Connecticut — The Knot Community

Elks Lodge Westbrook

mysticfishtales — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:57:39 +0000

Has anyone used them?
We're on a super tight budget and other places in the area are out of our range.

Jerome at Studio1923

marta119 — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:48:42 +0000

FI and I filled out a contact form on their website and were contacted by Jennifer the next day. I went back and forth with Jenn through email several times and we set up a meeting a week later. We both liked them very much and liked the quality of their work. Jennifer sent me a follow up email about a week after our meeting wich I didn't respond to because we were planning on calling them a couple days later. We tried calling their cell phone number but got vmail and left a message for them to please call us back. After not hearing from them we tried few more times (when we call the office number we get the answering machine right away). We left one more message and I wrote an email to Jennifer to see when is the best time to reach them/what number is the best to contact them at (this was last Thursday).... still nothing. At this point I am getting VERY frustrated and I'm wondering if it's time to find a new photographer (we never committed to them because we never got a chance to talk to them again!). I know they're liked around here and I have read nothing but good things but this is getting ridiculous....
Anyone have a similar experience? have any suggestions? TIA

Florist in New London/Westbrook

sabbensojos — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 23:55:50 +0000

I am getting married at the Water's Edge and need a florist...everyone I've contacted wants SO much money...any ideas out there?

Looking for an inexpensive winter wedding venue

mayguerrer — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:45:03 +0000

Hello all, I am looking for an inexpensive wedding venue in CT for an 80 ppl wedding. Any ideas? Thank. U

Well, that's an issue I never heard of...

calindi — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:52:57 +0000

Apparently you need your parents' names to apply for a marriage license in Connecticut (or maybe just Groton?). My FMIL has been married several times, so I emailed her to ask for her legal name (since I wasn't sure what was legal and what was just social use). She apparently doesn't even know her own legal name anymore - she isn't sure if her middle name is FI's last name (her ex-husband's) or the middle name she was given at birth.

I'm getting a good old laugh out of this, because I don't assume they'll actually check up on it too far, and I'm going to use what she's used on her tax forms so the government has accepted it before... but wouldn't it be a funny story to tell our future children, "Daddy and Mommy's marriage was declared invalid because Grammy couldn't remember her own name"???!!!

What's the most unexpected and unusual issue you've come up against in wedding planning?

Looking for cheap reception/wedding venue

hannahel — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:05:52 +0000

Does anyone have any suggestions around the CT area? I am looking to have it outdoors in August 2013 but with some shelter in case of inclimate weather. I plan on having about 35 people and would love to do the whole thing for $100 per person or less (food, catering, decorations, etc). My friend offered her backyard on the water in Mystic, but I want to make sure that is the most cost effective when you consider the additional expenses of a backyard wedding (tent rental, bathrooms, landscaping, etc.)

hair and makeup recs in madison

id012 — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:34:52 +0000

Can anyone recommned hair and makeup people in madison? Im ok with going to a salon because i think it will be cheaper. Our wedding is coming up quick so I need to get on this!

Any TIA!!

Escort card Help!!!

michelle12252008 — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:47:17 +0000

I am just starting to plan my wedding and we are paying for it ourself. He works bur I am on disability due to my lupus. I seen a picture of Gold escort cards with diamonds on the cornor. Do anyone know where I can get them or have any decor that is gold and ivory they are willing to give away would help.

Affordable photographer on Connecticut Shoreline?

wallinale — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:34:28 +0000

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have recommendations for a very affordable wedding photographer to shoot our wedding (summer 2013) on the Connecticut Shoreline? We are on a tight budget, but want to have excellent photography.

Experienced art students or apprentices with artistic sensibilities are most welcome!

Thanks for any and all ideas!

Amanda

Vanity Videos

Knot Lili — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:02:09 +0000

Have any of you produced vanity parodies videos or performances of your receptions or ceremonies: whether it’s a live performance from the wedding party or a video production??

Alteration recommendations?

Polinar — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:23:20 +0000

I've heard all sorts of nightmarish stories about alterations gone wrong. I bought my gown at Davids, but they have HORRIFIC reviews on their alterations.
I will be needing it hemmed, bustled and the boning in the bust fixed a little as it is too big. I'm really nervous about where I take it, and haven't been able to find a place that I can guarantee is experienced and still within a reasonable budget.
Can any of you give me recommendations for where to take it? If you can tell me about how much it cost you, that would be really helpful too.
Thanks so much!!!!

Rehearsal Dinner near Riverhouse in Haddam

BrookAshley003 — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 21:13:53 +0000

Hey,

Any ideas for places for a rehearsal dinner near the riverhouse in haddam? It would be for about 50 people in February.

where did you get your bridesmaids dresses?

id012 — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:15:40 +0000

i only have 1 bridesmaid (MOH) and we need to find her a dress. Where else can we look besides davids bridal?? We were going to go to brides to be but online it doesnt say anything about bridesmaids dresses.

Thanks!

Vendor Reviews

Abeja1226 — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 23:07:03 +0000

My wedding was so much fun, the weather was absolutely perfect, everything seemed to fall in place and I enjoyed the whole day so much! Below are my vendor reviews (I loved reading these). If I give someone an "A" it means they were exceptional.

Stylish Impressions (Bridal gown, flower girl dress, and bridesmaid dresses): B+
The shop had a huge selection, and the staff was always very nice and accommodating. Everything came in on time and they were really easy to schedule fittings with. I would definitely recommend this bridal salon.

Men's Wearhouse (Groom, groomsmen, ring bearer, and father tuxes): C-
I was happy in the end but they caused me some stress. We went to the West Hartford store (near the mall) to get fitted. Most everyone else went to the Meriden mall. The tuxes didn't come in until 2 days before the wedding but I guess that's probably standard for all companies. My brother's (groomsmen) pants were extremely too small, thankfully, they had another pair that was a bit larger in the store that they hemmed quickly for us. My nephew's (ring bearer) tux jacket was an entire size too big and looked ridiculous. This was an error on the west hartford store, apparently when he got measured, they never made him actually try on a jacket. My poor DH had to rush to the store on the day of the wedding to pick up the correct size jacket (that had to be ordered). Lastly, my brother (not in the wedding party) had the wrong colored vest and tie (he matched the groomsmen and was not supposed to) but that could have been my fault because I didn't specify what I wanted him to wear, but told my mom to tell them when she went in (and she probably didn't and they probably assumed it should match the groomsmen). Anyway, in the end, everyone looked great, they were very nice and whatnot, just caused me a little bit of stress that I didn't need.

Asian Bistro (Rocky Hill, Rehearsal Dinner): A
We wanted something a little different, so we did Hibaci for our rehearsal dinner and everyone loved it! The restaurant is new and is beautiful inside, and everyone was SO nice. They put on a great show, we had a lot of fun, and they took our picture and made up a little sign that said Congratulations for us to take home.

Jane Just For You (Flowers, Middlefield Ct): A
The flowers came out absolutely amazing. Jane is SO easy and nice to work with and totally got exactly what I wanted.

Cards & Pockets (Invitations - Do it yourself): A
The quality and selection are great, and the price was good too. Customer service was really easy to work with and everyone loved the invitations I had printed and made myself with pocketfolds.

J Cakes (Wedding Cake, Branford, CT): A
Cake looked and tasted just as I wanted it to, and it was delicious! We chose the chocolate cake with mixed berries and for our middle tier the white cake with canoli filling...so yummy. This cake was part of our package and I only paid a little bit extra to rent the stand and for fresh flowers.

The Woodwinds (reception venue): A+++++++++
First and foremost, Scott really IS as amazing as everyone says. Holy cow, he was ALWAYS right there when we needed him. I can't even tell you how helpful he was. When we arrived, there were already hor'derves and drinks set up outside where we were taking photos. He got me the drink I wanted without me even asking. He was constantly organizing everything and totally kept me calm. He explained everything that was going on and I was never in the dark with anything. Him and a woman who work there even helped me get a huge stain out of my dress (my mom spilled our purple signature drink all over me) and it actually came out! As for the Woodwinds, it was beautiful, the lighting was great, and the food was excellent! Everyone keeps talking about how big the portions were, how many hor'derves there were and how amazing the food tasted. I'm SO happy we chose this as our reception venue!

Dj Melee: A+
Communication was great, I never had a problem with it. I emailed him at 8:30pm the night before the wedding after not talking for about a week to confirm everything and he emailed back within the hour. He was very nice to everyone, did the announcements perfectly and played *exactly* the type of music I was envisioning. We had a great time dancing and he truly nailed the feeling I was going for!

Scott Perham Photography (Scott and an Assistant, Brian): A+++
I haven't seen any pictures yet but everyone in my wedding party commented on how they thought Scott truly knew what he was doing. He was getting ALL sorts of shots, he's very artistic and that is why I hired him and he creates beautiful photos! He is also SO down to Earth and great to work with. He brought an assistant with him (even though my package was for one photographer) so in essence I got 2 photographers at no extra charge. Both of them were super nice. DH and I were done eating dinner and wanted to dash outside for some photos before dancing started and Scott was still eating dinner when we approached him. WIthout so much as a complaint he got up to go outside with us (even after we insisted he finish his diner - he said he was done anyway, which I thought was really nice that he was so eager to do whatever we wanted and was really professional). He might just be my favorite vendor from the day!

The Pro's - Richard D. (Videography): A
We used the pros for videography because of the price and because we had a previous deposit down and I believe he did a great job! He got all the shots I wanted, was super nice and friendly to everyone and was never in the way! I have no doubt that the video will come out great!

Larissa Lake Makeup Artist: A+
Besides from being the nicest person I've ever met, Larissa and her team were extremely professional, on time, and made all my girls look GORGEOUS! Everyone's look came out exactly as we wanted. Even my daughter looked adorable as ever (which isn't hard to begin with hehe) and they even helped me clean up my house before the photographer and videographer arrived to shoot video and take pictures. Definitely go with them for hair and make up!!

Beverly Hills Limosine: A+
I booked them for an 8 passanger limo for a great price at the Hartford Bridal Expo, and I'm SO glad I did! I never heard of them but they did a great job! My driver (forgot his name!) was 30 minutes early, the limo was spotless, beautiful, and looked brand new inside and out. The driver was SO attentive to me and my bridal party. He held my dress for me, helped me in and out of the limo, ran to put tissues in the pew at the front of the church when we got there, blocked me so that no one could see me when I walked into the church, and just totally made me feel like he was there to help me. He never got lost, knew exactly where everything was (and my reception was a good 40 minutes backroads from the church) and overall did a GREAT job!

I think that's it and hopefully I'm not forgetting anyone!! I'm so glad everything went so smoothly and had a blast!

Honeymoon......and

AVBarto — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:08:04 +0000

well...I got so frustrated booking this honeymoon for the last few weeks I gave myself a deadline...of today! As the FI and I began to research AGAIN...he dropped out in frustration and I resorted to my good ole fashion friend, WINE. I'd like to proudly admit we have a destination and a booked honeymoon and well...I have a buzz! Cheers! St Lucia at the Grande it is and I guess feel free to let me know if you've been...are also planning....AND if you're going to be judgemental on my friend choice for the honeymoon booking excursion, then you may need a glass yourself ;)

1st Look Question

deanna5776 — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:35:38 +0000

We are definately going to do one...

Who else is or has....

and where are you thinking of doing it...

i cant decide if I want to do it at my moms house where I will be getting ready with most of the girls

or go to the hotel were he will be getting ready and we will be staying after the receptions...

or at Aria where we are getting married and having the reception???

Any ideas, other options, opinions on it???

Thanks ladies

Affordable Programs

PeachesKFG — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:29:52 +0000

Where did you all get your programs? We have 11 days to go and it's the last thing on our to-do list! Trying to save some money so I'd love to hear some suggestions..thanks!

Engagement Photo Locations????

deanna5776 — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:04:09 +0000

Any suggestions on a place that has indoor(weather) and outdoor options somewhere between waterbury and danbury....

We are flying in for the weekend and leaving for the airport that same day as the pics!! Gotta love stressing myself out even more lol

Dont get married when you live out of state...its the worst!!!! :)

Thanks for any ideas :)

Marriage License Question

calindi — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:27:37 +0000

So... I don't live in Connecticut, but I will be in the town where I'm getting married (Groton) on Friday. Friday will be 64 days until my wedding, and Connecticut licenses are valid for 65 days. Does that mean I can get my license? Is it 65 days until the date of the marriage, or until it's submitted back to the Town Clerk (which would be at least 67 days for us)?

Thanks!

Branford / New Haven Area Florist Recs?

Laurmi — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:24:00 +0000

Hi! Getting married at Bill Miller's castle on September 14th, 2012 and I'm currently looking for a florist. Does anyone have a florist that they would recommend in that general vicinity?

Thanks!

Laura

My Shower! PIP XP

[Deleted User] — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:21:45 +0000

I had my shower yesterday and it was absolutely beautiful! My FMIL hosted it at her gorgeous house and our caterer for the wedding (Emily's) catered it. I have to say I was soooo nervous on the way there but once I said hi to everyone I relaxed and had a great time. It was so much fun to see all the women I love in one place. My sisters and aunt and FMIL did a wonderful job! It was a tea party theme (bc I'm love with drinking tea) and it was adorable...pics are below!

My sisters (MOHs) and I

The favors

My niece (our flower girl)

My Gram and I (She's 90!)

Water's Edge Resort & Spa

rebpino — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:59:27 +0000

has anyone had their wedding here? It's my top pick and looks gorgeous in photos, I read amazing reviews in the past but the reviews in the last year are all about construction. Does anyone have any feedback? Hopefully good things! Thanks!

Have you used these venues?

MOHofEEW — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 03:13:30 +0000

Hello all!
Joined this when MOH at my best friend's wedding, now a bride to be myself. Have any of you CT knotties used/know about any of these venues?

Winvian
Farmington Gardens
The Gardens at Bassets Bride Farms

Or, do you know of any spaces similar to the Lace Factory? We are planning an evening/cocktail ceremony and reception and sadly this space must be vacated at 10 PM.

Thanks!

candy buffet jars for sale

reckert7 — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 02:27:59 +0000

i have 5 jars, two sets of the same and one different, fit enough candy for 85 guests. asking 50 for all plus the scoops we used. will email pics if your intrested.

Vegan friendly catering?

kayla2536 — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:46:43 +0000

So my fiance and I are in the initial stages of planning and I think catering is going to be tough. I am a vegan and he is not. I can find "vegetarian friendly" catering but it always tends to be things like pasta alfredo or other things that are dairy or cheese heavy. Or vegan catering I find just does vegetarian and vegan but there are only going to be 4 vegans at the wedding. No other vegetarians.

To add to it, we are very plain/picky eaters.

Suggestions would be fantastic!

Inner envelopes

Lenny521 — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 04:18:51 +0000

Question what did you do? Does your RSVP envelope have the same stamp as your invite stamp? I was thinking of having the American flag stamp on the RSVP envelope since it's coming to me. Is that cheesy?

Reminisce Video in Plantsville .. Any reviews?

Amazing817 — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:57:10 +0000

Hi All,

I met the owner of reminisce video at a bridal show this year at the aqua turf, does anyone have any reviews?

TIA-Megan

Looking for JP recommendations :)

MrsF0831 — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:29:48 +0000

Hi All,

I think its about time my FI and I start searching for a Justice of the Peace (our wedding is next aug its not too early is it??) Ne ways do you have any reccommendations of any good onces that arent too expensive either? We arent very religious so we are looking for a pretty quick and simple ceremonyTIA

The Wedding Dress: Portland, CT

SB1512 — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:04:04 +0000

has anyone shopped here? Their website doesn't list what designers they carry I wanted a better idea of what they have before I made an appiontment to look at dresses

Photographer & officiant/Justice of the Peace?

kayla2536 — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 03:15:00 +0000

As far as photographers go, I really love candid pictures. I'm not a huge fan of tons of posey pictures, but at the same time I don't really want a camera in my face the entire time either trying to catch perfect moments. Can anyone recommend a good photographer who is also really good at capturing candid moments?

My fiance and I are NOT religious in any way and want a simple ceremony. We're not super serious people so would like a fun, short, simple ceremony. Any suggestions for an officiant?