Hi all,
Vendor reviews were really helpful when I was planning my Hudson Valley wedding, so I hope this is helpful for you as well!
Venue: The Grandview (A)
Pros: Beautiful site, very attentive staff, completely professional. Everyone thought my wedding was so elegant because of the beautiful ballroom and fabulous river views.
Cons: My parents felt nicked and dimed for everything, especially stuff they felt should be included in the base prices.
Price: ~$24,000
Hair and Makeup: StudioOne (A+)
Pros: Amanda and Maura were amazing and accommodating. I looked gorgeous all day. They were even willing to do a few last-minute things for my bridesmaids.
Cons: It is a little expensive, though much more convenient, to have them come to you (vs. drive to New Paltz)
Price: ~$300
Photographer: Christopher's Studio (A+)
Pros: Willing to work with me on a package and cost, free engagement shoot, easy to work with, didn't feel like he was always in the way, knows how to make magic with pictures.
Cons: None. Still waiting on my wedding pics, but can't imagine they will be less than gorgeous.
Price: ~$2500
Videographer: J&M PhotoVideo (A+)
Pros: Willing to come cheap! I booked them later in the planning process, as an afterthought, and didn't want to spend a lot of money. We definitely got our money's worth, and have a great, fun video on 3 DVDs to show for it.
Cons: None.
Price: ~$1000
Band: Soul Session (A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++)
Pros: So so so so so fabulous. They call themselves a "band that does weddings" vs. a wedding band, because it's true. Garland, the leader, is an amazing wedding MC and kept everyone dancing all night. The band went from Motown to Funk to R&B to Pop to Classic Rock to Jazz to whatever. They played everything and everyone loved it. If my wedding was successful, it was because of this band.
Cons: Absolutely none!
Price: ~$6500
Flowers: Lucille's Floral/Flowers by Lucille (A++++++)
Pros: She made my wedding beautiful! The flowers were absolutely beyond what I thought they would look like. She was super easy to work with and more than worth the money. Love her, love her, love her.
Cons: None.
Price: ~$2000
Ceremony Pianist: Alla Axelrod (C)
Pros: She showed up.
Cons: She clearly did not practice the music I sent her months ahead of the wedding, and played the recessional as if it were a swing piece vs. a pop song (Somewhere Only We Know). I found her online at GigMasters, and she had all these amazing reviews, so I'm pissed that she picked my wedding to screw up at. It's the one part of my wedding video that makes me wince - hearing all those wrong notes!
Price: ~$250
Ladies, no matter what this day is the most special and will be super-wonderful for you all. Best of luck and hope this helps!