Beauty – Acie Fores

A Different kind of Coronation

Mother’s Day is an American holiday started by Anna Jarvis who wanted to honor her activist Mom Ann Reeves Jarvis whose advocacy was to improve the health conditions of the impoverished women in the Appalachian region in the 1800’s.

This holiday is usually celebrated on the second Sunday of May to honor all mothers for their unwavering love and sacrifice in nurturing and raising their children.

While the day was observed as a legal holiday, celebrated with simplicity and reverence—church services were held in honor of all mothers, living and dead. Fast Forward to today, Mother’s Day has become mainstream by commercializing it’s significance with greeting cards, the sending of flowers and buying gifts to honor Mothers.

Regardless of how we celebrate this day, there is no right or wrong way on how we choose to honor and express our love to the woman that we all call Mom, a simple gesture or a heartfelt message thanking and valuing our Moms is never a bad idea. Here is mine.

A lawyer by profession, Kat Valdez Cruz is also a college administrator of Patts College of Aeronatics. I share with you a snippet of Kat’s parenting style, a single widowed mother raising two beautiful and accomplished daughters Annika and Alessi.

Describe your parenting style. Does it differ from one child to another?

“I think I’ve incorporated a little bit of how my parents raised me but mostly just figuring things out along the way. I’m quite stern and rigid. I had to be since I was left to raise the girls alone. But as I aged, I think I have mellowed from being very strict to being more flexible and accepting that things don’t always turn out how you want them to. The girls raised me as well. 😊”

What advice can or did you give to your daughters that you feel they took it to heart?

“I’ve raised my daughters to be strong and independent. I’ve always told them that life will not always be a bed of roses. It will be a series of trials and challenges. You must learn to persevere and remain steadfast. When it comes to finding a partner in life, I told them to use both smarts and prayer. It is my most fervent wish – that they find someone that will perfectly complement them and be a great partner in life.”

What have you learned as a parent in raising your girls?

“When the kids were younger and I had just lost Reymond, I sought the help of a therapist. She very clearly told me – your children will have a million friends. Don’t try to be a friend to them. They don’t need that. What they need is a parent who will keep them in place. A parent who will set the rules and who will make sure they follow them. Don’t try to be a friend and think you will get along 100% of the time. Be a parent because that’s what they need most from you. I take this to heart always.”

Have your children taught you something that you appreciate or appreciated?

“My children are my constant reminder that whatever I go through in life, it will always be good because I have them by my side. They are the ones who will stand by me even if I make mistakes and wrong decisions. They teach me everyday how to love with no limits and to be a better person in the process.”

What is your beauty routine? Any favorite products?

“When I hit 40 a few years back, I realized that beauty routines are a must! We cannot rely on youth and natural beauty anymore, now that I am 50! I apply sunscreen before I step out the door to exercise and re-apply before I go to the office. Moisturizers are a must as age dries out my skin. I also use eye creams and serums. Seems like a lot but again, I think it’s necessary if we want our skin to remain supple and young. Its okay to age! I am not afraid of that. I however want to age gracefully – like my Mother. 😊”

Are there beauty products you share or your girls have shared with you that you loved?

Indoor florescent lighting or blue light from the computer can contribute to melasma and skin darkening too. Aging skin can be delayed by the regular use of Sunscreen on the face.

“We are beauty junkies! I love buying makeup and accessories but I don’t really know how to use them. My children are such great teachers! They’ve taught me the importance of applying contour, bronzer, highlights and more! At the moment, my most favorite beauty product is my sunblock stick. I love how it applies so seamlessly without having to touch the product and the application is not sticky at all.”

What is your favorite photo/s from the shoot and why?

“I love all! You and Andrea made us shine! Thank you for this experience with my girls.”

10). Describe a beauty moment for you that changed the way you approach beauty or made your feel confident.

A sunscreen stick is always handy, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen during midday to protect your face from harmful UV rays.

“Ten years of doing a triathlon under the sun and extreme heat really aged my skin. I enjoyed the sport and did not realize how much it was affecting my skin. When I walked away from it, my skin changed as well. I was not as tanned which for me was a beauty mark. It’s what I believed was beautiful then. Now a few shades lighter but a few sizes bigger, (hehe) I am comfortable where my body is at. I find beauty in how I am today – older, fairer, chunkier but still keeping fit and happier.”

To all the Mothers who never cease to nurture, care, guide and love their children, a big thank you for all that you do and all that you are! You are our Queens!

Makeup: Acie Fores

Photography : Andrea Zubiri Photography

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May 14, 2023

https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media?thread_id=3127037880734143&attachment_id=172688001190615&message_id=mid.%24gAAscBj4Ukb9-S-BkQ14GpBgpLZhl

Beauty Demos Personal Skincare skincare for women over 40 Tips and Tricks

Evening Skincare Routine with Makeup removal

In this series for #skincareforwomenover40, here is another video and blog post on what I do to make my 50+ something skin supple and hopefully delay the aging process. While it is not problematic, caring for it still requires a little boost and TLC to keep it from going south. So here is my step by step guide on how I care for it.

Remove your makeup and traces of dirt from your face with a gentle cleansing milk, Squirt a few drops on the cotton pad and swipe from the center of the face,down the neck and forehead. Use another cotton pad to remove eye makeup and swipe down and remove all traces of liner and mascara with a cotton tip.

Light cleansing milk to remove makeup and dirt in the face. Apply with a cotton pad and swipe from the center of the face, down the neck and the forehead.

2). Wash your face with a mild soap, I like the transparent soap Pears, as this reminds me of my childhood. It leaves skin with no soap residue.

TIP: You can use your eyebrow spoolie spritzed with water and swipe the soap until it forms a transparent paste on the spoolie and apply on your eyebrows to groom hair strands into place.

3). Exfoliate with Cure Nature Aqua Gel ( 2-3x/week) to remove dead skin cells on the face. Apply this onto cleansed face and swirl the product on your face until you feel water beads form and lift up dead skin flakes from your face. Rinse with water. This is called gommage exfoliation.

This is perfectly non irritating on the skin since this product is mostly composed of Hydrogen water so no harsh chemicals will leave your face stripped of its natural oils, just dead skin.

4). Apply your favorite toner to bring back the PH balance of the skin, I use Dr. Hauschka Clarifying toner. I like the Rose smell and its not drying at all. Either Spritz this on the face or apply with a saturated cotton pad.

5). You can skip this step if you’re too tired, this is an added treat for your skincare routine. The Mini Nuface Trinity is a FDA approved home device that mimics the laser procedures in the Dermatologist’s clinic. While this will not replace a stronger current and effects in a professional medical clinic, this is a good alternative in experiencing anti aging benefits at home. It is a 5 minute face lift using microcurrent that will tone and smooth out wrinkles. You have to apply a face mask like consistency from the gel provided, it is Hylauronic acid and any excess can be massaged in the face.

For the first 2-3 months, use it 5x/week and thereafter, can be used 2-3x/week. For Maintenance, use as needed.

6). Apply your favorite eye cream on the contour of the eye and on the undereye area. I use Estee Lauder Perfectionist Cp+R,but I apply sparingly as this can be thick. I switch eye creams depending on the season. During the summer months, I use a water gel eye one and for cooler months I use this one. As we age, ceramides can plump the skin surrounding the eye and reduce the lines around it.

7). Apply your moisturizer, I use Sonia Roselli Water Elixir, again filled with Ceramides. It is light and easily absorbed in the skin. Massage into face and neck area.

The Dynamic Duo of Skin plumpers and hydration, this has multiple uses aside from its moisturizing properties. Scrape a little powder blush for a creamy flush on the cheek, mix a little pump into your foundation and you have a tinted moisturizer with skin benefits.

8). Lip Balm

Often neglected but dry parched lips is a telltale sign you are not properly hydrated. Apply every day and night to make lips smooth and kissable anytime of the day.

So that’s it and hope you learned something new or maybe you needed a refreshed skincare routine, share with me what your evening skincare routine essentials are , I would love to hear from you!

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March 26, 2021

Beauty Bridal Skincare Tips and Tricks

Skincare for Women over 40 and above… and then some

Disclaimer: The products featured here are not a paid promotion, these are products that I use and work for my skin type. Please consult your Dermatologist or Skin Esthetician if you suspect you may be allergic to any of the ingredient components of the items featured here and to prescribe what will work for your skin type.

For the past 20 years, I’ve had oily to combination skin and as I’ve gotten older, my skin type had changed to Normal to Dry. My Dermatologist had said that this is due to changes in my body chemistry and hormones brought about by aging. My normal areas like the cheek and sides of the forehead have gone dry and have patchy skin sometimes while my T-zone is not as oily in my 20’s.

Because of Aging, my face needs a little boosting, my jowls have slowly been more prominent, blame it on what doctors call a texting neck since we spend a lot of time hunched up looking down on our phones, my jawline needs definition and eyes have become a little puffy due to poor diet choices and lack of sleep.

So here is what my skincare routine looks like and sometimes, depending on the weather, where my skin tends to be oily during the summer months and dry in the cooler months, I switch up skincare products to address current skin issues.

Cleanse the skin – Use any cleansing soap that suits your skin type and make sure that it doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Over cleaning your face sometimes can make you produce more oil due to the lack of moisture and hydration in the skin. If your face feels tight after a wash, your soap may be a bit too drying. Switch to a milder soap that’s good for sensitive skin.

2). Tone – Look for a toner that has no alcohol that can further dry your skin. The purpose of a toner is to bring back the ph levels of your skin, remove the last traces of dirt in your face and remove minerals and chlorine from the water. It also closes the pores.

I like the Japanese variant, the Elixir Lifting Moisture Lotion II, (a Shiseido product), good for normal to dry skin. Its watery texture doesn’t leave skin feeling tight, just refreshed. It contains Collagen to lift skin and give it a dewy effect. I’m so happy with the purchase, I added a refill so I won’t run out.

3). As an added boost, I apply a Hyaluronic Acid to retain moisture in the face and plump up the skin. When skin is plumped up, fine lines are not visible. When skin is hydrated, it helps in cell production because skin is not fighting hydration. Why I like this brand? Its lightweight and easily absorbed in the skin. The name Mineral 89 is derived from the number of minerals found in the volcanic water used in this formulation. This acts as a moisturizer as well.

Alternatively, I use a Vitamin C and E serum prescribed by my dermatologist to brighten and plump my skin. Pictured above. I squirt 3-4 drops and apply on my face.

4). Moisturize – Because of our tropical, humid weather, most women shy away from oils because it will make their skin oilier. With better research and development over the years skincare products have improved in texture, its availability to penetrate skin and since this is plant based, the science behind it supports the claim. This is one of my favorite moisturizers because it’s easily absorbed and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. Apply a 3-4 drops and warm it against the palm of. your hand and massage it in the face.

https://buy.cosmeticsnow.ph/iteminfo/clarins-face-treatment-oil-lotus-30ml — Easily absorbed and not oily at all

5). Massage – I saw this roller being demoed in a store in Japan, and what it does is, the rollers simulate physical kneading by a face esthetician on your face and neck to make it firmer and help contour the face. For aging women that’s the jowl and jawline area. The solar panel in the middle of the handle acts as a microcurrent, you know you’re doing it right if you feel a slight tug when you roll it across your face. You can use this for the arms as well. You may purchase this at Sephora online. If this doesn’t fit in your budget, you may look for dupes in shopping sites but look for one that has platinum coating not plastic to minimize irritation.

What is pictured above is a dupe and the solar panel is missing. The thicker roller I alternate using, not pictured here, contains the solar panel. I was experimenting on the different rollers.

https://duty-free-japan.jp/narita/en/goodsDetail.aspx?sCD=5527450055 — Refa Carat Roller simulates kneading techniques to depuff and refine the contours of the face.

6). Lash and Brow Serum –

I’ve tried the expensive ones but nothing worked, I made a simple recipe using the Essential oils from Young Living and researched on the recipe. (I’m a member of Young Living Oils), It’s made from Castor oil, Lavender, Cedarwood, Rosemary and Vitamin E oils, ingredients that help lengthen and speed up the growth of lashes. I apply this on my brows and lashes 2x/day. See results in 6 weeks to 2 months if applied religiously.

If you’re applying brows and mascara during the day, skip this step and apply at night. It does work and most of all doesn’t cost a lot.

7). Eye Serum –

I use this eye roller from Clinique as it contains caffeine to depuff and lighten the eyebags. Again, aging hasn’t been kind to my eye area, the top eye are is slowly sagging creating a hooded effect. To counteract this, by day I use the lighter eye serum and at night I use a slightly thicker eye product and apply on the top corner and contour of the eye avoiding the lid and in the undereye portion as well. The rollerball gives a cooling effect. Put this in the fridge to maximize the cooling effect.

8). Massage eye area

This pandemic has caused me severe retail therapy habits. This led me to this gadget that vibrates and helps the eye product penetrate the eye area. Battery operated, it’s perfect for the smaller parts of the face and doesn’t cause electric shock. It feels like a soothing hum that can put you to sleep. It also helps in the circulation around the eye area, an often neglected area. It helps minimize puffiness, use this around 1 minute per eye area.

https://www.fishpond.com.hk/Beauty/24k-Golden-Pulse-Facial-Massager-Beauty-Bar-Micro-Vibration-Face-Lift-Massage-T-bar/9999341882051 — Soothing, helps in the circulation around the eye area.

9). Sunscreen

The Holy Grail of Skin protection, again this is water based and does not feel heavy on the face. Since its geared for sports activity, the longevity of this sunscreen will last longer and give your UVB/UVA protection a longer coverage. Dermatologists can never stress enough the importance of applying sunscreen as this prevents aging, wrinkles and pigmentation on the face. I’ve worn this under makeup and it doesn’t cause flashback.

I also caution Brides and clients sometimes to shy away from a high SPF as this gives a white cast on the face when photographed. An SPF of 15-30 is good if worn under makeup.

This is the must have if you want to skip the 5 steps of skincare.

9). Lip Balm

One of my staples both in my personal and client makeup kit, I bought this in one of my trips to France and discovered this in their pharmacies. This was recommended by their in house sales staff as a bestseller. It contains Honey, plant extracts, Shea Butter and Grapefruit essence, one jar is sold every 2 minutes! It combats dry lips in the winter and she also taught me you can use this in the face when you have dry patches. I bought a jar and 2 lip bullets to carry around with me. It is now available locally in major department stores.

https://www.cultbeauty.com/mt/en/nuxe-reve-de-miel-lip-balm.html — You can use this on dry patches on the face too.

Do you have any skincare products you want to share with me?

You may purchase these products online at Sephora.com; Amazon, Lazada, Shopee and in Sm and Rustans Department Stores

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March 4, 2021

Behind the Scenes Editorial Events Events

Rituals by Patrick Rosas

“True art is characterized by an irresistable urge in the creative artist”. ~ Albert Einstein

Rituals — Patrick Rosas’ second book — was recently launched before the holiday season. (I know, I’m late in posting!) The book is a stunning compilation of his latest work in collaboration with six of his favorite photographers: Neal Oshima, Filbert Kung, Marc Nicdao, Patrick Uy, Joan Bitangcol and Glenn Gordon, and the beautiful men and women of Manila of whom he has had the pleasure of working and establishing close relationships with.

Hardbound and covered in pink Vellum paper. — Hardbound and covered in pink Vellum paper

This copy is encased in glass, which makes it all more precious and covetable. — This copy is encased in glass, which makes it all more precious and desirable. This version is also on sale at National Book Store.

Published by ABS CBN. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to charity. Beauty with a conscience.

One of the sponsors, the Estee Lauder group of Companies was a major contributor to the book. It seems the color red and pink and its varying shades were made to convey the passion in the man. — One of the sponsors, the Estee Lauder Group of Companies was a major contributor to the book. It seems the color red and pink and its varying shades were made to convey femininity in its glory.

IMG_1969_2 — Roses for Rosas. The red centerpiece meant to channel and exude the passion in the man.

Rhoda Campos Aldanese, a former colleague, was kind enough to extend the invitation to me to attend the launch with her. Posing with her own photo. I wish all selfies and I.D. photos looked this good.

Rhoda Campos Aldanese Photographed by Mark Nicdao. I also had the privilege of doing her makeup for the Tatler Ball a few weeks before this event.

Ladies going to the Tatler Ball. Rhoda Campos Aldanese and Julie Boschi were glammed up by me and Arvie Matibag for their hair. — Ladies going to the Tatler Ball. Rhoda Campos Aldanese and Julie Boschi were glammed up by myself and Arvie Matibag for their hair. Whaddya think Mr. Rosas?

Here a couple of my favorite photos from the book.

My aunt, Baby Araneta Forés. I am biased, indulge me. This made the cover of Rogue Magazine recently. Photographed by Marc Nicdao

Fresh Faced Restaurateur and chef, Margarita Forés. Indulge me once again. No one does the Clean and Fresh look like Patrick does, that’s why he is always in demand for skincare and TV commercials . Photographed by Marc Nicdao.

Maricel Soriano like you’ve never seen her before. Glam O Mama! Breathtaking! Photographed by Marc Nicdao

Gwedolyn Ruais, Miss World Philippines 2011 as Queen Nefertiti. Oh the endless possibilities. Perfect peg. Loving the neck, so graceful and elegant. Photographed by Filbert Kung

Elizabeth Taylor in the house! Dont you wish you had eyebrows like those? Lola Puga Photographed by Neal Oshima.

Saving the best for last, Gretchen Barretto as a Masai Princess. Stunning! Patrick Rosas' muse and dear friend who also helped in making this book a dream come true for him. Photographed by Marc Nicdao — Saving the best for last, Gretchen Barretto as a Masai Princess. Stunning! Patrick Rosas’ muse and dear friend who also helped in making this book a dream come true for him. Photographed by Marc Nicdao

This book serves as an inspirational reference to all makeup artists and lovers of beauty, color and women. Acclaim and praise also belong to the photographers who gave life to the photos which (in my opinion), leaves a powerful impact on the reader.

Rituals was so named because life is all about rituals and its interconnection to the universe. He sought to change the perception that rituals are not meant to be boring but to see the beauty in doing something as a moment and in the moment. The pegs and inspiration that he used and interpreted with his muses are very on point and seem to depict what each of them can magically transform into by the wave of his brush and hand. Magician or Wizard? Both. Just ask these men and women. He is what you call the Philippines’ version of Kevin Aucoin and I agree that he should be put in that same pedestal as Kevin’s as he will always continue to evolve as an artist with as much gusto and verve one can expect from a true artist. I can’t wait for more surprises from this man.

I am truly enjoying leafing through this book, taking my time in admiring each page and seeing endless powerful images of beauty. Dream and forge on as they say. Thank you Patrick Rosas for making me believe.

Rituals is published by ABS CBN publishing and is currently available at National Book Store for P4,500.00.

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February 19, 2015

Beauty Behind the Scenes Uncategorized

Pretty in Prom: Look of the Day (Tutorial)

Prom season is upon so many young ladies this month and I thought of creating some looks for inspiration . I decided to go for a wearable smoky look with a light pink lip for those who want a well dressed appeal but without going overboard. It can be adapted to suit a day look as well by toning it down like removing the false lashes and switching from a black eyeliner to a brown one. I kept in mind also the sweat proof factor of this look by using waterproof products that will carry you until the evening. Hope you like it and give me your thoughts on what looks you’d like to see for your prom.

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February 18, 2014

Beauty Behind the Scenes Bridal PreNup

From Geneva with Love

Here we go… Another Prenup! It’s never enup hahahahaha!!! This time its for the De Chavez – Clerigo Nuptials. This couple is the most interesting one for me, they are both Geneva based, working in the World Trade Organization or WTO. Pam works in the Copyright Development Division while John is assigned in the Informatics Division of the same organization. They are a young couple at the top of the world so to speak, based on their stories, they seem so well traveled, Europe is their playground of choice. Try topping that! Love their website! I wish I could post it but it is a private one. They created it to chronicle their wedding timeline only to find out, it will be a memory bank of wonderful memories with the glorious sophisticated backdrop of Europe! So young yet so accomplished in their own right. It really is so inspiring to see this couple so grounded yet so determined to start their life with a sense of spirituality and respect for one another.

“Tuesdate”

I met this couple at a Wedding Expo at the beginning of the year and I must say I was the one who was honoured to be chosen by this wonderful couple to be one of their suppliers. First off, the date of their wedding. December 24 2013. Tuesday . Christmas Eve? Really? Reason why this date was chosen? John proposed on January 1 2013 a Tuesday. Tuesday is the day they allot for themselves to relax and devote to prayer time as a couple. John decided that to better remember their milestones as a couple, December 24 is pretty easy to remember right? Pasko na sinta ko!!!! Christmas and New Year are this couples’s anniversaries! Few couples start their marriage with God as the centre of their lives and this couple humbled me in so many ways. Most couples focus on the wedding day itself but this couple chose otherwise and decided to put their energies into the Lord as the centre of their marriage. What a great way to begin a a life together as husband and wife!!! Future couples out there take note.

Prenup Game Plan

The concept behind their prenup was a travel themed one. Land, Sea and Air to be exact. This was a perfect theme because it totally highlighted the couples’ love for travel. First Destination was Intramuros, Land. Location was at Fort Santiago, where I had my wedding reception in 1996. So romantic. Sigh…. Photography was done by the EverReady battery team of Jun Garcia of Exige Photography. Hair was done by Gladys Tiosen. This is how it turned out. Pam and John were such girl and boy scouts they were their own fashion and wardrobe stylists. Each look was perfectly orchestrated with the right outfit, the appropriate accessories and of course a winning attitude. I think they should consider getting a sideline and work with me on shoots!!! All photos below were courtesy of John Clerigo and Pam De Chavez taken from their website.

7Q6A0400 — The Blushing bride and so so in love

7Q6A0647 — Shades of Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady talaga

Our Makeup look here was to convey the classic looking bride with makeup suited for a morning wedding. See the Makeup Chart for Makeup details.

P1070713 — Morning Bride. Look #1. Classic Bride. Kate Middleton was the inspiration for this look.

The Second Prenup Look was done at the Manila Yacht Club. For this look, makeup was more on the bronzy side and the hair was supposed to be loose with cascading curls perfectly setup by the bun from the first look. However, we didn’t expect the wind to be extremely strong in this place. We had to use a scarf to tie her hair which Pam brought with her. It was an impromptu prop. We had a good laugh on this take, the lashes were threatening to come off with the force of the wind!!! Love is in the air and so were her lashes. Hahahahahaha!

P1070712 — Second look for the “Sea” themed aspect of the shoot was more of a bronzy look with a reddish brown lip

7Q6A1245 — The Look of Love. Nautical or naughty but nice?

The third and last look of the shoot was the “Air” themed shoot held at Villamor Air Base museum. It was a photo finish for all of us, because of the Manila traffic on a Friday, that held us back, but with luck and prayer, made it before closing time. The third look for Pam was more of a toned down smoky look but Pam requested a glam ponytail to match her gown of black and white, an epitome of sophistication.

P1070766 — Focus your attention to the left. The rain was about to pour when this photo was taken.

7Q6A1618 — Alas, rain had caught up on us and this was one of the few shots that was taken after the downpour. Pam had to change into a cocktail dress for this photo.

7Q6A1605 — Rain was definitely pouring and so as not to waste any more precious time, looked for another place to shoot the remaining images.

Oh one more thing, they had a Save the Date Video Shoot the following week! Location was in Tagaytay Highlands, the venue of their wedding. It was a great day to shoot and John And Pam were eager to do this to maximise their time in Manila before heading back to Geneva. Hair was done by Gladys Tiosen. Video shoot was shot by Mr. Michael Roldan of Exige Weddings.

P1070803 — What a good looking couple they make. I love the crispness of the white outfits.

P1070785 — Ready na ready for a closeup.

I am very excited for this wedding and even if it falls on Christmas Eve, this is one union I won’t forget. As the saying goes, when you put God in the centre of your lives, nothing will go wrong. I wish John and Pam the grace and love for one another to unite your hearts in unselfish harmony so that your needs and wishes for one another can be lived in a life that is devoted to serving Him. With a grateful heart, Congratulations to a wonderful couple. See you on the 24th. Cheers!!!

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December 7, 2013

Beauty Behind the Scenes Bridal PreNup

Pre Nup or is it a case of Never Enup?

The very first time I heard of a Prenup before a wedding event was from a cousin of mine, Sandy Henson, who was getting married at that time to her longtime friend and soul mate, Fernando De Achaval in July 22, 2011. She asked me if I could do her Prenup. Prenup? I asked in horror. Why do you need me for a Prenup? Fernando asked you to sign a Prenup? On what grounds do you need to sign a Prenup? These were the thoughts racing in my mind and I immediately told her that a Prenup was such a tasteless way to start a wedding and that she should reconsider her wedding plans to him because I saw a red flag hovering somewhere there. The actual definition of a Prenup is a document that either party signs before a wedding to protect significant assets that one brings into a marriage, in the event of a divorce or separation. So formal and so business like. Not romantic at all.

I felt like I had to be an Ate to her and give her my 5 cents worth of marriage advice because I felt I had to tell her something is wrong. She laughed and told me to chillax because nowadays, a Prenup is actually a photo or video shoot not a document. Susme! Prenups by today’s definition are video or photo shoots of the couple in varying moments of love all captured in digital media for all to see and shown during the wedding reception. This becomes part of their wedding album. Huwow!!!! I never felt so behind the times, considering I’m supposed to know this right?

I said to myself, wow how times have changed; I never had a Prenup during my wedding in 1996 so this Prenup concept was a bit shocking to me. All that I had as a memento of my wedding was a wedding album with 5×7 photos inside it. No video, none of the social media posting that we do get today. I was getting over the shock but soon after felt relieved and excited to be a part of something romantic and magical, and so I agreed, and shock turned into excitement and being honored to be a part of this couple’s magical love train. The shoot was captured by no less than Jason De Guzman of Imagine Nation Photography and Manu Cuevas. Hair was expertly styled under the deft and skilled hands of noted hairstylist Alee Benson. Makeup Used was Nars Bridal Palette on her eyes, MAC Lingering for her brows, MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NC 35, MAC Blacktrack Fluidline, Orgasm Blush, Makeup Forever Sculpting kit and MAC Spice lip liner topped with Angel Lipstick.

Felt the love already. First few shots of the day and there is no feeling of hiya or stiffness between the two. Photographer Jason was excited to see the progress of the shoot.

Lovers Delight. This is one of my best photos. The bride used this for her profile photo in Facebook recently.

Last few shots of the day and they were still in good spirits. Jason couldn’t have captured it any better.

As I write this, Sandy and Fernando have been married for the past two years and I can testify that the mood and feeling captured in these few photos are still shared up to now. When I follow them in their Facebook and Instagram accounts, I see them express their love for one another by posting random acts of kindness , some may call it oversharing or TMI (too much information) but I commend them for keeping the flames of passion burning between them. Nowadays, love can be cheap and overrated, with expressions of motherhood statements about empty promises but not these two lovebirds.

Currently they are trying to expand their family and I wish them all the luck and happiness and I have no doubt it will be sooner than they think. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Love you both Sandy and Fernando. A huge thanks to you for making me a part of your wedding and your lovefest.

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September 28, 2013

Tag: Beauty