A Beautiful Beginning...A Lifetime to Cherish...

My Other Blogsite

2010-07-05T12:10:00.005+08:00

My other blogsite is here - www.maloucastillejos.com

(sorry, I am soooo lagging behind all the blogging of my recent past weddings again...
promise..promise...I will find time to upload all the photos. To my brides, thank you for wearing my creations. You are all sooo beautiful ! )

here are a few shots ....
(grabbed photos from FB postings of my brides and from the blogsites of their talented photographers..thank you guys =) ...

Bimbo and Tin Panganiban Wedding
Baguio City
Photo by Lito Genilo - Smart Shot

Amar and Reina Dogra
The Glass Garden
Photo by Mango Red

Rodney and Nina
Tagaytay City
Photo by Mimi and Karl

Joel and Irene
Manila Peninsula
Photo by Smart Shot

Rocel Alba
(Pretty Rocel is one of our lucky "C & C at 10" Anniversary Brides )

More to follow...promise...

Cheers =)

ANOTHER TAGAYTAY WEDDING

2010-03-29T19:06:00.002+08:00

Chrissie Ayang-ang and Robert Ramos
March 14, 2010
Madre de Dios Chapel and The Veranda, Tagaytay

Photo by ImagineNation

Chrissie and Robert are both based in Singapore. I had the wonderful opportunity to dress Chrissie and her bridal party on their Wedding Day last March 14. It was an absolutely gorgeous Sunday in Tagaytay.

I remember the first time Chrissie sent me a message inquiring about a Monique Lhuiller inspired-gown September last year. I am a big fan of Monique and to have her design as an inspiration would be nice. I took on the challenge and sent her some of my designs. It turned out, Chrissie will use a lace fabric which was a gift to her so I did not have much liberty in choosing the right lace for her.

I actually had apprehensions using her fabric as it looked and felt stiff. But Chrissie was not after a flowing gown and she was ok with the pattern of the lace. So I had to oblige myself to use her fabric.

To cut the long story short, while I had finished working on the gowns for the entourage, I was still left with a blank canvass for Chrissie's gown. As was my goal for all gowns that I design, there has to be something striking in her gown no matter how simple she wants it to be.

On Chrissie's Wedding Day, I felt so proud looking at her. Oh wow, Chrissie was just stunning! And her entourage all looked pretty. I felt so good. It was another Sunday wedding. Another beautiful wedding. Thank you Lord for the blessings. Here are some photos:

And of course, since it was a Sunday, my family went with me (the pleasure and blessing of working on a Sunday):

Tagaytay Highlands - view from the winding road down

Chrissie and Robert's Bridal Entourage (with me and my daughter Rheine)

My Mom and Dad

My little Rae's Funicular Ride

Yey, what a beautiful day!!!

Best wishes to Chrissie and Robert!

A SUNDAY MORNING WEDDING IN TAGAYTAY

2010-03-02T03:06:00.001+08:00

What's good about a Sunday morning wedding in Tagaytay ? : )

1. Travel with my family at 2am in the morning.
2. Watch sunrise happen before our eyes.
3. Hear mass and attend a beautiful wedding.
4. Savor the rest of the day with my kids.

Mary Rose "Mayou" Alegado and Meyrick Rebadulla chose to say their I do's at 8AM in Caleruega on February 28, 2010. I am very happy to have met this super nice couple. I never had any doubt that theirs will be a beautiful wedding. They are a very simple couple with simple wishes. Our good friends in the industry, Ate Mabel Ferrer and her team coordinated their wedding.

We arrived in Tagaytay at 4am and dressed up Mayou at 7am. Mayou was so lovely in her gown. She looked so fresh. And their cute son, Yohan Mikael who just turned 3 the day before the wedding was just adorable in his Barong. The ladies looked stunning in their gowns too. I am just sooo happy to be part of this beautiful liefetime. : )

Here are some photos taken by my brother Jomar (thanks bro for being my driver and
photographer...he he he! )...

The breaking of dawn ...what an amazing sight to behold !

Thank you Lord for the gift of my craft to share with many happy beginnings...

Thank you Lord for the gift of my kids who give me enormous joy every single day...

Thank you Lord for the gift of my parents who support me every step of the way...

Thank you Lord for the gift of my wonderful family (my brothers and my sisters) who laugh with me everyday.

Isn't a Sunday morning wedding in Tagaytay a blessing?

God bless everyone.

And cheers to Mayou and Meyrick! :)

A CALIFORNIA DEBUT

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January 9, 2010 - Jeanelle Castro Debut - California

Her mom, Maila made an overseas call to have a gown made for her daughter's 18th birthday in California. I asked for Jea's picture then went on to design a 2-in-1 gown for her.

Jea's lola who was visiting Manila a few weeks before her birthday handcarried the gown to California. No fittings. Just precise measuring. Jea was a beautiful debutante on her 18th Birthday. Wonder how we did the instructions on how she will change the gown into another look? Yup, WEBCAM !!! He he he! Here are some photos they sent me after the celebration. Happy 18th Birthday Jea!

Jea with her dad.

Jea with her titas.

Jea's mom, Maila in old rose gown. Gorgeous!

FLYING HIGH - Dennis and Roselle

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January 7, 2010 -Dennis Tumalad and Roselle Sacdalan
Nuestra Sra de Gracia/ The Glass Garden
Photo by Paul Vincent
Video by Bob Nicolas
Coordination by Nona Clemente

Dennis and Roselle's theme was Filipiniana. I absolutely love the idea that Roselle herself handmade their invitations. We liked how she did it. It was very creative. Knowing how she wants things done, although she doesn't demand, I want to give her the best. From beginning to end, Roselle was the relax bride. Never complaining. Never demanding. I enjoyed dressing up their moms too and the entire entourage. They all looked so pretty on the Wedding Day. Dennis looked so good in his Barong Tagalog (I almost had it changed entirely one day before the wedding as he suddenly lost weight. But we manage to adjust it without destroying the design).

Dennis is a pilot and Roselle is a flight attendant. Their wedding was an amazingly good flight!

Roselle wore a Filipiniana-inspired wedding gown in pina silk with detachable panuelo bolero style which she took off during the reception to reveal a sexy strapless wedding gown.

2 WEDDINGS. 2 CHRIS. 2 LOVELY BRIDES.

2010-02-20T16:15:00.002+08:00

To kick off the New Year, I had 2 weddings to start the year 2010. I was able to attend both weddings. 2 lovely brides and 2 dashing Chris!!! = 2 beautiful weddings!

January 2, 2010 - Chris Lemon and Tina Aselmann -
Fernbrook Chapel/Fernbrook Gardens
Photo by Dino Lara
Video by Jason Magbanua
Make-up by Jeng Sy-Flores
Coordination by Nona Clemente

I chose the darkest shade of midnight blue for Chris' tuxedo to complement the blue motif of the entourage. Tina's gown is made of custom-lace embroidery I designed for her on mikado silk with elegant beadworks.
Tina was only able to fit her gown a few days before their wedding as they are from Germany. I was so deliriously tense as she had lost so much weight but she looked absolutely gorgeous in her new frame. We made some last minute adjustments on New Year's Eve (as the wedding is on the following day) and the result was just perfect for her.

Assisting Tina towards the church doors.

I love this portrait of Tina. : )

Tina by the stairs of Bellevue Hotel

January 2, 2010 - Jackylyn Lim and Christopher Al Zulueta
Nuestra Sra de Gracia/ WackWack Country Club
Photo by Imagine Nation

Jackylyn is no stranger to me as I also did her sister and sister-in-law's wedding gowns. When it was her turn, I made sure I will be available for her. I love her preppy fashion sense. I love her style!

Obviously, I was very happy to see her in her Wedding gown. It fits her so well. The moms and everyone in the entourage looked fab in red. I don't always like red but this gorgeous ladies have pulled it off so well.

Do I hate red? Looking at them has changed my mind completely... I love red !

see the red shoes??? Isn't that cool ? whoever thought of a colored bridal shoes is a genius!!!

Didn't I say I was at 2 weddings in 1 day? That's why I'm wearing the same clothes.

A very lovely bride!

MARATHON BLOGGING

2010-02-20T14:14:00.000+08:00

I've always wanted to blog but my schedules are so tight, I cannot even finish a single sentence. Hu hu hu! : (
Every now and then, I get asked about updates on my blog and to which I will reply "next week, I will update it..". 100 "next weeks" later, I haven't entered anything. Sooooooo sorry po talaga. I am soooo bad.

I don't know if this is going to be acceptable..but I will just do a marathon blogging of all my past and recent weddings hanggang dumugo na ilong ko sa kaka-english! He he he! (English ba dapat ang blog??).

Eto na po...I'm trying.. I'm trying. : )

To start off, (nothing to do with weddings though but just wanted to share it with you), my sisters and I together with our sister-in-law, Joan, had an impromptu pictorial with our brother Ferdie a few years ago while he was testing his new camera and lights. I was pregnant with my second child then (out of wedlock). Yup, I'm a single mom and still waiting for "Mr. Right" to come. My sisters hate me to the max I can feel it. They don't say anything to me but I know something's telling me, they are not happy with it. My sister Ada was showing some compassion but I'm not really sure.

Anyway, totally unrehearsed and unprepared, this was the result. Do you think they hate me?

Cheers! Move on to my next blog : )

ON THE COVER !

2010-02-19T17:01:00.002+08:00

Please grab your copy of the latest issue of The Wedding Planner Magazine. Lara Quigaman on the cover wearing my gown creation. Thank you to the publishers for the opportunity. I am very honored. And thank you Lara for wearing it with grace. We are in the inside pages too. : )

Now out in major bookstores nationwide! Get your copy now!

T'WAS A BUSY BLESSED 10 YEARS!

2010-02-19T16:43:00.001+08:00

It was 1999 when we first opened our doors to brides looking for affordable wedding packages. Back then, there were very few one-stop bridal shops. My sisters and I decided to offer Gown Packages with coordination services, invitations and giveaways. We thought this will help couples save time in looking for these things as was my older sister's dilemna when she was planning her wedding a year earlier.

As there were no shops offering the same (or none that we know of during those days), we don't know if we were doing it right or wrong. We have very little money to begin with plus we have no model company to follow. It was a long shot but with the support of our parents especially our mom, we crossed the bridge. We joined our first Bridal Exhibit at Rituals Bridal Fair at Dusit Hotel in Makati (organized by World Exhibitions and Conventions Inc or WORLDEXCO), and we were surprised to get tons of inquiries for complete packages. Our exhibit display was a major hit with just one wedding gown, a few invitation cards and bridal bouquets by Tecson Flowers. The media covered us - TV, magazine and newspapers. The buzz went around about a small bridal shop in Quezon City. That's where and when we met the father and mother of Philippine Online Wedding Networks, oh yeah, Papa John and Mama Benz Rana of www.weddingsatwork.com . They introduced the word "ONLINE" to us. They signed us for a free inclusion in their website (I don't even know what a website is during those times : ( but it sure got us known in the outer parts of the earth. That was awesome!!!! To this amazing couple, we can't thank you enough for bringing us to the world. (I have so many more happy side stories about them but that will be for another long blogging..he he he! ).

Below is our feature in Bride Philippines (the only wedding magazine prominently existing back then). And our feature in Manila Times.

And more....Village Times, Manila Standard, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Woman Today, Miscellaneous Magazine....etc. etc.

It was one of those overnight success stories. In 2 years, we were on the cover of Working Woman. We were sooooooo excited, we ordered 400 copies to distribute to our clients, relatives and friends. Why not, the magazine was selling for only P35 during that time ( ha ha ha!).

We joined several bridal shows therafter marking our name in the Philippine wedding industry which was not even considered an industry at that time. Some of the shows that we joined during our early years:

Rituals ’99 at Dusit Hotel Nikko
Bridal Fete ’99 at Shangri-la Hotel Makati
Weddings & Debutante’s Fair ’99 at Westin Philippine Plaza
Precious Moments at Mandarin Oriental
Hail to the Bride at Heritage Hotel
Breathless at Manila Galleria Suites
W at Hotel Intercontinental Hotel
Wedding Celebrations at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
Debutante’s Fair at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
Asian Pacific Bridal Summit, Century Park Hotel
Elegant Weddings at New World Hotel
May Kasal sa Forbes at Santuario de San Antonio Reception Hall
Weddings On-a-Budget at Bulwagang Bayani, Marikina City
Perfect Beginnings – SM Megatrade Hall
Kasalan – SM Megatrade Hall
Dream Weddings Top Wedding Suppliers’ Show – World Trade Center
Dream Weddings Magazine Launch – Shangri-la Makati
Bridal Extravaganza – San Jose, California
The Great Bridal Expo – Hilton Hotel, Universal City, Los Angeles
Pinoy Bridal Affair – San Francisco, California

Yup, we have reached as far as California to showcase our products and services. By the grace of the Lord, we made it all the way there. Praise the Lord!

We have had our share of learnings, mistakes we learned along the way that make us continue to improve even up to this time. It wasn't all bed of roses for us..Somehow, there were also thorns that hurt us so badly. But I guess, roses won't be as beautiful without its thorns, don't you think?

Thank you sooooo much to all our past brides and grooms, debutantes, customers, suppliers, partners, friends, relatives and our family. Most importantly, we give the highest honor to God for allowing us to use our gifts for His greater glory!

We have new announcements coming up on our 11th year on April 5. Watch out for it !

God bless. : )

BRIDE WARS

2010-01-13T20:14:00.001+08:00

May of 2009 during the launch of Bride Wars DVD starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, I was invited by Viva to display my wedding gown designs in select Record Bars around the Metro. The culminating activity was a fashion show that was held at the Activity Center of SM Mega Mall. More than just promoting Bride Wars, it was a joy to see all my friends from the Fashion by Wedding Designers of the Philippines who also showcased their creations for this event. Although it was a last minute invitation by Viva, we all had fun. Thank you to Viva for the honor of having my creations on your catwalk. And thank you to all my colleagues in FWDP for all the love and support. I am an old "newbie" in the group (old because I had been attending the preliminary meetings prior to the formalizing of the group..and newbie because I just joined them in Bridal Shows last year). Until the next show...

2010-01-12T10:59:00.002+08:00

BRIDAL APPOINTMENTS IN CALIFORNIA

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Bridal Appointments in California

Start: Apr 10, '09
End: Apr 20, '09
Location: San Francisco, California

We will be in California from April 10 to 20,2009 for our annual exclusive bridal showcase to our Filipino kababayans planning to get married in the Philippines. We will be showcasing the works and designs of designer Malou Castillejos http://www.perfectgowndepot.com/. Wedding planner Nona Castillejos-Clemente http://www.cnccreativeconcepts.com/will be available to discuss complete wedding packages, venue sourcing and supplier recommendations to help you plan your dream wedding.

Please email us at info@cnccreativeconcepts.com or call us at VOIP Nos. 818 627 1327 or 415 287 0855 for more information and to schedule a private appointment if you wish.

Elegant Gowns by Malou Castillejos

2009-01-27T16:05:00.002+08:00

WEDDING IN NEW YORK

2008-06-20T15:01:00.010+08:00

Jewel contacted me a few months before her wedding. She asked me if I can create a gown for her with really long train. I said "yes". I sent her some gown designs and she fell in love instantly to one of my designs I don't even know how to execute (he he he). It's a ballgown with personalized embroidery and with cascading long train (I have no idea yet how I will put things together for this gown on actual fabric but I sent her the design anyway). I probably sent her a few designs but my sketch for this gown caught her interest. The inspiration was an Eva Longoria gown. She was soooo thrilled with the design that she immediately booked me after receiving the sketch no matter the cost of the gown. I choked before signing the contract and prayed that I will be able to pull off this design. Like what I do for some brides who are based overseas and have no idea what the gown might look like, I start with a Barbie-size replica of the gown (a miniature). I did that for Jewel. Shipped her Barbie doll to New York in her mini wedding gown. She fell in-love with it so off we start to the actual masterpiece. The train was the greater challenge as it was long and cascading with wires for the waving effect. Months later, it was ready to ship.

Jewel's wedding was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral and she flew me in to dress her up. I went there with my sister Ada. The crowd of paparazzis outside the church was overwhelming. I felt more like I am the star than probably the bride who was swamped with her yards and yards of balloon skirt inside her stretch limousine. It was such a moment!!!

It was all like a dream and I am so happy for Jewel and Jhun. Just for everyone's info, I also did the gowns of all the members of her entourage, the moms and some female sponsors. All gowns were never fitted in the Philippines. I just shipped all the gowns to them a month before the wedding so they can all try it and have it altered at a local seamstress in NY if there is any need for it. A few weeks before the wedding, I still receive requests for additional gown orders but lacking time, I already declined. My sister Ada and I flew to New York one day before the wedding. We met their families and they became like families to us. We just feel so grateful and honored.

I will be flying again next year for another NY wedding. I hope to see you all again soon.

Congratulations and my best wishes to Jewel (who volunteered to be one of the ninangs of my daughter Rae. I was pregnant when I was doing Jewel's gown). It's a double joy for me. I just can't count my blessings.

Check out these photos (they are not complete but I'll try to upload more when I get the chance). Cheers!

CALIFORNIA EXCLUSIVE BRIDAL AFFAIR MAY 1-3, 2008

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A CITY HALL WEDDING

2008-03-06T20:19:00.002+08:00

I woke up at 5am today to prepare for a 6am call-time.

I met Jenny a few days ago asking me to rush her a wedding gown for a civil garden wedding ceremony. I designed a simple strapless gown for her with a sweep train. I met her on Monday. She had her fitting on Wednesday. By Friday, I'm ready with her gown. Whew!!!

Jenny texted me last night, informing me that there was changed of plans. Instead of a civil ceremony at the garden of Gazebo Royale, the ceremony will be held instead at Quezon City Hall and was rescheduled at 8am instead of 1pm. Jenny was such a pleasant bride. She did not despair but instead laughed about it...telling me that she's probably the first bride to wear a beaded wedding gown at Quezon City Hall. And I told her that indeed she is "my first city hall bride"..ha ha ha!

Here are some photos at Jenny's wedding today...She is such a pretty bride, always ready with a smile on her face...and Jun, such a gentleman! They are just soooo perfect for each other. Were they stressed out for holding the wedding at the City Hall??? Find out in these photos. Best wishes to you Jun and Jen!

James Blanco and Tania Creighton's Wedding

2008-02-12T13:16:00.000+08:00

Fixing Tania's veil before she walks down the aisle.

I have posted this in my Friendster Blog...but I'd like to add it here for those who do not want to head on to Friendster..

I've been to so many weddings and have done quite a number of gowns for many wonderful brides...I've always felt honored when a bride-to-be asks me to be her designer for her wedding gown. It's a very encouraging feeling to make me

want to continue and do more...
Tania is one of my very first models when I was just starting out on my own as a Fashion Designer. She posed for me for many local and international magazines and walked my gowns in many Fashion Shows.

She is a very graceful model through and through...very down-to-earth and very simple...So when she asked me to finally design her wedding gown, I felt so overjoyed and very very honored . Now, I am not just designing a gown that she will wear for a magazine spread or a gown that she will walk on the ramp...she is wearing a gown that she will walk down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams...I am just so happy for her.

When the actual wedding day came..I was right beside her until that door to eternal bliss opened and there I saw her marched to his waiting groom...it's like a dream unfolding before my very eyes...It's breathtaking!

During the reception, one of the highlights of the evening was the onsite video of my favorite videographer, Jason Magbanua...I have watched many of his past onsite videos but this one has really made me so teary-eyed...maybe because I have some attachment to the couple...but when I looked around the reception hall, everyone seems to be feeling the same as me. The very first shot where that live butterfly pulled that wedding ring is absolutely brilliant!!!...that one immediately caught me and the rest of this fantastic video...head on to http://jmagbanua.com/vids/tania_james.wmv and see for yourself what magic Jason Magbanua has weaved into this beautiful wedding video.

To James and Tania, I wish you all the best...

P.S. Visit my Friendster account too...it's at http://profiles.friendster.com/perfectgown. Add me up as a friend.

Beautiful Brides

2007-12-06T17:45:00.000+08:00

I am very lucky to have been part of the beautiful weddings of these beautiful brides. I am truly grateful. Thank you for wearing my creations. And best of all, thank you for your friendship.

GRACE

I love Grace so much...she is such a very charming bride. I am just so happy for her. Grace and Francis had their beautiful wedding in Boracay and she let me flew in to see her on her Wedding Day. The picture above shows me with her during her preparations. Isn't she so lovely?

Photos by Zandro of Smart Shot Studio.

ELAINE
Elaine is one of the nicest brides I ever had. She let me make my own design interpretation for her gown. Even though we were many miles apart as she resides in the US, I never had any problem in executing her gown as she trusted me all the way to create the perfect gown for her. On her wedding day, she did not only look so beautiful, but she radiated happiness and love.

As the church doors opened for her, hundreds of butterflies were released inside the church while rose petals showered on her from above. One butterfly landed on her shoulder and walked her down to the altar, who is probably her Dad who died years ago and could not be present at her wedding. It was a very touching moment. Everyone cried as she walked down the aisle knowing that her father never failed to see her on her Wedding Day.

Photos by Wally Gonzales

MARSHA
Marsha is one of my favorite brides too. She is just sooooo sweet. She was one of my brides who wore the longest train in a wedding. She walked down the aisle of Barasoain Church amidst a garden of white roses. It was such a sight to behold with her over 800 guests. It was a dream come true for her as she wanted to share her happiness only with her fellow Bulakenos.

During the reception, the couple decided to raffle off electric fans, cellphones, cash money, and many more. Jojo and Marsha requested everyone to join including the waiters, photographers, drivers, yayas and everyone who were there. In the end, no one went home empty handed. They made everyone very very happy. Instead of asking gifts from guests, this couple gave away gifts to their guests. It was a very different wedding and truly unforgettable.

Photos by Nelson Villarica.

Some of my Design Sketches

2007-12-06T14:34:00.000+08:00

Here's a sampling of some of my design sketches. Enjoy watching!

You may also watch this at http://www.youtube.com/maloucastillejos.

FLOWER GIRLS

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One of my favorite photo shoots. The flowergirls session for Dream Weddings Flower Girl Edition. These were just for inside pages as the very pretty Alyssa Martinez, daughter of Albert and Liezl Martinez graced the main cover (I also dressed her). Our graceful girls here are Audrey, Kite (daughter of wedding industry's power couple John and Benz Rana), John's niece, and Jenjen.

Thank you lil ones. I look forward to dressing you up again when you turn 18. I just sooooo adore all of you. Thank you to the moms for cheering up your daughters during the shoot and for allowing me to use them as my model. Thank you so much. : )

Welcome to My World!

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Hi, I am Malou Castillejos and I like designing gowns for brides and debutantes. My quaint atelier is located in Quezon City, Philippines. I have two lovely daughters, Angelika Rheine and Angelou Raelene. They are my inspiration and my source of strength. My world revolves around them as I try to be the best mom to them. With them, I gain more confidence with what I love doing, that is fashion designing. They keep my spirits high inspite of the many struggles I go through my own personal life. They say success doesn't come in full circle but with the blessings that I have, the brides and debutantes who trust me in creating my masterpieces for them, my supportive family, and by just looking at my two angels, even as a single mom, I am so truly blessed! Welcome everyone, to my world!

These lovely pictures are courtesy of 10 Cecilleville Street's famous photographer, my brother, Ferdie. Hopefully, he gets famous elsewhere too. Oh, yeah, he is also famous at 2 Derby Street. Thanks bro!