Weddingbee Boards Forum: Iowa

Weddingbee Boards Forum: Iowa http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Weddingbee Boards Forum: Iowa en Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:09:17 +0000 alli on "suggestions for hair and make up in Ames?" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/suggestions-for-hair-and-make-up-in-ames#post-81192 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:16:10 +0000 alli 81192@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ LEEDZ Salon is great in Ames, it's an Aveda salon.  They have two locations in Ames, so if one is full you could try the other.  It's the only salon I went to when I went to ISU and I actually miss going there.  Makeup I can't really help you with, but they could probably do it there as well.  How did you pick Ames?  Are you from there or went to school there?  Just curious :) cassiereanne on "Help!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/help-5#post-78786 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:23:38 +0000 cassiereanne 78786@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ I agree with everyones comments.  One year is plenty of time to move things around!  I only had/have 9 months to plan our wedding!  It would be a different story if invitations were already sent out, etc.  I totally understand the feeling of having your heart set on a venue... I would go with your gut, and MOVE THE DATE!!! PS, Guys don't understand sometimes...that is such a typical guy comment! :) GOOD LUCK!! triciaj on "Help!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/help-5#post-78774 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:31:28 +0000 triciaj 78774@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ I'd have to agree with Caroline.  A year is more than enough time to move dates.  We had to move our date twice early on, and all our vendors were wonderful about it.  Now living in Seattle, I miss IA hospitality something fierce! However, if you do decide to switch, let us know here at the hive.  I have tons of recommendations.  :)  Good luck! CarolineG on "Help!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/help-5#post-78548 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:17:05 +0000 CarolineG 78548@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ I really don't think that the hotel is being unreasonable -- they gave you a year's warning! And they are offering alternative dates, as well. If you have your heart set on the location and are able to change dates without much hassle, I don't see why you shouldn't. Schaner2B on "Help!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/help-5#post-78540 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:19:00 +0000 Schaner2B 78540@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ I need advice from any Des Moines brides. We booked our reception venue months and months (well over a year) out.  Our wedding was scheduled to take place on September 26 2009.  However, we just received a call from our venue saying they are closing at the end of August 09 for major renovations.  They do however have some days available earlier in the summer should we want to move our wedding up. We've checked w/ our church and they are available on this particular day and have a call out to our photographers who I believe are also available. My question to you all is: do you think that we should just switch venues all together (based on the poor foresight of the Hotel in the 1st place)?  My fiance seems to think that they don't deserve our business and that we should find another venue.  I had my heart set on this hotel :( In the case that we switch venues, do you all have suggestions about good reception sites in Des Moines? triciaj on "suggestions for hair and make up in Ames?" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/suggestions-for-hair-and-make-up-in-ames#post-73724 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:30:49 +0000 triciaj 73724@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Sorry I don't have any personal suggestions, nette (ours was in DSM.)  Have you checked City Search or any of the local Iowa wedding websites?  I have a few I could post if you'd like.  Good luck! nette on "suggestions for hair and make up in Ames?" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/suggestions-for-hair-and-make-up-in-ames#post-71828 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:27:26 +0000 nette 71828@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Hello fellow Iowa brides! I was wondering if any of you had suggestions for hair and make up people in Ames? I am planning our wedding from Boston, so I don't have the luxury trying out many of them! Thanks! nette on "Hi ladies, new to the boards" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hi-ladies-new-to-the-boards#post-59605 Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:03:38 +0000 nette 59605@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Hi Iowa ladies! My FH and I decided to do a non traditional guestbook-we're using a funky blank paged journal I picked up at B&N for about 15 bucks. I am putting up a sign with something like "Please leave a bit of wit, wisdom or well wishes for the bride and groom!"  We'll see how it turns out! We're getting married in April in Ames, I will be faithfully posting vendor reviews after the big day! :) I hope this finds you all safe and sound in Iowa soontobemrswallace on "Wow!!!!!!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/wow#post-59462 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:17:38 +0000 soontobemrswallace 59462@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ 2009 Des Moines, IA bride here! Live in Des Moines and willing to help those who live away and need an opinion or look at different sites/vendor etc. BriLJL on "Hi ladies, new to the boards" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hi-ladies-new-to-the-boards#post-59425 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:39:29 +0000 BriLJL 59425@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ I read about a couple who didn't like the wishbowl after they had done it. When they went to their hotel room the night of the wedding, they said they received notes that were pretty negative like, "Marriage is hard work and not all succeed. We wish you well" or something like that. They said it seemed to put a damper on the evening.  As for me, I'm going with the guest book. LoL. Any wishes they want to give me can be delivered through a friendly card. ;) mlindsey on "Hi ladies, new to the boards" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hi-ladies-new-to-the-boards#post-59413 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:31:35 +0000 mlindsey 59413@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ I think a few of the Bee's had a wedding wishbowl. I think its a good idea....non traditional from the guest book. I had a wish tree, so there are quite a few things you do. soontobemrswallace on "Hi ladies, new to the boards" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hi-ladies-new-to-the-boards#post-59378 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:55:31 +0000 soontobemrswallace 59378@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Hi ladies. I'm new to beehive and was wonder what everyone thinks about doing a wedding wish bowl or a guest book or even both.  Thanks, Nat Schaner2B on "Wow!!!!!!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/wow#post-58445 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:31:57 +0000 Schaner2B 58445@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ MrsB-- I'd definitely be interested in reviews.  Especially Boesen's and your DJ.  Thanks!! MrsB on "Wow!!!!!!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/wow#post-58414 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:18:58 +0000 MrsB 58414@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ I was an Iowa bride in December of 07, will do vendor reviews if anyone is interested. Also, I planned almost the entire wedding via email/phone from Bloomington, Indiana. ceromony/reception site: Botannical Gardens Food/drinks: Midwest Catering Music: Complete Music (DJ Michelle) Flowers: Bosen the Florist   Tuxes: MW in West Des Moines Hotel accomodations/rehearsal dinner: WDM Marriott   triciaj on "Crazy weather" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/crazy-weather#post-56683 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:06:10 +0000 triciaj 56683@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ I just talked to my dad last night about all the insane weather back there.  I hope everyone is safe and sound (and no weddings are in jeopardy due to flood/tornado/high wind/hail/etc.) nette on "Wow!!!!!!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/wow#post-54823 Thu, 29 May 2008 08:57:58 +0000 nette 54823@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Oh-and Go Cyclones! ISU alum here... <img src="/my-plugins/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/icon_wink.gif" /> nette on "Wow!!!!!!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/wow#post-54822 Thu, 29 May 2008 08:57:19 +0000 nette 54822@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Yeah Iowa brides! Let's keep this board hoppin! I'm planning a wedding in Ames Iowa in April 09, and doing that from Boston where I live!   Abnermil on "Wow!!!!!!" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/wow#post-52334 Wed, 21 May 2008 11:36:14 +0000 Abnermil 52334@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Hello! I'm planning a southeast Iowa wedding from Colorado!  I have a couple things I'd love to incorporate like boba tea, that haven't quite made it to the country, sigh.  Luckily the wedding will be small and we do have food and the site taken care of.  I'll be watching this board to see what develops!   triciaj on "Des Moines vendors" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/des-moines-vendors#post-50611 Thu, 15 May 2008 19:42:57 +0000 triciaj 50611@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ In case anyone else can't access it and would like to.  Sorry for the looooong post! Men’s Warehouse, D and A; A bit of explanation is needed here. The service at the Bellevue, WA location was terrible. Our information was entered incorrectly, so we couldn’t access anything until we got it all sorted out. They were curt and generally couldn’t be bothered with our wedding. However, West Des Moines, IA - damn! They went crazy out of their way. Up to the moment fixes for my dad’s tux, measuring two toddlers (no easy task), and helping out with a MIA groomsman. One of our groomsmen is living in the Middle East, and got measured there. He sent us the only measurements he was given – waist, shoulder, height and weight. So I talked to the WDM store, and they figured out how to order him a tux based on those numbers and the numbers of one of our other groomsmen. The tux fit perfectly. WDM was awesome. Glen Oaks, A; Emily V. was beyond amazing, I cannot give her enough props. Food was good, drinks flowed, and things were set up as planned. Emily was in touch with me consistently throughout planning, and constantly in the weeks/days leading up to the wedding. The food contained not a scrap of onion anywhere (Aaron's allergic.) They kept the evening moving smoothly and on time. Also, the bartender's they had on site were freaking hilarious. I couldn’t have been happier with this choice. <a href="http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/15868.html">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/15868.html</a> Maharry Photography, A; Chris does awesome work – period. He did my senior pictures as well as my sister’s, so I had worked with him before. He is, hands down, the most easy-going and laid-back guy. That’s not to say that’s he’s laid back when it comes to photos. He was like a ninja at the wedding – he was everywhere at once, yet totally invisible. There were a couple of shots that we’d discussed that we didn’t end up getting, but I fault myself and my wedding party for that as well. We just got our proofs and the “proof” is in the puddin’. Our photos are stunning. WTG Chris. <a href="http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/17571.html">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/17571.html</a> Sweet Binney’s, A; From the word “Go” Stephanie has been on my wedding like a crazy woman (in a good way!) We were always in contact, and if there were any questions, they were immediately answered. Our cake and petit fours favors turned out amazingly. They were better than I had imagined, and tasted even better than last time. Honestly, I don't know what else to say about these guys. Everything was just SO. DAMN. GOOD! <a href="http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/18251.html">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/18251.html</a> Absolute Music, B; Steve was incredibly professional, and handled everything pretty well on the wedding day. All our vendor meetings leading up to the day went well too, but had to be done by phone since we were still in WA. There were some of my must-play songs that didn’t make the cut, but that could’ve easily been due to time. There were also a couple of awkward moments during toasts and such that could’ve gone smoother. Overall though, I was very happy with him. He was solid, involved, but not hamming on the mic the entire night. <a href="http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/17208.html">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/17208.html</a> Ohana Steakhouse, B+; I’m madly in love with our rehearsal dinner site. Our chef was a newbie, which was still fun, but I think one of the more “seasoned” chefs (har har) could’ve rolled with the punches a little better. I also wish we could’ve made our reservation for a little earlier in the night, but I understand why it had to be that way. Food was excellent, and everyone had fun. <a href="http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/30316.html">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/30316.html</a> Flowers by Anthony, B-; Kevin was good, but I felt I had to give a ton of direction to get things the way I liked. The boutonnieres and corsages were nice. All the bouquets had a little more brown/rust in them then I had expected and not as bright, so I was a little disappointed there. The centerpieces were simple, and came out as I’d instructed. Prices were super reasonable, and thing came together nicely overall. <a href="http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/15994.html">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/15994.html</a> Studio 409, A; Another confession – Jack was not only our hairdresser that day, but also our ceremony officiant! My hair was a simple low bun, and stayed in most of the evening. It looked great, and I was happy with it. Three other family members had their hair blown out and were super pleased with the results. Ceremony also went perfectly. I can’t imagine anyone else doing it (I’ve known him, literally, my whole life.) <a href="http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/17945.html">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/17945.html</a> Joseph’s Jewelry, A+; Again, in interest of full disclosure, I’m related in a way to the owners of the store. Our rings were ordered, arrived, engraved and perfect. I also had my e-ring rhodium plated, and it was done the same day I dropped it off. Customer service was above and beyond expectations, and the process was totally easy. The Write Touch, A; We picked out our invitations at a stationary store here in WA. Pud ordered them for us in Iowa. They arrived in plenty of time, and my stepmom picked them up. The invites were perfect, gorgeous, and exactly what we wanted. Prices were about average, but customer service was great. Marriott West, B-; Overall, they were a very good choice. Laura was super responsive, and Emily worked tirelessly on our booking. Rooms were clean, updated, stocked, and service was great. However, their restaurant’s breakfast staff was horrible. Like, seriously, walk next door and go to Perkin’s. Also, our wedding suite wasn’t ready on the Wednesday we thought we were checking in. The front desk tried to get us a room, but they were totally booked for a convention. We stayed in the best man’s room on his pull out sofa (in the same hotel.) At 9am the next morning we got a call in his room that our room was ready, and asking if they could send someone to pick up our luggage. When we arrived there was a note along with fresh strawberries and mimosas! What can I say? I’m easy. Tricia + free champagne apology = better review. In all seriousness, they were great for a mid-price hotel. <a href="http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/31917.html">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/31917.html</a> Schaner2B on "Des Moines vendors" http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/des-moines-vendors#post-50610 Thu, 15 May 2008 19:38:15 +0000 Schaner2B 50610@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Any chance you could email me your reviews?  I couldn't get the link to work...  Email address is <a href="mailto:BadKitten333@yahoo.com">BadKitten333@yahoo.com</a>.  Thanks so much!!!!