Posts by Raymond Brooks7

Anonymous said:I need some urgent info if anyone knows...
Does anyone know of a marriage prep course starting today that lasts three days? 🤣

We finally made it to the parish office this morning, but apparently the course started last night 🙄
And since we won't be back home until August, does that mean there aren't any courses available anywhere else??? 😕

Every church has a full yearly schedule—for both St. Peter and San Diego. Just go to the nearest one and look at the bulletin...

If I recall correctly, it’s at St. Peter... the second Sunday of every month. Don't quote me on that, though; I just glanced at it quickly after getting my own stuff sorted. Last year it was the first Sunday, and yeah, there's always a break in August...

Anonymous said:I need some urgent info if anyone knows...
Does anyone know of a marriage prep course starting today that lasts three days? 🤣

We finally made it to the parish office this morning, but apparently the course started last night 🙄
And since we won't be back home until August, does that mean there aren't any courses available anywhere else??? 😕

Just go tonight... you’re allowed one absence... just show up early tonight and call ahead, and you're set. Last night was basically just one lecture anyway... (at least that's how it works at St. Peter's; they only do one service on Sundays)....

Nicholas Brown84 said:Honestly, I think brittle is just top-tier—both for snacking and for crumbling over desserts. It looks so much better than those plain white cakes, too. I’m actually thinking about asking my baker if they can do a custom shape, maybe something inspired by Times Square since I love that vibe.
But then again, a lot of people just grab brittle as a snack or make it at home. For me, though? A wedding without some good brittle feels wrong. I guess I’ve just loved it since I was a kid. 😍
And man, it always gives me such a boost. That concentrated sugar hit really hits the spot during those afternoon slumps when you feel like you're running on empty.

There wasn't a single bit left at my place... okay, fine, let's be honest, about 20% ended up on the floor... the rest was split up... everyone got a piece... just enough!
I'm a huge fan too... it feels like such an American tradition. 😍

Thomas Sanchez532 said:It’s the exact opposite at my house. My husband would love the cake (for the same reasons you mentioned), but I’d be totally fine with skipping it.
😁

And trust me, it’s a rush... a total sensation. Even if I ended up in tears because the damn thing completely fell apart on me. 😂

Megan Reyes73 said:You’ve got a point, but honestly, the reputation of the shop matters just as much as the actual flowers...
I went with Knight because I know I can swing by whenever I have some crazy new idea or a random request and she won't give me any grief. When we were talking, I mentioned I wanted some little butterfly accents since they're on my invitations, and the woman literally went out that same day to hunt down butterflies...
😍

😁 She’ll pull off whatever you ask. For instance, she was hunting down candlesticks for me... 👍 and I ended up breaking one anyway. 😢

Michael Davis21, sorry, I missed your comment above... the candlesticks, the vases... all of that came from the florist. My own ribbons and, obviously, I bought the candles myself... though she could have sourced those too if I'd asked.

David King72 said:Well, I'm pretty sure I already mentioned that it all boils down to what you want; my whole point was just that if you take a stroll and really look, you'll see the difference

I wasn't targeting your specific data... I'm talking about the big picture here. Supply and demand, plus whatever the customer is craving, is what dictates the price.😘

Michael Davis21 said:Your decor was a total 10/10 😍👍

If you don't mind, could you shoot me a DM? I'd love to know where you picked up those table runners—what the fabric is and how much they set you back 🙂

Thanks,

I picked up the fabric at a HomeGoods over in a suburb outside of Phoenix—just one of those shops that specializes in curtains. I think the width was about $6.25 feet, but I grabbed 20 yards of it. I ended up trimming it and making the runners myself. Honestly, I can't remember if it was polyester voile or organza—don't judge me, my textile knowledge is non-existent—but anyway, it’s basically just curtain fabric.

By the way... I still have everything. If anyone's interested, you can buy it or rent it from me.

Look, everything is subjective... don't just go copying what someone else did... it all comes down to the flowers themselves. Is it peak season? Are they even in stock? What kind are we talking about? Will there be one lone stem in a vase or a massive explosion of blooms?

For instance, I once hunted down these specific white and green roses and some lisianthus that were just disappearing from the market right when I needed them—availability really dictates the final bill...

If you ask me, everything you guys listed above... you actually need more than three of those elements $0.00 :nezna:

I mean, there is no way a four-meter floral arrangement isn't going to cost a fortune $167... it's obvious that your own preferences are what drive the price!

Michael Davis21 said:I’m heading out today, so I figured I'd poke around here and see what everyone thinks...

Do any of you newly minted ladies😁 happen to have some photos of bouquets or arrangements...you know, the kind 🙂from that local florist near me...

I'll shoot you a DM with the password to my photo album so you can take a look... though I usually just post them in the relevant threads.

Karen Cruz2 said:So, how much did you end up paying in total, if you don't mind me asking?
And when did you first sign up with her?

I'll send you a PM too...

I didn't sign up that long ago, maybe a few months back... we just crossed paths and it was easy enough.

Karen Cruz2 said:Yeah... I'll get everything from her except the boutonnieres. I was actually thinking about just making those myself... seems like a waste of money to pay someone else for them.☕

She handled the repairs for me too...

mistyraven272 said:I need the same thing, just gotta find a florist 🙂 I keep seeing people mention John Doe and Katie (at those local festivals), but I heard they’re way overpriced compared to other shops... does anyone have a ballpark idea of what the total would run? I need to decorate my hall, his place, and my house too, plus some reveries.

I have no idea who told you John Doe is expensive... no way. What Mrs. Miller produces and the price she charges is actually a steal.

redviper17 said:I have to agree! I actually go to John Doe’s flower shop in Malibu near Mary Piplica, and it is just wonderful. I've been going there for about 15 years now for pretty much every occasion! She is truly amazing! 👍

😍 I didn't even realize they were that popular.

Michael Davis21 said:Is that the John Doe florist? The pricing looks totally fine to me👍

I definitely need help with... home decor (for both my place and his), the venue, the car, some reveres, and a bouquet....

Just go there, look around, and ask. That’s the smartest move.

Oh, and yeah... Merder, Ane10, and Tenkica all use John Doe too. 👍

My go-to is definitely the John Doe flower shop over in Malibu... you really can't go wrong there. The woman running the place is incredible at what she does.

Andrew Wilson9 said:Hey, does anyone know which company in Miami handles fireworks, foam cannons, room painting, and stuff like that? Also, where can I pick up some flares in Miami?

Check out the shop right across from the Target entrance—they’ve got everything. Flares, fireworks, balloons, smoke machines, confetti... you name it.

Karen Cruz2 said:We actually put a deposit down yesterday at Photo Color over on Broadway. The shots look decent, even though I know everyone just picks the absolute best highlights for their albums...
I wrote off Marko Photography pretty quickly. As for Photo California, I've heard you book one crew only to have a totally different group show up on the day—and they aren't exactly cheap, either...
Matić and Lisjak were booked up, but whatever, it worked out fine. We'll see how the photos actually turn out.☕

pingulinka used them once... ask her if she'll share her password... then just look at her photos. Don't sweat it, everything will turn out fine.😍

Jack Miller4 said:I would personally prefer something located in or near San Diego, especially since my guests will be traveling by bus from there; I really wouldn't want them stuck on a long shuttle ride after the ceremony. We’ll likely hold the wedding at either Our Lady of Health or Holy Cross.
I caught the news about what happened to Little. I am truly relieved to hear that everything turned out alright in the end.

To be honest, I have spent so much time scrolling through this subforum that I feel like I’ve lost my sense of perspective—it's getting hard to see the forest for the trees. 🤣

Look toward Miami and that stretch near Charleston instead...

So, you've got Bolero, Fable, and Kokolo
Plus Ino, Mammoth, Castello, and Bellevue over at Holy Cross...

Ladies, feel free to chime in if I missed anything.

Jack Miller4 said:Good morning, ladies,

I was hoping you might be able to help me out with a few questions I've been pondering.
1. Has anyone heard if Jack's villa has stopped serving those delicious pear desserts?
2. Where can I find the absolute best catering? I know taste is entirely subjective, but honestly, for me, the quality of the food far outweighs how fancy the venue looks.
3. Looking at Nirs online, everything seems lovely, though I seem to recall reading some threads here a while back where a few women shared rather disappointing experiences. I can't quite recall the specifics, though—does anyone have a different perspective on them? They appeal to me quite a bit, especially since they allow for a reception before the church ceremony. Aside from there, where else in San Diego could I host something like that, and what kind of budget should I be looking at?

Thanks so much, and best regards...

1. You already got your answer.
2. ivanabl asked a good question... tell us which area you're looking at so we can suggest venues... personally, I swear by John... the food is finger-licking good... (merder will back me up :cerek.)

3. They played me. So, I wouldn't recommend them to anyone... plus, a few other ladies here ran into issues during the planning and the actual party.

mistyraven272 said:Yeah, sounds great and all... but honestly, Photoshop doesn't matter if the guy has zero talent and can't actually direct you. I just want something simple without all the crazy editing and stuff... Seems pricey to me too, but hey, you only get married once, right?😁 I still gotta sleep on it.🤷 And it's not Matthews, it's Lisjak.

I had him... and I had the absolute best version of him. No regrets. Not one. He’s got the build, he’s got the look, and he knows exactly how to set the mood. He just knows how to seize the moment.😉 I didn't give him a second thought. Not even for a single moment. 😍 I actually really liked them as a person too, so there wasn't even a question... honestly, it was a no-brainer.

Quincy:

Against. Asks: Hey ladies, quick question. Do Matthews and Lisjak have some kind of online gallery or even just a basic website? I mean, everyone keeps bringing them up. It’s constant. I can't help but wonder why they've become such a massive talking point lately. 😍 And that’s just one more thing you ought to book right at the jump, don't you think? 🙂

Of course they do.

Check out the website at www.ivicalisjak.com.
Check out the website at www.ivicamatthews.com.

mistyraven272 said:Is $2,000 way too much for a photo and video combo? Keep in mind we asked for a bunch of add-ons and went with their top-tier package. What’s the typical going rate for this stuff? I don't wanna get ripped off, but honestly, I'm obsessed with this photographer 😢

It all depends on which photographer we're talking about... if it's Matthews... then it's a steal. You won't regret spending a single dime.

Karen Cruz2 said:"Quote:"

"Quote:"

Tied up at the moment...😂

Well, you didn't mention 😁

Alex Carter3 said:Photo Plus on Marmont.😉

How could I let this slip my mind? Karen Cruz2... you absolutely have to swing by and look for the son. He used to work alongside Lisjak and Matich. That’s the specific photography vibe you're after. If those were the guys you were looking for, he's your best bet.