astanmar's reviews

The store on Damen Ave in Chicago has a lot of original pieces for your wedding. Too bad you don't get to look at any of them when you go to the store. If you go to the store with something specific in mind..it's great. However, if you want to browse, forget it. The owner will follow you around the store commenting on EVERYTHING you look at. However, if you can deal with this, then it is a great place to find something original. She has everything from jewelry to invitations, to bachelorette party accessories. She is also very knowledgeable.

Again, can't give 5 stars because we haven't used them yet. However, we heard this band and we knew we had to have them. They were a little out of our price range, but I believe music is a very important aspect to a reception.
They play everything from swing to top 40. Paul Mabin has been very helpful in guiding us with our music selections and going through the details of the wedding day. He also happens to have an AWESOME voice!

Can't give 5-star because we haven't had the event yet. However, after meeting with Katie, I am sure we will be able to revise to a 5-star. They have a huge selection and their prices are very reasonable.
Our rehearsal dinner will be 2 hours away and they have no problem going there. They're bringing tables, linens, plates, glasses, and silverware. Oh...servers too. We won't have to lift a finger during our rehearsal dinner, which is exactly what we wanted!

My engagement ring is the most beautiful ring ever! Okay, I'm a little biased. Really though, my fiancé worked with Jamie to put together the perfect loose diamond/setting combination. One of the little diamonds feel off the setting and it was replaced without question. When we talked to her about a warranty, she said that it is under warranty as long as you own it. They have a nice selection and a great attitude!

I can't give him a 5-star rating because we haven't seen the result yet. I gave him 4-stars because I was very impressed with his professionalism and degree of creativity. He is a graduate of Columbia University and a true artist. He doesn't just put videos together, he makes art out of them. I can't wait to see what he does with all of our future video.

We went to the Men's Warehouse on Ashland (in Chicago). The saleswoman was very professional and very knowledgeable. I only wish she would have given us more of that knowledge. She was able to answer questions, but she did not offer the information (the difference between a $100 suit and a $130, what is the most popular style, vest vs. cumberbun, pocket silk or not, basically, all of the little details that we didn't know).
However, it is nice that they have so many locations for each member of the party to visit at their leasure.

I can only write a review based on our engagement pictures, but we were very pleased with them. Randi is a graduate of Millikin University and her youth gives the pictures a less formal edge. I told her that I did not want "posing" pictures and she managed to capture that essence. I hope we get the same for our wedding!

Well, I haven't seen her work yet, but after meeting with her and seeing her previous work, I know I am going to be very pleased with our cake.
She showed me fine examples and we tasted plenty of different flavors. Also, I did not want fondant on my cake (I hate the taste) and she explained that it is not really needed in order to have a nice flat service. She is experienced enough that she can give the effect with buttercream.

I can't wait!

I bought my wedding dress here in less than two hours! The saleswoman listened to my needs and we were able to get through this decision very quickly. My one "gripe" is this: I am only 5'2" tall so whenever I am measured for dresses like this, my measurments do not correspond to the sizing charts. For example, the waist on my dress usually hits at my hips (waists are a lot smaller than hips). Therefore, I know to order at least one size bigger than they tell me.
I was a little frustrated that they did not recognize this fit problem at their store and they INSISTED that I order a size 4 (i wanted to order a 10). To make matters worse, I had to sign a sheet stating that the size was ultimately MY decision and if it didn't fit, then I was out of luck. I settled for an 8 and I still asked them if I would be responcible even though I went 2 sizes bigger than they told me. Their response was that they do not tell you what size to order, they simply make a suggestion.
I wonder what the point of going through a bridal salon is if they do not stand behind their sizing. If I had to do it again, I would just buy it online. It's quicker, cheaper, and usually a free something is thrown in!

I spent an afternoon in Schaumburg picking out bridesmaid dresses. First of all, I stated my price upfront. The saleswoman respected my price and never tried to "upsell" me on something more expensive.
Each bridesmaid was instructed to visit one of their many locations to get measured and place their order. One of my bridesmaids decided to lie to me and she said she was 3 sizes smaller than what she was measured for. I thought it was EXCELLENT customer service for that store to call me and inform me of this possible crisis. They said that ultimately, it is MY decision as the bride and I was able to order her the dress she was measured for.
The dresses came in in less time than I was told and they are all very beautiful!