Hi Girls! I have been putting off writing these, but they were SO useful to me while planning my own wedding so I really wanted to share. Here are some pro pics posted on my photographer's blog. Enjoy! --Alyssa
http://kthompsonphotography.blogspot.com/2010/07/alyssa-mike-strathmore-music-center-md.html
- Planner/DOC: Embellished Affairs - A+ Sheena and Tabitha were WONDERFUL! Always available via email/phone, very thorough at our meeting, and a dream at the wedding. They were always around with a drink/food for me, but not so close that they were annoying. Highly recommend, and soooo affordable!
- Officiant: Rabbi Ben Biber - A+ Ben was perfect for us, a non-religious, interfaith couple who wanted the traditional elements of both a Jewish and Methodist wedding. EVERYONE tells me how wonderful and personal the ceremony was. I really loved Ben so much.
- Ceremony Venue: University of Maryland Memorial Chapel - B+ It was special for us to get married at UMD, since we both went to school there, but the staff was a little annoying to deal with. Also, their literature assured me they had an ipod hookup, which they did not.
- Reception Venue: Strathmore Music Center - B+ I would not have gotten married anywhere else; this setting was absolutely beautiful and modern and perfect for us. However, it is a little pricey and it could be hard to get in touch with the site coordinators. I used their in-house lighting crew which made the space so much more incredible.
- Caterer: Restaurant Associates - A If you get married at Strathmore you must use their in-house caterer. This worried me as I wasn't sure how they would be. Augie was wonderful to work with, he was patient and had great ideas for decor and food. The tasting was a great experience as well. I did think it was maybe a little expensive, but I don't really have much to compare it to, as I didn't shop around here.
- Florist: Greenworks Florist - A+ I cannot say enough wonderful things about Kendra Bissig. I absolutely loved all of my flowers; they were exactly what I had envisioned for my wedding day. After meeting with her, she provided me with three different proposals (and pictures) to help me choose the best option for me. Highly recommend.
- Photographer: K. Thompson Photography - A+ Not only does Kelsey take wonderful pictures, but her personality is just so great. She is open to anything and is so responsive...you get the idea that she really loves all of her clients. Highly recommend.
- Hair/Make Up Artist: Carla Pressley - C I just had a lot of ups and downs with Carla. She is not very professional (emails in phrases, trial done in her home with tv on, contract sent without being filled out for me, etc) and that kind of bothered me. However, I decided to go with her and right before the wedding she offered to have me come into her salon and do a strengthening treatment and blow-out for my hair, which was so sweet of her. She was on time and professional the day of the wedding, but I just was not happy with the way my hair came out. It looks messy in most of my wedding photos, like the style didn't hold well, which is really upsetting to me. I did think my bridesmaids looked pretty, though!
- Transportation: ING Limo - A I got two busses and two limos from them...best prices I found. I think everyone was on time and professional, so nothing bad to say! The limos do not have alcohol included, if that matters to you.
- Band: Monster Band - A+ LOVE THEM! They are so talented and so great to work with. Jason emailed me in the months leading up to the wedding just checking on everything and touching base. They learned our first dance, father/daughter, and mother/son dance songs at no extra charge. Highly recommend.
- Travel Agent: Perfect Honeymoons - A+ Jim is amazing, our honeymoon was unbelievable. I want to recommend him to everyone I know! We will definitely be using him for a one-year anniversary trip.
226 Invited
153 Are Ready to Party
68 Are Washing Their Hair
5 Better Not Make Me Hunt Them Down
RSVP Date: June 15
July 10, 2010
Planning Bio