I say sort of scouting trip because we had already made all of the decisions before we went so we just wanted to check them all out in person and just be 100% sure. I had so much fun this weekend and everyone that we met with was more than I could have ever expected!!
Ceremony- Little Church of the West- A-
I had been in contact with Stacy from the church for a few weeks. She didn't have anything available on the Saturday we were going so she said we can come when we arrive on Friday night. We got the around 8:30pm and Stella was there to help us. She was super nice and really knowledgeable. She let me put a $200 deposit down as opposed to the 50% deposit since we were still not sure of what package we wanted. She also gave us the special of the free webcast which was supposed to be a "web only" special. She showed me some of the flower choices and called someone to let us in the Chapel. My only complaint was that no one ever showed up to let us in, but since we had already been there before I didn't really care, but if I hadn't been there I am sure I would have been mad. But either way we love the chapel and Stacy and Stella have been a joy.
Circus Circus West Tower Rooms- A+
I know that Circus gets a bad wrap, but we always stay here and the rooms are gorgeous. Just make sure you get the West Tower rooms which is only 10$ more a night, this is the upgraded towers. I think they were just upgraded like 3 years ago, there is a widescreen tv, super comfortable beds, beautiful bathroom, and lovely decor. Also there is a lot to do there for everyone, my Fiance loves the sports book and they also just upgraded that too.
Maggianos- A++
I am sure there is nothing else that can be said about them, but Cassy is amazing to work with and the restaurant is awesome!! We will be renting out the Calabria room and the Dicarlo room. I LOVE the balcony and the bar in the room. Cassy also told us that we can bring our own centerpieces, tablecloths, PA system, ipod dock, anything!! We decided to go with the Family style dinner as opposed to the wedding package because we are going to have 75 people, and 80$ a person was wayyyyy to much. But this way we are cutting the price in half, and any bar purchases will go towards our room minimum. The view is awesome, the food is awesome, the people are awesome....there is really no complaints!! Also I took up over an hour and a half of Cassys time and I was asking the stupidest questions, and she was so helpful. We have pretty much known since the time we got engaged that this is where we want to have our reception, but now we are one thousand percent sure that this is the place
Creations Bakery- A+
I just read the other thread about the outrageous prices on cakes and now I know I got an amazing deal. She said that she pretty much has flat rate 5$ a slice, and we are going to have fresh flowers and some designs on it that wasn't extra. She said things like fondant and shaped cakes and crazy stuff is extra, but I doubt that her prices will be over the top. It will be three tiers with white buttercream icing. I have a will post a picture once I get my wedding website up. (if I ever do!!) NOW TO THE GOOD PART. The cakes were AMAZING!!!!! We tasted yellow cake with peanut butter mousse (yes, peanut butter), chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, and white cake with vanilla Bavarian cream. We ended up going with the yellow w/ peanut butter, choc w/ choc mousse, and we decided to try chocolate with strawberry mousse. The white cake with Bavarian cream was good, but we just wanted to get something more special. The cakes were soo so so good, I was in awe!! I cant wait for our wedding day so I can eat more cake!! The prices are very very reasonable, and I am also getting and super top secret grooms cake that I haven't told ANYONE about, not my mom, my friends, no one. She almost spilled the beans to everyone by whipping out the picture that I had sent her, but she was very slick and was able to stick it under her chair before anyone noticed. I wasn't really worried because I know my guy, and when food is in front of him, he isn't looking at anything else!!
Rio Carnival world buffet-A++++
I just had to add this last part, this place is amazing and anyone visiting Vegas should go here. I have been to a lot of buffets and this one is by far the best one ever. So much selections and everything is always good.
SORRY this was so long, I was just so excited about my weekend and everything going so smoothly that I had to share it with everyone!!