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Posts by Raymond Brooks7

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Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
Donna Ross3 said:So, I’m basically begging for some intel here... we’ve been scouting out a few different venues, but honestly, that NASCAR arena is starting to look pretty tempting, right?! Does anyone actually know what it's like, or has anyone been there recently? Like, what’s the vibe, how’s the food situation, and all that other stuff...??? I’m seriously losing my mind over this decision while he’s just sitting there acting like it doesn't matter, even though he’s already complaining about a headache...
Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a solid photographer?? And don't even get me started on the music requirements!!!??
Thanks a million in advance

ExxonMobil had a party there once and they were pretty happy with it...

As for the music and photography... honestly, people have talked about those things extensively online. Either do some scrolling or tell us exactly what you're looking for, because being vague makes it impossible to give you actual advice.
Alex Reed2 said:Hey ladies... I could really use a hand here. I’m stuck choosing between Hope Gamulin and Antonia Guć for my makeup... the wedding is this July in Savannah. Honestly, part of me just wants to do it myself because I’m such a massive perfectionist—if everything isn't absolutely flawless, I’ll probably just wash my whole face off right then and there. (Yeah, the wedding madness is officially setting in)
But hey, beggars can't be choosers, I guess
So, what do you think? Hope or Antonia? Or is there someone else out there who actually knows what they're doing?

Lucy Spajic 👍
Jack Miller4 said:Regarding NIRS, I actually hosted my party there and was truly thrilled with everything—the hall, the food, the service, you name it! I also held a luncheon there before the church service and had a hotel room available to me all day, so I used that space to get ready, do my makeup, and take photos. From what I recall, Raymond Brooks7 had booked them right when they first opened, but they ended up canceling her reservation after the fact. That’s why she left that note saying "would not recommend." If my memory serves me right, she had been coordinating the venue with a female manager at the time. The manager now is a very kind gentleman; ever since I placed my deposit, we have been in constant contact via email and phone, and he has been incredibly patient and helpful with every single question I've thrown his way.
When we secured the venue, we signed a formal contract and put down a $500 deposit.
So, at the very least, you don't have to worry about running into the same headache that Raymond Brooks7 dealt with.

By the way, the menu is priced at $36, or $37 if you include soup, though that information is already listed on their website. If you have already picked out a band, I’d suggest asking them for a recommendation on venues, since they’ve worked at so many locations—even though most people tend to book the hall first, then the band, and finally the photographer.

John Ruiz80... you laid this out perfectly....👍

Jack Miller4 is right... my own comment is ancient... and it clearly doesn't apply anymore. 🙏
Thank God my experience helped push incompetent people out of a job they weren't cut out for, and that the chaos they caused me ended up being a lesson... lately, I'm only hearing positive things anyway....👍

I ended up booking K. Slanica in the end... and it wasn't just me who had nothing bad to say, the guests loved it too. Not to mention how many people have ended up booking weddings there after me. 👍 Kudos to the owner, the food, and the service.👍

Castle... I was just there in September and everything was flawless...

Mammoth... it was on my list, and I know the food is top-tier 👍 I just wish they had a different name 😬 (maybe that's silly, but 😂 yeah, that's how I feel), and I'd love to see some recent reviews... because it seems like whenever I pass by on a Saturday, there isn't a party happening. It confuses me because everything I've heard has been stellar... (plus, their lamb is incredible. 😍)
Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
Adam Fowler58 said:Has anyone here hired Jack for floral arrangements? I am curious about their current pricing and if you were satisfied with the service.
Do you have any other florist recommendations in the Los Angeles area? 🙂

Merder, Ane10, Tenkica, and myself... we've all used Jack, along with plenty of others. Some of us aren't as active on here as we used to be.😉
Speaking for my own experience... I was beyond satisfied. The price was right, and the quality and quantity were top-tier.😁
The rest of you should weigh in.

I'd also recommend 😍Iris
.
Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
Richard Brown7 said:Can anyone recommend an elite makeup artist based in San Francisco?

I'm looking for someone on par with top-tier pros like Marija Butković.

I live in Washington, D.C., but I’m getting married in California this summer. I’ve scoured every forum out there, but I can't find a solid recommendation. No one seems to have a portfolio website readily available, and I haven't seen anyone getting much hype—nothing like the reputation you see with people like Marija, Vrban, or Novak Djokovic.

I was a bridesmaid once and used a trainee at a salon in Washington, D.C.; it was an absolute disaster. Now, I'm fully prepared to pay a premium for a true professional. Honestly, I'm a little nervous about just picking anyone off a list. Getting the makeup right is non-negotiable for me.

Who do you ladies trust with your face? Please, if you have a go-to expert, let me know.

Lucy Smith,

Tina Turner,

Anne Guy

have plenty of amazing talent under their wing (the first two did mine)... they just don't advertise much compared to the D.C. crowd... probably because they don't need to. They're booked solid. Word of mouth works wonders.

Mark Hughes8 said:Hey everyone... here's yet another case of total confusion on my part... so, I've got this dilemma regarding a band. Since I live out on Maui, it's a huge pain for me to make the trek over to San Francisco just to catch some live shows, but people have been hyping up the Pink Panther so much that you'd think they play even better than the Stones... help me out if anyone here has actually heard them live before...

was at two parties where they played... they're okay... no complaints, really... but are they in the same league as the Stones? Not quite. Maybe try The Band, Viva, Major League, or Bravo Band... honestly, I don't know what you're looking for.
Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
Larry Ross43 said:Does anyone have a solid playlist of upbeat tracks to get the party vibe going? I'm talking stuff like Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, maybe some old-school Maroon 5 or something along those lines...

Look, just ask whoever is playing the music. Usually, bands already have their own setlists ready to go... you just pick from what they've got.😉
Robin Nguyen said:Bellevue... Hands down, the most stunning hall in this entire region...

Tenkica and I were actually talking about the Cube Music Band... not the venue itself.😕
Drew Bennett68 said:Can anyone give me the lowdown on the Cube Music Band? I've heard whispers that they aren't half bad, but I'm still on the fence. I've listened to a few tracks from their website, and honestly, they sound just okay—but at the end of the day, isn't the most important thing whether they can actually work a crowd?

Also, if anyone happens to have some intel on the band Volar, please share! From what I've seen online, they look like they might be absolutely incredible.

🙏🙏🙏 They’re great... honestly. If you're having second thoughts, go crash a wedding and see them perform there. Then you'll know.☕

I haven't heard a word about those other folks.
Donna Morris30 said:Maybe.. haven't checked them out yet, or either of those two halls.. heard Diocletian is kind of old school though.. apparently they've got these pillars right in the middle that get in the way... people say all sorts of things.. guess I'll go check it out first.. thanks for the tip 😉)

You’ve got San Antonio, the Arcade, and even Castle Salt to choose from...
Anthony Bennett6 said:Has anyone ever been to Fable? They have three different rooms available: 120, 200, and 250...

Yeah... it's all fine. I was in the upper left room and had zero complaints...
What specifically are you looking for? 🤷
Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
Jack Murphy7 said:Give me a break. How could $7667 pay that much? That's 3000 dollars... I know prices went up to 2000, but honestly, I have to ask—did the guy actually pay that much? Maybe the party was held somewhere in Indianapolis or something?
For half that price, you can get a seven-piece folk group to show up with their own travel and lodging covered.

I’m certain the top tier doesn't cost that much ☕ and my friend had them back in September... so... 😕 like Jack Murphy7 said, maybe the party was in Indianapolis and they had to drive through Washington, D.C. to get there. 🤷
Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
Emily Garcia6 said:You all are wonderful! Truly, thank you so much for everything you've shared here. It was only about a month ago that I realized I actually needed to start wedding planning. A few people warned me to get moving with reservations and all that, but I honestly thought we had plenty of time since the wedding isn't until the ninth month. Boy, was I wrong. Since I'm new to this, I really didn't have a clue how much planning goes into a wedding. That changed once I started reading your posts and following your advice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything!
Forgive me for such a long introduction, but I just had to tell you all.
Now, I could really use some help: I'm struggling to pick a band, and I have a few options on my list. I haven't heard or seen any of them live yet—some I found online, and others were recommended to me. Please let me know which one you think I should choose: First League, Joker, Marinero, Fantastico, or Brava? I want the music to feel like a real party, specifically that classic West Coast vibe. Nothing cheesy, no country, and definitely no pop fluff.

Just take it easy, you still have time... kidding. Band and photographer... then maybe a little break 😁
and yeah, welcome to the group...
as for the music... if I were you, I'd go with either Brava or First League... I used the first one, and the second was a close runner-up, and I've caught both playing at a few parties... they were both fantastic!!!!!!
Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
Sarah Morgan28 said:Hi everyone! I just wanted to send a quick hello to all the ladies on Reddit and say thank you so much for all the helpful advice and info I’ve found while browsing these threads. I’ve been lurking here for quite a while now, but I finally decided it was time to jump in and officially join the conversation. I had a quick question for the group—has anyone ever heard of The Beatles? Well, not the famous ones, obviously, but a local trio from San Diego. I actually caught them playing at a party recently and I really loved their vibe, but I was curious if anyone else here has seen them live or heard their stuff elsewhere? Also, if you have any recommendations for other bands or even good photographers, please let me know! I feel like I’ve already scrolled through a ton of suggestions, but you can never have too many good leads. Thanks so much for the help!

👍 They're incredibly good. It's a shame they haven't blown up yet... honestly, you can't go wrong with them. I liked everything about their set, from the soundcheck to the actual repertoire.😍
Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
David King72 said:Don't even think about choosing Castello; sure, the room itself looks great, but the service is hit-or-miss at best and the food is absolutely mediocre.👎 👎

I have to disagree with you there... I was at a wedding there recently and everything was top-notch, from the catering to the staff...

If I were picking, my order would be: Saint Croix, then Castello, then Bellevue... but honestly, it all depends on where your church is located. If the cathedral is over in the downtown area, Bellevue is probably your best bet...

For what it's worth, I've been to all three and I haven't found a single thing to complain about regarding the food, the service, or the atmosphere.😍
mistyraven272 said:Is it actually worth hitting up Ikea or Rose for apartment decor and party supplies? Specifically looking for some killer sand, pebbles, little stones, and maybe some tillandsia. I think I read somewhere you can grab this stuff at Ada in San Francisco too, but honestly, I have no clue where the best deals are. Anyone got the scoop?🤷

Look, Ira, then there's Rose... I always save the worst for last with Ada—well, more like Charlotte acting as the rep over at ST—because that's where they really bleed you dry. It’s the most expensive option by far.
Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
James Brown46 said:Hey Raymond Brooks7, could you please send me the number for SINE over at Photo Plus? Thanks!

Look, I don't have it on me right now, but if you’re actually interested, you can find him in that walkway near Dalma downtown, right across from the main entrance. Head over to Photo Plus and look up his Son and his work.

James Brown46 said:That's way too good... I mean, who even told you that was okay?,,,,,

Aunt Mare over at the Jaglac flower shop in Radunica handled everything. If you need more specifics, I’ve got her number right here. 😍 Honestly, she really pulled a lot of people together for this one—merder, ANE10, tenkica... you name it. Honestly, all credit goes to her. She deserves every bit of it. 👍
Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
James Brown46 said:Small8, if you could, I'd really love to see how it all turned out...

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Everything you need for a California wedding in Weddings ·
Aaron Bishop5 said:Morning, everyone! I could use a little bit of guidance here...
I’m looking for some input on our band's vibe. Should we go with a high-energy "Flash" style or stick to more of a classic "Major League" feel? Our goal is solid music, a great atmosphere, and keeping those breaks short—definitely no cheesy lounge acts... but we really want plenty of fun, upbeat California hits, maybe some classic rock staples, and a few soulful old-school favorites...

Honestly, I doubt anyone can actually help you decide right now. Both bands come highly recommended. You really ought to hear both of them before making a call. I’ve been to weddings where First League played, and I’d pick them, but I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews for Flash too, even though I haven't caught one of their sets personally. Has anyone else heard either of them lately? Usually, you listen to a band before you sign the check....

Donna Morris30 said:Anyone got a recommendation for The Beach Boys? I actually booked them for $1,500 once—they were only $500 at the time—and they'll play whatever you want...

🤷 I haven't heard of them. Someone else around here probably has more experience with them.
Eric Barrett26 said:Hey girls, could you help me decide who to book? I’m torn between Major League Baseball, Pink Panther, Bomb, or Flash Band... does anyone happen to know what their rates are looking like lately?? Bravo and Viva are already booked up, and my date is October 9th, 2010. 😢
Thanks so much in advance, ladies...

And honestly, it's not even about whether I can hit the high notes—I just really need them to nail that legendary vocal harmony for us!! 🙄

Personally, I've seen The Beach Boys play... but I've also been to parties where all those bolded bands performed. Honestly? They all delivered incredible harmonies.

My ranking was The Beach Boys, then Viva, then Major League Baseball. If I had to vote, I'd go with Major League Baseball. With that tight vocal layering they pull off, they have a lead singer who really knows how to command a room.👍
Wedding cakes and desserts in Weddings ·
Help me out here, I need some serious advice...

I'm looking for a massive multi-tiered cake—we're talking more than four layers—and it needs to be structurally sound without using those cheap plastic supports. Does anyone know a baker in New York City or the surrounding areas who can pull this off? And please, I am begging you, it cannot be made of that cheap, crunchy puff pastry filler. 🤷
I won't even consider Mississippi, and don't suggest Small Town, USA... I'm not interested in any of those tiny local shops. If you know someone legitimate, please let me know. 😍