Dubuque Wedding

kjdavies

I'm getting married at the Basilica in Dyersville and then we're planning on having the reception in Dubuque. I'm not from this area, but we used to always go visit Dubuque and Galena when I was growing up and it's always been my favorite place in Iowa. Also, our priest (who was at my home parish for 10 years) recently got transferred to the basilica in Dyersville, so that's why we're having it there! Anyway, since I'm not from the area, and there's no specific wall for Dubuque weddings in Iowa, I was wondering if anyone knew anything about florists, photographers, and pretty much ANYTHING in Dubuque! We're thinking either Diamond Jo's or Hotel Julien for our reception (we've been to both locations and met with the planners). Any advice? Thanks!

AD+DA

I'm from Galena and chose the Grand River Center for our reception.... it's so beautiful... check it out. My second choice would be the Diamond Jo Casino. The space is great and the balcony amazing.... a little more expensive though. And I hate to say but I was worried about losing guests to the casino. The Julien is nicer for a smaller wedding. The room is L shaped so you are going to have some guests with a "bad seat".
We are getting married in July so have booked elite images for photography and elite entertainment (Matt Booth) for DJ. I have only heard good things about both of them. Elite images took the pic on the cover of the Iowa bridal planner and their website has amazing photos. A little pricy but worth it. 
 I have been to weddings that Matt DJ'd for and he is very professional and personable. If you want more goofy, fun DJ's I've heard T's and J's... they get a little wild with props and stuff just depends on what you like.
Hope that helps.

madstaylor

I just moved from Dubuque and we have some of our stuff from there. We are using Scorpio Productions as our DJ. I would recommend Nicole Koester as a photographer [I'm biased because she is a close friend] but she took our engagement photos and I LOVE them. Here is her site:  http://www.nkoesterphotography.com/

The Julien is a nice hotel, just an FYI that was my most frequented bar spot, a long with many other college kids. I have seen MANY brides in their dresses on the dance floor, but if you dont want to be surrounded by a lot of college kids I dont know if its the place for you.

Good luck!

chel2thec

I am a Dubuque bride as well, about halfway through my planning and I am also not from Dubuque, so I totally understand where you are coming from! We are having our reception in Peosta (that would be closer to the basilica for you too).. it's not the prettiest reception venue, but it's the only one that would hold our 500 guests.

Our photographer is Braydn Weber Photography.. I have been very pleased with his work thus far! http://www.braydnweberphotography.com/

I am going to a private woman for our hair, I can give you her number if you would like!

I am not going to a florist I don't believe.. Let me know if you have any other questions!

madstaylor

Oh I forgot to mention Fringe Salon in DBQ. They are amazing! I go to Jen Gratz but a lot of the girls do bridal parties!

Shtallionchick14

In case you are still planning on reading this:

I am from Dubuque. Our wedding is in Dubuque. Our ceremony is at St. Anthony's church, reception at Thunder Hills Country Club. We are having a party bus for transportation, Gordon's Toggery for tuxedos, The Joy of Photography for pictures, T's and J's for DJ, and Spring Brook for catering cake.

Hope this helps.

I have met with all of these vendors and they are absolutely awesome and great prices!

kjdavies

Thank you everyone for posting! These are all so helpful! We ended up going with the Hotel Julien and cutting down our guest list quite a bit. We did look at the Grand River Center but ended up ruling it out (for what reason I don't really remember right now), and we decided to not do the casino, because as you mentioned, we were afraid of people not wanting to attend due to the fact it's a casino and there's indoor smoking (though the reception area didn't smell at all, but they would have to walk through a smoky area to get there). And extra college students on the dance floor doesn't bother me! We're not having an open bar or anything so it won't be a problem that way, so the more people the merrier! : )

I am going to be looking at photographers in the next couple weeks. As for DJ's, we may be doing a live band (my parents request - not mine! I loved the idea but thought it would be too expensive, but they're paying! Ha ha!). We may be switching to a DJ though if we end up cutting costs. I'll also be looking at florists and tuxedo places, so thank you SO MUCH to everyone for posting your info!

We set a date of Oct. 20th, 2012 (yes - a very, very long wait!) but we wanted to wait until my fiance has graduated (he will in May 2012). Thanks to everyone and let me know how all your planning is coming along, too!

Jami86e

see if david kasdan videography will travel out there. their prices are pretty low for videography www.davidkasdan.com

AmandaJD1

I also recommend Nicole Koester for photography.  I was a personal attendant in a wedding that she was the photographer for and she does a fabulous job.  I still go to her website just to check out her work because I really like her style.  Young and fun and a great eye for those extra shots!!!