Real Bride: Jill Generoso-Ramos

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

As an Organization Development Manager, part of my job involves Employee Engagement and a small component of this has to do with designing programs and ensuring execution of different activities like Strategic Planning, Team Building, Sports Festivals, and Christmas and Anniversary Celebrations. When designing events, I look into Branding and how it is cohesively tied to the whole program. This was a plus for me when I had to plan my wedding, which entailed a lot of visual work from my end to the point that I had a LookBook for the organizers, stylists, gown suppliers, hair and makeup artists, cake design, etc. I also made the layout for our invites, the letters we gave our principal sponsors, table numbers, framed seat guide for the guests, VIP place cards, our logo, etc. This meant longer discussions with my coordinator who was also in charge of the styling, and presentations to my husband—he was the one who chose the final look, given the options I provided him.

Where was your wedding held and what made you decide to choose the location? 

We were married in Santuario de San Jose Parish, Greenhills and reception was held at EDSA Shangri-La Garden Ballroom. My husband and I wanted to get married on a Sunday, to avoid heavy traffic and we wanted it somewhere near our place—so this arrangement was perfect. We wanted a church with a long aisle and of course, air-conditioning to keep everybody comfortable. The Garden Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La was perfect for the number of guests we wanted to invite, and it was secluded from the other event halls they had. They also included a lot of things as part of their package—food, bridal car, photobooth, cocktails, string quartet and accommodations for my family and my in-laws. Given the demands of work for both my husband and I, this was an ideal set up.

What lip color did you choose for the wedding day? 

Gretchen and I went for a more natural look, so I wore Kat Von D in Lolita for the church, and Double Dare for the reception.

 What was in your wedding day makeup kit or pouch?

During the day, John and I had our coordinator bring our essentials, which for me included my KVD lippies, lip balm, mint, snacks, bottled water, and medicine for headache and pain.

What were the preparations you did for your skin prior to the wedding day? Did you go to a skincare center regularly? What kind of services did you have done? Is this something you would recommend to other brides-to-be?

My skin has always been sensitive to products and procedures, so it was important for me to just continue with my everyday routine—cleanse, tone, and use argan oil for moisturizing. The best beauty advice I received: if you’ll be using a product or you’ll be undergoing a procedure for the very first time, it’s important to try it months before your wedding day to give your skin some time to heal, in case something goes terribly wrong.

What was your biggest takeaway from your wedding day? Do you have any beauty-related tips you’d like to share to upcoming brides?

For me, visualization is key. Know how you want your wedding to look and the general feel of the entire day. This was important when I was planning, so I could work my way back from the end in mind. During the day itself, let it all go! Stop worrying. You’ve planned carefully for months, there will be glitches—but focus on why you’re there in the first place: your husband, your future, your happily ever after.

From my husband, big moments happen with your family and friends. The real ones. That from now on, the list of family and friends will only grow. That I will have more than one family. That sooner or later, he will be starting his own family with me. That we will attend our son’s or daughter’s own wedding someday!