I haven’t been styling on my own for other people lately like non-commercial, non-TV or non-fashion show work.   But I think I lucked out when I decided to take on a pre-nup shoot for the Talagtags.  I was immediately interested because when Malou contacted me, she said she wanted something vintage-inspired.  That got me thinking right away.  I love anything retro, I always have, even as a kid.

What was even more fun was the fact that I got to work with my cousin again, Rae Venturanza, who did the couple’s make-up and her fiance Noel Salazar, who took the photos.  Rae and I are always crazy when left on our own–that’s what you get for growing up together.  We’ve been partners-in-crime since getting in all sorts of mishaps as kids (with dirty hands, knees and scabby legs…but that was mostly me. Rae has always been the more ladylike between the two of us, no question. Which is why her career shift to being a full-time makeup artist didn’t raise eyebrows like my shift to being a full-time fashion stylist did).

Rae preps Malou

Now, about Malou and Ronald. This couple has actually been married for 10 years!  But they plan to renew their vows every 10 years of their lives together.  I love that idea.  And they’re so sweet together.  Malou calls Ronald her “boyfriend” because they still act like a young couple in love even after all these years.  What really touched me about them is how devoted they are to each other and to their faith.  You can really see how it makes them strong as a couple.  They were a total joy to work with, because it was hot that day and they had plenty of outfit changes but they were a real sport about it!  I think we were pretty blessed that we had sunny weather, because these days you can’t really tell when you’re going to get a good weather for an outdoor shoot.  But everything was beautifully lighted in picturesque Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar.

I love working with someone who has a lot of shoes!  One reason why I really liked talking and planning the shoot with Malou was because she was really game for vintage-inspired clothes.  She went all out and had most of them made for her!  Some women think that old-fashioned style looks frumpy, but I beg to differ.  I think this particular look is really polished, ladylike and romantic.  And really, really classy.

Rae used my Eyelash Diva (Dionne) on Malou.  These are the most incredible sets of falsies I’ve ever tried.  They’re HANDMADE, durable and lightweight! And totally reusable.  You can order at Beauty Insticts at Multiply.

Now here are some of the photos I took of the couple.  I’m no Noel Salazar, of course.  These aren’t the official photos (we’d have to wait for that).  But of course I wanted some keepsakes of my own.

Now for some photos behind the scenes.  You have been warned of how Rae and I really “work” behind the scenes.

It was hot outside. So glad I brought hats and shades and I was wearing a pretty comfy top (again from Oxygen).

And as you can see, Rae and I were pretty focused on the task at hand. Totally work-mode.

I sit very ladylike while watching the master photographer at work.

And Rae is all smiles, like always

I wanted to be comfy, so I wore an Oxygen tee and wide-legged pants (also from Oxygen). The pants are actually long for me, but I folded about an inch and a half and my heels were like 2-3 inches as well.  I borrowed my mom’s shoes, and I don’t want to return them anymore because they’re so comfy.   I forgot to check where she bought them.

If Malou had several outfit changes, I have several hair changes.  Rae was the first one who pointed them out to me that I tend to change my hairstyle every hour.  This day was no different.

I got this ribbon from Saizen. I also have it in red!

I always love the sheer/mesh details in Oxygen tops

Cross versus Fangs: My rings at war with each other

Why did the chicken cross the road?  This rooster caught our eye because it looked big and muscled.  Here’s another shot for size comparison:

Take a gander at those adidas! “Chicken legs” take on a whole new meaning.

No, I’m not showing you where the chicken ended up. This is just the Paella Valenciana we ate for lunch.

More photos of our lovely location: Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar. I really love old architecture, and most of it is the real deal (just properly restored). This place is grand and beautiful in the way that new buildings can never be.

Couple: Malou and Ronald Talagtag
Make-up: Rae Venturanza
Styling: Alex Lapa
Photography: Noel Salazar of Imagine Nation
Location: Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar in Bataan

View the Post Gallery: