I've had Alix bookmarked to review for months now. I've breezed through my other wedding related reviews, so I'm not sure why I've been procrastinating on this one. I think it has something to do with the fact that I highly doubt my unartistic self can adequately describe just how awesomely wonderfully beautiful Alix's pictures are. Seriously wonderful. We received SO many compliments on our engagement pictures and two friends actually booked her after seeing them! She took us - a normal looking couple - and made us look . . . .magazine worthy. But in a totally cool way - not stuffy magazine.
Not only does she have mad skills - but she is incredibly friendly. You have to be around your photographer ALL DAY for your wedding and so we really wanted someone with positive energy. Bless her soul, because Alix basically radiates positive vibes.
Plus, her prices are super competitive. While this definitely factored into our decision to choose Alix as our wedding photographer, after seeing our pictures I truly believe the work she does is priceless.
as in just do it. make it happen any way you can.
Showing posts with label wedding reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding reviews. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
Asrai Garden
've had a secret love affair with asrai garden for the last few years. Just like Jessica D I would gladly live in this store. Or, even better, I would like the whole store to be transported to my apartment (for free). Because the store is just that wonderful. the design and the aesthetic of the store is exactly how I'd like my home to look, but unfortunately I'm utterly incapable of pulling it off on my own. blast my uncool genes.
anyways, when it came to wedding planning i really really really really wanted to go with asrai. i sort of knew it was the place for me because i love how the store looked and if they could just bring a little teensy bit of that to my wedding i would be blissed. so i was basically already sold, but then i met elizabeth. and i feel even harder. because she is even cooler than you would ever imagine and called someone a slutbag during our first meeting. Swoon! I'm in love!
I can't wait to see my bouquet!
anyways, when it came to wedding planning i really really really really wanted to go with asrai. i sort of knew it was the place for me because i love how the store looked and if they could just bring a little teensy bit of that to my wedding i would be blissed. so i was basically already sold, but then i met elizabeth. and i feel even harder. because she is even cooler than you would ever imagine and called someone a slutbag during our first meeting. Swoon! I'm in love!
I can't wait to see my bouquet!
Roscoe Blooms
We met with Siddanta of Roscoe Blooms about doing flowers for our wedding after he was recommended by our venue. It was a great meeting and one thing thing that I really appreciated was how much time Siddanta was willing to spend with us. You can tell that he really cares about his work and is willing to put in the time to get to know your taste.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
J Crew - Wedding Dress Shopping
this review is for my experience shopping for a wedding dress at J.Crew
As Risa P noted, this is the only location in Chicago that carries anything bridal. Also, they only carry size 8 samples. If you make an appointment at least a week in advance they will order in the dresses that you would like to try on in your size. This is definitely a nice thing, but it also means that you better know exactly what you want to try on. If you don't tell them to get it in your size, then you'll be sol. I should have told them more dresses than just the few I mentioned. Even if you don't think a certain dress will work, it is nice to try on different styles of dresses. Plus, if you are going to make the trip downtown it might as well be worth your time.
If you are coming here for bridal you also just have to be prepared that you will be treated basically like any other customer. They assigned me a "wedding specialist" to work with, but she was also assisting a few other dressing rooms. Sorta awkward when you need someone to zip up a dress or something.
Oh yes, and about those other dressing rooms. There is a chance that they will will be filled with annoying teens that have too much money for their own good. And you will share the mirror with them. And that is also just a bit weird.
My last disappointment was with some of the dresses. The silk dresses they have are basically the most unflattering thing I've ever put on my body. They will show every lump or bump or jiggle you have. They aren't necessarily bad for curves...but they are bad for somewhat untoned or uneven curves. I did really like one of the taffeta dresses though, only to find out that the dress was sold out. That was sort of a bummer. But, they will put you on a "wish list" so that if one in your size is returned you could purchase it. Down side of that? Once it becomes available they will charge your card immediately and send you the dress without asking. So, you have to be super committed to it.
I guess I'm glad I came here. If I didn't, I'd probably always wonder. But, it wouldn't necessarily be something I'd recommend to everyone.
As Risa P noted, this is the only location in Chicago that carries anything bridal. Also, they only carry size 8 samples. If you make an appointment at least a week in advance they will order in the dresses that you would like to try on in your size. This is definitely a nice thing, but it also means that you better know exactly what you want to try on. If you don't tell them to get it in your size, then you'll be sol. I should have told them more dresses than just the few I mentioned. Even if you don't think a certain dress will work, it is nice to try on different styles of dresses. Plus, if you are going to make the trip downtown it might as well be worth your time.
If you are coming here for bridal you also just have to be prepared that you will be treated basically like any other customer. They assigned me a "wedding specialist" to work with, but she was also assisting a few other dressing rooms. Sorta awkward when you need someone to zip up a dress or something.
Oh yes, and about those other dressing rooms. There is a chance that they will will be filled with annoying teens that have too much money for their own good. And you will share the mirror with them. And that is also just a bit weird.
My last disappointment was with some of the dresses. The silk dresses they have are basically the most unflattering thing I've ever put on my body. They will show every lump or bump or jiggle you have. They aren't necessarily bad for curves...but they are bad for somewhat untoned or uneven curves. I did really like one of the taffeta dresses though, only to find out that the dress was sold out. That was sort of a bummer. But, they will put you on a "wish list" so that if one in your size is returned you could purchase it. Down side of that? Once it becomes available they will charge your card immediately and send you the dress without asking. So, you have to be super committed to it.
I guess I'm glad I came here. If I didn't, I'd probably always wonder. But, it wouldn't necessarily be something I'd recommend to everyone.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Jenny Yoo - Bridal
I had a really positive experience at Jenny Yoo last week trying on dresses. Jenny Yoo has affordable wedding dresses that are minimalistic (in a good way) and comfortable. I was attracted to a lot of the chiffon dresses and they were just as light and airy as they looked online! You have to make an appointment to try and dresses so you get the whole show room to yourself. Diana is very laid back and just sort of let me do my thing, while offering helpful comments and questions when appropriate. I really really liked a strapless dress I tried on, but I feel like I need to try on a few more dresses before making a final decision. Its so hard to decide when you can't try on the right size/color combo!
As others mentioned, they also have beautiful bridesmaid dresses. But, while the dressings are inexpensive in comparison to other stores the bridesmaid dresses were a bit more money then I would ask my ladies to spend.
As others mentioned, they also have beautiful bridesmaid dresses. But, while the dressings are inexpensive in comparison to other stores the bridesmaid dresses were a bit more money then I would ask my ladies to spend.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Luxe Events
I'm super excited to be the first person to review Luxe Events!
I heard of Luxe Events from snippetandink aka the wedding planning blog bible. I figured that if they were being featured on my favorite wedding blog, they would probably be pretty awesome. I'm happy to say, I was right!
I had my first meeting with Katherine and Morgan (the two brains behind the operation) a few days ago at Alliance Bakery. Bonus points for picking a meeting spot that was not Starbucks! Both of them are super friendly and warm so it was easy to be myself around them. We were meeting to talk about their DOC service, so they asked tons of questions about my plans and had lots of thoughtful suggestions.
Awesome tidbits:
+Both of them will be helping out on the big day. That way, one can be at the venue and one can be helping out where people are getting ready. Awesome!
+Guaranteed quick phone and e-mail replies. Its in the contract!
+And perhaps the best one, THEY HELP GET YOUR RSVPS! As in, they will actually call people who have not responded! Talk about above and beyond :)
Katherine and Morgan really stand out as a capable, organized, and easy to work with team!
I heard of Luxe Events from snippetandink aka the wedding planning blog bible. I figured that if they were being featured on my favorite wedding blog, they would probably be pretty awesome. I'm happy to say, I was right!
I had my first meeting with Katherine and Morgan (the two brains behind the operation) a few days ago at Alliance Bakery. Bonus points for picking a meeting spot that was not Starbucks! Both of them are super friendly and warm so it was easy to be myself around them. We were meeting to talk about their DOC service, so they asked tons of questions about my plans and had lots of thoughtful suggestions.
Awesome tidbits:
+Both of them will be helping out on the big day. That way, one can be at the venue and one can be helping out where people are getting ready. Awesome!
+Guaranteed quick phone and e-mail replies. Its in the contract!
+And perhaps the best one, THEY HELP GET YOUR RSVPS! As in, they will actually call people who have not responded! Talk about above and beyond :)
Katherine and Morgan really stand out as a capable, organized, and easy to work with team!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Secondprint Productions
My fiance and I met with Albert of Secondprint Productions to talk about photography for our wedding. When we were doing our research, he was one photographer that stood out to both of us. His pictures are simply striking. He does a great job catching the moment and the colors in his pictures really pop. To top it all off, he is extremely friendly and laid back! This is a huge plus when you think about how much time you actually spend with your photographer on the wedding day. Any couple looking for stylish colorful photos should check out Albert's work!
Kelli Ward Photography
My fiance and I met with Kelli to talk about photography options for our upcoming wedding. When I was researching wedding photographers, Kelli's website really caught my eye. So, even though she is definitely at the tippy tippy top of our budget (aka way above), I just had to meet with her to see if it was something I just could not live with out.
One thing that really stands out about Kelli is how professional she is. She came prepared with thoughtful questions, handouts, and lots of examples of her work. She was also very upfront about her policy of holding dates and what not. While sometimes its a bit awkward to talk about, I appreciate people being upfront about it. She has been a full time wedding photographer for years now, so she really has things down to a science. And I don't even want to start thinking about how beautiful her albums are. Swoon. Big thick pages. Beautiful layout. These things are DELUXE.
In the end, we didn't feel like our personalities and the sort of wedding we want to have would be a good match with Kelli. But, I still encourage others to check out her work. She knows what she is doing!
One thing that really stands out about Kelli is how professional she is. She came prepared with thoughtful questions, handouts, and lots of examples of her work. She was also very upfront about her policy of holding dates and what not. While sometimes its a bit awkward to talk about, I appreciate people being upfront about it. She has been a full time wedding photographer for years now, so she really has things down to a science. And I don't even want to start thinking about how beautiful her albums are. Swoon. Big thick pages. Beautiful layout. These things are DELUXE.
In the end, we didn't feel like our personalities and the sort of wedding we want to have would be a good match with Kelli. But, I still encourage others to check out her work. She knows what she is doing!
The Allerton Hotel
We had a walk through today at The Allerton Hotel with someone from their sales department to learn more about booking a block of rooms for our out of town wedding guests.
+Stylish lobby with a mod looking lounge (which they said they could keep open for us if we wanted to have an after-party)
+nice fitness center. Lots of brand new equipment. Lots of windows.
+Stylish rooms
+The Venetian room is breathtaking and would be such a beautiful location for a Sunday brunch
+Quoted us a very competitive rate for our block
-wireless internet is not complimentary in the rooms
-parking is about 45 dollars a day (to leave the car overnight)
-rooms are on the small-ish side.
-to reserve more than 15 rooms, we would become liable for paying 85% of the cost of any unused rooms. If you only do 15 and then try to ask more on later, you risk the hotel being full or the rate going up. its sort of a Catch 22.
Really beautiful hotel with a nice boutique feel!
+Stylish lobby with a mod looking lounge (which they said they could keep open for us if we wanted to have an after-party)
+nice fitness center. Lots of brand new equipment. Lots of windows.
+Stylish rooms
+The Venetian room is breathtaking and would be such a beautiful location for a Sunday brunch
+Quoted us a very competitive rate for our block
-wireless internet is not complimentary in the rooms
-parking is about 45 dollars a day (to leave the car overnight)
-rooms are on the small-ish side.
-to reserve more than 15 rooms, we would become liable for paying 85% of the cost of any unused rooms. If you only do 15 and then try to ask more on later, you risk the hotel being full or the rate going up. its sort of a Catch 22.
Really beautiful hotel with a nice boutique feel!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
David's Bridal on Elston Avenue
I am not the least bit embarrassed to write a fabulous review of David's Bridal. I don't know why they should get such a bad rap. I say - good for them! Why should wedding dresses be thousands and thousands of dollars? Doesn't everyone, no matter what price point they are looking at, deserve to look beautiful on their wedding day?
I went to David's Bridal today to try on wedding dresses for the first time. I brought my mom and three friends with me for emotional support and, of course, opinions. We worked with Brittanie and she was FABULOUS. If we had ended up working with someone who was pushy, suggesting awful dresses, and/or rude, I'm sure my experience would have been completely different. Luckily, Brittanie is incredibly sweet and really seemed to get my personal style. She was also very patient and didn't make me feel pressured at all. When I called I had the option to request someone to work with, and I suggest requesting her if you don't have someone in mind you would like to be paired with.
The appointment lasted the full hour and half. In that time I tried on a bunch of dresses! Brittanie brought my the dresses I requested, but I ended up liking her suggestions even more! I found about 3 to 4 dresses that I really liked. One strapless lace dress in particular really stole my heart. On the plus side, it was on sale for under 500 dollars! On the down side, it had been discontinued and so I would have to order the dress ASAP. Because it was my first time shopping and my wedding is just under a year away, I chose to walk away from the dress. Maybe I'll go back in a few days and try it on again, but I just couldn't commit right then. And to her credit, Brittanie never made me feel awkward about this!
I would recommend David's Bridal to anyone looking for a wedding dress. Even if you don't end up buying your dress there, they have so many dresses in so many different styles its a great place to try on lots of wedding dresses. You never know, you might find *the one*.
I went to David's Bridal today to try on wedding dresses for the first time. I brought my mom and three friends with me for emotional support and, of course, opinions. We worked with Brittanie and she was FABULOUS. If we had ended up working with someone who was pushy, suggesting awful dresses, and/or rude, I'm sure my experience would have been completely different. Luckily, Brittanie is incredibly sweet and really seemed to get my personal style. She was also very patient and didn't make me feel pressured at all. When I called I had the option to request someone to work with, and I suggest requesting her if you don't have someone in mind you would like to be paired with.
The appointment lasted the full hour and half. In that time I tried on a bunch of dresses! Brittanie brought my the dresses I requested, but I ended up liking her suggestions even more! I found about 3 to 4 dresses that I really liked. One strapless lace dress in particular really stole my heart. On the plus side, it was on sale for under 500 dollars! On the down side, it had been discontinued and so I would have to order the dress ASAP. Because it was my first time shopping and my wedding is just under a year away, I chose to walk away from the dress. Maybe I'll go back in a few days and try it on again, but I just couldn't commit right then. And to her credit, Brittanie never made me feel awkward about this!
I would recommend David's Bridal to anyone looking for a wedding dress. Even if you don't end up buying your dress there, they have so many dresses in so many different styles its a great place to try on lots of wedding dresses. You never know, you might find *the one*.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Cage and Aquarium Productions
Woohoo! I can't say enough good things about Tyler and Cage & Aquarium. Our wedding isn't until next summer, but I am confident that the music will be awesome!
Tyler was the first DJ we met with and both my fiance and I really appreciated how he managed to be laid back AND professional at the same time. He did a great job of explaining what Cage and Aquarium is all about, was interested in hearing about us and our musical tastes, and answered all of our questions in a thoughtful manner. He gave us a very helpful packed of materials to take home (I'm a sucker for handouts) and then, after the meeting, was extremely responsive to our e-mails. To top it all off, when we needed just a little bit more time to decide Tyler nicely extended our hold - twice!
At this point, the music for our reception is about the only thing I'm not stressing about!
Tyler was the first DJ we met with and both my fiance and I really appreciated how he managed to be laid back AND professional at the same time. He did a great job of explaining what Cage and Aquarium is all about, was interested in hearing about us and our musical tastes, and answered all of our questions in a thoughtful manner. He gave us a very helpful packed of materials to take home (I'm a sucker for handouts) and then, after the meeting, was extremely responsive to our e-mails. To top it all off, when we needed just a little bit more time to decide Tyler nicely extended our hold - twice!
At this point, the music for our reception is about the only thing I'm not stressing about!
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