Vendor Reviews
Bridal gown: La sposa Ferina- A
Just a quick review of the brand. I was absolutely in love with the styles of Pronovias/La Sposa/ San Patrick. I think the quality of these dresses great without being outrageously priced. They also tend to have similar styles throughout the “sister brands” in various price ranges, so while I first found a San Patrick that I really liked, but it was out of my price range. I ended up finding a La sposa I LOVED that was similar but $500 less.
Bridal shop: Our shop, Stillwater, MN- A+
I went to this shop on a whim because some of my family wanted to go dress shopping and I hadn't been there yet. I thought the selection was on the smaller side, but that was helpful because it was more manageable and the selection they had was beautiful and varied. I think anyone could find a dress there. I found them very kind, helpful and reasonable- which you don’t always find in this industry. I would recommend any bride to them.
The Wedding Shoppe, St. Paul, MN- C
I went to this bridal store and thought they were great, found a dress I really liked (the above mentioned San Patrick) but it was out of my budget. I decided to go back a second time since they have such a large selection of dresses, I thought for sure I would find something I loved there that I could afford. Unfortunately, the sales woman only wanted to sell me the dress I had already explained I couldn’t afford. It was like she was unwilling to have me look at other dresses. It was very frustrating and disappointing.
Bridesmaid dresses: Various Jim Hjelm- B
I was open to whatever my bridesmaids wanted as long as they were happy, in the same color and fabric. Even so, I think they knew that I thought these were just beautiful dresses and so we ended up going with Jim Hjelm because maybe they wanted me to have what I wanted. Anyway- in the end, I just don’t think they are worth the money. I wanted my bridesmaids to look and feel good. I think they did both, but maybe could have done it for less money. I guess I didn’t think they were that high of quality for the price.
Bridal shop for bridesmaid dresses: Rush’s Bridal, Minneapolis, MN- B
They had a good selection of dresses and were helpful. Two of my bridesmaid dresses ended up being a bit too small. Not sure if that was their fault or my bridesmaids. Encourage your maids to go a size up even if they don’t want to. Saves a lot of sweating and anxiety in the end!
Alterations: Louise Keagly, St. Paul, MN- B
You can’t beat her prices and she is so nice. We had a few problems with my bridesmaid alterations not being done completely and my bustle was a complete disaster (Big thanks to my DOC for being an artist with safety pins). Even so, I don’t regret using her and would still recommend her. She did fittings with me up until 2 days before my wedding. She was another of the few vendors who are kind and honest in this crazy business.
Hair and Make-Up: Greta Olson
I could not have been happier with the work her and her assistant's did on my bridesmaids and my hair and make-up. I have never looked better, and my girls did, too! Her prices were reasonable, she was so fun to work with, and she dealt with my crazy family and my indecisiveness. Great vendor, feel free to contact me for her info if your interested.
Cake: Queen of Cakes, Edina MN- A
They came to my rescue after my “Buttercream troubles”. Their cake is SO GOOD, and a great deal. I was close to going with Buttercream anyway since I was 6 weeks away from my wedding and didn’t have the time to search for a new vendor when my DOC encouraged me to just try them. I am so happy I did. I got a bigger cake, for about 40% less money, and a free grooms cake in a 3rd flavor and they offered to make cakes for you in flavor combinations if they didn’t have it for you at the consultation. They were so helpful and put up with my indecisiveness. Totally recommend at least visiting them to see for yourself
Buttercream, St. Paul, MN- D
This shop has some of the worst customer service EVER. I was simply trying to pay them. I wanted to find out about any contracts and pay my down payment, but I couldn’t get a hold of anyone able to do that for me. I e-mailed, I called and left messages, and finally set an appointment for the manager to call me. When he didn’t call, I placed another phone call. When he got on the phone his response to me was “I had it on my calendar to call you- I just didn’t”. I JUST DIDN’T! I couldn’t believe they were asking for that kind of money and couldn’t even call me back to get it. Well, that in combination with the fact that I had to purchase a small cake to try a flavor that wasn’t offered at the consultation, I decided to look elsewhere. You should too.
Music: Music Magic DJ, Joe Vrono- F
He canceled 10 days before my wedding because he had a conference to attend. Enough said.
Ceremony Site- Northwestern College A++
BEAUTIFUL! Not only that, but it becomes clear when you work with people who have been doing this professionally for a long time. It was a pleasure to work with them. They wanted everything to run just as smoothly as I did and they were so helpful. The grounds are perfect for pictures with so many options (historic chapel on the island, lakes, tress, buildings, fields….). My only complaint is that there was significant construction on campus that we were not made aware of when we signed our contract. However, the college gave us the option to back out when they began the construction (well before our wedding) and gave us a 10% reduction in our cost.
Officiant- Brad Moe- B –
We had some issues getting a hold of him, so problems with the forms for getting the fee reduction in our marriage license (so he took it off our amount due to him) and then during our ceremony he did the program out of order. That rubbed me the wrong way since I spent a day trying to figure out the best order for the ceremony. That is why I gave him a B-. Those were small problems, we met with many people to find an officiant and there were so many BIG problems with almost all of them. Brad was a sincere person who wanted to give us a great day. In the end it was. He also did his best to make it personal. My family and friends really like him, and his prices were very reasonable. I would still recommend him, just be on top of things because he has another career so he may not be the most organized.
Ceremony Music: Strings By Sarah- A
Great. They came on time, did what they were supposed to and it was beautiful. I didn’t worry about them once- priceless. Sarah was also very helpful with song selections outside of what was listed on her webpage. I only wish I could have enjoyed more of the music! I love strings.
Photographer: Ling Photography, Ai Ling Liaw- A
My photographs are beautiful. My family has contacted her and used her for senior and family photos after my wedding and I can’t wait to have a baby she can take pictures of. Clearly I would recommend her. I do think that it is important that you know that she is quite and blends into the background, which may not be what you’re looking for. I thought it worked great since I didn’t want my pictures to feel forced. I think she does amazing portraits and candids and I am so happy with my decision to use her.
DOC: Ispiri events, Maria Reichow
Such a pleasure to work with. My dad said the day after “that little girl was great to have around”. Trust me, that means a lot from my dad. I can say that I didn’t see a lot of what she did, there was a lot going on when Nick and I were taking pictures, but my family says she was great. Leading up to the wedding day, she was so helpful in making me feel comfortable with the timing of things, which I can admit kept me up on so many nights. Maria ended up having some serious family issues that came up the week before my wedding and it was possible that she would not be able to make all the events. Normally this would seem a disaster- your day of coordinator can’t make it! But Maria handled it all so well and had prepared a back up in case the worse happened. I was never concerned and she made to my rehearsal and wedding and did an amazing job even during this difficult time. She dealt with so many of the details that day, making sure there were no problems. I don’t know of any, and I guess that’s the point J
Reception: Prestwick Golf Club, Axel’s onsite catering
Traci the event coordinator comes off a bit cold, but she is organized and gets things done. It turned out great. She was very accommodating when we wanted a certain beer for Nicks grandma, and when I wanted to bring in a few bottles of champagne for the head table because I am a picky drinker. These were no problem at all. She met with me and went over the options numerous times, and Axel’s food was great as always. There were no hidden fees, everything was very clear; it was a pleasure to work with this vendor.
Accommodations: Sheraton Woodbury - F
We were left at the reception without the shuttle that was discussed with the vendor for 8 months before my wedding and detailed in the contract. There was a small clause that stated “based on the needs of the hotel” and I was told that the hotel needed to not staff someone that day. It was a bunch of crap. They blamed me and told me they needed a week’s notice, which I gave them via e-mail when she requested it. They claim to have told my husband the shuttle wouldn’t be available, which never happened. When I asked to be refunded I was offered $20. I am only glad that we didn’t have many guests staying there. It was completely embarrassing and then to be insulted and blamed afterwards was unbelievable. After I spoke with the manager and told him I would never stay at a Sheraton again, he told me that it was franchise and basically didn’t matter to them. I continue to be astonished at the lack on customer service.
Just a quick review of the brand. I was absolutely in love with the styles of Pronovias/La Sposa/ San Patrick. I think the quality of these dresses great without being outrageously priced. They also tend to have similar styles throughout the “sister brands” in various price ranges, so while I first found a San Patrick that I really liked, but it was out of my price range. I ended up finding a La sposa I LOVED that was similar but $500 less.
Bridal shop: Our shop, Stillwater, MN- A+
I went to this shop on a whim because some of my family wanted to go dress shopping and I hadn't been there yet. I thought the selection was on the smaller side, but that was helpful because it was more manageable and the selection they had was beautiful and varied. I think anyone could find a dress there. I found them very kind, helpful and reasonable- which you don’t always find in this industry. I would recommend any bride to them.
The Wedding Shoppe, St. Paul, MN- C
I went to this bridal store and thought they were great, found a dress I really liked (the above mentioned San Patrick) but it was out of my budget. I decided to go back a second time since they have such a large selection of dresses, I thought for sure I would find something I loved there that I could afford. Unfortunately, the sales woman only wanted to sell me the dress I had already explained I couldn’t afford. It was like she was unwilling to have me look at other dresses. It was very frustrating and disappointing.
Bridesmaid dresses: Various Jim Hjelm- B
I was open to whatever my bridesmaids wanted as long as they were happy, in the same color and fabric. Even so, I think they knew that I thought these were just beautiful dresses and so we ended up going with Jim Hjelm because maybe they wanted me to have what I wanted. Anyway- in the end, I just don’t think they are worth the money. I wanted my bridesmaids to look and feel good. I think they did both, but maybe could have done it for less money. I guess I didn’t think they were that high of quality for the price.
Bridal shop for bridesmaid dresses: Rush’s Bridal, Minneapolis, MN- B
They had a good selection of dresses and were helpful. Two of my bridesmaid dresses ended up being a bit too small. Not sure if that was their fault or my bridesmaids. Encourage your maids to go a size up even if they don’t want to. Saves a lot of sweating and anxiety in the end!
Alterations: Louise Keagly, St. Paul, MN- B
You can’t beat her prices and she is so nice. We had a few problems with my bridesmaid alterations not being done completely and my bustle was a complete disaster (Big thanks to my DOC for being an artist with safety pins). Even so, I don’t regret using her and would still recommend her. She did fittings with me up until 2 days before my wedding. She was another of the few vendors who are kind and honest in this crazy business.
Hair and Make-Up: Greta Olson
I could not have been happier with the work her and her assistant's did on my bridesmaids and my hair and make-up. I have never looked better, and my girls did, too! Her prices were reasonable, she was so fun to work with, and she dealt with my crazy family and my indecisiveness. Great vendor, feel free to contact me for her info if your interested.
Cake: Queen of Cakes, Edina MN- A
They came to my rescue after my “Buttercream troubles”. Their cake is SO GOOD, and a great deal. I was close to going with Buttercream anyway since I was 6 weeks away from my wedding and didn’t have the time to search for a new vendor when my DOC encouraged me to just try them. I am so happy I did. I got a bigger cake, for about 40% less money, and a free grooms cake in a 3rd flavor and they offered to make cakes for you in flavor combinations if they didn’t have it for you at the consultation. They were so helpful and put up with my indecisiveness. Totally recommend at least visiting them to see for yourself
Buttercream, St. Paul, MN- D
This shop has some of the worst customer service EVER. I was simply trying to pay them. I wanted to find out about any contracts and pay my down payment, but I couldn’t get a hold of anyone able to do that for me. I e-mailed, I called and left messages, and finally set an appointment for the manager to call me. When he didn’t call, I placed another phone call. When he got on the phone his response to me was “I had it on my calendar to call you- I just didn’t”. I JUST DIDN’T! I couldn’t believe they were asking for that kind of money and couldn’t even call me back to get it. Well, that in combination with the fact that I had to purchase a small cake to try a flavor that wasn’t offered at the consultation, I decided to look elsewhere. You should too.
Music: Music Magic DJ, Joe Vrono- F
He canceled 10 days before my wedding because he had a conference to attend. Enough said.
Ceremony Site- Northwestern College A++
BEAUTIFUL! Not only that, but it becomes clear when you work with people who have been doing this professionally for a long time. It was a pleasure to work with them. They wanted everything to run just as smoothly as I did and they were so helpful. The grounds are perfect for pictures with so many options (historic chapel on the island, lakes, tress, buildings, fields….). My only complaint is that there was significant construction on campus that we were not made aware of when we signed our contract. However, the college gave us the option to back out when they began the construction (well before our wedding) and gave us a 10% reduction in our cost.
Officiant- Brad Moe- B –
We had some issues getting a hold of him, so problems with the forms for getting the fee reduction in our marriage license (so he took it off our amount due to him) and then during our ceremony he did the program out of order. That rubbed me the wrong way since I spent a day trying to figure out the best order for the ceremony. That is why I gave him a B-. Those were small problems, we met with many people to find an officiant and there were so many BIG problems with almost all of them. Brad was a sincere person who wanted to give us a great day. In the end it was. He also did his best to make it personal. My family and friends really like him, and his prices were very reasonable. I would still recommend him, just be on top of things because he has another career so he may not be the most organized.
Ceremony Music: Strings By Sarah- A
Great. They came on time, did what they were supposed to and it was beautiful. I didn’t worry about them once- priceless. Sarah was also very helpful with song selections outside of what was listed on her webpage. I only wish I could have enjoyed more of the music! I love strings.
Photographer: Ling Photography, Ai Ling Liaw- A
My photographs are beautiful. My family has contacted her and used her for senior and family photos after my wedding and I can’t wait to have a baby she can take pictures of. Clearly I would recommend her. I do think that it is important that you know that she is quite and blends into the background, which may not be what you’re looking for. I thought it worked great since I didn’t want my pictures to feel forced. I think she does amazing portraits and candids and I am so happy with my decision to use her.
DOC: Ispiri events, Maria Reichow
Such a pleasure to work with. My dad said the day after “that little girl was great to have around”. Trust me, that means a lot from my dad. I can say that I didn’t see a lot of what she did, there was a lot going on when Nick and I were taking pictures, but my family says she was great. Leading up to the wedding day, she was so helpful in making me feel comfortable with the timing of things, which I can admit kept me up on so many nights. Maria ended up having some serious family issues that came up the week before my wedding and it was possible that she would not be able to make all the events. Normally this would seem a disaster- your day of coordinator can’t make it! But Maria handled it all so well and had prepared a back up in case the worse happened. I was never concerned and she made to my rehearsal and wedding and did an amazing job even during this difficult time. She dealt with so many of the details that day, making sure there were no problems. I don’t know of any, and I guess that’s the point J
Reception: Prestwick Golf Club, Axel’s onsite catering
Traci the event coordinator comes off a bit cold, but she is organized and gets things done. It turned out great. She was very accommodating when we wanted a certain beer for Nicks grandma, and when I wanted to bring in a few bottles of champagne for the head table because I am a picky drinker. These were no problem at all. She met with me and went over the options numerous times, and Axel’s food was great as always. There were no hidden fees, everything was very clear; it was a pleasure to work with this vendor.
Accommodations: Sheraton Woodbury - F
We were left at the reception without the shuttle that was discussed with the vendor for 8 months before my wedding and detailed in the contract. There was a small clause that stated “based on the needs of the hotel” and I was told that the hotel needed to not staff someone that day. It was a bunch of crap. They blamed me and told me they needed a week’s notice, which I gave them via e-mail when she requested it. They claim to have told my husband the shuttle wouldn’t be available, which never happened. When I asked to be refunded I was offered $20. I am only glad that we didn’t have many guests staying there. It was completely embarrassing and then to be insulted and blamed afterwards was unbelievable. After I spoke with the manager and told him I would never stay at a Sheraton again, he told me that it was franchise and basically didn’t matter to them. I continue to be astonished at the lack on customer service.
