Weddingbee boards

Hi, there! Anyone have any leads on a great florist in the Carmel/Monterey area? I'm planning a wedding in Carmel in July, 2010 from Arizona, so I won't be able to get around to meet with too many florists without narrowing it down a little first. Any leads would be appreciated -- thanks!! =)

Hmm...I'm getting married in Carmel too and our coordinator for our reception site gave us a little list of preferred florists.  When I find it I'll post a few of the vendors.  :) 

We're getting married there May 2010!  So excited!!!

Hi, Miss Carmel! I stumbled across your blog yesterday and commented on a few -- you're having your reception at the La Playa, too, right? I'm having my ceremony *and* reception there! Anyway, I have a list that La Playa gave me, but won't have a chance to see too many right now, and I'm getting anxious. =) Is the vendor list you're talking about the one from La Playa, too?

Thanks! =) And congratulations on your May wedding!! =)

I just checked on my blog (I haven't posted in awhile, my fiance and I just moved back to Sacramento from San Jose, wo we've been very busy!) and I saw your comments!  :) 

Yep, my list is the same one that Richard from La Playa gave me.  I'm considering asking a florist in Sacramento to travel to Carmel...have you looked at photographers yet?  I wasn't crazy about anyone that Richard suggested either. :( 

Aww, my hometown is San Jose, and my dad still lives there! =) But Sacramento is cool, too, and cheaper. ;)

For photographers, I looked at websites for the ones Richard recommended, and the only one that I liked even a little was Mike Steelman. I actually talked to him on the phone, and then he sent me some info, but he's pricey. I found a photographer here in Tucson who I think takes better pictures and built me a custom package including his traveling up there for significantly less than Mike was asking! So I understand you considering having a Sacto florist drive down.

Yeah, I thought Mike was the best on the list...but I wasn't crazy about him either.  We're going to meet with a photographer from the Santa Barabara area, and we're both pretty crazy about her.  Also, she gives the option to have a photobooth set up (I have no idea where it would go) but we both that it was a really fun idea!  www.jenslotphotography.com

I'm a little nervous to look at anyone else on his list as far as other vendors go.  Are you going to have your cake made there or through a baker?  We're still on the fence about the cake...I guess we'll have a better idea of what we want after we do our tasting. 

I'm with you -- I'm a little hesitant on looking at other vendors on his list, too. Since we're out of state, I'm thinking we'll just go with a La Playa cake -- otherwise it's money for another cake *and* cake-cutting fees. One of the nice things about LP was that a lot was already decided if we went with them. =) I already have ideas for a non-floral centerpiece for the tables, but I'd still like decent bouquets, so that's why I'm hoping to be able to find some recommendations somehow. Oh, well -- I guess I'll just have to fly back home to San Jose more for research! =)

When are you doing a tasting at LP? I just wrote to Richard earlier today about when they are scheduled so we can try to plan ahead and arrange to meet with our DJ (going with Anthony at DNA, since they do the ceremony anyway) and maybe find a florist.

Thanks *so* much, BonnieJane!! I am still looking for florists, but if it's a pain to look for the card, I don't want you to have to spend much time on it. =) I was just recently thinking about what it would cost to get a shuttle from Monterey to Carmel, too, because the hotels in Carmel are just so expensive -- not like Monterey is the cheapest place in the world! Part of me is starting to feel bad about having a wedding in a more pricey place, but most of me is still so thrilled about our venue and the location. Can't please everyone, right??

Thanks again, I really appreciate your recommendations! Let me know if there's anything I can help with -- doubtful, I know, but I wanted to offer! =)

Thanks, Archibee! (And congrats on your upcoming Carmel wedding!!) I only got the "recommended" vendors from La Playa, and none of their sites had much info. That's my bad for being out of state, though! But thanks for the leads! I'm looking just for basics from a florist -- bouquets, boutinneres, that might be it. (I'm DIYing centerpieces and decor for the ceremony, at least that's the plan.) So I don't want to exactly make my own bouquets or anything, just looking for decent priced florists in the area. I'm going to try to head back out to CA before year-end, otherwise I'll have to send my dad down to Carmel. =) Thanks again!!

I'll be checking out the florist websites tonight.  I really need to start cracking on ceremony & reception decor and flowers.

Any suggestions on music?  That's another area that I could use some help in. 

We're meeting with our photographer on Monday - she's from the San Luis Obispo area, and we're crossing our fingers that her travel fees aren't skyhigh.  But we love her work and are really excited at the thought of having a photobooth set up (she sets everything up for a pretty nominal fee.)  www.jenslotphotography.com if anyone is interested. 

Hi, Miss_Carmel! I opted to go with DNA Entertainment, and I've requested Anthony in particular (the (young!) owner, who has rave reviews and doesn't charge extra for having the owner as a DJ). I was contacted by them because they do the La Playa ceremony music as part of the package, and I figured after reading some great reviews, why not just have the same DJ? Of course, this is of no help to you if you are doing more of a live music kind of thing. =) Just my 2 cents!

Hey Moffy!  I will have to look up DNA Enterntainment...kind of thinking about a live band too.  Could be fun!  Have you heard of Eventscapes for flowers?  I'm a little worried about the room at La Playa looking too...blah and boring.  After watching a few episodes of Who's Wedding is it Anyway this weekend I'm extremely worried about lighting and about overall decor.  I kind of want a wedding planner, but I know I should be able to do all of this on my own, I just need a great florist/designer.

Thanks Mrs. Lemon.  I contacted Kim England earlier this week.  I was hoping to use her for our flowers and maybe some other decor design as well.  Did you use her for your own wedding?  Thanks for the referral!