Hi all! So I didn't post much leading up to the wedding, but I wanted to be sure to post my reviews since I used this board so much as a guideline when planning. I am not going to rank on the grading scale because there were pros and cons to each experience so I will do a quick summary of each instead.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
My experience with Cosmo started off on the wrong foot. I rented a premium view wraparound terrace and wanted the Bellagio & strip view. I got the Bellagio and back view. Not okay with me as I was having people up for a receptionish thing and wanted that specific view (in fact wouldn't make the reservation until I was assured I could have it). At first calling down to the desk nothing could be done because they were full committed, however my husband had help from a gentleman in the Autograph lounge that was able to move us the next into the suite with the view we wanted. It saved the day and while it was a pain to move it was amazing to have the fountain and strip view from the 61st floor! It ended up perfect.
The Wraparound Terrace
This room was fantastic. We fit 35 people comfortably both inside and out, we had drinks and cake up there with music until 3am with no problems. The terrace was great and the view had everyone just enthralled watching the fountains and the lights. We toasted up in the room as well. I know many people are concerned for space but it was plenty big as people will mill both inside and outside. I loved staying there for a week!
Reception Dinner Wicked Spoon
We had our reception dinner at The Wicked Spoon. It was fantastic. I decided to not worry about meeting the minimum for the private room and sit main dining. I think the service was perfectly fine for a buffet, they placed us all in a private corner together at a few separate tables which was perfect. Honestly, you just can't beat the price. All the guests left stuffed and happy with the quality, quantity, and variety of food. I was shocked when we got the bill because drinks were flowing, people were pigging out all to the tune of a total of 2200, a steal in my book. Also, setting the reservation was easy and the Cosmo restaurant team is very responsive.
Rehearsal Dinner Holsteins
Very fun, very informal. I set the reservation day of for 17 with no problem. I love Holsteins, the only con was it can get very loud especially late on a Friday when Marquee is getting going.
Drago Sisters
My cake was perfect and delicious. I was super impressed with look of the cake, I sent Doreen a picture and she matched it perfectly with the additions I wanted. The flavors were incredible (one layer chocolate, one layer pumpkin). It just exceeded my expectations in every way, but was still very affordable. We had to cake delivered to Cosmo for a small fee. It was just super easy. I only wish I had bought my own cake stand rather than rented simply because the cab ride to get it back to Drago Sisters was more than I would have paid had I brought my own!
Fit for a Bride
This was a perfect experience. I know there was a bad one here earlier. I dealt with Debi and she was fantastic. Picked up the dress and tux and returned them same day no problem. Everything went through the Cosmo bell desk pick up and drop off so no one was trying to contact me. It was extremely easy and I was very pleased with the result. Having them steamed took most of the stress out of traveling with my gown and it was just so easy.
Weddings by Wanda
Wanda was amazing. Her ceremony was fantastic and I felt like she had known my husband and I for years. She was so quick to respond and so willing to work with me from wording to payment options. She was just wonderful. We loved having her, and our families loved the ceremony (even though many are quite religious and we had a completely secular ceremony). Even with just a basic ceremony I felt she timed things to be perfect in length and her readings were so beautiful. Even beyond just her officiating she as a wealth of knowledge that she shared even before asking as far as the legal necessities for the license and so on.
Gin and Sake Photography
Best decision ever. I have only seen my sneak peek album but these photos are gorgeous. We worked with Jill primarily but met Brandon. They have the most fantastic photography style, and are so much fun to be around. I just loved Jill. She came and ate with us, she drove us back to Cosmo after the wedding. She was happy to wrangle our guests around for posed pictures as well as caught beautiful candid shots. Jill was great getting ready and doing all the beautiful before shots of flowers, jewelry, dress everything without ever needing any direction. She was the master of ceremonies more or less, there every step of the way and I leaned on her heavily throughout the day even though I met her that morning lol. They are extremely easy to get in touch with, easy to communicate. Just amazing. If you are thinking Gin and Sake do it. If you aren't check them out and then do it.
Ceremony The Sayers Club, SLS Hotel and Casino
Yes, this is my ace in the hole. I am the first bride to be married in Sayers as well as on the entire SLS property. It was fantastic and gorgeous and unique. I dealt with even manager Nina and she was fantastic. If you are looking for a unique space check this out. I will say that this a NOT a place for a bride that needs alot of control over her space or needs a lot of coordination. It was sometimes a week or two before I could get a solid response on any questions. I did not add any additional decor to the space because I thought it was beautiful and perfect as is. I did choose this space sight unseen before SLS was open and I do not regret it at all. It is essentially a music venue with a vintage feel, covered in beautiful carpets, a bar, chandeliers in birdcages and the seating was leather couches. Very unique, very fun. Because there are no wedding packages set I could bring in my own photographer, officiant, and all that. It was great for me but added more things to my list and while my contact person saved the day and was fantastic she really did only coordinate what was directly involved with SLS (as expected). I had to rent a hotel room for one night to have a bridal quite but was upgraded at a low price. IF you are looking for a gorgeous and unique venue this is the place for you!
Okay I think I got everything but who knows! I barely got back to my house last night! Thank you for everything fellow knotties, it's been fun but I am SO glad it is OVER and all that remains are beautiful pictures and memories
