Vendor Reviews
I really feel like I had a perfect wedding day! These people below really were what helped make that happen. I tried to be honest and helpful with these reviews. Almost all of them have links for more information or ways to contact them.
If you have any questions or would like any more information, feel free to email me at [email protected].
If you have any questions or would like any more information, feel free to email me at [email protected].
Ceremony Site
Gizella Kopsick Palm Tree Arboretum: A+++
After choosing the SPWC for the reception my mom and I started looking at nearby parks to hold the ceremony. We wanted something outdoors, pretty and not too crowded. We walked around North Shore Park and then walked into this park. It was secluded, filled with beautiful trees, and was the perfect size for my 100 guest wedding. It only cost us $30 for a permit. I highly recommend it for a simple outdoor ceremony site in St. Pete.
After choosing the SPWC for the reception my mom and I started looking at nearby parks to hold the ceremony. We wanted something outdoors, pretty and not too crowded. We walked around North Shore Park and then walked into this park. It was secluded, filled with beautiful trees, and was the perfect size for my 100 guest wedding. It only cost us $30 for a permit. I highly recommend it for a simple outdoor ceremony site in St. Pete.
Reception Venue
St. Petersburg Woman's Club: A
This club is a nice, quaint historical building that gives you so much flexibility. The price is good and you can bring in all of your own vendors. It is an older building and not in perfect condition, but I kind of liked that. Chairs and tables are included, as are a couple bar options and other random furniture, and they will set it up however you like. They say you can have the ceremony on site, but I would only recommend this if you are having a small wedding, and still it is kind of tough to find a good angle.
I originally worked with Diane, who was amazing but has since stopped managing rentals. I then worked through Beverly, who is okay, and the two on site "managers" Adam and Amanda. They were always available to answer questions and allow me to come to club to see it anytime. The only issue I had was on the morning of the wedding, I couldn't get a hold of Amanda to let us in to set up. Finally she must have woken up and everything went fine from there. Overall I was very happy with this site and got a good vibe from it from the beginning.
This club is a nice, quaint historical building that gives you so much flexibility. The price is good and you can bring in all of your own vendors. It is an older building and not in perfect condition, but I kind of liked that. Chairs and tables are included, as are a couple bar options and other random furniture, and they will set it up however you like. They say you can have the ceremony on site, but I would only recommend this if you are having a small wedding, and still it is kind of tough to find a good angle.
I originally worked with Diane, who was amazing but has since stopped managing rentals. I then worked through Beverly, who is okay, and the two on site "managers" Adam and Amanda. They were always available to answer questions and allow me to come to club to see it anytime. The only issue I had was on the morning of the wedding, I couldn't get a hold of Amanda to let us in to set up. Finally she must have woken up and everything went fine from there. Overall I was very happy with this site and got a good vibe from it from the beginning.
Officiant
JJ Johnson, Indian Rocks Baptist Church: A++++++++
JJ is my husband and I's old youth pastor and I love him to death! He made the ceremony so special. He did pre-marital counseling with us and really made sure to give a good perspective on what marriage would be like.
JJ is my husband and I's old youth pastor and I love him to death! He made the ceremony so special. He did pre-marital counseling with us and really made sure to give a good perspective on what marriage would be like.
Photographer
Billy Waller: A+++++
Billy has been a good friend of ours for a long time now. He took pictures at my brother's wedding a few years ago and they were amazing. I knew he would be the guy. He has such a sight for good pictures.
I know his prices are normally great, but as a wedding present he did ours for free. When we got back from our honeymoon a week later we had the CD's with all the 1200+ photos and some he personally picked out to print. We have the rights, so we can print any ones we want. He also surprised us by doing some video which was such a treat! Check our our post on his blog and look around at some of his other stuff.
Billy has been a good friend of ours for a long time now. He took pictures at my brother's wedding a few years ago and they were amazing. I knew he would be the guy. He has such a sight for good pictures.
I know his prices are normally great, but as a wedding present he did ours for free. When we got back from our honeymoon a week later we had the CD's with all the 1200+ photos and some he personally picked out to print. We have the rights, so we can print any ones we want. He also surprised us by doing some video which was such a treat! Check our our post on his blog and look around at some of his other stuff.
Attire
David's Bridal (Kennedy): A+
I actually had a great experience at David's Bridal, a big part of that was my sister-in-laws (both married) being there. I thought I had the dress picked out and it was the first one I tried on. Well between my SIL's and consultant, Diane, they made me try on all different styles. I am so happy they did! My consultant was great and listened to what I liked and didn't about each dress and she picked out the winning one! I absolutely love it, and it was on sale!! It also came in only 2 weeks!!
The BM's dresses were also from there and the girls loved them, and I got many compliments on theirs.
Men's Wearhouse (S. Dale Mabry): B-
The suits the guys got turned out great and everything was as it should have been. However leading up to it, we ran into several snags.
Billy, at this store, is who you need to work with if you go to this location. Everyone else there seems a little clueless. Billy picked everything out for us and got us the current deal. When the guys went back and talked to someone else, to get measured, they didn't seem to know which suits or about the deal and we almost had to start over. That got taken care of. Then when the suits were in and altered they told us the total, and it was wrong (they forgot the deal). Well the manager said he can't change the price and we were about to walk away. Well Billy came and saved the day and told them what the deal was.
They just seemed very sneaky and clueless to me. Everything worked out fine, it was just a little bit of a hassle. I still give them a B- because Billy was GREAT, and the suits are awesome, and in the end everything was how we wanted it.
I actually had a great experience at David's Bridal, a big part of that was my sister-in-laws (both married) being there. I thought I had the dress picked out and it was the first one I tried on. Well between my SIL's and consultant, Diane, they made me try on all different styles. I am so happy they did! My consultant was great and listened to what I liked and didn't about each dress and she picked out the winning one! I absolutely love it, and it was on sale!! It also came in only 2 weeks!!
The BM's dresses were also from there and the girls loved them, and I got many compliments on theirs.
Men's Wearhouse (S. Dale Mabry): B-
The suits the guys got turned out great and everything was as it should have been. However leading up to it, we ran into several snags.
Billy, at this store, is who you need to work with if you go to this location. Everyone else there seems a little clueless. Billy picked everything out for us and got us the current deal. When the guys went back and talked to someone else, to get measured, they didn't seem to know which suits or about the deal and we almost had to start over. That got taken care of. Then when the suits were in and altered they told us the total, and it was wrong (they forgot the deal). Well the manager said he can't change the price and we were about to walk away. Well Billy came and saved the day and told them what the deal was.
They just seemed very sneaky and clueless to me. Everything worked out fine, it was just a little bit of a hassle. I still give them a B- because Billy was GREAT, and the suits are awesome, and in the end everything was how we wanted it.
Ceremony Music
Taylor Mills: A+++++++
If you are looking for a harpist who is experienced, knows what she is doing, and plays a beautiful harp then Taylor is your girl! From the first meeting we had I knew she was the one. She made us feel so comfortable that she knew how to handle a ceremony. And the way she plays is amazing! Her harp is GORGEOUS and she let us take pictures with it. I got so many compliments about her music.
If you are looking for a harpist who is experienced, knows what she is doing, and plays a beautiful harp then Taylor is your girl! From the first meeting we had I knew she was the one. She made us feel so comfortable that she knew how to handle a ceremony. And the way she plays is amazing! Her harp is GORGEOUS and she let us take pictures with it. I got so many compliments about her music.
Dance Lessons
Arthur Murray South Tampa: A+++++++++
This was a gift from my in-laws. I know they are a little pricey, but I am so happy with them! If it is in your budget at all, go see Bruna (our instructor). All of them are great, but she was who we worked with. She listened to what we were looking for, choreographed our dance, and would change anything we wanted. Our guests RAVED about our first dance. It was such a nice spin on the traditional slow song. I highly recommend you consider doing it!!
This was a gift from my in-laws. I know they are a little pricey, but I am so happy with them! If it is in your budget at all, go see Bruna (our instructor). All of them are great, but she was who we worked with. She listened to what we were looking for, choreographed our dance, and would change anything we wanted. Our guests RAVED about our first dance. It was such a nice spin on the traditional slow song. I highly recommend you consider doing it!!
Caterer
Chives Catering: AAAA+++++++
I have heard the MOST great reviews about the food at the wedding, and it was amazing. I heard about Ken (the owner) from a consultant at a bridal show. He is so laid back and does an amazing job. He was experienced with the Woman's Club which was a nice plus! He includes so much and isn't uptight like a lot of the bigger catering companies. He does stations which allows so much variety, and my guests loved it!!
His communication was great and he was so open to helping with anything! After the wedding he even stayed later than my mom to clean up because he wanted her to be able to go home. I can't even write enough great things about him.
If you are looking for GREAT food, an easy going attitude, and someone who works hard, at least do a tasting with him and meet him. Have him tell you about our wedding, because it was fantastic!!
I have heard the MOST great reviews about the food at the wedding, and it was amazing. I heard about Ken (the owner) from a consultant at a bridal show. He is so laid back and does an amazing job. He was experienced with the Woman's Club which was a nice plus! He includes so much and isn't uptight like a lot of the bigger catering companies. He does stations which allows so much variety, and my guests loved it!!
His communication was great and he was so open to helping with anything! After the wedding he even stayed later than my mom to clean up because he wanted her to be able to go home. I can't even write enough great things about him.
If you are looking for GREAT food, an easy going attitude, and someone who works hard, at least do a tasting with him and meet him. Have him tell you about our wedding, because it was fantastic!!
Cake
Publix Greenwise Hyde Park: A+
The cake was delicious and everything went great. It was moist and had great flavors. We went to the event planning area at the Hyde Park Greenwise and they do a great job. Let them know what you are looking for and they will make it happen!
(click here for the event planning section)
The cake was delicious and everything went great. It was moist and had great flavors. We went to the event planning area at the Hyde Park Greenwise and they do a great job. Let them know what you are looking for and they will make it happen!
(click here for the event planning section)
DJ
John Wendelkin, DJ Perfections: A+
We originally met John and got such a good vibe about him. He listens to what you want and makes it happen. What I noticed a lot by talking to him and at the wedding is he really knows how to read a crowd. He can tell which types of songs your guests respond well to, and is always catering to what works. People were dancing all night and it was a lot of fun!
The only draw back to him is that he can be a little hard to get in contact with (mainly when he's busy). We communicated mostly by email, and sometimes I wouldn't hear back from him quickly. But he was always willing to do whatever we wanted!
We originally met John and got such a good vibe about him. He listens to what you want and makes it happen. What I noticed a lot by talking to him and at the wedding is he really knows how to read a crowd. He can tell which types of songs your guests respond well to, and is always catering to what works. People were dancing all night and it was a lot of fun!
The only draw back to him is that he can be a little hard to get in contact with (mainly when he's busy). We communicated mostly by email, and sometimes I wouldn't hear back from him quickly. But he was always willing to do whatever we wanted!
Alterations
Daisy: AAA++++
She was one of my favorite people to work with. Such a sweet lady, did an awesome job and my dress fit PERFECTLY. She knows what she is doing and her prices are amazing! I was shocked when she told me the final price for a three layer hem, bustle, elastic, bra cups, and cathedral veil was only $285!!
813-246-4630
She was one of my favorite people to work with. Such a sweet lady, did an awesome job and my dress fit PERFECTLY. She knows what she is doing and her prices are amazing! I was shocked when she told me the final price for a three layer hem, bustle, elastic, bra cups, and cathedral veil was only $285!!
813-246-4630
Photobooth
Star Photobooths: A+++
I am SO glad we went with the photobooth. Guests RAVED about how fun it was! And this company has the best package. We got 3 hours of unlimited photos, which they actually did about 4 hours because they account for down times. You get a copy and the guests get a copy, and the quality is really the best. You can view all the photos online and they give the bride and groom an album with a copy of them all. You can use their props and lighted photo sign if you want for free. Total package cost was $695!!
I am SO glad we went with the photobooth. Guests RAVED about how fun it was! And this company has the best package. We got 3 hours of unlimited photos, which they actually did about 4 hours because they account for down times. You get a copy and the guests get a copy, and the quality is really the best. You can view all the photos online and they give the bride and groom an album with a copy of them all. You can use their props and lighted photo sign if you want for free. Total package cost was $695!!
Hair
Alba, A G Hair Salon: A++++++
813-451-3809
Alba is my favorite! Ever since she did my hair for my brother's wedding, I knew she was who I wanted for mine. She just opened her own salon after too many bad salon bosses. So many people only trust their hair to HER! She did exactly what I wanted!! My hair stayed in ALL day and night and I got so many compliments on it! The trial was only $25 and day of was $45.
813-451-3809
Alba is my favorite! Ever since she did my hair for my brother's wedding, I knew she was who I wanted for mine. She just opened her own salon after too many bad salon bosses. So many people only trust their hair to HER! She did exactly what I wanted!! My hair stayed in ALL day and night and I got so many compliments on it! The trial was only $25 and day of was $45.
Flowers
Jennie's Florist: A+++
I saw this on another knottie's (nittanynelle) reviews and am so glad I did!! They have such a large selection of beautiful, fresh flowers. Their prices are unbeatable. We were going to order online, in bulk, but Jennie's prices turned out to be better and we didn't have to worry about the quality of mystery shipped flowers! We ordered them about 2 weeks before the wedding and everything went great!
I knew I wanted to DIY my flowers, because I was using simple hydrangeas and roses. We put the bouquets together ourselves after looking at some pictures and doing a trial. I LOVE the way they turned out.
If you are thinking about doing this, give yourself time to do a practice run a few months before. This will help you with technique and you may find you want to change a few things (I did). It takes patience and time. Let me know if you need any help or have questions!
I saw this on another knottie's (nittanynelle) reviews and am so glad I did!! They have such a large selection of beautiful, fresh flowers. Their prices are unbeatable. We were going to order online, in bulk, but Jennie's prices turned out to be better and we didn't have to worry about the quality of mystery shipped flowers! We ordered them about 2 weeks before the wedding and everything went great!
I knew I wanted to DIY my flowers, because I was using simple hydrangeas and roses. We put the bouquets together ourselves after looking at some pictures and doing a trial. I LOVE the way they turned out.
If you are thinking about doing this, give yourself time to do a practice run a few months before. This will help you with technique and you may find you want to change a few things (I did). It takes patience and time. Let me know if you need any help or have questions!
Limousine
Pure Limousines: A+
The limo was great and such a nice end to the night. The driver was very professional. We only needed a ride to the Westin, but it was nice to have about a 45 minute relaxing ride at the end of the day with my husband!
The limo was great and such a nice end to the night. The driver was very professional. We only needed a ride to the Westin, but it was nice to have about a 45 minute relaxing ride at the end of the day with my husband!
Rings
Awesome Jewelry: A+++++
I have always worked with Awesome. FI got my ring there and I knew we would get our bands there. They really worked with us to get the exact look and type we would need to work best for us. I absolutely love our rings! Oh, and the prices are amazing!!!
I have always worked with Awesome. FI got my ring there and I knew we would get our bands there. They really worked with us to get the exact look and type we would need to work best for us. I absolutely love our rings! Oh, and the prices are amazing!!!
Honeymoon
Westin Harbour Island: A+++
I LOVE the Westin... I mean who doesn't?! They have the heavenly bed & heavenly bath, and my hubby and I knew that was where we wanted to stay the night of our wedding. Since we were leaving out of Channelside the next day, we booked the one on Harbour Island.
They took care of our luggage earlier that day, upgraded our room, gave us complimentary champagne... and then let us be!
Carnival Legend: A++++
The next morning we set sail on the Legend and had the time of our lives! I was so thankful for Tab (LovinHim1010) and her reviews. It really helped! And all I can say is after planning for months and months, it was so nice to have a week where everything was taken care of and it was all at an arms length. We had four stops and 2 sea days.
Stop 1: Grand Cayman
In Grand Cayman we just kind of walked around and went to a couple bars. I highly recommend Margaritaville with the pool bar and slide! We also stopped at Rackams Waterfront, a small bar on the water where you can see out to the cruise ships. Stefan, the bartender is great and I recommend the Cay Brew!! We didn't do an excursion, but there are plenty of restaurants and shopping places right there at the port.
Stop 2: Cozumel
In Cozumel we took a taxi to Mr. Sanchos Beach. It was nice and had a pool, restaurant, shopping, etc. Just remember to bring a card and/or plenty of cash! We got there and after lunch had no cards and only $2! Luckily my amazing husband was able to smooth talk a cabbie into giving us a ride to the ship where we would pay him extra!
Stop 3: Belize
MY FAVORITE! If you stop at Belize, book something to do. There is very little to do at the port. We booked zip lining prior to the trip and had a blast!! Our tour guide took us on a tour of Belize and told us so much about the history and things to do there. THey have the largest living reef in the world, a rain forrest, a big Carnival, etc... after talking with him it really made me want to go back for a week to do all kinds of things! And zip lining was so fun!!
Stop 4: Isla Roatan
This was our last stop and it was a little rainy that day. We didn't plan to do much there, although I recommend going to the beaches if the weather is nice. Be ready to be "attacked" by cab drivers, tour guides, kids selling things, etc. the second you walk out of the cruise tourist area into the pedestrian section! BE PREPARED! We weren't feeling the greatest that day and it was a little annoying to say the least. However if you've booked a tour or anything, that exit is fine!
Sea Days/On Ship:
*Go to the shows! We didn't make it to all of them, but they were amazing!
*We also played bingo and were one number away from winning $500!
*I was told (after we got back) to go to the casinos the first day and last day as they pay out the most that day. Also pick a slot machine near the doors, as they tend to win more so they entice people in.
*Get "your time dining" if possible as it is so flexible!
*Bring your own alcohol! Wrap it well and cover it with clothes and you should be fine. The worst that can happen is it doesn't make it and you buy your drinks (like if you hadn't tried).
IT WAS AWESOME!!
I LOVE the Westin... I mean who doesn't?! They have the heavenly bed & heavenly bath, and my hubby and I knew that was where we wanted to stay the night of our wedding. Since we were leaving out of Channelside the next day, we booked the one on Harbour Island.
They took care of our luggage earlier that day, upgraded our room, gave us complimentary champagne... and then let us be!
Carnival Legend: A++++
The next morning we set sail on the Legend and had the time of our lives! I was so thankful for Tab (LovinHim1010) and her reviews. It really helped! And all I can say is after planning for months and months, it was so nice to have a week where everything was taken care of and it was all at an arms length. We had four stops and 2 sea days.
Stop 1: Grand Cayman
In Grand Cayman we just kind of walked around and went to a couple bars. I highly recommend Margaritaville with the pool bar and slide! We also stopped at Rackams Waterfront, a small bar on the water where you can see out to the cruise ships. Stefan, the bartender is great and I recommend the Cay Brew!! We didn't do an excursion, but there are plenty of restaurants and shopping places right there at the port.
Stop 2: Cozumel
In Cozumel we took a taxi to Mr. Sanchos Beach. It was nice and had a pool, restaurant, shopping, etc. Just remember to bring a card and/or plenty of cash! We got there and after lunch had no cards and only $2! Luckily my amazing husband was able to smooth talk a cabbie into giving us a ride to the ship where we would pay him extra!
Stop 3: Belize
MY FAVORITE! If you stop at Belize, book something to do. There is very little to do at the port. We booked zip lining prior to the trip and had a blast!! Our tour guide took us on a tour of Belize and told us so much about the history and things to do there. THey have the largest living reef in the world, a rain forrest, a big Carnival, etc... after talking with him it really made me want to go back for a week to do all kinds of things! And zip lining was so fun!!
Stop 4: Isla Roatan
This was our last stop and it was a little rainy that day. We didn't plan to do much there, although I recommend going to the beaches if the weather is nice. Be ready to be "attacked" by cab drivers, tour guides, kids selling things, etc. the second you walk out of the cruise tourist area into the pedestrian section! BE PREPARED! We weren't feeling the greatest that day and it was a little annoying to say the least. However if you've booked a tour or anything, that exit is fine!
Sea Days/On Ship:
*Go to the shows! We didn't make it to all of them, but they were amazing!
*We also played bingo and were one number away from winning $500!
*I was told (after we got back) to go to the casinos the first day and last day as they pay out the most that day. Also pick a slot machine near the doors, as they tend to win more so they entice people in.
*Get "your time dining" if possible as it is so flexible!
*Bring your own alcohol! Wrap it well and cover it with clothes and you should be fine. The worst that can happen is it doesn't make it and you buy your drinks (like if you hadn't tried).
IT WAS AWESOME!!
