etello's reviews

Highly Recommended.

Henry and Gabe are very professional. From our very first meeting, we had the reception timeline all set up. We made a few changes in the intervening months, but I liked having the timeline set up from the beginning. They were a little slow via email, but not too much.

We had a few strict music guidelines.

First, we needed not only a bilingual MC, but a DJ who knew what types of Spanish music would entertain our multicultural guest list.

Second, Since my parents are the youth pastors of our church, we didn't want any profanity or even suggestive songs.

I'm not sure how they did it, but even with these restrictions, Henry and Gabe were able to keep people on the floor all night long.

My only complaint was that Gabe made DH take off my garter with his teeth....I did NOT want that!

I loved my hair trial, but decided not to use her makeup services. I'll update my review after the wedding. But for now, here's a pic of the trial.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/eiprylsievers/hairtrial.jpg

UPDATE:

I had my hair and makeup trial with Sherry a few months before the wedding. I loved the way my hair turned out, but I decided not to use her for my makeup. She was a little slow in getting my contract to me, but I wasn’t worried. The day of the wedding she was running late, but she was able to finish mine and my mom’s hair on time. Despite this, I feel that Sherry has a real talent for updos and would recommend her without reservation.

I can't say enough great things about Paul and Heesyun. They have a great eye and capture the most amazing images. We were surprised that they fit into our budget, and they were even willing to work out a package for us. Heesyun is very prompt at answering emails and messages, that was really important for me.

Plus, they're just really fun to have around. I can't wait to see our final pictures.

There's a sneak peek of our pictures on their blog:

www.ruettgers.com/blog

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/eiprylsievers/downtown2-1.jpg

We used the Friar Tux location in Lakewood. Their service was good, and our order was all right. DH's brother was stationed overseas and sent us his measurments, and the pants ended up being too short. But Friar Tux was able to get him the right size by the next day, so everything turned out fine.

We signed up for their special at one of the local bridal shows and saved ourselves and the groomsmen some $$.

I called E. Marie on the Wednesday before my wedding, after my original makeup artist had cancelled on me. She was able to move some things around to accomodate myself, my mom, and my MIL. I was a little nervous because I didn't have time for a trial, but I had heard great things about her.

The day-of the wedding she arrived on time, and started on my MIL before I even got there. I loved the way all of our make up turned out. We all got so many compliments.

I have to say, that I originally didn't want to spend so much on makeup...but I'm so glad that I did. In hindsight it was totally worth it. My makeup lasted all day, and I felt so pretty!

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/eiprylsievers/mantilla.jpg

Sheila was great to work with. She really listened to what we wanted and was able to bring our vision to life. Sheila really worked with us, she let us know which flowers would work with our budget, made a sample centerpiece before we even booked with her, and went with us to the L.A. flowermart so we could get her discount on the vases we wanted.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/eiprylsievers/bouquet.jpg

We used Pearl's place to buy the BM dresses. We saved about $30 per dress. Shipping was very reasonable, only $12 if all the dresses are shipped to the same place. And they were very fast. All brick and mortar stores wanted me to put a rush on the dresses, since we ordered them so late. But Pearl's Place was able to get them to us on time, they actually arrived about a week earlier than we expected.

One word of wisdom to brides buying dresses online: if possible, have your girls try the dresses on at a bridal salon before ordering. Even though we followed the Bill Levkoff sizing charts, a few of the dresses were huge on the girls.

Papermart is a very popular website. L.A. brides are lucky because Papermart's warehouse is located right here in L.A. They have a will call option, and you can pick up your order the same day. They also have a very small showroom at the warehouse, and phones so you can place your order while there.

We bought the 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 2 jewelry boxes in the "purple embossed" color. They were .39 cents each.

My only complaint it wasn't very easy to find what we wanted off of the Papermart website. We actually ordered a different type of box first, and changed our minds when we went to their showroom. Luckily, it was very easy to return our first order and place another one.

Here's a pic of our favor boxes, all decorated :)

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/eiprylsievers/tablesetting.jpg

We got the ribbon for our invites from Fabric Barn. I have to agree that they have a great selection, and it's so convenient since they're located here in Long Beach. However, my florist mentioned that the ribbon at the flower mart (2nd floor) might be cheaper. We're going to check it out next time we're out there.

The Madison was a bank in the 1920's and 30's now restored into a beautiful restaurant. It has gorgeous high ceilings and a beautiful chandelier.

For the main floor, you buy out the restaurant, so the per plate price really depends on your guest count. But ultimately, I think this venue is a great value, especially for the ambience and quality of food and service. The manager, Patrick, is really sweet and was actually one of the reasons that we decided to go with the Madison. We didn't feel like just another wedding, they've been great to work with so far.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/eiprylsievers/madison.jpg