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!
