Real Bride: Sarah Manuel-Salcedo

Where was the wedding held? What made you opt to go for a destination wedding?

The wedding ceremony was at Santuario de San Jose in East Greenhills, San Juan, while our reception was held at Manila Polo Club.

How was it like planning a destination wedding? What were the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Our wedding was not a destination wedding, but being an overseas bride, there were a lot of obstacles we had to face. The biggest of which was communication between us and the suppliers. Most of the communications were through Viber, Messenger, and E-mails. My one-week visit last August helped a lot as I met most of my suppliers. This helped them view a clearer picture of what we wanted during our wedding.

How did you choose your suppliers?

Early on, we already knew the major suppliers to book – coordinator, videographer, photographer, wedding gown couterier. The rest of the suppliers were either through referral by friends from Auckland or through my coordinator. Of course, I googled reviews before booking any of them. It’s important as well to ask if the suppliers have worked with each other from previous events. Thank God, all of them were really good and our wedding day went on smoothly and hassle-free.

How did you coordinate with guests and suppliers?

Mostly through Viber, Messenger, Skype, and E-mail. My visit last August 2017 was very helpful. I met most of my suppliers personally, which then helped them paint a clearer picture of what we wanted for our wedding.

What’s the inspiration behind your wedding look? Did you have any hair and makeup pegs?

Honeslty, I did not have any hair and makeup pegs. I owe it up to my hair and makeup artist, KRamos Artistry, who has been my friend since university days. She saw my gown a week before the wedding, and already knew what look would fit me perfectly.

Who designed your wedding gown, and how did you come up with the style? How long did it take to create or find the perfect wedding dress?

My gown was beautifully created by Gretchen Pichay. I did not look for any other couterier as two of my “barkada” from Auckland had their wedding gowns made by her, and when I met her at Skype, I liked her already! She sketched the design of my gown based from the Pinterest pegs I sent her. My (then) boyfriend did measurements through Skype nine months before the wedding, had my mock dress ready four months prior, and had my first fitting a month before the wedding. We had three fittings (every week) before the big day.

What lip color did you choose for the wedding day?

My makeup artist used MAC’s Hot Gossip for the ceremony and Russian Red for the reception and after party.

What was in your wedding day makeup kit/pouch?

My angel (coordinator) had my pouch the whole day so I just relied on her to carry my phone, perfume, and spare contact lenses.

“Do not forget to wear sunscreen everyday!”

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?

Honestly I wasn’t able to do any preparations as I was out of town for most of the days prior to the wedding. I went to Bicol two weeks before the wedding, Boracay a week prior and arrived from Bangkok three days before the wedding (HEHE). I just made sure I had my sunblock and insect repellant with me everyday.

What was the best beauty advice you received that helped you prepare for your wedding?

Make sure to look after yourself months before the big day. Eat healthy food, exercise, keep yourself hydrated and get enough sleep. Also, do not forget to wear sunscreen everyday!

How about in terms of fitness? What did you do months before the wedding to stay in shape and make sure your wedding dress fit perfectly? Did you enroll in a gym or fitness center? What was your diet like?

I was regularly working out and running even before the engagement. When my husband enrolled for Muay Thai months before the wedding, I joined him too. I must admit though, we stopped eating white rice, and started loving sandwiches! I think that helped a lot. Although, when we came back to the Philippines, and it was the holiday season, we were not able to resist! I just had to take some in but with smaller portions.

Did you have your nails done? If so, where? Would you recommend this nail salon to others?

I had my nails done by our trusted family “manicurista” – Ate Diding. She was with us during our entire stay in the hotel.

What was your biggest takeaway from your wedding day? Do you have any beauty-related tips (or tips in general) that you can share?

Enjoy the day and let go. Trust your suppliers and coordinators to do their work. Do not nitpick and get frustrated if anything doesn’t go your way – there is nothing to be nervous about if you’re prepared. Being a bride is really fun! Savor every bit of your day as it will go by swiftly.