Ceremony - University Presbyterian Church
I can't really give them a grade because this is really the only place I would ever get married - my parents were married there, I've grown up there and it just was the logical place to do it. It's also gorgeous and we got wonderful pictures. If you want to get married there, my only caution is that the coordinators suck and they screwed up my audio CD - it's a really good thing the DVD turned out well (see "Video (ceremony)" below) and you can hear everything, otherwise I would have nothing.
Reception - The Harbor Club Seattle (A+++)
The food was absolutely amazing - my friends and Ben's family can be brutally honest and they said it's the best food they've ever had at a wedding - I shouldn't even add the "at a wedding" on there because it was good, period. They made plates for Ben and I (we did buffet style) so we actually ate and it all tasted wonderful, no joke, I was really impressed. We always had said we didn't really want plated meals and this was cemented when my parents went to a wedding there in January (yes, I wasn't too happy about it at first, but it was an old co-worker so at least no one else we knew was there) and said the plated meal left them hungry. So if you go there, do the buffet because it came out really well and there was plenty of food.
The service was also excellent - never had one single issue contacting them, asking questions or anything. I was able to drop off favors, menus etc. two days before and they did a great job setting everything up. I honestly can't think of anything that went wrong. AND as an added bonus, they sent us home with a Gene Jarez gift card! The reception site would not go under "things I got a deal on", but I don't regret spending money on this - food is one place you can't skimp!
The service was also excellent - never had one single issue contacting them, asking questions or anything. I was able to drop off favors, menus etc. two days before and they did a great job setting everything up. I honestly can't think of anything that went wrong. AND as an added bonus, they sent us home with a Gene Jarez gift card! The reception site would not go under "things I got a deal on", but I don't regret spending money on this - food is one place you can't skimp!
Photography - Piper Moore (A+++)
As you may have guessed by all the pictures everywhere, I love her. She's still 'new' on the scene which meant we got a great price and could hire her for 12 hours. We're also getting a professional photobook made with 200 pictures and two framed enlargements - we already got a disk with 800+ edited photos. Great deal, great work and very nice/fun to work with.
Videographer (pre-ceremony) - Lumiere Bridal (A-)
Got the video and it's amazing! It's beautiful and exactly what I wanted. It was a pretty pricey item, but it's one of my favorite things to have to remember the day. Pictures are wonderful, but there's nothing like capturing everything in motion. We had a video made of us getting ready and everything (including seeing each other for the first time) up until the ceremony. I know it is probably the most frivolous item out of everything, but I love it!
Jonathan was fun to work with on the wedding day and used a very cool camera to shoot in Super8. Jaro then did all the editing to make our 'music video'. I have to say they will get an "minus" for communication since it was a little difficult, but nothing terrible. Overall, I'm so happy we chose to do this.
Jonathan was fun to work with on the wedding day and used a very cool camera to shoot in Super8. Jaro then did all the editing to make our 'music video'. I have to say they will get an "minus" for communication since it was a little difficult, but nothing terrible. Overall, I'm so happy we chose to do this.
Video (ceremony) - Rented from UW (A+!)
It was a total shock to me that the (free!) video camera from UW turned out such a high quality video. For the full story see the "Words of Wisdom" page.
Cake - Kelli's Creations (A+)
Kelli has been so wonderful, easy to talk with, I've asked her a million questions and she makes a very tasty and beautiful cake! We got some great pictures of it and lots of compliments on the taste. I can't say this would go in the 'deal' column since it was a little pricey, but great quality and service. I felt very comfortable trusting her.
DJ - Bamboo Beats (A++)
Ben was super picky about music and who would be our DJ. This company is also not very well known, but I hope they will be. It's a husband and wife team - young and cool, but also very professional. He runs the music and she made everything flow, told us what was coming up next etc. The COOLEST thing is that he has real turntables! We also paid for lights which definitely made the party and turned into very fun pictures. This was another expensive part, but was very important to both of us. We had an amazing time and are so glad we chose them!
Hair - Kyle at Gene Juarez Northgate (A++)
He is my friend's hair guy and I went to him for the first time the summer before the wedding. I've never had anyone actually get my hair to have a 'natural' curl like in the movies and he did it! I was so excited I had to have him do my hair. The trial was a bit iffy so I went and looked at more pictures to try to figure out what I wanted to change. My sister needed a bang trim so I went with her and he insisted on trying something new with the pictures I brought. So on the fly he played with it at no charge. The on the wedding day, it turned out absolutely perfectly, I couldn't be happier.
The key (with any stylist) is to be honest, don't be afraid to tell them what you want or they just won't know.
**This picture was taken around 6:30pm, I had my hair done at 9:45am so it held up well!**
The key (with any stylist) is to be honest, don't be afraid to tell them what you want or they just won't know.
**This picture was taken around 6:30pm, I had my hair done at 9:45am so it held up well!**
Make-Up - Eric at Coupe Rokei (A+)
I really like Eric and I think he did a great job. He was very flexible and came to my house for the wedding. His price was pretty reasonable from what I've seen for professional make-up artists and only charged me about $20 to travel to North Seattle (he is based in Downtown). He uses MAC, which I know is a favorite around here, so it felt great and stayed on all day.
Nails - Darcy at Gene Juarez Northgate (A++)
I had gone to her before when I'd gotten a gift certificate for Christmas and after that, knew I really wanted her to do my nails for the wedding because it was the best manicure I'd ever had. I really liked how she shaped my nails (I don't have naturally nice-shaped nails, they're all different so it's hard to just say "round" or "square" when they ask how to shape them) and was able to make them all 'match.' Also, she did an amazing job with the french manicure and here is a piece of advice:
(Disclaimer: if you really like the super bright white, then this doesn't apply, but for those of us who like it a little more toned down, read on)
I've had french manicures/pedicures before and there are several different ways to do it. Two main options are to either have the base coat, then white, then pink, then top coat OR base coat, then pink, then white, then top coat (also I've had base coat, pink, white, pink, top coat). However, there are a couple problems with both of these methods typically. If the white goes on last, it's very bright in my opinion whereas if the pink goes last it tones down the white and makes it blend. Unfortunately (Darcy told me this), doing the pink on top actually makes the white part yellow more quickly (which I had noticed when I do it on my toes myself). Darcy's favorite option is actually to use a marshmallow white (they sell it at the salon) after the last pink and you get the best of both worlds - a natural white and no yellowing!
(Disclaimer: if you really like the super bright white, then this doesn't apply, but for those of us who like it a little more toned down, read on)
I've had french manicures/pedicures before and there are several different ways to do it. Two main options are to either have the base coat, then white, then pink, then top coat OR base coat, then pink, then white, then top coat (also I've had base coat, pink, white, pink, top coat). However, there are a couple problems with both of these methods typically. If the white goes on last, it's very bright in my opinion whereas if the pink goes last it tones down the white and makes it blend. Unfortunately (Darcy told me this), doing the pink on top actually makes the white part yellow more quickly (which I had noticed when I do it on my toes myself). Darcy's favorite option is actually to use a marshmallow white (they sell it at the salon) after the last pink and you get the best of both worlds - a natural white and no yellowing!
Dancing - Katie Lake with the Washington Dance Club (A++)
Best dance teacher ever! We had a great time working with her and she did a wonderful job creating a dance that felt comfortable for us. She also is not inexpensive, but for us it was another thing we really wanted to do. Even if you did one or two lessons to get the basics down, she would be a great person to work with.
Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Dresses - Sarah Mosher (A++)
Ok, most people aren't going to have their dresses made, so this may not be very interesting, but thought I'd post it anyway. She did a great job and was VERY (I mean very) patient with me through all my emotions, thoughts, mind-changing... She designed my dress and then used a simple pattern for the bridesmaid dresses. She's in the south end and is probably interested in work even if you just needed alterations. She's one of the most capable people I know and highly recommend her.
Tuxes - Tux Shop in Northgate (A+)
Great service and I didn't hear any complaints from the guys. We didn't get the Ring Bearer tuxes from them because that was a total rip off, otherwise a good deal.
Jewelry - Rhinestone Rosie (A+)
Almost all of my jewelry had sentimental value and I already owned; however, the bracelet I wore needed some help. It was a piece of costume jewelry I inherited from a neighbor who lived to be 100 and was like a grandmother to me growing up. I always knew I wanted to wear it for my wedding, but it was too big and needed to be cleaned. After doing some research online, I found Rhinestone Rosie in Queen Anne - the first antique costume jewelry shop/repair place in the country when she opened. The second I showed her the bracelet she knew exactly everything about it (apparently it's from the early 1900's). She was able to shorten it, clean it and make matching earrings out of the extra pieces! And her prices are very reasonable.
If you don't have something that needs repairing, she also buys and sells costume jewelry so it's a fun place to look around and shop if you're looking for period accessories.
If you don't have something that needs repairing, she also buys and sells costume jewelry so it's a fun place to look around and shop if you're looking for period accessories.
Linen Rental - BBJ Linen (A+)
Sadly linens are just going to be expensive unless you want to pick them up and drop them off yourself (which I decided early on was not something I felt I'd want to do the days before and after my wedding). BBJ had worked with my venue before, so that also made it easy, but I'm sure they would be great with other places too. I would first check with your venue to see who they recommend, but I think the main reason the linen rental went smoothly was because my venue was willing to receive (BBJ Linen mails them), set up, take down and mail back the linens for me.
Chair Covers - L&M Chair Covers (A+)
Linda was super to work with - no problems, easy communication and great price. We found her at the Wedding Show and she really was the best deal (with a discount for being at the show) - it included set up and take down as well. Overall, great experience!
Rehearsal Dinner - Del Rey (A/A+)
**UPDATE: sadly they are no longer in business :(**
I found this place through another knottie who said they were super reasonable, nice and flexible. I found all of this to be true. Rich was wonderful to work with! There were only two slight hiccups (plus one odd thing) and I attribute these to the fact that they are just starting to do private events in their back room.
1) I had asked about bringing the two ring bearers (5 & 7) and he said it would be ok if we were out by 10pm (no problem). A few weeks before the wedding he emailed me to say he felt really bad, but the liquor license people dropped by or something and he just found out they aren't allowed to have minors in there at all (even if it's in the private room). He was very apologetic and asked if there was anything they could do etc. It wasn't a problem and the parents were fine to get a sitter.
2) Two weeks or so before he told us they realized they needed a count for each of the entrees - I thought that maybe it would be the sort of thing where people order when we get there, but I guess they changed their minds. We just called/emailed everyone and got their orders. Again, easily solved and I think they have learned to do this next time.
3) The last thing that was a little odd was that we had folding chairs. Again, I think they are still in the process of getting the whole private party/back room thing set up and I hope they are able to continue improving it. Because...
Despite all that, the food was seriously amazing. Like, I was not expecting that kind of gormet food at such a reasonable price (total including tip and tax for 29 people: about $890). I've been to several of the nicest restaurants in Seattle, and this food is good. I completely forgot about the chairs and could have cared less once we started eating. Ben's mom is very serious about food and she said she was impressed.
The best part was dessert and it requires a small back story: (*even more back story: all parents chipped in for the whole wedding, including RD, which meant no one wanted to plan it which meant I had to*) The day I was supposed to meet with Rich to discuss the food I got sick, like really sick. So I asked Ben if he and my dad would go. They did, discussed the menu and it was fine. Ben was making fun of my dad because aparently during the meeting my dad suggested a sorbet option because some of the older people might want something light for dessert. Sure, fine, whatever, as long as I can have my churro and ice cream! (my sister and I went to try out the food and had this dessert, it's amazing!)
Well, the week of the wedding Ben says "oh, oops, I forgot to tell you Rich emailed to say they were only going to serve the sorbet since it's not something they usually have and it would be easier" *steam coming out my ears* "what the #%$@!?" (I haven't gone bridezilla really, but this made me mad for a reason I cannot explain) I tried to get one of them to take the blame and call, neither would and I gave up and sulked.
Back to the rehearsal dinner... Rich comes out after dinner and says "we were just going to serve sorbet, but I remembered that Amanda had said in an email to me how much she loved the churro dessert. I was just going to make her one, but thought that would be unfair, so you can have a choice of either of them!"
*at this point I'm trying to get my dad or Ben to admit they called him, neither will give in*
Turns out, Rich really did just remember how much I loved the churros and now I will <3 him forever.
The End.
I found this place through another knottie who said they were super reasonable, nice and flexible. I found all of this to be true. Rich was wonderful to work with! There were only two slight hiccups (plus one odd thing) and I attribute these to the fact that they are just starting to do private events in their back room.
1) I had asked about bringing the two ring bearers (5 & 7) and he said it would be ok if we were out by 10pm (no problem). A few weeks before the wedding he emailed me to say he felt really bad, but the liquor license people dropped by or something and he just found out they aren't allowed to have minors in there at all (even if it's in the private room). He was very apologetic and asked if there was anything they could do etc. It wasn't a problem and the parents were fine to get a sitter.
2) Two weeks or so before he told us they realized they needed a count for each of the entrees - I thought that maybe it would be the sort of thing where people order when we get there, but I guess they changed their minds. We just called/emailed everyone and got their orders. Again, easily solved and I think they have learned to do this next time.
3) The last thing that was a little odd was that we had folding chairs. Again, I think they are still in the process of getting the whole private party/back room thing set up and I hope they are able to continue improving it. Because...
Despite all that, the food was seriously amazing. Like, I was not expecting that kind of gormet food at such a reasonable price (total including tip and tax for 29 people: about $890). I've been to several of the nicest restaurants in Seattle, and this food is good. I completely forgot about the chairs and could have cared less once we started eating. Ben's mom is very serious about food and she said she was impressed.
The best part was dessert and it requires a small back story: (*even more back story: all parents chipped in for the whole wedding, including RD, which meant no one wanted to plan it which meant I had to*) The day I was supposed to meet with Rich to discuss the food I got sick, like really sick. So I asked Ben if he and my dad would go. They did, discussed the menu and it was fine. Ben was making fun of my dad because aparently during the meeting my dad suggested a sorbet option because some of the older people might want something light for dessert. Sure, fine, whatever, as long as I can have my churro and ice cream! (my sister and I went to try out the food and had this dessert, it's amazing!)
Well, the week of the wedding Ben says "oh, oops, I forgot to tell you Rich emailed to say they were only going to serve the sorbet since it's not something they usually have and it would be easier" *steam coming out my ears* "what the #%$@!?" (I haven't gone bridezilla really, but this made me mad for a reason I cannot explain) I tried to get one of them to take the blame and call, neither would and I gave up and sulked.
Back to the rehearsal dinner... Rich comes out after dinner and says "we were just going to serve sorbet, but I remembered that Amanda had said in an email to me how much she loved the churro dessert. I was just going to make her one, but thought that would be unfair, so you can have a choice of either of them!"
*at this point I'm trying to get my dad or Ben to admit they called him, neither will give in*
Turns out, Rich really did just remember how much I loved the churros and now I will <3 him forever.
The End.
