I have to thank everyone here that has offered great advice, reviews, etc. I picked almost all of my vendors based off of reviews on the knot, and they were fantastic!
Venue: Courtyard at Lake Lucerne Dr. Phillips House-A
This was the perfect venue for us. We wanted something different than a hotel ballroom. The contact person, Angie, is very helpful and gets back to e-mails, etc. in a timely manner.
The only down side is it is close to 408 and people do stay at the house b/c it is a bed and breakfast. We didn't really hear the noise of the highway (just have a mic at the ceremony) but we did have two guests staying at the house invite themselves to dance at the end of the reception. They were super WT, so I think this was a fluke-BUT they did take it upon themselves to sign our guest book and voice their opposition when asked to wait until the wedding was over to use the back courtyard. Not a HUGE thing, but you might see random people coming and going.
Ashlie Hampton-Weddings in the City (Day of Coordinator)
A+++++
Everything you hear about her is correct; she is awesome. She is organized, calm and collected on the day of, and does a fantastic job. I was so calm on my wedding day because I knew she was in charge. My husband stepped on my
bustle minutes after it being done, and she was right there to pin me up.
She is such an awesome person, and I miss planning with her already!
I HIGHLY recommend her! She is worth every penny you invest!!
Puff n Stuff-Catering and Cake-A
Great job with both food and cake. Heid Brice was our contact person and overall she did a great job. The end communication was a little slow to finalize #s, but everything else was great.
They also do a wonderful job at cakes. They were able to duplicate the wedding cake design and a groom's cake (Boston Red Sox hat).
Lee Forrest-Florist A++++++
Lee is a freakin rockstar with flowers! He looked at my example bouquet pics once and made them perfectly! He is also such a warm and funny person too. I will miss meeting with him. HE ROCKS!
Joey Wright-Photography A++
Joey has been doing model photography for awhile and is branching out into wedding photography. Because of this, he has ridiculously reasonable prices for the work he does. Joey and I have mutual friends, and he shot their wedding, and I was sold on him immediately.
My pics are outstanding!!! He is also a blast to work with. If you are on a budget, you should check him out-your pics will definintely NOT look like budget photos.
www.joeywrightphotography.comClick under portfolio and go to Weddings
If you want to see my photos, send me a private message
Patricia LeJeune-Hair and Make up-A+++++++
Patricia knows her stuff. Not only did she make me look amazing, but she does it with such ease! Her staff is also just as professional and talented. She also is such a warm and caring person, and I had such a great time chatting with her during my trial and the day of. Again, I HIGHLY recommend her!! She is worth every penny!
Tagas Events-Bryan Taylor (DJ)
I have two ratings for Tagas-A for Bryan himself as a DJ, C for contract
A-Bryan and I had a great meeting before the wedding, He is super chill and really listens to what you want. He played everything I wanted, made sure to not play what I wanted to avoid, and took guest requests. He did a great job with my specific ceremony requirements and did a good job MCing. He also shut down my friend trying to request NKOTB..yikes! He also does a great mixes for the more modern feel. Our guests kept commenting how great the music was!
C-When I signed my contract, I was at a bridal show. I thought that when I signed the contract, I was signing with Bryan as my DJ. I later found out that Bryan is $300 extra in order to guarantee him for your wedding. It was really stressful for me because I went to a wedding with one of his other DJs that wasn't the best fit for us. Everything was worked out, but just know that you need to specify that you want to book him and pay the extra $$.
Gary Davids-Officiant B
Gary is both a photographer and an officiant.
Some of our first picks were already booked, but when we met with Gary, he was very honest and open. He did good job with the ceremony, but he did some improv during our ceremony (trying to be funny) and we really didn't find that necessary. It was fine, but just wished he would have stuck to the script. I think if I would have been more specific with ceremony, he would have left it out.
David's Bridal-A (Millenia and Tampa)
Yes, David's is big and can be busy, but I always was greated with a smile and received great service. My dress came in within two weeks, and so did the bridesmaids dresses.
Judi-The Seamstress-Winter Park A+
She knows her stuff, does it quickily, and doesn't bs you-she is awesome! I definitely will see her again for any alterations I need.
Men's Warehouse-C ( Waterford)
The initial meeting went fine. Fitting was a pain b/c they were measuring DH wrong and wouldn't listen to him when he said the measurements wouldn't be correct. SO of course when he picked up his tux, he had to get a new shirt, the sleeves were too long, and the pants were too short. I would suggest picking up the tuxes at least three days before the wedding in case something like this happens.
The GM and father tuxes ended up fine.
Other vendors that are A for quality of product and fast delivery:
Wedding Paper Divas
Cudge.net (cheap votives)
Picaboo (photo guest book)
Vistaprint (Menus, OOT brochures)