VENDORS

Please note that I did not plus the crap out of any of my vendors (even though I could have).  An A+ means perfection... not one issue.  I also tried to include pictures related to the vendor (idea from DFW Knottie Donnaaries).  Most pictures are from Photography by Melissa.  

Venue (ceremony)-Eastminster Presbyterian Church  A+

I'm a long time member, so I had no worries (or choice) here.  It was beautiful.  The pastor gave a fun and meaningful homily.  Lovely ceremony.  The church secretary (who helps coordinate) and organist also did a fantastic job.

Venue (reception)- Cityplace, 42nd Floor  A+

I would plus the crap out of this venue if I could!  It was amazing and completely professional from beginning to end.  The night could not have run more smoothly thanks to Leslie (our sales rep) and Lauro (our Banquet Captain).  They contacted all of our vendors for us to arrange set-up so we didn't have to worry about it.  We dropped off all the decorations we had earlier in the week, and the staff set it all up.  DH and I were met downstairs at the door with champagne.  DH, my parents, and I never made a trip to the bar or though the buffet line- it was all brought to us.  We got numerous compliments on the food.  (I didn't eat much except at the tasting, but the crab cakes were amazing).  After our departure, my parents did nothing for clean-up... they were met at their car with boxes of presents, cake, and personal items.  And it's BEAUTIFUL!  And much better priced than any of the other full service venues (hotels, etc).  Absolutely no complaints and would completely recommend.

Attire - Lulu's Bridal   A

Great service, very kind and helpful, dresses were in unharmed and on time.  When I bought the dress, they played the wedding march and blew bubbles (fun).  And I still have the hilarious message from when they called to tell me my dress was in saved on my phone ("Cooongratulaaaaations, briiiiiide").  Also had alterations on my dress here.  Ruth is hilarious and great at her job.  Overall great experience.  Had a couple of funny stories when dealing with the BM dresses- did you know Alaska is not a part of the US and Arkansas is in Texas?  

Other Alterations- Dian Wade  A+

Most people on DFW Knot go to Becky Fowler, but she is just very inconvenient for me. We called up Dian who does alterations for the drill teams in Mesquite.  She did 2 BM dresses, my mom's dress, redid the entire flower girl dress and made her a sash from leftover BM dress material, and (the topper) took a Jr. BM dress and made it 2 sizes bigger in less than a week (and you couldn't tell at all!!!).  She was wonderful and solved a mini crisis.  If you would like contact info, page me.

Tuxes- Men's Wearhouse  A-

Very good service.  Only had one small problem.  We put down white shirts and they ordered black.  Once this was discovered (3 days before the wedding), it was very quickly remedied.  The guys looked great and their tuxes fit perfectly.  

Photographer- Melissa Goldberg  A+

LOVE her!  She is the perfect match for us.  We needed someone who could do great formals but also capture the "fun" side of us.  She does great work with backgrounds and texture and we love how she makes everything look natural and fun-loving.  Very professional, great with timely communication, and easy to work with on scheduling.  She did our e-pics and my bridals as well.  And she stayed with us the day of the wedding from 2:30 until the bitter end of the night (11:00pm).  Every time I wanted her, she was right there with me!  My mom said the same thing- she must be able to clone herself.  Love this vendor!

Cake- Elena's Cakes  A+

We had the champagne cake and the khalua chocolate for the groom's cake.  First of all, she is extremely professional.  She called the florist herself to set up a time to set up so they would be sure and cross paths.  Always very prompt and helpful (had some last minute changes).  Very artistic and full of suggestions.  And the cake?  Let's just say I've had several (yes several) people tell me it's the best cake they've ever had in their life.  

Flowers- Windsor Florist  A+

Amazing!  Can't say it enough.  She listened to my ideas, then had tons of suggestions.  I simply had to trust her on a few things, and I'm so glad I did.  The flowers were beautiful!  Better than I had imagined.  She went above and beyond.  She was extremely prompt in every communication, had no problems with changes made close to the end, and is so sweet... and very reasonably priced.  I know not many of you are on this side of town, but if you are, I would highly recommend this florist.

DJ- Big Daddy DJs (aka, DH's Uncle Charlie)  A+

Our DJ was DH's uncle.  He has had a side DJ business for 25 years and did this for us as a wedding gift.  I must admit, I was a little worried about this one.  I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for".  But there was no need for worry.  He did an amazing job!  Things ran smoothly and people were on the dance floor all night.  The banquet captain had to push people out the door so we could make our exit, they were having so much fun.  He did an awesome job and is probably the nicest guy you will ever meet!  Yay, Uncle Charlie!

Invitations- Needle in a Haystack  A+

After many, many hours of online searching, we decided to go with a "brick and mortar" shop for invites.  Great call!  Very helpful, prompt, and professional.  Helped with wording, priced out multiple designs while we were looking, and called the company directly to change the ribbon color on the design we wanted.  The invites were great and came VERY quickly. 

Rehearsal Dinner- On the Border Catering  (A)/ Westlake Park House  (A)

After looking high and low for a restaurant with a handicap accessible private room, we decided to abandon that idea, and go with a house (yes- a house!) at a local park and cater On the Border fajitas.  It worked out great!  there was plenty of room to mingle, very picturesque by a lake, and had a huge outdoor space for the kids to play.  They even did pinatas.  It was perfect and everyone had a great and relaxing evening.  The only reason it was not an A+, was they were a little difficult to work with when it came to set-up.  They would only give us the house for a continuous block, so we ended up having to pay for an extra hour just to make sure FMIL got to the rehearsal on time. Also Very reasonably priced for both the house and the catering.  

Bridal Luncheon- The Chocolate Angel (Richardson) A+

The Chocolate Angel is a quaint and fabulous tea room we chose for the bridal luncheon.  They have several private room offerings, depending on the size of your party.  We were in the Chantilly Room (parties of 12-18).  It was perfect.  The food was fantastic!  They have a limited menu for large parties if you so choose to use it (we did).  Everyone enjoyed the meal and the ambiance.  

Honeymoon- Riu, Montego Bay (VacationsToGo)  B

We had a fantastic honeymoon!  It was a beautiful property (all-inclusive) with great service and was reasonably priced.  The only reason I am giving it a B is because the food was very mediocre.  We ended up going off property for several evening meals just to get away from the bland buffet.  It was our HM, and we wanted good food and to be waited on.  However, because the food was so mediocre, it helped us have some great experiences off property we might not have had otherwise.