Unleash the Rebellious Power of the Universe in Twenty Twelve!

The Rebellious Brides
Photo by Mark Cantalejo
Makeup by Mica Tuano
Head Candies by Bonsai Fojas
Kai's gown by Hindy Weber Tantoco / Mica's gowm by Sassa Jimenez
On Location at Pontefino Batangas


First of all, Happy New Year to our dear Rebellious Brides! There were so many ways on how I could have written this "New Year" post---some of the things that I randomly thought of were: a recap of the 2011 rebellious wedding trends, or a simple greeting from me and Mica, or one, last rebellious post feature to end the year. But as I reflected on what would mean most, to us--and what meaningful post we can pass on to you, one thing in 2011 really stuck to me the most--and that is, how Mica and I both used the power of the law of attraction, positivity, and vision boards to get to where we want to be right now. In 2009-2010, a bunch of us girls, myself and Mica included, set out a goal to be married before 2012....and true enough, each and every one of those gals ARE married already! And boy was 2011 a big year for both me and Mica....how did we do it? We just tried our darnest to stay positive and fight for what we wanted. Sure, we've had some rough patches along the way but we tried to keep on fighting 'till the end (doesn't that sound like a line from "We are the Champions"? hehe). 

Thank You Calligraphy/Artwork by Rebellious Bunch - The Fozzy Book


So as we close one of the biggest and happiest years of our lives EVER, 2012 looks very bright for the Rebellious Brides...we are now at 120,000 pageviews in just 5 months of launching, and we are ushering in the new year with gigs for our Wedding Agency/Wedding Consultancy services, and our very first collaborations/campaigns about to launch in January of 2012. How awesome is that?!?!

The Year That was Twenty Eleven

You know how each and every station, and all the other media outfits for that matter, counts down the best of 2011? So allow us to indulge a little bit as Mica and I look back at the best of 2011--at least in our own personal books! ;)








Marc and Mica MTV | The GAME from Ian Cruz Films on Vimeo.


Cy + Kai - The Wedding Documentary from Kai Palileo-Cruz on Vimeo.




Kai and Cy's Wedding from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.


Marc + Mica SDE from Kai Palileo-Cruz on Vimeo.



The Meme Proposal

Thank you for the Tweet Tip @natsumyre :)
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It's the day after Christmas and I feel giddy! The most amazing thing about it, is that I feel giddy about a Proposal Video all the way from Kuala Lumpur, from a videographer and a couple that we don't even know. And that's the beauty of weddings, and the beauty of talented videographers. Technique, angles, fancy cameras can only go so far--it's the storytelling and the simplicity of it that requires creativity and talent. I totally love this video and how cool is it to actually give as equal importance to the Proposal Video? In fact, in my opinion, this should be given more time & effort than prenup videos--only because to capture this raw moment is so much more genuine than rehearsed prenups. A light bulb idea for the guys perhaps? Wink, wink!

So here is the video from the talented guys over at Kuala Lumpur, the Crazy Monkey Studio and congratulations to your engagement Tim & Audrey! Much love and luck from The Rebellious Brides back here in Manila ;)



Rebellious Idea: Re-use Wedding Props for the Holidays

When my friend Bonsai told me she saw a purple Christmas tree in the mall, I started my holiday hunt. My husband succumbed to my tree hunt and went on the mission with me. Our eyes just popped when we saw the prizes (I did not have enough holiday spirit to buy a seven-thousand peso tree...even if it's purple). So I always went home defeated. No tree!

And then it dawned on me. I still had my purple and blue paper flowers from our wedding! D-I-Y Christmas tree was the way to go. Since I didn't spend on that, I had more money for gifts ;)


We made around 300 Japanese paper flowers for our wedding!

They were scattered everywhere as decor :) Don't mind our silly dance.

From Decor to 2D Purple and Blue Christmas Tree! TADAAAAH!

Gifts underneath our tree :D


Click to see what fellow Rebellious Bride Kai did for their holiday decor using stuff from their wedding.

Random Rebellion #11

A little bit of handmade inspiration from Rebellious Bunch - {etc} befitting of the holidays ;)


{etc} writes: Starbucks-inspired boutonnieres for Edgardo and Chrisabel-Cyr! You have to admit it: they're sooooo fab! How cute are the heart-shaped waffles?! ♥ 

Kate Spade Mood Board #6


There really is a reason why I am just in love w/ Kate Spade. My personality and style are just so in sync with Kate Spade! For instance, I've been so in love w/ Navy right now--in fact, the original gown idea for the Vegas wedding was supposed to be Navy (I'm speaking in past tense because I am no longer having a gown made for Vegas. Long story...)Actually, come to think of it, I am just in love with all shades of Blue (especially Turquoise) in general like for instance, coincidentally, without meaning to do so, I am now wearing a pair of Navy ballet flats, a blue paisley skirt, and electric blue shrug as I am writing this haha! So when I've learned that Kate Spade's color of the month is Navy, I was just like--wow--Kate Spade really gets me! Hehe. 


Rebellious Idea - The RENT Wedding

lifted from: http://effyeahrentquotes.tumblr.com

Here's an unexpected holiday-themed wedding. Unexpected because on the surface, there's nothing very "holiday-ish" about it. But it definitely is. I am a certified rent-head. Apart from the fact that I just have to make sure all my friends sit through a 4-hour documentary on Rent and creator Jonathan Larson, there was one Christmas when I painstakingly created my own artworks based on this musical's songs, printed each, and gave set cards to my friends, and in one of my birthdays, my husband surprised me with a "Seasons of Love" number from my closest friends at Fully Booked's private cinema. 


So do you have to be a rent-head just to be able to have a rent-themed wedding? That would just be perfect but this would still make for a wonderful theme even if you are not such a certified fan because Rent is essentially about love, celebration of life, being with friends, and taking a leap of faith. This is also perfect for couples who don't like the cheesy kind of wedding themes but would still want to create that feeling of being in love. Most especially, this is just perfect for the bride who utterly has a rebellious spirit =P


So why is this theme perfect for the holidays? For those who haven't seen the musical or the movie, Rent takes place on Christmas Eve and ends the year after, again on Christmas Eve. It's about resolutions, revolutions, irreverence, and counting the 525,600 minutes in a year measured in love and being with friends. So let's start!

THE FASHION


The Bride as Mimi
L-R: Mimi Look Book from Polyvore , gown from Weddings on The French Riviera

From the Blues to the Reds

Red boxes from MangoRed. Toy sold separately.
Today, I am starting to feel the holiday season :) Finally!

My husband Marc and I visited fellow rebellious bride Kai last night because her husband, Cy, got injured and has to be in bed for some time (Be well!). On their foyer, I saw that they mixed their MangoRed boxes with some candy canes and other holiday displays (I wish I took a photo!). So that inspired me to share with you our rebellious boxes from MangoRed and announce that I'm putting my head up high and saying goodbye to the blues!

So, you see, I have been sulking on and off for a while. Because we were pregnant and it did not push through. Naturally, I was relegated to the bed and felt really blue. But we're young (at hearts), there's nothing wrong with both of us according to the doctors and I guess, it's just not yet time, and so a lot of hope is in our hearts. 

Aside from hope, love is very much present. Circumstances like this cemented a stronger bond with my husband. 


And because I am feeling quite cheerful and loved, I'm doing a flashback of our rebellious wedding. Thanks to MangoRed's little red boxes of love :)


Our Ronac Center wedding :)

Two Rebellious Weddings in a Row


Whew! It's wedding season once again and every supplier is up and about, doing the rounds in the midst of the holiday crowd. 'Tis the season to get married (surprisingly, there are more December brides than June brides). And I am quite lucky to be a part, somehow, of these two wonderful occasions. 

Two different brides, two different weddings, both rebellious and lovely in their own ways.  So here's a sneak peak of their weddings. I'll do an in-depth Rebellious Bride for each when the official photos are posted. But thank goodness for Facebook you can instantly see snippets from the wedding and enjoy them (beat that, ADHD!). Here they are! Enjoy!

Bry and Cheska's vintage themed wedding had elements of quirk and fun.

Jadee and Blake created a rustic garden wedding INDOOR!


But wait, there's more!

Random Rebellion #10

"By the Sea" monogram from Rebellious Bunch - The Fozzy Book

We are very excited about this wedding because not only is the couple close to our hearts, they are also one of the first clients of our Wedding Agency/Consultancy. We also collaborated on a "Rebellious Bride" shoot with the bride, and Rebellious Bride Mica is going to be their makeup artist. The monogram definitely speaks of the couple's personalities--especially the bride. It actually even looks like it could pass for the bride's own doodle! Props to Fozzy Dayrit of The Fozzy Book! 

Rebellious Idea - Old School Weddings

All Photos by Mark Cantalejo
Nothing beats the romantic and nostalgic feeling of handwritten letters, road trips, traveling, and paper details.

Lately, I've been gravitating towards wedding ideas that speak of old souls and details that tell a story. One such wedding is that of Michael & Jackie, from Mark Cantalejo's blog. This reminds me of Griffin & Sabine, elopements, and childhood. Details that are timeless, yet playful and creative. Here are more photo of this wonderful wedding.

Kate Spade Mood Board #5

What's even better than Kate Spade mood boards? Kate Spade's Wedding Belles collection! I just looooove this collection so much! You guys already know that here in Rebellious Brides, we encourage you to be more lenient with allowing your entourage to wear their own dresses. Not only is this more cost efficient for you, but it also gives your entourage their own chance to shine and show their own personal style. Kate Spade's Wedding Belles ensembles are just sooooo pretty and we hope that this gives you fun ideas on how you can spice up your entourage's outfits.


Rebellious Idea - Damask Wedding

Damask Print from: insurrectionx.deviantart.com

I don't know what it is about the holidays that make me gravitate towards damask details. I loooove damask patterns! I can stare at a damask wallpaper for HOURS and just get lost in my own swirling thoughts. In our own wedding, we were able to incorporate damask details through our prints, our font, and in our wed-site. But if I had a "December in the City" type of wedding, I would probably go for an all-out damask wedding. There are different ways to create a wedding made out of damask. But if it were a REBELLIOUS damask wedding, here are two mood boards I created for you:


Damask Boldly

L-R: Armani damask bustier gown from http://www.designsigh.com, Damask chandelier cookies form weddingbycolor.com and Damask skull pendant from http://www.funkytiles.com

 I call this mood board "damask boldly" because it is all about putting damask details in things that you wouldn't normally see this pattern on. Think "damasking" the bustier of a bridal gown, or an irreverent damask/skull pendant, or damask cookies! It's all about creating an element of surprise since damask is already very visually obvious--think damask-printed envelopes instead of the usual damask-invitation. Or think damask photobooth props, instead of the usual damask photobooth backdrop! 

 Damask Colorfully

L-R: Damask headband from garlandsofgrace.com, Damask pattern from http://spoonfollow.wordpress.com, Damask bouquet from weddingbycolor.com
 I call this mood board "damask colorfully" because when you think of damask, instantly you think of rich, opulent textures that are usually in the darker shades. But damasks can also be playful and quirky! Think mixing and matching Damask with the preppy look for your entourage! Or a festive damask print! Or a bouquet with a charming damask touch. Other quirky details may also include clashing a damask print with stripes, or a white bridal gown with a damask belt or damask pumps! 



Hasmin & Miguel by Rebellious Bunch - Pat Dy


Here's an awesome real-life damask wedding taken from Rebellious Bunch - Pat Dy's blog. Miggy & Hasmin literally incorporated their damask detail into everything. The result is a classy wedding with an attitude. Everything was in black and white but together, it looked bold, modern, and chic. The best detail however, was the bride's gown itself. This couple definitely didn't half-ass their theme---they just really followed it through!

"Dear Wedding Bloggers, You Suck"

Thank you to Jason Magbanua for sharing this link! :)
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We just LOVE the honesty of this blog entry written by photographer Meg Surly, from Hindsight Bride.  In this blog write-up, wedding bloggers are put under scrutiny for only featuring editorial-worthy brides, who have creatively polished weddings. And that wedding bloggers are at fault for making ordinary brides feel insecure and that their "normal" weddings are not feature-worthy. The write-up even further drills this down to fad photography and that photogs are equally at fault in creating this wedding madness. It also goes to the bottom of "listed" wedding vendors--and that you shouldn't instantly get them because it is paid advertisement. 


On one hand, we share the same sentiments. In fact, one of the reasons Mica and I were compelled to make our own blog is because we were saddened by the fact that there are wedding blogs that won't feature you if you are not part of the "creme dela creme" or will feature you but will even go as far as change your wedding write-up just so it would fit their own interest. We also don't like paid listings that's why our Rebellious Bunch list is only strictly "by invite" only. 


On the other hand though, we do understand that some blogs/sites do some sort of filtering because they only want to cater to a certain niche, so as a bride, I guess the more important thing is for you not to be gullible and to know first what type of bride you are--then that's the time you choose which blog/site is for you. You don't have to read each and every wedding blog out there, anyway--and you shouldn't be dictated by these things too. They are just inspirations! Bottom line is, it should still be YOUR decision and your wedding should speak of YOUR OWN personalities. 


This write-up is a very interesting read, but note however that it doesn't necessarily apply to the local scene as well. First of all, in the local scene, you have Bridal Book, W@W, and even yours truly, that feature and embrace brides of all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. Second of all, in the local scene, the "fight" is not so much on being creative for the sake of creativity. The "fight" here in the Philippines, is more of inspiring brides to be independent and assertive from family and society who dictate decisions for the bride. And third of all, I truly believe that we have amazing photographers who are firm believers of naturally beautiful photographs---photos that are even more wicked in its raw form, photogs who are game-changers rather than "fad-ish"--that's why I think Filipino photographers are even flown to different countries around the globe because they are just in a whole other level! 


And with that being said, here's the blog article. Again, kudos to the honesty! Very refreshing indeed!

**taptap** Hello? Is this thing on? Oh, hey, wedding bloggers! I’m glad I have your attention. It’s your friendly neighborhood photographer here, sharing with you a little bit of insight from within the tiny walls of my office. You see, there’s a lot of blogging trends going on that I find particularly un-swoon-worthy. Of course, this is just my own humble opinion, but I am here to represent the other photographers and brides of the world who don’t feel heard or seen.


why aren’t we being heard or seen?


Why are our weddings being repeatedly rejected from wedding blogs? It is certainly not because of the quality of photography. I have repeatedly seen photography on blogs like Cockles and Pretties that would make a 3-year-old look like a pro. At the same time, I’ve seen gorgeous wedding photography shot by colleagues turned down for publication. Why? Because not all of our weddings include brides sporting bird nests in their hair, or pretty, young Anthropologie-swathed bridesmaids, or meticulously stenciled miniature burlap dinosaurs holding up place cards made from the recycled issues of Rolling Stone, or weddings held in obscure meadows that can only be reached via bush pilot or a team of sled dogs. Sound over the top? It is, but you publish this stuff daily! So what is the reality behind many weddings?

Rebellious Tips from Net-a-Porter

Luxury gowns from Net-a-Porter
Have you guys ever tried shopping from Net-a-Porter? If you love or would want to try buying your first luxury, high-ticket item like a pair of Christian Louboutins, Net-a-Porter is the way to go. It's safe, you get to shop for items that are not available locally, and they even ship it to you so nicely--like you've just received a gift from fairy godmother. 



They have a beautiful wedding boutique too. And what I love about Net-a-Porter, is they are all about the modern, fashion forward, rebel bride. Their gowns are anti-traditional, and they even have 25 Tips on how to become a Modern Bride! It's an interesting read! View it here: 





Anti-White Part 2

(DISCLAIMER: The title is not meant to be a derogatory term)

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Anti-White Gown by Cecilio Abad (Photo by Nelwin Uy)
When we previously wrote about colored bridal gowns (read anti-white), we didn't have enough local references to create a stronger case for those of you out there who are still not convinced with this rebellious plan. But now we'd like to share with you, other real-life brides who have actually donned anti-white gowns!

Anti-White Gown by Veluz



Anti-White Gown by Veluz


Rebellious Celebrity Bride - Jolina Magdangal



Jolina Magdangal has got to be one of the quirkiest local celebrities around. That's why her wedding was something to definitely look forward to. And since the wedding will have a special episode on GMA 7 this December 4, naturally, most of the official wedding details are still kept under wraps. But in our effort to find as much details about this rebellious wedding as much as we can, here are some of the things that we were able to get for you! 

Rebellious Details from the Jolina + Mark Weddings:

Photo lifted from PhilStar. Click HERE for related article


1. The bride had TWO weddings  - In the couple's effort to marry tradition with their dream wedding, the couple first had an intimate church wedding with just their immediate families at Madre de Dios (Tagaytay Midlands). In the first wedding, the bride wore a PINK off-the-rack, short dress (LOVE THIS!), styled with a white veil. The second wedding, was a "hippie picnic"-themed wedding, and the bride wore a wreath veil, a DIY pair of bridal shoes, and fairy wings during the reception.


2. The bride FOUGHT for her dream wedding -- ever since she was just a child, she dreamed of a wedding where her ceiling would literally be the heavens--and it was non-negotiable. The couple executed it so beautifully!





Random Rebellion #6

Rebellious Bunch - Bonne by Bonsai Fojas never ceases to surprise us.


Vintage-inspired Handmade Bridal and Entourage Bouquets

Bonsai writes: Each of the 200 floral appliques was made lovingly by hand using a gradation of satin fabric (white, ivory, beige and a touch of gold), accented with pearls, beads, brooches feathers and lace trimming for the handles. Didn't think I could do it, but I said yes anyway haha

Rebellious Advice: Focus on the Two of You

Wedding preps can go crazy. Stop. Breathe. Hold hands and go back to what's important.

Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in the wedding process, the details, that we forget what's more important: the two of you. This entry is for you to see beyond all the hullabaloo and fluff and re-discover what you and your fiance is all about. Love. 

This photographer sums it up pretty much. Read on.

Wise words from a wedding photographer…

The wedding train has derailed.
Put down those mason jars, store away that vintage typewriter and fairy lights and sit down because you need to listen. This is an intervention. The whole wedding industry has gone detail bananas and we need to clear a few things up.
- You! Over there! Step away from the hay bales and the Vintage Navajo rugs and come over here. Sit! Down! No, you don’t have to put lavender on the plates, you need to wake up!
We’re getting lost in details. The whole wedding industry is drifting away from what weddings are about and we’re all part of the problem – bloggers, photographers, planners and vendors – all hypocrites feeding the detail beast.
Strip it back.
Peel the layers off.
And start again.
At the center of every wedding we have a girl. Who fell in love with a boy. Or a girl who fell in love with a girl. Or a boy who fell in l… you get my point.
The rest is fluff.
If you read magazines and wedding blogs today, you’d think it’s all about the dress, the decorations, invitations or a million other things.
THINGS.
It’s not.
It’s about celebrating love, a manifestation of commitment, a gathering of friends and family.
Because you’re in love.
But if you visit many of the blogs today, you’d think it’s about other things. Heck, there are even themed shoots with no people. As if candles and old LP players on a blanket in a clearing in a forest make a wedding. Just add people. And maybe a groom. Or actually don’t, the wedding is about the details, remember? Details, details, details.
Strip it back.
Peel the layers off.
And start again.
Weddings are about people, it’s about commitment and celebrating love. It’s about you. Build on that and everything else will follow.
I am a detail person, so it’s not that I don’t like details. I love details. Details, details, details. Love them. I honestly do. I’ve worked with some of the best planners in the business and they’ve styled weddings to perfection, made details stand out and it’s always been great, because they’ve built on the couples, starting with who they are. And I actually like shooting details. A lot.
When I was younger I used to record mix tapes and give to girls I liked.
Every detail was thought out, every letter, every scribble, every word on that tape had meaning. I love me some details. I grew up in a house with vintage bottles and mason jars everywhere. That and rocks collected from oceans and fields. So I get the jar and bottle thing, I truly do. Throw in some rocks and I’m there. But remember what the wedding is about, why you’re doing this, that’s all you really need. Don’t stress out about building a fairytale wedding, perfectly crafted, every detail borrowed from somewhere else.
Look away from the blogs and magazines.
And look within.
Why are you doing this? What does it mean to you? Do you really need all that…stuff? And if you want stuff, are you adding stuff that actually means something to you? What do you want to remember from your day? The cake, the flowers, the dress from Hoya de la Poopy?
Or do you want to focus on that moment between you two? The boy? Who fell in love with a girl?
Strip it back.
Peel the layers off.
And start again.

(via jonas peterson photography)
Source: jonaspeterson.com

In the end, what's really important is two of you and what you want. May your wedding be the start of peeling off the layers and being able to just be. Good luck to all those doing their wedding preps.

Yours in beauty & love,

Mica 

Rebellious Digital Empowerment

UBER COOL made-to-order wedding invitations at MINTED.COM

In this digital and global age, I am surprised at how most Filipinos are still very hesitant at the thought of online shopping. I have been shopping online for almost 12 years now and I have to say that it is quite satisfying. Yes, you definitely need to look out for scammers--but I only experienced about three bad purchases out of the hundreds I've done in the past. I have acquired a variety of items too! From customized wedding tissue packs, to my macbook, to clothes, to even our reservation for our Elvis Vegas wedding! 

The world wide web, is not just there to provide you with ideas for your wedding--you can practically create your wedding--from your gown to your invitations to your bridal registry!

Rebellious Bunch: Chestknots Studios

Meet the quirky-named photo team who rebelliously try to create their niche in wedding photography. RB, fall in love with Chestknots Studios.

"For me rebellious brides are those who have the desire to create a unique wedding experience not only for themselves as a couple but for their families and friends as well. It's always going for what could be done differently but still reflects who they are for the wedding and it can go from mild to wild. :):)

They are a unique breed of brides that lean towards the creatives and the unconventional yet remain romantic. They are hands-on and involved. They seem to be catching fire and am loving the fact that we have been getting a lot of brides with ideas that are just refreshingly creative. And our team joyfully helps them make it happen.

I will not be surprised in the near future when those we call rebellious; will be the new normal.. :):)"

-Jay Jay Lucas of Chestknots Studios





"ONE BIG FIGHT!"

No this is not about a basketball-themed wedding haha. Mica and I are not Atenians but if there's one thing about Ateneo that I find inspiring, it's their "One Big Fight" mantra which I'd like to apply here in Rebellious Brides.

Just the other day, we published a blog post that is meant to create awareness that Bride Bullying exists and we want it stopped. Let me ask you this--before Rebellious Brides, before Bridal Book, before Bride and Breakfast, where do you get your fix of wedding creativity? I get mine from US-based blog: Green Wedding Shoes. However, we know that no matter how much Filipina brides try to apply creative ideas found in blogs from a different part of the planet, the culture, the tradition, and the hold of parents and relatives are just very different around here. That's why these blogs can only be that--an inspiration, but sadly, not necessarily applied.

HOWEVER, we hope that you guys can change this. Are your wedding ideas worth the fight? We say it is. It's not just about the wedding and being able to execute what you want--it's about INDEPENDENCE.

As an inspiration, I'd like to show you one of the most creative and beautiful weddings I have seen recently in Green Wedding Shoes. We hope that looking at weddings like this could give you enough courage to own up to your wedding.

The Pixel Cowboy Wedding by Brit & Dave

Photos lifted from Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by David Stubbs

They were both geeky--as in worked at Google, lived in Silicon Valley, geeky. So how amazing is it that they've found an entire theme from PIXEL? This wedding has so many BRILLIANT ideas! Check it out!


The boys and girls of the entourage were styled so beautifully! The girls wore a tutu skirt, 
layered with denim vests and awesome cowboy boots! They held "pixelated" hear-shaped
wooden signages that says "Here Comes the Bride", "Love", "Laugh"