Helena Wedding
V. Sattui WineryI have had a horrible experience with V.Sattui and I am taking the time to write this out because I do not want any other brides having this same horrible experience my husband and I have had.
Pat Kruger and Kelly will be very helpful in the beginning when you are considering the property and signing your contract but after that, they pretty much wipe their hands clean of everything. I have also read in other reviews to double check your contract before signing it because there have been mistakes written into contracts before that have been easily overlooked by the couple.
It is now nearly 6 months past our wedding date and we are STILL waiting for our deposit check. Let me clarify that they
1. First sent the check to the wrong address.
2. Then they addressed it to the wrong person.
3. Then when I finally cashed the check at the bank, they had STOPPED PAYMENT on the check and we had to pay a $10 fee to our bank for this. OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET.
We also ordered an Imperial Bottle of Wine to be signed by our guests.
1. Sattui sends the wrong bottle.
2. Satuii sends the FedEx guy to the wrong address (I should also note that they sent the FedEx guy to the WRONG STATE-- how does that happen?????)
3. Sattui expects us to send them the wrong bottle back without providing a receipt. Why would we voluntariliy want to be liable for an expensive IMPERIAL sized bottle of wine??
This back-and-forth goes on for MONTHS. It started in June and it is now late October!!!!!
I live abroad and am spending 7 days in the States. I have physically stayed at home for 2.5 days now waiting for the deposit check they supposedly overnighted. I waited ALL DAY Tuesday for the check. It never arrived (again-- I only have 7 days on my vacation and I'm wasting time staying at home waiting for this package that I need to sign for). The VP/General Manager of V. Sattui, John Winkleahaus, told us that the check would arrive on Wednesday so I have waited home all day for it.
It still has not arrived so I called them to find out what was going on-- they forgot to send it and keep apologizing.
Pat Kruger has no manners when dealing with her brides ONCE she gets the initial wedding deposit from you. This is non-refundable so her work is done in other words once she gets this deposit from you. She has the audacity not to hear me out and ask what it is that I want-- when it is crystal clear that I'm trying to get my deposit back.
If any brides have any questions about V. Sattui, please do not hesitate to ask me. I agree that the venue is beautiful... but dealing with their staff has been horrible to say the least and leaves such a sour taste in my mouth when I think about our wedding due to their mistakes and lack of manners/customer service.
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Harvest Inn**Reposted from a dup Harvest Inn listing on PW**
I'm so glad we had our wedding at the Harvest Inn (May 2007). During the venue-searching process, the Harvest Inn was the first place we looked at. Due to the price, I got a little scared and looked elsewhere in the Napa and Sonoma valleys, but we just couldn't get the Harvest Inn out of our minds.
Like djrs also mentioned, the Harvest Inn is such a fantastic place. When turning onto their driveway from the 29, it's like you're entering another world. The grounds are incredibly lush, and the buildings so quaint - very fairy-tale like. The views...nothing less than spectacular. The vineyards and Mayacamus Mountains in the background make for an absolutely stunning setting.
Shana also came on during my planning process. She definitely impressed the socks off of me. She was always in contact, whether by phone or email, seeing how I was doing or if I needed help with anything. She was by far one of my favorite people to deal with in planning the wedding.
The experience you'll have at the Harvest Inn cannot be duplicated anywhere in the Valley. It's truly such a unique and gorgeous place. During the wedding, my guests couldn't stop commenting on what an outstanding place the Harvest Inn was...I had to agree!
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Briana Marie PhotographyMy wedding planning company,A Dream Wedding, has worked with Briana Marie Photography on several weddings including high profile clients. She is amazing! One of the most professional, hard working, talented photographers in the wine country with a special eye for detail and design. Her weddings stand out from the crowd!
We highly recommend her to any bride getting married in the Wine Country, it will be one of the best decisions you make!
Robbin Montero
Owner of A Dream Wedding
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Richard Wood PhotographicsMy husband and I used Richard Wood for our wedding in St Helena on a Winery. Our wedding coordinator had us meet with several photographers but I can honestly say after we meet with Richard no one else stood chance. Richard's work speaks for itself. He is truly an amazingly talented photographer. In all the chaos he was able to capture all the precious moments. My husband and I knew the photographer was a huge part of the day, we knew we would never be able to take it all in and Richard was able to capture it all so we could. I would highly reccomend Richard to anyone, I promise you will not be sorry. Thank you Richard for you amazing work!!
Kristy and John
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Blushing Bridal Makeup by AnnieAnnie was, by far, the best vendor we worked with!
I used Annie and Helena (along with their assistants) on my wedding day for my entire wedding party as well as my mother. We had such a wonderful experience working with all of them. Both Annie and Helena were able to capture the feeling of my wedding perfectly. Everyone looked amazing and beautiful, yet completely natural, unique, and not overdone. I got the feeling that the two of them truly cared about how we looked, wanting us to all be happy and beautiful. I was beyond thrilled with the results, and would recommend both of them to anyone.
Beside being fabulous at what she does, Annie is also extremely personable and fun. She was a wonderful addition to our wedding day - so easy to talk to and really a positive presence. It is like having another friend in the room, instead of just someone there doing your makeup.
I was also really impressed with how punctual and professional Annie and Helena were. I was worried about vendors being on time, since our wedding was planned down to the minute. Despite having quite a significant drive to get to our wedding location, Annie and Helena were right on time, set up and ready to go.
I can't say too many good things about Annie - absolutely fabulous!
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What's that one current song that you have to crank up in your car right now?
Maybe this poll would be good for any brides out there wanting to build their playlists. :)
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So we want to go on a first anniversary trip to napa wine country, but the hotels are soo expensive. Any tips on nice inexpensive places to stay? Or any other money saving tips :) TIA!
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We haven't played this for a while and it always turns out to be a lot of fun! Who does the person above you remind you of? Post a picture of their look a like amd if you are the first to post then also post a picture of yourself so the next person can go! Feel free to add other matches for some of the previous brides above you if you come up with another idea of who they resemble?
<~~~~~ Here is me =D
Have fun!!
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Helping someone plan their trip & I am coming up BLANK with nice, relaxing (and affordable) California Wine Country B&B's or wineries that have hotel deals/tour situations or something of the like....
Anyone have any suggestions?
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Many of us have families or other things going on that don´t allow us to splash as we wanted on our wedding total look. But I also know every bride wants to look like a million dollars on her wedding day.
This is why I combined some iconic inspirational looks for brides that make You look like a million dollars without spending one.
LOOK 1 Grace kelly inspired from to catch a thief
http://toastandnutella.blogspot.com/2010/09/grace-kelly.html
dress in silk chiffon j. crew 450$
shoes 48GBP on http://www.dune.co.uk/wedding-deptladies_shoes_wedding_pg1/
earrings etsy 78$
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61127067/rock-crystal-quartz-teardrop-earrings?ref=pr_faveshops
headpiece etsy 119$
bracelet etsy 48$
total LOOK 1: 750$
LOOK 2: AUDREY Hepburn Funny Face
Dress
128$
veil 54.99$
earrings 29$
tiara 29$
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62433757/vintage-crystal-comb?ref=cat3_gallery_29
gloves
29$
http://www.dune.co.uk/wedding-deptladies_sandals_wedding_pg1/
LOOK 2 390$ considering the GBP change
LOOK 3 Kate Middleton
fashion
http://marctimes.com/golf/js-collections-duchess-wedding-wedding-gown.html
megsbigmove.blogspot.com
dress 698$ at http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/js-collections-duchess-wedding-gown-extended-sizes-available/3193950
veil etsy 50$
tiara 34$
http://www.weddingaccessories.net/rhinestone-bridal-tiara-65
shoes
shoes 130$
http://www.bellissimabridalshoes.com/product/021357.shtml
Total LOOK 3 980$
looks coming......
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Your in-laws insist you name your first child after a certain relative. You have other plans, and your spouse refuses to take sides. You:
A. go along with your in-laws' desires in order to keep peace i nthe family
B. kindly but firmly let them know you already chose a different name.
C. tell your spouse that he or she needs to tell them to mind their own business.
D. offer to use their requested name as a child's middle name.
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Hi girls!!
Im in the process of picking out BM dresses. I wanted to check with you wich one of these two you would go with?? Im having an indoor wedding. Dont judge on the color of the dresses, just the style!
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Helena Wedding Bios
....in October we declare our love to everybody.....
I have known James since I was around twelve. As our parents are good friends we spent countless of dinners and summer vacations together. From the moment we met we had a connection and I used to look forward to every time I met him. However, it wasn't until a Thanksgiving weekend in College that we managed to break the "friend barrier" when he asked me out the first time. Basically, we have been inseparable ever since! James asked me to marry him one night at the beach last summer....now there is only a couple of months left..
Aug. 2010 (Engaged)
Sep. 2010
Oct. 2010
Nov. 2010
Dec. 2010
Jan. 2011
Feb. 2011
Mar. 2011
Apr. 2011
May. 2011
Jun. 2011
Jul. 2011
Aug. 2011
Sep. 2011
Oct. 1st 2011 (The Big Day!)
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My fiance and I are getting married this August at V. Sattui winnery in St. Helena. We met each other at my sister's wedding/his best friend's wedding. He was a groomsman and I was the maid-of-honor. We hit it off and we have been inseperatable since.
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After nine years of dating, and a year-and-a-half of planning, on May 27, 2007, we finally tied the knot at the Harvest Inn in St. Helena, CA! It was such a GREAT day, and went by entirely too fast!
Some brief words of advice:
1. Start planning early. There's nothing worse than rushing around last-minute to finish things. Of course, things happen outside of your control. Even though I had planned months ahead, I still had a vendor who actually had to send me things at
my hotel room days before the wedding (see my vendor reviews!). The weeks before your wedding are incredibly stressful. The less you have to do/worry about during that time the better.
2. If you're using a wedding planner, get a GOOD one
- one that you feel entirely comfortable with and can trust 100%. Don't let the dollar signs scare you. I went with a less expensive one and REGRET I did. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean more expensive planners will be any better, but
it just might! Do your research thoroughly, talk to the planner's present/former clients, see if your personality clicks with the planner's, and most importantly, go with your gut. This person will play a very crucial role in your wedding, and
in your life for as long as your planning lasts, so pick a planner who's worth having your business!
3. Get a videographer. We didn't, and completely regret it. I thought the photos would be enough. Though they're nice, they just aren't
the same as watching a video!
4. During the wedding planning process, surround yourself by positive people. I hear of many brides having to deal with people trying to "rain on their parades," such as nit-picky mothers, FMILs, sisters,
whomever*. It is YOUR WEDDING, not theirs'. They can stop living vicariously through you. There are a few things I regret not doing because I let people convince me otherwise.
5. Maintain clear and constant communication with vendors to make
sure your requests are understood and followed through. Of course, if you have a good wedding planner, this might not necessarily be something for you personally to handle. There were some very large mess-up's on the part of three of my vendors
(see the orange drinks on our reception tables?!?). You don't have to turn into bridezilla to do this, just remember this is business, so act like a business person. On the same note, DON'T BE A PUSHOVER - it's your wedding and your money!
6. During planning, make sure to take care of yourself. During that time it's so easy to get all-consumed with balancing wedding planning, work, etc. Even though it's tough to admit, we aren't super-women, we're only human. Our poor bodies can handle
only so much stress. Eat right (no starvation diets!), get plenty of sleep and try to exercise. Get manicures, pedicures or facials to reward yourself for all of the hard work you're doing. Bad things will happen if you don't take care of yourself
- insomnia, migraines (me!), getting sick, nervous ticks (seriously!), hives, depression, etc. Just be good to yourself - all of your hard work WILL pay off!
7. Enjoy yourself. This is a very special time in you and your fiance's lives.
There were many times I felt like throwing myself outside of my office window 8 stories up because of problems with wedding planning. It's usually never as bad as it seems. Get as much help from trustworthy people as you can (including GOOD wedding
planners), which I think will alleviate much of the stress. Enjoy the engagement period, because strange enough, things change after you say, "I do" - then comes planning your lives together as a married couple!
*For the record, I thankfully didn't have to deal with said nit-picky people, but know many brides who have. :-( Just should've gone with my gut.
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We got married on Sunday, April 29th, 2007 at The Castaway in Burbank, CA
The morning started off cloudy
but by 10:30am the Sun came out, turning into a gorgeous Sunday!!!!
Our Wedding was one of the most special days.
We still can't believe how beautiful everything came together...
If you have any specific questions about
any of my vendors please feel free to contact me, I'm happy to help.
Florist: San Su "Too" Flowers: A+
818.882.1544
Photographer: Stanley Chay Photography and Video: A+
818.710.9933
Ceremony and Reception:
The Castaway, Burbank, CA: A+
818.848.6691
Make-up Artist: Valerie St. George: A+
818.288.7031
Calligrapher: My Cousin Cynthia: A+
Steel Drum Player: Dan Savell/AND productions:
A+
www.andproductions.com
DJ: Yung Preezee: A+
Day of Coordinator: Avis Lee, Morningdawn Creations: A+
www.morningdawncreations.com
Save The Dates Magnets: A giftful Heart: A+
www.agiftfulheart.com
Invitations: My Gatsby:
A+
www.mygatsby.com
Other Stationary-Menu Cards, Table Cards etc: Satin Bow: A+
www.satinbow.com
Ceremony Programs Fans: Antonia Rose Printing: A+
www.antoniaroseprinting.com
Wedding Dress: Karoza Design, Burbank:
C
818.246.0656
Garters: Morning Glory Garters: A+
Ebay
Bridesmaids & MOH Dresses: David's Bridal: B
www.davidsbridal.com
Tux Rental: After Hours: A
www.afterhours.com
Officant: Rev. Steve (DH's family
member): C+
Veil: Custom Designed by Occansey Design: A+
www.occanseydesigns.com
Travel Agent: "Me" Via American Airline vacations : A+
www.aa.com
My Engagement Ring and Band: Crescent Jewelers: A+
DH's
Band: Icing on the Ring
www.icingonthering.com
Cake: Helena Wirth Bakery, Sherman Oaks: A+
818.904.9566
Cake Topper and Serving Set: Toppers with glitz: A+
www.topperswithglitz.com
Ceiling Swags w/ Lights,
Chair Covers EMD: A+
818.489.5533
Transport: Sims Limo: B
www.simslimo.com
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