Weddings are undoubtedly one of life’s most memorable milestones, marking the start of a new chapter in the lives of the happy couple. Planning and coordinating a wedding, however, can be daunting, and this is where wedding planners come in. Crystal & Kay Weddings and Events is a Sydney-based wedding planning business run by two Filipino-Australian women, Crystal Amores Reyes and Kay Bollas Camongol. With a focus on Catholic Filipino weddings, the dynamic duo offers a unique blend of coordination and planning services that ensures the process is smooth and stress-free for their clients.
The inspiration to start a wedding planning business came from Crystal and Kay’s experience planning their weddings in the Philippines. They were hands-on brides who were involved in every aspect of their wedding preparations. However, hiring a team to manage their day and execute their plans was the best investment they made for their wedding. This experience prompted the idea of bringing “on-the-day wedding coordination” to Australia, where this type of service is often an afterthought.
Crystal and Kay both have diverse backgrounds that have contributed to their success in the wedding planning industry. Crystal’s background is in luxury business, working with global brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Chopard. Her experience in planning her own wedding further solidified her interest in wedding planning. Kay, on the other hand, has a background in sales and marketing. Her interest in events can be attributed to her family, particularly her mother, who is their large family’s go-to person for event planning.
What sets Crystal & Kay Weddings and Events apart is their focus on personalised services tailored to meet each client’s needs and vision, with a special focus on Catholic Filipino Weddings and Wedding Day Management. They work closely with their clients, involving them in planning and providing complete professional support, assistance, and advice. They also coordinate the wedding rehearsal for Catholic Filipino weddings to ensure that the different cultural elements and traditions take place correctly and in order.
Filipino wedding traditions are deeply rooted in the country’s culture and faith, and these customs are not just symbolic gestures but they also reflect the values and beliefs of the couple and their families. In a Filipino wedding ceremony, the Catholic Church plays a vital role, with many of the customs and traditions deeply rooted in religious beliefs.
One of the most significant symbols in a Filipino wedding is the unity candle, which represents the couple’s oneness and new life. The lighting of the unity candle is done using the flames from the family candles, symbolising the couple’s connection to their families and their faith. Other physical symbols such as the veil, cord, and arras also play a significant role in the ceremony, symbolising the couple’s commitment to each other and their future together.
For couples who want to incorporate Filipino wedding traditions into their ceremony, it is important to communicate their desires to their wedding planner and officiant. It is also necessary to research and understand the significance of each tradition they plan to include and consider the logistics of the ceremony. By embracing these traditions and making them their own, couples can create a unique and meaningful wedding that reflects their cultural heritage and personal tastes.
Weddings are a time of celebration and joy, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the happy couple. Planning and coordination, however, can be stressful and overwhelming. However, wedding planners like Crystal & Kay Weddings and Events can make the process smooth and stress-free. By incorporating Filipino wedding traditions, couples can create a memorable event that reflects their unique cultural identity and infuses their wedding with meaning and significance. With the help of a wedding planner who understands the importance of these traditions, couples can keep their customs alive and create a wedding that is both meaningful and beautiful, leaving them with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
With the passion and dedication that Crystal & Kay Weddings and Events brings, couples can rest assured that their special day will be one they will treasure forever.
