We find Cathy and David 8 weeks before the wedding and it was a dream come true! Our photographer canceled and then they had a cancellation for that weekend - it was fate! Cathy and David have a photojournalistic style and amazing talent! Plus, they're probably the nicest and most fun people to work with ever! We had such a blast and it truly felt like we were just hanging out with our friends while they were doing our photos. And, their pictures are amazing - I still can't look at the "sneak peek" blog that they did with some of our photos without getting choked up. They really capture every big and little thing about the day! Plus, they travel free of charge to Peoria (they're located in Bloomington, IN). You HAVE to check them out! They're two of the most wonderful people I've ever met!
We reserved the Party Trolley for our wedding day and it had plenty of space for the 21 people on it! It's really nice! Unfortunately, the trolley broke down on the way downtown to take wedding pictures. The driver felt so awful and immediately called into headquarters so that they could dispatch a new vehicle. He kept apologizing and his sincerity was unmistakable. Somehow he got the trolley going again just long enough to get us to the photo site and we were take pictures while they swapped out the trolleys - they moved all of our coolers, purses, bags, etc to the new vehicle and we didn't have to do a thing! I would work with them again in a second!
Abbey works for Corpo Bello Salon in Peoria. (309) 692-3400. She was absolutely wonderful! She did my hair and make-up and all of my bridesmaids hair. She did a terrific job! She worked quickly and everyone had a look that was flattering to them, but that also created a cohesive look. She's really talented!
Country Bride was great to work with. They had a nice selection of dresses at reasonable prices and they offer discounts if you get other pieces for your wedding party. It's a family-owned business, which made me feel comfortable when in the store - there's something about seeing the owner behind the counter. It just makes it an intimate experience, rather than just going to a big name and just being another number. My only complaint was that they didn't insist I order a larger size dress. I was right in between and all wedding dresses run small and I wish they would have made this more of a big deal - I had to work hard and stressed a lot about the dress fitting. Second, the bustle broke before the reception even started, so I had to hold the train of my dress the entire evening (the safety pins we used to repair it ended up breaking 20 minutes later). I'm hoping they'll repair it for me before I get it preserved and will update this depending on what happens, but I haven't called them yet. I would just ask that the loops be reinforced or something so as to prevent it. I would definitely recommend this place to my friends or family though!
Barb was so wonderful! She's been doing this for years and is very knowledgeable. She did our Groom's cake, which was a replica of Busch Stadium, and our wedding cake which was four tiers of yellow cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. Both cakes were to die for! People came up to me all night at the reception saying it was the best cake they'd ever had! It was moist and really tasted homemade (which it is because Barb works from her home).
Don has also been in this business for years! Not only does he do weddings regularly, but he also does school dances around the area, so you know he's familiar with every genre of music. He really emcees the event and doesn't just stand behind his table. So many people told me the next morning that he was one of the best DJs they'd ever seen and I'd have to agree! He was great!
This wedding would not have been so wonderful had it not been for Lisa and her assistant, Melissa. They were there for us through the rehearsal and the entire wedding day! I was still in my PJs when they arrived at the hotel! Not to mention the countless hours she spent with me and my mom on the phone, on email and in person before the wedding. She truly made my vision a reality. I didn't have to worry about a single thing on the wedding day! Love, love, love Lisa!
We got chair covers with satin sashes and draping for the head table. It really transformed the room! They did a great job! It's definitely worth it to have the chair covers!
The flowers were so beautiful! Michelle and her mom have such talent and an eye for beauty. They made every decision so easy and they were truly excited about our flowers! We did all roses in jewel tones and they were breathtaking! Michelle also did the flowers for my mom's wedding in June 2008 and they were also stunning then! Love Michelle and Judy!
We did a Funjet Vacations all-inclusive honeymoon in Riviera Maya, Mexico and it was great! Maggie Orr from the Champagne office was always sure to make sure we were up to speed on any changes or any info we needed. Plus, Suzi Davis Travel lets couples register their honeymoon, which was great!