I wanted to write reviews because those were what helped me the most in my planning process. I hope these help you guys in your planning!
Hair- Hope Sandlin & Holly Shutts (A+)
These two moved back to Cincinnati after doing hair in LA for a number of years. They were very professional and friendly throughout the day. I had 8 BMs and they all had gorgeous updo’s. I’m picky with hair and they did NOT look like poodles, or overly hair-sprayed, and did not look like prom-going teenagers. The girls all looked BEAUTIFUL and elegant. They do house calls and are very reasonable. I gave them an A+ because these girls literally saved my wedding day! I had previously booked my regular stylist for my wedding day, and I kept the appointment. She did not listen to me and did whatever she wanted with my hair. It looked terrible and I was close to a breakdown until Holly fixed my hair. It looked EXACTLY like what I had envisioned. I can’t say enough about these two. Email: hope4611@gmail.com
Makeup- Jenny Costello at BRIDEface. (A+)
If you want to look like a million bucks on your wedding day, book Jenny. However, do it SOON because this lady is currently booked through October. She made each bridesmaid look absolutely flawless. She comes to your house to do a makeup trial and while the company may be a bit pricier than others, it’s soooo worth it! I was confident I looked my best walking down the aisle because of her. Email: Jenny@brideface.com
Church- Our Lord Christ the King, Mt. Lookout (C)
This is my childhood parish so that meant a lot to me. However, I feel like they make you jump through more hoops than other parishes to get married. Gorgeous place & good musicians on staff, but the prep work we had to do was a little over the top.
Venue- Ivy Hills Country Club (C)
This place is gorgeous, however, the planning is sub-par. The coordinator is a little difficult to get a hold of. We sat down about the menu and then later made quite a few large changes. We wanted to sub a wedge salad for the chicken on the duet plate and I got to my wedding and none of those changes has been implemented. The bars (open bar) had tip jars on them which may not sound bad to most, but in my view it made it seem like we were relying on our guests to tip when we had already paid a substantial tip for the bartenders & servers. Speaking of, there were 2 slow servers for 135 people. My husband noticed many hadn’t gotten their food when we had finished and he had to go to the kitchen to tell them to please get someone else out to help. If I had to change one thing about the wedding, it would be the venue. That being said, the food was delicious and the prices are reasonable.
Cake- Bonbonerie (A)
My cake was honestly the best thing I’ve ever tasted. People are still calling me to find out what the flavor was so they can order one! It was Raspberry Romance and it was outstanding. Carol was wonderful to work with and the cake was stunning. I gave them an A- because the price is a bit steep. I thought it was worth it though since I love wedding cake in general and I wanted to love my own!
DJ- Brian Childs (B)
Brian was professional and affordable. I gave him a B because he waited until 2 days before the wedding to discuss my timeline and song list with me. I know he’s busy but that sort of stressed me out being last minute. However, he did keep the dance floor going all night! His announcements were perfect and he was on time with everything.
Flowers- Blossoms Florist (B+)
Carol at Blossoms is wonderful. She takes you to her flower warehouse and lets you put together the flowers you envision. She has great input and really knows her stuff on colors and prices. She is extremely affordable. I had 8 BM bouquets, 1 bridal bouquet, 10 bouts, 15 centerpieces, 3 corsages, and a cake topper for $1300. She delivered on time to the correct locations and everything looked gorgeous. Blossoms Florist, Reading Road, Cincinnati.
Day-of Coordinator: Lindsey Mesa A+
Lindsey was amazing. She made my day seemless and I didn’t have to stress about anything at all. She took all the pressure off of me to enjoy not only my wedding, but the entire day and the entire rehearsal & rehearsal dinner. This girl is TYPE A which is exactly what makes her a fabulous wedding coordinator! She seems to care as much as the bride does about everything going well. She is affordable and in looking at her website I think her husband is a fantastic & creative photographer. www.lindseydyanevents.com
Photography- Leigh Taylor (A)
Leigh is a family friend who has been a full-time photographer for the Enquirer for a number of years. She does weddings on the side and came highly recommended. She did not disappoint. We were on a budget, so the fact that she would work 9 hours and give us over 2,000 photos for around $1,000 was a huge plus. She was very professional and not “in your face” as a photographer. I barely noticed she was there at the ceremony or reception but she got amazing shots! I got home from my honeymoon, and she had already committed 2,000 to a disc for us, our parents, and a spare. She had also created an amazing slideshow for us (with 2 copies) complete with music and everything. I couldn’t choose which photos to frame they were all so great! Email: leighbtaylor@yahoo.com
Transportation- Savannah Nights (B)
They did a pretty good job. Apparently they had sold the original limo I booked and I ended up with a huge silver bus. Not exactly what I wanted but it says in the contract that can upgrade you with no notice. Anyhow, they got there on time, the bus was clean & comfortable, and the driver was friendly and helpful. I think they’re a little pricier than most other services though.
Mens Tuxes- Folchis (A)
Folchis did a great job! We needed 10 tuxes, many of which were out-of-towners and the men look incredible. They definitely didn’t look like they were in rentals! It was convenient and affordable. Definitely better service than I got looking other places.
BM dresses- JCrew (A)
They looked great and I didn’t hear any complaints! The girls all said they loved them and would wear them again, so I’m just happy they were happy!
Rehearsal Dinner- McCormick & Schmicks downtown (A)
Food was delicious, venue was an amazing room overlooking Fountain Square. Such a fun night! I would have considered this for a small reception had I known it existed!
Hotel for OOT guests- Westin downtown (A)
They were fantastic in planning, executing, and the hotel is gorgeous. My guests had fun staying in the center of the city and they had an amazing honeymoon suite for my husband & I for our wedding night. They gave it to us free complete with champagne, chocolates, and strawberries. Even though we got 2 hours of sleep (flight at 6am next day!) the room was fantastic.
All this being said, my wedding day was one I’ll never forget. I am happy with how it turned out -I had an amazing day and when it was over, we were married. My only advice is don’t sweat the small stuff!