Vendors

 
Reception Site:Bay Breeze Community Center
Both of the guys there have been really nice and professional so far! It has a great beach front view which will be awesome for photography and not to mention easy on the eyes. It was also the cheapest venue around even though the food is top of the line. However they do not offer tastings. (Fiance and I have eaten Sunday brunches)

Ceremony Site: The Continental Gazebo Park
I don't really know who is actually in charge of the gazebo because every time I have called I have spoken to someone different. They are a little difficult to deal with because they won't book  anything more than a year in advance, however, the base is supposed to be closing in June of 2011 therefor they don't want to book it without knowing what will happen to the base. It is such a great place to make a lifetime memory with the breeze, view of the beach, and lush green grass (a wedding at the beach without the sand).

Dress: Tiffanys at Port Warwick (CLOSED)
I had tried on dresses at several locations but I had such a great time there! I walked in with no appointment on a morning weekday. I asked Jessica if it was okay if I just look at the dresses that I understood I didn't have an appointment and didn't expect to be helped or use the dressing rooms. She was so eager to help! She let me go through the dresses on my own choosing them and trying them on. "The dress" happened to be the first one I tried on at this location..my mothers pick, I decided I didn't need to try on any of the others!

Tuxes: Ames Tuxes
I would  recommend Ames to anyone around. All the the guys were fitted and out within 10 minutes or less. They have a large variety of tuxes as well as suites. They are willing to customize as well. For instance David and his groomsmen will be wearing a navy blue coat with khaki pant. No other rental place would allow us to mix and match!

Photographer: Chelsea LaVere or Bit of Ivory Photography
As soon as we met Chelsea we knew she was the one! Awesome, creative, friendly, and professional! We are so blessed to have found and hired Chelsea to "shoot" our engagement photos. With an imagination to try anything she really creates one-of-a-kind photos! She's great and we cant wait to have her as our wedding photographer as well! Without a doubt I would recommend Bit of Ivory Photography for any session.

Florist:Sams Club
We have quoted a few florists in the area and have decided to go DIY route. We will order hydrangeas from Sams club and wrap them ourselves.

Ceremony Music: Dianne Chapman of HICO String Quartet
Once I was engaged, I knew I wanted a string quartet! Convincing David of this was hard. I was given an email address for Dianne and sent several emails. They have been extremely accommodating with us, since we had never actually heard them play for us. They gave us a private demo in her own home! After hearing it David thought it was a good choice. Extremely talented group!

DJ: Roy Shaw of Amce Djs of Virginia

Engagement Ring/Wedding Bands: Jareds Jewelers
Jared's is the first place David and I started our journey at. We'd looked in the store a few months prior and once I'd chosen my favorites, we decided to look around to make sure. Other stores were no competition! None of them listened to what I was looking for nor the budget. They would try talking you into a bigger diamond (more money but less in quality). Finally after discarding everyone else we went back to Jared's the rings were gone though I'd tried on so many I couldn't even remember what they looked like. We wound up finding a wedding set that I fell in love with. The workers are super professional and nice. They break things down for you and they are all about you getting the best for your dollar!

Shoes: Davids Bridal
I fell in love with a pair of peep toed shoes! They didn't have the marine color I was looking for. However, I did discover them online. I went into the store and tried them on. Came back home and ordered them. They came in the mail promptly.

Jewelry:  Sandy Westbrook of Beads By DeZign
Even though she is my mother, she has been making and selling jewelry for many many years! With my love of pearls and the beautiful Chalcedony stone we have come up with jewelry for myself and my bridesmaids. I'm so excited to see it all put together!

Bridesmaid Dresses:Davids Bridal
Originally I thought all the girls would wind up with different dresses as long as they were the same length. Though they all chose the same dress!


Bakery: Carolina Cupcakery
They have such great cupcakes! They are a newly established business, now in Norfolk and Chesapeake! They are very professional and friendly. The cupcakes we tried were very moist and affordable! We love to find reason to go get cupcakes.

Hair Emily (to be Sister in Law)

Makeup: Jasmine Armenta
She is so sweet! I recently had my trial run with her and loved it! I can't wait to see how the whole look comes together.

Invites: Couldfish (Etsy)
Meredith has been extremely easy to work with. We told her the simple edits like wording and color changes that we'd prefer. She has been very timely and professional.