I'll go in and do the vendor reviews page on the knot but just wanted to write on here real quick since we are so happy!
Venue - Serenata Beach Club: We are sooo happy with our reception and the wonderful service we received from Cordel, Courtney and everyone at the club. Cordel is extremely upfront and works hard to make sure you can have the reception you deserve but not go broke. All prices presented to us always included tax and gratuity. We had no hidden fees. Cordel always communicated well with me through the whole process. All of our guests were blown away with the setting - you are RIGHT on the beach and look down on it. You guests have the ability to walk down on the beach also. We only had our reception there but you can also get married in the back looking down on the beach. If you are looking for that kind of setting definitely check it out. It is right where Ponte Vedra begins so was not too far from St. Augustine.
Hotel Block - Hampton Inn at Vilano Beach: All of our guests were very happy with their rooms - I also thought they were very nice. They have a beautiful lobby. Breakfast is included. If you can get the presidential suite it is extremely baller (it was booked our weekend but we did get to look at it). We used the hospitality room for getting ready and a luncheon for our guests the next day. Tina handled setting up our block and was extremely helpful and friendly the weekend of. The hotel was about 5 min drive away from our reception at Serenta which was north but in the opposite direction also a quick drive over to St. Augustine. They did not charge to give out out of town baskets (which some hotels do!)... we also had a block at St. Augustine Beach House but only one couple stayed there one night. They were cheaper than the Hampton, had no night minimum and per the couple was extremely nice and also is ON the beach unlike the Hampton. from the outside it doesn't look like it is as nice as it is but check it out.
Limo - Susie's Limos: They are located in Jacksonville but were the most affordable and reasonable for us. Most places wanted to jack up the price bc of the "potential" proms that could be happening (we got married Memorial weekend) but this place said since they had no idea if there were proms since it was so far out. they wouldn't do that to us. Also, other places wanted to charge extra or for another hour we weren't even using it bc of the time it took them to get to St AUgustine - this place did not. Our driver was on time and courteous.
Photographer - Seth Beaudreau: Haven't seen our pics yet since it's only been 2 days but he did show me some on his camera as the day went and they were gorgeous. He was recommended by a friend and I am so happy we used him. He is very professional and passionate about what he does. We did engagement pictures with him and were very happy so I can't wait to see how our wedding photos turn out!
Dj: Liz from Djs to Go: The company came recommended by Serenata (not because of kick backs but bc they use them for club events). Liz and the owner Ed were very detail oriented and communicated well with us leading up to it. On the night of Liz did a great job with the music and getting everyone on the dance floor. Very happy she was our DJ.
Cake: Defore's: Unfortunately our bakery has closed its doors and we were the last weekend they did wedding cakes which is unforunate as they communicated better and were more cost effective than Sweet Weddings - though I have seen other brides who seemed very happy with Sweet Weddings (she just took forever to respond to emails and never returned my voicemails). If you go with someone in Jacksonville be prepared to pay an extra fee for the delivery.
Hair / Make up: Haley Bolen from Simply Makeup did my makeup and did a wonderful job. I am glad we did the trial run bc I was able to tell her I needed more coverage for pictures bc of the bridal portraits and she listened well and did a great job covering up the acne you can't help getting with the stress of a wedding! Kenize Sparks (Sparks is her maiden name and her new married name escapes me unfortunately) did my hair, my mother in law and 6 bridesmaids. I was extremely stressed about everyone getting their hair done on time... she brought an assistant to work on curling. She got everyone's hair done in reasonable time and even had time to go back for girls who didn't hold a curl as well and fix it and add hair spray... and even re do my sister in law's hair when she didn't like the position of her part. Everyone looked great!