Posts by dustytinker58

Michelle Harris27 said:Trust me, waiting for Photo Zoom is totally worth it! Once those shots come in, you are going to be so incredibly happy with them...

I'm still waiting on mine and it's been two whole months, so your wait isn't even that bad in the grand scheme of things...

Honestly, my experience with Kelbas Photo Studio was just a complete letdown...

If I were ever to have a wedding all over again in the Midwest, I'd definitely go back to Zoom and hire Andrew Car to handle the photography... they really know their stuff...

I can't believe I'm actually typing this out! Is anyone else feeling this? It’s like we all just collectively held our breath, isn't it? I was sitting there, just staring at the screen, waiting for any kind of update. My heart was absolutely pounding! Can you imagine? One minute everything is quiet, and the next—boom! Everything changes. It’s such a whirlwind, right? Honestly, I’m still trying to process it all. What do you guys think? Are we looking at a total game-changer here, or am I just getting ahead of myself? I really want to hear everyone's take on this. Let's get a discussion going! kaže:
So, I guess we’re sticking with the same photographer after all? Is that really the move?

So, we finally pulled the trigger! We just put down a deposit for a photography package through Zoom for an entire year. Isn't that exciting? Can you believe we actually did it?

Are we actually having second thoughts? Are we really considering going back to Kelbas for the photos after all? I mean, should we just stick with Zoom instead? I’ve been hearing from everyone that they’re absolutely missing Kelbas’s work. Apparently, his photography is just on another level! Doesn't he just do his job perfectly?

So, we finally got the shots back from Zoom after forty days of waiting, and let me tell you—it was worth every single second! The DVD turned out absolutely incredible. It’s so well-structured and actually makes sense, which is such a relief. I am honestly blown away! 👍
The photos look absolutely incredible! Seriously, how can they look this good? 🙂

Hey there! 🙂
How long did you guys have to wait for your photos and DVDs after the wedding?
It’s been an entire month for us and we still haven't seen anything... We’ve actually dropped by the studio twice now, and they just claim they're swamped and will call us once everything is ready... I honestly can't tell if this is just how they operate or what...
For context, we used Photo Zoom out of Des Moines.

Ethan Ramirez7 said:How did you find the band? We're actually looking at booking them ourselves... 🙂

Also, what did you end up paying Zoom Photography? We're originally from Indianapolis, but honestly, not a single photographer here (within our budget, anyway) has managed to meet my standards, so I'm planning on heading over to the area to hunt for someone better...

The band is awesome! Those guys are seriously talented. We couldn't be happier. 🙂

As for the Zoom price, it was $1.25, which seems like a pretty standard package. Honestly, I think those folks in Sacramento are some of the best around. I hear they stay incredibly busy and always have a packed schedule. So far, we're really pleased! We'll be waiting about 3 to 4 weeks for the photos and the DVD, so I won't be able to give my full verdict on the whole experience until then 🙂

Hey there,
Our big DAY has finally come and gone! 🙂 😍
In case anyone is curious about the details of where we were and what we had planned...
For dinner, we hosted everything at the Perić Center Ballroom—it was absolutely stunning, and the service was top-notch. Honestly, if you ask me, it’s easily the best venue in Indianapolis.
Photography was handled by Zoom Photos
The music was provided by the Flower Band
Flowers were from Stella Bridal
As for the wedding dress—it was custom-made, and let me tell you, she does incredible work!! If anyone wants to see a photo, just let me know and I'll send it over.

I wanted to jump in on the conversation about those orange soda bottles... has anyone actually thought about using the ones from Gatorade? I’ve seen them used at a few weddings lately and they work surprisingly well. At the end of the day, it’s all the same thing anyway—as long as what's inside the bottle is good! 😁 Maybe it would be easier to just source them through local bars or cafes to make collecting them simpler...

coastalbadger86 said:Ladies, does anyone happen to know where I can track down some Orangina bottles to repurpose for my homemade spirits? I’ve been searching everywhere but have zero luck. I need about 30 of them... 🙂

I think someone mentioned this before—apparently, you can grab them from Miller's for about $0.17 per
.
Otherwise, maybe just ask at a local coffee shop if they could set aside enough for you?

Kevin Smith7 said:Does anyone know of any good bakers making cookies or baby shower cakes around the St. Louis area, besides the folks over at Small town, USA? They seem to be the only ones everyone talks about, so I was wondering if there are any other great options out there?

Other than those two, I know about Vigor in Indianapolis...

Quick question regarding all the flowers and decor used in the venue... what do you guys actually do with everything once the wedding reception wraps up? Do you take it all home to share with your inner circle—like if there are small bouquets or centerpieces that are easy to carry? Or maybe those candles that haven't even been lit yet?

Kevin Smith7 said:Thanks! I was wondering if there's anywhere in the Midwest or maybe around St. Louis where I could actually go and see them in person?

If anyone happens to know, I'd really appreciate the help.

Maybe check out a place like Total Wine? They carry various bottles, though their selection might be a little limited...

Hey everyone! Does anyone know where I can find some really comfy sandals for a wedding (somewhere near Jacksonville or the surrounding area)?

I’m definitely not a fan of high heels, but I also don't want to go totally flat. I actually spotted a pair online that look super comfortable and stable enough for walking all night, so if you've seen anything similar... let me know! As for the color, they don't have to be strictly white—any soft pastel shades would work perfectly for me...

cosmicnomad22 said:Well, you could try Hobby Lobby, Golden Hand, or General Electric. Personally, I suspect Hobby Lobby would be the most budget-friendly option.

Thanks so much for the reply! 😉

Does anyone know where I can pick up some high-quality invitation paper in Indianapolis, besides just hitting up a Michael's...? Maybe there's a specialty boutique or a shop that actually focuses on that kind of stuff?

Glass contour pens... they are honestly such a blast to use! Since the ink comes in a tube with a fine, elongated tip, it feels just like writing with a pen, and the results on glass look absolutely stunning. It doesn't just wipe off either; you can even layer some clear lacquer over it if you want that extra bit of protection. I’m guessing you’re planning to decorate bottles as party favors or maybe some cute pieces for the dining table? What a brilliant idea! I've actually been dreaming up something similar myself 😉

Michelle Thomas77 said:To be totally real with you, it feels like way too much to me 🤷
But I don't know... honestly, I have no clue what "enough" even looks like 🤷

I'm thinking the exact same thing... it sounds like overkill! Usually, when you're hosting, you plan enough food for every 8 guests, whether it's soup, a main course, or dessert... but hey, who's going to follow those strict rules? It's always better to have leftovers than to run out! Still, though, 25 platters sounds massive unless they're those tiny little appetizer trays...

You can find that exact shade of white at Target for $53, though you might even spot it over at Home Depot

cosmicnomad22 said:

Regarding that suit—honestly, you could probably pick up something from Vartek on sale, maybe even something imported from Canada, which I’d bet is actually better quality. It wouldn't exactly be the best look if the photos make the suit look cheap, especially when the price difference isn't even that significant...

I suppose you can't really judge or guarantee anything about something you haven't actually seen firsthand. We actually visited the Vartek shop ourselves and the sizing just didn't work for us. However, over in Canada, we had a tailor who specializes in sewing Vartek-style models using high-end fabrics; he custom-fitted our trousers one size and the jacket another to get the perfect fit. That way, it doesn't even look like it was cheaper.

We had the exact same issue with those Vartek suits! The pants were fine, but the blazer sleeves were way too short, and when we went up a size, the jacket hung down to our knees! They don't really carry many stylish, slim-fit options—it's mostly just basic classics...

I also wanted to chime in regarding Galileo. Last summer, they had a massive 50% off sale, so for $400, we picked up a full suit, a shirt, a tie, and a belt—basically a "buy three, get one" deal. The belt ended up being free since it was the cheapest item in the bunch! You honestly just have to wait for a big sale, and then it's an absolute steal. 😁

Michelle Thomas77 said:Anyone in the Indianapolis area know someone who rents out tents?
I’m looking for something like this...
And what kind of damage am I looking at price-wise?

Vigus does tent rentals, and they actually have a location right in Indianapolis! Last year, I saw rental prices starting around $267, plus whatever delivery fees they tack on... You should definitely check them out on Facebook; they also do balloon decor, high-top tables, catering, and all that good stuff...

As for a suit, my vote goes to Galileo (Mall of America or Portanova) 🙂

jadeotter10 said:We actually picked up some rings at Pleroo. Super happy with them! 😁The staff is really easy to talk to, and the prices are totally fair...

So, what kind of price range are we talking about here?

Has anyone here checked out or picked up any rings from the Pleroo jewelry stores? I'm curious about how their pricing looks and if the quality actually holds up.

Also, just wanted to jump back into the conversation regarding photographers from a few pages ago—I finally booked Photo Zoom, and honestly, I'm super happy with everything we've worked through so far!🙂

Kevin Smith7 said:I am searching for something elegant and romantic—nothing with too many wrinkles, waves, or excessive lace, because I really don't want to look like I'm wearing a giant bow.

Where did you all go to rent your dresses?

Also, does anyone know a good makeup artist or hairstylist in the Indianapolis area who offers mobile services and can come to the house?

Thanks!

You should definitely check out the boutiques at Isabel's; they have some incredibly stunning and sophisticated pieces...
Unfortunately, I haven't found anything I actually love at Nicole's... It feels like everything there follows the exact same template: a sweetheart corset on top paired with a massive, huge crinoline skirt. Don't get me wrong, there are beautiful dresses in there, but they just aren't my style!