Daugter married on July 11, 2009!! We experienced a few glitches, but all in all a wonderful wedding! My daughter and I were thankful for previous vendor reviews and comments here and thank everyone for the information. It was invaluable as we began planning her wedding last year. So, here are our vendor reviews. If you want additional information and/or pics, email magic26608@aol.com. Thanks!Invitations - Alaune by Design A++So glad we found them. We were able to create custom invitations that reflected the uniqueness of the bride at a very pleasing price.Dress -- Ellyn's Bridal Lincoln, NE A++++++The bride in her jeweled dress and veil was absolutely stunning. Their staff was wonderful to work with and dress came in sooner than quoted. They also do a lot of the fashion shows at bridal fairs. They recruit bride's to model attire and then offer you $50 off your dress or veil. and 10% off bridal accessories if your dress is purchased from them.Bride'smaid Dresses - Karen Tangeman (Papillion) A++++She has been discussed by many here and she did not disappoint. The dresses were beautiful, reasonable and finished expertly and on time. She also altered the wedding gown.Tuxedo's -- Gentleman's Choice -- A for effort by B- for execution.We chose them because they were the only one that carried a lime green tie and pocket square locally. We loved the special pricing we received on tuxes. The problem was that a week before our wedding another wedding used the lime green ties and 6 of 15 were returned destroyed and beyond repair due to a reception brawl, we here. They could not have avoided this, but there was no back up in place, no extra's, manufacture discontinued. IT could have been disastrous, but THANKFULLY, we had enough lime green sash material left from the bride'smaid dresses that we were able to make new ties. We were not reimbursed for the fabric that we had already purchased, but we kept the ties. All ended well in the end. We were the only one's that could tell the fabric finish was slightly different.Rehearsal Dinner- Greek Islands Restaurant, 38th & Center. AThey have a small party room that seats 50 people. There was no charge for the room. The food was amazing - they did it as a buffet. We had chicken kabobs, pork kabobs, greek lasagna (to die for!), greek potatoes, greek salad and a tray of greek pastries. The cost was more than reasonable at 8.00 per person! Church - Mary Our Queen Catholic Church A-The church is beautiful and needs almost no decorating. It has ample rooms to get ready. The large entry way was perfect for guests coming and going. The ceremony was lovely. The only problem was a conflict with priest and his not understanding the selection of a male friend as a bride's attendant. The unfortunate thing is he did not raise his questions until right before the ceremony. Silly YES, but in the end the male attendant stood in his place on the bride's side - thanks mom for negotiating
. Hair - Teri Ciecciorka - 144th & Center A++++ Teri is amazing and rearranged her entire schedule to work with us the morning of the wedding. She is a dear friend and the best stylist ever! She set up practice time with bride and created the exact style that was practiced on the wedding day. WE LOVE HER! She was responsible for bride's and mom's hairstyles and arranged other stylists to do bridesmaids and flower girl's hair too.Photography- Eric, Contemporary Images ...A++++++The elite of Omaha photographers. He's not the cheapest, but by far produces phenominal photographs. His photo journalistic approach was exactly what the bride and groom wanted and he was great to work with and he WORKED HARD to get the shot. Thank you ERIC! Can't wait for the finished work :)Reception: Mid American Center Ball room (Council Bluffs) AWe are thankful for the recommendation, we would not have thought about them as a venue otherwise. The ballroom was large enough for 300 and the staff was great. They did all the set up and tear down and worked with us to decorate the room the way we wanted it. Room rental included everything for a flat fee. No hidden costs for linens, china, centerpiece bases (mirrors, votives), set up, clean up etc. Catering - Aramark Catering (Mid American Center)A+WOW was the food unbelievable!! We received many compliments on food - noting it was the best wedding food ever!. Chef worked with us to create a buffet that we wanted at a price point in our budget. They also did a kiddie buffet especially designed for kids that helped on the costs $6.00 pps. Adults were wanting things oon the kids buffet!Flowers: Ann at Viola's 49th & Dodge A ++++++++Ann is the owner and has done worth for Borsheim's shareholder meetings and been photographed in magazines. The flower's were amazing and her style was unque and interesting. The floral centerpieces were created exactly as we had envisioned them. They did everything perfectly and it was so great to work with Ann. Lorraine Arthur A +++The cake was custom created by Lorraine (another welcomed recommendation) She is wonderful. The cake looked beautiful and tasted even better!! Yummy!! rave reviews were received. DJ Mark at Bandstand Music A He was the best!! My dance floor was filled and things ran smoothly. Other centerpieces -- JC Creations. A+++A variety of high and low, non-floral centerpieces were created to compliment the floral arrangements giving the room character and glitz for the night. In addition, memorial candles, unity candles and special sentimental items were created to personalize the day.