Posts by Justin Bennett61

Donna James63 said:Have you looked into the President Hotel over in the suburbs?

It’s actually great... I think I mentioned this before... I was a bridesmaid at a wedding there recently... everything was covered for $70 a head—about $65 per person.

Terry Morales5 said:Royal Peak Restaurant... I've been looking at their photos and they are exactly what I have in mind. I guess I'm wondering if anyone knows of a venue in California that could pull off a similar vibe?

Check out the President Hotel in San Jose or the Atrium in San Francisco... you might find something similar there. 😁
They host weddings there that are top notch—everything is solid.

swiftstag23 said:Friends was my first choice, but they’re asking $40 per person... I've heard the food at Dioklecijan's isn't great lately, and Pitomcija closed down, so no more mini pies. I haven't checked with George yet, but I'm guessing it'll be around $40 there too. What was wrong with the food at The Russians? I actually heard everything was fine there. As for decor, they do the whole thing with little vases of roses on the tables and chair covers, but honestly, I don't need all those bells and whistles right now.

You've been such a help with the other options 🙂) Thanks a million!

If anyone else has thoughts on The Russians, please let me know 🙂

What was wrong with the food... absolutely everything. The black risotto was bland—just color and sticky rice, and the stuffing was terrible... the salad was so wilted it wasn't even green anymore... the prosciutto was bone dry and the cheese (I think it was leftover from some other event) was questionable... and the lamb was cold and incredibly greasy...
I basically just came home and ate a real meal after that...

So yeah, that's the verdict on Russ...

Maybe check if they have a wedding going on and just swing by to see for yourself...

Personally, I’d rather pay $10 more and actually know the wedding will be great... you only do this once, and you really don't want to regret your choice...

Either way, whatever you decide, I wish you nothing but the absolute best 😉

I went to one of The Russians' events once and, honestly, I wasn't impressed... the place was practically unkept... old tablecloths with stains everywhere, and the food was just a mediocre 3 out of 10.

With that kind of budget, you can definitely find better restaurants or venues around the California coast... Friends (went to two parties there and it was only $5), Pitomcija (was at a party there and it was actually great—decent hall, amazing food), Dioklecijan (excellent, I’ve been to three different parties there and it was always top-notch), or even George... in my opinion, all of them beat The Russians.

As for bands, there are plenty of good options... Miro Boem is awesome and won't break the bank, and there's this father-son duo that's fantastic—they charge about $800, though I can't recall their names offhand.

There's a hairstylist over in Greenwich who does incredible work—she specializes in wedding styles... she did my maid of honor's hair for her party and two others before that, and they looked stunning... they only paid about $33!!!! I think the salon is called Marilyn Monroe or something like that!!!
The Anamarija bridal salon in Greenwich, right behind the church... my maid of honor went there and the staff were really sweet... 😁

Anyway, hope that helps a little.

copperfalcon92 said:There really aren't many reviews floating around for the Hilton or the Sheraton in San Francisco.
I'm curious about what the food and service are actually like. I think I have a pretty good handle on the pricing for the Hilton's packages, but at the Sheraton, everything seems to be up for negotiation—though they're still quite pricey, and they don't even serve lamb!

I'd be so grateful for any feedback you could share!🙂

The Marriott was actually my first choice... way back in 2008, haha... but when they told me the price without drinks... man—I thought they were going to rob me blind. They wanted $80 per person excluding drinks... and then you pay by the glass... so yeah, I passed on the Marriott... found a much better option and a perfect restaurant closer to the coast that handled my 110 guests perfectly—San Antonio😉))) easy 5 stars from me...

I did end up at two banquets at the Marriott later on... one was just okay—decent enough... the second one was excellent (hosted by some well-known guy whose daughter was getting married...) but I’m pretty sure they paid a small fortune.

The Hilton is great—was a bridesmaid at a wedding there once and I have to say, everything was solid...

😁😁😁

Kyle Young3 said:Hey guys, does anyone have any recommendations, advice, or suggestions... anything... for a venue to host a small party somewhere near San Diego or maybe Los Angeles? It’s just a little get-together for about 50 people. Most places won't even talk to you unless you're looking to host 200 guests. 🙄 Everything I've managed to find so far is a total disaster... (literally just two restaurants), and they're already booked up. 🙂 I am losing my mind digging through the internet and making endless phone calls. HELP!

When is the party? If it’s during a warmer month, check out a restaurant like Hillstone in Tampa—they have an excellent patio, and the indoor space is decent enough too.😉))

The Westin also does great outdoor parties on their terrace... they really handle everything for a fair price.😉

There's also this cute restaurant right on the waterfront in downtown Orlando, near the market—I can't recall the name off the top of my head—but I was at a small event there once and it was really good.😉)

Nancy Sanchez11 said:Ugh, I seriously need some help here!!!
Does anyone actually have experience staying at the Grand Hyatt in Miami? I’ve been hearing rumors that it turns into a total sauna during the summer because of all the humidity coming off the indoor pool.
Please, if you've been there, let me know what it's really like.

I can actually vouch for them—I’ve been to a few of their pop-up spots already, and they hit a solid 5/5 every single time.😉Honestly, everything was spot on—from the staff and the service to the food and the overall vibe. Really had nothing but good things to say. 😁😁

slyotter said:Look, I'd suggest checking out the group TIP TOP over on Facebook... give them a look. 😉

As for the photo and video stuff, we're actually still undecided too. We were eyeing Photo California, but the word on the street is that only two or three of their shooters are actually any good. They really do produce top-tier work though, both stills and video (check their Vimeo if you want to see).

Anyone got leads on decent catering around Miami?

Your catering service is top-tier—you’re basically running the show over at the Ritz-Carlton in Miami.😉 They’re actually top-tier—not even that pricey, either—and they definitely have style. 😁

rowdyskipper8 said:Was it really that bad?
If you can, just tell me what went wrong. Was it everything?

honey... you're asking the wrong questions...
the food was a disaster—especially that black risotto—it was basically just a bowl of black dye... the roast arrived cold and the salad had turned from green to a depressing shade of brown... ...don't even get me started on the coffee mugs (which looked like they still had traces of lipstick from some random wedding guests on them) or the steak....
the servers were so "friendly" you practically have to beg them just to bring you a glass of water...

don't ruin the biggest day of your life... there are plenty of great restaurants out there where the prices make sense and the quality actually exists...

rowdyskipper8 said:Is anyone actually active on this forum who’s stayed at the Hilton in downtown Chicago? 😢
I've got a decent offer from them—fixed price for food, though drinks are extra based on consumption.

They're claiming it's around $50-$23 per person, according to the hotel staff.
Does that sound realistic or is it a total joke? Seems a bit low to me...

I've been there once, and honestly, I'm praying I never have to go back. That's all I've got.😢

Paul Morales12 said:And then—either they hiked up the prices for next summer, or they just think they can fleece us because we're Americans
hey, please—can you double-check if that $55 price actually included drinks?

I asked... yeah, the $55 included drinks (they were coordinating with some guy named Mario—the head waiter)

Paul Morales12 said:Wait, when exactly was that sale happening? I’m starting to wonder if that $60 price tag was actually just for the pizza alone—maybe they didn't even include the wings in that total?!
So, some friends of mine over in England are planning a little getaway for next summer—they're looking at August, I believe—and they’ve actually booked a huge party for themselves! They’re paying about $78 per person, which is quite a chunk, but hey, that includes all the drinks, so it's a pretty solid deal in my book. They did their homework, though—they checked out Saint Croix as well, where they were offered a rate of around $49. They aren't being picky eaters or anything—not at all!—they just want our classic, standard menu. Honestly, sometimes keeping it simple is the best way to go, right?

The BBQ was back in June😁

Sarah Reyes2 said:Thank you so much! I don't actually live in Savannah, so any recommendations or advice are truly appreciated. The wedding isn't for another year, and we're looking at about 80-100 guests. Ideally, I’d love a venue with a little terrace area for smokers and a view of the ocean. Everyone keeps raving about the Hilton, but it's easily twice the price of everything else. Well, once I make it down to Savannah, I'll definitely go check out all the venues you guys suggested. At least now I have a starting point. Thanks a million!

One more quick question—since I'm not a local Californian, I was wondering what a standard banquet menu usually looks like. Is it typically things like cured meats, cheese, risotto, and pot roast? It seems a bit meat-heavy to me, and I'd much prefer seafood and fish. Does anyone have suggestions or personal experiences to share?

Also, if you have any DJ recommendations, please let me know, because we've decided against a live band. Almost all of my guests live outside the US—places like the former USSR, America, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, and so on. Because of that, we really need a DJ who can mix a wide variety of musical styles.

Thanks in advance!

You definitely need to swing by the Hilton... their mashed potatoes are seriously amazing... and if you want a smaller reception, they can set it up outdoors... prices are around $55-$65... I don't get the rumors about it being $70 or more... a friend of mine had her party there and paid $55 per person😉)) they came by boat from Savannah to Seget and it was absolutely perfect... she had 80 people!!!!

There's a good band, even though you mentioned you didn't want one—Bruno Band (they actually live in Germany) plays pretty much everything... pop, folk, international hits, classics... they're great and not nearly as pricey😉))) 😁

wanderingbadger17 said:It's the same price regardless of what you pick from that menu. And I'm telling you... $42.
As for leftovers, they pack everything up neatly in plastic containers for you to take home.

As for a large group, you should probably double-check that...

What is wrong with you guys? When I got married back in 2008, they wanted $100 per person at Lava without drinks... I thought they were joking... so I kept walking and found San Antonio... nicer, better, and almost half the price... and that was it😉 Love at first sight, and the guests were perfect!!!!

Lava is seriously overkill when it comes to pricing... I was at a party there (okay, honestly, everything was top-tier, but still...) it's for people who want to drop something like $150,000 for 100 guests, which is way too expensive for us mere mortals...😢

Bradley Jones9 said:I have never actually been to Phoenix myself, though I have heard nothing but great things about them. From what I gather, they seem to offer more variety, the pantry selection is supposedly excellent, and the service from the staff is... well, top-notch.
Moreover, if my understanding is correct, their pricing is quite a bit lower than the average downtown spot.

What are your thoughts on florists? Is it a good idea to go with Jack? I had assumed he was a true professional, but honestly, a few bouquets I've received from him lately haven't been up to par. The stems aren't even cut to a consistent length, so some of the flowers don't even reach the water, and then the whole arrangement wilts within a day or so despite the hefty price tag. Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable florist?

The food in Phoenix just wasn't hitting the mark for me—nothing at all. I finally got back home and immediately went looking for something decent to eat... I guess it’s just a matter of taste, though. I’m usually someone who really appreciates a solid, well-made meal.

wanderingbadger17 said:I guess it could work, honestly. That’s how they frame it, too. Sure, the layout is a bit of an L-shape, which isn't ideal, but with enough planning and their specific advice, I suppose you could make it fit without any major issues. You would just need to cram about ten people around each table. So, if you have twenty tables, it should theoretically hold everyone—and that’s exactly what they’ll tell you, too. See?

Can we hold on a second—I was at those banquets recently. One group had maybe 170 guests, while the other two were well over that mark.🙂 200 guests—and honestly, the food was excellent.🙂

Paul Morales12 said:Well, I actually got married during my fifth month of pregnancy over in Savannah at the Bellevue venue—and honestly, they were wonderful! The price ended up being around $40 per person, plus maybe an extra couple of bucks if you're feeling fancy and want an omelet station. The food was absolutely top-notch; my dad is actually a chef, so he’s pretty hard to please, but even he didn't have a single complaint! Now, the Saint Croix venue has this new spot right on the beach—I haven't been myself, but I think they're charging closer to $50. There was also Medena when I was scouting around, which was about $42. As for flowers, I just ordered them separately and did all the decorating myself—it was a bit of a project, but fun! Oh, and if you go with Bellevue, they actually handle the table arrangements for you; they put flowers on every table except the head table, and there's no extra charge for that at all.
When are you planning to tie the knot? Personally, I thought the Bellevue venue in Savannah was just lovely, and the food? Seriously, best I've had.

Bellevue is nice, but personally, I’m more of a Hilton fan—they have this incredible terrace. Their mashed potatoes are actually top-tier, too. They don't do round tables, but that’s a minor trade-off for the other details in the room. Saint Croix is alright, but honestly, the food is better at the Hilton or Bellevue. 😁 Vesna’s flower shop is decent—there's also one over by the 7-Eleven at the newsstand... works perfectly fine. Can't recall the name right now.😉)) if you're looking for catering, hit up Hotel Pašike... they also handle small weddings perfectly😉)))

mellowsurfer34 said:Can anyone point me toward a good florist in San Francisco for decorations and bouquets? Looking for something that won't break the bank.

Ira's Florist over by the shopping center does solid work and the prices are fair enough😉—a friend used them once and everything was great... from the car, the church, the table settings, all the way down to the bouquet😉—😁

Arthur Phillips12 said:Quincy:

Malamut I can't even deal with this right now. It's just ridiculous. Hey girls, I wasn't sure if there was an actual thread for finding good salami for a BBQ around the San Francisco area, so I figured I'd just ask here. 😁 I'm looking for some solid mashed potato catering for a crowd of about 200 to 300 people out here in the San Francisco area. I already know about Dolores and Phoenix Dugopolje, but I need more options! 😁 Anyone ever stayed at the Medena Resort out in San Francisco? I heard they can cram up to 450 guests in there. Is that actually true, or is there some kind of capacity limit I should know about? 🤷 Does anyone actually know what the prices are like over there? Is the food any good, or just overpriced junk? And please tell me they have an ocean view. 😁 Does anyone know of any halls around San Francisco or the surrounding area that can fit at least 200 people? I need somewhere right by the water—or at least a place with a terrace facing the ocean. Looking for that view! 🙂 Something like this. San Antonio is a total mess. Honestly, I can't stand driving through there anymore.Look, I'm telling you, that place can hold up to 150 guests! 😬

I'm also hunting for a hall that can actually fit this many guests. Which venue did you end up picking? 😉

hey

I wouldn't recommend Honeycomb Hotel—I've been to two weddings there and wasn't a fan. The hall is pretty dark and feels cramped once you hit 300 people.

Two weeks ago, I was at a wedding at the Presidential Hotel in San Francisco and it was great. They had about 250 guests. The hall is phenomenal and the food is excellent. That was my third wedding there and honestly, they’re top-tier.

The hall at the Atrium Hotel is also major league. I was at a wedding there with 200 guests and it was beautiful.

There's this new venue in San Francisco, can't remember the name... the owner is the same guy who owns the Alka Hotel in a small town out west... the hall is great, I think it holds up to 350...

Phoenix is just hit or miss for me... the food isn't always the best...

Pirate's Cove has a really nice, large hall too!!!

Good luck😁

I had my wedding in San Antonio with about 110 people, and if there had been any more, it would have been way too tight. For smaller weddings under 100, they are seriously my absolute favorite...

Charles Hill41 said:Hey everyone, we’re filming the intro video for the DVD next week and we're hunting for some out-of-the-box location ideas around the Miami area. If anyone has any wild suggestions, let me know! Sadly, our photographer just gave us the usual clichés—like the beach or old ruins... everything's been done to death already. Thx

Well, start with the coastal towns... maybe a historic fort😉, a local museum, or even a sleek hotel lobby for those reception shots. Also, check out the marina—I shot there once and the lighting was incredible. Then definitely hit up Klis Fortress... it's a killer backdrop. And obviously, finish it off in Miami... the boardwalk, the waterfront, the old downtown district, or maybe near the stadium😉. 😁 ....

Justin Bennett61 said:If you head out toward the coast near Monterey... the restaurant isn't bad—it’s got a bit of a modern vibe—and the food is decent enough.😉 It’s got an incredible view of the ocean right off the bat...
Plus, there's a church nearby...😁

The restaurant is called Kata

David King72 said:The Old Palace tavern during the procession

If you head out toward the coast near Monterey... the restaurant isn't bad—it’s got a bit of a modern vibe—and the food is decent enough.😉 It’s got an incredible view of the ocean right off the bat...
Plus, there's a church nearby...😁

I honestly think life insurance is a pretty solid way to save—you get the peace of mind from being covered, plus you're actually building up some cash at the same time.

Christian Wilson81 said:I need some advice! I’m planning a big party for late October and I’m still stuck deciding on a photographer and a band. I’m looking at either Photo California or maybe just hiring Marko, and for music, I’m thinking about a local cover band. Does anyone have experience with these guys? I’d love to know what they’re actually like and what kind of budget I should set aside. Any good or bad stories would be a huge help... THANKS!

Mark is great... honestly one of the best photographers in California😉