We got married on the 9th, and I'm finally getting a few minutes to post reviews:
Dress: JCrew A
I went to a couple local bridal salons and the experience was ok, but I love my JCrew dress, cost was reasonable, and I was able to use coupons that I was sent via email (30% off). I called a local manager and she said if I needed to return the dress, the regular return policy applied. The only thing that would have made it better would be if I had been able to try on the dress FIRST before ordering it.
Suits: Men's Warehouse A+
Due to some confusion with one of his brothers, they got one of the groomsman suits in and altered in 3 days. Enough said. Didn't charge extra to rush the order.
Alterations: Daisy A+
As others here can attest, Daisy is awesome, and VERY reasonably priced. My dress fit perfectly, and the bustle was beautiful and lasted all night, even through someone stepping on the dress.
Hair: Nadia from Asonipse in Brandon A+
She normally cuts my hair, did an amazing job. Pictures speak for themselves.
Venue: Cross Creek Ranch A+
I cannot say enough about Cross Creek. Their main business is weddings, and they do them VERY well. Included was an event designer, coordinator, and bridal assistant. I had three different design meetings (standard) to make sure that they captured my "vision." They were very professional, took care of all the decor, set-up, clean-up and coordination day-of. I had my dream "magazine" wedding. They really pay attention to all the details, and everything is done with the couple in mind. They have a list of recommended vendors, but you are welcome to bring in whoever you like. They have contingency plans in case anything goes wrong, and if anything went wrong, neither I, nor my mother had any idea. If anyone has any questions about the venue, let me know, I'd be more than happy to sing their praises! Only potential downside, no liquor license (beer and wine only) and no catering kitchen.
Officiate: Pastor Bobby (Element Church) A+
Recommendation from Cross Creek. Great job, beautifully crafted message. Very charismatic, I think we're actually going to start going to his church.
Flowers: Ambiance A+
Cross Creek provides ceremony and reception decor, so all I needed was my bouquet, and corsages (made boutonniere and bridesmaid "bouquets"). Spent time trying to find a rare flower (turned out was slightly out of season), but was able to make a beautiful peony bouquet, and a very unique toss bouquet that broke apart and had fortunes, I think half a dozen ladies ended up catching the bouquet.
Cake: Alassi's Deli A+
Exactly what I had talked about, looked beautiful, delivered cake for very reasonable price, and tasted amazing.
DJ: Bil A
Recommended by Cross Creek, didn't have a few things I requested, but got them for me, kept people on the dance floor pretty well, and complied with my "no play" genres
Rings: His: Kay's A
A lot of people have complained about Kay's, we went to the one at Wiregrass and had no issues, we ordered a custom ring, it came in more quickly than originally stated.
Mine: Etsy's Bethcyrweddings A+
Responded quickly to my inquiries, and my ring came more quickly than anticipated, and is incredibly beautiful in person.
Photography: Missy Duncan pending
Recommended by Cross Creek, her photographs from previous weddings are beautiful, quickly ran through family photos, took less than an hour to do all of the photography. At times she felt a little bossy, but like I said, I love her previous photos from Cross Creek, so I think this one will also be an A+
Catering: Affairs to Remember A+
Recommended by Cross Creek. Buffet-style, since no catering kitchen. Did a delicious prime rib and chicken, may not have been the most creative food, but it was really good. During the cocktail hour, when we were taking pictures, they brought over drinks and appetizers to my husband and I as well as the bridal party. Served my husband and I and took care of champagne toast.
Umm...I think that's all for the moment, but if you have any questions, let me know! I'd be happy to talk about any of my vendors.