Posts by placidorca13

The Vertigo Bend... honestly, they’re absolutely perfect and won't break the bank either.

We ended up just hiring a photographer from a local wedding studio over in Miami, and we paid about $850 for the whole thing.

Thanks so much for pointing that out, I appreciate the correction!

Dana Thomas14 said:thanks for the heads up.

I hadn't heard of that vocal group before, but since you raved about them, I jumped on their website and checked out some of their videos. honestly, they make a great impression 👍.

They’ve even performed at the big festival in Los Angeles, and they actually took home first place at the competition in Key West

Dana Thomas14 said:That is a seriously killer song selection! I can totally see how all of that gave your reception such a unique, romantic vibe🙂

Honestly, the whole experience felt like something straight out of a movie. We had this gorgeous outdoor wedding right at the marina in Newport Beach, and having that live vocal group perform really set the mood. When they started singing that very first song, I swear, half the guests were already reaching for their tissues—it was just that moving.

Dana Thomas14 said:Hey ladies,
I’m new here. I’ve been lurking for a while now and honestly, all your info has been such a lifesaver (thanks a ton!!!), so I figured it was finally time to jump in and join the conversation.

My birthday is August 28th next year, and we’ve finally checked some major things off our list: the venue is the Ritz-Carlton, the band is Flash, photography/video is being handled by a pro, and for the guest reception (on my end): we’re looking at the Getty Museum. We spent forever weighing every single option, scouting locations, and going back and forth—so we’re seriously relieved to finally have these big pieces in place.

Now, we’re hunting for a solid catering company (ideally one that can provide tents) for the reception. Any recommendations? I saw someone mention some local spots and boutique caterers earlier? Has anyone actually used those specific catering services or maybe others out there? I need the real scoop—how’s the food, how’s the service, and what’s the damage to the wallet?

Also, we’re looking for a good vocal group to sing a few songs (maybe 2 or 3 before and after the ceremony). Someone suggested a few specific acapella groups to us—what’s the verdict on them? Do you have any other suggestions? And what are we looking at in terms of pricing?

I am seriously so grateful for all this intel—especially since I live out of state, so I can't just pop in to check everything out or listen to performers in person.

Later!

Well, like I mentioned before, we actually had the guys from the Bunari vocal group perform for us, and they were absolutely stellar. As for the cost, it really just depends on your specific vision and how long you want them to keep singing.
When it comes to catering, we went with George's restaurant in Malibu, and honestly, the food was nothing short of phenomenal, and the service was just as impressive. I highly recommend them without hesitation! Our menu featured savory pies, prosciutto, artisan cheeses, classic French salad, octopus salad, both black and white risotto, and fried calamari.

Well Music - absolutely incredible guys
If you’re willing to invest a little extra to really elevate the musical experience at your event, I cannot recommend them enough.
They performed six songs for us, and honestly, they were flawless; they brought such a unique, soulful atmosphere to the entire wedding ceremony:
Here is the setlist we handpicked for them to perform:
"When You Come to Me," right as the bride was walking toward the groom
"My Beautiful Angel," during the flower girl moments
"Let There Be a Calm Sea," which they played at the end of the ceremony just as the fireworks started
"Christ on My Soul," right as dinner service began
A heartfelt American classic instead of a traditional hymn
"My Fairy," for our very first dance🙂

Larry Ross43 said:I was wondering if it’s possible to hire Ivica Matić just for photography at a wedding? Basically, we’re only looking for photos and aren't really interested in video services... I guess it would be helpful to know what his typical rate is for just shooting a wedding?

Absolutely, that is definitely an option you can go with.
The rates generally range from about $1,100 to $1,650, though you should keep in mind there might be extra costs depending on your specific needs. For instance, things like travel expenses, sessions that run longer than 12 hours, scheduling shoots a day early or late, getting a DVD with all the high-res shots, or having them featured on their official website—those kinds of extras can certainly bump up the final price.

stormyscout13 said:So, what’s the deal with the pastries over at the Mediteran bakery? Are they actually any good, and what kind of damage am I looking at for my wallet?

Honestly, their crunchy praline treats and those shortbread cookies are absolutely divine, and if you're looking for wedding cakes, their marzipan designs are truly showstoppers.

My dearest ladies,
I’m finally jumping into this discussion, mostly because I feel compelled to share my own little journey with you all.
First off, I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone here for all the wonderful information and advice regarding weddings in California; it was absolutely instrumental in helping me pull my own big day together. And if I may be so bold—and perhaps a bit subjective—it truly felt like stepping straight into a fairy tale. So, if any of you are currently in the midst of planning your own wedding and find yourselves needing a few trusted recommendations, here is my personal shortlist:
venue: Marina Frapa Rogoznica / an absolutely magical setting for a fairytale wedding
the kickoff: champagne and hors d'oeuvres by the pool
menu: a perfect blend of seafood and meat / simply perfection
the dress: Elite Bride / simple, feminine, and incredibly elegant
after-midnight attire: Elite Bride / something a little more fun and different
shoes: Ledenko / Bride
hair: Smiljan make up
makeup: Ivana Šinkić
nails: Professionals Studio San Francisco
groom's suit: Mr. Mot / Martin Arbanas
pastries: American cake
cake: lighthouse / Mediteran bakery
other sweets: delta Babić
flowers and decor: jaglac effect florist
special effects: boom pyrotechnics music
ceremony music: Well Music
reception music: Vertigo bend / they were spectacular, I cannot recommend them enough!
invitations and stationery: Lipa Ana
confetti: lavender-filled shells / a little mix of our own creative ideas
wedding bands: Vagus jewelry
photography: wedding studio in

In any case, it was a perfectly elegant, deeply romantic wedding—the kind of day I am certain anyone would dream of having...