I’m hoping to catch up with the girls from Chicago this weekend if everything lines up, so I’ll give you an update next week on how it went. That said, you could always just reach out to them via Meta (that’s how I handled it)—they're actually quite easy to coordinate with once you get in touch.
Hey ladies, where are you all getting your invitations made? Are you designing them yourselves from scratch, or are you using a local print shop? I’m specifically looking for recommendations in the Vegas Golden Knights and Las Vegas areas. Thanks! 🙂
I need some help here!!! Does anyone know where I can pick up some pillar candles? I'm looking for something about 4-5 inches tall and roughly 2 inches in diameter, preferably in a beige or cream shade. I'll need somewhere in the ballpark of 50 to 60 of them. Thanks!
Andrew Alvarez12;25323336 said:Honestly, I feel terrible that my post came across as an attack on anyone. My apologies to everyone who took it that way. I was simply sharing my own experience, and of course, everyone will choose what suits their own taste and budget.
This forum was such a massive help to me when I was planning my wedding, so I just wanted to weigh in on the aesthetic side of things. For me, the priority was keeping everything elegant, simple, and completely free of tacky clutter.
So, sorry again.
Look, there’s no shame in that at all. I’m not even active on FB myself; I handle basically everything through email and phone calls. Honestly, I can't really claim to give "expert" advice—I'm just passing along what I've heard from others. At the end of the day, it's always good to hear different perspectives. That’s exactly why forums exist, right? To swap experiences. By the way, if you don't mind me asking, who did you use for your photographer?
Saw some talk about flowers a few pages back, so I figured I’d jump in with my experience. Everyone kept telling me that Mrs. Ivanov had the cheapest rates, but I wasn't about to just drive out there and order without doing my homework first. I'm pretty meticulous, so I even did a couple of trial runs for hair and makeup.
After hitting up a bunch of different florists, I finally made my choice—and I definitely didn't regret it. First, I made a list of everything I wanted and took it to several shops to compare quotes. Honestly, the claim that she's the cheapest? Total myth. The prices at the shop over in the Midwest and the one near Trump's place were basically the same, within $100 $67 either way. For me, it wasn't just about finding the lowest price; I wanted quality too.
By the end of the night, everyone was staring at my flowers and asking who did them.
I was obsessed... the arrangements were so tasteful and incredibly fresh.
Mary from the Femme salon handled my hair, and Daria did my makeup. Their work was easily my favorite part. On the wedding day, people couldn't stop complimenting me—they actually couldn't believe it was me, since I'm usually such an athletic, low-maintenance type.
So, girls, don't just chase the lowest price. Look at the quality.
Aesthetics were my top priority, and honestly, everything turned out perfect.
Regarding the flowers, I really can't say for sure if Jack from Ivanov's place is the cheapest, so I won't comment on that. The reason I mentioned her is simply because she was recommended to me specifically for her massive selection of candle holders, which I needed since I wasn't planning on having a ton of floral arrangements. It isn't just about ignoring price; you have to weigh it against quality, and you definitely need to scout the options across the city thoroughly. I believe everyone will find something that fits their specific taste and the depth of their wallet. 🙂 That florist near Trump—I think the owner's name is Ivanka—is more like Stephanie's funeral parlor style, and she's perfectly fine with me. To be honest, I don't know how her wedding work is, but back when I lived in NYC, my mom and I used to buy flowers from her for all sorts of occasions, and she is truly a lovely woman.
Betty Foster8 said:Ivona, I actually think that song is really beautiful 😉 🙂
I agree, it’s a gorgeous track. Certain things just tie us to that melody, you know? Plus, Branko from the band is actually a close friend of his, so I have no doubt the performance will be incredible. But looking at the discussions on this forum, everyone seems to be leaning toward different songs or much more laid-back vibes. I honestly can't predict how the whole thing will turn out... but whatever happens, happens. At the end of the day, my priority is marrying the man I love; what kind of music he plays is really secondary. 🙂
Betty Foster8 said:Looks like nobody around here is from the outskirts of New Orleans... 😢 I mean, I guess you could ask for some advice on a nice folk song for the first dance, since we're definitely having a live band playing that kind of music at the end anyway. I'm honestly totally stumped. 🤷 😢 😢
I’m not from NYC myself, but I am moving out that way for my wedding... if I hear anything useful, I’ll be sure to post it immediately. As for the music, we’ve actually booked a Midwestern band, so my fiancé is leaning toward their track "Golden Valley" for the first dance. It’s not exactly a showstopper, but... well... they might slow it down a bit, though I can't say for sure.
cosmicmarlin20 said:So I booked Jack, but we haven't hammered out the specifics yet... I've been hearing he's super cheap, but his quote felt a bit steep to me, so now we're basically going back to the drawing board for a "correction." Maybe I was being a little too demanding, who knows... anyway, I'll let you guys know what the final damage looks like once it's set, since I have a ton of stuff for him to handle 🙂
How far in advance did you go to meet with the wedding party? My bridesmaids aren't scheduled until October, so I feel like it’s way too early to be heading over to her place just yet... I don't think I’ll be dropping many likes on any floral posts lately. My vision for the reception tables involves large candlesticks wrapped in tulle and greenery—something I might even DIY myself since all I really need are the holders. Then there’s the church arrangements, my bouquet, the boutonnieres, and obviously the centerpiece for my own table. But even then, I’m not going for that traditional, over-the-top floral look; I want something a bit more unique, which means less volume overall. To be perfectly honest, I feel a bit guilty spending a fortune on flowers when I have so many more critical expenses to cover... you know, things like actually building a life together once the wedding festivities are over. 🙂)
I’m dealing with the exact same headache... I’m based in Washington, D.C., while my wedding party is all the way out in Memphis... so I end up managing every single little detail through endless emails, phone calls, and forum threads. 🙂 My wife actually got a recommendation from a contact at a local restaurant for a florist named Jack Majpruz (I think that's his surname) over in Ivanov. A close friend of mine also raved about him—she used him for all her wedding decor. To be honest, I haven't had the chance to visit his shop personally yet, but the very next time I head out to the Midwest, he’s my first stop to get everything sorted out!! Hopefully, that helps even just a little bit!!
Thanks so much for the info... I don't actually live in VK anymore—well, not quite. I used to live there, but I’m based in the city now. That said, I’m still planning on holding the wedding down in VK... I did some shopping for rings in the city, but honestly? Nothing really jumped out at me, and the prices were absolutely outrageous. Why would I pay that kind of money when I could get something just as beautiful for way less back in VK?
In fact, once things warm up a bit, I’m thinking about heading over to Indianapolis to check out what they have there while I'm visiting the Midwest. 🙂 Thanks again!!
It’s me again... I find myself needing some advice regarding engagement rings. Where did you all end up buying yours, and what kind of damage did it actually do to your wallets? I’m specifically looking at white gold options in the Vinkovci area... THANKS!!!
rapidfox42 said:I honestly don't get this! I really didn't want to jump in, but this is just getting ridiculous. Daniel King4—do you actually think someone is going to pick John just because you spam his name on this forum a thousand times? Sorry to break it to you, but people aren't idiots—they're going to go with whoever they actually like, not just whoever gets spammed about constantly.
I really hope this guy has some other way of marketing himself, because if this is his strategy, he's seriously messed up. Not only is everyone more than fed up with John, but your almost childish behavior tells me that even if you think he's great, he definitely won't be my type—you're being pushy, aggressive, and intolerant, which is totally not my vibe, so clearly we have zero common ground.
Most girls here just want to get the info they need, share their experiences, and help each other out without having to wade through your posts that have nothing to do with the topic and don't help anyone.
And sorry for the long rant, but this really crossed the line!
Daniel King4 said:I don't have anything going on with him, we barely know each other, I'm just looking at things realistically by comparing him to the rest, whereas you're busy tearing him down and trying to boost others even though you know I'm right. Anyone with actual taste would say he's the best in the business, it's just a shame he's not from Indianapolis so people won't give him the credit he deserves. He'd probably have hundreds of clients working all over the US and abroad if he wasn't stuck in this local bubble. Personally, I think you just lack any sense of style, so maybe take a breather... the truth hurts...
If I actually stood to gain anything by praising someone, believe me, I’d be doing it. But I can't even if I wanted to, since I haven't collaborated with anyone on any major "projects" lately. It's not that I was bashing him; I simply stated that he doesn't particularly stand out to me. And judging by previous posts, I'm certainly not the only one who feels that way... If he's great in your eyes, fine, that's your prerogative—but please, get real, he isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea... And this idea that nobody likes him just because he isn't from VK? That is absolute nonsense. Besides, you seem to be quite the expert on who loves him and who doesn't... and then you claim you barely know him? Whatever. I'm not going to waste my breath arguing about your John. Thank God I already found a photographer, so your desperate little sales pitch and your attempts to tear others down don't affect me at all...
Daniel King4 said:Mind sending over a photo that actually catches your eye, or maybe just show me where we can see it so I can get a sense of your taste. Cheers
Honestly, his work looks pretty standard to me—nothing special about those shots from John, if you're really that curious... I honestly can't tell if you owe John something to be promoting him this hard while trashing everyone else, but seriously, take it down a notch... we don't all have to be John's biggest fans. As for Studio 69, they don't cost $4667 or whatever amount you mentioned, because I actually reached out to them myself. I told them what I wanted and the guy gave me a quote of $2667, and keep in mind, I'm not even friends with him or anything; I just stumbled upon him on Facebook. So, that theory about "friends getting a discount" doesn't really hold water here...
This really isn't the place for bickering, so I'm done with this conversation... sorry if I offended you, I truly didn't mean to... Best regards!
Daniel King4 said:Either way, it's better quality than both Smart and Rachel, and cheaper too...
I don't know, everyone has their own take, but my personal view? I don't think John is all that much to write home about—at least based on what I've seen. Look, I'm not claiming to be some kind of expert, because I'm certainly not, but his photos just feel uninspired to me... totally ordinary. I really hope I'm not offending anyone here, but that's just how I see it...
Here I am again... and once more, I find myself needing a little insight from any ladies or gentlemen on this forum 🙂 located near the University of California area. Has anyone ever heard of that photo studio, >? Specifically, does anyone know what their workflow is like? I was digging through some old thank-you notes recently and stumbled upon one of their advertisements; I distinctly remember a bride mentioning how thrilled she was with her wedding photos. As it happens, they shot my five-year high school reunion, and the pictures are actually fantastic—the photographer was such a sweetheart, too. So, I suppose I’m just curious: has anyone here actually worked with them? Thanks! Grateful for any info you can share 🙂
In my experience, Studio 69 is easily the best option out there, but honestly? They are just way too expensive. With the economy being what it is right now, I have to be incredibly careful about where every single cent of my budget goes—and I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling the squeeze. Of course, I realize I can't expect high-end work for pennies, but it feels like some of these more established photographers are asking for an absolute fortune. It’s frustrating, really. I don't know... maybe I'll just have to spend a day scouting out different photographers to see their actual style and what they're offering versus what they charge.
I just took a look at those photos of that much-hyped John from Jackson, and honestly? I wasn't exactly blown away... I mean, wouldn't anyone be able to pull that off with a slightly better camera? But hey, that’s just my two cents—I certainly don't want to start any drama or offend anyone here... Does anyone actually have experience working with Smart and Rachel over on Facebook?
My apologies if I've missed the mark on this thread, but I am in desperate need of a photographer recommendation (the wedding is being held in Indianapolis)... I'm looking for someone who actually knows what they're doing, but won't absolutely bankrupt me in the process (and since I'm no longer in a financial crisis 🙂 !