Engaged. What the hell is next?

He went on one knee, popped the question, showed the ring he designed, and then I cried like a whale for my own version of 'yes'. No one warned us about the next part.

Revelation! We reserved our church on 1 February 2015, more than a month before my husband gave me this unique engagement ring. I had no clue. I had no expectations. I've always thought engagement rings are nice, but money to fund the wedding are nicer.

“I guess he liked it so he put a ring on it. A sapphire and four marquis diamonds on a white gold band. With infinity symbols. Let's be specific for credits' sake.”

Since the church was already booked, proposal was unnecessary for a cheapskate like me. But of course, my husband -- the guy with the highest standards -- didn't let me go ring-less.

It escalated quickly

After this romanticized ritual of saying 'yes', we were back to the reality of budgeting, booking the best of the best, prioritizing needs versus wants. Nothing has prepared us for the information overload.

I became a member of an online community for Filipina brides across the globe. Genuine supplier reviews from actual brides were submitted there, and I did nothing else but to read each one to trim down my potential supplier choices.

I set an schedule for when I should be able to finalize bookings. I ensured I will accomplish great things every month. Lol. You could see below how I also prioritized the major suppliers first before the nice-to-haves.

2015

January - March

K By Cunanan - caterer

Caleruega Church

Imbitado Events - on-the-day coordination and hosting

Ram Marcelo Photography

April - May 2015: NONE

June - July

Il Fiore - flowers

Vidlens Productions

GQ Mobile Bar

August - September: NONE

October - November

Targets: gown window shopping, accessories shopping

Artuz 101 Lights and Sounds

December - January 2016

Food tasting

W@W bridal auction. Won: Joe San Antonio, Serge Igonia

Decide on Save-the-date video concept

Toni Aviles the Make-up Artist

The Truffle Tree - additional dessert buffet (Harry Potter desserts: chocolate frog, lemon quidditch balls, and a non-HP matcha truffle)

February - March

Targets: canvass invitation creators, shoot Save-the-date video and prenup to avoid rainy season, cake decision, prenup teaser on anniversary

String Colours Ensemble

April - May

Targets: Finalizing of guest list, sponsors, printing of invitations, creation of PDF invitation, creation of wedding website

June - July

Targets: Distribute physical and PDF invitations, finalize strings, songs, misalette content

August - September

Targets: Wedding documents, seminars, hotel booking

October - November

Targets: Finalize food tasting, gown fitting, OTD team meetings, check RSVP,

GET FREAKIN MARRIED