DOC: Karolina Warren Weddings by Karolinawww.weddingsbykarolina.comKarolina was worth her weight in GOLD!!! I handed off the wedding to her the last week and told her to drive this puppy home. I did it with complete confidence she woud do a great job and I went and had fun the last week before the wedding.
Karolina coordinated multiple vendors such as floral, linen, catering, bar, photogs, videog, ceremony musician, DJ, venue set up and reception room set up. Finalized all the contracts, and timelines between multiple vendors. Karolina worked TIRELESSLY for 12 hours making sure everything in my vision was executed to perfection. She did an awesome job. Karolina revealed the room to Steve and I and I cried. She was AMAZING.
Set up all place cards at the family table according to my seating chart,made sure all the charis were set up perfectly at the ceremony, set up all the other escort cards, guest book, card holder etc, placed and lit 100 candles, folded 60 napkins, placed all of our framed photos, and all my DYI. Coordinated along with the officient the rehersal, and the ceremony, answered hundreds of questions and directed us all and all of the vendors with ease. At the end of the event she coordinated all the left over food and cake, cleaned up all the placecard holders, and all my DYI, and packed my sisters car with the gifts and all the DYI for my sister. She paid all the vendors and told me when my lipstick needed retouching.
Karolina is a soft spoken extremely detailed professional who gets what you want and delivers. This was the best wedding decision I made and Karolina was great to work with. I cannot say enough great things about her. She worked very hard the entire event.
Paper Products: Cards and Pockets.comwww.cardsandpockets.comI'm not crafty but went to a class and learned how to make cards and decided to do my own invitations. Cards and Pockets delivered high quality paper products promptly, with no problems at a good price.
Make-up Cynthia Sally Big Day Beautywww.bigdaybeauty.com (I think) if not.. google her
Cynthia is such a doll. She did a gorgeous job on the maids, moms and me.
I bought make up for the moms and maids for a gift.
Our make up was gorgeous with the Lady GaGa eyes, as my sister calls the false lashes. IT lasted all day and all night. I loved my experience with Cynthia, she does a great job at a good price.
My hair was done by Prudence at Colour Line in Geneva. They are not a bridal vendor but my private salon. They do have a bridal special for their customers
I paid $125 in total for a trail and for the day of the wedding. They did an awesome job.
My shoes, the many pairs, (that's another story, my feet killed all night) were from DSW.
My jewelry was all borrowed from my mom and sisters.
The Gown: This is a horror story. The gown I ended up wearing was from
HOB. I bought off the rack an Allure Coture Lace Gown and I loved it. It fit well.
I negotiated a huge discount because it was off the rack.
I do not recommend HOB, but since I bought off the rack they had no opportunity to hose me on the size, alterations etc.
Bridesmaid Dresses: Davids Bridal
My 2 sisters were my maids and Davids offered a great selection of dresses.
The girls chose their own dress and shoes, jewelry, hair. The looked stunning.
Davids delivered correct sizes with no problems. No alterations were needed.
I recommend Davids highly for Bridesmaid dresses.
Alterations: Sue's Bridal Alterations in Naperville she doesn't have a website.
Sue is a wonderful lady and a talented seamstress. I posted a rave about her when she altered my gown, I highly recommend her, she's got a real talent, works from her heart and cares about the brides looking "the most beautiful" on their wedding day.
Tuxedo's Mens Warehouse Batavia, il
They delivered what we ordered. The grooms tux didn't fit so they ordered him a new jacket and pants and he picked it up the day before the wedding. They were easy to work with. The hubby did all the tuxes. My boys looked stunning.
I didn't buy anything off etsy. I did my own programs. I did jordon almonds in tulle for my favors. I did not use professional transportation or caligraphy.
That about does it if you have questions let me know. Here's a few pics for you:
These are non pro pics.... This is my handsome son walking me down the isle, a very special moment for us both.
My gorgeous bridesmaids, my sisters.
My stunning groom, during the wine sharing ceremony. This pic makes me swoon.
Our wonderful sons were our groomsmen. His son Kyle on the left was the best man, my sister Connie who is holding my bouquet above was the MOH.
A non pro pic of the whole dress with the flowers.
Pro Pic of my rings with my flowers.
A Pro Pic of the Groom and I, yes I climbed the stairs in dress and heals it was a hoot!
Another Pro Pic of the groom and I at Mayslake, the place had sooo many good photo ops.
A Pro Pic of my Gown at home.
Pro Pic at Mayslake
Pic of my hair, didn't wear a veil.