I want to share who I had experiences with:
Foster's Downeast Clambake in York, Bridal's by Sandy in Alfred, Nicely and Co in Buxton and
J Henry Salon in Portland.
Foster's Downeast Clambake: A+
I'll try not to gush too much, but Foster's was incredible through the entire process. They always responded quickly to my e-mails, were completely understanding when my deposit was delayed due to not getting tax returns back as quickly as expected, and so much more. I worked with two different women, Michelle and Beth, and they were both very nice. Beth is my angel after working tirelessly through 90 degree heat, helping change from a full ceremony to a family-only ceremony 20 minutes after the ceremony was supposed to start (long story), always having a kind smile for me and the guests, and generally being a rockstar for the entire day. Guests told me as they were leaving they've never had so much food at a wedding before - and we didn't even add on any extras! Foster's was generous with their portions, and everything was sooo good. My vegan friends told me the vegan lasagna (that Beth cooked special for our wedding) was delicious. How nice to have a venue that is so flexible with their menu! Two days before the wedding, they upgraded us (free of charge) to linen napkins since they had enough extras. With a lobster bake, we figure paper napkins would be fine, but it was such a nice touch to have the linen instead. I go could on and on, but the bottom line is Foster's made sure our day was perfect. I hope everyone feels as good about their venue as we do.
Bridal's by Sandy: B
I'll start out by saying that Sandy, and her seamstress Kendra, are nice women. I went shopping a little late for my dress (unknowingly) and that issue may skew my impression. I was getting nervous about my dress and when I called to see when it would be in, I didn't receive a call back until I called a second time (and even then it was a week before I heard from her again). Once the dress was in, the seamstress kept pushing back when the dress would be ready; I finally picked it up the Thursday before my Saturday wedding. The shop is nice, clean and has beautful dresses. I'd suggest going to anyone with a long timetable. Otherwise, DB might be a better bet if you're in a rush.
Nicely & Co: A
This is only a kind-of vendor for my wedding. I had done a really bad job dying my hair and needed to have someone fix it 10 days before the wedding (oops!). I didn't want to dye it all over because I was afraid it would look too unnatural, or it would turn out completely wrong. I went to the salon and talked over my hair trouble with the stylist, and she put in highlights and lowlights to hide my flaws. She took her time, was very friendly, and even stayed later than they were open in order to finish everything. I knew they were closing up and felt bad, but she continued to take her time rather than rush to get it done. The atmosphere of the salon is very friendly and open. The staff is very professional as well. The best part is that their prices are very reasonable for the quality of work! I love my hair and will definitely be going back. I sent my FI to the salon a few days later to get his hair cut for the wedding.
J Henry Salon: B-
My MOH and I went here for mani/pedi's the day before the wedding. I've had one or two manicures before so while I'm not super-familiar with what's supposed to happen, I do know that you're not supposed to bleed. The woman cut my cuticles too short and told me I have "sensitive cuticles." When my MOH saw my hands she was horrified (she's one to get her nails done occaisionally, so I trusted her shock). It wasn't one or two nails, it was all of them that bled. I look at them now 10 days later and they're still ragged. The polish chipped quickly on my hands, I was not impressed. The pedicure was a different story however. I had never had one before because I hate my feet being touched, but I figured I should get one since I would be barefoot all day for the wedding. The pedicure was lovely. My cuticles were fine on my feet, she did a great job on those toughies and the polish still looks pristine 10 days later. I will say that the front desk staff was friendly, and my friend liked her girl so much that she'll be going back. I will not be going back however, for fear that I'll get the girl who makes me bleed again.