Posts by Raymond Brooks7

nimblewolf22 said:The initial guest list looks like it'll be between 110 and 120. I stopped by Graso today; they do outdoor setups, but only for up to 110 people, if you can even trust their numbers. They charge extra for the terrace, too. But then again, who actually has the budget for that...🤷
I wouldn't bother with Do Arkada. Their ads show a nice garden, but who knows what they actually host there... Park is the traditional choice, but having a party last until 1 or 2 in the morning isn't really my style...

I checked out Fabula over at Poljud... the halls are modern and well-done, sure, but the vibe just isn't right for that classic West Coast feel we're looking for... Too urban...

Guess I'll just keep searching...

An open garden... then you've got Amigos in the suburbs... it's not an open venue, but it is right on the beach...
and San Antonio....

nimblewolf22 said:So, I’m navigating some uncharted waters here... Looking for a bit of guidance while I'm in the planning and research phase. Any insight would be appreciated... Regarding the Miami area, does anyone have experience with catering companies that offer open buffets specifically for mashed potato bars? Also, what’s the capacity at the Atlantic (Grasso) before it starts feeling cramped? Does anyone still host these types of events at the Arcade, or is that a thing of the past? Lastly, how reasonable are the rates at Hotel Lion... If anyone feels like helping a guy out in these early stages, I'm all ears.🙂

Grasso... maybe eighty or ninety people at most. That's the limit.

The Arcade is great. Truly. But let's be real—the space is tiny. You’re looking at a hard cap of maybe 100 people before it gets claustrophobic.

The Hotel Lion can run up to $400 a night if you aren't careful. And don't even get me started on the food. You’ll see decent menu items priced at a cool $100, yet I've heard plenty of people leave those tables feeling completely famished. It's a joke. 😢

How many people would I actually invite to a wedding? Honestly, probably not too many. If we’re looking at outdoor venues, that fancy Hotel Lion is always a popular choice. I'd cap the guest list at 150 max. Any more than that and you're just hosting a crowd, not a wedding.

Most people around here are pretty closed off, honestly. A bit standoffish. If you're looking for somewhere actually decent, though, check out Benedict over on Benny. It’s a great spot. Open, right on the beach. Good vibes.

The venue is actually great... I’ve been there personally, checked it out... look, the parking lot isn't exactly huge, but the attendant is super sharp and manages the flow perfectly... so they squeeze in more cars than you'd think. 😁

I stayed at the Presidential Hotel about two years back... It was alright, I guess. My biggest gripe? That massive pillar right in the middle of the dance floor. Total vibe killer. And honestly, even back then, the prices were pretty steep. Drinks weren't included, and they were serving bottled water—0.7 liter bottles, of all things. Who actually pays those prices? Ridiculous. Plus, finding parking is a total nightmare, even if you are right in the heart of downtown.

Jesse Lopez90 said:I’ve been reading up on the NRA, and honestly, there are a few points in there that just don't sit right with me. Still, it is what it is. As for Fable, I can't find much to complain about regarding the quality—though the price tag is a different story...😢( ) I just wanted to get your take. Any thoughts?
Thanks a lot!

Hey,

I actually visited Fable back when they were still building it, so I can only comment on the space itself. I've noticed a lot of groups recommend them, like Live Nation or The Beach Boys... and those guys certainly have plenty of halls to work with...

My only gripe is that you might end up with several different types of puree served at once... though even that isn't a guarantee. And then there's the price. They quoted me 43 dollars... I heard they have some top-tier chef, but since prices seem to be climbing everywhere, I'm not sure if that's reasonable for 2009 in San Diego, or if it's just too much.🤷

As for the NRA... I haven't been. They played me, so I'd suggest being careful. The hall is just a hall; I didn't have any major complaints. The food should be fine, the venue is decent, all the amenities are there—except maybe the access and the location. It’s right near the prison, after all. But that doesn't have to be a downside. If someone causes trouble, they can go straight to jail.😂

George Howard4 said:Does anyone happen to know where that Sala Castello place is located over in Chicago?

It's right off the highway, on the right side if you're driving from San Francisco toward Sausalito... just before you hit the exit for the freeway. It’s a massive white house. There are two halls there—one on the ground floor and one upstairs.

So, everything went off without a hitch. Here’s my official list of recommendations:

The dress: La Perla Bridal Salon—smooth sailing from start to finish. The service was top-tier. Honestly, I hit up almost every boutique in the area, but they were the only ones with a selection that actually caught my eye.

The suit: Mister Mot—we found his suit in ten minutes flat. He was thrilled, and frankly, so was I. 😍

The venue: Castle Slannica—everything was perfect. Service was stellar, food was excellent (or so I’m told; I barely ate a thing, actually, I didn't eat anything at all).

Music: Bravo Band—absolute professionals. They were incredibly engaged and delivered exactly what we discussed, then some!

Photography: Ivica Lisjak 😍 I can't wait to see them, though I have zero doubts about the quality.

Florist: Jaglac over in Radunica—just incredible. This woman knows her craft inside and out. Nothing is impossible for her, and she won't break the bank either.

Dancing: Mimice Dance Studio—every single minute and every dollar spent was worth it.

Special effects for the first dance: Mirnovec Pyrotechnics—it wasn't exactly what we agreed on, but hey, the effect worked perfectly.

Cakes: Cukarin—still my number one choice.

Desserts: Homemade treats from a lady in Solina. Not a single crumb was left. I think that speaks for itself, especially considering there was over 130 pounds of sweets for 115 guests.

Wedding cake: A bakery from Marina (I can't remember the name, but the baker is a wizard when it comes to croquant).

If I missed anything, just ask. 😍

Steven Gonzalez6 said:Hey, I need some quick advice on flowers, and what’s the actual damage? Just trying to nail down the details before they rip me off.

It all depends on what you're looking for—prices can range anywhere from $2 to $7 per stem$0.00...just give us an idea of what you have in mind...maybe then we can be more helpful...regardless, go hit up a few local florists first and check their rates....

rapidmason10 said:Hey guys, I’ve been hearing nothing but rave reviews about that new hall they opened up near Donald Trump’s place over in Lori... honestly, it sounds awesome, so I definitely recommend checking it out! 👍

Give me a break...who was actually the first person to even find that place?

It’s just a bit pricey....it was 42 bucks for New Year's.

David King72 said:Sure
I heard a rumor that Amogos in Malibu is shutting its doors next year.

Give me a break... just rumors. Even though the owner is getting married soon, and his wife is pregnant...

Susan Rivera2 said:Maybe San Francisco, Oakland, or perhaps somewhere like Malibu—something along those lines. Anyway, I'll probably swing by that area for a bit. Thanks.

San Francisco: I'm thinking just Bolero and Kokolo... Gusar feels a little outdated, honestly, having the Rose Bowl in a truck... Nirs
Oakland: Castello
Dugopolje: Dolis, Phoenix, and Sun

Ladies, feel free to fill in the blanks if I missed anything...😁

Do you have any idea what kind of music they'd want? That, and the photography, can be a real headache too...

Susan Rivera2 said:Hey everyone!!! Let me get straight to the point—we’ve officially decided on a destination wedding for next September. Honestly, I thought I was being smart by taking things slow since we have plenty of time, but after reading through all your posts, I’ve realized I am way behind the curve... and now I’m starting to panic. I have absolutely no clue where to host it, what to do about music, nothing... We’re looking at about 210 guests, so we definitely need a larger venue, but I don’t want to go completely broke doing this either... ugh... If anyone can help me out, pleaseeeee!!!

Of course we can help.
Here is my initial take:

For a crowd that size, check out these venues: Bolero in San Francisco,
Dolis, or Phoenix....
Where are you leaning? San Francisco or maybe somewhere in the outskirts? 😕
P.S. My advice? Go check out the Wedding in California thread. There are always tons of women posting there, so you'll get tips and info much faster.😍

The business district in Boise features both Iowa and Elite—Iowa sits right near Studenac, while Elite is right at the start if you’re heading out from ST, just past Dolisa

Ružica is located over in Mejaš, right on the ground floor of the Dacia Nirs dealership

Nirs is situated by the prison over in Bilica

Jerry Thompson7 said:I have to address the flawed conclusion above... look, Ivica Matić isn't even in the same league as the esteemed Mr. Fox and Sin; he's actually two tiers above them... his high price is completely justified because at that level, you are paying for NOTHING BUT PURE QUALITY...

In the meantime, I've taken a look at Smith's work myself...
Listen, taste is subjective... and "quality" is a slippery term. Are we talking about the weight of the paper? The binding of an album? Or the actual visual impact of the shot itself?😕 I won't get bogged down in that; this thread isn't the place for such debates...
But I am sticking to my guns: the quality of work from this respected trio is identical...

p.s. check out the images on their websites:
www.ivicamatic.com
www.ivicalisjak.com

Nathan Nguyen2 said:I checked out the sites for Smith, Fox, and I think Teklica, but honestly, everything looks way better on a screen than when you see the actual prints. Like, the photos aren't bad, but they aren't quite as "wow" as they seem online. To me, Studio in still seems a few notches above them.
Who shot Pinguink?

A quick thought: I’ve looked at Fox's website before, too... but honestly, that wasn't what made me decide to hire him. It wasn't until I saw his work in person that I knew I had to book him, no matter what...
Anyway, my advice is simple: don't just stop at one guy. Go see everyone you actually like... once you see the work face-to-face, the decision becomes obvious.
I noticed you asked about BB, too... those guys are great. I've been to a few parties where they played, and the vibe was fantastic... I'm really hoping for that kind of atmosphere at my own thing...
I'm not sure if their rates changed, since almost everyone bumped up their prices back in January... if you need any specifics on Fox or BB, just let me know.😍

rapidhawk26 said:Hey there, since I’m clearly incapable of navigating through these endless pages of discussions without getting lost, I’m coming to you all to see if someone can help clear up a bit of a dilemma... For photography and video work, I’m currently torn between the Art Institute, Spinnaker, or maybe Photo Plus over in San Jose? I’ve seen people raving about all three of them everywhere, so I’m trying to figure out who actually delivers that top-tier, premium quality—the kind that really stands out. Honestly, price isn't my main concern here; I assume they’re all roughly in the same ballpark. I just want the best. Thanks so much!

Hey... let's cut to the chase...
Art Studio and Spinnaker are based in New York City... and I don't know anyone who used them for weddings here in California
but in ST and the surrounding areas, these are the ones everyone raves about:
Ivica Lisjak (check out his website www.ivicalisjak.com); Studio IN from San Jose; Photo Plus (Sina) from Miami, and Ivica Matić (he has a website too)
I can PM you details on Lisjak or Sina; for Studio IN, Slavaz might have some info for you...

They are highly recommended, highly sought after... and extremely busy...
I'm not sure what "quality" means to you specifically... honestly, it's best to meet with each of them and then decide...
(p.s. my money is on Lisjak because his shots are insane, he's laid back, and he works miracles... I'm just glad I snagged him because by the time I started looking 10 months out... say, Sina/Photo Plus... he was already booked...)
Can't comment on Studio IN... but a few girls on the forum have used them....
Anyway, if you need anything else, let me know....

goldeneagle5 said:So here’s the deal... I’m 18, and three months ago, I ended up pregnant with my boyfriend, even though we’ve only been together for about eight months. Honestly, if it were just up to me, I wouldn't care, but he and his family are making such a huge ordeal out of it. See, I never actually grew up in a religious household; I only got baptized because I didn't want kids at school picking on me when I was seven, and during my First Communion, I basically told the priest to just get it over with at 3 p.m. so I could leave—not my finest moment, I know, but you get the picture—and obviously, I never did Confirmation. That’s where all the drama starts, because my man wants us to have a full church wedding before my bump starts showing too much, specifically by August 30th. I said yes to it, but let's be real: it’s not what I actually want, and I know I won't be happy because I can't stand church and I don't believe in God. The whole question is, why can't we just go to the courthouse and get married there?! It's only because then they say we can't baptize the baby, and since he's dead set on that, I just went along with it and said fine, let's go to church... As you can see, we are running totally out of time for all the prep work, so I'm wondering how long those marriage prep classes actually take? And what about Confirmation??? Does anyone know where in San Francisco we can get married without them giving us a hard time just because I got pregnant before the wedding??
Please, I need some help ASAP because my head is spinning and nothing makes any sense right now! 😢

Look, stop panicking... this is all fixable.
A child can be baptized regardless of whether you had a church wedding, but fine, if you want to avoid the drama and since you already agreed to the church ceremony, here is the best way forward:

You have to attend the prep course. In San Francisco, they hold them the first Sunday of the month (I think it's this Sunday at 6:45) at St. Peter, or you can go to Sacramento... the course lasts three days, costs $33, and flies by...
Once you get that paperwork, you pick your church. Honestly, I don't know why anyone would give you trouble for being pregnant. You aren't the first woman to walk down the aisle while expecting. Don't let those people get to you.
As for the Confirmation, it isn't a dealbreaker either—you'll just have a simplified ceremony, and your partner will simply commit to raising the child in the Christian faith...
Your best bet is for both of you to sit down with the priest who is officiating. He'll lay it all out for you clearly. 😍

If anything else is weighing on you, just ask. And don't sweat it... just focus on the baby. 😁

Listen... if you're on the hunt for someone to handle all the decor for a wedding hall or a church... you really need to check out La Perle. They have some seriously brilliant ideas and plenty of imaginative stuff... (and I'm not just talking about wedding dresses, but things like boutonnieres, confetti, and even candelabras...)👍

Help me out here... I’m feeling a bit too lazy to scroll through everything myself... how many pounds of assorted cookies should I order per person?
And what about cake?? I’ve got a cake coming, but honestly, I have no clue how much people actually eat. Back home in the South, we usually just break a big dessert tray into little pieces for everyone to grab 😍, so how many people can I actually serve with one "standard" cake?
Thanks

Lawrence Wells said:Can you please tell me which neighborhood that is in?

Anita and Mary Gallic’s salon is right across from the Garden. If you're heading toward the main shopping district near City Hall, just look down—you can't miss it.😁