Everything you need for a California wedding

ironsurfer15 said:Sorry, I'm a bit late getting back to this too! 😉

Yeah, we definitely misunderstood each other. I was thinking about a massive tent for the entire wedding reception, like an actual venue. And yeah, those prices are definitely a lot higher than just renting some "backyard" tents.

Speaking of which, does anyone know what it usually costs for a small band—like a duo or trio with a guitar and accordion—just to play outside the church before the ceremony starts? Not for the full wedding. Is a quote of around $533 realistic for about 2 hours of music? 🤔

I think that’s a fair price. I pay $1333 for my trio, but they stay for the entire day at the venue and play through breaks... So, paying less than half seems totally fine. Even though it's "only" 2 hours, they might be turning down a $4,000 gig to stay available for those specific 2 hours.

Jessica Hall34 said:I think that’s a fair price. I pay $1333 for my trio, but they stay for the entire day at the venue and play through breaks... So, paying less than half seems totally fine. Even though it's "only" 2 hours, they might be turning down a $4,000 gig to stay available for those specific 2 hours.

If you ask me, it's a decent rate. For a church wedding, the trio asked for $0.33. That’s basically just three songs. Even local bands for a three-hour set before the reception usually want anywhere from $0.83 to 500 bucks.

Good afternoon,

I was wondering if anyone might have some insight regarding custom dressmaking in San Diego. I’m looking for a solid recommendation for a talented seamstress, though I’m not actually planning on sewing a traditional wedding gown. Instead, I want to create something more of a formal evening gown that can serve that purpose. I don't have any particularly extravagant requirements—I'm certainly not asking for five hundred layers of tulle or anything equally ridiculous—but I do need someone who is truly skilled and reliable. Is there anything worse than being promised one silhouette only to end up with something completely different? I realize San Diego isn't exactly a massive metropolis, but perhaps someone here knows a professional worth mentioning?

Does anyone happen to have experience working with an Amoro vocal group for church services? I'm curious if anyone knows what their rates typically look like.
Or perhaps you could recommend another group that's wonderful for liturgical music... and do you have any idea what kind of budget I should set aside?

Can anyone recommend someone around the San Diego-Los Angeles area who does rentals for just tables and benches?

Justin Wright said:I really need some help here—can anyone recommend a photographer and a wedding band for a wedding in California?
For photography, I’m looking for someone who captures spontaneous moments rather than everything being staged, like the bride just lounging on the bed and stuff like that.🤣
I've heard that Papaya studio in St. Louis is pretty good; does anyone have experience with them??

As for the band, I want something modern that plays international hits. Absolutely no Madonna, Rozga, or that kind of trash. And definitely no loud accordion players either.🤦

I'm hoping you guys can help me out because I honestly don't know anyone in the area...😢

Thanks!🎉

Thanks everyone for the help, I just still need a recommendation for a band.🙂

Any suggestions? Just nothing too cheesy or old-fashioned.🎉

Justin Wright said:Thanks everyone for the help, I just still need a recommendation for a band.🙂

Any suggestions? Just nothing too cheesy or old-fashioned.🎉

https://www.facebook.com/pages/categ...5410513237492/

These guys are my top pick. If you check out their YouTube performances or music videos—you can even catch them on CMC—you'll get a perfect idea of their sound and vibe.

Plus, they haven't let the hype go to their heads; their rates are totally reasonable. 🎉

Hi everyone, I'm new here! My fiancé and I just got engaged last month, and we're already looking ahead to our fall 2020 wedding. I definitely don't want to leave things until the last minute, so I'm starting to scout out the big essentials: venues, bands, and photographers. We’re planning an intimate celebration for about 70-80 people, mostly a younger crowd. We really want an outdoor setting or somewhere beautiful near the coast or surrounded by nature. Right now, Gusar is our top choice for a venue since they have that lovely outdoor plaza option. If anyone knows what their pricing looks like, please let me know! Besides Gusar, we're also eyeing Nautic for the view, plus Kadena, Re di mar, and the Bracera tavern in Duca. For music, we want something chill and youthful—definitely nothing like Madonna or cheesy pop hits. We'd love a band that plays international tracks and some indie/rock stuff, maybe even some local classics. So far, the only group we actually liked was Phoenix from San Diego, but I am wide open to similar recommendations! 🤗🤗 Regarding photography, I’m a total perfectionist. I’m not looking for those stiff, traditional shots; I want someone relaxed who can capture spontaneous moments naturally without overdoing the Photoshop. I've looked at Beep pic., Tonc Cerin, and Bonacin. I would truly appreciate any advice regarding prices or personal experiences. Thanks so much!

Jessica Hall34 said:https://www.facebook.com/pages/categ...5410513237492/

These guys are my top pick. If you check out their YouTube performances or music videos—you can even catch them on CMC—you'll get a perfect idea of their sound and vibe.

Plus, they haven't let the hype go to their heads; their rates are totally reasonable. 🎉

But they aren't even from California...😢

Every single live band we actually want to book is already booked for our date. 🙂

The only ones available are barbary, boss, kocka, and phoenix.

Who should we go with? I honestly have no clue which ones are actually any good...😁🤣

I’m really not looking for that typical redneck vibe—you know, the kind where everything is just loud country music, Thompson, or Skoro, mixed with nothing but Madonna and Majda Šuput playing on repeat. That's just not my scene.🙄🤦Man, I really wouldn't want anything too out there or alternative either...

It’s more like someone who can really nail those soulful classics—the kind of singer who could cover everything from classic rock ballads to deep, heartfelt Americana.🤣🎉

I'm looking for some good West Coast vibes—something with that classic California energy to get the mood right. Any suggestions?

Justin Wright said:But they aren't even from California...😢

Every single live band we actually want to book is already booked for our date. 🙂

The only ones available are barbary, boss, kocka, and phoenix.

Who should we go with? I honestly have no clue which ones are actually any good...😁🤣

I’m really not looking for that typical redneck vibe—you know, the kind where everything is just loud country music, Thompson, or Skoro, mixed with nothing but Madonna and Majda Šuput playing on repeat. That's just not my scene.🙄🤦Man, I really wouldn't want anything too out there or alternative either...

It’s more like someone who can really nail those soulful classics—the kind of singer who could cover everything from classic rock ballads to deep, heartfelt Americana.🤣🎉

I'm looking for some good West Coast vibes—something with that classic California energy to get the mood right. Any suggestions?

Of course they're from California, unless San Diego isn't part of it 🤔

Jessica Hall34 said:Of course they're from California, unless San Diego isn't part of it 🤔

🤣 It feels pretty far away to me; I'm more of a Southern guy😁

We've narrowed our choices down to Kocka and Phoenix from San Diego.

Kocka seems like a better fit for the mainstream crowd, whereas Phoenix feels more like our vibe,
but they might be a little too alternative for a party setting.
Help me out here....

We still have Jukebox Live and Pink Panther as options too....

I haven't seen any of them live yet.

The atmosphere is what matters most to us—we need that dance floor packed until dawn.🎉

Justin Wright said:🤣 It feels pretty far away to me; I'm more of a Southern guy😁

We've narrowed our choices down to Kocka and Phoenix from San Diego.

Kocka seems like a better fit for the mainstream crowd, whereas Phoenix feels more like our vibe,
but they might be a little too alternative for a party setting.
Help me out here....

We still have Jukebox Live and Pink Panther as options too....

I haven't seen any of them live yet.

The atmosphere is what matters most to us—we need that dance floor packed until dawn.🎉

It’s not actually that far; they tour all over the US, so heading a bit south isn't a huge stretch for them... plus, they're really affordable.

As for keeping that floor packed until morning, trust me, they'll guarantee it. They play everything except country music... and the best part is they actually read the room. They don't just force their set on you; they're super adaptable to the crowd..

Anyway, now I probably sound like I'm pushing them on you when you clearly aren't feeling it 🕺 😁

But just don't "write them off" thinking San Diego is up in the Pacific Northwest 🙂 don't you dare insult San Diego like that! 🤣🤣🤣

Haha, driving from San Diego to Los Angeles is basically about the same distance as going from Dubrovnik to Rovinj.🤣

Has anyone ever heard Apokalipso play in Chicago?
Vocals by Emina Arapović

They're a little more expensive..🤔

Quick question for the group—has anyone been over at the Hotel Chicago in Duilov lately? I'm wondering if they just gave the ballroom a facelift, or if they actually went through with renovations in other parts of the hotel as well?

frozenbadger32 said:Quick question for the group—has anyone been over at the Hotel Chicago in Duilov lately? I'm wondering if they just gave the ballroom a facelift, or if they actually went through with renovations in other parts of the hotel as well?

Everything else remains more or less the same. 😁

Austin Thompson96 said:Everything else remains more or less the same. 😁

So, we're looking at a heavy dose of retro here, 😁

frozenbadger32 said:Quick question for the group—has anyone been over at the Hotel Chicago in Duilov lately? I'm wondering if they just gave the ballroom a facelift, or if they actually went through with renovations in other parts of the hotel as well?

So, I’ve actually been there twice since the renovation. The ballroom itself and everything inside it is totally fresh. They also updated some of the rooms and the kitchen, but pretty much everything else stays the same.
That said, the lobby still has that tacky "golden" retro vibe from the early eighties. Some people might hate it, but if you don't mind, you should definitely consider this spot because it's way better than what else you get for the same price.

Compared to my first visit, the last time I was there, they had split the ballroom into two sections using a partition, so you can have smaller groups without a huge crowd. The food? Honestly, better than your average hotel or restaurant fare. Like, the gnocchi were handmade and seriously delicious. Plus, the parking is a massive win—I think it fits like 200 or 300 cars easy.

goldenmarlin11 said:So, I’ve actually been there twice since the renovation. The ballroom itself and everything inside it is totally fresh. They also updated some of the rooms and the kitchen, but pretty much everything else stays the same.
That said, the lobby still has that tacky "golden" retro vibe from the early eighties. Some people might hate it, but if you don't mind, you should definitely consider this spot because it's way better than what else you get for the same price.

Compared to my first visit, the last time I was there, they had split the ballroom into two sections using a partition, so you can have smaller groups without a huge crowd. The food? Honestly, better than your average hotel or restaurant fare. Like, the gnocchi were handmade and seriously delicious. Plus, the parking is a massive win—I think it fits like 200 or 300 cars easy.

Thanks... honestly, even that "golden" retro vibe is fine by me because I used to go there all the time with my family growing up, so it just brings back good memories. Still, I suppose I should keep other factors in mind.🙂

Justin Wright said:🤣 It feels pretty far away to me; I'm more of a Southern guy😁

We've narrowed our choices down to Kocka and Phoenix from San Diego.

Kocka seems like a better fit for the mainstream crowd, whereas Phoenix feels more like our vibe,
but they might be a little too alternative for a party setting.
Help me out here....

We still have Jukebox Live and Pink Panther as options too....

I haven't seen any of them live yet.

The atmosphere is what matters most to us—we need that dance floor packed until dawn.🎉

I'm getting married next August, and we picked Phoenix without a second thought. I heard them play at a wedding about four years ago, and after checking their Facebook later, it's clear they haven't changed a bit. They play incredibly well and create such a great energy. Plus, they have both male and female vocals and really listen to what the couple wants. We even asked if they could learn a specific song for our first dance since it wasn't in their usual set, and they said absolutely. We love their repertoire and I’d recommend them to anyone! 👍