erinfm's reviews

I can't believe that of all my vendors I haven't written a review for Ciras Photography. I don't even remember how I found them, I just was thinking that I wanted engagement pictures and my photographer for my wedding is in Pittsburgh, so I needed to find someone in Boston that I could do just an E-pic session with.

The night before our pictures it had stormed and though the light was beautiful for our day, it was incredibly windy. The intensity of the wind made me wonder how the pictures were going to come out. The pictures came out amazing to say the least. I had such fun with Heather and Jesse that I was sad when it was over. We've gotten so many compliments on the pictures that I feel like I want to do it again and again just so I can use Ciras Photography again - they were that good.

Having been to their studio they have so many cool options to work with that it was like being in one of those super cool museumy type stores - everything felt like art. There's plenty of ways to display and order your pictures, and if you have a question or want something done they are completely enthusiastic about making it happen.

There wasn't one print that I wasn't in love with when the time came to see the proofs. They all captured what we wanted, our personalities and a bit of Boston and Cambridge and loads of affection. Not only were they engagement pictures but they came out feeling like a love letter to the city that we fell in love in, and that meant a lot to us.

I got thank you cards and save the dates printed by them. The service was quick, I got my proof and there were never any mistakes. Everyone loves the save the dates. They are extremely responsive when you need to make a change or ask a question.

Unfortunately there weren't a lot of options for my invitations so I decided to get them from an Etsy seller.

Pros: Friendly, helpful staff, nice setting, flexible, can be casual or elegant. Accommodating to every vendor and provided set up services. Great to work with during the planning process.

Cons: Will need to hire a DOC if you want your wedding here. Execution of wedding left me wondering how many weddings they had actually had there. Disorganized business wise, iron out all details in a contract - even the most mundane. Their casual attitude extends to the contract. Lost our final payment check for over $1000.

Unprofessionalism is the reason we didn't go with Whyte Icing. The cakes were beautiful, the price was right but unfortunately every time I had to deal with Jennifer, I got the feeling she felt like she was doing me a favor by taking my money. She always acted like she was too busy for me and my small cake (I have a small wedding) and I don't want a cake not made with love. I passed solely because of her demeanor not because of the cake.

Edit to add: Upon finding this review, Jennifer emailed me a lengthy letter apologizing and explaining how she is a one woman business working for a labor of love. I also own my own business but know that customer service is king. Service in the wedding industry should be the gold standard and finding a review should not be what you need to make you act gracious to your potential customers.

Simone is amazing, pure and simple. Easy to work with, priced great, I can't say enough wonderful things about her. When I first spoke to her, after dealing with other planners, she was friendly, full of ideas and not counting the seconds and trying to charge me like other planners had (for the "free" consultation).
Everything has been like a dream with her, I am sure that I could plan my wedding on my own, but her expertise, cool demeanor and endless ideas are worth more than triple what I am paying.

On top of that, Simone and her staff are well respected and liked professionals in the area. They have excellent referrals from vendors and past clients alike. I spoke with the last woman to have a wedding planned by Simone and she had so many complimentary things to say about her we wound up on the phone for almost an hour.

There are days when I am rethinking my whole concepts for the wedding and I never think about replacing Simone - just wishing I had found her sooner.