Choosing our photo/video company took some time but, in the end it was well worth the wait. We met with three different companies to compare apples to apples and see what our options were. The first company I assumed we would go with because three of my friends had recently used them at their weddings over the last few years. However, I was wrong about that. We met with Mike from Essence Photo and Video (our third appointment). I should note that our appointment was for later in the day. However, Dave and I finished a cake tasting earlier than anticipated so we contacted Essence to see if they could get us in earlier as we were in the area. They were very flexible and got us an appointment fifteen minutes later. Instantly, Dave and I felt very comfortable with Mike, kind of like we had known him for years. It was nice to go into a private room with a comfy couch to sit on while hearing all about the company, album options, and viewing portfolios of photographers and videographers. Dave and I felt really comfortable and most like ourselves at Essence. A point I had made was we wanted to enjoy our night and not constantly get pulled during the reception for pictures which, thankfully, Essence was all about. They know you want to enjoy your night which is why they take care of most of the formals after the ceremony. We viewed three photographers’ portfolios and we fell in love with Eric’s work. Dave and I left our appointment, got into our car, and knew we wanted to book with Essence. I guess the saying is true…third time’s the charm. We signed a contract with them days later. Planning forms were all online to input and update our information on my own time and at my own pace. Being a mother of a 15 month old and a teacher, this was a life saver. Any questions were answered by immediately by Karen the director of photography. My photographer Eric and videographer Travis contacted me before the wedding to go over all my forms. I felt very comfortable with them and was anxious for the wedding to be here. Eric arrived at 11:00 AM and spent the next twelve hours with us crazy girls! It felt as if we’d known Eric for years (must be something about the company…insert smiley), as opposed to just meeting him that morning. He was so polite and helpful throughout the day and treated me as a precious gem which is how every bride should feel. He was so complimentary to all my girls and I and he really made us feel so at ease. Travis, our videographer, we didn’t have as much contact with but, when we did he was nothing but nice. Both men were very polite and non intrusive to and with our guests! I could not have asked for better individuals (Eric and Travis) and service on my wedding day, and I haven’t even seen the final product yet but, I know everything will be superb! Dave and I are so happy that we chose to go with Essence photo and video. If you’re looking for a company that will make your night about you, treat you like gold, listen to your wants and needs, give creative direction, and make your day about you, then I would HIGHLY recommend you go with Essence Photo and Video. We weren’t disappointed, and I promise, you won’t be either.
All the best,
~Shannon ~
Picking out flowers for a wedding is not something many grooms are interested in. So, thankfully, I had my wonderful Mother to help me. We made appointments with three different florists (Fabrini’s was our second). After having a terrible consultation with the first florist, I was nervous for my second appointment. However, shortly after sitting down with Jim Fabrini, I soon realized there was nothing to be nervous about. Jim took his time with my Mother and I during our consultation. I knew I wanted all roses for my bouquet but, that was about it. Based on my color scheme, and looking through books and photos of Jim’s, he was able to pick up on my key interests and knew the specific flowers and colors to put together. That day he showed me (with live flowers) what my center pieces would look like based on the colors we chose. It was amazing how quickly he put something together for me. We got a quote that day and after leaving, I didn’t even want to go to my third florist. We still kept that appointment and we were impressed but, ultimately, I had to go with my gut and that meant going with Fabrini’s Flowers as my florist. Prior to the wedding I needed to make a few changes and even some just days before the wedding, and Jim was very flexible with me. Two weeks before the wedding we went over everything and confirmed delivery times for the day of the wedding. Jim arrived at our hotel to deliver all the flowers to me and my girls. He then went to the groom’s hotel room to pin the boutonnieres on all of the men. My bouquet was all roses in pastel colors and it was absolutely gorgeous, especially my green roses! My girls’ bouquets were beautiful with a mixture of roses and other bright eye catching flowers. My junior bridesmaids had the “kissing balls” and they turned out perfect. For one of my flower girls, we had a wreath of baby’s breath and purple flowers made for her to wear in her hair and that turned out adorable. My centerpieces were gorgeous and I had several people comment on how lovely they were and they wanted to know what florist I used. I could not be happier with the quality of work and service that Jim and his staff provided to me prior to and on my wedding day! If you’re looking for a florist that’s easy to work with, can give you ideas and literally show you what he’s talking about, is affordable, listens to your wants/needs, and has a fabulous end result, then I HIGHLY recommend using Fabrini’s Flowers for your wedding day!