Four men from the wedding industry chronicle how they can meticulously orchestrate events while maintaining a harmonious family life.
In the bustling world of event planning, suppliers play a crucial role in crafting unforgettable occasions. Yet, their contributions extend beyond just the ceremonial aspects. Lifestyle Asia had the privilege of interviewing men in the wedding industry who artfully balance the intricate demands of their jobs as well as the equally important responsibility of nurturing their respective families. Their ability to excel in both arenas reflects a remarkable blend of creativity, dedication, and time management. They exemplify that it is possible to juggle professional commitments with life outside work.
READ ALSO: Orchestrating Happily Ever Afters: 6 Female Wedding Planners Who Enliven Dream Events
Miguel Bautista Jr.
Miel’s Flowershoppe and Events Styling‘s Miguel Bautista Jr. has been in the wedding industry for more than nine years. Since its inception in 2015, they have been curating luxe wedding events for their clients.
Beyond his floral expertise, Miguel also emphasizes the importance of understanding the couple’s personality and style to ensure each event is unique and personal. “We make sure clients send us their vision for their big day,” he narrated. “This is a way for us to get to know the couple.
He and his wife, Rowela, told a couple of stories that establish unforeseen circumstances are nightmares for any event. But with their team’s readiness, they are able to address and resolve both minor and major inconveniences. “Our team is always ready,” Rowela explained. “We always have a Plan A, Plan B, and so on.”
They advised couples to invest in their special day, not just in quantity but also in quality in terms of service. “Check if your suppliers are legitimate or not,” Miguel mused. “It’s harder to trust nowadays, so be wise, because your expenses might double up.” Rowela agreed, adding that they should ensure they get the best people in the industry to prevent regrets post-event.
The couple, who both manage the business, said after every event, they make it a point to thank God for their success. “We also thank our whole family who gives us their all-out support for us,” Miguel remarked. “That motivates us to find the balance between our business and our family. When we don’t have events, we make sure all our time and energy goes to our kids.”
TJ Darcen
LX Events Pro’s Trojan or TJ Darcen began his journey in the wedding industry in 2014 and started with local events in Bulacan. His reach extended to Manila in 2016, marking a significant expansion in his career.
Darcen’s decision to specialize in luxury weddings stemmed from a pivotal moment in 2016 when he collaborated with a high profile stylist in a grand wedding. The success of the project positioned LX Events Pro as a premier provider for upscale technical requirements in the event industry.
When it comes to balancing extravagance with practicality, TJ emphasizes understanding the client’s vision from the outset.
“During initial meetings, I level expectations based on factors like guest numbers, venue size, and other limitations,” he explained. Darcen helps clients make informed decisions that align their dreams with practical considerations, ensuring an event that is both spectacular and cost-effective.
Darcen and his team have introduced innovative trends in luxury weddings. They pioneered the use of laser lights for couples’ first dances. It is a trend that quickly gained popularity among brides and debutantes. Looking ahead, he anticipates increased use of LED walls, more dramatic reveal concepts, and enhanced ceiling lighting for the second half of the year.
Balancing a demanding career with family life presents challenges for TJ. He acknowledged that events often occur on weekends and holidays. Despite this, he benefits from a supportive family and a dedicated team who handle the elaborate details of event setups.
“Having a group of passionate team members who understand the industry’s culture ensures a smooth operation during times when I need to focus on family,” Darcen reflects.
Greg Flores
Greg Flores has so far spent 11 years in the wedding industry and has navigated the challenges of working in a predominantly female field. Initially, building trust with clients and vendors was a significant hurdle. However, he forged strong relationships and earned respect in the industry through perseverance and effort.
His approach to wedding coordination is deeply personalized. He works closely with couples to enliven what his clients visualize for their big moments. “It begins with a deep understanding of their personalities, their love story, and the overall theme they envision,” he conveyed. “I believe in asking insightful questions, listening intently, and truly understanding their hopes and dreams for their special day.”
Facing inevitable challenges such as unexpected weather or last-minute changes, he remains calm and resourceful. His strategy includes having backup plans and thinking creatively to resolve issues. “It’s about being prepared, flexible, and prioritizing the couple’s happiness,” he explains, emphasizing his commitment to overcoming obstacles smoothly.
He provided his expert advice to couples who are about to get married. “Embrace your uniqueness and delegate tasks to enjoy their special day fully.”
When asked how he balances work and family, he said he learned how to prioritize and be intentional with his time. “I’m fortunate to have a supportive wife who understands the demands of my career. I make time for her and the kids, even if it’s just a quick video phone call or a shared meal. It’s about creating a balance that allows me to thrive in both my professional and personal life.”
Oly Ruiz
Wedding photographer and founder of Metrophoto Oly Ruiz has been in the wedding industry for 17 years. Before starting Metrophoto in 2007, He worked as an engineer for six years and as a finance analyst for three years before starting the company. Additionally, he is a father of three, adding that he is a wine expert now as well.
Ruiz’s approach to wedding photography is deeply personal and collaborative. He sees each wedding as a “blank canvas” and works closely with couples to translate their vision into reality.
“It begins with understanding their personalities, love story, and the overall theme they envision,” he explains. He aims to tell their story through his photographs, expressing he wants to capture unique quirks of each couple.
Handling difficult situations especially during family group pictures requires experience and skill. He emphasized the importance of presence and charisma.
“You have to make them listen, or trust you,” he stated. Oly believes that being fast and efficient in difficult situations is crucial. He also does his research to know the family members by name, which helps in managing group dynamics smoothly. “If you call them by their names, they will listen to you,” he added.
Oly then stressed that balancing personal and professional time is tricky, but he manages to maintain healthy boundaries.
“It’s hard to step on the brakes as a wedding photographer,” he chronicled. “Deciding on booking schedules is an art because it becomes a factor in making time for your personal life. Know when to step on the brakes, or speed up the gas to make the business grow. At the end of the day, know and set your priorities.”
Photos from TJ Darcen, Miguel Bautista, Oly Ruiz, and Greg Flores.
