Hello ladies,
I have to admit, I didn't post too much during my planning process but I used all of the recommendations from other brides posts when picking my vendors. It was such a huge help getting honest feedback and I would like to do the same in the hopes that it helps someone else. So hear it goes....
Venue (Wedding and Reception): Travelers Rest: A+ The food was delicious, I had people telling me that they usually go out to eat after weddings because they never like the food but that they were full and satisfied after ours. They have a beautiful outdoor venue for the ceremony that worked perfectly for us. The owner runs the show, you don't have to worry about a thing. He was the type of guy that didn't want me to worry about anything and just trust him that everything was going to perfect....and it was.
Music / DJ: Jimmy Dee Productions: A+++++ We had Neil as Emcee and JP as our DJ - they were amazingly fantastic. The dance floor was full the entire night, you couldn't pry people off that floor. They did a great job of listening to what type of music we prefered and played the best songs ever. Everyone had so much fun and it was because of them.
Make up: Christine (Color Make-UP Studio) A++++ Christine is amazingly talented, I couldn't stop looking in the mirror. I wish I could hire her every day to do my make up. On top of being the best make up artist in Westchester, she is the nicest person. The day of my wedding, I had some timeline shifts, Christine rearranged her schedule for me. Any bride that gets make up by Christine will be a very happy.
Hair: Stratos: A+ What can I say about Stratos? As he will tell you himself, God could not do a better updoo that him. He did a great job and provided comic relief the morning of my wedding. I was lucky he was available for my wedding.
Florist: Forever In Bloom: B The owner is very talented, the flowers were gorgeous. The only reason he didn't get an A was because I had changed my floral choice after we went to contract. I had requested peonies throughout the centerpieces and cake instead of roses but was told that the color of the roses would work better against the color of the table linens. After much back and forth, he finally agreed to work in peonies for me since I felt so passionately about them. The day of the wedding - there were no peonies in the centerpieces or cake topper.
Video: The Pro's (Brian P) - A: I haven't received our video yet but the videographer was terrific. He set up a lot of great shots, worked very well with the photographer and had a lot of great suggestions. He clearly knew what he was doing and what was going to look good in the video. He also had a great personality. I heard a lot of negative feedback regarding the Pro's in general since they also do photography and music. I was spending a lot of money in all of the other areas of the wedding, I felt that the video was something that I could spend less money on which is why I went with the Pro's but I am happy with my choice (hopefully I still feel this way after I get my video).
Photographer: Peter Grobe: A: Peter is the sweetest man and feels very passionately about his craft. He makes you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world on your wedding day. The photos are amazing and something that I'll cherish forever.
Cake: Homestyle Bakery: A+ The cake was delicous, what else can I say?
Transportation: Red Oak Shuttle Service -
We arranged shuttles to / from hotel and the wedding venue for out of towners. We also arranged transportation to pick up the bridal party and the groomsmen from the same hotel earlier that day. One shuttle never returned to the hotel to pick up the groomsmen. They had to ride over in the shuttle that we arranged for guests.