People we love...tip list for other people throwing a grand celebration

For people planning their own celebrations, here is the list of people who were all a part of making our wedding a wonderful event and who we simply adore (and hopefully you'll think of them too):

Master Danongan Kalanduyan and Palabuniyan Kulintang Ensemble - Never did I ever dream to hear kulintang resonate in the halls of a Catholic Church. And let me tell you they rang and echoed against the concrete hall as if they had always been there. They also do performances at receptions with dances.

Annie Lee of I Image Makeup - she came to the hotel to do hair and makeup and came back for touch ups before the reception. She managed to interweave the fresh flowers, and get my hair into a lovely bun.

David Song of Wedding Story Studios (LA) - the man is an artist, which may drive you mad when you're trying to get through 36 tables, but dang he's got the eye and won't take the picture until you and everyone else in it is nothing less than beautiful

Amado Tuazon of Dance-a-Way Productions - celebrating their 20th year as one of the premiere party DJs, Amado was also a fabulous MC who can properly pronounce those Filipino last names and get the crowd riled up. He also provided the projection equipment for the wedding video.

Angelo Santos, dress designer - He used to have his own boutique but now only does side jobs on top of his regular job as an emmy winning costume designer for CBS' "The Bold and the Beautiful. A spectacular job with the beadwork and and despite all the crazy running around and footprints I got on my train, the dress did not fall apart.

Evelyn Tuazon of Leamington Florist in Oakland - The sister-in-law of Amado, who did the two flower arrangements, and everyone's lovely boutennieres, along with my gorgeous cascading bouquet. Plus, in that same location, if you need Filipino food catered, talk to Luming at the lunch counter. We ordered the gift opening food from there.

Michael Price, videographer - Has a good eye for angle and lighting, plus has a steady hand.

Steve Ware of Ware Designs - We love Steve! He did our rings, engraved our wedding chalises, ordered and engraved our gifts to the groomsmen, did a redesign of my parent's wedding rings, found a new stone for my grandmother's ring. When we weren't sure who to turn to, we turned to him. If you want a fancier ring, or maybe need a nicely designed "everyday" version of your wedding rings, he's da Man!

Nature Perfect of Petaluma - they provided the cute blue pots, rocks, gold wire and bamboo for the favors. Though we put them together ourselves, for a bit extra, they can do it for you.

Elite Limo - who chauffered us from hotel to church to ferry terminal and back, along with a bottle of champagne to get us all warmed up

Entourage Spa for our glowing facials, soothing massages, and shiny pretty manicures and pedicures. If we needed, we could have called them up for an emergency nail touch up.

Merritt Bakery for our delicious wedding cake.

Invitations from My Gatsby

Ribbon from Michael's Arts and Crafts during their post Christmas sale

We'd also like to thank Father Rich and the staff at St. Joseph's Basilica: Wedding Coordinator - Mary Turowski, Music Director - David Howitt, and Cantor - Alex Ramos. And William Newton and the staff of the San Ramon Marriott.