I’ve been blessed this year with weddings and this is another pre-nup story I would like to share with you.  I met this couple at the same Wedding Expo early this year and what can I say, she was my “buena mano“, which translates to may you have good fortune in the Latin American culture, or to be specific, to convey a wish that the first transaction of the day bring good fortune to both buyer and seller.

Rhea Lopez was so sweet when she came to my booth and she instantly liked my work after having gone around the expo to shop around.  Her wedding will be out of town, and she sheepishly asked if I was available on her date December 29, 2013.  Of course, I was available!  I was so touched when she told me that among a sea of makeup artists that day, she liked my work because it reflected her natural beauty sensibility without having to look like Barbie.

I think I am on the right path here.  Hahahaha!

Months later, she called to book a pre-nup shoot and, lo and behold, it was also out of town.  She hired the services of Kenneth Uy Photography to do her photos and video and he suggested that to have a different look and feel,  the shoot be done in Ilocos Norte!  Mr. Uy had previously done a pre-nup there and he found so many interesting locations and backdrops that could add drama and nostalgia for this particular shoot.  After a few calls and emails, we were on a plane headed to Ilocos Norte on July 19.  I was with Gladys Tiosen who also provided the hair services.

Cape Boreador Lighthouse

First shoot of the day was at Cape Boreador Lighthouse.  Immediately, one gets the sense of adventure as you are climbing the steps to this lighthouse.  It is quite a steep ascent and bride and entourage managed to make it with a slight shortness of breath.  What awaits the visitor is a sweeping magnificent view of the seaside.

Paoay Church

Mind you, getting to different locations in Ilocos Norte was not an easy feat, they are distanced very far apart.  We shot in Bangui, where the famous windmills are located but we couldn’t go any nearer to the couple or we were going to be in the shot.    This was one of the last few shots of the day and Mr. Uy did not want to lose the light, he shot this photo against the backdrop of the famous Paoay Church.  As their saying goes, Kumakaway galing sa Paoay.

Love love love this photo.

Sand Dunes

Last shoot for the day.  This is where many movies were filmed and story has it that the famous movie of Tom Cruise Fourth of July was shot in the early 90’s.  This is where the shoot got edgy and very Vogue Like.  The peg for this look was cowboy meets rebel.  Hair was very loose and makeup was a carry over from the last two except Rhea requested for a red lip colour to show the edgy side of her.  I say very bagay.  The wind here was so strong and cold you needed a jacket to keep yourself warm.

The day ended with a lot of photos taken and it was mission accomplished.  We headed back to Manila that early evening, and our brief adventure was rewarded with happy smiles and high fives among us.

Thank You Rhea and Ivan and see you on the 29th!