Posts by Raymond Brooks7

Andrew Fowler15 said:Greetings, does anyone happen to have a recommendation for a choir to perform during church services?

just hit up chunky ..

Joseph Thomas7 said:Bobby ... you can actually find their full catalog online here and they also take custom orders.

I once heard a recommendation for Mediterranean Sweets—someone suggested them to me too—but the logistics were a nightmare because getting my specific "croquant vision" delivered from their location was just too far out of the way for me.

At any rate, you can find Bobby on almost every street corner, and even if the wedding isn't being held in San Francisco, they shouldn't have any trouble delivering it straight to the venue.👍

So, what happened? Are they just not delivering anymore? 🤔 They actually charged me extra for delivery because the destination was quite a trek from San Francisco. And honestly? It was worth it. He finished the whole drop-off right on the spot since the items wouldn't fit together properly in the van.

Ethan Lee96 said:I’m thinking about booking Bravo Band from San Diego for my wedding, and I was wondering if anyone could share some reviews? I’d likely go with their trio version since we’re only expecting about 50 guests. Regarding their musical style—do they really know how to get a party started? Also, does anyone have an idea of what they charge? I need to give them a final answer pretty soon, so if anyone has heard them live, please let me know!

Look, I hired them myself and was beyond happy... though, granted, that was over five years ago.🙂

Noah Long7 said:The trio will run you about $1,500. They lean heavily toward urban tracks and they definitely know how to set a mood, but fair warning: they aren't exactly known for sticking to the couple's specific playlist requests!

That wasn't my experience at all... everything we discussed was handled perfectly. They did exactly what they said they would.

Look, if anyone happens to need a contact number for Lucija Spajić, I’ve got it... just shoot me a DM. I'm rarely hanging around here much anyway. 😉

gentlewolf69 said:I stumbled upon this place called Sweet Corner, and apparently, they're based out of San Francisco. I did a little digging on Google and found a bakery over at Ana's... so I'm going to keep looking around to see what else is out there. If there are any locals from Imotski in here, could you let me know where the best spot is to pick up a cake in town?

They're definitely based out of San Francisco... they do a fantastic job. I know firsthand because they made cakes for my kid's last two birthdays...

feralsurfer3 said:How’s the vibe over at Sweet Corner? My husband and I dropped by the other day just to get a feel for things... A slice of cheesecake there is $450, but I’m dying to know about the actual flavors. I can't stand that cardboard taste you get with store-bought cakes, it's just 🙂
...

The flavor is top-tier. I actually served their cakes at my wedding...
Not the main wedding cake, mind you—that was praline—but the side cakes.
Even the stuff from the creme de la creme selection blew me away 😍
Bob's, Zenith, and Delta... they're all the same to me. Every single variety tastes identical 🤷

Amy Johnson said:Does anyone know if there are dance classes specifically for newlyweds? Like, where you could actually put together a custom routine for the first dance or maybe something to do right in the middle of the reception? Also... any idea how much that usually runs me...

About four and a half years ago, my husband and I did private lessons. We wanted a custom routine for our first dance to a specific song... back then, an hour went for $33... if you want the contact info, just shoot me a DM...

Thomas Cruz9 said:I consider myself quite proficient at doing my own makeup, but I honestly wouldn't dare trust someone else with my look for such a big day. Of course, I’m the one who knows my face best; if I know that a classic red lip just doesn't work for me, then I'm certainly not going to wear it just because it's "traditional." If anything, I'll just give my makeup artist some very specific directions on which shades actually complement my skin tone and which ones to steer clear of entirely.
As far as the price goes, I’d say Anne Hathaway is looking at closer to 300, wouldn't you? $117 With the eyelashes (I think?)—but honestly, it doesn’t really matter for that day, does it? $33 It’s a non-negotiable at this point—the makeup absolutely has to be flawless. Honestly, the hardest part isn't even the application; it's the sheer agony of deciding who to book. Does anyone have any inside intel or a solid recommendation regarding Tina Fey? I'm feeling a bit lost in the decision-making process here.

It’s been a while, but Tina Kalinic did my makeup this past Monday right after the wedding. My usual pro, Lucy Smith—the one who handled everything on the actual big day—wasn't available, so we had to make a pivot.
She did a decent enough job. I have nothing to complain about, really... except for the fact that she exclusively used Dior products. But honestly? The work itself was fine.

Peter Collins90 said:She told me recently it would be $350 🤷 (lashes included), and there isn't even an option for a trial run; you just have to go to her house 😢 ...
Lucy Smith is $83, offers a trial ($33), and travels to your location... Her work is beautiful, so to me, it seems like a much better value (you can probably settle on the exact look during the trial, so you won't have to worry about looking completely unrecognizable on the big day)🙂

Thomas Cruz9 said:Does anyone happen to have contact info for Lucy Smith? I've heard great things about Anne, but if she doesn't offer a trial session (which I would absolutely pay for, by the way), how am I supposed to take that kind of risk on the actual wedding day? What if I hate it? Between the stress breakouts I'm dealing with, the last thing I need is a makeup disaster

I'll send you Lucy Smith's contact info.
Honestly, she’s just fantastic. She’s approachable, down-to-earth, and she actually uses high-end makeup, which is why she was always my absolute go-to. But ever since she stepped aside, it’s been all about Tina Kalinic.

Honestly, just lying here doing nothing is driving me up the wall. It’s the restlessness. Plus, having my kid sick is a total drag, and being stuck in this position means all I can do is stare at dust motes floating through the air like tiny hawks. 🙄🙂

silentbison17 said:Can anyone recommend a bakery that does custom croquembouche? I don't want something pulled straight from a display case...

Specifically, I’m looking to order a massive mountain of them—I know, probably won't happen—or something else entirely... just nothing themed around St. Patrick, because that doesn't mean anything to me...

Check out Mediterranean Sweets over at the marina... the guy is legendary throughout California and beyond for crafting all kinds of wild brittle masterpieces. He actually made us a sailboat once based on a sketch we drew... just do a quick search, people talk about his work constantly.

Olivia Lee5 said:I wanted to put together a little summary of my wedding from ten days ago, just in case anyone finds it helpful for their own planning!

Invitations I believe you might be referring to Penguin Random House over in Philadelphia. $2.00 It’s a bit like being covered in a blanket... I mean, our invitation was actually that one from Angelus, specifically the "Love is in the Air" version—you know, the one designed to look like a flight itinerary, just slightly modified. 😁

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the perfect suit lately. It seems like such a fundamental part of a man's wardrobe, yet finding that one piece that truly hits the mark can feel like an endless pursuit. I guess there is just something about the way a well-tailored suit changes your entire demeanor, don't you think? It provides a sense of structure and confidence that's hard to replicate with anything else. Maybe it's the fabric, or maybe it's just the silhouette, but I find myself constantly weighing different options—from classic navy wools to perhaps something a bit more contemporary. I suppose it really comes down to finding that delicate balance between timeless elegance and modern comfort. (+ tie, shirt, belt, pocket square, cufflinks) — M. Arbanas $1533It was worth every single penny. Honestly, my husband looked just like the man on the book cover! The saleswoman working the afternoon shift was incredibly capable and helpful—really pleasant to deal with and clearly knows her stuff. She didn't try to push her own opinions on me, which was such a relief. It’s a world apart from what you experience at Mister Motati, where both the departments and the staff can be an absolute disaster.

Wedding. So, I finally had my first experience wearing La Perla, and I have to say, it was quite the moment. It’s one of those things you think about trying for a while, and when it actually happens, you wonder if it lives up to the hype. I guess it really does. There's just something about the way everything fits and feels that makes the whole experience feel a bit more special. It was definitely a lovely little milestone for me! $1833It feels like a dream... 😍 I came home after what felt like a pretty messy day, but the folks at the dry cleaners assured me that they wouldn't have any trouble getting everything looking spotless again.

Makeup. I have to say, Lucija Spajić didn't just do my makeup—she absolutely nailed it. It was beyond perfect. We went through a whole process together: first a trial run, then the full wedding day look (which included my mom and my maid of honor), and finally a session the next day for our photo shoot. She is such a wonderful person to work with. I found her incredibly sweet and easygoing, which was exactly what I needed because she completely relaxed me. She has such steady hands, too; honestly, she managed to calm my nerves right before the big celebration started. As for the makeup itself? It was flawless. It stayed perfectly in place from about 1:00 in the afternoon all the way until 7:00 the next morning without shifting even a little bit. I can’t recommend her enough!$33 Just testing things out here. $67 When it comes to achieving that truly "proper" makeup look, I feel like there’s such a fine line between looking polished and looking like you're wearing a mask. Personally, I think it all starts with the preparation, though maybe that's just my way of overthinking things! To me, "real" makeup isn't about covering up every single imperfection—it's more about enhancing what's already there. I guess if you go too heavy on the foundation, you lose that natural glow that makes skin look healthy. I've found that using a really lightweight tint or even just a good concealer in specific spots works much better for a daytime look. I suppose everyone has their own definition of perfection, but I always lean toward something that looks effortless. It’s almost an art form, isn't it? Finding that balance where you look put-together without feeling like you've spent an hour in front of the mirror. Maybe it's worth experimenting with different textures to see what feels most comfortable for your skin type! $17 I was thinking about eyelashes recently—you know, that whole topic of lash care and aesthetics. It’s funny how such a small detail can really change how you feel about your entire look. I guess there isn't a single perfect way to go about it, since everyone's preferences seem to vary so much, but I've been curious about what works best for maintaining them. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like it's one of those little beauty rituals that can actually boost your mood if you find the right routine.

Flowers I have to say, I was absolutely blown away by everything from the florist in San Francisco. Honestly, everything about it was just perfect. For my bouquet, I went with a mix of white, yellow, green, and pink orchids, paired with some white lisianthus, light pink peonies, and these incredibly vibrant hot pink ranunculus. The whole arrangement felt so soft and airy—it had this lush, romantic, almost overflowing look that was exactly what I wanted. Even the boutonnières for the groom and the best man were made from orchids, and the maid of honor wore a beautiful bracelet featuring orchids and lisianthus. The head table looked stunning; there was one massive floral sphere featuring a colorful blend of white, yellow, pink, and green blooms, including orchids, daisies, green buds, violets, and carnations. We also had two smaller versions of those spheres, and we placed six large candles around them—three on each side between the large and small spheres. On the guest tables, we had lovely vase arrangements that featured a "frosted" effect at the base, using the same color palette as the bouquet and the main table to keep everything cohesive. I’m actually quite sad that I don't have photos ready yet, but I’ll be sure to post them once I receive them! As for the ceremony in the church, we had three grand arrangements decorating the altars, along with organza bows draped over every other pew that flowed all the way to the floor. Tucked inside each bow was a delicate little arrangement of dried flowers in whites, yellows, pinks, and greens. Finally, for the car, we had an organza ribbon stretched across the hood topped with a petite floral piece made of orchids, lisianthus, and peonies. It truly was a dream.
Everything was absolutely wonderful... It turned out to be such a great experience for all of us. $1000It really paid off!

I suppose I should start by saying that I don't always have all the answers, but I’ve been thinking quite a bit about Reveri lately. It seems like such an interesting subject to dive into, though I realize my perspective might be a little narrow. Maybe there's more to it than meets the eye, but from where I'm sitting, it feels like something worth pondering more deeply. I guess we could look at it from a few different angles, if we really wanted to be thorough. I ended up picking up some ready-made pieces for the men in Indianapolis, though I’ve been thinking that maybe I should add a little something extra—perhaps just attach those small decorative pins to turn them into custom brooches, if you know what I mean. As for the ladies, I decided to handcraft some bracelets instead; I actually ordered all the necessary supplies for that project through eBay. I don't have any photos of the finished products yet, unfortunately. 🙂 Don't forget to take photos next time—I have a feeling those photographers might have been too busy chasing after Tin! Anyway, regarding the bracelets, they were made of green organza with a butterfly centered right in the middle, flanked by little flowers on either side. They had these lovely yellow butterflies paired with green floral accents, and then green butterflies accented with white blossoms. Each one was about two inches across, featuring tiny delicate flowers; honestly, the whole effect was quite striking. It’s such a shame I didn't manage to snap a picture. I don't recall the exact price point, but if I remember correctly, the total for both the men's and women's sets came out to about... $133 It looks like we’re sitting right on the edge of our targets—we have about 72 men's pieces, which is just barely enough, but we actually have a bit of a surplus with around 100 women's pieces.

I suppose I should probably touch upon the topic of automobiles for a moment. It’s such a vast subject, isn't it? I feel like there is always something new to discuss when it comes to the industry here in the States. Whether we are looking at the latest shifts in tech or just the way our daily commutes are changing, there seems to be plenty to ponder. I guess it really depends on what one is interested in, but I find the whole evolution of the car to be quite fascinating, if I do say so myself! We ended up renting this vintage red-and-white Mercedes from a local guy—it was about $300. It’s such a classic, total retro vibe! 😍

I suppose I should probably mention my thoughts on traditional vocal groups, though I know everyone has their own preferences when it comes to music. There is just something about that specific style of multi-part harmony that feels so incredibly timeless, don't you think? It’s quite a unique way of storytelling through song, where the blend of voices becomes almost like a single instrument. I guess you could say it has a certain soulfulness that is hard to replicate with modern production. Maybe it's just me, but I find those rich, layered melodies to be quite soothing after a long day. The boys from the band played at my husband's place first, then came over to mine before we all headed out together to the church. Honestly, they were absolutely phenomenal—they completely crushed it. They brought such an authentic West Coast vibe to everything; we mostly stuck to traditional folk songs at my house, and everyone was having the absolute best time. We actually have this little inside joke between us: whenever they play "Wake Me Up in the Morning," it’s our secret signal for the next song. My husband was being quite stubborn about which track to pick next, though. He wouldn't even say the name of the song he had in mind... but then he chose "Now That You've Arrived," and man, the crowd just went wild! It was a total knockout. Huge thanks to the crew! That combination of mandolin, guitar, and upright bass is just a perfect 10/10.
The price was $733, and honestly, I think they could have charged way more! 😉


Regarding the catering — I actually decided to go with an outside caterer for our reception. The gentleman's name was Zdravko, though I seem to have forgotten the exact name of his company, hahaha. Anyway, they were absolutely wonderful; there were four of them in total. They brought everything we needed, including two large buffet tables for food and drinks, a few high-top cocktail tables, and a full set of service items like linens, glassware, napkins, silverware, plates, etc. They even handled all the table settings for us. We purchased the supplies, and they did all the heavy lifting and presentation. They really knocked it out of the park—the fruit arrangements were just stunning. Everything looked so elegant that even I noticed the difference the moment I stepped out of the house, hahaha.
The catering ended up costing us $667 plus the food and beverages we bought ourselves (the drinks alone were about $500, and since people were bringing their own spirits to the hall and drinking quite a bit, I can't say exactly how much the food cost, but it was definitely around $2,000-$833). All calculations were based on a guest list of 160 people.

As for the photographer — we used Photo California, and they were such a fantastic crew. Truly lovely, professional people. We won't see the photos and videos for a month or two, but considering we had a photo session running from 2:30 PM until 9:30 PM, I imagine they will be spectacular... Or, to put it in their terms: the shots are going to be absolute perfection, my friends, just pure perfection!
How much? Less than what you'd pay a top-tier professional. As for anything else, please don't ask me. ☕ (We paid the deposit back in June of last year)

The Band — Bravo Band was simply incredible. We actually helped curate the repertoire ourselves. The first two sets were a bit more commercial—lots of Dance, classic hits, and some fun throwback tracks—while the remaining sets leaned into rock, Studio 54 vibes, and one set featured modern urban artists like Adele. We made sure to avoid all that local cheesy stuff. They played really high-quality music, and people were dancing non-stop; even at 4:00 AM, the dance floor was still packed. That’s my takeaway: for a wedding, you really have to play a little bit of everything.
We made our grand entrance to "Born to Be Wild," and our first dance was to "Nothing Else Matters" (just as a side note—when I walked into the church, an electric guitarist was playing "Nothing Else Matters" on a classical guitar; it was about $50, and I’d highly recommend it if anyone needs that kind of touch), and we kept that energy going. The atmosphere was electric! Even the bikers were dancing to "Sve bi seke ljubile mornare" during the first set! It was total madness! They cost $1,200, consisting of two men and one woman (and by the way, the female vocalist has such a unique, amazing voice!). (Deposit paid in June of last year)

The Cake — It was from Mediterranean Sweets, run by Marina. It was this beautiful round cake with four or five tiers, topped with a motorcycle. It was absolutely wild! We practically demolished the poor thing. It cost $547, but I don't regret a single cent; it was phenomenal and truly delicious, in case you were wondering!

The Venue — It was the Castello in San Francisco, right off the main highway, in the upper hall. People kept telling me the food was excellent; everyone specifically raved about the French cuisine, the black risotto, and the roast (which is funny, because people usually don't praise those specific dishes much!). They said everything else was great too. No one complained about anything; the servers were sprinting all night, the tables stayed well-stocked, and the staff was incredibly helpful and polite—everyone had nothing but good things to say. One big plus for the venue from my side: I’d also highly recommend it (even though, personally, I didn't eat much besides two pieces of cheese 😁). The owner is a lovely, kind woman who is very easy to coordinate with. The price was $35 per person. (Deposit paid in June of last year)

I think that covers everything, though I can't be entirely certain—I might have missed something small. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Wishing everyone the best of luck! 😍

Congrats! 😍...It's great to see that quality stays quality😍 even after almost three years. 😍 😁

Lucy, The Beach Boys, Mediterranean, Victoria's Secret... they all blew me away. Plus the group I didn't hire, but I've run into those guys at other weddings and they're great. 😍

The absolute best of the best—if you even want to call it that—is right there in town. You know the spot, near the old movie theater by that little walkway, just steps away from the bookstore... their pastries and cakes are unreal.

Adam Sanders4 said:Where might one go to find truly exceptional pastries and cakes? I would be most grateful if you could offer some guidance or recommendations

provided they aren't just standard grocery store brands like Entenmann's, Hostess, or Little Debbie

Maybe try a local bakery, something high-end like Magnolia Bakery, or just stick to those classic American dessert spots...

Betty Hernandez4 said:It’s fine... you’ve helped me enough as it is. I’ll figure things out with him—but I always prefer to do a little digging before I commit to grabbing coffee. 🙂 He’s being quiet for now... but I honestly think once we grab coffee, he’ll be 100%—I've heard nothing but glowing things about his character from people who know him. 🙂 Now I just need to track down someone to handle the video... uh...🙂 Thanks again.

Just ask him; usually, those guys have their own cameramen they work with. 😍...Fox set up my video for me...

Betty Hernandez4 said:Thank youuuuuuu 🙂!! You truly made my day with that comment... I mean it, REALLY 🙂) Also, if anyone else on the forum has some photos they could share, I would be so grateful 🙂 hvala Raymond Brooks7 🙂

just ask him if he has any buddies who can show you their work...🤷
Unfortunately, I can't send over any photos myself since they aren't mine and I don't have them saved digitally, but I truly love his work 😁. Honestly, the best part is how much he actually listens; you can tell him exactly what you want and he genuinely respects the couple's vision... I don't think you'll regret going with him

Betty Hernandez4 said:I got an offer.. thank you! 🙂))
Things have gotten a little complicated regarding the date, so I’m back on the hunt for a photographer... does anyone here have experience working with Siniša Srdanović? His photos on Facebook are absolutely insane and his quote works for my budget—I just really want to see a full wedding gallery he's shot. If anyone on this forum has been photographed by Siniša, I would be BEYOND grateful if you could reach out to me....

I needed him for a shoot... but he wasn't available, so lisjak stepped in instead. But listen:
He shot my son's godmother's wedding—the photos were phenomenal
He shot an acquaintance of mine—photos were phenomenal
He’s shooting another friend soon—I have zero doubts about the result...☕

I don't have his shots in digital format, but everything I've seen that he's done is top-tier... not to mention, he's a genuinely great guy to be around ☕
If I were getting married again... hmm, I'd probably go with lisjak again 😁 though I'd bring the son along too 😍

Olivia Lee5 said:Does anyone happen to know where I might be able to buy or perhaps rent a fog machine and a bubble machine in the San Francisco area? I'd really appreciate any leads you might have. Thanks! 😁

Check out the shops over in the quiet part of town... there are some on Velebit Street, I can't remember the exact number... right near Michael Jordan. 🙂

Eric Price18 said:Hey everyone! Does anyone have a solid recommendation for a wedding planner out in San Francisco or maybe somewhere in Southern California? I'm looking for someone really reliable based on actual experiences or word-of-mouth. Here’s the deal: people told me that local florists usually don't carry those massive statement vases or the heavy-duty candelabras and stuff. Honestly, I’d much rather just hire a pro organizer who can handle all the sourcing and bring everything to the table themselves. Any leads?

🤔 My florist had every kind of vase imaginable three years ago... and they were all included in the package. Honestly, who are you even asking?

frozencobra46 said:I'm not entirely sure if this is the right place to ask, but I was wondering where one might find affordable artificial petals, floating candles, car bows, and other small decor items in San Francisco (or maybe online, if anyone has some experience there). Where do you all usually pick stuff like that up?
I actually went ahead and ordered two different types of petals through a DTP studio, so now I'm just waiting to see how they look once they arrive (about $12 pieces).
Where have you guys been shopping, and does anyone know where else I can find these kinds of things?

Target, Nirs...you can find stuff there. I actually found some artificial petals at a HomeGoods that were exactly what I needed, but I haven't seen them since...🤣

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George Taylor65 said:Does anyone have any recommendations for a restaurant that does catering? Right now, I'm looking at Boban, Pimpinel, or Arkada. Has anyone here actually used any of those three? I am completely torn! 🤷

Pimpinel does great catering... never tried Boban... been to Arkada before...

But let's be real, those three places are worlds apart...
Check out Rus or Mala Kate too... they handle catering as well.