Ceremony
Ceremony Site- Colony Club A+. You can't ask for a more beautiful room. They dropped the ceremony fee because I was having the reception there and it was January.
Officiant Family Friend
Ceremony Music Eric Miller, An Ultimate Sounds A+. $550 for ceremony and reception(special rate because he knows my mom) We had our DJ play a custom mix of Vitamin String Quartet music. All the guests commented on how they loved the modern songs made into classical. Eric did a great job of mixing the songs and timing them with everyone's entrance. It was beautiful.
Reception
Reception Site Colony Club. Food and Venue appearance A+, management communication and valet issue D. Honestly, I love this venue. It's stunning. The food was fantastic. The staff was very friendly and efficient. However, there are too many managers to deal with. I had Allison for everything leading up to the final meeting. Then I had to meet with Nicole to re-explain everything. Then she relays the information to Judy who actually runs the event. There were too many things that I had to stay on top of because I could tell that they weren't. Thus, my valet was paid for and never ordered. So when my guests showed up to get valet they were promised in the inviatation, there was none and they had to go find and pay for parking. It was a big mistake that a venue with more organization would not have made. The owner finally came through for my husband and I, but it took some work. If you book there, you won't regret it. Just double and triple check everything and try to work with the person who will actually be running your wedding.
Caterer- Colony Club A+ Delicious! $82 per person ++
Chair Covers/Linens- Chivari Chairs and Linens from Colony Club A+
Bakery Lakes Cakes A+++, my husband is a race car driver and they made a replica of his car ($120) and then we did cheesecakes ($120)for the actual served cakes. They were soooo good and just beautiful!
DJ- Eric Miller, An Ultimate Sound. A++ Book him! He listens to what you want and keeps the party going. Our dance floor was going strong all night.
Favors- Sanders Chocolate Coins $.55 each. A. They were cute and went with our theme.
Lighting. Colony Club A+
Other
Limo N/A
Florist April Arelynn B-. $1500.Had some communication issues and my tall centerpieces had pink, not dark red flowers. She spent some time trying to convince everyone that the pink flowers would look red when it was dark. Eventually, my mom gave her four dozen roses that we were going to use for something else, and she replaced the pink flowers.They were fixed but at our expense. When it was done, everything looked beautiful and I did love my bouquets. I don't think I can recommend her though.
DOC Tammara Kane- Grand Jour Events A+++++++ $350. Worth it. Book her. She made the day great!
Miscellaneous equipment
Photography
Photographer Amanda Williams A+++ $1350. She was fanstastic to work with and the sample pics I have seen are incredible.
Videographer NA
Photobooth NA
Picture Locations Colony Club
Engagement Pictures Jess Buttermore for Jessie B Photography A+, loved her work!
Beauty / Attire
Rings Tappers and Larson's Jewelry. A+ Love it all
Wedding dress Elizabeth's Bridal. $1050. A
Alterations The Wedding Shoppe Berkley A-, Beautiful but very pricey for a bustle, press and cups.
Tuxes Men's Wearhouse A, no problems
Bridesmaid Dresses Allure Bridal in Livonia, A. No problems
Hair- Nikki McIntyre, Tricho Ann Arbor A+++++ Unbelievable work. My hair looked great all night. My girls looked beautiful too.
Makeup Myself!
Paper
Save the Dates Vistaprint, A.
Invites Wedding Paper Divas, A.
Programs/Menus DIY