Everything you need for a California wedding

So, what’s the deal with the pastries over at the Mediteran bakery? Are they actually any good, and what kind of damage am I looking at for my wallet?

stormyscout13 said:How much did that cake set you back? It looks incredible... How many different kinds of pastries do they have over at Appalachia?

The cake was $333. The cookies were $12 kilos.

Joshua Miller27 said:Does anyone know if there's a shop around the West Coast that’s anything like that good boutique in Washington, D.C., where you can pick up all those little wedding details—you know, things like bowties, ribbons, decorative mesh, and all that extra stuff?

Also, does anyone know the name of that shop in a town like Phoenix that carries those specific wedding dresses? I'm trying to figure out if it's actually worth buying a gown there or if I should just head over to Washington, D.C. instead.

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give me! 🙏

Look, you've got Lumen out in Appalachia—they carry basically all that decor stuff you're looking for.

As for the dresses, La Perla in the wide hill area is definitely the way to go. Honestly, they’ll be way more budget-friendly than anything you’d find in a massive city, plus their service is top-notch!

I'm not sure if you've locked in a venue or a caterer yet, but let me throw a few names your way just so you have a starting point.

RESTAURANTS: Venice, Appalachia, Topić—I think most of them can handle up to about 300 or 350 guests, though Topić can squeeze in up to 500 if you need the space.
PHOTO: photo Olujić, Brane Boban, photo Raos, photo-video Polo
MUSIC: Gabriel, Power Silence, Centrifuge....

If I think of anything else, I'll give you a shout! Cheers!😉

Help me out here.............

My birthday is coming up next year... but I still haven't found a band to play my party. The only thing I definitely don't want is a duo or a trio. So, if anyone happens to know any good groups, maybe let me know here or just shoot me their numbers in a DM .........

hollowsailor5 said:We’re looking at about 300 guests, so we have a limited number of venues in the San Diego area to choose from...
What does the venue actually look like? What kind of tables are they using (round or rectangular)? How's the service?
What do you mean by "too dark"?
Do you happen to know the price per chair?
Thanks!

The tables are rectangular, and the section where we were sitting was pretty much pitch black.🤷
I don't know the exact price, but I'd bet my life it's higher than it was three years ago.
If I remember right, that hall in San Francisco holds about 300 people, plus there are a few other spots around St. Philip and Jacob.😛

mellowfalcon said:We're stuck in the exact same loop again. 🙂 If you happen to snag any photos, just pass them my way.
So, what's the deal with that band Trophy? And more importantly—what's the damage if someone actually wants to book them?

Blue, I actually booked Suzy. You can find out her rates by sending her an email; she'll walk you through everything and you guys can coordinate a meeting if you're able to get to her location. If not, she'll clear it all up via email. Honestly, she isn't nearly as pricey as people claim given the quality of her work—for me, the photos are the most important thing, and I'd pay double what she charges because she's such an awesome woman. Plus, I've seen the shots and albums she's done for my friends. Here is her link: http://www.suzynewlife.com/ Just shoot her an email and she'll give you the lowdown. As for the Trophy band, they didn't really wow me at a party I went to; I much prefer the guys from Tempo or Modus. I don't have their number handy, but I can track it down for you. I decided against a massive gala; we're looking at about 50 people—just parents and best friends—and I'm planning an afterparty too, so I'm trying not to sweat the tiny details. Martin Arbanas is doing my makeup, and she is incredible. For hair, I'm going for that loose, effortless look, and I've left all the heavy lifting to Silvana from Si Wedding Events. Check out her site here: [URL][/URL] It lets me focus on enjoying myself without stressing over the logistics. Silvana is handling the decor, the bouquet, the cake, and all the sweets. I've picked a color scheme, and everything will revolve around that. The venue is Adriana, and I need to be ready to hit the floor and celebrate until the early hours of the next morning. Catch you later, ladies!

My dearest ladies,
I’m finally jumping into this discussion, mostly because I feel compelled to share my own little journey with you all.
First off, I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone here for all the wonderful information and advice regarding weddings in California; it was absolutely instrumental in helping me pull my own big day together. And if I may be so bold—and perhaps a bit subjective—it truly felt like stepping straight into a fairy tale. So, if any of you are currently in the midst of planning your own wedding and find yourselves needing a few trusted recommendations, here is my personal shortlist:
venue: Marina Frapa Rogoznica / an absolutely magical setting for a fairytale wedding
the kickoff: champagne and hors d'oeuvres by the pool
menu: a perfect blend of seafood and meat / simply perfection
the dress: Elite Bride / simple, feminine, and incredibly elegant
after-midnight attire: Elite Bride / something a little more fun and different
shoes: Ledenko / Bride
hair: Smiljan make up
makeup: Ivana Šinkić
nails: Professionals Studio San Francisco
groom's suit: Mr. Mot / Martin Arbanas
pastries: American cake
cake: lighthouse / Mediteran bakery
other sweets: delta Babić
flowers and decor: jaglac effect florist
special effects: boom pyrotechnics music
ceremony music: Well Music
reception music: Vertigo bend / they were spectacular, I cannot recommend them enough!
invitations and stationery: Lipa Ana
confetti: lavender-filled shells / a little mix of our own creative ideas
wedding bands: Vagus jewelry
photography: wedding studio in

In any case, it was a perfectly elegant, deeply romantic wedding—the kind of day I am certain anyone would dream of having...

stormyscout13 said:So, what’s the deal with the pastries over at the Mediteran bakery? Are they actually any good, and what kind of damage am I looking at for my wallet?

Honestly, their crunchy praline treats and those shortbread cookies are absolutely divine, and if you're looking for wedding cakes, their marzipan designs are truly showstoppers.

Larry Ross43 said:I was wondering if it’s possible to hire Ivica Matić just for photography at a wedding? Basically, we’re only looking for photos and aren't really interested in video services... I guess it would be helpful to know what his typical rate is for just shooting a wedding?

Absolutely, that is definitely an option you can go with.
The rates generally range from about $1,100 to $1,650, though you should keep in mind there might be extra costs depending on your specific needs. For instance, things like travel expenses, sessions that run longer than 12 hours, scheduling shoots a day early or late, getting a DVD with all the high-res shots, or having them featured on their official website—those kinds of extras can certainly bump up the final price.

placidorca13 said:My dearest ladies,
I’m finally jumping into this discussion, mostly because I feel compelled to share my own little journey with you all.
First off, I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone here for all the wonderful information and advice regarding weddings in California; it was absolutely instrumental in helping me pull my own big day together. And if I may be so bold—and perhaps a bit subjective—it truly felt like stepping straight into a fairy tale. So, if any of you are currently in the midst of planning your own wedding and find yourselves needing a few trusted recommendations, here is my personal shortlist:
venue: Marina Frapa Rogoznica / an absolutely magical setting for a fairytale wedding
the kickoff: champagne and hors d'oeuvres by the pool
menu: a perfect blend of seafood and meat / simply perfection
the dress: Elite Bride / simple, feminine, and incredibly elegant
after-midnight attire: Elite Bride / something a little more fun and different
shoes: Ledenko / Bride
hair: Smiljan make up
makeup: Ivana Šinkić
nails: Professionals Studio San Francisco
groom's suit: Mr. Mot / Martin Arbanas
pastries: American cake
cake: lighthouse / Mediteran bakery
other sweets: delta Babić
flowers and decor: jaglac effect florist
special effects: boom pyrotechnics music
ceremony music: Well Music
reception music: Vertigo bend / they were spectacular, I cannot recommend them enough!
invitations and stationery: Lipa Ana
confetti: lavender-filled shells / a little mix of our own creative ideas
wedding bands: Vagus jewelry
photography: wedding studio in

In any case, it was a perfectly elegant, deeply romantic wedding—the kind of day I am certain anyone would dream of having...

🙏

Well Music - absolutely incredible guys
If you’re willing to invest a little extra to really elevate the musical experience at your event, I cannot recommend them enough.
They performed six songs for us, and honestly, they were flawless; they brought such a unique, soulful atmosphere to the entire wedding ceremony:
Here is the setlist we handpicked for them to perform:
"When You Come to Me," right as the bride was walking toward the groom
"My Beautiful Angel," during the flower girl moments
"Let There Be a Calm Sea," which they played at the end of the ceremony just as the fireworks started
"Christ on My Soul," right as dinner service began
A heartfelt American classic instead of a traditional hymn
"My Fairy," for our very first dance🙂

The duo Vinuti and Ivo—could someone please provide some insight? Does anyone have any actual reviews, praise, or even a bit of criticism to share? I'd love to hear it!

George Bennett9 said:The duo Vinuti and Ivo—could someone please provide some insight? Does anyone have any actual reviews, praise, or even a bit of criticism to share? I'd love to hear it!

All I can tell you is this:👍 👍 👍 👍
these guys are absolutely fantastic; I’ve caught them playing at a few parties, and honestly, those guys just never run out of energy.🙏🙏
If you really want to catch them live, you could always head down to the local bars or clubs around the coast to hear them play.

George Bennett9 said:The duo Vinuti and Ivo—could someone please provide some insight? Does anyone have any actual reviews, praise, or even a bit of criticism to share? I'd love to hear it!

They're awesome. They play for my godmother over in San Francisco. I can only sing their praises... 👍👍

George Bennett9 said:The duo Vinuti and Ivo—could someone please provide some insight? Does anyone have any actual reviews, praise, or even a bit of criticism to share? I'd love to hear it!

Honestly, I can only echo the praise for them... nothing but good things...😍

Anyway, thanks for all the comments. I’m planning on sitting down with my sister tomorrow to go through them all—mostly just to keep her from thinking I’m jumping back into the marriage pool again—but honestly? I think the decision has already been made regardless of what she thinks!

Hey there. I’m getting married in San Francisco next September. I was wondering if anyone here has had a DJ handle their reception instead of a live band? I'm curious about what the energy was actually like on the dance floor. If anyone has a solid recommendation for a DJ, please shoot me a DM with their contact info.

Hey ladies,
I’m new here. I’ve been lurking for a while now and honestly, all your info has been such a lifesaver (thanks a ton!!!), so I figured it was finally time to jump in and join the conversation.

My birthday is August 28th next year, and we’ve finally checked some major things off our list: the venue is the Ritz-Carlton, the band is Flash, photography/video is being handled by a pro, and for the guest reception (on my end): we’re looking at the Getty Museum. We spent forever weighing every single option, scouting locations, and going back and forth—so we’re seriously relieved to finally have these big pieces in place.

Now, we’re hunting for a solid catering company (ideally one that can provide tents) for the reception. Any recommendations? I saw someone mention some local spots and boutique caterers earlier? Has anyone actually used those specific catering services or maybe others out there? I need the real scoop—how’s the food, how’s the service, and what’s the damage to the wallet?

Also, we’re looking for a good vocal group to sing a few songs (maybe 2 or 3 before and after the ceremony). Someone suggested a few specific acapella groups to us—what’s the verdict on them? Do you have any other suggestions? And what are we looking at in terms of pricing?

I am seriously so grateful for all this intel—especially since I live out of state, so I can't just pop in to check everything out or listen to performers in person.

Later!

Dana Thomas14 said:Hey ladies,
I’m new here. I’ve been lurking for a while now and honestly, all your info has been such a lifesaver (thanks a ton!!!), so I figured it was finally time to jump in and join the conversation.

My birthday is August 28th next year, and we’ve finally checked some major things off our list: the venue is the Ritz-Carlton, the band is Flash, photography/video is being handled by a pro, and for the guest reception (on my end): we’re looking at the Getty Museum. We spent forever weighing every single option, scouting locations, and going back and forth—so we’re seriously relieved to finally have these big pieces in place.

Now, we’re hunting for a solid catering company (ideally one that can provide tents) for the reception. Any recommendations? I saw someone mention some local spots and boutique caterers earlier? Has anyone actually used those specific catering services or maybe others out there? I need the real scoop—how’s the food, how’s the service, and what’s the damage to the wallet?

Also, we’re looking for a good vocal group to sing a few songs (maybe 2 or 3 before and after the ceremony). Someone suggested a few specific acapella groups to us—what’s the verdict on them? Do you have any other suggestions? And what are we looking at in terms of pricing?

I am seriously so grateful for all this intel—especially since I live out of state, so I can't just pop in to check everything out or listen to performers in person.

Later!

I'll weigh in on the music side... you should check out the groups performing this Wednesday in Latin America (up near the tunnel on Boulevard).

amberfox342 said:

Blue Mandarin oranges are such a delight! I remember picking up a crate of them at a local farmer's market last summer, and they were absolutely bursting with flavor. kaže:
Hey everyone! Hope you're all doing great!
I’ve been having such a hard time lately trying to track down reliable bands and photographers here in San Diego—those are easily the two most important things for any event!🙄

It looks like everyone is raving about Pixar lately! Does anyone know where I can find their official website? I just can't seem to track it down.🤷 I honestly can't even bring myself to look at their work!

Same here—Susie seems like a solid choice, but I read somewhere that she’s pretty pricey. If anyone knows what a basic package actually costs, please shoot me a DM!
It looks like I might have to fly in a photography studio from New York City along with all my guests! 😁
Those few units we were eyeing in New York City? They're already spoken for. Everyone beat us to the punch!

Second thing—bands. We were really aiming to be the trophy-winners for our big date!

To my dear little mandarin orange and all the young ladies growing up here in San Diego—I have to tell you, Susie and Tempo are hands down the absolute best duo in town!
When I'm down in San Diego, there is absolutely no one else I'd trust with my photos besides Susie and her wonderful husband!🙏👍 They are absolutely wild, but man, that photo is stunning! When it comes to weddings, they really go all out—it’s not just giving 100%, they’re hitting 150%.
They aren't any worse than that Art Studio in Newport everyone claims is "the best." Honestly, they’re only the best if you want to give yourself a massive headache trying to figure out their pricing!
Susie just picked up her mid-tier package! $1667 Honestly, that’s a perfectly fair price for the kind of work being done! I actually paid a similar amount for a freelance designer in San Diego last year, and it was worth every penny.
For that price, you’re getting quite the haul! You get a photographer on hand from the start of the ceremony right up until the bouquet toss, a beautiful album featuring about 130 to 140 professionally edited shots, a CD of those highlights, and a full DVD containing every single photo taken at the venue. It includes all those tiny little details that most guests probably miss, plus everyone captured in all sorts of funny, candid poses!😂
They just work around the clock starting from February 14th and catch everything!
I honestly don't regret spending a single cent on them! It was worth every penny.
This album is absolutely stunning! Every time my girlfriends come over to visit, I find myself pulling it out to show them again—I honestly admire it just as much every single time. They are simply the best!🙏

Tempo was absolutely fantastic! They really know how to set the mood, and I had such a blast because they played exactly the kind of music we wanted to hear. It was great seeing everyone from the kids to my older relatives out on the dance floor together. Their rate was... $2667 They truly earned it!

By the way, before I wrap this up, I really need to give a huge shout-out to Sylvia—she did such an incredible job decorating the hall and the church!
Hey everyone! If you need any advice, please feel free to ask. I remember when everything was brand new to me, too!

Joanna, thank you. You've been such a huge help.
I'm heading to New York City this weekend, so I'll check out the Suzy Price you mentioned for the basic package. It doesn't look bad at all compared to what things cost in NYC. One thing though—Suzy doesn't provide the camera herself, right? So, I'd have to factor in the extra cost for a camera, but the real issue is where to find one that isn't tied to the photo package.🤷🤔

We'll get to hear Tempo at a party we're attending soon, but it might be too late by then—they might already be booked for our date. We'll try to see them perform this weekend instead.

Since you've been so helpful in guiding me—do you happen to know anyone in NYC who does great makeup? Nothing heavy like stage makeup, just something natural that lasts all night? And also, someone who does amazing hair?

Thank you, thank you 🙂