Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino: A We stayed in the 600 SS room from Saturday night through Tuesday night. Our room was beautiful. We had spent two nights prior in Excalibur (I know its disgusting but a $40 a night room was a big cost saver), so we checked into MB at about 11. I was thrilled to find they had a room ready for me. Our accommodations were great, we even had turn down service every night. Even when other guests in suites did not have this service. The best part about our stay at MB was, the beach had opened and it was a lovely 75 degrees outside. Nothing cures wedding stress like laying out with a glass of champagne.
Double Decker Bus of Las Vegas:
B+We used the Double Decker Bus as a stand in for a Rehearsal Dinner. We were to meet the bus at the MB tour bus lobby. Unfortunately, I arrived at the tour bus lobby with my guests (on time) and there was no bus. Of course this made me incredibly nervouse that I had some how messed something up. After waiting about 10 min I called the bus company. I was informed that due to Nascar weekend traffic was bad and the bus would be late. I was disappointed that they did not call me to tell me this, but they were very appologetic. When push came to shove the bus ended up being at least 30 min late. This was a bummer, but by no means did it ruin the night.
When the bus finally arrived we began our tour. We stopped at the Las Vegas Welcome sign, and at Freemont St. We has a great mix on our IPOD, cold beer and wine, and all of our guests. It was a fabulous time. I think all of my guests were impressed with this part of the wedding. It was a great opportunity for the older crowd and those with sore feet to see all of the strip. If the bus would have been timely they would have gotten an A from me.
The Wedding Chapel at MB (Location Valley of the Falls): A++
Our wedding coordinator was Jamie. She was wonderful. I received help with anything I needed and she was always quick to reply. I arranged for custom flowers with her and was impressed with her drive to get them exactly like the picture I sent.
As for the location, I loved the Valley of the Falls. I fell in love with the location when I scouted it, and it was everything I dreamed of on my Wedding day.
Just a fair warning to other Brides be careful on the aisle runner it was a little sketchy with 5 inch heals and a mermaid style dress lol. But the good news is I didn't fall.
Cashman Photography: D
I knew going in not to expect much for Cashman, but I was honestly surprised how bad my experience really was. Our photographer did all crazy posed glamour shot type photos. My husband and I are goofy fun loving people, and we are not models. If you have modeled before they type of pictures might work for you. But, I'm a librarian I don't know how to pose, so my pictures turned out pretty horribly. There were a few (maybe 3) candids he caught that I liked. But the rest generally left me feeling fat and ugly. Good thing I only had 20 prints included in my package!
Bently & Wilson Photography: AWe were very happy with Todd, in fact I received my prints today! We chose to do a photo tour on the strip with him. We went to the Vegas Sign, Bellagio and Paris. He took natural looking photos, and captured the essence of the Husband and I. His pictures are beautiful and really show us being who we are.
Not to mention, Todd went above and beyond with us. He was scheduled to be at a little over half of my reception. When it was time for him to leave, the Husband and I tipped him and chatted for bit. Walking away we figured Todd would pack up and leave. This was not the case, Todd hung around at least another half hour snapping photos.
DJ Godzilla: A+++
There are no words to describe how much Calvin made my reception.
My friends are a crazy crowd. They love dancing to hip hop and getting a little bit crazy
. I will tell you what, Calvin delivered! He was not someone who simply clicked on songs from his computer. He spun for us all night, it was amazing.
When I first started planning my reception I was nervous that it might be dull, or that people would not dance. This was not the case... What a dance party. Calvin made the Husband and I's night. The husband was originally against the DJ idea. After having Calvin spin for us all night
, he was the one racing to give him a big tip.
Maggiano's Little Italy: AOur service and food was great. I loved that we had dedicated wait staff. They were very helpful us, always asking if we needed anything etc. Our guests were thrilled with food. I had many people tell me it was the best wedding food they have ever eaten.
All around the room, food, drinks and wait staff at Maggiano's made our night great.
Retro Bakery: A
Our cupcake tour turned out beautiful. I was so busy on the wedding day, that I almost forgot to eat the cupcakes! So, I brought my dad over (who has a big sweet tooth) and we tried a bite of every flavor. They were all amazing. I especially liked the pucker up. We did not serve our cake top, and were flying home so we couldn't freeze it
So, the day after the wedding we drank champagne and ate cake.
