6 posts shown.
Hannah Bailey6 said:Hey, I'm actually based in Washington, D.C., but I'm getting married in Memphis.
I've been checking out venues, and while the Lion is alright, it feels pretty cramped, and honestly, I wasn't expecting the price tag to be that high. Could you let me know which menu you went with at the Hilton? It seems like a surprisingly good deal. Also, if you happen to have any photos of the hall, I'd love to see them. How far in advance did you put down the deposit? Thanks.😉
I haven't even picked out the menu yet, but I've got this massive list of dishes staring me in the face. It's huge. Honestly, I have no clue what I'm going to go with. 🙂 We can probably sort this out toward the end. We actually booked that hall back in August last year... you can find photos of the place online if you want to check it out. I’ve been there myself, and honestly, it’s gorgeous. How many guests are you expecting? When's the big day? Man, there are plenty of us in NYC-V. 🙂
Hey everyone! I feel like I’ve pretty much tackled all the big stuff already, so I figured I’d drop some advice for you all.
So, I live in Washington, D.C., but the wedding is happening in Memphis and Indianapolis on September 11th, 2010. I know firsthand how much of a headache the travel logistics can be if you aren't living right where the party is.
The reception and church are both over by me in Memphis. We've got a bus and a few cars coming up from D.C. filled with friends and the groom's family (we haven't booked the bus yet, so I can't give you a price quote). For food, we're going with catering from the Lion hotel because we want at least two hot meals for the folks traveling all the way from D.C.
The venue is the Hilton in Indianapolis. We actually looked at the Lion, but they topped out at 130 people with round tables, which just wasn't enough for us. Plus, we didn't vibe with the manager and it was way too pricey (around $45 a head). On the other hand, I've heard nothing but great things about the Hilton—tons of servers who stay on top of everything, great food, drinks, the whole nine yards. In $75 per person, everything is included: unlimited drinks (including Hunter!), desserts from Catherine’s bakery in Ivankov, and the wedding cake. Honestly, seems like a fair deal. I was a little skeptical about the sweets, so I sent my mom down to Ivankov a week before to check them out in person. She loved it—said the bakers were working like crazy in this huge space, all super professional in their uniforms and hats. The pastries are amazing, so I'm betting the cake will be too, even though she couldn't taste that part.
As for music—we're going with a DJ (DJ Neno, he works with iHeartRadio and plays sets over at George’s on Thursdays). We picked him because we want a mix. Everyone keeps asking if there's gonna be techno—NOPE! It'll be a mix of folk, some local hits, some international tracks, a little Latin rhythm here and there, and some classic old-school rock. I mean, seriously, what kind of band can pull all that off well? To keep things traditional, we'll have a folk group accompanying the bride the whole time; the guys are just buddies from D.C.
The light show is being handled by SMASH Light out of D.C.
Finding the dress was a total nightmare. I fell in love with this Maggie Sottero gown that none of the boutiques in America carry. I even tried calling someone in New York City, but the woman wanted a $500 deposit and said the dress wouldn't arrive until August 15th, which is way too late and way too much money upfront. So, after a massive search, I decided to just have it custom-made right here in D.C. at Salon Marry me. I'm still in the early stages, but the seamstress is incredible—she really knows her fabrics and she's super chill and easy to talk to. She actually has the original Maggie Sottero designs 🙂. It might be a bit pricier ($2000), but that's basically what you pay for brand-new gowns in high-end boutiques anyway, and honestly, who knows if those "new" ones are actually new? You never know if you're getting ripped off. This one is being made specifically for me, so I know for a fact it's brand new. Once it's done, I can just take it home and tuck it away in my closet until the big day.
Flowers: we booked Exclusive Studio in Memphis. I really connected with the girls when we talked, saw some of their work, and just knew. They're affordable and you can tell they're hungry to prove themselves since they're relatively new under this name. Plus, they're two young, talented women with tons of ideas. Total win! 🙂
We're actually making the invitations ourselves, which is going to be a surprise 😁
I'll probably get my makeup done by Eve at the Gallah salon in Memphis. I haven't done a trial run yet, but I've heard great things, so I'm feeling good about it. Now I just need to find a hairstylist...
I don't know what else would be helpful to say... If you guys have any questions, just ask! ☕ 👍
Just wanted to give a quick heads-up to everyone asking about Paramount Pictures, that wedding decor crew out of Warsaw. I finally sat down with them this weekend and pulled the trigger on a booking. Honestly? The girls seem totally legit. They’re a newer outfit, so they’ve definitely got that hunger to prove themselves, and you can tell they obsess over every little detail. We spent two hours grabbing coffee and basically picked their brains on everything under the sun. I actually really liked their vibe, plus I’ve already heard a ton of solid recommendations for them lately. So yeah, first impressions are great, but I’ll give you the real verdict once the wedding is actually over. 🙂 I don't think I made a mistake here, though. 👍
Nicole Cox said:The email for Stella at DJK is stella-djakovo@net.hr.
I totally feel for you, because I'm in the exact same boat—living in D.C. but originally from the Midwest. My wedding is at the end of July and I've already finished all the planning... now I'm just bored! 🙂
Wow, turns out there are plenty of us Midwest girls living in the city! Had no idea! 🙂
At the Admiral, I get $75, all-inclusive, drinks included, even Hunter 🙂)
I've heard nothing but good things about Jack too, so let me know how the meetings went, what the prices look like, and if he's actually any good!
Damn, you’re quick! Thanks!!👍
Hey ladies!
So, I’m new here, just wanted to say hi and let you all know our big day is set for September 11, 2010, at the Admiral in Indianapolis.
We’re living in Washington, D.C., but I’m originally from Memphis, which is why we’re doing the wedding out in the Midwest. Honestly, organizing this thing is becoming a total nightmare because being based in D.C. means I can't exactly hop on a plane to the Midwest every time I need to check on something. 😢 I’m hunting for a florist near Memphis or Indianapolis—I'd even look around St. Louis. I saw some people recommending Palm, Stella, or Iris from Savannah; I already shot an email to Palm and Iris, but Stella hasn't gotten back to me... if anyone has her info, please let me know. Also, if anyone could dig up an email for Jack from Ivanov, that would be huge...
On top of that, I need a makeup artist and a hairstylist who can come to me. By "to me," I mean Memphis 🙂 where the groom is having his welcome party.
There’s definitely more stuff on my list, but this is the priority right now! 😁