California-San Diego — The Knot Community

DJ Guys reviews

miss.jawright — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:08:46 +0000

Hey ladies!
I am planning on booking DJ Guys for my wedding because the price is amazing. But I want to make sure that I wont be disappointed by something cheesey. Have any of you used them or know anything about them?

Thanks!

Ceremony only sites - gardens, parks, beach

tommy&michelle — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:51:40 +0000

I am looking for a fabulous ceremony only site for 150 guests. Any ideas ? The places I've been looking at require ceremony & reception. Thanks!

For sale items in Orange County-vases, votives, shoes, lanterns and more

bridalbliss10 — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:42:49 +0000

Check out my for sale items:http://www.mywedding.com/jsandrewsforever/index.html
They are available after April 17, 2010 for pickup only. Let me know if you're interested by emailing me at: weddingstuff417@yahoo.com
Julie

Helzberg Diamonds Nightmare - Part II

uwtigerlily — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 06:29:09 +0000

Well, after everything they didn't do (deliver on time) and did do (lie and ruin my wedding day surprise for my fiance), Helzberg did it again.

First, I sent an email to customer service. After 14 days, no response. Despite the fact that they said they would respond within 2-3 business days.

Second, I was supposed to get my ring March 19. Specifically, after all we have been through, they told me they would call me as soon as they got the ring back from engraving. Yesterday, I called to find out where it was.

The manager, Paulette, said the ring was in the store. I asked her why I hadn't gotten a telephone call. She said it must have just come in, so she hadn't gotten around to making phone calls yet.. I told her it was supposed to arrive the 19th. She checked her book and said that it did. I again asked her why I didn't get a call. This time, she said that they no longer call customers about orders arriving in the store. So, basically she lied to me. Do they or don't they call? She changed her answer in less than 60 seconds. I hate being lied to. Just tell me there was a delay, or something got overlooked.

I told her my experience had been nothing but a nightmare with Helzberg. She apologized as the manager of the store. Her store is the most poorly managed I have ever been to. There is a complete lack of communication among the staff. And no one bothers to check on arrival dates, they just guess at them.

I explained to her that I had this hope that we would always go to the same jeweler where we got my engagement and our wedding rings. (I know it's a little corny, but we thought it would be cool.) I further explained that I already told my fiance not to even bother getting my wedding present there. He can go to ANY jeweler EXCEPT HELZBERG DIAMONDS. She asked if there was anything they could do. Well, they are a day late and a dollar short.

We almost didn't get our ring on time. I know there are two weeks left... but that is cutting it too close. We should have had the ring about 6 weeks ago.

AGAIN, I DO NOT RECOMMEND HELZBERG DIAMOND AS YOUR JEWELER.

Help us find a backyard reception venue :) please & thank you

Renatorian — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:27:42 +0000

Hello Ladies,
I've been on theknot.com zillions of times but now that I'm engaged I feel priviliged to post :) So we want to get married in October 2010 in Orange County (where he's from), San Diego (where I'm from) or somewhere in between.

We will most likely get married in a church but we are looking for a private home (doesn't have to be a mansion!) with a large backyard that is appropriate for a reception. It could be Spanish Hacienda style, Romantic Garden-esque, or something else entirely.

If you have been to a backyard wedding in Southern California that you thought was gorgeous (or had potential) I would so appreciate your suggestions!

SOOOO EXCITED RIGHT NOW!!! YAY US!!!

NeColeMonet — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:51:41 +0000

Okay, so tonight has DEFINITELY been the highlight of my whole wedding planning experience. First and foremost, it has been a major pain trying to plan a San Diego wedding FROM MARYLAND.. while a) my fiance is deployed b) I am also Active Duty military and c) for now, I'm the single mother of an autistic 5 year old boy who is EXTREMELY active (Not complaining though, I LOVE MY LIFE). Anyways, I've been stalking this forum trying to find any suggestions anyone would throw out and I noticed everyone raving about Melissa McClure. Well tonight she contacted me to let me know that she's AVAILABLE for my September 4th wedding AND that even though her prices are above our budget she's willing to do a CUSTOM PACKAGE for us. That woman is a SAINT!! I am so happy right now that I can't even sleep. I'm going to wait until my fiance get's up in a few hours (its an eight hour time difference between us) and share the good news with him. I'm so happy. YAY US!!

boudior photography

jussagirl02 — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:25:52 +0000

Hi
I wanted to maybe get some boudior photos done for my fiance as a wedding gift. Does anyone have any suggestions for a great photographer around San Diego?
Thanks! :o)

Makeup by Chiachi

kate0312 — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:31:08 +0000

I used Chiachi for my wedding makeup and hair. She is amazing and very talented!!! I am very picky about my makeup and wasn’t sure if I would be able to find a makeup artist I liked. I was totally in love with the makeup and hair she did at my trial and on my wedding day. On the wedding day, Chiachi and her assistant showed up on time and got all of us ready on time as well, my girls and I were really happy with our makeup and hair. I would totally use her again for other special occasions!!!! www.makeupbychiachi.com

Need help with photographers

daysie29 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:07:10 +0000

Hi Ladies!

I usually post on the Boston board, but my best friend is getting married in San Diego this August and I am helping her with some of her planning.

Her and her fiance have decided that an expensive photographer is not in their budget, so I am looking for suggestions for good photographers that are very reasonably priced.

Any suggestions you ladies have would be awesome!

TIA!

Strict BUDGET - need a ceremony & reception site

vsauter — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:38:37 +0000

Hello brides! Any suggestions on where to have ceremony and reception (at same venue). I'm on a strict budget and need help ASAP. My fiance and I want to get married in Aug or Sept - are we crazy or is this do-able?!

I am open to ALL locations, golf courses, beach, winery - anything affordable!!

Thanks,

For Sale- Red and gold wedding items

uscppg — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:18:08 +0000

OK, so clearly I am knot technologically impared, because I can't seem to create a new bio, or get anything to work on mine....I am especially embarrassed because, well I am an engineer. (pretty sad, I know)

So here goes I have red and gold items for sale from my wedding. I live in nor cal, but because my family is in so-cal, I could easily arrange local pick up for any of the items (asuming you don't need them this weekend)

http://eaforsalewedding.shutterfly.com/pictures/8

Some of the prices I can negotiate on, some I cant. (Our venue is interested in buying some of them from us....but I wanted to give brides a shot first....since I know how expensive weddings are first hand :)

The Wedding Date?

tiffanyirene — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:32:22 +0000

Hi ladies, I'm looking for some feedback on possible wedding dates. A majority of my guests will be out of town guests so I want to make it a time that is most conveniant for them. For this reason I was thinking about having my wedding on a holiday weekend for the three days most of them would have off anyways? Any thoughts on this? Also I do have a good amount of local guests as well, do you think it would be an issue for them?

If I do decide to have my wedding on a 3 day holiday weekend will it ultimately be more expensive for me with vendors? I'm worried that the vendors might charge more because I would be taking away their holiday weekend?

Also, on a different note like I said, I have many guests coming from the East Coast who will be not only paying for thier flight but hotel as well. I have heard about gifts for out of town guests do you think this is something that would be expected? I don't have a large budget and I'm not sure exactly what I would give as gifts for out of town guests. I have heard of gift cards, sports tickets, fruit baskets etc. but this can all be pretty pricey. Thoughts on this would be great too!

Thanks so much!

Inexpensive alterations?

mdjs — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:49:42 +0000

Hi ladies,

I am mostly on the Hawaii board because I live in Hawaii and am getting married here, but I have a bridesmaid in San Diego who needs to get her dress altered. Does anyone know an inexpensive and reliable place for alterations? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Helzberg Diamonds Nightmare

uwtigerlily — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:21:34 +0000

My fiance purchased my beautiful engagement ring at Helzberg Diamonds. We decided to get our wedding bands there too. (We purchased them in December.) I took mine home the day of purchase. My fiance's was supposed to be at the store Feb 19, almost two months after purchase, because the vendor was still producing the rings. That was fine because the wedding is April 10.

On the 19th, I went to Helzberg. They said, "Oh, no. It's SHIPPING on Feb 19. It'll be here by Friday." I kept calling and going back, and they kept telling me it's on its way.

One week ago, I called and I said I NEED the ring. I was originally planning on picking it up, letting my fiance see it, and then smuggling it out of the house so I could have it secretly engaged. I needed time to do this. And I no longer had the time to be sure things went wihout a hitch. I told them to call ME to let me know when it arrived so that I could pick it up to have it engraved. I was so upset that it was three weeks late at this point.

Two days later, they called my fiance. Not me!! I was so upset. I called Helzberg and made them aware of their mistake. And I explained, again, why time was an issue. They assured me I could go pick it up during the week last week. I could take it back on Sunday, the jeweler would be by on Monday to pick up orders, and I could pick it back up, engraved, on Thursday. I was not happy because it had taken so long, but they came up with a solution.

When my fiance and I went to go pick up his ring, the employee said, "Oh, and for the inconvenience, we'll be giving you that engraving for free." RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FIANCE. It was supposed to be a surprise.

I was so upset I had to walk out of the store before I said anything crazy.

It is apparent to me that none of the employees communicate with each other. I called multiple times throughout this ordeal. They never knew what was going on. One time the more recent times I called, they said there were no notes on my file. To me, that means they never even called to verify the order was on its way, despite the fact that they kept telling me it had already shipped. They have lied, not delivered as promised, and ruined a wedding day surprise.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND HELZBERG AS YOUR JEWELER!

Offiant/Coordinator/Registry?

ginabeana28 — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:28:46 +0000

Hello,
Does anyone heard of or used :

Reverend Gary Silvett

Courtney After The Engagement

?

Also, where have you registered for wedding gifts are do you like them? We are looking at target and Macy's. How early do you register?

Thank you!

Rehearsal Dinner and After wedding Brunch Locations Coronado

L&E2010 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:46:06 +0000

Hello All...

I am getting married in September on Coronado, I was just wondering if any one had suggestions for a Rehearsal dinner site for about 30 people that is reasonably priced...it doesnt have to be on the island but its preferred. We have looked into Candelas, il fornio, poehoes, ect and they are all much too expensive.

And

For the morning after the wedding my close family and the ppl from out of town will all be going to breakfast to hang out before we have to head back to LA. We would prefer a location that has a separate room for the group.

THANKS!

DJ under $1000

katie3115 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:06:42 +0000

Does anyone have a DJ in San Diego that they would recommend? I'm looking to spend under $1000 (hopefully closer to $800) for 6 hours of reception & ceremony. I don't want anyone too cheesy, but someone who will be a good MC and will keep everything organized. Any recommendations (or DJs to avoid) would be appreciated!

Karl Strauss?

ames088 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:34:08 +0000

Has anyone had their wedding/reception at the karl strauss brewery gardens or been to a wedding there? My Fiance and I are going to check it out as a possible venue but i wanted to see if anyone here has had a wedding here.

Thanks!

Copyright Infringement by Sean Peele of seanpeelephotography.com

KatMoon — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:30:32 +0000

Just a warning - it looks like this photographer who has since disabled his website stole the images on his site from various different wedding photographers - more details in this thread: http://photo.net/wedding-photography-forum/00W132

In-stock gowns in San Diego?

SheilaS — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:19:52 +0000

Please recommend shops that have dresses in stock that may be purchased on the spot. We've moved up my daughter's wedding date and the dream dress we have on order may not be here in time.
Thanks!

inexpensive Reception sites?

tweetygabe — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:26:12 +0000

i just wanted to share with the world how happy i am to marry my prince charming... excited to get married! does anyone know of a nice indoor reception site in san diego?? for an affordable price?? for about 250 guests?

Best Steakhouse/Seafood?

jmek85 — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:35:44 +0000

Hi Ladies,
I am looking to do a reception in the San Diego area and was wondering what is the best steakhouse and seafood restaurant? I also want something on the beach but that's not really necessary. Any suggestions?

Bridal Shoes in San Diego!

liacin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:36:08 +0000

Does anyone have a suggestion of a store where I can get bridal shoes that is in San Diego County?

I know there are TONS of websites that sell them, but I don't like the idea of buying shoes that I can't try on first because I have picky feet and I'm hard to size.

Also, I'm not a super big "shoe person" so I'd like to get shoes that aren't too expensive. $200 shoes that I'll probably only wear once (and probably only for half the night too!) seems a little strange to me.

Thanks so much for the help!

NWR ~ Chicago Knottie, that's a soon to be San Diego Nestie!!

Allison&Donnie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:20:02 +0000

Hello!

So sorry to intrude your wedding boards.

Totally NOT wedding related, but I any advice/tips are greatly appreciated!! Just found out about 2 weeks ago, that we are being relocated from Chicago to San Diego in the next 6 months for my fiances job. We are super excited, but are basically walking blind into this situation. I (sadly) have never even BEEN to California, let alone San Diego. We are looking to rent for the first year or more, until we get to know the area better.

So, I guess my question is~ can anyone recommend places or areas to rent inor areas to stay away from??? We are searching day and night online for any information that we can find, but its always good to get REAL feedback from REAL people!! THANK YOU so much in advance for any help :)

Makeup by Chiachi

nelondre — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:56:22 +0000

If you are looking for someone to do your hair/makeup I would definitely recommend Chiachi. She did an AMAZING job on my makeup and hair and my bridesmaids loved their makeup and hair as well! When I did the trial run I asked her to do my makeup very natural. She did exactly what I asked for, but the day of I decided that I wanted a more dramatic look. That's all I told her and she did exactly what I wanted! I felt so beautiful the whole night, it made all the difference in the world.

Photographer

christie.hatch — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:47:34 +0000

Check out www.joshelliottstudios.com for excellent photography. He is amazing with light!

Custom made gown???

shortibelle — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:07:35 +0000

I'm thinking of having my gown custom made but don't want to pay a fortune....anyone have any suggestions??? I've already been told about Cinderella's Closet. Thanks everyone! :)

Knottie Girls Night Out?

Autumbreez — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:23:53 +0000

Are there any social get togethers for local brides, such as a girls night out? I thought I saw that on here once. I'd love to meet other brides!

Ocean ceremony locations?

tinalv — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:22:35 +0000

Hi there! Can anyone suggest some nice ocean / beachfront ceremony locations that will accommodate small parties of about 20-30 people? Or is there a place where I can find a list of venues?

We just decided on a beach wedding so I've hardly even begun planning, but I'm already overwhelmed at all the choices! (Especially since we're not limited to the San Diego area). I would prefer an ocean view but don't necessarily want to get married on the sand.

Thanks so much in advance!

The Solemates High Heeler - anywhere in SD?

[Deleted User] — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:56:35 +0000

Does anyone know of any bridal shops or shoe stores in SD County that sell The Solemates? My wedding is mostly on grass and I've heard very good things about these little gems. I'd like to avoid paying a shipping fee so if you know of any shops that carry them please let me know. Thanks!

http://www.thesolemates.com/index.php