Our wedding was a pretty formal event, so we wanted to really kick back and enjoy our rehearsal dinner with our closest family and friends. We chose the Spaghetti Warehouse because of its fun and laid back attitude, and also it’s close proximity to the UD chapel. We were able to reserve the best part of the restaurant, the Trolly, and our party fit perfectly. For large parties, they offer several different options, which are classified by color. We chose an option that really allowed our guests to have many different meals to choose from as well as drinks (their Sangria is out of this WORLD!). We also were able to bring in our own cake for desert and had room to store our gifts for our wedding party. This evening was so relaxing and fun, we wouldn’t change a thing about the rehearsal dinner.

At the time of our wedding, my husband had recently used Men’s Warehouse as a groomsman for a friend. For his friends wedding, there were issues with some colors being off, and also a tux being delivered to the wrong location. However, the staff was very helpful and corrected the situation immediately.

For our wedding, we were worried because of the problems the men had had before, but there were no problems at all. Also, the location was only about ½ mile from the hotel, so if there would have been a problem, we could have had it easily resolved.

Our favorite part about Men’s Warehouse was that they offered a free tux for the groom with 4 or more rentals. With his groomsmen, our fathers, and the ring bearer we had plenty. Also, my husband was able to wear “spectator” shoes (the black and white ones), which was his favorite part of his outfit.

My husband bought my engagement ring from Kay Jewelers, and got a great deal. We had it appraised later, and they appraised it at three times what we paid for it. He also bought the extended warranty for it, which I highly recommend. If at any time you bring it into the store, they will clean it, buff it, and iridium plate it for free. They also will replace anything that may fall off, as long as you have it inspected once every six months.

Ellen has been cutting my hair for years. She had never styled my hair before for an event, but there was no one that I would trust more than she. She did a free “trial” a month or so before the wedding, which I wasn’t thrilled with, so I changed the style I was going for completely.

My hair the day of the wedding was very simple, and very “me”. At first I wasn’t thrilled with it because it was so simple, however I have since began to love it because it was so “me”.

Homewood Suites was very helpful throughout the entire wedding process. Before we chose them, they allowed my husband and I to “join them for breakfast” on morning, to test their food. Also, they offered an unlimited amount of rooms to be blocked off, and also a free suite for our wedding night (if 10 rooms or more were booked). The price we were given for our guests was better than the normal rate, however many of our guests were able to get better rates on their own. It ended up that we did not have 10 or more in our block because it was more expensive than reserving the room with alternative discounts. But we still loved everything about it. Also, they have a great hot breakfast.

I found my dress at a bridal shop other than Athena, but knowing it was a small locally owned business, I chose to order it through them to help them make a profit. The person I dealt with, Rhonda, was so wonderful and helpful. Rhonda called the dress maker to get the pricing, which was around the same as the other store, then ordered it. I came in to see the dress once it had arrived, and was told that I had to pay over $200 more than I was originally quoted, and also that Rhonda was no longer with them. I was devastated. She had been so wonderful and now that she was gone, I felt as though they were trying to take advantage of me. I ended up haggling with them, and paid about $100 more than I would have at the other store.

The store stored my dress until my wedding, and had it steamed the day before the wedding. They also gave us a nice garment bag with the dress. Overall, I was satisfied with this company, but they really do need to brush up on their people skills.

Naree’s shop is a small local shop, where she is the only tailor. I have had many garments sewn there in the past, and I trusted her more than anyone else to hem my dress. Naree was very professional, and helpful throughout the process. She also does a wonderful job and charges very little for her services. She also did many of the alterations for my bridesmaids and my mother’s dresses.

Todd is the owner of Creatif Catering, and I cannot say enough great things about this man. He was the only caterer we met with, because he was the only one we needed to meet with. His prices were so far below that of the competition, and his food was no comparison. We ended up doing a buffet option, because it made sense for our situation. Creatif provided hors d’oeuvres (veggies, dip, fruit, seafood spread, crackers, and a floral arrangement to match our color scheme), 4 entrees, 4 vegetables, 4 salads, a Champaign toast or fruit punch fountain for all guests, as well as water, tea and coffee. In addition, they provided china, flatware, and wine glasses, white table linens, and cloth napkins (color is your choice). Also, the cost covered set-up and tear down costs, all staff, and cutting and distributing the cake.

They do offer a full service bar (which we were not able to take advantage of due to having to buy the alcohol through our reception location). But the prices are very reasonable.

Heidi was so great. I went back and forth about having my make-up done because it really was not in the budget, but Heidi really put me at ease.

Heidi did such a great job on both my mother and my make-up. She traveled to us, and even offered to drive the guys to the park for photos. She was so wonderful! Highly recommended.

We decided to use this vendor because the company is owned by a family friend. I never did receive a contract, nor a set in stone price.

The limo was at the park to meet us much earlier than we had asked him to be. He offered to stop and buy beer and did so on two occasions for the wedding party. Since my family friend ended up being our driver (unexpected), I asked him to stay for the wedding and the reception (as I had already planned on him doing so). I did not get a final price until two days after the wedding, and it was a little higher than expected.