Posts by Alex Carter3

pustalondra what was your per-person cost for San Antonio?😉

nimblewolf22 said:I’m starting to get sick of my own endless questions... Does anyone happen to have experience with the layout at Benedict's in Cali, specifically the outdoor area? I can't quite get a feel for the space. My contact from the valley claims they can fit over a hundred people on that front terrace, but it didn't look nearly that large to me. I was drawn to the vibe, but now I'm stuck wondering if it's worth the risk... Their business model seems a bit off, too. They don't offer a standard per-person menu price; instead, they bill everything individually—each dish, then a service fee, plus table settings, linens, and God knows what else. It feels a little shady...

Hmm, personally, I’ve never been and don't know anyone who celebrates a cookout down there, so I can't really help you out. That said, I wouldn't recommend relying on an outdoor setup like that. You're essentially gambling; the weather could be perfect, or it could completely ruin your day. And what's the backup plan if it pours? Does the restaurant even have enough indoor seating?
The whole way they charge for it seems sketchy to me, though I guess you never truly know until you try it.🤷

nimblewolf22 said:Here’s the latest intel from the field🙂

Stopped by the Officers' Club over in Lori today. They’ve got this massive terrace, but they aren't hosting any parties out there😢😢 The hall itself is a bit overkill, and honestly, they should put some effort into decorating it... though I doubt it'll happen. 99 percent chance it stays just like this. We also swung by the Passat area near Duilio—that nursing home you mentioned, you were right about the guy being shady. Basically, he’s talking in circles about renovating, maybe expanding the terrace, but he won't commit to anything. He says who knows if it'll be done by next summer, that it's "in the plans," but he's definitely not organizing anything for next year... plus, the access road is a complete mess, even if the view is spectacular... fits the whole nursing home vibe, I guess😠 😠 😠 We also drove out toward Castle Slanica.... based on everything I've heard so far, it's easily in my top three.... if only it weren't such a trek, but you can't have it all😁 I still have a few more atmospheric spots on my list, so I'll keep digging... nothing specific is jumping out at me yet... Marina Frapa.... does anyone from the local area actually host parties there? It feels way too far out, but how long does that drive actually take?

Hmm, Frapa has a wedding there on December 20th. I’m not sure about exact pricing, but it fluctuates a lot depending on the catering you pick. I don't think they organize summer parties, but prices usually start around $50 and go up from there. You should check with the bride for more details.
It's a bit of a trek, but not impossible. For example, if you were coming from somewhere like San Antonio, it's all relatively close by.

nimblewolf22 said:You just saved me a trip to the bar...🙂

P.S. Don't bother with the park either. Starting mid-next year, they're beginning renovations...

😂😂
Yeah, apparently they need a pool if they want to snag another star.😂 😂

nimblewolf22 said:They don't have round tables... Does anyone know if Villa Žarko or Hotel St. Croix on Catalina Island have round tables?

Villa Zarko doesn't even serve pierogi anymore.😢

nimblewolf22 said:The initial guest list looks like it'll be between 110 and 120. I stopped by Graso today; they do outdoor setups, but only for up to 110 people, if you can even trust their numbers. They charge extra for the terrace, too. But then again, who actually has the budget for that...🤷
I wouldn't bother with Do Arkada. Their ads show a nice garden, but who knows what they actually host there... Park is the traditional choice, but having a party last until 1 or 2 in the morning isn't really my style...

I checked out Fabula over at Poljud... the halls are modern and well-done, sure, but the vibe just isn't right for that classic West Coast feel we're looking for... Too urban...

Guess I'll just keep searching...

Check out Dioklecian Restaurant near the coast; it sounds perfect for your group size. I haven't been myself, but I've heard nothing but praise for them.😉
EDIT: Now that I've read about the open courtyard, I think Dioklecian might be out 😢 but it's still worth a look.

silentpuma28 said:I've heard a lot of good things about that hall too! I haven't personally been there yet... though, if I remember correctly, they used to have some major issues with parking... unless they've built a new lot recently.🤷

You're absolutely right.
I have no clue where this massive parking lot is supposed to be.
I was driving right past there last week when the wedding guests were arriving, and cars were parked literally everywhere.🤷

I’ve heard from the NRA that the venue is gorgeous, but I still agree with what rapidmason10 said
you really need to nail down all the details with them beforehand.

Ronald Hayes6 I heard all about the Fable story, even though I wasn't actually there myself.😉

George Flores16 said:Listen up, all you brides-to-be out there: there’s a brand new wedding venue opening up in a small town in the Midwest. It’s called Ilija's Place, and they can host up to 220 guests. The standard menu is priced at $30 per person. If you're interested, just shoot me a DM and I'll send over the phone number.

Did they just remodel it or 🤷? That hall was already there, and apparently, they keep one Saturday a month open for emergencies 😂 😂 😂—that’s what their ad says 😂 😂

irontrucker said:Alex Carter3, who's actually going to bother taking your picture?

Fox, you should head down to a wedding in California. The vibe there is unmatched.😉

irontrucker said:Thanks, I guess I'm acting like a total nervous wreck now.
Does anyone have Smith's number or his current pricing?
I sent a DM to Chiquita asking for details, but if someone here knows, just drop it here so I don't have to wait.
I'll call California and Fox later today. It feels a bit too early to be hitting a guy up on his cell.
Best,

Sending the number via PM now.😉

antea2009 If you’re looking for something "budget-friendly" but still high quality, I’d suggest checking out Jakov Teklić. Both zbunjena05 and chiquita13 have used him before. Just take a look at the wedding photos in the thread—there are a few shots of chiquita13 in there, and honestly, I think his work looks great.😉

It’s $35 now, which means it went up, but honestly, it's still one of the cheaper options out there.😁

hey vice and vilma 🙄
To me, they’re honestly terrible, though I know some people actually like them... so, there you go.

Nancy Morgan81 said:Thanks... I actually already heard that from one of the mods...🤷

And hey, let's not turn this thread into a group chat. If you want wedding planners in California, go elsewhere—otherwise, we’re doomed. Slavka will just DM you the numbers for all the local makeup artists instead.

Nancy Morgan81 said:Thanks, ladies—you guys are lifesavers... Honestly, I’m starting to spiral a little bit thinking about organizing this pirate party out in California. My partner is originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, but I’m a total West Coast girl through and through... Ugh, I think I’m going to need some extra hands on deck for this one.

Forgive me if I'm being blunt, but I hope nobody takes offense.
Your signature is way too long. It really should be three lines max, so I'd suggest changing it unless you want to 🙂 switch 😂 modes 😂😂

Kate Allen2 said:well, well, well...

lovely.....

so, any other recommendations? Ideally someone willing to fly out and play a gig in Savannah.

I bet everyone from the Bay Area will be more expensive since you have to cover travel too.
I can suggest Major League Baseball; they’ll play my party, but they're pretty booked up. They charge about $1,500. What date is your party?

Kate Allen2 said:Hello,

We are currently scouting for a band. Has anyone here worked with the group Visa? How is their wedding management, what are their rates, etc.? Any insights would be appreciated.🙂

I've heard nothing but good things about Visa—they're supposedly the best. My only heads-up is that they aren't cheap.

Nancy Morgan81 said:I need a makeup artist... someone top-notch who's willing to travel to California when I get married... everything will be paid for

Oh, and people say Antonia Guc is incredible too.👍