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Everything you need for a California wedding

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Zachary White9 Zachary White9 Member
28 messages
joined Jan 2009
#721 ·
Help me out—does anyone have a contact for a small wedding band? Looking for someone for a set and wondering about typical pricing

Also, what’s the vibe on hiring a DJ instead of a live band? I know a DJ usually has a better repertoire, but I really don't want it to feel like we're just listening to the radio or being cheap
I haven't actually formed an opinion yet since I've never been to a party without live music. What do you guys think? Which way is better
😕 🤷
silentpuma28 silentpuma28 Active Member
88 messages
joined Apr 2008
#722 ·
placidharbor21 said:Huge thanks to all the ladies who slid into my DMs with all that info I was looking for! You seriously made my life so much easier!

I’ve still got a few things on my mind, so here goes nothing:
Does anyone happen to know someone who works from home—like, a private florist doing arrangements and boutonnieres—who actually knows what they're doing and is located in San Francisco? If you have a contact number, please just send it over via private message. 🤣 🤣

If you don't know any independent florists, honestly, even just a recommendation for a solid flower shop in San Francisco with decent prices would work. The main thing is that they can handle both the arrangements and the boutonnieres, though I guess pretty much everyone does that nowadays anyway!

I seem to recall seeing people on this forum mention Katie's shop over in the Pujanko area, and if my memory serves me right, maybe a place called Jaglac too!

Oh, one more thing that popped into my head:
I heard a rumor that restaurants aren't allowed to serve homemade desserts anymore because health inspectors are out on the prowl, and apparently, you need some kind of official certification or something...! I've been to a ton of catered events over the last few years, and I've never once heard of an inspector cracking down on someone just for serving homemade treats at a party.
Store-bought sweets just never hit the same as the homemade stuff for me, so hearing that actually bummed me out quite a bit. I was already planning on getting the cakes from Delta, but I was dead set on having homemade cookies and pastries, and now I'm just left scratching my head!
Does anyone know if it's actually legal to bring homemade desserts into a restaurant, or is that a total no-go?

Thanks in advance for all the help!


Blackbird Florist is top-notch 👍 and they can definitely do corsages—you can just coordinate everything with the wife. 😉
Regarding those permits and receipts for the desserts—there's been a lot of talk about it, but I think most venues can still take homemade goods... just double-check with the venue to be safe.

And honestly, you could just buy a few pounds of bakery items, keep the receipt, and just mix them in with the homemade ones... that way you have "coverage" but still get to serve the homemade treats. 😉
silentpuma28 silentpuma28 Active Member
88 messages
joined Apr 2008
#723 ·
Zachary White9 said:Help me out—does anyone have a contact for a small wedding band? Looking for someone for a set and wondering about typical pricing

Also, what’s the vibe on hiring a DJ instead of a live band? I know a DJ usually has a better repertoire, but I really don't want it to feel like we're just listening to the radio or being cheap
I haven't actually formed an opinion yet since I've never been to a party without live music. What do you guys think? Which way is better
😕 🤷

pingulink had a band at her party, so maybe send her a DM and she can pass along their number...
Personally, I'm all about the bands and live music... though that doesn't mean a DJ can't set a great mood...
If you do end up going with a DJ, just make sure they actually have the right tracks—the stuff you actually want to hear—and definitely check out their reputation first.😉
Sandra Lopez2 Sandra Lopez2 Active Member
51 messages
joined Nov 2009
#724 ·
silentpuma28 said:Blackbird Florist is top-notch 👍 and they can definitely do corsages—you can just coordinate everything with the wife. 😉
Regarding those permits and receipts for the desserts—there's been a lot of talk about it, but I think most venues can still take homemade goods... just double-check with the venue to be safe.

And honestly, you could just buy a few pounds of bakery items, keep the receipt, and just mix them in with the homemade ones... that way you have "coverage" but still get to serve the homemade treats. 😉

silentpuma28, living on the edge😁
placidharbor21 placidharbor21 Member
12 messages
joined Jan 2009
#725 ·
Zachary White9 said:Help me out—does anyone have a contact for a small wedding band? Looking for someone for a set and wondering about typical pricing

Also, what’s the vibe on hiring a DJ instead of a live band? I know a DJ usually has a better repertoire, but I really don't want it to feel like we're just listening to the radio or being cheap
I haven't actually formed an opinion yet since I've never been to a party without live music. What do you guys think? Which way is better
😕 🤷

I actually went ahead and booked a DJ for my wedding too, mostly because bands just aren't my scene and I honestly have no clue how they manage to set the right mood. I’ve been to weddings with live bands—some were great, some were total disasters—but I just couldn't see myself doing that at my own party; it’s just not my style.

On the flip side, I’ve been to plenty of weddings with DJs, and honestly, it all boils down to the playlist you pick. I was at this one wedding a few years back where the DJ played nothing but cheesy Top 40 hits—you know, the kind of stuff like Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, or Katy Perry—and since that’s absolutely not my taste, it was a nightmare. I was practically counting the minutes until I could leave. But, looking around, the couple and most of the guests seemed to love it, so for them, it worked perfectly.

Then there were other weddings where the DJ played stuff much closer to my personal taste—mixing in those classic oldies we all know, some modern hits, and even some international tracks. There was something for everyone, I had an absolute blast, and the rest of the crowd was having a killer time too.

Personally, I think DJs are awesome, and I’d say don't listen to those people who claim a DJ can't build a good atmosphere. It’s entirely subjective! In every single wedding I’ve attended where there was a DJ, the energy was actually great. A friend of mine had a huge wedding a few years ago with a DJ, and it was fantastic; they played a mix of local favorites and mostly foreign hits. It was a younger crowd, and everyone was dancing their hearts out. But again, I’ll stress this: it all depends on the couple's vibe and what they actually enjoy!

If you need my DJ's number, just shoot me a DM and I'll pass it along.
placidharbor21 placidharbor21 Member
12 messages
joined Jan 2009
#726 ·
silentpuma28 said:Blackbird Florist is top-notch 👍 and they can definitely do corsages—you can just coordinate everything with the wife. 😉
Regarding those permits and receipts for the desserts—there's been a lot of talk about it, but I think most venues can still take homemade goods... just double-check with the venue to be safe.

And honestly, you could just buy a few pounds of bakery items, keep the receipt, and just mix them in with the homemade ones... that way you have "coverage" but still get to serve the homemade treats. 😉

Honestly, that sounds like a killer idea for some cookies. 👍 👍Look, if my restaurant manager tells me we’re ditching the homemade desserts, then fine, that's exactly what I'll do—I'll follow orders. But let's be real for a second: nothing else even comes close. To me, homemade sweets are the absolute gold standard, period. You try to compare them to those mass-produced, store-bought things you find at a grocery store? It’s not even a fair fight. They just don't have that soul, you know? So, if that's the call, then kiss it goodbye, because I'm definitely not going to argue about it. 😳 Now that's what I call a stellar suggestion! Seriously, you hit the nail right on the head with that one.

Honestly, Blackbird Florist and Katie over at the Pujanko shop are hands down my absolute favorites, so I’m definitely planning on taking a little stroll through the neighborhood in the next few days just to see what kind of deals they're running!

I was just sitting here wondering—since my party isn't until this June—is it actually too early to start locking down a florist? I know, I know, I probably sound like I'm planning my life three years in advance, but you never know how these things go.

Hey silentpuma28, did you end up getting your hair or makeup done by Antonia Guć too? A few different girls have been raving about her lately, and honestly, I’m pretty much sold on booking her at this point. I just wanted to see if you had a similar experience before I pull the trigger—feel free to shoot me a DM if that's easier!

Alright, I’ve got another question for all you ladies out there—especially those of you who’ve already taken the plunge and walked down the aisle, so you actually have some real-world experience to draw from:
Does anyone have a lead on a killer hairstylist? I’m looking for a total pro who specializes in formal looks—specifically those high-end wedding hairstyles that actually stay put all night. I need someone who really knows their stuff when it comes to updos and bridal styling. Any recommendations?

So, I was scrolling through the forums earlier and caught wind of some guy over at Urban who apparently kills it with those non-traditional, edgy hairstyles—you know, the kind that aren't just your standard, boring "get me a trim" look. I’m assuming we're talking about something a bit more experimental and not just the typical classic cut everyone gets when they're playing it safe. Does anyone actually know anything about his work, or am I just chasing ghosts here?

I am all ears, so please, don't hold back—any and all recommendations are more than welcome!🙂
rapidmason10 rapidmason10 Active Member
125 messages
joined Apr 2008
#727 ·
placidharbor21 said:Honestly, that sounds like a killer idea for some cookies. 👍 👍Look, if my restaurant manager tells me we’re ditching the homemade desserts, then fine, that's exactly what I'll do—I'll follow orders. But let's be real for a second: nothing else even comes close. To me, homemade sweets are the absolute gold standard, period. You try to compare them to those mass-produced, store-bought things you find at a grocery store? It’s not even a fair fight. They just don't have that soul, you know? So, if that's the call, then kiss it goodbye, because I'm definitely not going to argue about it. 😳 Now that's what I call a stellar suggestion! Seriously, you hit the nail right on the head with that one.

Honestly, Blackbird Florist and Katie over at the Pujanko shop are hands down my absolute favorites, so I’m definitely planning on taking a little stroll through the neighborhood in the next few days just to see what kind of deals they're running!

I was just sitting here wondering—since my party isn't until this June—is it actually too early to start locking down a florist? I know, I know, I probably sound like I'm planning my life three years in advance, but you never know how these things go.

Hey silentpuma28, did you end up getting your hair or makeup done by Antonia Guć too? A few different girls have been raving about her lately, and honestly, I’m pretty much sold on booking her at this point. I just wanted to see if you had a similar experience before I pull the trigger—feel free to shoot me a DM if that's easier!

Alright, I’ve got another question for all you ladies out there—especially those of you who’ve already taken the plunge and walked down the aisle, so you actually have some real-world experience to draw from:
Does anyone have a lead on a killer hairstylist? I’m looking for a total pro who specializes in formal looks—specifically those high-end wedding hairstyles that actually stay put all night. I need someone who really knows their stuff when it comes to updos and bridal styling. Any recommendations?

So, I was scrolling through the forums earlier and caught wind of some guy over at Urban who apparently kills it with those non-traditional, edgy hairstyles—you know, the kind that aren't just your standard, boring "get me a trim" look. I’m assuming we're talking about something a bit more experimental and not just the typical classic cut everyone gets when they're playing it safe. Does anyone actually know anything about his work, or am I just chasing ghosts here?

I am all ears, so please, don't hold back—any and all recommendations are more than welcome!🙂

Goga did yours... she's a makeup artist from Sućurac, and honestly, everyone loves her work. She even travels to you! But hey, let silentpuma28 give us more details first...

I'll most likely be going with Antonia Guć. She's coming to my place—though I heard she doesn't usually do house calls, she's making an exception because a close friend highly recommended her... so she's being super accommodating!

Little8 had an amazing makeup artist... seriously, highly recommend!
Jacob Harris88 Jacob Harris88 Member
27 messages
joined Feb 2009
#728 ·
rapidmason10 said:Goga did yours... she's a makeup artist from Sućurac, and honestly, everyone loves her work. She even travels to you! But hey, let silentpuma28 give us more details first...

I'll most likely be going with Antonia Guć. She's coming to my place—though I heard she doesn't usually do house calls, she's making an exception because a close friend highly recommended her... so she's being super accommodating!

Little8 had an amazing makeup artist... seriously, highly recommend!

Is there any way I could get the phone numbers for Antonia and Goga via private message? And does anyone know what their rates are?
thanks 😉
velvetseal612 velvetseal612 Member
11 messages
joined Feb 2009
#729 ·
Hey ladies, does anyone have a recommendation for a really good makeup artist? I’m looking for someone who can make me feel comfortable and at home while they work—ideally somewhere in the Castel area. If you know someone great, maybe shoot me a private message with some details and their pricing... thanks!
cosmicfox16 cosmicfox16 Newcomer
7 messages
joined May 2009
#730 ·
I am looking for some recommendations for an accordion player and a guitarist—ideally someone from the younger generation—to play during the walk to the church... I honestly have no clue how much this typically costs... THANK YOU!!mig
silentpuma28 silentpuma28 Active Member
88 messages
joined Apr 2008
#731 ·
placidharbor21 said:Honestly, that sounds like a killer idea for some cookies. 👍 👍Look, if my restaurant manager tells me we’re ditching the homemade desserts, then fine, that's exactly what I'll do—I'll follow orders. But let's be real for a second: nothing else even comes close. To me, homemade sweets are the absolute gold standard, period. You try to compare them to those mass-produced, store-bought things you find at a grocery store? It’s not even a fair fight. They just don't have that soul, you know? So, if that's the call, then kiss it goodbye, because I'm definitely not going to argue about it. 😳 Now that's what I call a stellar suggestion! Seriously, you hit the nail right on the head with that one.

Honestly, Blackbird Florist and Katie over at the Pujanko shop are hands down my absolute favorites, so I’m definitely planning on taking a little stroll through the neighborhood in the next few days just to see what kind of deals they're running!

I was just sitting here wondering—since my party isn't until this June—is it actually too early to start locking down a florist? I know, I know, I probably sound like I'm planning my life three years in advance, but you never know how these things go.

Hey silentpuma28, did you end up getting your hair or makeup done by Antonia Guć too? A few different girls have been raving about her lately, and honestly, I’m pretty much sold on booking her at this point. I just wanted to see if you had a similar experience before I pull the trigger—feel free to shoot me a DM if that's easier!

Alright, I’ve got another question for all you ladies out there—especially those of you who’ve already taken the plunge and walked down the aisle, so you actually have some real-world experience to draw from:
Does anyone have a lead on a killer hairstylist? I’m looking for a total pro who specializes in formal looks—specifically those high-end wedding hairstyles that actually stay put all night. I need someone who really knows their stuff when it comes to updos and bridal styling. Any recommendations?

So, I was scrolling through the forums earlier and caught wind of some guy over at Urban who apparently kills it with those non-traditional, edgy hairstyles—you know, the kind that aren't just your standard, boring "get me a trim" look. I’m assuming we're talking about something a bit more experimental and not just the typical classic cut everyone gets when they're playing it safe. Does anyone actually know anything about his work, or am I just chasing ghosts here?

I am all ears, so please, don't hold back—any and all recommendations are more than welcome!🙂

Goga did the makeup for both pingulinku and me (from the forum)... I was beyond happy with how she did my face, and I highly recommend her to everyone...
I've heard nothing but praise for Antonia Guć, too...

Ugh, now I want to recommend my own hairstylist because I am totally obsessed with the style she gave me... but she works in Castella, so I'm not sure if that's too far for you.🤷
silentpuma28 silentpuma28 Active Member
88 messages
joined Apr 2008
#732 ·
kefalo said:this is regarding silentpuma28 and her comment posted on 09/01/2008.

I checked this morning to see if my website was back up, and seeing your comment popped up—it actually gave me such a lovely little surprise!
I pour everything I have into my work, and honestly, nothing beats the feeling of seeing a bride walk out of my office with a huge smile on her face. So when someone actually notices that effort... it means the world to me. silentpuma28, I just wanted to say: THANK YOU!

No problem at all! 😘

And give my best to Nena 😉
placidharbor21 placidharbor21 Member
12 messages
joined Jan 2009
#733 ·
silentpuma28 said:Goga did the makeup for both pingulinku and me (from the forum)... I was beyond happy with how she did my face, and I highly recommend her to everyone...
I've heard nothing but praise for Antonia Guć, too...

Ugh, now I want to recommend my own hairstylist because I am totally obsessed with the style she gave me... but she works in Castella, so I'm not sure if that's too far for you.🤷

Castella is probably a bit too far out since I'm living in Miami, and honestly, I can already picture the absolute chaos and crowds on my wedding day, so having everything close by is a massive priority for me.

I’ve also heard nothing but praise for Antonia, but she doesn't live locally, so unfortunately, that's not really an option for me...

Anyway, thank you so much for all the info!

If anyone else in this group has a recommendation for a killer hairstylist in Miami who specializes in wedding looks, I would be eternally grateful for the lead!!!
rapidmason10 rapidmason10 Active Member
125 messages
joined Apr 2008
#734 ·
placidharbor21 said:Castella is probably a bit too far out since I'm living in Miami, and honestly, I can already picture the absolute chaos and crowds on my wedding day, so having everything close by is a massive priority for me.

I’ve also heard nothing but praise for Antonia, but she doesn't live locally, so unfortunately, that's not really an option for me...

Anyway, thank you so much for all the info!

If anyone else in this group has a recommendation for a killer hairstylist in Miami who specializes in wedding looks, I would be eternally grateful for the lead!!!

Quick correction... Antonia Guć actually does come home! 😁

I'll shoot you my number via PM 😍
Karen Rogers23 Karen Rogers23 Newcomer
7 messages
joined Jan 2009
#735 ·
Hey ladies!!

Quick question—someone recommended using Magazine Photo Studio to me. Has anyone here actually used them before? Just wondering if they're any good.

Thanks 🙂🙂🙂🙂
placidharbor21 placidharbor21 Member
12 messages
joined Jan 2009
#736 ·
Karen Rogers23 said:Hey ladies!!

Quick question—someone recommended using Magazine Photo Studio to me. Has anyone here actually used them before? Just wondering if they're any good.

Thanks 🙂🙂🙂🙂

I’ve honestly never even heard of them! If you want my two cents, I’d highly recommend Son from Photo Plus or Ivica Lisjak. I’m actually having Son shoot my wedding soon because I am just obsessed with his style. As for Lisjak, I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews. Honestly, just go poke around his website; look through his portfolio and see if his vibe actually clicks with you.

A few girls mentioned Photo California before, but let’s be real—they’ll show you a couple of albums where everything looks absolutely flawless, but there's no telling if you'll actually vibe with the specific crew they send your way. Not all their teams are created equal, though I think some people on this forum used them once and were pretty happy with how things turned out.

But seriously, you really can't go wrong with either Son or Lisjak, and their pricing is totally fair compared to those big-name studios that charge an absolute fortune just for the brand.

Photo Plus is located in that little strip right before you hit Photo California, near where that parking lot by the transformer station is. You can grab Lisjak’s cell number directly from his site—just Google "Ivica Lisjak" and his website should pop up immediately.
Alex Carter3 Alex Carter3 Active Member
116 messages
joined Apr 2008
#737 ·
Karen Rogers23 said:Hey ladies!!

Quick question—someone recommended using Magazine Photo Studio to me. Has anyone here actually used them before? Just wondering if they're any good.

Thanks 🙂🙂🙂🙂

Unfortunately, I've never heard of them. Where are they located?
Jeremy Wilson5 Jeremy Wilson5 Member
29 messages
joined Feb 2009
#738 ·
Zachary White9 said:Help me out—does anyone have a contact for a small wedding band? Looking for someone for a set and wondering about typical pricing

Also, what’s the vibe on hiring a DJ instead of a live band? I know a DJ usually has a better repertoire, but I really don't want it to feel like we're just listening to the radio or being cheap
I haven't actually formed an opinion yet since I've never been to a party without live music. What do you guys think? Which way is better
😕 🤷


It all really comes down to your personal taste, but if you ask me, I’m always going to vote for live music. Maybe a DJ would work for a luncheon or a seated dinner where there isn't much dancing involved, but the atmosphere a live group can create—whether it's a full band, a duo, or even a trio, as long as they are talented—is just incomparable. At least in my experience, I've been to a few events where that was the case (and just to be clear, I'm not saying the music or the food was bad, it just felt like something was missing from the overall vibe).
Perhaps you should try attending a wedding with a DJ sometime, just to see if you actually enjoy it. Since you've never experienced one without live music, I guess it might not be the wisest move to gamble on it for your own big day just yet.
Karen Rogers23 Karen Rogers23 Newcomer
7 messages
joined Jan 2009
#739 ·
Alex Carter3;18318648 said:Sadly, I've never heard of them. Where are they located?[/Q

They're right by the road, maybe 50 meters before the Marketplace station. The girl running the whole show is named Katie. I've seen some of their photos and they aren't bad, but now I'm kind of worried since nobody seems to know who they are :-(
brisktiger20 brisktiger20 Newcomer
9 messages
joined May 2008
#740 ·
I’ve actually heard of National Geographic before, and I’ve seen some of their work—two of my girlfriends used them. One had her big day on July 19, 2008, and the other was back on September 15, 2007. To be fair, their photos were decent (it was a woman photographer, I can try to dig up her name), but nothing mind-blowing... just pretty standard... I'm not quite sure what you're looking for specifically... For me, I'm leaning towards Kodak. They and Ivica Lisjak were my top picks, but since Ivica is already booked for our date, Kodak is the plan. Their crew includes Mike as the photographer, John as the videographer... plus another photographer from the Kodak team whose name escapes me for a second... I can scan the thank-you note from their sessions tonight and send it over to you... just so you can see... the shots were good, but honestly, personally, I wasn't totally blown away, though their pricing is pretty reasonable... they were around $700-$800 back then. Hope that helps you out a little bit, let me know if you need anything else...

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