Im not going to give a grade or a number, as I find that difficult. Im just going to write my experience.
Disney:
Maxine Pollakis: Wedding Planner
Maxine was fantastic. She was enthusiastic and on top of things. She made quite a few suggestions that really helped our budget. She was detail oriented and a pleasure to work with. On the wedding day, she was just as wonderful. I'm grateful that we had Maxine as our planner.
Elizabeth Sutton: Floral Event Designer
I only worked with Elizabeth for linens, but she was always pleasant, prompt with responses, and fixed any issues in a timely manner.
Charles Miles: DJ
We originally were going to use the jazz trio, but around a month out decided it would be better to use a DJ. Boy am I glad we made that decision! DJ Miles was fantastic. He followed our request list (both play and do not play) and kept the party going. He had almost all of our guests dancing at a brunch reception, with no alcohol! Love DJ Miles.
Grand Floridian Catering
The food at our reception was delicious. Everyone raved about it at the reception (and since then!). What I wouldnt give for a piece of brioche french toast right now! I actually had my maid of honor loosen my dress during the reception because there wasnt much room for food. I was not going to be a bride who didnt eat at her own reception!
Grand Floridian Bakery
I sent in a composite of what we wanted our cake to look like, along with color swatches. Im really glad I did this, as the cake turned out pretty much exactly how we wanted it. The wedding cake tasted MUCH better at the wedding than it did at our tasting. I was really excited about this because I love treats. I ate leftover cake for days after the wedding.
Outside Vendors:
Its Tasty Too: Grooms Cake
I communicated with Heather via email. I sent her photos with a description of what I wanted and she understood exactly what I was going for. Based on what I told her, she was able to make a couple of edits so that all of the elements would work well together. Her prices were very reasonable and the cake was awesome.
Carolyn Allens: Dress Steaming
Setting up my steaming appointment with Carolyn Allens was easy and straightforward. I had to change the time of the steaming a couple of times and they had no problem with the changes. They came to our hotel room and steamed my dress, my moms, mother-in-laws and maid of honors. They had both the steamer and an iron, which we needed. They worked quickly, carefully and quietly. I ended up feeling comfortable enough to leave my dress at bell services for them to pick up, clean, and ship back to me. It arrived exactly a month after the wedding (they informed me of the timeframe). I havent unpacked it yet, so I cant comment yet on the actual cleaning.
Patricia LeJeune: Hair and Makeup
When I saw photos of Patricias work, I knew she was the person I wanted for hair and makeup on my wedding day. I have never questioned that decision. She creates such a flawless, natural, gorgeous look. She translated my vision for hair and makeup beautifully. She was also able to create lovely hairstyles for my mother and mother-in-law with very little direction. When things got a little rushed the morning of my wedding, Patricia was on the floor helping find the snaps on my train. This was after she tied the bow on my maid of honors dress. She is such a calming presence and a sweet (and talented!) person.
Jess Cumbie: Photographer
Simply said, the woman is a rock star. I mean that sincerely. Jess is truly invested in her work and her clients. She is professional, but fun. In the short time I have known her, it has been evident that shes always learning, growing, and willing to try new things. Her work is incredible. From our engagement photos to our wedding day, we trusted Jess with some of the most important memories of our lives and she went above and beyond. It has already been decided that when we start a family, she will be flown to us to photograph the baby; thats how much I adore this woman and her work. In the end, I love showing off my photos to friends and family
and after all, isnt that what its about?!
Kat Small: Cinematographer
Kat has a way of capturing the small moments. Things others probably wouldnt even notice. Thats why we initially contacted her. After viewing more of her work, this attention to detail proved to be true. Kat doesnt just point and shoot; she has an artistic vision. Her work is beautiful. Most of the time, I didn't even notice she was there...but she was, filming away. Although I cant comment on the final product yet, I love our wedding trailer.
Lee Forrest: Floral
Lee Forrest is truly incredible. My bouquet was stunning-I still admire it in photographs and Im having it preserved. As I was walking down the aisle, I couldnt help but steal some glances at our floral arrangements; they were gorgeous. Lee understood my vision from the first time I contacted him. His execution was flawless. Lee is a lovely person to work with; I enjoyed all of my communication with him. The wedding wouldn't have looked nearly as beautiful without him.
Glynn Ferguson: Officiant
Rev. Glynn was the perfect choice for our officiant. He is personable, funny, and puts you at ease. We met with him (and his wife!) a few months prior to the wedding to get acquainted. Chatting away with them was comfortable and enjoyable. Rev. Glynn was open to all of our ideas for our ceremony. I had no worries on the wedding day about the ceremony going smoothly
and it did! Many of our guests commented on how great he was. His personality is infectious.
A Chair Affair: Chiavari Chairs
Ann from A Chair Affair was a pleasure to work with. After one conversation with her, I felt comfortable and confident that our chairs would be delivered on time and set up exactly the way I wanted them. The chairs really added that extra something to the room and were set up perfectly.
Glenn Ferguson: Caricature Artist
Nope, not a typo! We had a Glynn Ferguson and a Glenn Ferguson. Glenn is an amazing artist. We hired him to draw caricatures at our pre-reception and reception. He was a huge hit! Not only is he talented, but also has a great personality. He created a full color caricature of us before the wedding from photographs. He brought it to display at the wedding and it was fantastic. He drew black and white caricatures at the wedding and Ive loved every one that Ive seen.
I am so in love with your dress and flowers - perfect for the setting.....wonderful vendor reviews....
