Weddingbee boards

Hola Chicas!   Here's my reviews from wedding last month.  (oh it feels so long ago and at the same time I still have that nice blissful wedding day feeling still lingering)

FLOWERS - PUBLIX, Aprons Events on San Jose , (904)262-4187
I cant say enough about how awesome the floral department is here. I wasnt even going to do flowers (our site is loaded with blooming flowers already) and I was disappointed with other florists quotes and ideas.  My mom found this particular Publix and they have unbelievable rates for nice arrangements.  We got 2 bouquets, 1 flower girl head piece, 2 presentation roses, a tub of petals, 5 bouts- all roses and calla lillys for $200!!! Say What! Yep!

CAKE ,Sweet Weddings www.sweetweddings.com

I was looking forward to this cake more than anything! Arlene did a *yumtastic* job.  People were even gobbling up the fondant layer- it tasted like marshmallows.  It was fun to collaberate with Arlene on the design. I took her 4 inspiration photos that were very different and she found a common element to unite each design. And Incorporated our invitation design too.  Oh, and her flavors are out of sight! UNique and flavorful, our flavors were- white cake with keylime curd, chocolate with dulce de leche, and the top tier was white cake with guava filling.  Heavenly Eats I tell you!  To top it all off the cake was double the size I was expecting!and very affordable- shes a little hard to get a hold of, but you know creative types....

DJ - www.djstogo.com
affordable, great communications process, Dj was friendly and played a nice mix keeping with our cocktail style reception.  There were a few minor technical glitches, but they were corrected quickly.  He even put up a disco ball- which I thought was a very cheeky cute touch.  Great overall experience

DRESS & alterations- Simple Bride, jax beach 
this shop is cute and provides an intimate shopping experience.  Its a little small but somehow they managed to keep all the brides flowing in a great order so we didn't feel cramped.  They took their time with us, very friendly. Even stayed late one night for us.  I bought one of the first dresses I tried on and was able to buy the sample.  ( i was told it just came in and i was 1st to try on- this may or may not be true) 

the alterations lady is a hoot- she really makes you feel you are at home getting pinned by your cute stylish grandma.  I liked her a lot- and her daughter.  I went with an american bustle- needed no other alterations.  the bustle did come undone everytime I sat down at the reception- but was easy to rope someone into fixing it for me.

Stationary - from weddingpaperdivas.com
Affordable,nice card stock, i got a lot of compliments on the uniqueness of the invite. they arrived super fast and customer service was great!

FOOD/BAR - A1A Aleworks 
the people at A1A, rock! from the servers to the head chef- they spent plenty of time with us and really worked with us on the menu and bar.  The food was displayed and tasted wonderful.  They did passed hors'dourves and buffet style.  They were on top of things clean up wise and keeping the buffet stocked.  They also provided dishes, cups, napkins, and trash receptacles. Servers were really attentive and friendly.  we had a full bar and a couple of their beers on tap.  Really happy with this vendor.

PHOTOGRAPHER Our photographer was actually from Miami (where I live right now)  www.heatherfunk.com   - she comes from the fashion industry like me and switched to weddings a few years ago.  She brings a great fashion eye to her photos, which are shot on film and in a more story telling way. she will travel.

Sparklers were from Phantom Fireworks on 210. - they have specials on them all the time.  I highly recommend you check them out before buying online.

RENTALS - kirby rentals
Easy to deal with, fixed one minor snafu right away- nice prices.  We got high top tables, low tables, chairs and linens from them.  I'd definately use them again.  One minor thing- maybe this is common- i called to make sure linens would be pressed, but when they arrived they had deep creases in them from where they were folded.  May be standard- but I was hoping for a clean crisp linen. Otherwise Perfect-o

LOCATION - rented home in historic district overlooking water.  House is AMAZING, providing our guests an intimate and unique wedding experience.   200 yr old home, several bedrooms- we had it for the weekend so it was nice to use as "homebase" and not feel rushed.  Ceremony overlooked water.  Reception was also in the backyard and the tropical courtyard.  House is decorated in Spanish antiques.  Really helped round out our "old florida" style wedding. Pictures don't do it justice- especially at night with the courtyard lit up with candles and white lights .  Gorgeous.

HAIR/Makeup - PANACHE on Hypolita, ask for Everett
Loved my time in Everett's chair.  She's feisty and fun and has a nice romantic yet still modern approach to hair and make up.  She took her time and make up was flawless and hair was picture perfect, lasting well into the night and into the next morning.

Extras....Cigars and Frozen Custard - We served handrolled Florida Cigars from cuban corner cigars on king street.  Big HIT. and we also served Wisconsin style ice cream at the end of the night from Kopps Custard. (groom is from wi, i'm from fl)  Both vendors were the talk of the night.

I have one more- I'll post later.  This is getting WAY too long. 

soon2bmrsbamba:  I sent you a PM just now, check your mailbox

Maggie- I sent you a PM with it  :)

Wow I didn't even know that Publix did bouquets. What a great idea! I just started a blog called www.GatorBride.com I have been reviewing vendors throughout my wedding process. From photographers, to bouquet preservation, to dress stores. check it out!