There’s an old tradition in the Philippines which dictates that to prevent cloudy skies and rain on your wedding day, you offer eggs to St. Clare,  the patroness of good weather.

Some go a step further and actually offer eggs to the Monastery of the Poor Clares where the nuns put to good use the offered eggs.

Faith worked it’s wonders last weekend as Cecile and Jude’s big day was blessed with blue skies and shining sun.

Cecile and Jude: SDE from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

Check out the supplier cameos in the video including Christine Ong-Te and Francis “bridesmaids killer” Perez.

I met Kyla and Migs last year in New York City, the night after Kanye dissed Taylor onstage at the VMAs.  To this day I still regret not whipping out my 200mm and go all gangsta paparazzi outside Radio City Music Hall.

I digress.

Nine months later I barely recognize Migs in his barong and sans glasses.  Kal El took of his glasses and you bet he was Superman that day waiting for his Lois, Lana or Diana (depending which universe your follow.

Kyla and Migs: SDE from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

It was a treat and amusing to know that Kyla’s mom, Shirley, said that I looked liked an ex-boyfriend.  I could have passed off as a son had the union been consummated. Twisted right?

So my little boys can draw me a robot!

Wedding vows.  You get only one chance in front of hundreds of people.  Like all things in life you have to practice to make it perfect.

Elee and Ker were the sweetest and  most maalaga.  During the pre-wedding shoot,  we felt it was more of what they could do for us to make us comfortable in their expansive home.  But we made it clear, it was us, at their service.

The week leading up to the wedding all the way to the big day was a  bundle of emotions for the bride’s family.  Elee was saying neither of her parents were speaking to her or at least avoiding her.  Ahhh, the way parents cope.

Kindly take note of the nuances of the relationships with this piece.  It shows what we do best.

Elee and Ker: Same Day Edit from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

We also had a blast shooting this pre-wedding video. But I’m undecided if I enjoyed the shoot itself or the food fiesta more.

Elee and Ker: The Trailer from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

July 12-14 Sydney, Australia// Exposed Down Under wedding filmmaking workshop
July 26-Aug 5 London/Austria// corporate shoot
August 12-25 United States// wedding/pre-wedding shoots and the Weva Expo at Orlando, Florida

Shoot us an email for shoot schedules and availability.

Cheers!

I choose these words to describe their video, no frills, no excess, just a simple and truthful presentation of the wedding day.

It was evident that since the morning we arrived at the hotel that there was no other better, more meaningful way to tell the story.

Watch for yourself..

Reina and Amar: SDE from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

PS.  Indians and Scots party harder like no other.  We couldn’t help but partake of the free flowing alcoholic beverages while swaying to Indian dance music.  Usher and T-Pain got nothing on DJ Anuraga.

Oh, Amar also shared with us his custom bottled bubbly during the dancing - Armand de Brignac, the finest champagne in the world - I’m partying with Jay-Z next time.

It’s been quite a while since me Les and Mark have been emailing about the wedding and the trip.  It was actually quite surreal to have finally met everyone at the rehearsal dinner.  One thing proved true, Filipino warmth and hospitality remain in the heart wherever the Filipino may be =).

Lesley and Mark: SDE from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

We managed to edit an SDE despite the hectic wedding day sked.  The response was FANTASTIC!  and I’d gladly do one again in a heartbeat (despite the logistical difficulties).

Major thanks to Fiel Pranga and Tyler Faires who helped big time with the shoot.

When the good folks over at the Bay Are Professional Videographers Association (BAPVA) heard news of my trip to San Francisco, they kindly asked if I could speak at one of their monthly meetings.  I jumped at the chance right away.  I knew so many wedding professionals from the area (through the internet and of course, ReFrame) and I know of their dedication and commitment to their craft.

I’m pretty excited (and anxious as always).  See you all on  Monday.

the details:

Monday, May 17, 2010
Check-in & Networking starts at 6:00
Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

Cost:
Free to Members.
Non members $20
Live Webcast: Free - WATCH HERE!

Location:
Adobe, Inc
Park Room Auditorium
345 Park Ave
San Jose, CA 95110

Now having done this for a decade I have heard my fair share of vows Romeo can promise Juliet.

There’s -

a.  poetic
b.  in perfect traditional Filipino
c. the kind that makes you tear up
d. the kind that makes you smile
e. traditional catholic ones
f. the kind that’s sung in front of the congregation

There are a handful in our career, that just brings down the house in laughter.

“Nangangako ako na hinding-hindi kita gugutumin.
(I vow to never let you go hungry)

Watch and weep (in laughter).

Mitchy and James: SDE from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

POSTSCRIPT:
2 weeks after the wedding they send pancit and cake over to the office. Aasahan namin to buwan buwan. hehe

Pardon the title.  Couldn’t think of anything more poetic or something wittier even.

It is what it is - an effin’ 50 piece orchestra at the reception! 

There, I said it. But I would have you know that our dear couple’s limelight was not stolen one bit.  Their vows exchange remain the crux of the piece. Enjoy!

Gen and Art: SDE from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

(Oh, it’s the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra led by Conductor Rodel Colmenar)