As I've mentioned before, my husband and I weren't a typical bride and groom. We didn't have pre-nup photos taken because 1) it would have just felt like work to me since I'm at shoots all the time, and 2) we couldn't imagine getting all emote-y in front of the camera. We had photos like this at our wedding, for crying out loud.
We didn't book a videographer who would've asked for our firstborn in payment, and instead decided to go for a friend's start-up company. And we didn't book any of the big-name wedding photographers, and instead asked photographer-friends whom I've worked with for years. Some people choose to spend big money on all these, and that's all good. We just chose to spend our money in other ways (good food, because I'm very particular about that, and an open bar). Then again, I am fortunate to have generous, talented friends!
Our photog-friends gave us CDs of photos, and I fully intended to have a wedding album made soon after.
What's that quote about good intentions?
It took me two-and-a-half years to finally get it done. I got a Groupon deal for a Photobook worth P6,000 for just P1,200, and let me tell you, it was totally worth it. I finally got our Photobook today!
I apologize for the quality of the photos I took of the book--I usually take photos with natural light, but was just so excited that I couldn't wait til morning!
I highly recommend Photobook. The whole process of sorting through hundreds and hundreds of photos, and working on the layout took me about 10 hours in all, but that might be because I'm a bit OC (I work in the magazine industry, so layout is kind of a big deal). I just had to download the Photobook program, upload my photos, and get to work. They actually have a template already--all your photos will be laid out for you. But I wasn't happy with the page formats used, so I manually redid every page (all 100+ of them!).
It didn't come out perfect--I completely forgot to put our names anywhere on the book (haha), and some photos are the wrong size (blame it on my glasses-less existence--I couldn't see the grids properly sometimes)--but I am very pleased with the outcome. Some pages:
The first page: Our rings on our invitation
My mom played a scene from Mamma Mia! ("Slipping Through My Fingers") during her speech. I cried, as in an ugly cry.
Frame by frame: first kiss as husband and wife
Scenes from the reception. The only photo of the outdoor cocktail area was taken by Hamil's cousin, cosplay queen Alodia.
One of my favorite spreads: at left, Hamil being carried by the girls; at right, me being carried by my teammates
The next time Groupon has a Photobook deal, I might just purchase it again. I'm thinking of giving Photobooks as Christmas or birthday gifts--although I'll probably make do with the templates, if I can help it!
wow... those photos are so adorable!
ReplyDeleteAwww, such a pretty bride! I love that church. We didn't do pre-pics either.
ReplyDeleteAng ganda naman. Parang gusto ko din nyan. Our wedding was non-conventional too. A lot of people have been saying that we had a cool wedding. Parang impromptu lahat. Hehe. Too bad I don't have lots of photos kasi na-corrupt yung memory card ng photographer. Buti na lang we had one friend na pasunod-sunod sa photographer at every stage, kaya nakunan nya lahat. Not great quality shots but more than enough to save the day.
ReplyDeleteHaving your friends capture your wedding memories was really brilliant, and makes it more special... Congratulations! :)
This goes to show that just because you don't spend an arm and a leg for photography and videography doesn't mean you won't have your special day captured. This is like seeing your wedding from the eyes of your guests. :)
ReplyDeleteOur wedding was simple too... Like you, I didn't book big names (grabe naman kasi the price) and I booked friends. I didn't have a big time videographer, I had a friend's startup company do it for us. In ferr, may kasama namang album but he was very nice enough to let me design the album by myself.
ReplyDeleteParang gusto ko rin tuloy i-post ang album namin! Hahaha! Pero super daming photos, so I plan nga to get a Groupon deal for a photobook for the other photos that I didn't get to include sa real album.
I wasn't the typical bride. The only typical about me was I wanted a nice gown, pero bongga it was not expensive ha? I just wanted to look nice kasi I didn't have a prom eh --- so I have never been made up. Bon and I couldn't spend on tipong 100,000+ for pictures or video and shit, sobrang sayang naman kasi!
We knew we had other expenses to think of... so the wedding was nice, but it was simple and it was ours...
Nice album Tishie!
wow very good deal and very lovely wedding photo album!
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone!
ReplyDeleteRic, these are probably my favorite engagement photos: http://www.amandarynda.com/2011/08/zombie-engagement-photos/
Cham, I would probably have freaked out if the memory card was corrupted! But I did have four photogs so may back-up!
Crickette, my friends kinda didn't charge me for the pics so parang ang epal ko naman kung humingi pa ako ng album. Hahaha
Wow, so cool! Unfortunately, I didnt get anything free. Was supposed to from Chie, pero malakng drawing!
DeleteWe got the entourage's flowers, my bouquet, my makeup, and extra dessert for free too!:)
DeleteHi Tisha,
ReplyDeleteNice album...I'll be having my church wedding on Sept.Its a very intimate and simple wedding. Im also planning of a DIY give aways...
Im also an avid reader of GH..Nice work!
Had my wedding in September too! Have fun!:)
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