Weddingbee boards

Hi everyone!  I've finished my vendor reviews and posted it to my blog.  It was too long to post here.  :)

I have more information if anyone is interested.  I'm also happy to answer questions or give referrals.  Please just ask!

Good luck!

http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/39995.html

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.
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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.
<font color="#66a2bf">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/17571.html</font>

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!
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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.
<font color="#66a2bf">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/17208.html</font>

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.
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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.
<font color="#66a2bf">http://starkravingt.livejournal.com/15994.html</font>

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.)
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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.
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