CEBU, Philippines - I remember the old days when my aunt got hitched. She, the progenitor of all obsessive compulsive behavior that runs in our veins, married when she was almost 30 years old. Thus, most naturally, she planned and ran her own wedding to the minutest detail, like a superwoman. And like any other heroine, Joan of Arc and our very own Darna, she ended up harassed looking after all the stress.
Can you imagine designing your own gown, the entourage’s, your husband’s, your family’s formal outfits, going to your neighborhood “costurera,” buying all the clothing materials, making follow ups for fittings, going to the flowershop, the bakeshop, the caterer, the church and doing your own hair and make up single-handedly, not to mention arranging for the transportation and accommodation for the local and out of town guests? Whew! Goodness gracious, give me a woman who still looks gorgeous after all those tasks and I’ll offer a sure fire solution to the Philippines’ quasi-political system squabbles! It can’t just be done alone.
In this modern day and age, a team of experts can ease every blushing bride’s dilemma. Enter Lifetime Events Depot and all the bride has to do is smile and say “I do.”
Here’s a tete-a-tete with the wedding planners:
The Freeman: How did you come up with the group?
Lifetime Events Depot: We have been in the business for quite some time and have established our names in the wedding industry, and in many occasions we have worked with each other on many weddings. What makes it rather special is working with a team that you almost need not communicate with because you are comforted in the knowledge that we will deliver on the dot and go the extra mile. Our clients deserve the best that’s why we’ve assembled only the best.
TF: What are the bases for the group’s exclusive selection of members?
LED: It’s probably because of the many virtues that we all agree on, share and hold dear. We establish a relationship that goes beyond the titles of partners and clients, always dealing with a win-win attitude among your partners and clients. Most of all, we find time to gather and laugh out silly with our partners and clients.
TF: What can you offer that others can’t?
LED: We want our guests to be first and foremost comfortable with us. Many out there will offer their trust, but then you can trust someone but not feel comfortable. Being comfortable with our clients, and them with us, is our top concern. And when we work with that virtue in mind, that’s where we bring out the best in everyone.
TF: What’s the group’s specialty?
LED: You can say we liken ourselves to a “Swiss knife” each has his own function a specific field of specialty and knows what he or she is doing but held together as one, diverse but united with one goal, exceeding customer’s expectation, satisfaction and excellence. That’s what holds us together.
Sheila Ruiz of Lushblooms nervous the exquisite flower designs and stylings. Protacio provides gorgeous gowns, while Jessie Glova goes the glamorous make over. Chedz Cakes not only makes it look good, it tastes good, as well. Claire and Kenn of Right Connect who handles the coordination and the reception program. Ralyn’s Designs for her invites, choco and beverage fountains, while Eugene Florendo for those magical shots captured on video. Rolando Pascua for his jaw dropping photos and Tropical Souvenirs for those one of a kind give-aways. What’s unique about this new team, aside from it’s ability to draw out from a couple’s ideas and materialize their theme on their wedding day, is the team’s ability to watch over each other’s (and the client’s) back.
TF: What’s your dream concept for a bride, collectively speaking?
LED: It’s hard to say since each has its own ideal dream theme for a bride but the formula to mesh these ideas together is an open mind and good communication. Given a clueless bride who would entrust us with literally everything, (that includes unlimited budget), we will come up with something that’s a bit daring and has never been done before. Yet each idea can always blend harmoniously together, whatever it may be. With a team like this, just imagine what each of the members can conjure and combine that concept together on that big day.
TF: What’s your direction as a group?
LED: To become a by-word in the wedding and events industry: like, think of cameras and there’s Kodak. Say weddings, ah that’s Lifetime Events Depot.
TF: Can you picture your group in five years?
LED: Expand our wedding services in the Visayas and Mindanao area and even in other countries.
TF: What’s the best advice your group can give to a future bride?
LED: Be clear with what you want and express it clearly, be comfortable with and trust your suppliers, be open to suggestions, deal with a win-win attitude and above all, have fun and laugh with your suppliers in the preparation.