Everything you need for a California wedding

Need some advice again. My partner and I are seriously looking at booking the Dollis hall over in the Lansing building. Anyone here actually used that space before? It seems fine on paper, but honestly, I was picturing something a bit more romantic 🙂

granitewolf20 said:For the San Francisco area:

Who can you guys recommend for custom invitations and flowers?

Local print shop in Phoenix

I'm looking for some solid recommendations for a hair salon and a wedding stylist in San Diego!

Hey, ladies!
I don't really have much experience with pro makeup artists, so I was wondering if you could maybe DM me some numbers for good ones? It would be awesome if you had a photo or two, too. Also, how far in advance should I actually book someone? My wedding is in October, so I'm not sure if I'm being too early or way too late... Thanks!

Hey ladies, quick question: how far in advance should I book a makeup artist? I’ve been scrolling through local contacts here (there are way too many 🙂 options, honestly), and I'm sure I'll find someone great eventually.

Please help—I didn't get much traction on the other thread, so maybe someone here has some actual experience. Has anyone had a wedding at Marina del Rey? Any insights or stories from people who've been there?

Also, looking into photographers. Everyone seems to be talking about Ivica Matić, but then there’s Smernić, whose style is pretty similar but feels a bit more natural to me. Plus, he's actually more affordable since he isn't quite as "famous" yet. Why is nobody mentioning him? My maid of honor wanted to book Matić, but since he was booked up, he actually recommended she reach out to Smernić. Apparently, they used to work together. I recently saw some work done by them (Studio Papaja)—it was a stunning wedding, absolute perfection... and the price was totally reasonable for a photo and video package. You can even just book photography alone. Anyone else worked with them before?

Scott Rodriguez27 said:Hey ladies, quick question: how far in advance should I book a makeup artist? I’ve been scrolling through local contacts here (there are way too many 🙂 options, honestly), and I'm sure I'll find someone great eventually.

Please help—I didn't get much traction on the other thread, so maybe someone here has some actual experience. Has anyone had a wedding at Marina del Rey? Any insights or stories from people who've been there?

Also, looking into photographers. Everyone seems to be talking about Ivica Matić, but then there’s Smernić, whose style is pretty similar but feels a bit more natural to me. Plus, he's actually more affordable since he isn't quite as "famous" yet. Why is nobody mentioning him? My maid of honor wanted to book Matić, but since he was booked up, he actually recommended she reach out to Smernić. Apparently, they used to work together. I recently saw some work done by them (Studio Papaja)—it was a stunning wedding, absolute perfection... and the price was totally reasonable for a photo and video package. You can even just book photography alone. Anyone else worked with them before?

I'm actually playing bass at a party over at Marina del Rey this afternoon.

Jack Murphy7 said:I'm actually playing bass at a party over at Marina del Rey this afternoon.

That sounds awesome. I'll be looking forward to hearing how it went. Enjoy yourselves 🙂 (actually, the party's probably already in full swing 😁 hope it's a blast! 👍 )

Scott Rodriguez27 said:That sounds awesome. I'll be looking forward to hearing how it went. Enjoy yourselves 🙂 (actually, the party's probably already in full swing 😁 hope it's a blast! 👍 )

It was at Marina del Rey, though obviously that whole complex covers more ground than just one spot—we crossed a bridge into a smaller venue. It was a smaller pier... maybe 50 people or so.

Hey guys, quick question—does anyone know a killer makeup artist or hairstylist out in San Diego or maybe near Los Angeles? Also, how far in advance do I actually need to book them if I don't want to be left hanging?

Scott Rodriguez27 said:Hey ladies, quick question: how far in advance should I book a makeup artist? I’ve been scrolling through local contacts here (there are way too many 🙂 options, honestly), and I'm sure I'll find someone great eventually.

Please help—I didn't get much traction on the other thread, so maybe someone here has some actual experience. Has anyone had a wedding at Marina del Rey? Any insights or stories from people who've been there?

Also, looking into photographers. Everyone seems to be talking about Ivica Matić, but then there’s Smernić, whose style is pretty similar but feels a bit more natural to me. Plus, he's actually more affordable since he isn't quite as "famous" yet. Why is nobody mentioning him? My maid of honor wanted to book Matić, but since he was booked up, he actually recommended she reach out to Smernić. Apparently, they used to work together. I recently saw some work done by them (Studio Papaja)—it was a stunning wedding, absolute perfection... and the price was totally reasonable for a photo and video package. You can even just book photography alone. Anyone else worked with them before?

I heard from a few people who attended a reception there that the hall is stunning, but the food was just okay and the prices were kinda steep... I think the cheapest menu starts at $55 and that doesn't even include drinks...

Can anyone drop more names of makeup artists? Like Lucija Spajić, Antonija Guć, or Tina Katalinić... I've seen them popping up all over this forum lately, so...🙏
By the way, does anyone actually buy cookies or brittle from Viadela? Are they any good?

brightscout12 said:Hey guys, quick question—does anyone know a killer makeup artist or hairstylist out in San Diego or maybe near Los Angeles? Also, how far in advance do I actually need to book them if I don't want to be left hanging?

The earlier you book, the better. You don't need to lock in an exact hour right this second, but you absolutely need that reservation secured.

Kenneth Ramos9 said:Can anyone drop more names of makeup artists? Like Lucija Spajić, Antonija Guć, or Tina Katalinić... I've seen them popping up all over this forum lately, so...🙏
By the way, does anyone actually buy cookies or brittle from Viadela? Are they any good?

I sent over the contact info for Lucija and Tina.

Hi everyone... ladies, gents...

I could also use some recommendations for a makeup shade... and perhaps a hairstylist who works on Sundays—somewhere between San Diego and Los Angeles...

Also, does anyone know where I can pick up silver balloons and helium?? I'll definitely need about 500 of them...

brightscout12 said:I heard from a few people who attended a reception there that the hall is stunning, but the food was just okay and the prices were kinda steep... I think the cheapest menu starts at $55 and that doesn't even include drinks...

They have two halls—the larger one doubles as a conference space and can hold up to about 300 guests. Honestly, the venues are gorgeous, they have private parking, and you can stay overnight right on-site if there's availability. One thing that really impressed me: the AC is actually reliable—it stays consistent all night long, unlike some places where it feels freezing for ten minutes and then just shuts off.🤣
The food was a standard set menu both times—pretty decent... though since I was attending as a guest, I don't know what the actual cost was.

Hello everyone.🙂
I'm looking for recommendations and contact info for reliable makeup artists in the San Francisco area. I see a lot of praise for Antonia, Lucia, and Tina. Any leads? Thanks.

I wasn't quite sure where this post belonged, but since our wedding was out in California, I figured I'd drop it here...
Our big day was July 3rd, 2010. Honestly, the whole thing flew by way too fast, but it was just stunning. I didn't even dream it would turn out this beautiful...

I wanted to share some firsthand details with you all...

Flowers—Flower Studio-Women's Skier
The florist did an incredible job with the hall decor (we had 16 tables plus ours), my bouquet, three little bridesmaid bouquets, 7 boutonnieres, 2 large petal baskets, and the car decor, all for just $767!!!!
Cake—Based on the photos, they made a 5-tier cake with Jaffa, Raffaello, Japanese Wind, Ice Wind, and Tiramisu flavors. To be honest, we were so busy we actually forgot to taste it, but everyone kept telling us how amazing it was. It cost $317.
Venue—The grand Phoenix ballroom. This is where we got the most compliments. Everything was flawless, from the service to the food! We couldn't be happier. The classic menu was $32 per person.
Band—Yellow Cab band. The guys really held it down, and people had a blast.
Adria Photography—They were totally low-key all night. People were telling me the photographer was practically lying on the floor just to get the shot, but we didn't even notice. We're still waiting on the photos, so I can't say for sure how they'll look yet.
Dress—Mio Brnaz "Mila." The dress fit me like a glove $833 for a first-time wear. And that included the dress itself, the veil, a wrap, hair jewelry, 3 bridesmaid dresses, the ring pillow (which I've kept), and the baskets.
Makeup—Makeup Artist-Ana Benzon was simply PERFECT!!!
Hair—A gift from my longtime stylist. It held up all night long, and I was so happy with it.
Suit—Suit-Hugo Boss, shirt from Brioni, tie and cufflinks from America Airlines, and shoes from Walmart, all for about $2000
Rings—Reic Jewelry, we were super satisfied there too
Invitations, thank you cards, and boutonnieres—We made these ourselves
Desserts and other treats—Family and friends brought them in
Church in K. Sucurac—My husband's uncle performed the mass, a relative of mine who is a pro singer sang for us, and the church decor was $100

I'm not sure if I missed anything else, and sorry for the long rambling post, but I really hope this helps some of you with your planning.

Where exactly 😉

California is a pretty broad term 😛

But I'm guessing none of those places are near me, since I don't recognize a single one of them 🤔

Totally forgot to mention: we're talking about the whole stretch from Newport Beach all the way out to Naperville!!

Where exactly is that bakery located? Also—could I see those flower photos, @ James Kelly82

And I haven't actually grabbed any shots of the flowers yet, mostly because nobody seems to care enough to snap those little details... 🙄

As for MPK... they're located over at 148 Main Street, right by Pasadena.