Posts by Nathan Nguyen2

Larry Ross43 said:I must've been dreaming at that party where the top-tier band played, because Nishan was totally blown away, and apparently 1500 bucks for just three guys is way too much... like 500 per person...

I'd say 1000 bucks is a fair price for them since I know they're good; I've seen them perform out in the suburbs a few times...

but honestly, while that amount seems okay because I know they're solid... on one hand, sure, but on the other, 1000 bucks for two people is actually a ton when you realize there are other bands in the same league, maybe even better, that have like five members including a full drum kit and all that... what's the payoff for $3333... I guess $667 per head for one night is a decent enough amount, in my opinion...

Are you sure about that? Prices have gone up since last year, so I'm pretty sure The Beach Boys are charging more than 1200 bucks now.

redridge15 said:Hey everyone! I've already booked my venue and the DJ for a few months now (Kokolo and Viva), but now I'm stuck on the photographer... I'm torn between Lisjak, Studim in, Teklić, or Photo Delta.
I could really use some advice here..

Raymond Brooks7, you went with Lisjak... how did your photos turn out? Everyone seems to rave about him, and looking at his website, I definitely like his style, but I feel like I'm missing a bit of imagination—you know, things like shots within shots or extra focus on details. His work feels more "fine art," whereas I'd love someone who plays around with the images a bit more through Photoshop editing.
How were yours, and which package did you end up getting??

Check out the wedding shots from Studim in and Chikita's guy (Teklić), then ask Raymond what package he used. Just see what you vibe with most.

casualranger3 said:I’ll most likely be putting down the deposit for the "Sun Valley" hall tomorrow 🙏 I still need to lock in a band and a photographer—I checked out the Barbary trio and they seem solid—but does anyone have a photographer they’d recommend? I see everyone raving about Studio IN

studio in is solid. Jakov Teklic, Matic, and that one studio Raymond Brooks7 used

George Flores16 said:Why would you even consider Grašo? I think it’s a massive risk for your bottom line. They can hike up the prices whenever they feel like it, and you’ll have zero control over how much people actually drink or eat. Are you perhaps interested in the Hotel Atlantic? It’s got a pool. You could also check with Seget about the Hotel Atlantic once the season winds down, or maybe look into Hotel Meden in Charleston.

Hotel Meden’s rates are basically this:
1. Standard menu (appetizer + pastries; cheese, prosciutto, French style; white and black risotto; beef stew and veal medallions; lamb; fruit; coffee; plus all the pizza you can handle) = $35
2. Surprise omelet + $1
3. Round tables + $1
4. Tablecloths + $1
5. If you go for their desserts + $1

rapidmason10 said:Man, there’s been so much talk about 🙂that Bellevue is gonna hit $38 next year...😍 I already grabbed my Bellevue for next season...honestly, you gotta be kidding me 👍

But hey, everyone's hiking up their prices. I think Holy Cross is looking like $42 for next year....

The place is nice and I heard the service is great, but man, I hate that massive eyesore of a building it's in. Whatever, there's 100 people attending, 100 people. It doesn't matter.

Bellevue is gonna be 38 bucks next year😲

Raymond Brown7 said:Our photographer was Ivica Matić, and honestly, it was an incredible experience. We felt so relaxed in front of the lens because he didn't just show up for the wedding—we did trial shoots and grabbed coffee together first, all just to make sure the actual photos felt natural and spontaneous.
By the end of the wedding, nobody even noticed we were being photographed. The shots turned out INCREDIBLE, the albums are stunning, and the photos follow a chronological flow—it’s one big, beautiful story. People genuinely can't believe albums like this are still made today; even our relatives visiting from the US and Australia were shocked, and we thought that kind of quality was the standard over there. As for the prices? I won't go there—everyone knows what they can afford, and that’s not the point here.
All I know is that we won't always remember the food, or the cars, or the champagne and other nonsense, but the photos will be right there forever to remind us of that day.

You can tell a lot about a person the moment you meet them—first impressions matter—and Ivica proved to be more than just a pro; he's a true gentleman and basically a therapist. He explained so much to us, helped us track things down, and even assisted with writing the event protocol... I mean, when you're dealing with someone who works 60 days a year on weddings, you get what you pay for. 🤣
And all of that gives us every right to say— A TOTAL HOME RUN!

👍

Can I see some of your photos? And I'm also curious about the ballpark price (can PM me if easier), just so I know if it's even worth checking out his work.

Jerry Thompson7 said:I have to address the flawed conclusion above... look, Ivica Matić isn't even in the same league as the esteemed Mr. Fox and Sin; he's actually two tiers above them... his high price is completely justified because at that level, you are paying for NOTHING BUT PURE QUALITY...

Just check the photos.

Big thanks to everyone for the info🙏

rapidmason10 said:As far as I know, nobody's posted photos of Matić here... but you can just hit up his site http://www.ivicamatic.com/ to check out his portfolio...

Personally, I booked Studio In for my wedding... and man, am I happy with how everything turned out! They're actually working on their new website right now, so once that's live, you can go there to scope out all their other work and music videos.

Lisjak is also a solid choice—tons of girls have gone with him.

I checked out the sites for Smith, Fox, and I think Teklica, but honestly, everything looks way better on a screen than when you see the actual prints. Like, the photos aren't bad, but they aren't quite as "wow" as they seem online. To me, Studio in still seems a few notches above them.
Who shot Pinguink?

Anyone here actually caught Ivica Matic on camera? Out of the usual suspects—Teklic, Lisjak, and Studio In—I’ve gotta say, Studio In’s work is the only stuff I actually dig. At least from what I've seen on this forum, those shots by silentpuma28 are the best.

rapidmason10 said:BB is top-tier... I'm thinking they run about $1,000 for the duo, plus maybe another $200 if you bring on a singer...

You've also got Barbary (they bring their own drums), Barbarossa, and Major League....

Thanks. Where can I actually hear them play though? YouTube or something? And how many people are in Barbary, and what's the damage on price?

Alex Carter3 said:Well, you're being pretty modest here.
I barely managed to find one for you; I'll DM you the details.😉

Which band is this? What's the deal with Brava Band and what kind of money are they looking for?

Ryan Davis46 said:My wedding passed by just as quickly, and honestly, it was nothing short of perfect; I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat, keeping every single tiny detail exactly the same.
I don't have the photos yet 😛

The reception was held in Charleston, and if anyone is looking for recommendations, here is the rundown:

- Makeup - Julia Vodice - she was incredible; her work looked just as flawless at 5 AM as it did at noon, which is impressive considering it was over 90 °F outside. Her nail work was just as good.

- Photo + Video - located right across from the local sports arena - Spectra (or something similar). Like I said, I don't have the shots yet, but from the quick glances I caught on their camera screen, I think they're going to be 👍 the guys really gave it their all.

- Flowers - Fio's Florals - Ivana handled everything. One word: perfection!!!! I showed her my inspiration photos and she executed my vision to a T. She truly has an eye for this.

- Hotel Orion - run by the Vodices - absolutely wonderful. The owner can be a bit stiff and eccentric, but if you stay firm about what you want, she sticks to every single detail. The food was outstanding, seriously delicious. And I'm not just saying that—everyone we spoke to agreed it was exceptional. Between the welcome cocktails by the pool, the candles, the torches... it was just great!

- Music - Tex Mex - they were totally fine and very professional throughout the night. The breaks were short and minimal, and the music kept the energy upbeat...

Oh, and the dress - Ana's Bridal, over in Washington, D.C. It was such a lovely, breezy summer gown.😍

If I've missed anything, feel free to ask.😉

Anyway, I had such a blast, and mm did too. Everything felt so relaxed and positive. I'm a happy camper.😁😍

Do you have any pics of the venue? Also, what did they charge for the catering?