I think I covered everything.....we had a great day despite it being a little warm and humid. We wanted something a little more non traditional and definately accomplished that! Etsy.com also has some very cute things.I got the headband I wore in my hair and the caketopper from there.
DRESS: B.ELLA BRIDAL in Ann Arbor Michigan A+
WELL WORTH the trip! Its a smaller shop but they have so many beautiful dresses at all different price ranges. I never thought I would be able to afford the lace dress w/ matching bolero. The staff is very laid back, but super helpful, friendly, and just plain fabulous! The seamstress there is AMAZING. If you purchase your dress there the same day you go in they give you 15% off your total.
CEREMONY/RECEPTION: MANSION VIEW INN BED AND BREAKFAST: A
We had the ceremony on the front porch (its located on Collingwood Ave in the Historic Old West End) and the reception under a tent in the backyard. Its a beautiful location and different from the typical boring reception halls. Another plus is that you can bring in whatever food and drink (alcohol) you want. The drawback was we had to do all the decorating and cleaning up at the end of the night ourselves. But....the gourmet breakfast in morning was FABULOUS....and made up for it! The MOH fiance said it was the best breakfast he had ever had!
OFFICIANT: David Laplante
An Old West End resident who was suggested by the Mansion View Inn. Extremely nice guy and easy to work with. He has some pretty funny wedding stories to tell as well. Does all types of ceremonies and is non denominational
CATERER: WE ARE RIBS A+++
Super reasonably priced and DELICIOUS!!! We had fried chicken, roast beef, bbq rib tips, mac and cheese, potatoe salad, baked beans, rolls, and corn bread muffins. James came out to make sure everyone had enough to eat and was happy. We got so many compliments on the food it really was beyond scumptioous. They have won many rib offs and just started vending at Mud Hens Staduim. James is a busy guy but was one step a head of us all the way and great to work with!!
PHOTOGRAPHER: Ashley Marie Photography A++
Ashley is from Monroe Michigan and did an excellent job and an EXTREMELY reasonably price. She and her assistant Jen were with us ALL day shooting away. She is very artistic, but also does the traditional shots. I have only seen the "sneak peak" so far, but they are so much nicer than I would have ever imagined. She truly does beautiful work. She is young, but this is no bearing on the her great photography skills!
FLOWERS: HIRZIL Brothers A+++
Again, I was blown away by thier beautiful arrangments!! I had collected milk glass vases and jars from family members andpretty much told them what colors I was looking for and WOW....gorgeaousness!! I had 18 tables with vases, 5 vases on the head table, MOH bouquet, my bouquet, 3 corsages, 4 bouteniers, and flowers tied to some of the chairs during the ceremony and it was $350. For the amount of flowers and how beautiful they were....I thought I got a bargain.
ENTERTAINMENT: WALT SANDERS; Elvis tribute artist A+++
Yeah, we had an Elvis impersonator and it was probably the best $ I spent! HAHAHA He got young and old up dancing and singin along during the reception!! And the pictures are priceless. Everyone is still talking about it. He mingled with the crowd, stayed till everyone who wanted one got a picture with him and even gave a few of the ladies silk scarves....keeping in Elvis tradition.
JILL GREER AND CHELSEA JAMES: A+++ also DJ'd . She is my sister in laws sister and Chelsea is her friend. I had several pages of songs and they did thier best to get them all in. Could not have been happier.
PREMIER POUR A+++
We were just going to have friend bartend, then I saw Brennen's website for Premier Pour. This service completely took so much stress off of us. He provided us lists with the alcohol to get and we were set. Completely professional super accomodating.
CAKE: Jill GREER A++++
Again Jill is my sis in laws sister and currently works for Petis Four Bakery in downtown Toledo. SHe is super talented and did a great job. Many guests said they had 2 or 3 peices of cake it was so good!! Very little left over unfortunetly. Her cakes are so beautiful and some just plain amazing....she needs to get a job with the Cake Boss!!
HONEYMOON: HOLBOX ISLAND, MEXICO A+
You do not want to go here if you are looking for the whole crazy party resort type feel. You do want to check this out if you are looking for peace and quiet and pretty much a whole gorgeous beach to yourself! Many of the "hotels" are right on the beach.Some days we only saw 5-6 people around us in the water. We took a golf cart into town most nights (no cars on the island) and walked around the square and tried out some different restaurants and food from street venders. Not a "touristy"place by any means