Vendors in Review (Part 1)

All along we kept saying to each other "we have the BEST vendors!" And it was true! I think it is definitely a testament to Charlottesville and the great people it produces (no joke).  It's far enough south that the people are sweet and patient.  Bur far enough north that people still have a sense of urgency and promptness (haha, sorry to just totally stereotype the north & south!).

I'll start off this review by saying I'd recommend each and every vendor to another couple getting married (or anyone throwing a big party!).  I know I'm biased (hey, this is the first {and only} wedding I'll do!), and that people have different budgets and visions to work with - but every one of these people/companies were amazing to work with!

So, without further adieu...the vendor rundown:


Ceremony: St. Paul's Memorial Church
Reception: King Family Vineyards
Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston (Platinum line)
Wedding Shoes:  J Crew
Groom's Suit: Jos. A Banks
Bridesmaids dresses: J Crew
Groomsmen suits: Jos. A Banks
Groom's & Groomsmen ties: J Crew
Flower girl dress: Priscilla of Boston
Wedding jewelry: earrings- borrowed from my mom; necklace- Priscilla of Boston; engagement & wedding rings: Princess Jewelers
Day of Hair: Bristles (they also did Meredith's, my mom's, and my aunt's hair!)
Day of Make-up: DIY (ha!), but seriously, I did my own.  I didn't want to risk hating the way my face looked!
Wedding Coordinator: Kate FitzGerald from I Do Details Events (and she did way more than just the day-of stuff!)
Flowers: Woodmont Designs
Band: 10 Spot (via Sam Hill Entertainment)
Caterer: 20 South Catering
Rentals: Festive Fare
Cake: Paradox Pastry
Getaway Car: Albemarle Vintage Limousine 
Wedding night accommodations: The Boar's Head Inn
Wedding stationery: some of DIY, but the Save the Dates and Invitations were Wedding Paper Divas
Calligrapher: Left Handed Calligrapher 
Honeymoon (!):  Oxygen Jungle Villas (ok, not really a "vendor" but they were so amazing so they totally deserve a shout-out)


...phew.  I plan to review all of the vendors, but like I said, we LOVED them! And can't thank them enough for helping our entire wedding (from the beginning stages to the actual day) such an amazing experience.
:::round of applause!:::

Wedding Crasher

Confession: this weekend Adam, Meredith, and I snuck into the Fairfax Bar Association's (black tie) Gala (so, not technically "wedding" crashing, but close enough).  But we had a good reason to be there!  10 Spot, our wedding band, was playing!

See, Adam and I went about this whole "choosing  wedding band" somewhat unconventionally.  When I was the social chair for Pi Phi, I worked closely with Sam Hill Entertainment (the booking dudes for bands in C'ville).  So I figured I'd use them again for this big event! And to my pleasant surprise, my contact from my Pi Phi days responded back to me! He said he saw my name pop up on the request list - sweet!  He immediately sent us a list of bands that fit our qualifications (we wanted a band that would keep people dancing, but definitely had to keep budget in mind).  In the end, we got the "best band bang for our buck" and just went for it... without hearing them live!  I know, that's pretty much a wedding-planning-sin.  But, we were working under tight time restrictions (i.e. they were booking up FAST) and I totally trusted Andrew (my guy at Sam Hill).

So when we heard that 10 Spot was going to be in our area for a gig, we knew we had to check them out!  And thank GOODNESS we trusted Andrew's advice - this band was rockin'.  People didn't leave the dance floor! They played crowd favorites! They sounded awesome! Oh, I just can't wait!  I knew they would be great, but it was a huge sigh of relief to know that they'll sound good live.

We only stayed for 5 or 6 songs.  I think I was blushing the entire time we were there.  We weren't doing anything wrong (Andrew told the band we'd come), but of course, the hundreds of lawyers + spouses had NO CLUE who these kids were, clearly NOT in black tie (Mere & I had casual dresses on, but kept our coats on the entire time! Adam had on khakis & a blazer).  Ah oh well :)

60 days!

Engagement Party Plans!

Howdy!

I survived Memorial Day weekend without any tan-lines (see previous post), so +1 for me :)  And it is a good thing because this weekend my mom & dad are hosting our Engagement Party!  It has been so fun planning it with them over the last few weeks, so excited that it is finally here!  They have been busy beautifying the house (it looks great), ordering food & drinks, and gathering RSVP's.  We're serving Margaritas & Fajitas and looking forward to celebrating with everyone!  I still haven't seen all of our family and family-friends yet!

We made other big "moves" over the long weekend, including the BAND (yesssssss).  Sadly we didn't get a chance to view them live (I know, serious wedding faux pas), but I completely trust the booking-agent (I worked with him when I was social chair for my sorority!), and he said the band will have us all on the dance floor all night!  That's all we want.

Also, two of my dear friends got married this weekend!  While we weren't at the wedding I've seen some pics and omgosh.  Too precious for words.  They make the cutest, happiest couple, and I wish them nothing but happiness!

AND, one of my b'maids celebrated her 1-year anniversary with her hubby!! How has 1 year gone by already?!  Here's to 101 more years :)

(don't they look like models?! I stole this from her facebook, shhh)

Happy Monday Tuesday!!