I know everyone says this, but it really was the best day of our lives. I couldn't believe how fast it all went by. We left for our HM early the next morning and it felt so surreal, almost like it didn't even happen. DH and I saw each other before the ceremony and it was such a great decision. It allowed us to spend more time together and to be slightly more relaxed for the ceremony. So here's my review:
Weather 10/10
As every bride does, I promised not to stress over the weather, but they kept going back and forth over whether it was going to rain. As it turns out, I couldn't have asked for a better day. It was gorgeous and comfortable all day. The guys didn't break a sweat and the girls weren't cold.
Dress- Kleinfelds 9/10
I had a great experience there. The first time I went, my saleswomen did make a comment that I didn't appreciate, but I called her on it and from that point forward everything was fine. My seamstress was Maria P and she was awesome. She did everything I asked and even had them sew a metal comb on to the $10 veil I had bought from ebay. I know we have duscussed tipping seamstresses on the boards, and I still wasn't sure how to handle it, so I brought her a gorgeous bo-k when I picked up my dress. She seemed very surprised and happy with the gesture.
Bridemaid dresses- RK Bridal 8/10
They're not all that helpful there, but they do have a great selection. We found the dresses for about $30 less then other bridal shops. They guaranteed me a date and the dresses were about a week late, so it made me nervous, but it all worked out ok.
Tuxes- Mens Warehouse 8/10
I know some people have had bad experiences with them, but we didn't have any problems. All the tuxes were in on time with all of their pieces. The reason for the 8 is DH didn't love the tux. It really wasn't the store's fault, DH just hated that they have taken a size 42 waist down to a 32, he would have rather had something that fit him a little better. Despite what he thinks, I still think he looked great; all the guys did. MW was convenient for everyone and there were no major issues. FIL couldn't find DH's bowtie so he had to pay $15 for it. He found it the next day and they gave him his money back.
Ebay 10/10
I ordered a bunch of stuff for my wedding from various sellers and I had no problems with anything. People are sometimes skeptical of buying things on the web, but ebay helped me save a lot of money. I bought my FG dress, FG basket, RB pillow, matches, ribbon, veil (double tiered fingertip length for $10), Mrs. Savino bikini, Bride sweatpants, etc...
Duet Photography- day of 9/10
The guys were so awesome and never seemed in the way. The only reason they didn't get a 10 is because there were some photos on my must-take list that I don't think they got. I haven't seen my proofs but I will give them another grade when I do.
As for the day of, they came to the hotel and took photos of us finishing getting ready. Since DH and I were going to see each other before the ceremony I still wanted us to have a private 'first moment.' I had them set up our meeting on the beach across the street from the hotel. The had Steve out there and then I came out and they counted down for him to turn around and see me. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I was shaking like a leaf and I'm so glad they were there to capture it.
We went to Planting Fields to take pictures and they seemed to know exactly where to go in the park, which was nice. The grounds were beatiful and I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures. They seemed to have a nice range of different shots.
Then we moved on to the hall and took some pictures on the beach with our bridal party. They were upfront and central for the ceremony, which we had while the sun was setting. Everyone keeps saying they had never seen a more beautiful ceremony. After that they just seemed to blend in. I always saw them at important moments, but they were never in the way or obnoxious.
I got my proofs- 7/10
The posed pictures are great, but they didn't take nearly enough candids, which I specifically asked for. Overall I'm pleased and they caught all the big moments, but I still feel like a little something is missing. I know my album will be beautiful, but I wish I had enough candids to make myself a small album, so I'm a little disappointed.
ETS- here's a link to some more pictures
photos.wickless.com/Photos.html?EventID=630&Link=home
