Nikki is great! I decided to try Nikki with La Belle Fete for the calligraphy on my wedding invitations (inside and outside envelopes) after reading good reviews. Her prices were also very reasonable compared to some vendors based in Los Angeles, even with shipping costs. I just got my invites back and they look great. Plus, her customer service was also wonderful, as she responded to emails within 24 hours. If you're interested in having your envelopes done, I recommend you contact her!

My groom and I are enrolled at Arthur Murray. Our instructor is Kimberly and she's really fun and easygoing. We do not want a strict choreographed routine so we're learning basic dances (foxtrot, ballroom, rhumba) with added elements (second position breaks, turns, etc.). We signed up for their wedding package and it's really helped us. My FI does NOT dance at all and tonight he said that he is really seeing progress in his dancing and that all his friends will be impressed.

Arthur Murray is pricier but I think it's worth it. We'll now be able to use our dance skills for the rest of our lives and especially when we go on cruises. We first tried to take group lessons at Pasadena Ballroom and it was inadequate for what we wanted. My FI was very frustrated with their teaching style and we didn't make any progress. The AM lessons have been just what we needed. I recommend them.

FOLLOW UP 4/8/07: It's one month until our wedding and boy have we seen progress in our dance! FI knows the steps and feels confident. I am extremely pleased we decided to go with Arthur Murray!

My bridesmaid and I just went last weekend to be fitted and it was great. Comfortable, well-fitting bras at reasonable prices. The ladies there really know what they're doing and the prices are competitive. Beware, they do not take appointments so it is on a first come first served basis and the line can be long. That said, I would absolutely wait for their service.

Valerie is a sweetheart and does great hair! Her salon is adorable and she is willing to travel if needed. She has done hair for various commercials and entertainment industry events (e.g. plays at the Hollywood Bowl). She also worked at Burke Williams Spa in Pasadena and now has her own salon in Sierra Madre. She quoted me a competitive price for hair & makeup.

Update: Valerie and Sarah were the best! My wedding was on 5-5 and all my gals (and me) looked great. I wanted a natural look for my gals...just enhanced, and they delivered. I chose to have my hair down and slightly curled (I usually wear it straight) and keep my makeup natural. I loved it. Plus, all my bridesmaids liked their styles as well. My sister, who has curly hair and rarely wears makeup was so pleased she had a big smile plastered on her face all morning long. A+

I agree with everything that has been said! My wedding isn't until 2007, but after meeting with Kerim I am so not stressed about how the flowers will look. I did not think I could afford many flowers at the ceremony, let alone the reception centerpieces. I was wrong. Kerim calmed me down and we worked it out and now I'm getting more for my money than I had been quoted from other places. My wedding is going to be full of flowers and I can't wait.

Update: I love Kerim! We developed a fun friendship over the course of the year planning my wedding. He worked with my budget and was responsible for all flowers, linens and other rentals. He saw to every detail and executed well. Absolutely wonderful experience – can’t recommend him enough. There is a reason why he’s one of the most recommended florists in Los Angeles!

After reading post after post about this company I decided to check them out. Everyone was right...these guys are great. Joe has answered my emails at 11:30 at night! Very professional, very responsive and I love the demo they sent. They can edit your video according to your tastes and personality, which is what I liked a lot. Also, you get quite a bang for your buck when it comes to coverage...three cameras at the ceremony!

Update: Joe is fantastic! Throughout the process he was easygoing, professional and fun. They were fantastic to be around on my wedding day. My DH really liked him. Day of, TTD had cameras everywhere but they were in no way intrusive. There is a reason why brides recommend TTD all the time! DVD should be here soon and I can’t wait to see it!

I came to Vanessa through the WeddingChannel.com website initially and after talking to her and viewing her work, she was the first vendor I booked! She is very sweet, energetic and has a relaxed no-stress way about her. Her work expands beyond normal wedding photography which is what I was looking for. After getting my engagement pictures back I've also booked her for my bridal shower (in addition to my wedding). I also appreciate that she is competivitely priced and includes proofs in her packages!

You can view my bio if you wish to see some low-resolution examples of our e-pix:
http://talk.theknot.com/boards/User/Profile.aspx?bioname=JeanneBeannie

Update: I received my bridal shower pictures and they are wonderful!! Vanessa has also updated her website too with new slideshows showcasing her work. She is so easy to be around, it seems like I've known her for years. Can't recommend her highly enough.

Update 2: My wedding pictures came back and I love them! Glad I went with Vanessa. Will be doing family and baby portraits (hopefully) down the road.

After looking at several hotels in the Arcadia and Pasadena area, my MOH decided to show me this country club. I loved the LCF room because it has a wrap around balcony and wonderful views of the valley below and downtown Los Angeles. When I saw the pricing, that was the kicker. After looking at pricing from the Hilton, I could basically get a dual plate of filet mignon and chicken for about the same price...along with a two hour cocktail reception! Shirley has been very nice and responsive. Can't wait to get married there next year!

Follow up post: My 5/5/07 wedding receptions was FANTASTIC. The food was fabulous (dual plate of filet & chicken kiev). Everyone loved the nighttime view and wrap around balcony. It was perfect and I definitely recommend it to brides - it's at least worth an appointment to check out. The staff was very attentive and professional. My hubby and I are glad we chose LCFCC. We danced the night away and enjoyed every minute of it.

When I saw this church online I fell in love with it, not only because of the stained glass tower, but because it was in the San Gabriel Valley. I had driven by this church for years and never took notice! I went in and talked with Carolyn who is very experienced at coordinating the weddings at the church. I also met with Rev. Terry and he is such an easygoing and open individaul that I felt very comfortable during the conversation. The photography and videography rules are a bit strict, but many churches have similar policies. My wedding is not until 2007 but I cannot wait to get married there!

Post wedding update: this was a wonderful place to be married. The church coordinator was always very nice and helpful. One drawback, they are very restrictive on the photography and videography. Other than that, wonderful. Highly recommend!