VENDOR REVIEWS
Dun dun dunnn ... I have a knack for being brutally honest, and this is where I unleash it all: good, bad & ugly.
If you're a vendor (why are you reading, first of all?) and you felt there were certain discrepancies during our relationship, read at your own risk. If, however, you felt we clicked and your services were excellent, read :) Or not.
Here we go ...
If you're a vendor (why are you reading, first of all?) and you felt there were certain discrepancies during our relationship, read at your own risk. If, however, you felt we clicked and your services were excellent, read :) Or not.
Here we go ...
BRIDESMAIDS TEA PARTY REVIEWS
It's the little things, guys.
Bridesmaid gifts: Tiffany & Co.
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: Bought gifts
GRADE: A
Website: http://www.tiffany.com
I have to say, the guy was pretty patient. I felt like I was proposing to my girls and he was very candid about my nerves lol. Customer service at places like Tiffany's is always good, that's no news.
GRADE: A
Website: http://www.tiffany.com
I have to say, the guy was pretty patient. I felt like I was proposing to my girls and he was very candid about my nerves lol. Customer service at places like Tiffany's is always good, that's no news.
Bridesmaid Cookies: Weddingish
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: Purchased cookies
GRADE: A-
Website: http://www.weddingish.com
Cute packaging, awesome cookies, slow shipping but worth it. My girls loved them!
GRADE: A-
Website: http://www.weddingish.com
Cute packaging, awesome cookies, slow shipping but worth it. My girls loved them!
ENGAGEMENT PICTURES REVIEWS
I had two sessions with completely different vendors. Long story short, the reason why I did it the second time was because I was not happy with the results of the first time. For the full story, e-mail me.
Photographer: Jonathan Scott (?)
LEVEL OF VENDOR INVOLVEMENT: Hired him to shoot the wedding, he shot my engagement pictures. We parted ways.
I am currently holding this review until 10/10/10, we have some issues to resolve.
I am currently holding this review until 10/10/10, we have some issues to resolve.
Makeup: Amy Palma (C+)
LEVEL OF VENDOR INVOLVEMENT: One Amy Palma's girls came to my house to do my makeup and hair for my first round of engagement pictures.
Why the C? Well, as soon as she left, I rushed upstairs to fix my makeup. As much as I liked the girl (can't remember her name), there were a lot of things wrong with my makeup and hair. My eyelashes were Daisy Duck worthy, and my fiance didn't like them at all. The makeup was a tad heavy for my face, and my hair didn't last in the intended shape for more than two hours. She was very professional and tried her best to make sure I was comfortable, but I just couldn't get her to understand I didn't want dark makeup, just dark eyeliner. Granted, I'm a makeup ignoramus and probably didn't explain myself like I did, but in the end I gave up and just waited for her to leave so I could "fix" my own face.
Why the C? Well, as soon as she left, I rushed upstairs to fix my makeup. As much as I liked the girl (can't remember her name), there were a lot of things wrong with my makeup and hair. My eyelashes were Daisy Duck worthy, and my fiance didn't like them at all. The makeup was a tad heavy for my face, and my hair didn't last in the intended shape for more than two hours. She was very professional and tried her best to make sure I was comfortable, but I just couldn't get her to understand I didn't want dark makeup, just dark eyeliner. Granted, I'm a makeup ignoramus and probably didn't explain myself like I did, but in the end I gave up and just waited for her to leave so I could "fix" my own face.
Location: The Breakers (A+)
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: We shot our engagement pictures here.
They never let me down. I arrived and the concierge knew who I was, why I was there (I let my coordinator know in advance, but I wasn't expecting this level of efficiency!), and let me know where I could go (virtually anywhere). I didn't even have to pay for valet, they covered it. When it was time to shoot at the beach, the lady at the entrance to the pools and beach asked me "Miss Jen (LastName)?" and let me in wishing me luck on the shoot. I was very happy with how they treated us, and left a thank you note for my coordinator.
They never let me down. I arrived and the concierge knew who I was, why I was there (I let my coordinator know in advance, but I wasn't expecting this level of efficiency!), and let me know where I could go (virtually anywhere). I didn't even have to pay for valet, they covered it. When it was time to shoot at the beach, the lady at the entrance to the pools and beach asked me "Miss Jen (LastName)?" and let me in wishing me luck on the shoot. I was very happy with how they treated us, and left a thank you note for my coordinator.
Photography: Gregory Paul (A+)
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: Engagement pictures. Images IN DISC pending. (April 6th)
May be to soon to sing victory, since I haven't seen the pictures, but I had fun. FUN. Greg and Heidi are the most adorable couple. We were directed so professionally and we felt very confident with each pose. Completely trusting them, we shot a variety of settings, on the street, at a cafe, in a deserted alley, etc. etc. I am not exaggerating when I say Heidi is one of the most helpful, funniest, nicest ladies I've ever met, and she's so dedicated. Greg's work speaks for itself, but we really saw how passionate he is about his photography. He was very patient with all the foot traffic in Las Olas (where we shot), and was a good sport when people asked over and over again "What's this for?"
We shot for 4 hours, and while we were cold and exhausted by the end of it, Greg & Heidi seemed willing to keep going! They were, I am not going to stop saying it, SO nice. At one point, while shooting in a cafe, Heidi bought us drinks (iced tea, hehe), because we were so thirsty, and it worked great with the shots Greg wanted. they brought towels for the beach part of the shoot and let us keep a couple because we were freezing (we'll give them back, though!).
I could not have asked for a better day to shoot with two amazing professionals. I am very excited to look at the pictures.
UPDATE: Here are our engagement pictures teasers > http://www.gregorypaulblog.com/jen-craig-engaged/
Craig and I are EXTREMELY pleased with them, this is what we were hoping for and more!
May be to soon to sing victory, since I haven't seen the pictures, but I had fun. FUN. Greg and Heidi are the most adorable couple. We were directed so professionally and we felt very confident with each pose. Completely trusting them, we shot a variety of settings, on the street, at a cafe, in a deserted alley, etc. etc. I am not exaggerating when I say Heidi is one of the most helpful, funniest, nicest ladies I've ever met, and she's so dedicated. Greg's work speaks for itself, but we really saw how passionate he is about his photography. He was very patient with all the foot traffic in Las Olas (where we shot), and was a good sport when people asked over and over again "What's this for?"
We shot for 4 hours, and while we were cold and exhausted by the end of it, Greg & Heidi seemed willing to keep going! They were, I am not going to stop saying it, SO nice. At one point, while shooting in a cafe, Heidi bought us drinks (iced tea, hehe), because we were so thirsty, and it worked great with the shots Greg wanted. they brought towels for the beach part of the shoot and let us keep a couple because we were freezing (we'll give them back, though!).
I could not have asked for a better day to shoot with two amazing professionals. I am very excited to look at the pictures.
UPDATE: Here are our engagement pictures teasers > http://www.gregorypaulblog.com/jen-craig-engaged/
Craig and I are EXTREMELY pleased with them, this is what we were hoping for and more!
Makeup & Hair: Nikol Johnson with Fresh Beauty Studio. (A++)
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: Trial, which was used for engagement pictures.
First, Nikol is freaking gorgeous. With that said, she has impeccable taste. Second, I'd like to live in her studio. Yes, me, the pink hater. I bought a shirt from her boutique that says "Miss Bride" and a shirt for my dog (which he hates but that's because it's pink too :>). I'd like to mention that Nikol hadn't been feeling very well the day before the trial (fever and whatnot), but still went ahead with me (I told her no mask was needed, I didn't mind).
Upon arrival we went through the pictures for my look, and she gave me her advice. We went from there and she was very excited when she heard who my dress designer was ;) since it was her favourite. I showed her pictures of the dress, and we created a look. We talked through the entire trial, she was very easy to talk to and so freaking nice. She made me feel very comfortable, and confident she'd make me look right for the big day. She served coffee for me and my aunt, who was accompaning me, in the cutest teacups and saucers.
I have to say, Craig is not one to like make up on me that much, he likes the natural look, but he loved what Nikol did. The eyelashes she gave me looked natural, the spray on foundation felt so light but did its job, AND SHE GOT MY EYEBROWS RIGHT. Huge deal. Serious.
She left my hair ready for the engagement pictures, and allowed me to chage in her studio. She was very easygoing about everything, she's savvy in the wedding business and gave me tidbits of advice, which I immensely appreciated. She's a lady through and through, and though there are a lot of brides that swear by Amy Palma, I think it's a matter of taste. I am definitely booking her for the big day.
First, Nikol is freaking gorgeous. With that said, she has impeccable taste. Second, I'd like to live in her studio. Yes, me, the pink hater. I bought a shirt from her boutique that says "Miss Bride" and a shirt for my dog (which he hates but that's because it's pink too :>). I'd like to mention that Nikol hadn't been feeling very well the day before the trial (fever and whatnot), but still went ahead with me (I told her no mask was needed, I didn't mind).
Upon arrival we went through the pictures for my look, and she gave me her advice. We went from there and she was very excited when she heard who my dress designer was ;) since it was her favourite. I showed her pictures of the dress, and we created a look. We talked through the entire trial, she was very easy to talk to and so freaking nice. She made me feel very comfortable, and confident she'd make me look right for the big day. She served coffee for me and my aunt, who was accompaning me, in the cutest teacups and saucers.
I have to say, Craig is not one to like make up on me that much, he likes the natural look, but he loved what Nikol did. The eyelashes she gave me looked natural, the spray on foundation felt so light but did its job, AND SHE GOT MY EYEBROWS RIGHT. Huge deal. Serious.
She left my hair ready for the engagement pictures, and allowed me to chage in her studio. She was very easygoing about everything, she's savvy in the wedding business and gave me tidbits of advice, which I immensely appreciated. She's a lady through and through, and though there are a lot of brides that swear by Amy Palma, I think it's a matter of taste. I am definitely booking her for the big day.
WEDDING REVIEWS
Venue: The Breakers, Palm Beach
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: So far, planning.
GRADE: A
Website: http://www.thebreakers.com
I could write paragraphs and paragraphs of how great they have been with me, and how amazing my coordinator is, but I'll hold that for after the wedding.
GRADE: A
Website: http://www.thebreakers.com
I could write paragraphs and paragraphs of how great they have been with me, and how amazing my coordinator is, but I'll hold that for after the wedding.
Photography: Gregory Paul Photography
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: So far, engagement pictures.
GRADE: A+
Website: http://gregorypaulphotography.com/
Look for e-pics review above. If I could make a t-shirt that says "I'm a Gregory Paul bride" I would. Enough said.
GRADE: A+
Website: http://gregorypaulphotography.com/
Look for e-pics review above. If I could make a t-shirt that says "I'm a Gregory Paul bride" I would. Enough said.
Videography: Belvedere Films
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: So far, talks
GRADE: A
Website: http://www.belvedere-films.com
If you don't have a videographer, book them. Period!
GRADE: A
Website: http://www.belvedere-films.com
If you don't have a videographer, book them. Period!
Invitations: Smashing Cards
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: So far, design.
GRADE: A
Website: http://www.smashingcards.com
Ashley is amazing, I love how my invites look so far. I can't wait to complete the design. She may be a tad pricey, but she is WORTH IT. She replies to e-mails really quickly, and considering she is on maternity leave, she's as efficient as always. Ashley was recommended to me through my good friend Ursula, a former client. She speaks wonders of Smashing Cards, that should be enough!
GRADE: A
Website: http://www.smashingcards.com
Ashley is amazing, I love how my invites look so far. I can't wait to complete the design. She may be a tad pricey, but she is WORTH IT. She replies to e-mails really quickly, and considering she is on maternity leave, she's as efficient as always. Ashley was recommended to me through my good friend Ursula, a former client. She speaks wonders of Smashing Cards, that should be enough!
Dress: Ever After
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: So far, ordered dress.
GRADE: B+
Website: http://www.everaftermiami.com
I've tried almost every dress you can think of. From Chic Parisien to Alfred Angelo's Outlet. I've seen puffy, mermaid, lace, silk, pretty, horrible and wtf wedding dresses. Finding my dress at Ever After was a breeze. I didn't have an appointment (a big no-no in the bridl boutique world, I know!) but they treated me as if I had booked one ages ago. I had two consultants walk me through the racks of designer dresses and asking me "What about this one? What don't you like about this one? This one?" and keeping my interest at all times.
I must have tried on about 10 dresses before we narrowed it down to a Vera Wang and a Carolina Herrera. I tried them alternatively in front of my parents to choose. Every time I dressed or undressed, one of my consultants (girl, by the way), helped me put on the Christian Louboutin shoes. Every.time. Frankly, had I been her I'd have let the client do it :P
I chose my dress, my dad negotiated the price (of course, dad), and they ended up gifting me a veil made from the same fabric as the dress (you'd have to see it to understand lol).
The only thing that bothered my mum about the transactionw as that the second down payment was charged to our credit cards without notice. Yes, we were going to pay it with that card but hey, let us know. In any case, it was no big deal, and I am looking forward to see my dress again in June. AHHH!
GRADE: B+
Website: http://www.everaftermiami.com
I've tried almost every dress you can think of. From Chic Parisien to Alfred Angelo's Outlet. I've seen puffy, mermaid, lace, silk, pretty, horrible and wtf wedding dresses. Finding my dress at Ever After was a breeze. I didn't have an appointment (a big no-no in the bridl boutique world, I know!) but they treated me as if I had booked one ages ago. I had two consultants walk me through the racks of designer dresses and asking me "What about this one? What don't you like about this one? This one?" and keeping my interest at all times.
I must have tried on about 10 dresses before we narrowed it down to a Vera Wang and a Carolina Herrera. I tried them alternatively in front of my parents to choose. Every time I dressed or undressed, one of my consultants (girl, by the way), helped me put on the Christian Louboutin shoes. Every.time. Frankly, had I been her I'd have let the client do it :P
I chose my dress, my dad negotiated the price (of course, dad), and they ended up gifting me a veil made from the same fabric as the dress (you'd have to see it to understand lol).
The only thing that bothered my mum about the transactionw as that the second down payment was charged to our credit cards without notice. Yes, we were going to pay it with that card but hey, let us know. In any case, it was no big deal, and I am looking forward to see my dress again in June. AHHH!
Wedding Planner: Jackie Ohh... Events
LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT: So far, planning communication.
GRADE: A+
Website: http://www.jackieohhevents.com
I interviewed 4 wedding planning companies/persons. Jackie was the one I clicked with instantly. While I got a good vibe from all the interviews I had, I have to say Jackie and I were a matter of personality. We clicked because we believe in the same things, and we're both honest. She's a go-getter, and if she has to get down a dirty on your wedding day, say, folding napkins, she will, just to make you happy. For now I'll just say she lives up to the legend. She has been great with communication, and I cannot wait to have her by my side on my big day.
GRADE: A+
Website: http://www.jackieohhevents.com
I interviewed 4 wedding planning companies/persons. Jackie was the one I clicked with instantly. While I got a good vibe from all the interviews I had, I have to say Jackie and I were a matter of personality. We clicked because we believe in the same things, and we're both honest. She's a go-getter, and if she has to get down a dirty on your wedding day, say, folding napkins, she will, just to make you happy. For now I'll just say she lives up to the legend. She has been great with communication, and I cannot wait to have her by my side on my big day.