VENUE - The Wedge Restaurant - Landenberg PA - A++
Tom's brother owns this restaurant and offered for us to use it for the wedding when we cut back the guest list. I wasn't sure how everything was going to turn out because the restaurant isn't really set up for a wedding, but it went really well. Everyone keeps raving how amazing the food was and that was something we definitely wanted for everyone.
Kamaryn did an amazing job of setting everything up and coordinating when all of the vendors arrived. It was nice to know I could leave this to someone else and not have to worry about it. It looked great! The kitchen staff did an awesome job on the food, the staff served everyone really quickly and the bartenders did a great job of on-the-spot drinks when my friends would walk up and say 'so I want something fruity to drink that's not too fruity but I can't taste all of the alcohol.'
Really, we could not have asked for more.
www.thewedgeonline.com
Kamaryn did an amazing job of setting everything up and coordinating when all of the vendors arrived. It was nice to know I could leave this to someone else and not have to worry about it. It looked great! The kitchen staff did an awesome job on the food, the staff served everyone really quickly and the bartenders did a great job of on-the-spot drinks when my friends would walk up and say 'so I want something fruity to drink that's not too fruity but I can't taste all of the alcohol.'
Really, we could not have asked for more.
www.thewedgeonline.com
DJ - Jamie Waltz, Jam Productions - Newark, DE - A++
I had no idea what to expect with Jamie. Three months before the wedding an old friend of mine who was supposed to be our DJ stopped returning my calls. Slightly frantic I called every DJ that had a decent rating with my fingers crossed we could get someone so quickly on our tiny budget. One company I spoke to said that they couldn't help us but they could refer us to a friend of theirs who did weddings for less.
I only spoke with Jamie on the phone twice before the wedding and a few times through email. We really didn't know what to expect and I can honestly say we were MORE than pleasantly surprised. Jamie is an AMAZING DJ who really knows how to do a wedding. The guests loved the music, loved his personality and had a great time. There are not enough good things to say about Jamie and how well everything went.
The two goals Tom and I had for the wedding were 'great food' and 'great music'. We completely succeeded on both.
[email protected]
I only spoke with Jamie on the phone twice before the wedding and a few times through email. We really didn't know what to expect and I can honestly say we were MORE than pleasantly surprised. Jamie is an AMAZING DJ who really knows how to do a wedding. The guests loved the music, loved his personality and had a great time. There are not enough good things to say about Jamie and how well everything went.
The two goals Tom and I had for the wedding were 'great food' and 'great music'. We completely succeeded on both.
[email protected]
OFFICIANT - Jeff Engroff, Simplistic Weddings - Lancaster, PA - A
Finding an officiant in our budget was a real challenge for us so I was really pleased when we found Jeff online. He fit into our budget and allowed us to custom-create our own ceremony. We met a few weeks before the wedding to go over everything. Honestly, I don't remember the ceremony well enough to tell if you if anything went wrong, but I'm sure it was fine. We did have a bit of communication problems because Jeff's blackberry didn't like my email address and sometimes we would have to send the same things back and forth to each other multiple times before we would get them.
The only other problem we had is that neither of us remember Jeff telling us that we are responsible for mailing the marriage certificate to the court. You only have 10 days to do this so I'm hoping that they don't count Sunday's as the days because the certificate would need to get there on Monday and since we didn't know and went on the honeymoon, I can't mail it until the 10th day.
www.simplisticweddings.com
The only other problem we had is that neither of us remember Jeff telling us that we are responsible for mailing the marriage certificate to the court. You only have 10 days to do this so I'm hoping that they don't count Sunday's as the days because the certificate would need to get there on Monday and since we didn't know and went on the honeymoon, I can't mail it until the 10th day.
www.simplisticweddings.com
FLORIST Brittany Welsh, Britt Welsh Designs - Darlington, MD - A
Brittany was another budget-bride's dream come true. I found her on Craigslist advertising floral services. When we met, almost a year before the wedding, I found out that Brittany worked in floral shops for years but now is a stay at home mom who just likes makes floral arrangements still so she does it on the side.
At the meeting we discussed the flowers and the look that I wanted. We were able to use cymbidium orchid stems for the centerpieces, lavender roses for the bridesmaids bouquets, roses for the cake topper and calla lilies and roses for my bouquet for under $400. I really loved my bouquet but I wasn't too impressed with the bridesmaids bouquets. I'm not sure if I just was expecting a different color for lavender or if the roses had already started to die by the time they made it to us. They were more of a gray-lavender than the vibrant color we were expecting. Either way, they served their purpose and looked really nice with the green bridesmaids dresses.
[email protected]
At the meeting we discussed the flowers and the look that I wanted. We were able to use cymbidium orchid stems for the centerpieces, lavender roses for the bridesmaids bouquets, roses for the cake topper and calla lilies and roses for my bouquet for under $400. I really loved my bouquet but I wasn't too impressed with the bridesmaids bouquets. I'm not sure if I just was expecting a different color for lavender or if the roses had already started to die by the time they made it to us. They were more of a gray-lavender than the vibrant color we were expecting. Either way, they served their purpose and looked really nice with the green bridesmaids dresses.
[email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHER - Stephanie Miller, Stephanie Miller Photography - Annapolis, MD - ...
Being on a small budget, photography really worried me. I knew I wanted that photo-journalistic price tag but every photographer's website I looked at with that style also came with a really high price tag. A knottie on the DC board had saw my post about needing a photographer and she linked me a list of popular ones from the DC board. Stephanie was on that list. When I looked at her website I was thrilled. It was exactly what I wanted and I just had to have her as our photographer. I crossed my fingers and emailed her with our budget.
Stephanie emailed me back almost instantly and told me that 'everyone should have great pictures no matter what their budget.' and that she would work with us. I was instantly sold. After we met I knew I needed to have her for our photographer and practically flew home to fill out the contract and mail off the deposit check.
We won't receive our wedding pictures until some time in October but I'm sure they will be great. Even so, I'll hold off on doing a graded review until then. Our engagement pictures turned out really well so there isn't any doubt these will be just as great.
Stephanie did a great job at the wedding. I was a bit worried about the reveal pictures running over time but she took all of the ones I could possibly think of and kept us right on time. She also did a great job of getting right in the middle of everyone dancing for some pictures that I'm sure will turn out great. I completely forgot to tell her about the pictures I wanted with our families but I was easily able to point out family members or people on the dance floor that I wanted pictures from.
www,smillerphotography.net
Stephanie emailed me back almost instantly and told me that 'everyone should have great pictures no matter what their budget.' and that she would work with us. I was instantly sold. After we met I knew I needed to have her for our photographer and practically flew home to fill out the contract and mail off the deposit check.
We won't receive our wedding pictures until some time in October but I'm sure they will be great. Even so, I'll hold off on doing a graded review until then. Our engagement pictures turned out really well so there isn't any doubt these will be just as great.
Stephanie did a great job at the wedding. I was a bit worried about the reveal pictures running over time but she took all of the ones I could possibly think of and kept us right on time. She also did a great job of getting right in the middle of everyone dancing for some pictures that I'm sure will turn out great. I completely forgot to tell her about the pictures I wanted with our families but I was easily able to point out family members or people on the dance floor that I wanted pictures from.
www,smillerphotography.net
HOTEL - Courtyard by Marriott University of Delaware - Newark, DE - B+
Up until a few days before I printed the invitations I wasn't really sure if I wanted to block hotels or not. I randomly decided to call this hotel because they were the closest to see if they could offer us a discounted rate. I found out that they also offered us a shuttle.
I didn't feel completely comfortable with the wording in the contract about blocking the rooms. It said that if all of the rooms were not booked, we were responsible to pay for them. Ashley, my contact there, told me that it couldn't be changed, but that they didn't charge anyone. All of our rooms ended up being booked, so we didn't have to pay anything extra but that did worry me a bit that the contract had that language.
We did end up using the shuttle service for the hotel to take the guests to and from the Wedge. I really should have spoke with the transportation manager before we started taking the pictures because they ended up running behind and caused us to start the ceremony at 6:15 instead of 6 PM. Either way, everyone made it to and from the hotel safe and sound and the shuttle even returned specifically for Tom and I.
As soon as we checked into the hotel the manager contacted me to make sure our room had everything it needed and everything was good. That was a pleasant surprise. Also, my family somehow convinced the hotel bar to stay open until we returned from the reception. The bar typically closed at 10 and we didn't return until 11:30. I have no idea how they pulled that off, but it was nice to see family after the reception was over. I was also impressed that almost every staff member at the hotel congratulated us either on the way in or the way out.
www.marriott.com
I didn't feel completely comfortable with the wording in the contract about blocking the rooms. It said that if all of the rooms were not booked, we were responsible to pay for them. Ashley, my contact there, told me that it couldn't be changed, but that they didn't charge anyone. All of our rooms ended up being booked, so we didn't have to pay anything extra but that did worry me a bit that the contract had that language.
We did end up using the shuttle service for the hotel to take the guests to and from the Wedge. I really should have spoke with the transportation manager before we started taking the pictures because they ended up running behind and caused us to start the ceremony at 6:15 instead of 6 PM. Either way, everyone made it to and from the hotel safe and sound and the shuttle even returned specifically for Tom and I.
As soon as we checked into the hotel the manager contacted me to make sure our room had everything it needed and everything was good. That was a pleasant surprise. Also, my family somehow convinced the hotel bar to stay open until we returned from the reception. The bar typically closed at 10 and we didn't return until 11:30. I have no idea how they pulled that off, but it was nice to see family after the reception was over. I was also impressed that almost every staff member at the hotel congratulated us either on the way in or the way out.
www.marriott.com
DRESS - Pizazz Bridal - Aberdeen, MD - B+
I had found a dress online that I really liked. It was a Maggie Sottero Destinations dress. I contacted practically every store in MD, DE and PA to see if they carried this dress. No one did. Finally, I contacted Brenda at Pizazz Bridal and I found out that she could order the dress for me.
On a whim, I decided to order my dress without ever trying it on. The reason this review is a B and not an A is just because I pushed repeatedly to order the dress to fit the largest part of my body which is my chest, but Brenda talked me out of it. When my dress came in, I looked like a hooker. Honestly, thats the best way to put it. Its a v-neck dress and it showed more cleavage than necessary.
I knew that my body would change sizes throughout the month but this caused extra stress that I didn't really need before the wedding.
www.pizazzwedding.com
On a whim, I decided to order my dress without ever trying it on. The reason this review is a B and not an A is just because I pushed repeatedly to order the dress to fit the largest part of my body which is my chest, but Brenda talked me out of it. When my dress came in, I looked like a hooker. Honestly, thats the best way to put it. Its a v-neck dress and it showed more cleavage than necessary.
I knew that my body would change sizes throughout the month but this caused extra stress that I didn't really need before the wedding.
www.pizazzwedding.com
DRESS ALTERATIONS - Nancy - Parkville, MD A+
Nancy was really the saving grace to my dress. I had originally planned on using the seamstress at Pizazz but when I called to make an appointment, I found out that she had retired and they really didn't have anyone in my area to refer me to. Uh, thanks?
Luckily, theknot came through for me and a knottie on my month board was able to refer me to Nancy. She typically works for Amanda Ritchey Bridal but she does outside work as well. She was very affordable, $200 for the hem, bustle and taking the dress in on the sides. Each fitting went well and luckily the dress fit me perfectly. Ironically, I thought it would be tight the day of but it was actually kind of loose.
Luckily, theknot came through for me and a knottie on my month board was able to refer me to Nancy. She typically works for Amanda Ritchey Bridal but she does outside work as well. She was very affordable, $200 for the hem, bustle and taking the dress in on the sides. Each fitting went well and luckily the dress fit me perfectly. Ironically, I thought it would be tight the day of but it was actually kind of loose.
HAIR - Bailey, Brocato's Studio - Canton, MD - A
I really should start my review with Courtney, my regular stylist at Brocato's. When I chose my hair style I found out that I needed extensions to get the length that I wanted. I purchased the extensions from a Beauty Supply store in the mall (White Marsh Mall) and showed them to her. She was able to match the highlights I wanted in my hair perfectly to the color of the extensions. You couldn't tell at all that it wasn't real hair.
For my trial, I completely forgot to bring a picture for Bailey. She was able to do a rough draft of how I wanted it to look and I had a lot of confidence that we wouldn't have any issues the day of.
This review is an A not an A+ just because of timing. Bailey had said my hair would take an hour. It ended up taking two hours and we started close to 20 minutes late. I had given myself extra time throughout the day, but with my hair appointment in Canton, MD and the hotel in Newark, DE I was a bit worried about the time. Either way, my hair turned out great, even if I did forget to push it over my shoulder when I had my purse on my arm. It caused some of the curl to fall out but it still kept that beachy messy style that I wanted.
www.brocatos.com
For my trial, I completely forgot to bring a picture for Bailey. She was able to do a rough draft of how I wanted it to look and I had a lot of confidence that we wouldn't have any issues the day of.
This review is an A not an A+ just because of timing. Bailey had said my hair would take an hour. It ended up taking two hours and we started close to 20 minutes late. I had given myself extra time throughout the day, but with my hair appointment in Canton, MD and the hotel in Newark, DE I was a bit worried about the time. Either way, my hair turned out great, even if I did forget to push it over my shoulder when I had my purse on my arm. It caused some of the curl to fall out but it still kept that beachy messy style that I wanted.
www.brocatos.com
MAKE UP - Caroline, Bare Escentuals - Christiana Mall, DE - A+
I went with Tom to the mall the day that he and the guys were going to pick out their tuxes. I had planned on having my make up done, but when I saw the Bare Escentuals store I decided to go in and see what they could teach me. I explained to Caroline that I didn't really have anywhere convenient to go for my make up, I had limited make up knowledge and I wanted to do my own make up for the wedding. Her first words 'oh honey, don't worry. I'll show you exactly what to do."
25 minutes later I had a full face of makeup that would be perfect for the wedding, a guide telling me how to create it and a bag full of make up on my arm. I felt pretty confident. What really impressed me is two weeks before the wedding Caroline gave me a call and asked if I needed to come in for any refreshers or if there was anything she could give advice on.
25 minutes later I had a full face of makeup that would be perfect for the wedding, a guide telling me how to create it and a bag full of make up on my arm. I felt pretty confident. What really impressed me is two weeks before the wedding Caroline gave me a call and asked if I needed to come in for any refreshers or if there was anything she could give advice on.
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES - David's Bridal - Pasadena, MD - A+
My bridesmaids were supposed to order their dresses online, but that fell through at the last minute. With 9 weeks until my wedding, I frantically called David's Bridal and asked for help. I have no idea who I spoke with but she assured me that they would have dresses for me and not to worry.
Our appointment was on 7/28. Ironically, all of the girls ended up picking the same dress. It was $100 and the consultant assured me that it would come into the store in time for the wedding. About 3 weeks later we received an email that the dresses had arrived. I was hesitant about the entire process because so many people have mixed reviews of David's Bridal but I'm glad we had a really good experience.
Our appointment was on 7/28. Ironically, all of the girls ended up picking the same dress. It was $100 and the consultant assured me that it would come into the store in time for the wedding. About 3 weeks later we received an email that the dresses had arrived. I was hesitant about the entire process because so many people have mixed reviews of David's Bridal but I'm glad we had a really good experience.
TUXES - Men's Warehouse - Christiana Mall, DE - C
Before going to the mall, I had contacted the Men's Warehouse to let them know that we were coming in with 4 guys and a ring bearer to be fitted. When we got to the mall, I gave them 30 minutes notice of our appointment and they seemed confused. When we came in for the actual appointment, they seemed even more confused. It was not a very comforting feeling.
About an hour later, everyone's measurements were taken and we could finally leave. We were told the tuxes would arrive 2-3 days before the wedding. Tom's two brothers went to pick theirs up and found out that the measurements were wrong and new pieces needed to be ordered. When the two other groomsmen arrived a few days before the wedding, we had the same issues. On the day before the wedding Tom was there with a groomsman whose tux was too long in the pants, too short in the arms and I'm not even sure what else. They kept arguing with him that it was supposed to be this way or that way until they finally just decided to change it.
Overall, it all worked out in the end, but neither of us were exactly impressed with the level of customer service we received.
About an hour later, everyone's measurements were taken and we could finally leave. We were told the tuxes would arrive 2-3 days before the wedding. Tom's two brothers went to pick theirs up and found out that the measurements were wrong and new pieces needed to be ordered. When the two other groomsmen arrived a few days before the wedding, we had the same issues. On the day before the wedding Tom was there with a groomsman whose tux was too long in the pants, too short in the arms and I'm not even sure what else. They kept arguing with him that it was supposed to be this way or that way until they finally just decided to change it.
Overall, it all worked out in the end, but neither of us were exactly impressed with the level of customer service we received.
EVERYTHING ELSE
There are a ton of other things I need to review on, but I'll get back to those.
Veil -
Shoes -
Invitations -
Menu cards -
Dollar Tree -
Jewelry -
Monograms -
Veil -
Shoes -
Invitations -
Menu cards -
Dollar Tree -
Jewelry -
Monograms -
