I would give them more stars if they had them. Mary at James Joseph SALON on Newbury is expert. I am a challenge - thin hair and very picky. She did a beautiful job and created just what I was hoping for. The rest of the staff at James Joseph is amazing. Erica Colameta is my regular colorist and is phenomenal. Eva did an excellent job on my mom's blowout. My mom was worried going to a new person for such an important event but she did a fantastic job and everyone in my bridal party left happy and gorgeous.

The price was great, the owner, Marielles, made the trying-on experience very positive. I don't know if the selection is very good or if I just happened to luck out with finding the right dress out of only a few try-ons. I did have a very particular look in mind. There were several confusing transactions around down payment, final payment and I think I was ill-advised about length and rush order. It worked out OK but I am not sure if I would tell others to run to this shop. The owner was a sweetheart to me though. The seamstress, Elena, who works with them, but is not part of their business, is excellent. Her shop is in the lower level of their building.

Our wedding was in the Ballroom in November and it was the perfect setting for the time of year and aesthetic we were looking for. The decor is beautiful, elegant and unique. The food is delicious (probably the best-tasting cake I've ever had). The planning staff is expert (Meghan Covington). We searched around Boston and the surrounding areas and fell in love with Veronique when we saw it. We were so happy with the outcome, all of our guests raved. We made a wise choice to avoid country clubs and hotels that we felt would have made our wedding 2nd priority to other activities - Veronique made it all about us and our wedding.

She should have slapped me several times for being a PITA but was totally patient, reassuring and helpful. She managed several last minute issues that I had forgotten about and made our wedding really beautiful without making it seem like a lot of work or stress. When I was worried - she talked me down from the ledge and accomplished our vision.

Disclaimer - This is my friend.

She works mainly through Etsy.com but her eye for design is amazing. She did me a huge favor with designing my STD's and letterpressed invitations and I couldn't have been happier. Many guests wrote on their rsvp's that they were the prettiest/coolest invitations they'd ever seen. LOL - Not "Can't wait for your big day" or "See you soon" but "Coolest invites ever".

PHENOMENAL. I would give 10 stars, they made the wedding. They sounded amazing, were tasteful and elegant in the early evening during dinner and introductions and then totally fun and charismatic for the dancing/craziness. They learned a few songs specifically for our wedding (obscure selections so understandably they weren't on their song list). EVERYONE raved about them and were singing songs they played for days after the wedding. Many of our guests said it was the best wedding they'd been to and I attribute it in large part to One Step Ahead. I am very glad I listened to my husband who was adamant about a band v. DJ and adamant we see the band in person before we chose.

4.5 stars. Gorgeous flowers, she interpreted my vision without very good direction from me! I did not know many of the names of flowers or how to articulate exactly what I was going for, but she took a lot of time to listen and showed me many samples of her work with at other weddings. The reason for the 4.5 instead of 5 stars is because she forgot the aisle runner which I am not 100% is her fault.