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The catering managers at Riva were exceptional from our first meeting. They were extremely professional and attentive, listening to all of our needs and wants. They accommodated our orginal guest list of 200, and when it decreased to 130, they made things even better. There was only 1 minor menu glitch during our reception, but Carol (the banquet manager) took care of everything and eased our minds. The location itself is also spectacular, with an outdoor patio area and pathway to a pond surrounded by native prairie plants and grasses. We would highly recommend Riva as a banquet facility.
Our photographer Rachel was in touch with us throughout the wedding planning process. Our photography package included a local engagement session, and we easily set that up with Rachel. She took charge during the photo shoot but asked us what our wishes were. She captured each moment beautifully. We didn't meet our videographer Brian until our wedding day, but he had been in touch by phone ahead of time. He gave us some great ideas, like having the mother of the bride sitting near the dance floor during the father/daughter dance for a great family shot. My father told me after the wedding weekend that Brian went around to various guests during the cocktail hour asking them to say a few well-wishes for the camera. We thought that was very special, and we'll have it recorded for posterity.
Working with Denise Walden (the owner) was a pleasure from our first meeting together. She truly listened to our needs and wants and translated them beautifully into the finished product. She was very flexible, as we had to change some of our order during the process (2 grandparents weren't able to come, etc.). She would promptly draft a new contract and mail it to us. We decided to add flowers to our wedding cake at the last minute (instead of getting a cheesy cake topper), and we were thrilled with the result. We're even more excited now because our wedding flowers will be turned into custom artwork that we can hang in our home. The artist that's creating this painting was amazed by the longevity of the flowers (they arrived at her gallery 4 days after our wedding). We loved Walden Floral Design so much that we've already sent flowers to family members through them.
We only had 3 local members of our 8-person wedding party, and Black Tie made it so easy for our guys to get in their measurements. We paid for the our groomsmens' wedding attire, and Black Tie was a very reasonable option. The guys looked absolutely handsome (only the bride looked better), and they even mentioned that the shoes were comfortable. We'd highly recommend Black Tie Formalwear.
Our wedding was June 27, 2009, and we went to Wolsfelt's late September of 2008. I had found them online, and I immediately wanted to visit the store. I knew that I'd find exactly what I was looking for. I went dress shopping with my mom and cousin (one of my bridesmaids). My consultant Andrea was extremely helpful and professional, and we got to meet the owners that day as well. After trying on about 7 dresses, I found my dream dress and forgot about the others that I had tried on. We purchased it that day, and the store was very helpful. We had the funds set aside for my dress, but they still offered us credit options (which would have helped if we weren't prepared). We came in with a budget, and Andrea helped us stick to that. When I went back subsequently for 3 dress fittings, the entire staff was extremely helpful. My seamstress Sharon was amazing! She created the most seamless bustle in history. In fact, when I went to pick up my gown, we had to get someone from alterations to help us find where she had sewn in the loops. The gown was amazing, and my guests were floored.
I had never purchased any clothing online until my bridal shoes, and then a friend told me about Net Bride. I ended up purchasing my bridesmaids' and flower girl's dresses from this company. They are an actual store in Minnesota, but because they buy in such large volume, they are able to offer incredible prices. Our dresses from Eden Bridal were a steal, and that was even with the rush-cut charge. We purchased our dresses for our wedding party, and Net Bride saved us a bundle. They also have amazing customer service, and we'd highly recommend them to anyone.
My husband and I met in the Notre Dame marching band, and music has always been very important to both of us. That's why we budgeted for live reception music. In fact, we went with a 10-piece band instead of a 9-piece band so we could have a trombonist (we both played trombone). We had been to a friend's wedding about 7 years ago, and they had a live band. They weren't available for our wedding day, but they recommended Rhapsody Orchestra, and we couldn't have been happier. Temple Schultz (the bandleader) was a pleasure to work with since our first phonecall. She listened to our needs and wants and translated that into the music that was played during our reception. There wasn't a single moment during the reception that the dance floor wasn't packed! All of the musicians were exceptional and very personable. We would highly recommend Rhapsody Orchestra to others.
Review Date: 07/01/2009 Services Used: Ceremony Music
5.0 out of 5.0
Quality of Service:
(5.0/5.0)
Responsiveness:
(5.0/5.0)
Professionalism:
(5.0/5.0)
Value For Cost:
(5.0/5.0)
Flexibility:
(5.0/5.0)
Our parish music director put us in touch with Choice Music for additional musicians. Our parish provided us with a pianist/organist and cantor, but we booked a string trio with Choice Music for our ceremony. Our contact, Chris Richardson, was very organized and professional. We had a number of selections to make regarding our ceremony music, and it was a completely painless process. The end result was ceremony music that our guests are still talking about.
We ended up having to book 2 different vendors for transportation the day of our wedding (it was a popular date), and 4 Star VIP was wonderful. We spoke with various staff over the phone, and our order for a Chrysler 300 limo was perfect. The driver was safe and courteous, and we enjoyed the soda and water that they provided.
At Your Service Limousines, Inc. Lombard, Illinois
We actually had to contract 2 different transportation vendors for our wedding (it was a popular date in our area), and At Your Service Limousines, Inc. (AYS) provided us with a stretch limo for the wedding and 2 mini buses (one for the wedding to transport guests and one the day before to take guests into Chicago). The service was outstanding, and the prices were quite reasonable. We would highly recommend AYS for transportation needs.
I was looking for a salon to provide manicures and pedicures for 14 people the day before my wedding. My mother wanted to organize an outing for the special women in our lives. I did some reconnaissance work ahead of time, searching for vendors online and in person. I fell upon Heavenly Massage while looking online. I went to their business one evening and booked a manicure for myself the next day. It must have been serendipity because that day there was a bridal party getting pampered. I spoke with the bride and her maid of honor, and they said that Heavenly Massage was the nicest location with the best prices that they had found. Apparently we were on the same wavelength. I booked my party of 14 with manager Olivia, and she told me about the group discount that they provided for parties of 6 or more. They also allowed us to bring in food and drink that day for our guests. Their service was amazing, and the business was very accommodating. I had 2 guests traveling from Kentucky straight to the salon, and they were scheduled to arrive at 3PM. They made it up early at 2PM and were taken for manicures and pedicures immediately (and the rest of our party had already been serviced). I highly recommend Heavenly Massage!
We actually visited their Lombard, IL location (which has since closed its doors), but we were treated with the utmost respect there. We purchased my engagement ring and our wedding bands there, and the service was exceptional. I had to get my engagement ring resized after losing some weight, and we barely had to wait one hour for them to complete the work. Though this location has shut down, I am glad to hear that the other Chicago area stores are still open - we'll get our bands cleaned there. The quality of our jewelry is exceptional, and we purchased some very unique pieces that elicit many compliments.
Denise was always available by e-mail and phone. She answered all of our questions promptly. She has a great reputation with vendors, as well, and her professionalism is obvious. We chose Denise to be our planner because she immediately made us feel at ease, and her planning package also included the mailing and tracking of all RSVPs which was huge for us because we had so many out of town visitors.
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