We actually found David Valadez & Mini Music Services through a referral from a friend. The atmosphere we wanted for our reception was relaxed, fun, and upbeat- and David's music services created just the atmosphere. He was also extremely affordable! We simply told David the genre of music we wanted played, and mentioned a few songs we definitely did not want played. The dance floor was packed the entire night. We had some guests request songs that we didn’t want played, and he took care of it without even bothering us.

We held our reception at Francesca's Fiore in Forest Park. They hadn’t done a lot of weddings there, but they were willing to try it out. We rented out the restaurant for the night, and that was a good, affordable option for us. The reception was family style Italian with outstanding service and delicious food by Francesca's. They have an outdoor patio that was also a definite perk! The relaxed, romantic atmosphere was the perfect way to celebrate our marriage!

Our ceremony took place at St. Joseph's Church in Old Town. The priest for our ceremony was Father Pat, who is also a family friend on my husband's side. His homily was very intimate and personal to me and my new husband. He did a beautiful job of relating the message to our relationship. The church was just renovated last year. It has gorgeous, high ceilings and a pipe organ. We also participated in pre-occasion classes through the church. Father Pat was able to recommend a class based on our values- and we were very appreciative of that.

For my bridal hairstyle, I wanted a simple ½ up ½ down style. Julie Ahearn, from Beauty on Call, was my stylist for the day. She styled my hair how I wanted- but it was, perhaps, a bit more basic, everyday than I had hoped for. I added a broach to my hair, that I later wished I hadn’t. She also styled my sister and best friend, and they were both so happy with the results. Her styling lasted all night.

Juli Valdez was my makeup artist for my wedding day. I met with her for an initial trial, then she came to my home the day of the event. I wanted something very natural- with just a little sparkle. She did just what I asked, I looked like myself, but a bit more glammed up than every day. She had high quality makeup in her kit and she took care in ensuring I was comfortable while she performed her services (made sure I was not too hot, etc). Juli was a pleasure to work with.

Brian Kinyon was our wedding photographer, and he did a beautiful job! The album turned out fantastic- I loved it. The day of the wedding there was a 2 person team, and they took over 3000 digital shots. I didn’t want a lot of portraits taken, but Brian was able to capture the candids and "good moments" that I had hoped for. There were lots of laughing and dancing shots which captured the true spirit of my day. He was very easy to work with, and very unobtrusive. I forgot he was there for most of the day!

My husband picked out our wedding cake at Kay's Bakery in Forest Park- near our reception site. He said it was painless to work with them, the process was simple and easy. It was a very traditional, basic wedding cake- nothing elaborate. It was delicious, and therefore fulfilled all of our "wedding cake" needs. Kay's Bakery was great for a little local bakery experience.

My wedding flowers were amazing! Kelly Marie was so easy to work with. I told her I wanted a "bouquet of lush and romantic flowers with pale hues"- and she came up with exactly what I wanted- just from my description. She included Hydrangea, Vendella Roses, Peonies, & Blushed Pink Dahlias- and they were just perfect! It was so wonderful to work with a florist that could figure out exactly what I was picturing in my head. The customer service at Fleur was excellent, and the flowers were fresh and beautiful the day of my wedding. I highly recommend Fleur for flowers for your wedding, or any occasion!

Carol is an expert seamstress. She specializes in designer gown alterations and works out of White Chicago. She has over twenty years of experience, and her expertise is notable. She took great care in altering my gown, and she even did an impeccable job doing a bit of restyling my gown. We did a series of three fittings and by the end, it fit like a glove. I was very happy with Carol's work!

I, of course, purchased my wedding gown from my place of employment, White Chicago. I bought a once wed Badgley Mischka that I wouldn't have been able to afford, had I purchased it new. It retailed at $6200, but I found it for ½ off the retail price. I had a short, 5 ½ month engagement, so purchasing off the rack at White Chicago allowed me have the gown I loved, at a price I could afford, all in time for the wedding! There are over 300 gowns to choose from- some samples, some new, some “once wed.” I chose a gown that was once wed- but it was in practically perfect condition due to the great care the staff takes when handling the gowns. Once the gown was altered to fit me like a glove, I had made it all my own.