DIY Tip #3: Location, Location, Location

We both knew we wanted an intimate wedding with just family and friends. Considering that we both had big families, we knew we'd be above 150, add or subtract a few parties here and there. So we wanted a ceremony venue that would give us the intimacy and warmth we wanted while also considering the traditions of our Catholic faith. We checked out several venues, including our parish churches (Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New Manila, or Christ the King in Greenmeadows). They were both beautiful, but too big and roomy for the look that we wanted. We tried smaller churches, like Mary the Queen in Greenhills or Santuario de San Jose, but they still didn't make the cut. And so we waited and researched a bit more. Finally, upon the recommendation of my future mother-in-law, we checked out Villa San Miguel (348 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, MM), the Archbishop's Palace in Mandaluyong. And when we stepped into the white-walled chapel nestled among shady trees, we knew we had found our place. (Incidentally, his mom and dad were married here too.)

The church seats around 150-160 people depending on the availability of the seats. And since they only accommodate two weddings a day (morning and evening), you can be sure that you won't feel rushed, especially during those long-drawn photo sessions post-ceremony. Also, the church is very flexible! There are no photographer's restrictions, and you may opt to toss flower petals (which some churches do not allow anymore). Plus, the venue fee is a steal at 5k only. They have a preferred in-house florist who is a dear and easy to work with; you can even give her photos of your preferred arrangements and she can do her utmost to meet your style. For all its virtues, the church does have its limitations too, such as lack of ample parking space especially for big vehicles. But given that you have a driver or your family members decide to carpool to avoid taking up more parking spaces than needed, the location provides shaded parking spaces for about 25 cars.

Requirements for Villa San Miguel

1. Baptismal Cert. (for marriage purposes)
2. Confirmation cert. (for marriage purposes)
3. (3) Sunday publications of wedding banns
4. Permission from Parish priests of bride and groom
5. Marriage License (Valid on the wedding date) 6
. License to Solemnize Marriage from the Officiating Priest (include License #)
7. Delegation from the Sacred Heart Parish (which the Chapel is listed under), and processing fee of P500.00
8. Fully accomplished Canonical Investigation form; interview by Officiating Priest
9. Pre-Cana Seminar
10. Reservation fee for Chapel (P500.00)

Contact persons
Emman (VSM representative) 531-7069, 531-7034
Rosalie Almeyda (in-house florist) 6956946
Noel Ignacio (choir) 5333902

Total Cost: P10,500.00 (P6,000.00 chapel fee; P4,000.00 flowers: aisle, altar, offertory; P500.00 chapel reservation)