Sorry I'm just now getting around to these but I hope this helps someone! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Nothing is off limits!
Unique Event Design – Staci Mandikas Grade: A++++
Staci far exceeded my expectations. Many of the planners I interviewed weren’t excited about my choice of black, white, and apple green as my wedding colors. But one look at Staci’s website and I knew I’d love her! Because I knew I could never pull together all of the ideas in my head, I was specifically looking for a DOC that could take the random pieces and create a breathtaking wedding that reflected the groom and I. Staci has a background in interior design so her eye is exquisite. Our wedding reception was GORGEOUS and I didn’t have anything to do with it! She was a valuable resource during the planning but the day of, I was so happy to have her in my corner. She kept us insulated from the vendors, well fed, on time, and on budget! We would not have had such a wonderful day if it were not for her. I am wholeheartedly recommending her to anyone that needs a planner/DOC with an eye for design!
Crowne Plaza Tampa East
Grade: B
I was a bit nervous when we booked the space because this hotel generally hosts conferences – not weddings. But I was astounded at the service we received! All of our guests LOVED the waterfall in the lobby and took pictures in front of it all night long. Our catering manager changed several times but there were very few miscommunications and the transitions were smooth. They accommodated every request and genuinely worked with us to make our day perfect (they even brought in a special bottle of the groom’s favorite liquor even though it’s not one they regularly stock). The food was delicious!!! Guests are still telling me how wonderful and hot their meal was (even the vegetarians were highly impressed). The only reason I’m giving them a grade of “B” is because we had a difficult time with the room block. Guests were being told by reservations that the block was full and therefore, they couldn’t get our block rate. We had to provide our entire guest list and ask them to verify if any of the guests were staying there so that they knew to ask for an adjustment in the rate (it also made creating/distributing the welcome bags difficult).
It’s Icing on the Cake
Grade: A
I love cake. I love everything about cake – not just the frosting. I tried several bakeries and while the frosting was tasty, the cake would taste normal. I had heard wonderful things about It’s Icing on the Cake, but I knew she worked primarily in fondant and, at the time, I didn’t want that. So I left Florida without a wedding cake knowing I wouldn’t be back until the week of my wedding. Gina was so awesome that she let me book with her in advance but not select my flavors until the week of the wedding!! And let me tell you, it was well worth the wait. I selected the dark chocolate cake with vanilla/caramel/chocolate buttercreams and the champagne cake with vanilla buttercream and fresh strawberries. Guests were stealing other people’s cake while they were on the dance floor. It was just that good. We did end up selecting the fondant and the cake looked gorgeous.
Complete Music and Video Grade: D
You all know the whack DJ story. To this day, they will not call me back. DO NOT HIRE THEM. While the majority of our guests didn’t know anything was wrong, I was not happy with the service I received and Staci will probably never recommend them either.
Weddings by Robert Photography – Robert McClory (www.weddingsbyrobert.com)
Grade: A++
“Holy cow, we look good! “ That’s what we said when we saw our wedding teasers. Robert was one of the first vendors I booked and initially, I chose another photographer over him. As I was going through the contract process with the other photographer, I had the nagging feeling I was wrong and I called Robert back. I’m so glad I did. He’s really fun and personable but there are times I never remember him taking a picture – he’s just that stealth! His assistant, Chris, was hilarious too! We had such a great time with them and I’d recommend them to anyone looking for a photojournalistic approach that has a hint of a magazine feel.
Tampa Wonderworks
Grade: A++
Our guests affectionately called them the “video ninjas”. They were everywhere! Brian & Tracey even accommodated our request to incorporate a little “interview” of how we were feeling on our wedding. I can’t wait to see the final product! During our photo shoot, they showed us a little bit of footage. Man, oh, man; they are fabulous at what they do. This was my budget buster (unplanned) but I’m so grateful that we got to work with two artists on our wedding day.
Fishhawk Weddings – Stephanie
Grade: A
Staci handled picking out the flowers and arrangements but Stephanie executed them beautifully! Our bridesmaid bouquets were made of carnations and the altar pieces were baby’s breath but the simplicity of it all just took my breath away. The flowers didn’t overpower the décor but accented it well. Everything was fresh and lasted all night (no wilting!).
Michelle Renee Hair & Makeup
Grade: A+
I gave them the “plus” because I was so completely indecisive and her team just went with the flow. I originally book Michelle Renee for just airbrush makeup for myself and my bridesmaids. But then the hair fell through for my bridesmaids and Michelle Renee worked it out to get all of their hair done! They looked fantastic! One of my bridesmaids has natural, African-American hair, which can be hard to style, and Kim rocked it! The makeup was flawless. I’ve never felt more glamorous in my life. If you’re on the fence about airbrush, go for it! I barely felt it all night and I didn’t leave makeup on people after all of the hugs!