a_moench's reviews

The Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs was our second choice-- they can do both ceremony and reception. When we first looked at a few pictures online, we were curious as to how so many people could fit into the skinny glass corridor we saw there. Pictures of the great hall fully decorated convinced us it was possible, and beautiful. The cost wasn't too bad, and the best part about this unique venue is the ART - the first thing the guests see when they enter the building is a huge, coloured, glass chandelier. It only gets better.

My fiancé and I were VERY interested in the beautiful red-brick building downtown with huge stained-glass windows. The non-members price was ok, it was $1200 and the building was absolutely gorgeous. There was plenty of parking, even though you were downtown. The reasons we didn't end up going with it was because first, it only held 275 people, which was cutting it too close for us, and second, because they didn't allow flash photography in the sanctuary. It was pretty dark in there... could be a potentially huge problem!!! However, it is a very very viable option with its premiere downtown location and superb architecture.

Do not be fooled by this corporate crap! I started to look into Bella Pictures in my search for a wedding photographer. When I sat down to a consultation with them, they didn't tell me anything about the specific photographer who would be at my wedding. Don't book a photographer unless you have met with him in person and know a lot about his background-- don't trust some company to simply assign you one.

At Bridal Elegance in Colorado Springs, they can do lots and lots of things for you-- they sew in buttercups (built-in bras) for $5, they can add or remove straps or change a neckline, and lots more. When I found my perfect dress there, I was dismayed when they told me it was a one of a kind dress-- and it was a half-size too small. The seamstress quickly assured me she could either let out the seams a little or put in a corset lace in back so I could wear it-- it was great, and not too expensive!

Don't be intimidated by the big figure-- our wedding cost of $13,000 at the Pinery included the ceremony, flowers, dj, wedding planner, and an elaborate reception with dinner for 250.

Ross and I wanted an outdoor wedding without the stress of worrying about rain. What we loved about the Pinery was its option to change at the very last minute into the beautiful chapel in case of rain. The outdoor area is gorgeous, with a pretty altar and surrounded by beds of colourful flowers in the summer.

Lori is the General Manager of the Pinery in the Black Forest outside of Colorado Springs and plans a few of the wedding out there, including ours. She has a serene, calming nature about her and knows an awful lot!

I expected mediocrity from David's Bridal in Colorado Springs, knowing that it was a chain and not expecting at all good service. I was, however, impressed by the lady that helped us and the range and reasonable price of dresses I found there.

I thought it was strange, though, that the ladies in the store didn't help brides get their dresses on and off. The girls had to do that themselves.

Danielle's Bridal was the first bridal boutique I ever went to. I made the mistake of going on a Saturday-- DON'T go then! It's always too busy and they only schedule you for an hour slot. I really liked the dresses they showed me, even though they were mostly out of my price range.

I was extremely impressed, though, to get a follow-up call and a personalized, hand-written note in the mail afterwards.