Posts by Kyle Ortiz2

When people comment on my weight, I’ve started telling them, "Yeah, I gained some weight because I'm pregnant," just to shut the conversation down. Most people catch the hint and move on quickly.🙂

Everyone around me is being careful, though. For instance, my mom calls a traitor a "leech" and says you have to squeeze everything out of a woman. I told her I wasn't a dairy cow to be milked, and now she won't even know how to ask me if I'm "ready to produce."

It really rubbed me the wrong way when my grandma would use terms like "expecting livestock" instead of saying I was pregnant—like I'm some kind of animal. And she knows it bugs me! Using those terms... it's just gross.

Some mindless cleaner from my old job totally rubbed me the wrong way. I was out visiting some friends—they’re honestly great people, we were all joking around and having a lovely time—when this woman just barges in. She starts blabbing, "Did you hear? A's sister just had her twins. Everything seemed fine at the checkup last week, but then..." As if she didn't realize I'm also pregnant. I was practically out of commission all day yesterday, and everyone else there knew that and was being tactful, yet she just had to be incredibly insensitive and spill everything right in front of me.

I’ve been getting so annoyed lately by how people react to me being 27 weeks pregnant. It feels like if I’m expecting, everyone assumes I must be sick instead.

Then there’s my mother-in-law. She goes around telling anyone who will listen about how she has to come over and help me clean, even though she’s never actually lifted a finger. When the family was over for dinner last Sunday, she didn't even move her own plate. Yet, she keeps talking about how much she helps me because "I just can't manage on my own."
She stopped by today and started complaining about how certain people are, and I told her straight up that it irritates me when people claim they're helping when they don't lift a finger. Her response? That people can be absolute trash. And I told her, "Well, I do everything myself—cooking, cleaning, laundry—and I'm doing just fine." Poor thing didn't realize I was talking about her. It really rubbed me the wrong way.

Nothing gets under my skin quite like a mother-in-law trying to micromanage our home renovations or demand cash handouts, especially when she claims we don't even need a stroller until the baby is older. Thank goodness she voiced that opinion to my husband instead of me; lately, I have zero patience left for her, and if she manages to upset me, she can just stay away from our house.🙂

Olivia Hill9 said:Yeah, true... and before I forget—even though I really need to watch my budget here—what’s the consensus on light shows? Specifically, what kind of pricing should I expect around the San Francisco area?

I’ve only ever looked at one quote, so I’m trying to figure out if I’m looking at the high end, the low end, or somewhere right in the middle🤷...as far as costs go...and what have your experiences been like?
Personally, I think they make a huge difference for the vibe...it changes how the whole venue looks, and honestly, people tend to🙂 relax more on the dance floor when they aren't staring under those harsh, bright house lights...

What do you guys think?

My videographer rents out light shows for $1,000. We didn't end up getting one because my venue has dimmed lighting, and we honestly didn't miss it. You can see how it turned out in my photos...I'm not a fan of those "government building" style halls with blindingly bright lights that they dim for the first dance and then crank back up later.

Gregory Campbell56 said:Thought I’d jump into this thread too. There’s so much good stuff here, even for the San Diego area—I definitely need to read through everything when I get a chance ☕
My wedding is happening next spring in San Diego, so I’m currently on the hunt for a photographer. Does anyone have recommendations? I’d really love to see an actual wedding album from someone they’ve worked with. As for Susie, she’s my 🙏, but she's already booked for our date, so that's a no-go.
I’m really looking for someone who’s at least somewhat creative 😉
What about photo Nadio, has anyone used them?
I’ve noticed that almost none of the photo studios in SD even have a website to show off their work 🤷
Go San Diegans, help me out!!! 😕

Like blackie mentioned, you can check out my album. I was thrilled with the shots. I'll DM you the password. Photographer was Stipe Surac.

Someone asked about makeup—I went to Mrs. Rada at the Donna Ar salon. It's in the 5th District near Target. The price was $83. She did my makeup, my sister, my maid of honor, and my sister-in-law; the makeup lasted until sunrise. My hair was done by Nino.
You can see the makeup in my photos here: http://www.public.fotki.com/antonia55/ Password via PM.

Lisa Reed5 said:Successes, failures, everything in between—what have you all been paying for wedding cakes and where did you get them? I’ve been scrolling through old threads, but I can't find anything super specific. We need a cake for 250 guests, and I checked with one bakery earlier only to be told it would cost $1833, which honestly feels like way too much to me.

My pastry chef just gave me a flat rate: $3.25 per guest. So for 250 people, that's $833, though she is throwing in an extra tier for free.

"Quote:"

Jack Miller4 said:Does anyone happen to have recommendations for a makeup artist and a hairstylist in San Diego? Ideally, I’d love to find someone who works out of the same salon to keep things simple.
Best regards!

Most hair salons just list a makeup artist's number on their site. I went out of my way to find someone separate. Regarding makeup, everyone keeps raving about Studio Gloss—Martha does the work there, and her application is incredible. $133And at Walmart too, Donna.

Does anyone know anything about that band from San Diego? Has anyone got a number for My Way? Please send me a DM

Sandra Lopez2 said:When I tried to book for early September 2009, nothing we wanted was available, so we ended up settling for October 17th.🤷

That’s what I was thinking. Better to just book for June 2010 now—at least then we can actually pick our own photographer and band.🙂 My parents just laughed when I mentioned 2010; they couldn't believe we'd be waiting that long.🙂

George Flores16 said:It really all comes down to what the dining scene looks like in San Diego. In San Francisco, they've opened up so many new spots lately that you can barely find a table anywhere. Honestly, your best bet is to book something for November—the weather is still gorgeous, and you actually have a decent chance of getting your pick of the restaurants.

I know the 11th and 12th are wide open, but I'd personally stick to the summer months. Less chance of rain or wind, longer days, and all that.

What do you guys think? Do I have any shot at finding a venue in San Diego for 200–250 people—including the band and photographer—with only nine months left until September 2009? Or should I just push everything back to May or June 2010?
It all feels so far away. You make this huge decision and then you're stuck waiting for a year and a half.🙂

Thanks, everyone. I’ve scrolled through the site, but I’m really looking for some firsthand accounts—specifically about the bands, photographers, and the venues.
I ask because my cousin had a total nightmare at a wedding in Chicago; the photographer spent half the night eating, and whenever they asked if he’d caught anything, he’d just shrug and say, "You didn't tell me to." To top it off, the band played every single song twice. She and her husband were absolutely livid.

Greetings to everyone. I'm looking for some advice regarding an event in Los Angeles. I need your recommendations for a solid DJ, a band, and a photographer. How far in advance should I get everything booked, and what kind of budget should I set aside for deposits? We're expecting roughly 200 to 250 people.

Does anyone know how far in advance I should book? Is there usually a big rush? Also, do they require a deposit, and if so, what’s the standard percentage?