Hello All,
I've haven't posted much -- because honestly, I have not had the time! I am getting married on St. Patrick's Day this year, and things are finally shaping up! I thought that I'd give a wrap up of the vendors, etc. that I have dealt with so far, because I have found them to be extremely helpful when I have read them on this board!
Dresses: Carrie Karibo-- AMAZING!!!
www.carriekaribo.com/My BM's and I went to Carrie Karibo after checking out other bridal stores in the Reading District, just to look at Bridesmaid Dresses. I used to work in the area and when I drove by, they always had fun & colorful window displays. Not only did I find my Bridesmaid dresses there, I also found my perfect wedding dress! I didn't even know that they had wedding dresses beforehand, and honestly, after being treated like low-grade cattle at the other stores, I wasn't reallly looking to try on anymore dresses. Carrie Karibo is a smaller, boutique-style atmosphere. Honestly, it was what I had hoped shopping for dresses would be like. We didn't have an appointment, and they let us take all the time that we needed. It was no pressure, and so nice to feel like we weren't being rushed towards a decision.
Extra Bonus: They encourage you to take pictures! They were also fantastic when it came to keeping me up to date on the status of my dress order, and my bridesmaid dresses. I cannot recommend them enough!
Catering: Vonderhaars www.vonderhaars.com/Vonderhaars has been lovely to deal with for our catering. They are reasonably priced, and very friendly. We were looking for special Irish foods for our reception, and they delivered at our tasting with DELICIOUS Irish Shepherd's pie, and other complimentary foods for our menu.
Invitations: 123print.com http://www.123print.com/Wedding-Invitations
I am very lucky to have a very talented sister-in-law-to-be who offered to design our invitations. We didn't want to spend a ton on invitations, but we still wanted them to look classy and appropriate. My future sister-in-law had previously designed and ordered her own invitations through this website, and they were gorgeous & extremely CHEAP! The main colors on my invitations were sage green, charcoal and silver, and when we received our first prints back there was a weird color discrepancy (the charcoal looked black and the green was not right), and there was a strange reddsih shadow to the white script. We called 123print, and they were very easy to work with. They credited back the entire order and gave us tips on how to resubmit the desgins so that they would come out how we expected.
NOTE: Make sure that you submit your files to them in CMYK-- it really does make a HUGE difference! Follow their submission guidelines explicitly!
Photography: Nicholas Viltrakis www.nicholasviltrakis.com/My fiance and I have known Nicholas and his wife for a number of years. They are fantastic! Just showing others their website to others (w/o saying that we know them) garners immediate oohs & aaaahs! They do amazing work and are very reasonable!
Venue: Anderson CenterAmy, at the Anderson Center, has been great to deal with. We love the layout of the Anderson Center and the outdoor area. If weather cooperates, we are hoping to have our ceremony outside, but it is great to know that we can easily fall back to plan B-- ceremony in the atrium, if weather doesn't cooperate.
Cake: Bon Bonerie http://bonbonerie.com/weddingThey are the BEST. Really, there is nothing else to say!
We are still firming up a few decisions (DJ, makeup, flowers, suits, favors), so I know that my post isn't complete. I just wanted to share the good experiences that I have had so far. There have been plenty of times when I have felt completely overwhelmed by all of the decisions to be made, but working with knowledgeable and trustworthy vendors has made this adventure so much easier!
Hopefully it is helpful to other Brides-To-Be!