Breakfast Wedding, Anyone?

Moving on to other courses on the menu, I was really toying with the idea of serving breakfast or brunch for the wedding.

Breakfast? Brunch? For the wedding???

Image from Pinterest (ceremonyblog.com)

I hear you. Well, it’s not for everyone and maybe it doesn’t come near to formal or festive, but hey, it sounds so relaxed, so natural, so ME.

You see, I am a morning person. I love waking up early but that doesn’t mean getting up and about for work. When I mean morning, I just mean prepping breakfast, enjoying coffee and a hearty meal leisurely and just lounging around until it’s time to prep the next meal. An easy morning, sunny or rainy, without having to rush for work or errands just does it for me. So, to me, the idea is really APPEALING. And when we start discussing the simplicity and savings that go along with a breakfast/brunch celebration, I am just sold.

Now, give the idea a chance and browse through some of my pegs. You might end up actually liking the thought, too. 

Mini-treats!

Images from Pinterest (fivehearthome.com)

Image from Pinterest (superstock.com)

And since I love the smell of coffee in the morning, a coffee bar is a must!

Photo credit: Offbeat Bride

www.brit.co

Article from Brit Morin

Saved from Strut your Stroller

How about a cereal bar for  the kids and kids at heart?

frostedpettycoatblog.com

Style Me Pretty

Or a waffle bar!

clipzine.me

Mom Loves Baking

Are they not adorable?

The options are endless. You may want to serve something healthier like salad on skewers, or perhaps a yogurt bar? An omelette station sounds fun, too!

I don't know about you, but stuff like these just sets up my mood. Love, love mornings!

Fruit Display

I want something like this:

This would be perfect for our farm or even picnic theme.

Or this:

Or even this:

Balai Isabel--A Potential Venue... Not!

I once had the chance to join in our company's Performance Assessment which was held at Club Balai Isabel. It is a residential resort right on the shores of Taal Lake, with vast grounds, its own pools, cafe, and even a church within its premises! 

During our stay, I found the grounds to be perfect for an outdoor wedding and the facilities and accommodation to be satisfactory. Food was so-so though so an outside caterer may be necessary.  

It was a bit popular as a wedding venue so I included it in our list of to-see venues. However, life got in the way (as usual) and plans of ocular visits were postponed. Plus, we got distracted with other venues nearer our place.

Then, just last week, an officemate passed me a 2-page write-up on Balai Isabel. Wondering why, I quickly ran through the article and was shocked to read about a theft that happened recently in the place! During a wedding! And victims were guests of the couple. What a heartbreak! With the rates they charge, safety and security should be a priority.

What's even sadder is no matter what the management of Balai Isabel will do, the horror the robbery caused may forever mar the memory of the wedding. So, that concludes our consideration of Balai Isabel for our wedding. Defintely a no.

Our group was probably lucky to have not experienced theft during our stay. This may also be just an isolated case. Still, I'd rather not risk our wedding. 

Anyway, here's the  article for your own appreciation. 

Experiencing Majayjay Bed and Breakfast

Finally got to visit Majayjay BnB!

And since it would probably get us 4 hours one-way, we thought it best to stay the night and experience what this BnB has to offer. We originally planned on going last February 8 but since it would be little sis and mom's birthday the following week, we decided to move our visit and spend Valentine's weekend there. So, come February 13, we crammed all our bags, fruits, a cake (which we didn't really like by the way) and all six of us including Baby Y in our ever reliable Alto. Car-stuffing or not, we were so ready for our road trip slash overnight getaway slash birthday celebration slash Valentine's date slash ocular inspection.

Long, winding roads and 5 hours later, we finally reached our destination. Check in was a breeze. Fortunately, the owner, Ms. Encar (yes, a celebrity and widow of columnist Minyong Ordonez) was there to greet us and showed us our Kubo cottage.

Kubo cottage, yep, that's right! And it wasn't a surprise that this was their most requested/popular room.

The cottage houses five for P5,000 and that comes with buffet breakfast for 5 as well. It can accommodate more. I think even for a group of 10, the cottage will still be roomy. You will need to pay P500 additional for every person in excess of 5. There was no airconditioning but it got very cool at night so it was not really an issue.The cottage has its own living room, kitchen, and restroom. The bedroom is surrounded by screen to keep mosquitoes from getting inside the sleeping area.

But our favorite part of the cottage was the view. Imagine waking up to this every morning. And can you see that little brook below? You can actually hear the rippling of the water all the way to the cottage.

Rye started taking photos the next morning after we had our fill from the buffet breakfast. As seen in photos from the BnB's site, the garden would make a perfect setting for the reception and even the ceremony. It was even more charming in person.

The garden was divided by the steps and that lovely arc. I was thinking one side of the garden could be arranged for the ceremony while the other half for the reception.

Good thing about the place  was there will be little to no need for decoration. The greens, flowers, and the backdrop of Mt. Banahaw will do the trick.

See that arc?

I really think it's gorgeous. The white flowers are perfect to make the ceremony right on that spot. I can picture Rye and I exchanging vows under it.

Overall, we loved the place.

Since it was a BnB, we won't need hotel accommodations for the family or other guests who may want to come the night before or even stay the night of the wedding. I also liked that Ms. Encar has no issues on which caterer we want. No corkage fees either. Yey!

This was perfect for the farm theme that we are aiming for. And the best part of all was the brook just below the Kubo cottage. Oh well, the "trek" down the slope was a bit challenging but it was all worth it.

We were thinking our guests may want to experience this too. At least those who will decide to come earlier. We can even set up a photo booth here. I mean, it's not everyday that you get to attend a wedding that comes with a brook, right? Pools and beaches have been more common so this will definitely be a refreshing change.

Oh, we're all sooo excited already! We would have booked the place then but we still had to settle the date (again) and find a caterer who won't charge us an arm and a leg for its out-of-town services, unless we can find a good caterer within Laguna. Ms. Encar suggested Chef Mau Catering which is based in Liliw, Laguna. Will need to write about it in a separate post though.

The real downside? Travel time.

We have managed to identify three routes (so far) but all three take an average of 3-4 hours travel time. Guests definitely need private transportation to get to the area. And we are not sure yet who among our guests will be willing to spend 8 hours travel to and from the place plus another 2 hours maybe for the wedding itself.

On a brighter note, the distance will help us streamline our guest list. But I'm afraid the final list might get too short. It would still be more fun if a lot of our friends and family could join and celebrate with us.

A Potential Venue in Tanay

Photo credits: Website of 10 cents to Heaven

I chanced upon this photo while searching online for farm resorts near Metro Manila. And I was like, could this be it???

I immediately saved the photo and searched further on its location. Turned out this is in 10 Cents to Heaven, a camp/resort that we have been meaning to visit when we drive to Marilaque again. Some of my friends have stayed in this place over the Christmas holidays so I can ask for their comments. I have also shown the photo to Rye and we will do a quick trip this weekend to further inquire about their rates.

I am so hoping we've found our venue.

Nurture Wellness Village

The whole family just got back from Tagaytay where we spent 4 days perfecting the art of doing nothing. We so loved the time to just lounge, watch Korean series, eat, sleep, repeat. But of course, for myself, we'll have to insert mommy duties. Especially now that Baby Y is a couple of weeks from turning 1, he's grown really demanding.

So sad the vacay had to end. Time really flies when you're having fun! But before heading home, we decided to check out a farm nearby--Nurture Wellness Village. Good thing they have a resto where we can have our lunch. It was the perfect excuse to extend our trip for even just a bit. 

Since we were advised that food would take a while to be served, we had time to roam the place. It houses a spa offering specialty massages and other wellness treatments, an organic cafe, and also villas and suites for guests who wish to linger. It may also be the first to offer glamping (glamourous camping)! 

Dining area

Photo credits: Nurture Wellness Village website

We spotted their cutesy pool near the dining area and Baby Y squealed with delight as we took some photos by the poolside. 

Photo credits: tripadvisor

The overall theme of the place appeared Filipino, with huts for villas and accessories showcasing Filipino culture. It recently rained so the grounds were on the muddy side, but all else seem to be well-maintained. Restrooms were particularly clean also. 

I would say it was an interesting place, at least for those seeking peace and quiet. There were enough activities to engage in but which would not disrupt the serene and relaxed vibe of the place. Rye seemed to like the place too since he went about suggesting it could pass for a wedding venue. 

Photo from website: Sample wedding ceremony set up in their Garden

Not far off from our farm-style wedding. We can just do re-arrangements to suit our theme. So, off we went to the Reception to inquire about their rates.

Package:

Exclusive use of the village

Weekdays: Php180,000 

Weekends: Php200,000

Non-Exclusive use is offered on weekdays only for Php160,000

Rates are for a guaranteed guests of 100 and are net of taxes and service charge already. Inclusions are use of the garden or pavillion for 5 hours, a room for the bride to prep, buffet meals, basic set up, and professional usherettes and wait staff. For those wondering, they use Tiffany chairs for the event.  

Buffet meal consists of your choice of 3 appetizers, a soup, salad and dressing, pasta, dessert, and your choice of 3 main course. For the drinks, you get to choose one of their house blend teas that will be served both as welcome drinks and during the meal proper.

Plus couples get to stay in one of their rooms overnight for free, with breakfast, massage and even a natural facial. To make their offer even more irresistible for couples, thevenue may be used for free for prenuptial shoot! Mmmm... That's not all! They also offer a lot of upgrades which would normally cost additional from other caterers.  

Rye's Thoughts:

It was a good place. One stop shop. And fits most of our requirements. We could probably go back to discuss other concerns with their AE.

My Thoughts:

I liked the ambiance. Thumbs up too for all their courteous staff! We could consider doing a weekday event to save up on the costs. Rates seemed reasonable given all the inclusions and freebies. Free use of venue for the prenup shoot is such a bonus, too.

Verdict:

Ohhh the food... it failed to impress. After our meal, which took really long to be served by the way, we were not so excited about the place anymore. We would not want our guests to travel all the way to Tagaytay and not be thrilled with the food. On a second note though, they offer free food tasting for the couple. I just don't know how it goes. Some venues require booking before you can proceed with the food tasting. 

Sta. Elena Fun Farm: Getting Started with Venue-Hunting

This is a super, super late post but one that is still relevant since it is still appropriate for our target theme.

Sta. Elena Fun Farms, also known as Holy Carabao Farms, was actually the first picnic or farm-style venue that we went to. This was around the second half of 2014.

I read about it in Rebellious Bride, where the bride really wanted a farm wedding and it was non-negotiable. Good for her that she chanced upon this place in Laguna.

Source: http://www.rebelliousbrides.com/2011/09/rebellious-bride-beverly.html

http://www.rebelliousbrides.com/2011/09/rebellious-bride-beverly.html

I loved their wedding and all the details that they injected into it. If you want to read more about it, the bride's own recount of the event is here: http://www.wstorehouse.com/Blog/fourth.

My favorite part was probably when the  bride rode a carabao cart to the ceremony venue! Sooo cute!

So, I immediately told Rye about it and off we went to Laguna to see the place for ourselves.

This greets guests as they enter the farm premises. Upon seeing it, I grew more excited!

There was also this area where guests can boat and fish. I didn't feel like paddling so I opted to just try fishing.

That's the Kuripot Bride with the future mom-in-law

No fish favored our bait though so we gave up and just checked other parts of the farm.

Indeed, Sta. Elena Fun Farm was first: definitely a farm and second, it was fun! Wide grounds, horses, carabaos, ducks, cows, and even rabbits! Feeding of animals was allowed and there were lots of areas where kids can freely run around and play. Horseback riding and carabao-cart riding were also allowed. There was even a zipline!

There was a pavilion where guests can opt to take their meals. The farm had no restaurant or cafe yet so bringing in of food was encouraged.

Tables and chairs inside were a combination of wooden benches and these:

I liked that they had the type of tables and benches that we wanted. Only minor cleaning and retouching of varnish or paint were needed and they would be perfect for the wedding.

We also toyed with the idea of holding the ceremony in the Amphitheater. Pardon the photo, but at least you get the idea.

See the bridge? That's where I planned to walk to the tune of Pachelbel's Canon. Oh well, a lot of brides have walked the aisle along this tune so we might change it.

Package:
Since this was the first major venue we visited, we had no idea as to how much rates go. Upon inquiring, I was informed the whole place can be rented for P30,000++ for a maximum of 6 hours, inclusive of ingres and egress.

Said rate includes the use of pavilion, restrooms, electricity, and grounds for the ceremony or even reception. Guests may also try fishing, boating, animal-feeding, and horseback riding for free, at least before the ceremony starts.

Use of tables and benches is already included in the package. However, they charge P5,000 corkage fee for the caterer, which I think is unfair since they do not have any resto or cafe within the farm.


Rye's Thoughts:
He liked the place so much he wanted us to book or at least pay the downpayment. His family resides in Binan Laguna so he didn't really find the place far.


My Thoughts:

What I really liked about the place was the vast grounds. We can push through with the picnic affair that we wanted without much constraint as to space. We can get very creative without spending too much on decor. The caretaker even told us we can do barbecue! Sounds fun!

However, as with other outdoor venues, contingency plans for rain should be in place. I also liked the amphitheater but we will have to consider the number of guests that it can accommodate.

As to the rates, P30K was pricey for me. Since it is an out-of-town venue, we will have to shell out funds for transportation, preps, and even accommodation which will further increase the overall cost. Some guests may also find it inconvenient, especially those who will only be commuting.

Also, the place had no holding room or any area where we can prepare. While the restrooms were clean, this would not be sufficient to get everyone groomed and made-up. So, hotel preps will definitely eat up on our budget if we will push through with Sta. Elena Fun Farm.


Verdict:
Hard to make one yet as it is the first venue we checked. If budget were not an issue though, this would definitely make it to our Top 5!