So I was married on 29 Dec 2012. I am so relieved it's over, but so extremely happy at the same time. We had some family snags, as well a lot of running around, and a snow storm, but it all worked out in the end. People were really impressed with the ceremony and how our venue suited us. I'm in the process of cleaning up the house and organizing the stuff so we can leave for our honeymoon on Sunday, but I wanted to put the vendor reviews up for information purposes.
Two Brothers BBQ - Catering A+
The food was absolutely fantastic. Everyone raved about them, including my in-laws (even though mother in law was dubious about bbq food at first). We did the express with staff option. He was there on time and everything was set up beautifully and ready to go for the guests. The only issue may be communication. We were fine with it, but they weren't quite as available during their busy season (Summertime). If you're someone who wants to be in contact a lot with them, it does take them longer to reply during that time if your event isn't within that timeframe. We had a couple of non-pressing questions and, while they always answered, they took a couple of days (email). Again, it was never anything pressing, so we were absolutely fine with it. They needed the menu info and head count about a week before the event, which they called us for. They required a $100 deposit to reserve the date, and the balance was due when we finalized the menu.
Overall, a very positive experience. (
http://www.2brosbbq.com/)The Lodge at North Park - Venue A+
The ladies at the Allegheny Parks office were always nice to us. When we heard about the snow coming, my husband called and asked about the road conditions. They had already called both McCandless and Allison Park to make sure the roads would be clear. It snowed about 6-8" the morning and early afternoon of our wedding, but the roads were absolutely clear, as was the parking lot and walkway. The building was open and ready for them when they told us it would be. (
http://www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/npfac.aspx)A Party Place Rentals - Rentals A+
We needed to rent tables and chairs for the wedding. Not only were their prices great, but they're extremely helpful. We worked with David and not only is he a huge help, but he's extremely friendly. We opted for delivery and pickup of the items, and they were prompt and courteous. During delivery, my father in law asked if they could set the tables and chairs up. The guys were happy to help (though, it was an additional fee, which is absolutely expected and was well worth it). They also broke them down that night when they picked up. David was so friendly when I had to change a couple of quantities at the last minute. Completely stress-free and pleasant to work with. We rented round tables, rectangular tables, garden chairs and basic folding chairs for the ceremony. All of the items were in great shape. (
http://apartyplacerentals.com/)MB Bride - Dress A-
The purchasing experience was fantastic. The selection was really great, which was good as I didn't have much time to shop since my Mom was only in town a short time. The consultant was patient and worked with me for quite a while. It was a Wednesday morning, so it was slow in the shop. She let me pull dresses I wanted to try on, and pulled a few based on what I said I liked. The shop is really nice, and the dressing rooms are huge. Each has a private room to put the dress on, as well as a private viewing area with a platform, huge mirrors, and dimmer lights for friends and family to sit in. A very comfortable and relaxing shopping experience. They provided a bra and slip for try-on as well, and allowed photography. After I ordered the dress, they called right when the dress came in. I live about an hour from the shop and don't have a car, so I planned on having it altered elsewhere. When I called to make the appointment to pick it up, the woman on the phone wasn't great. I had to make that appointment for a Saturday morning, as that's when I had people in town to bring me there (the shower weekend). When I got there, it was crazy. Tons of people, bridezillas, the whole nine yards. It took me a while to get someone's attention (I don't blame them, as there was a screaming bride monopolizing most of the girls at the counter). When I got to the alterations area, they weren't told I was coming... at all. So I'm not sure if the appointment wasn't booked, or if I was told the wrong place to go from the front desk. Either way, the lady from alterations found my dress and gave me a room to try it on in, so no problems in the end. (
http://www.mbbride.com/)Clarissa Boutique - Alterations A+
Karen at Clarissa is fantastic. She's friendly and wonderful at what she does. Seriously a pleasure to work with. When I explained my budget constraints, she set up the alterations to cost as little as possible while still being exactly what I needed. Again, the store is lovely and the dressing room was big and airy. My dress was gorgeous and the pickup was quick and easy. (
http://www.clarissaboutique.com/)ecopalmware.com - Plates A+
Online site. The plates are made from palm leaves. They held up great to our bbq food. They're disposable which makes it easy, yet they looked gorgeous. Shipping was fast, and compared to any other disposable out there, they're very reasonably priced. Awesome.
smartyhadaparty.com - Cups, Napkins, Etc. A+
Another great site. Everything we needed was shipped fast, good prices, and very cool customer service.
linentablecloth.com - Tablecloths A+
Again, another good site. They run sales, so sign up for email notifications for better prices and free shipping. The tablecloths ended up being the same price to buy as to rent, and I plan on selling them once I get my head together.
Latupa Candles - Ceremony Candle A+
We needed a simple candle for our altar and Joe at Latupa made a perfect one for us. His candles are wonderful, scents are amazing and strong, and he takes custom orders. (
www.facebook.com/LatupaCandles)[edited to add website for rental co. and alterations]
ETA: HOLY HECK! I forgot one very fantastic vendor!
Ulta, McKnight Rd, Ross Twp. - Hair A+ for Molly
I had a 12:30 appointment with another stylist. I was called at about 10:30 and asked if I wanted to change to 12pm because there were some cancelations. I accepted the change (I was worried about the 12:30 timeslot being too late). As a result of the weather, I got there at 12:25 anyway. Molly was the only stylist in at the time (she said they had a few call-outs due to the snow). She originally said she couldn't take me and may be able to fit me in later. I mentioned I was getting married in three hours and she said "Oh! Well wait a few minutes until I'm done with her, and I'll get your hair looking gorgeous!" She had me out of there and looking fantastic within 30 minutes. She saved my arse and she was such a sweetheart. And she did awesome work that held up all night.