WE Are Forever
After thousands of pages and 17 years, we’ve kept everything within one brand, stayed with one love. Wedding Essentials Magazine has been my go-to every time I want to feel happy. Every time I needed something to help carry me through the day. But I’ll be the first to admit that it is never all roses.
To be honest, the past two years have been difficult for us at WE. The pandemic threw our production off-schedule, made it difficult for us to create what we wanted, and forced some distance into a team that’s so used to being together.
But all I know is that WE never gave up.
As I took on my new role as Publisher of Wedding Essentials Magazine, I saw the bigger picture. I got to touch base with the suppliers and advertisers, who themselves faced the same difficulties, the same crises that we were experiencing.
And it felt like 2006 all over again.
We talked about the past, what’s happening now, and what we could all do to move forward into future. Not as separate companies trying to navigate a common problem. But as a community, together.
Wedding Essentials gave me a purpose: not only to uphold the publication’s belief in Filipino craftsmanship, but also to become a mentor and a friend to old industry colleagues and budding new talents alike. But most of all, to become a mentor and a friend to you, our readers. Because you are the reason we are all still here. Still together.
It wasn’t me who changed WE, WE changed me.
Now, as WE celebrate our 17th year in this beautiful industry, all I can think of is our singular hope for a better future. And in this light, I am honored to introduce to you WE’s new editor-in-chief—one of the most deserving editors of my time, as well as a good friend and colleague—Jane Kingsu-Cheng.
It is my hope you continue to support WE, and that you get to know Jane as she continues the WE legacy. And while I step into a role that’s a little more behind the scenes than usual, I know that WE will all be in great hands.
This is Kitten Zapata, former Editor in Chief, signing off for the last time. It’s been an honor to be at this magazine’s helm all these years. But more than anything, it’s been an honor to be with all of you.
This issue is dedicated to our late VP for Finance and Creatives, my dear friend and “tatay”, Mr. Nichol Yap.
Love,
KITTEN
As real as it gets
Wow! This is my very first editor’s note for Wedding Essentials, the magazine that featured my wedding back in 2008. I have, indeed, come full circle as I am back browsing the pages of this premier magazine.
More than a decade ago, the reason for leafing through pages of these thick issues was WE being my main source of wedding celebration pegs. I now hope to pay it forward by delivering the best and most beautiful, swoon-worthy ideas for the next generation of brides-to-be. It is your time to shine, ladies! And it’s our honor to be your fairy godmothers.
Despite the ongoing pandemic changing the way we celebrate; the most important reason remains the same—it’s the union of two people who have been waiting for this special day. And though plans keep changing due to protocols, we just have to remember what our constant is, and it’s the love we have for each other that will pull us through this challenge that we are all in.
Plans may and will change, but our love shouldn’t falter. In fact, it should keep us stronger and guide us to prevail with a heartfelt wedding celebration that’s all about the two of you. In this issue, you will get a glimpse of how life has been for couples who got married recently. Twenty-five weddings are featured here to inspire those who feel constricted with the current situation we are in. They are proof that love will always prevail.
Enjoy browning our Dream Themes that were shot in Tagaytay, Clark, and Manila. All luxuriously styled in intimate settings. We also scored the most gorgeous, wearable, and classic pieces that are perfect for the new norm, because there is always a way to look and feel-good no matter what the occasion is.
Love,
JANE
Cover dream team: Words Gelo Dionora| Photography Kevin Davis | Creative Direction Erick Torres Dizon | Styling Janno Styles | Designer Mich Viray | Accessories Christopher E Munar | Hair (for Angela) Nher Cordero and (for Silvana) Pauline Salonga | Makeup Al Vitug| Models Angela Robson and Silvana Rauch | Bouquet Allen Uy and JP De Jesus of Blooms 2710 | Shot on location at Clark Marriott Hotel| Special thanks to Jayvie Mendoza Dizonof Clark Marriott Hotel and Voltaire Zalamea of Events and Concepts. Subscribe and get your E-copies of Wedding Essentials Vol 17 Issue 2 OUT NOW! Magzter: https://bit.ly/2X8q8jZ and PressReader: https://bit.ly/30o4idx
