kate_615's reviews

I had been to a bridal show before I was engaged with my sister for her wedding. We went to the huge show at Devos Place in Grand Rapids. It was too big and you didn't get any personal time with the vendors because of the amount of people they were trying to push through. This past fall I went to the Bridal Extravaganza in Holland instead of the show in Grand Rapids and was thoroughly pleased. I was able to talk directly to the people who would be my potential vendors, not their assistant or secretary. I found my photographer and got a great lead on a caterer for the cake. Also they had seminars on how to be a smart bride, how to plan a green wedding, and so on. It was a smaller show, but as I am planning a wedding in Holland I got to meet a lot of local vendors and learned a lot about what to ask at each meeting with vendors to be sure I am not being taken or will end up with a ton of hidden fees. There is another show coming up in February and I will definitely be attending again to see what's new.

The food at Macatawa Legends is to die for! It tastes like it was made especially for you just before you eat it. Everything is fresh and extremely well priced. They are a newer facility, but their staff is very experienced and it shows!

J's prides themselves on being able to get any dress from any designer even if it is one they don't carry. They have been able to do that for me. I chose a Mori Lee dress for my bridesmaids and J's doesn't carry Mori Lee. They were able to get it and quote me a price comparable to other bridal salons that do carry Mori Lee. Also they offer 10-15% off each dress depending on the amount of people who order dresses through J's as well as other inicentives when they can't discount a gown like a dollar amount to put towards jewelry or shoes.

Most of my jewelry from my fiance is from J Morgan. We decided to go there to get his ring. He knew exactly what he wanted - a titanium band with carbon fiber inlay. I had seen a few on display at J Morgan a few months before we went in to order it. When we got there they had sent them all back because no one was interested in them. The salesman brought out catalogs and showed us what he could get for us. He measured my fiance and ordered all the rings we wanted to see in his size. That was definitely above and beyond in my book! It's so much easier to pick something you will like for the rest of your life when you can see it, feel it, wear it. I will definitely go back to them for any jewelry needs.

I am very happy with my choice for hair dresser. Cindy owns her own shop and is very friendly. She gets to know you and your style to find out how best to do your hair. I've been going to her for a long time and I've always been pleased. I've brought pictures of how I would like my hair done and sometimes it is something completely not feasible and she will tell me straight up that it won't work with my type of hair. Then she will tell me what we can do that is as close as possible without completely ruining my hair. We've already done a couple trial runs (at no cost) for what we will do for the wedding day. I have to say that I am very impressed and wouldn't go to anyone else!

After going through my budget I decided I could save some money if I did the flower arrangements myself. After Andicott flowers in Grand Rapids folded there were very few florists to choose from who would help you by ordering the flowers for you, give you some pointers and let you go. Picket Fence did my sisters flowers and she was very happy with the quality and the price so I called them and asked if they would help a do-it-yourself bride. They were more than happy to meet with me and discuss what I want out of my wedding flowers. All I had them do is the boutinneres and corsages and order some roses for me and I was on my way. They gave me great tips for keeping flowers from wilting too soon and how to arrange them to make them look as full as possible while using a minimal amount of flowers. They are definitely a place to remember anytime I need flowers!

Morningside Park is a small park in Holland off 32nd st and Morningside dr. It is absolutely gorgeous! I have always wanted an outdoor wedding and after seeing what my parents and their friends went through to have my sisters wedding in their backyard I knew I wanted some place that was beautiful and no fuss for my parents. Morningside Park has a beautiful white gazebo surrounded by impeccable landscaping. All I needed to do for my wedding is set up white chairs. Even better was the price. Many churches charge $500 to rent for the ceremony. This is a much better value and is definitely prettier (which also saves you money on ceremony flowers).

I went into J's because they are the only bridal salon in Owosso where I live. The service is amazing. They are very friendly and focused on making sure their brides leave with exactly what they want for their wedding day. They do not pressure you into buying things you don't need. They don't make you try on every style of veil (like some other large bridal retailers) when you have a good idea of the style you like. They help you find the best gown for your body while making you feel good about your decisions. After all the dress is usually the most difficult decision to make because it is what everyone stares at on your wedding day. I am very pleased with the staff at J's as well as everything they offer before, during, and after I purchased my gown.

After seeing the quality of work that this husband and wife team do, I knew that I wanted them as my photographers. As an added bonus they offer more in their wedding packages than any other photographer in the Holland/Grand Rapids area. At our first meeting I looked for anything that would tell me the price is too good to be true, but I couldn't find anything. The package that I selected is their 'Gold Package.' It includes 2 photographers, 12 hours wedding day coverage, free engagement session with 10-30 proofs, proof book with all final wedding day photos, 30 page 10x10 Bride and Groom album (the new digital matte books), a 11x14 canvas print, and half off all wallets, 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 that we order. The value is incredible and the quality is amazing!

The staff at Macatawa Legends is helpful in every way possible. They have everything you can imagine at an incredible price with all the appeal of an elite club. Kim Lokker, the event coordinater and marketing director, has been my best ally in planning the reception. I requested a specific wine that is difficult to get and she was able to find it for me and offer personalized labels as a keepsake for my fiance and I. They have been willing to work with me on every little detail to make my wedding dreams a reality.