that her work is indeed her passion and that even if she’s probably already made hundreds of dresses, each new bride is a new inspiration to her. It’s obvious from the way her eyes light up when she’s describing her vision to the enthusiastic manner she presents you with the fabrics she’s going to use. Yes, there’s no denying that her HEART was truly in it. With Ms. V, there are no shortcuts, no “pwede na yan” or “this will do” in order to make things easier. I say that because of my own experience… 

Before my final fitting about 2 weeks up to the wedding day, I was counting the days until I can go in and try my dress on in all its glory. I was very happy with our previous fitting and I was just so excited to see the finished product after all these months of anticipation. And then I get a call from Ms. Gerz, the very popular and charming secretary of Ms. V, saying that there’s going to be a delay on the gown and we have to reschedule the fitting. That was unexpected. Of course, as any bride would be in my position, I was starting to feel a little bit concerned. And she continued by saying that, “may binago kasi si Ms. V.” or that she’s changing something with the gown. Because of my paranoid personality, I was beginning to think of all the worst case scenarios about my gown and why it needed to be changed at the last minute. Did it get destroyed by accident? But of course, I obliged by saying okay, we’ll just reschedule when it’s ready.


On the day of final fitting, I came in to their office and was greeted by Ms. Gerz. I then inquired about the changes to the gown. She told me that Ms. V changed everything down to the lining and did something to it that’s “parang bata” or childlike. I was thinking, WOW, then this is going to be an entirely different gown from what I fitted before. I didn’t know what to expect! My number one concern has always been whether I could pull it off knowing the intricacies of a VELUZ gown. Would I be able to give justice to a VELUZ creation? Finally I went into the fitting room and wore my petticoat…I’m just waiting for Ms. V now to come in and sweep me off my feet! The door finally opened and I heard her voice. The first words she uttered were of worry and trepidation about whether I’d like it because she made some changes.  It was as if she was hiding behind my dress because she didn’t know how I was going to take it. But when I finally saw the gown in its entirety, I was floored. It was even more beautiful than I expected and definitely DIFFERENT from the last one I tried on. The color of even the lining was not the same because, as she explained, she took the time to soak it in tea. She felt that with my fair skin, the color would suit me better and it will give layers to my dress. The details and materials were also changed…they became more feminine, romantic, fairytale inspired …and the skirt, well, it got more poofy than before and I loved it! It gave it more of a princess feel. But what I thought was the best touch were the little flower petals scattered in different parts of my skirt. It didn’t have a specific pattern so it looked like I just rolled over a garden and the flowers just naturally fell into place on my dress. So this was what Ms. Gerz was talking about that was childlike. It was so subtle but it made me feel more attuned to the wedding gown.


When I put on the dress, I got so emotional from appreciation for her hard work and extra effort. I was able to hold back the tears but inside I truly felt as if I was crying…in a good way. And Ms. V, well, she said that THIS WAS IT! She’s finally satisfied. She told me that she gets that feeling of "THIS IS THE ONE" when a bride puts on her gown. Imagine…I was already content with the old design but apparently SHE WAS NOT. She didn’t have to change it at all, but what she did for me was truly heartwarming.

Final Fitting

Class Picture with EVERYBODY!

 

On the wedding day, Ms. V’s staff were indeed so helpful in dressing me up and making sure that my gown and wedding accessories were all complete and perfect. I appreciated Ate Weng and Ate Delmar's presence…yet I was still hoping that somehow Ms. V will make an appearance. Call it blind optimism, I always hope for the best. Maybe her first wedding was in the morning….maybe she finished early? Soon after the photographer came, I started getting lost in the pictorials and other preparations. 

  

When the bridal car arrived at the Santuario De San Antonio Parish a little before 2 PM, I was sitting alone in the car and praying for everything to go well…specifically for the aircon of the church to start working. Apparently this was the first time that this happened according to my coordinator. It was only minutes away from the entourage processional and the aircon wasn’t working! I was so worried about our guests inside the church, they must be complaining about the heat and perhaps sweating in their suits and gowns. Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door and when I opened it, I saw Ms. V!!! I couldn’t believe it! I remember her words being, “Ikaw na ang maganda!” But I don’t remember what I said because I think I was just rendered speechless by her surprise. I got so emotional that I started to tear up at that moment…from overwhelming gratitude, appreciation, and just plain giddiness that she made it! When she saw that I was starting to cry, she said a few words to calm me down. I think I asked her to get inside the car with me where it’s cooler but she declined and waited for me outside. A few moments later, Jarvis’ cousins finally gave me signals from outside the car that the aircon was working…right before I had to walk down the aisle! Talk about perfect timing! I think Ms. V was my lucky charm. ;) Everything just went without a hitch after that. She stayed with me to fix my veil and to make sure that everything was perfect before the doors open and I finally take my first steps toward my husband. And guess what?! I was able to get that coveted picture with her and that’s going down in our wedding album as one of the most memorable moments of the day. 

 

Guests were in awe of Ms. V’s creation as I was walking down the aisle. My husband thought it was STUNNING. A lot of people came up to me raving about the details, the skirt, the sexy back of the dress, everything! And I was so proud to say that it’s by VELUZ. I may just be one bride to her and my gown is only one of hundreds in her book, but this experience will stay with me forever. I’m so lucky to have been blessed by her presence and talent. If you ever wanted to be a princess in your life, Ms. V is your best bet as a fairy godmother.

The three words I drew inspiration from for the entire wedding were DREAMY, ETHEREAL, ROMANTIC... and she captured all of that in one beautiful dress that made me feel like a true princess.

 See the dress in motion on our ONSITE VIDEO by Lito Sy:  LIM-CHING ONSITE VIDEO