I am FINALLY married! (after being engaged for THREE years, lol).
It was an amazing day and everything went as planned. I couldn't have asked for a better day! We took a mini-moon at Lake Tahoe when we got back to California and it was SUCH a great long weekend. Neither of us wanted to go back to reality. But back to reality we did go, and we are loving married life.
Now here are those vendor reviews everyone wants:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Mississippi Dunes
A
Although I was worried when Susan left and some ladies here on theknot had some issues with their weddings going as planned, everything went very smoothly on the day. Bill is a laid-back guy, but that was my preference; a high-strung person would have stressed me out. Bill coordinated the timing for the ceremony music and when each attendant should start down the aisle. He then disappeared (as he said would be the case). The reception also went as planned. The room-set-up was as I had detailed to the staff (although my now sisters-in-law were also helping with some of the last-minute set-up per my instructions). The food was as-ordered and tasted great and the bar tender was efficient and made good drinks. The one small glitch in the evening was that there was a tip jar on the bar after I had specifically inquired about it and had been told that there would not be a tip jar. The bartender seemed thoroughly sorry for the mistake and promptly removed the tip jar when I mentioned it. Other than that, everything went just as planned.
DJ: Marc from Neon Express Entertainment
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Marc did the music for the ceremony & reception. For the ceremony, I provided him with a script of the ceremony with the musical cues in large print highlighted. He said this made it easy for him to know when start the different music that I had picked. I also put all the ceremony music and all the "special" songs for the reception on the disc and gave it to him ahead of time to copy into his library. He said this also helped. The music during the ceremony was exactly what I wanted; he did a wonderful job making it come together.
For the reception, he did a great job of keeping people on the dance floor.
He played all but one of the songs on the playlist of about 15 songs I made him. He didn't play the limbo because he forgot the stick. Overall, he did a great job and eveyone had a great time!
Photographer: Kimberly Spangler
(Review pending)
I can't really review my photographer until I get the pictures back, but on the day she seemed on top of things.
Cake: Jamie Washburn
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The cake came out just how I wanted it to. I provided Jamie with a couple pictures and a short description of what I wanted and she delivered. It also tasted great! Here is a non-pro picture of the cake (minus the topper).
Officiant: Susan Miles, Washington County Judge
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Judge Miles provided some ceremony samples, and I took pieces of her samples and pieces of other passages that I liked and put together a custom ceremony. Judge Miles delivered the ceremony that I put together very well. I have no complaints!
Lacey Sizer, Intuitive Blooms
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The flowers were pretty overall. I really liked the bridesmaids bouquets. I wasn't as happy with my own bouquet, but I think that is my own fault for not making my vision more clear. There was nothing wrong with it; it was just a lot bigger and a little different than I had envisioned it looking. I don't fault Lacey for this at all.
My Dress, Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal in Oakdale
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I know that some people don't have a great experience with David's Bridal, but I can't complain. The Oakdale location was great and very helpful each time I was there, and everything came out as ordered. The bridesmaids all wore a different dress in the same length and color, so I wasn't present for all of their appointments, but as far as I know, they all had good experiences.
Alterations: Karen from Northern Attire
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My dress needed a 3-point bustle and to be let out a little bit. I didn't approach Karen until just a few weeks before the wedding, but the dress turned out great and she completed everything in a very timely manner.
Hair: Salon Elite in Woodbury
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Make-up: Spalon Montage in Woodbury
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Printing Services: Vistaprint
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I can't say enough great things about Vistaprint. I just love them. They printed my Save-the-Date magnets, return address labels, car door magnets, invitations, RSVP cards, and our website insert. Everything turned out great and was super affordable! The only small thing that wasn't perfect was that the invitations printed slightly off-center. It wasn't enough to bother me, so I didn't complain. I have heard great things about their customer service department, so I would guess that if I had complained they would have been quick to fix the problem.
Hotel Accommodations: Country Inn & Suites by Carlson in Cottage Grove
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My husband and I stayed there on our wedding night. We got a 50% discount because we filled at least 5 rooms; 10 rooms would have meant a free room. We had a whirlpool tub in our room, and boy, was that thing amazing after such a long day. We spent almost an hour relaxing in that baby. We didn't eat the breakfast, but we could smell it on the way out, and it smelled great. Some of my extended family had the breakfast and they said it was good.
There ya go! Hope that helps some of ya'll in your wedding planning.
Here are some non-pro pics (can't wait for the pro pics!):
