Handcrafted Expressions by Imaginovation

One of the ways to set a unique and Filipino theme for a wedding, or any other family event, is through the invitations. Handcrafted invitations, in particular, are very much in keeping with the native Filipino flavor. Banig, sinamay, and handmade paper are just some of the things that can be incorporated. Airees Rondain, the owner and artist behind Handcrafted Expressions by Imaginovation, knows exactly how to capture the love and sentiment in an Filipino wedding in beautifully crafted invitations.

Airees graciously accepted our invitation to take part in the wedding series here at Filipina Soul. Here’s our chat:

Filipina Soul: How did you get started as a wedding supplier?

Airees: It started out as an outlet for me for being a stay-at-home newly-wed + pregnant wife. During that time I wanted to learn web designing since it is the next career I’m eyeing to. I had to make a website to put what I have learned to practice. And with that, I had to post some pics. And so I thought, maybe it would be nice to upload some of my previous works from a previous business in Laguna. Upon surfing the net, I came across WeddingsatWork.com and posted on their classified ads. Somebody inquired and the rest is history.

FS: Tell us about your services. How does a couple go about booking you for their wedding?

Airees: Usually, people find me on the internet. My website is my 24/7 "showroom" wherein they will see my previous works, my medium and my style. Then they will email me, ask further questions. Sometimes, if the couple is based in the Phils., they will visit a showroom in Manila where my albums are displayed or even set up a meeting with me. Most of the time, bookings are made via email since most of our clients are either based abroad.

FS: What are some of the things you do to make a wedding special for a couple?

As much as possible, I try to capture what the couple really wanted for their invite – their taste or the impression they want to give their guests once they get the invites. As long as what the couple wanted is feasible design-wise, I try to do it even if it means extended hours of designing, re-working, free of charge.

Sometimes, when I feel the bride is tensed already with all the preps, I try to calm her down and tell her to just enjoy the process and I try not to add more pressure on my part!

Upon delivery of the invites, I make it a point to give a handwritten thank you note and a small token of our appreciation to the TRUST they have given us, more than the money they paid us. Along with it is a prayer for them on their wedding day.

FS: Where is the farthest you’ve gone for a wedding?

Airees: Once, the mother of the bride who was supposed to bring the invites back to the US, had no driver to pick up the invites, and so I drove all the way to QC to deliver it door-to-door, packed already.

2 years ago, the bride is based in the US and I will be attending the National Stationery Show in New York. I offered to bring the invites, hand-carried them, instead of her paying for the FedEx, saving her time & money.

FS: After all is done, do the newly-weds generally keep in touch with you for other events?

Airees: Yes, they still keep in touch even after a year or 2. One became a very good friend and godmother to my daughter. Some sent me gifts all the way from the US, some sent me cards or pictures of their wedding. Even just a thank you email or SMS from them is enough for me to be inspired and continue doing what I love to do!

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Here are some more samples of Airees’ beautiful work (click on all images for larger versions):

For more about Airees and her business, read this article on the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which was published in March 2007. You can contact her through the following:

Matus Wedding Boutique
5th Level – The Mega Atrium
SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
10 a.m – 9 p.m. Mondays – Sundays

0917-813-2821 * SUN 0922-248-3456
+632-517-3742 * +6349-511-8479
handcrafted.expressions{at}gmail{dot}com
http://www.handcraftedexpressions.com/

images used with permission from Handcrafted Expressions