Hey everyone, I’m not entirely sure if you all have heard the news yet, but Matičević over in Pittsburgh is actually adding another wedding hall right next to their current one. They’ve already started taking reservations, and it looks like everything should be wrapped up and ready for business by next June.
Best,
In case anyone is interested, here are the links for the Matičević center: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref...&v=wall&ref=ts http://www.maticevic-centar.net/index.php
My godmother got married this past Saturday, and I just had to hop on here to rave about the catering she used for her home wedding... it was from Grapevine. To put it simply, it was PERFECTION. I lost count of how many different types of meat they served—all sorts of sauces, some wrapped in bacon, others stuffed with cheese... then there were calamari, shrimp, charcuterie platters, salads, sides, and appetizers, all beautifully presented. We couldn't stop talking about the food all night; seriously, nothing but praise. The servers were incredibly attentive, but the food itself... it was beyond amazing. She paid $10 $0.00 (for 100 guests), but it was worth every single penny. Aside from the food, I also have to give a shout-out to HF Studio for the photo and video work—those guys were absolute pros. For the tent—it was a GALA style tent (5x8= $400) plus the flooring $233. It was such a gorgeous, crisp white tent with windows. The bouquet—Dad... it was just stunning, a beautiful white arrangement. The Band—The Beatles—the guests had a mix of Midwestern and Southern vibes, and the dance floor stayed packed the entire time. They played everything: fun hits, classic melodies, traditional folk dances, and country songs. Honestly, I’m usually not a fan of country music at weddings, but I have zero complaints here because they were genuinely great. They kept the crowd moving so gracefully too; there wasn't any obnoxious shouting or silly interruptions. The Menu—Hillary Clinton—the food was delicious and felt so homemade. She stuck to a classic menu, and I have to say, it really hit the spot for me. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a meal like that, since most people always go for heavy meats and thick sauces. A little variety was a breath of fresh air.
Anyway, I originally just wanted to compliment the catering, but I guess I got a little carried away. 😁
Here are some thoughts from a woman originally from the Midwest who happened to be visiting your neck of the woods down there last Friday...😁 Location: San Diego The dining room was actually quite relaxing—it’s a newer space, very tastefully done with these crisp white tablecloths and lovely round tables that really set a nice mood. As for the food, I have to say it was absolutely delicious. We had everything from prosciutto and cheese to soup, octopus, tuna pâté, black risotto, white risotto, beef stew, and gnocchi. Everything tasted wonderful and the portions were quite generous. If I had to give it a rating, I’d probably settle on a 5. 👍 Now, I have to mention the one thing that truly blew me away: the band... Calypso. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been quite this impressed by a musical group before. Their vocals were absolutely stellar, especially the female vocalists—they were just incredible. Their repertoire is massive, too; they cover everything from local hits to international classics, and they perform them with such seamless precision that half of my guests didn't even realize a live band was playing. They actually thought we were just playing high-quality studio recordings for the first dance! It was such a polished performance. My friend also had an accordion player and a guy on guitar stepping in whenever the main band members took their breaks, which I thought was a really clever touch. All in all, the music was simply top-notch.🙏🙏🙏
If anyone out there is still on the fence about which band to go with, I’d honestly say you should give Calypso a look. I guess they might be just the right choice if you're looking for something solid.
To be honest, I haven't had the best luck with adhesive badges. Last summer, I attended some weddings where they were using those stick-on pins, and I noticed they were literally falling off everyone's clothes. It was incredibly hot out, people were sweating, and the glue just couldn't handle it. I mean, when they first applied them, they seemed perfectly fine, but the hold didn't last very long at all. In the end, I actually went out and grabbed some safety pins just so I could secure mine myself. Now that I think about it, looking back at the photos from the reception hall, there were abandoned badges scattered everywhere...👎
I just realized I made a bit of a typo there... I didn't mean to say Vigus band, I actually meant The Beach Boys. They were my favorite👍 hehe, I guess I just got everything mixed up for a second... Vigus is actually a retail store
I honestly think the best approach is to just agree on playing a little bit of everything—a diverse mix where there’s something for everyone, and then everybody stays happy. Personally, I’m all for those classic old-school folk songs, but maybe skip the newer stuff. You know, just keep things fun with some traditional acoustic sets, maybe some line dancing, the old classics, and even a little bit of rock... In my opinion, that's the sweet spot. It doesn't really work if it's strictly just acoustic instruments or nothing but folk music. A good mix is definitely the way to go.👍
And where are you located? Personally, I think the Spice Girls are absolutely wonderful, though they don't really travel outside of the immediate metropolitan area. I actually sent them an email to see if they’d be willing to come down to New Orleans to play, but unfortunately, the answer was no. As for local talent here in New Orleans, I’ve always found The Beatles to be great—they create such a fantastic atmosphere (at least from my experience attending weddings). They’re actually playing a joint bachelor/bachelorette party for my boyfriend's brother this Tuesday, and then they have a wedding on Friday. The total cost is about $2,200; I imagine it might be around $650 for the Tuesday festivities and maybe $1,550 for the wedding on Friday. I suppose you could look into Kurt Cobain, The Beach Boys (I think they might even have a female vocalist now), Pulse, The Blitz, Onyx, or Valentino... though it really depends on what kind of vibe you want for a wedding. To be honest, some of those aren't quite my style—like Onyx or Valentino. In my opinion, they play a bit too much country-pop, and it just doesn't sound right to me. Of course, that's just my take; others might love them! You might want to check out the Still band online; they're based out of Indianapolis and seem pretty solid. There is also Sax, The Four, and Vigus. I imagine they wouldn't mind traveling from somewhere like Indianapolis down to New Orleans. 😉
All set! I managed to get everything yesterday. I actually found some bows while I was traveling through the Midwest—got a pack of 10 for just $2.50. I couldn't find any dark green ones anywhere, so I just grabbed white ones instead; I think I can probably make my own green ones using some ribbon I picked up there too. It was such a steal—the whole roll was only about $2, and if I recall correctly, there's at least 100m on it. For the rest, I headed over to that boutique right across from the Starbucks; they have absolutely everything you could need for a wedding, though it isn't exactly budget-friendly. For instance, I picked up some gorgeous fabric by the roll to use as a centerpiece runner, and 10m ended up being $23. I grabbed the candles at Walmart; the tall candle is $0.83, and the floating ones were around $4.25, but you get quite a few in a pack. I also stopped by IKEA and picked up those paper lanterns to hang around the bulbs in the tent, which I think will look absolutely lovely. Anyway, the shopping is officially done... the tulle, the bows, the ribbons, the candles, the dried flowers, the decorative gems (from Offertis), the candlesticks, the vases (wide and shallow ones), the tablecloth material, the runners, the paper lanterns, and even the fabric we'll use to drape the tables all the way to the floor... now I just need to order the flowers and I'm basically finished. 👍
Regarding the lighting, personally, I think color washes and some nice light effects for moments like the grand entrance or the cake cutting are more than enough. To be honest, those cheaper stage light setups look pretty pathetic to me... you know, just setting up a few red, blue, or purple PAR cans on the side and hoping for the best. Of course, when you go with a pro outfit like Lighting Effects, Smash, or similar high-end companies, everything looks absolutely stunning, but I’m talking about those basic kits some bands carry around. As for fog machines or bubble machines, I probably wouldn't bother with them—not because I dislike them, but because I just don't feel like I need them. It really just comes down to personal taste. You can certainly mix and match whatever you like, but my advice would be not to overdo it; otherwise, the whole thing can end up looking a bit tacky and over-the-top. For instance, I’ve never been a fan of lasers for weddings. Take a look at what these guys offer, though I'm not sure about their pricing: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.p...=photos&ref=ts
Well, I’ve been doing some searching through the local Walmart, Kiki, IKEA, Home Depot, PepsiCo, Kroger, and even Buffalo Wild Wings over here in my area, but I haven't had any luck finding any green ribbons anywhere. The tiny bit I did manage to spot at Target was priced at about 8-$$3.00 per piece, which seems a bit steep. I haven't seen them anywhere in Canada either, mostly because I wasn't quite sure where to start looking—maybe in one of those massive supermarkets or perhaps at a local farmers' market? I eventually stumbled upon some near a vendor selling curtains and home decor, but I couldn't find any bows at all. It's a bit frustrating, so I might just try heading over to Canada again tomorrow.😁
Does anyone happen to know where I can pick up some pre-made bows without too much hassle? I spent the entire day hunting for them and came up empty-handed. I'm also looking for some tulle. I checked out a shop over in Canada and it’s quite affordable... $5.25 (dimensions about 1m x 2.20m), but the catch is that I'd have to cut it into strips roughly 30cm wide by 2.20m long, and honestly, I really don't feel up to all that tedious cutting. So, does anyone know where I might find tulle on a roll that's already close to that 30cm width (ideally in green and white), along with some ready-to-go bows? Best regards,
You know, I’ve actually never heard of him before. But now that you mention it, I have this feeling that I used to occasionally stop by on Lincoln's Street (near the Boa—there's a jewelry store there now) just to stare at the pictures for a bit.
Please share any Proposals & recommendations you might have! 😁
Here are my proposals & suggestions:
1Regarding wedding dresses... You really have so many options when it comes to where to shop. Between Isabella, Nicholas, Lisa, and Leah—plus checking out the selection at Cipelić near that Pizza Hut, or even stopping by Lilly M.—there is just so much to see. To be honest, I went wedding dress hunting with a friend last week, and we actually only found something we both liked at Isabella. It’s funny how that works; we all have such different tastes, which makes it a little tricky to suggest specific places to anyone else. For instance, my friend was absolutely head over heels for the Pronovias collection—they truly have stunning gowns. On the other hand, the Maggie Sottero pieces over at Lisa's didn't really do it for her... I suppose it just wasn't quite her style. Anyway, you should probably go take a look for yourself! 2. I suppose I should probably mention that I’ve been spending quite a bit of my free time lately tending to the flower shop. It’s become a bit of a passion project of mine, honestly! There is just something so incredibly peaceful about working with greenery and blooms; it really helps clear the mind after a long day. I might be getting a little carried away with all the different varieties I'm trying to cultivate, but I think it’s worth it. It’s a small thing, I guess, but it brings so much color into my life. I honestly have no idea, but I suppose we could head over to Bonsai and take a look; I've heard they're actually quite decent. 3. Photographer Ivan Mijić, Oliver Olanović, PhotoTop, Daniel, Photo Tref Oliver Olanović— If you're looking for some inspiration regarding photography services, I highly recommend checking out the work over at http://www.artstudio-oliver.com/. It’s worth a look if you want to see some really high-quality professional shots! Maybe you could also take a look at the photos on Facebook? There are quite a few posted there. Ivan Mijić - www.mijić.com PhotoTop - PhotoTop Photo Tref— www.phototref.com 4. Band It really just comes down to what kind of vibe you're looking for... personally, I think the Svirci are great, but you might also like the Brava Band, Krijan, or even the Blitz Band. It’s all about your own taste, I guess! 👍 I haven't actually heard Brava Band play before, but I've heard some really great things about them! 5. Makeup application. I heard from Daria that Martimex actually has some talented girls on the side who specialize in makeup artistry, and apparently, they’re quite good at what they do. As for me, I decided to go with Martimex. $33They’re actually offering free makeup trials—well, specifically for anyone getting their makeup done by them. Honestly, it doesn't really matter if you're the bride or not; I'm just the maid of honor, yet I still get my makeup done for free, which I think is pretty wonderful. Just a little heads-up, though: they don't apply individual lash extensions, they just focus on the makeup itself. That’s not a huge deal for me, I suppose, since I’m planning on having my lashes done earlier at Livia anyway. 6. Invitations, thank-you notes, chair covers, and all that good stuff... : Check out www.invitations.com! 7. Tent? I suppose if we're talking about outdoor setups or temporary structures, there's a lot to consider depending on what you're planning. Whether it’s for a backyard party or a camping trip out in the Rockies, choosing the right gear makes all the difference. I guess it really comes down to how much protection you need from the elements! Gala tents. 8. Regarding the catering arrangements, I’ve been giving it quite a bit of thought lately. It’s one of those elements that can truly make or break the entire atmosphere of an event, don't you think? If everything flows smoothly and the food is actually delicious, it sets such a wonderful tone for the rest of the celebration. I suppose my main concern is finding that perfect balance between variety and quality. I’m leaning towards a menu that offers a few really standout, high-quality options rather than just a massive spread of mediocre dishes. Maybe focusing on seasonal ingredients or a specific regional style could work well too? I haven't quite decided on a direction yet, but I feel like having a cohesive theme might help tie everything together beautifully. It seems like there are so many directions we could take—from a more formal sit-down dinner to something a bit more relaxed and social. I guess it all depends on the overall vibe we want to cultivate. I'll likely spend some more time looking into local caterers and perhaps requesting a few tastings before making any final calls. It's probably best to be a little extra cautious here to ensure everything is just right.Regarding Matičević and Grozd: Here is what I have on Matičević: http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php...00000697124889 Please disregard the pink color. 9. I suppose I should probably touch upon the subject of lighting. It’s one of those things that people often overlook during the planning stages, but I truly believe it makes all the difference in the world when it comes to setting the right mood. Maybe it's just my way of looking at things, but I feel like if you don't get the ambiance just right, even the most beautiful setup can end up feeling a bit flat or uninspired. I've been thinking quite a bit about how much the quality of light influences our perception of a space. It's almost subtle, isn't it? You might not notice it immediately, but then you realize that the warmth or coolness of the glow completely changes how you feel in the room. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we should perhaps be a little more intentional about it. It might seem like a small detail, but in my opinion, it really is the finishing touch that pulls everything together beautifully.: http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php...00000504890903
Oh, they definitely do some touch-ups over at Martimex, and the price is just $33... I honestly couldn't believe it when my wife told me how affordable it was; I just assumed it would be way more expensive. They even let you do a trial run for free 😁 (that's the Martimex location right by the Central Hotel). A friend of mine actually went there to get her makeup done for her wedding guests last year, but I still wanted to gather a few more opinions on their work. She was actually quite happy with the results; they used a huge variety of brands on her... everything from Pupé to Chanel... That said, the lady at Martimex mentioned to me that they tend to use brands like Pupé, Deborah, and Make Up Factory.
Over at Livius, she told me they use all sorts of things—Max Factor, Dior, Pupé—and the price is $50. I mean, it’s hard to tell who really does a better job. I've heard a real mix of both great and terrible reviews regarding Livius.
The three of us have already booked our appointments at Martimex, so I guess I'm just worried about what might happen if the person from Livius cancels on us. To be honest, that little detail really put me off when she mentioned it, and we instinctively decided to cross them off our list.
I suppose I should probably start by saying that I am just sharing my own little thoughts here, but I have been thinking quite a bit about the concept of a cure lately. It is such a profound and heavy topic, isn't it? Perhaps it is just me, but I find myself wondering about the various ways we define what a "cure" actually looks like in our modern world. Is it always a medical breakthrough, or can it be something much more subtle and personal? I guess there are so many layers to peel back there.
Does anyone here happen to have any experience with applying makeup for... I was just thinking about Martimex earlier today. It seems like they’ve been quite a fixture in the industry for a while now, hasn't it? I suppose one could argue that their presence in the market is somewhat significant, though I don't want to overstate things too much without looking at the latest quarterly reports. Maybe they are expanding their reach more than people realize, or perhaps they are just maintaining a very steady, reliable course. Either way, it feels like there's always something interesting brewing around them if you look closely enough. So, I was looking into booking some makeup services over in St. Louis recently—I’m planning for a wedding where the ceremony starts at 9 AM, which is always such an early start! We actually checked out a place called Livius, and honestly, I nearly fainted from pure frustration when I heard their policy. Apparently, they told us that even if all three of us (myself, my bridesmaid, and the maid of honor) book together, they reserve the right to cancel on us up until just two weeks before the big day. Like, what on earth? I guess it's just how some places operate, but that seems incredibly risky for a wedding schedule.🤣
Christian Taylor8 Does anyone happen to know where Daria works as a makeup artist? If you have her contact info or a phone number, would you mind sharing it? I'd really appreciate it! 😉
And one more thing I wanted to ask you all... does anyone know where I might be able to rent some chair covers here in St. Louis? The wedding guests will be over at the Orešković residence—they just finished renovating the hall, so it has those nice round tables and everything—but they don't have any chair covers available.
What are your thoughts on the band Pulse and Tragedy Eternity (I'm not entirely certain if I have the name exactly right)?
I hope I haven't gone a bit overboard with all these questions! I might be asking a little too much at once, maybe?😁
So, here’s my latest thought... does anyone have a recommendation for a good barber in St. Louis? I was thinking about maybe checking out Martin or Dejan, but I'm wondering if there might be someone else worth seeing. Who would you all suggest?
Well, Maja, maybe there was just a misunderstanding, but regardless, I really feel like we should finally move past all the talk regarding the famous photographer, John. Reading through the comments, it seems like everyone has grown a bit tired of him and his supposed best shots. Please refrain from quoting my posts anymore 🙂
On another note, I’d also like to give a shout-out to the ladies at Sweetie; they make such exquisite pastries. If I recall correctly, $23 is spot on about them. Besides their treats, the baked goods at Bohemian are also wonderful, though they are perhaps a tiny bit more expensive. But honestly, their desserts are truly 🙂
I believe someone above was asking for the phone number for the Crystal ballroom. If you haven't tracked it down yet, I could potentially ask my partner's brother; he’s actually hosting some wedding guests out that way this year, so he's quite familiar with the local spots. I actually attended a wedding there myself, and the venue was lovely. I can only imagine how stunning it will be once the renovations are finished. 😁
Honestly, isn't the whole point of this forum to share suggestions, offer help, give advice, and spread the word about what's available in the Midwest? I'm not quite sure why there's an immediate assumption that women here are just advertising their friends, relatives, or whoever else. In my post, I simply mentioned a few photographers I happened to come across by pure chance; I don't know them personally, so I certainly have no motive to push them or try to make them money. I suppose any sensible person would visit several different photographers in person anyway to see what they offer and what their rates are... what we do here can only expand our options and perhaps introduce us to talented people and deals we didn't even know existed. For instance, I mentioned Oliver, who is actually in high demand in Indianapolis (I made a mistake regarding his pricing—it's not $9,000, but closer to $6,000 and some change). I also mentioned Mijić, who is more of an amateur—he doesn't have a full photo studio and does this mostly as a hobby—but I can honestly say his photos are excellent, and I'd recommend him to anyone. And, purely by coincidence, I stumbled upon his work while browsing through Facebook. Of course, I would also recommend Art Studio and Leon P., though I realize they might not be within everyone's budget. Maja, comments like "these guys are better for the same price" don't really add much—you could have just said you recommend those specific photographers from the Indianapolis area, and we'll take it from there and decide for ourselves if they are better or worse. I felt I had to respond because Maja's comment was a bit distracting. No offense intended! 🙂
To be perfectly honest, I’m not entirely sure what kind of vibe this lighting setup brings to $500, but if your goal is just to lift the mood on a tight budget, it might actually be a decent option. It might be worth reaching out to them directly to see what their specific packages look like, or perhaps you could ask where they’re booked to work next? That way, you could head over and check out 😁 firsthand. As for Leo P., I did mention to him that the rate was around 14 $0.00; a friend of mine used them for her wedding about four months ago and that was what they ended up paying. I suppose it's hard to say exactly what's included in that price—like the total number of photos or how long the video footage lasts—so you might even be able to negotiate a better deal if you opt for one of their "smaller" packages. 👍
Maria Ramirez4 said:Anyone know if there's anyone out in the Midwest who does light shows? I heard about Leo Productions, but they’re asking for $1667, which is just ridiculous these days. I also heard they want $3333 🙄🙄👎 just to take some photos.