Vendor Review: 4/16/11, long list

[Deleted User] · May 2011

Officiant/Reverend: John Zimmer, 504-834-6544, A+

I spoke to John via the telephone several times before the wedding, describing what I envisioned. He was open to my ideas, and made great suggestions. We actually met him 15 minutes before our ceremony and he made us feel extremely comfortable. I had several guests mention that they wanted to get married again after witnessing how personable he made our ceremony. It was short and sweet at 15 minutes, but perfect!

Florist: Erin Steen, 504-656-2007, A

Erin is very easy to work with and utilized by inspiration pictures provided to produce beautiful bouquets and bouts. Her prices are VERY reasonable.

Bridal Cake: Haydel,s A+

I wanted a simple, three layer cake, buttercream icing. Not only was the cake beautiful and exactly as I expected, but the taste was amazing. The cake tasted almost like angel food cake, incredibly moist. Price was reasonable (around $300)

Reception DJ: Omega Sound, B

I was originally promised a younger DJ which is what I wanted to ensure they were 'hip' with current songs. Unfortunately, 1 week before the wedding, a random person emailed me and told me that he was going to be my DJ. I contacted the owner of Omega Sound and he mentioned that they were overbooked for my day and he hired this replacement to fill in. I spoke to the replacement over the phone and described by likes and dislikes. He did an overall acceptable job, but played several scandolous/risque songs that I wish were not played (hotel/motel song, let's get it on, etc) My husband had to ask the DJ to start playing more upbeat songs with only 30 minutes left of the reception because the dance floor was near empty. I think that the DJ should have done this on his own, and shouldn't have needed by husband's recommendation.

Ceremony music, solo violin: Musiconsultant, Zorica Dimova, A

Zorica was cheaper than the other string musicians in the area and she even played "Can't help falling in love with you" by Elvis Presley as I walked down the aisle, which wasn't one of her traditional ceremony songs. The prelude music was perfect as well.

Photographer: Rush Jagoe, Blue Bird Ceremonies, A

I haven't received by pictures back but I can say that Rush is such a sweet guy and I didn't notice him much of the ceremony and reception. I would have liked a little more direction regarding formal portraits/shots because I definitely think that I wasn't holding my bouquet in most of them. Rush is a photojournalist by trade, so his style is different, but I think my photos will be great!

Caterer: Pigeon Catering A++

Brides, stop reading this and contact them right away! Boy was I ever pleased with the Pigeon Catering crew. The price was reasonable and the service was superb! I had a bridal attendant who was there for me at any minute before and after the ceremony. She even let my 4 year old brother play on her Iphone during the reception. My guests are still raving about the reception food and service! This is one vendor that I would HIGHLY recommend.

Hotel block: St. James Hotel, D

The group manager was easy to work and this hotel provided a great rate per room. Unfortunately several of the rooms were so disgusting that my guests checked-out and had to search for another place to stay. The valet service utilized by the hotel is terrible and my car was left unlocked for someone to ravage my glove compartment and middle console. The front desk staff were nice, but the cons outweigh the pros on this one. Avoid!!!!

Tent rental: The Tent Man, A

Rented a 3 peak, circus style tent for the reception. It was set up several days before my wedding day. No complaints and they were easy to work with. Now, there linens are EXTREMELY over-priced so stay away from renting linens from them.

Shuttle bus: Royal Coach Limousine, A

25 passenger shuttle bus was utilized to transport our guests from the hotel to our ceremony/reception and then back. No complaints!

Hair and Make-up: Get Polished, A

The office personnel could brushen up their communication skills a bit, but the actual hair and make-up stylist are awesome. My trial run went smoothly and I am pleased wiith the job done to both myself, my mother, and bridesmaids.

Venue: Benachi House and Gardens, B

The venue is gorgeous and perfect for the look and feel of my small, 70+ person wedding. Now, the owner is a different story. At least 2 times before my wedding day, I had to call James to clarify mishaps on his part. First he cancelled my contract because he though my mother called and cancelled and then he sent a somewhat un-pleasant email to me because of a paperwork mistake on his part. He could enhance his people skills. Luckily I didn't take this incidents to heart.

Cupcakes for bridal luncheon: Kupcake factory, A+

Wedding cake flavor was awesome!

Bridal Luncheon restaurant: EAT Nola, A

Delicious south LA food in very chic/cute restaurant.

Rehearsal Dinner: Oceana Grill, A

The rehearsal dinner went very well, which was somewhat unexpected considering the communications that occured prior to the actual event. The food was delicious but the bartender was very slow. Apparently she was familar with the computer system and it took a VERY long time to get drinks (this was a private bar for our party also!) The room was the ideal size and overall, a nice time.

Pedi/Mani: Aristocat Salon, A+

Cat was extremely accomodating, and she even went out of her way to secure a delicious cheese board and champagne for our mani and pedis the day before the wedding. She is located a few minutes from the Quarter, but it was worth the drive. Nails came out great!

Tablecloths: linentablecloth.com, A

I bought 15+ white tablecloths for the reception tables from this website for much cheaper than it would have been for me to rent them. Now, ironing was a pain in the bottom, but I anticipate selling them in the near future.

Fresh Flowers: fiftyflowers.com, A

I ordered several bunches of white football mums and white poms to utilized in my reception table centerpieces. Price was good and they were delivered to my hotel several days before the wedding.

Centerpiece items: Jamali Gardens (online), A

Second Line Umbrellas: CKBproducts.com, A

for only $4 each, one white and one black, I received an umbrella for myself and my husband and hotglued boas the the umbrella for cute and cheap second line umbrellas!

Personalized extras: the knot.com wedding shop, A+

Ordered personalized bar napkins, matchbooks, and groomsmen gifts (monogrammed cooler chairs). All were perfect and appropriately priced.

Wedding day pear bracelet, Divine Jewel (etsy), A+

Burlap for reception runners, Onlinefabricstore.com, A

Custom garter, Narfer99 (etsy), A+

Couldn't find a cute Ole Miss garter anywhere and this nice lady made a quality one for a very reasonable price.

Wedding Invitations, Wedding Paper Divas, A+

Cafe/Bulb lights: Christmas Lights Etc, A

Feel free to message me with additional questions!