Posts by placidharbor21

John Rivera57 said:Guys, please. I need a solid DJ for July—ideally someone from San Francisco or Seattle, but honestly, I'm open to anyone willing to make the trip out to Portland. Please, if you know someone actually talented and not just some talentless hack hiding behind a laptop screen.
Thanks, thanks!

I just sent that DJ's number over to you via private message.

Does anyone happen to know when the engagement prep course over at St. Peter starts up, and what kind of schedule are they running for the sessions?

Jacob Harris88 said:Help, help, help—I am genuinely on the verge of a complete breakdown!
Today, with exactly sixteen days left until my wedding, the band informs me that they might not even play, or if they do decide to show up, they won't arrive before 11:00 PM!!!
Should I just offer them more money right now to ensure they don't screw me over... or should I just send them packing? I honestly have no idea how anyone is supposed to find a replacement band that's actually available on Valentine's Day with only two weeks to go...

Oh my god, I cannot believe this! What absolute morons... what do they think they're doing?! 😠 😠 😠 I honestly cannot wrap my head around that level of unprofessionalism and pure nerve.

I can only imagine how much you're freaking out right now!! Try to take a deep breath somehow, and I really hope you manage to track down a new band super fast. I wish I could jump in with some recommendations, but I don't know any local groups since I've always just hired a DJ. More than anything, I just want you to find a replacement ASAP so you can get through this without any more unnecessary stress!!

And as for those jerks: hell no, don't give them an extra cent. Don't give them anything, just tell them exactly where to go and let them know how much they suck.

I’m with the other girls on this one—don't hesitate to call them out by name on the forum. They deserve the bad publicity so nobody else ever makes the mistake of booking them. Go for it!!! 🙂 🙂

We're all eagerly waiting for the update so we can give them a few choice words of our own...

redviper17 said:I've already booked my DJ! My guy is Duplancic, what about yours?

Well, mine's Mario.

Zachary White9 said:Hey, I need some serious help here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is anyone in Bellevue or Savannah around??
I need an answer ASAP 🙂 thanks thanks thanks!

Oh, and while you're at it—does anyone know how much a standard pot of chili holds?
😕

So, I went ahead and booked Amigos for you. Since we’re looking at a crowd of about 100 people—actually, let's call it up to 120 to be safe—that spot works just fine. Honestly, the floor plan feels a little tight, but hey, life isn't perfect, right? The vibe there is absolutely gorgeous, though, and the service is top-notch. The staff made such a killer impression on us; they were genuinely kind, which is a refreshing change from some of the other places we checked out. Though, if I'm being totally honest, we didn't shop around all that much because once we saw Amigos, it was basically "the one."

Finding a restaurant or a venue was a total headache for us because our guest count is in that awkward middle ground—not quite a massive wedding, but definitely not a small dinner party either. But we finally stumbled upon something that hits the sweet spot. We were really leaning toward staying right by the coast, and since our big celebration is happening in June, it felt like the absolute perfect choice. 😍

Zachary White9 said:Oh man, I just now saw your comment. What can I say? I really don't have any firsthand experience to go on. As for the music—I'm definitely more into electronic stuff myself, but let's be real: two-thirds of the party will probably be the older folks and my fiancé's side of the family who just want to shout along to old-school classics. I have to admit, that part stresses me out a little—I don't want my wedding to turn into a sweaty basement rager, but I also don't want people just sitting around, either.

Man, I totally get where you're coming from; making that call is tough, and let's be real, the band usually ends up winning that battle because that's just how these things go. 😉
As for me, my DJ is still going to play our local stuff, but mostly we're talking 80s vibes and current hits (the more urban, modern ones, obviously), plus a few old-school classics from the 80s (think things like New Wave, Fossil, Elvis Presley, or those classic Star Magazine style hits) to keep the older folks happy and warm things up. It’s that kind of music that bridges the generational gap, so I know I won't miss the mark—even though I’m positive my relatives would much rather be jumping around to bubblegum pop, but hey, not at my party, whether they like it or not. As for the foreign music, I’ll save all that for the very end once the older crowd has finally passed out. 😁

Don't stress too much; whatever you decide, it’s going to turn out fine!!

Karen Rogers23 said:Hey ladies!!

Quick question—someone recommended using Magazine Photo Studio to me. Has anyone here actually used them before? Just wondering if they're any good.

Thanks 🙂🙂🙂🙂

I’ve honestly never even heard of them! If you want my two cents, I’d highly recommend Son from Photo Plus or Ivica Lisjak. I’m actually having Son shoot my wedding soon because I am just obsessed with his style. As for Lisjak, I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews. Honestly, just go poke around his website; look through his portfolio and see if his vibe actually clicks with you.

A few girls mentioned Photo California before, but let’s be real—they’ll show you a couple of albums where everything looks absolutely flawless, but there's no telling if you'll actually vibe with the specific crew they send your way. Not all their teams are created equal, though I think some people on this forum used them once and were pretty happy with how things turned out.

But seriously, you really can't go wrong with either Son or Lisjak, and their pricing is totally fair compared to those big-name studios that charge an absolute fortune just for the brand.

Photo Plus is located in that little strip right before you hit Photo California, near where that parking lot by the transformer station is. You can grab Lisjak’s cell number directly from his site—just Google "Ivica Lisjak" and his website should pop up immediately.

silentpuma28 said:Goga did the makeup for both pingulinku and me (from the forum)... I was beyond happy with how she did my face, and I highly recommend her to everyone...
I've heard nothing but praise for Antonia Guć, too...

Ugh, now I want to recommend my own hairstylist because I am totally obsessed with the style she gave me... but she works in Castella, so I'm not sure if that's too far for you.🤷

Castella is probably a bit too far out since I'm living in Miami, and honestly, I can already picture the absolute chaos and crowds on my wedding day, so having everything close by is a massive priority for me.

I’ve also heard nothing but praise for Antonia, but she doesn't live locally, so unfortunately, that's not really an option for me...

Anyway, thank you so much for all the info!

If anyone else in this group has a recommendation for a killer hairstylist in Miami who specializes in wedding looks, I would be eternally grateful for the lead!!!

silentpuma28 said:Blackbird Florist is top-notch 👍 and they can definitely do corsages—you can just coordinate everything with the wife. 😉
Regarding those permits and receipts for the desserts—there's been a lot of talk about it, but I think most venues can still take homemade goods... just double-check with the venue to be safe.

And honestly, you could just buy a few pounds of bakery items, keep the receipt, and just mix them in with the homemade ones... that way you have "coverage" but still get to serve the homemade treats. 😉

Honestly, that sounds like a killer idea for some cookies. 👍 👍Look, if my restaurant manager tells me we’re ditching the homemade desserts, then fine, that's exactly what I'll do—I'll follow orders. But let's be real for a second: nothing else even comes close. To me, homemade sweets are the absolute gold standard, period. You try to compare them to those mass-produced, store-bought things you find at a grocery store? It’s not even a fair fight. They just don't have that soul, you know? So, if that's the call, then kiss it goodbye, because I'm definitely not going to argue about it. 😳 Now that's what I call a stellar suggestion! Seriously, you hit the nail right on the head with that one.

Honestly, Blackbird Florist and Katie over at the Pujanko shop are hands down my absolute favorites, so I’m definitely planning on taking a little stroll through the neighborhood in the next few days just to see what kind of deals they're running!

I was just sitting here wondering—since my party isn't until this June—is it actually too early to start locking down a florist? I know, I know, I probably sound like I'm planning my life three years in advance, but you never know how these things go.

Hey silentpuma28, did you end up getting your hair or makeup done by Antonia Guć too? A few different girls have been raving about her lately, and honestly, I’m pretty much sold on booking her at this point. I just wanted to see if you had a similar experience before I pull the trigger—feel free to shoot me a DM if that's easier!

Alright, I’ve got another question for all you ladies out there—especially those of you who’ve already taken the plunge and walked down the aisle, so you actually have some real-world experience to draw from:
Does anyone have a lead on a killer hairstylist? I’m looking for a total pro who specializes in formal looks—specifically those high-end wedding hairstyles that actually stay put all night. I need someone who really knows their stuff when it comes to updos and bridal styling. Any recommendations?

So, I was scrolling through the forums earlier and caught wind of some guy over at Urban who apparently kills it with those non-traditional, edgy hairstyles—you know, the kind that aren't just your standard, boring "get me a trim" look. I’m assuming we're talking about something a bit more experimental and not just the typical classic cut everyone gets when they're playing it safe. Does anyone actually know anything about his work, or am I just chasing ghosts here?

I am all ears, so please, don't hold back—any and all recommendations are more than welcome!🙂

Zachary White9 said:Help me out—does anyone have a contact for a small wedding band? Looking for someone for a set and wondering about typical pricing

Also, what’s the vibe on hiring a DJ instead of a live band? I know a DJ usually has a better repertoire, but I really don't want it to feel like we're just listening to the radio or being cheap
I haven't actually formed an opinion yet since I've never been to a party without live music. What do you guys think? Which way is better
😕 🤷

I actually went ahead and booked a DJ for my wedding too, mostly because bands just aren't my scene and I honestly have no clue how they manage to set the right mood. I’ve been to weddings with live bands—some were great, some were total disasters—but I just couldn't see myself doing that at my own party; it’s just not my style.

On the flip side, I’ve been to plenty of weddings with DJs, and honestly, it all boils down to the playlist you pick. I was at this one wedding a few years back where the DJ played nothing but cheesy Top 40 hits—you know, the kind of stuff like Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, or Katy Perry—and since that’s absolutely not my taste, it was a nightmare. I was practically counting the minutes until I could leave. But, looking around, the couple and most of the guests seemed to love it, so for them, it worked perfectly.

Then there were other weddings where the DJ played stuff much closer to my personal taste—mixing in those classic oldies we all know, some modern hits, and even some international tracks. There was something for everyone, I had an absolute blast, and the rest of the crowd was having a killer time too.

Personally, I think DJs are awesome, and I’d say don't listen to those people who claim a DJ can't build a good atmosphere. It’s entirely subjective! In every single wedding I’ve attended where there was a DJ, the energy was actually great. A friend of mine had a huge wedding a few years ago with a DJ, and it was fantastic; they played a mix of local favorites and mostly foreign hits. It was a younger crowd, and everyone was dancing their hearts out. But again, I’ll stress this: it all depends on the couple's vibe and what they actually enjoy!

If you need my DJ's number, just shoot me a DM and I'll pass it along.

Huge thanks to all the ladies who slid into my DMs with all that info I was looking for! You seriously made my life so much easier!

I’ve still got a few things on my mind, so here goes nothing:
Does anyone happen to know someone who works from home—like, a private florist doing arrangements and boutonnieres—who actually knows what they're doing and is located in San Francisco? If you have a contact number, please just send it over via private message. 🤣 🤣

If you don't know any independent florists, honestly, even just a recommendation for a solid flower shop in San Francisco with decent prices would work. The main thing is that they can handle both the arrangements and the boutonnieres, though I guess pretty much everyone does that nowadays anyway!

I seem to recall seeing people on this forum mention Katie's shop over in the Pujanko area, and if my memory serves me right, maybe a place called Jaglac too!

Oh, one more thing that popped into my head:
I heard a rumor that restaurants aren't allowed to serve homemade desserts anymore because health inspectors are out on the prowl, and apparently, you need some kind of official certification or something...! I've been to a ton of catered events over the last few years, and I've never once heard of an inspector cracking down on someone just for serving homemade treats at a party.
Store-bought sweets just never hit the same as the homemade stuff for me, so hearing that actually bummed me out quite a bit. I was already planning on getting the cakes from Delta, but I was dead set on having homemade cookies and pastries, and now I'm just left scratching my head!
Does anyone know if it's actually legal to bring homemade desserts into a restaurant, or is that a total no-go?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

LOOKING FOR A MUSICIAN IN SAN FRANCISCO:
So, I’ve got a wedding coming up this June, and honestly, we’ve pretty much knocked out the big stuff already, but I am seriously struggling to track down a keyboardist/accordion player and a guitarist. Someone mentioned Nick (Hans) on a thread recently, but looking at the rates, it $667 feels like way too much money just for two hours of music. If we pay them that much, we might as well hire a full-blown DJ to spin tracks all night long, which feels like a total overkill for such a short set.

It really seems like everyone is just trying to bleed you dry once they find out you're getting married! 😠

The headache is that I don't have a single reliable contact number, and I really don't want to play phone tag with random people from some sketchy Craigslist ad and hope for the best. If anyone happens to have the cell number for an accordionist/guitarist duo, or even just an accordion player please, please, please 🤣 🤣 🤣 shoot me a private message. My one non-negotiable is that they play strictly West Coast vibes—meaning absolutely zero cheesy party anthems, nothing trashy like those old school rock bands, or any of that folk-pop stuff that makes my skin crawl. I just can't picture people walking into my wedding beltng out songs by someone like Bruce Springsteen or similar artists. That is completely out of the question!

LOOKING FOR A MAKEUP ARTIST:
One more thing! Does anyone know how far in advance you actually need to book a makeup artist before the big day? Also, I'm hunting for a solid makeup pro in San Francisco. I heard through the grapevine that Antonia Guc is incredible, but I have no clue how to track her down. So, if anyone could be a total lifesaver and 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏send her number over via DM
!