Venue: A, Davenport Country Club (DCC)
Contract/Coordintaor: Anne Ghinazzi
Location: Pleasant Valley, IA
Note: We are not DCC members but were able to use the venue by writing a letter to their board.
Pros: We’re very pleased with our choice to use DCC for our outdoor ceremony and reception. Anne was wonderful to work with and always responded promptly to my emails. Not only is the venue itself gorgeous, but we also received several compliments on the appetizers and dinner selections. The staff is familiar with hosting receptions, and with the help of Anne, the entire day, stuck to our timeline. DCC provided us with their locker rooms to get ready. Myself and bridal party had our hair and make-up done on site and it was nice to have a place to ourselves that we all fit and could spend time together before the big events. DCC also provided us with golf carts for picture along the course, which of course everyone was excited about. I was able to start dropping off items (favors, escort cards, etc) on Thursday and the DCC staff set up the items and also tore down everything for us
Cons: The only con I’d have to say, is the rental fee for the ceremony location, $1200…but in the end it was definitely worth it because it was just what we wanted. Because we’re not members, we also paid minimal fees for small items (DVD rental for slide show-$15, cooler of water for pics-$18), but in the grand scheme of things, both were minor costs. The other thing I wish they offered was a drinking package priced per person. They charge per bottle/keg consumed and the actual amount we drank was much high than what was on our estimated bill.
See menus below. Highlighted items are what we served and all were delicious!
Location: Pleasant Valley, IA
Note: We are not DCC members but were able to use the venue by writing a letter to their board.
Pros: We’re very pleased with our choice to use DCC for our outdoor ceremony and reception. Anne was wonderful to work with and always responded promptly to my emails. Not only is the venue itself gorgeous, but we also received several compliments on the appetizers and dinner selections. The staff is familiar with hosting receptions, and with the help of Anne, the entire day, stuck to our timeline. DCC provided us with their locker rooms to get ready. Myself and bridal party had our hair and make-up done on site and it was nice to have a place to ourselves that we all fit and could spend time together before the big events. DCC also provided us with golf carts for picture along the course, which of course everyone was excited about. I was able to start dropping off items (favors, escort cards, etc) on Thursday and the DCC staff set up the items and also tore down everything for us
Cons: The only con I’d have to say, is the rental fee for the ceremony location, $1200…but in the end it was definitely worth it because it was just what we wanted. Because we’re not members, we also paid minimal fees for small items (DVD rental for slide show-$15, cooler of water for pics-$18), but in the grand scheme of things, both were minor costs. The other thing I wish they offered was a drinking package priced per person. They charge per bottle/keg consumed and the actual amount we drank was much high than what was on our estimated bill.
See menus below. Highlighted items are what we served and all were delicious!
appetizer_menu_2009.pdf | |
File Size: | 48 kb |
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banquet_dinner_menu_nm_2009.pdf | |
File Size: | 56 kb |
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Day-of-Coordinator (DOC): A+, Creative Wedding Services
Contact: Sara Johnson
Webiste: http://www.weddingsbysara.com/
Location: Bettendorf, IA
About 2 months before the wedding, I started getting nervous that my envisions for the wedding weren’t going to come to life. I didn’t want to put the stress on myself to have to worry about dictating things to be done, so I started looking for a DOC and I found Sara. I met with Sara about 1.5 months before the wedding and was surprised at how professional she was. She had already printed out all of the info I had emailed her and also had filled out her questionnaire paperwork she uses for her clients. We discussed the day, the vendors, the things I wanted help with and what I was worried about. The week of the wedding, she called all of my vendors to confirm the contracts and also arrival time. She and Sam came to the rehearsal to meet everything and help get us organized for the ceremony. On the day of the wedding, the girls were amazing! I simply didn’t have to worry about a thing. They saw to it that all of my decorations and displays were set up as I had requested, they worked with the vendors, and kept us on track for the timeline. I literally did not have to do a thing besides get ready, walk down the aisle, and enjoy myself. I am so happy that I decided to find a DOC and so ecstatic that I happened to find Sara!! Thanks to Sara and Sam, our wedding day went off without any problems (at least that I’m aware of, and if there were problems, the girls did a great job to take care of them so I didn’t find out!)
Webiste: http://www.weddingsbysara.com/
Location: Bettendorf, IA
About 2 months before the wedding, I started getting nervous that my envisions for the wedding weren’t going to come to life. I didn’t want to put the stress on myself to have to worry about dictating things to be done, so I started looking for a DOC and I found Sara. I met with Sara about 1.5 months before the wedding and was surprised at how professional she was. She had already printed out all of the info I had emailed her and also had filled out her questionnaire paperwork she uses for her clients. We discussed the day, the vendors, the things I wanted help with and what I was worried about. The week of the wedding, she called all of my vendors to confirm the contracts and also arrival time. She and Sam came to the rehearsal to meet everything and help get us organized for the ceremony. On the day of the wedding, the girls were amazing! I simply didn’t have to worry about a thing. They saw to it that all of my decorations and displays were set up as I had requested, they worked with the vendors, and kept us on track for the timeline. I literally did not have to do a thing besides get ready, walk down the aisle, and enjoy myself. I am so happy that I decided to find a DOC and so ecstatic that I happened to find Sara!! Thanks to Sara and Sam, our wedding day went off without any problems (at least that I’m aware of, and if there were problems, the girls did a great job to take care of them so I didn’t find out!)
Cakes: B+, Cunningham Confectionary
Contact: Joanne Cunningham
Email: [email protected]
Location: Eldridge, IA
Joanne is a bit of a spacey lady. When we first met her for a cake tasting we didn’t actually taste any cake! She had thought that we met her at a bridal fair and sample cake then. To fix her mistake, she made us a cake that evening. It was delicious and since we were debating between her and Heller, and Joanne’s prices were lower, we went with Joanne. Her communication, via email, was usually great. Although there were two emails that I sent and didn’t hear from her, so after waiting a week and emailing her, she thought she had already responded (again, the spacy thing). However, I have to say, baking isn't her fulltime job.
We ordered a Groomscake (for the rehearsal dinner), which was a Wrigleyfield sign. I had asked her to put on the marquee “Ben, tomorrow you’re up!”, and she misspelled “tomorrow”. In addition, she used fondant frosting instead of the buttercream that was in our contract. While she didn’t charge me extra for the fondant, and she said she had decided to use it because it gave a crisper finish, I wish she would have contacted me to make sure this was okay (I personally don’t like fondant). I contacted her after the wedding to express my disappointment in this cake and she is sending me a refund.
On the other hand, our wedding cake was great! 4 round tiers and 1 sheet cake. Joanne helped us decide on this to stay with in our budget, but to have the appeal of a large cake and enough slices for everyone. We had 3 flavors, pink champagne, cinnamon swirl, and ½ chocolate/ ½ vanilla; all with buttercream frosting. It was so good that I ate 2 pieces! She also gave us a small cake to have on our anniversary for free as her wedding gift to us.
See her pricing and flavor menu below.
Email: [email protected]
Location: Eldridge, IA
Joanne is a bit of a spacey lady. When we first met her for a cake tasting we didn’t actually taste any cake! She had thought that we met her at a bridal fair and sample cake then. To fix her mistake, she made us a cake that evening. It was delicious and since we were debating between her and Heller, and Joanne’s prices were lower, we went with Joanne. Her communication, via email, was usually great. Although there were two emails that I sent and didn’t hear from her, so after waiting a week and emailing her, she thought she had already responded (again, the spacy thing). However, I have to say, baking isn't her fulltime job.
We ordered a Groomscake (for the rehearsal dinner), which was a Wrigleyfield sign. I had asked her to put on the marquee “Ben, tomorrow you’re up!”, and she misspelled “tomorrow”. In addition, she used fondant frosting instead of the buttercream that was in our contract. While she didn’t charge me extra for the fondant, and she said she had decided to use it because it gave a crisper finish, I wish she would have contacted me to make sure this was okay (I personally don’t like fondant). I contacted her after the wedding to express my disappointment in this cake and she is sending me a refund.
On the other hand, our wedding cake was great! 4 round tiers and 1 sheet cake. Joanne helped us decide on this to stay with in our budget, but to have the appeal of a large cake and enough slices for everyone. We had 3 flavors, pink champagne, cinnamon swirl, and ½ chocolate/ ½ vanilla; all with buttercream frosting. It was so good that I ate 2 pieces! She also gave us a small cake to have on our anniversary for free as her wedding gift to us.
See her pricing and flavor menu below.
cunningham_confectioner.doc | |
File Size: | 87 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Ceremony Pianist: A, Susan McPeters
Contact Information: http://qcweddings.com/vendordirectory/vendordirectory-display.asp?vend=547
Location: Davenport, IA
Susan is definitely a talker and also somewhat qwerky, but she is very talented. We met twice in her home to have her play for us and decide on our music. For the wedding itself, since it was outdoors, she brought her keyboard (which she played in piano and organ settings depending on songs), and her own sound system
Location: Davenport, IA
Susan is definitely a talker and also somewhat qwerky, but she is very talented. We met twice in her home to have her play for us and decide on our music. For the wedding itself, since it was outdoors, she brought her keyboard (which she played in piano and organ settings depending on songs), and her own sound system
DJ Company: A+, RexRoat Sound
DJ: Nathan Judd
Contact: 309.764.1663
Location: Colona, IL
We used Nate Judd b/c my sister-in-law used him at her wedding and we thought he did a great job. For our wedding, people were on the dance floor at all times. He played a variety of music and kept people moving. We talked a few days before the wedding to go over the special songs we wanted and otherwise, it was effortless!
Contact: 309.764.1663
Location: Colona, IL
We used Nate Judd b/c my sister-in-law used him at her wedding and we thought he did a great job. For our wedding, people were on the dance floor at all times. He played a variety of music and kept people moving. We talked a few days before the wedding to go over the special songs we wanted and otherwise, it was effortless!
Florist: A, Staacks
Contact: Louise
Location: Moline, IL
Louise was great. We came to her knowing our colors and budget, with a rough idea of what we wanted. When I suggested a certain flower type, she either told me it would work with my budget, or suggested one that would be cheaper, but look very similar. Louise actually had us under budget and we loved everything she did! We received several compliments on our centerpieces.
Location: Moline, IL
Louise was great. We came to her knowing our colors and budget, with a rough idea of what we wanted. When I suggested a certain flower type, she either told me it would work with my budget, or suggested one that would be cheaper, but look very similar. Louise actually had us under budget and we loved everything she did! We received several compliments on our centerpieces.
Hair and Makeup: A+, John Taylor Spa & Mallory
BM Hair: Cat and Andee (Cat is employeed at JT Spa and Andee owns her own salon)
My hair: Mallory (one of my BMs)
Makeup: Lindsey Hoegener
The hair/makeup team came to DCC to help us get ready.
I get my highlights and haircuts done by Lindsey, so it was a no brainer to book her for the wedding. She helped coordinate the other girls to do hair and we decided that due to our time schedule, Lindsey would just do makeup. She uses MAC products (she used to work as a MAC consultant). She did a trial for me, which I loved, at no charge. The makeup was $30 each and included false eyelashes. She's absolutely awesome!! (I should also mention that she agreed to do the wedding when she was pregnant, so she brought her baby and her cousin with to take care of the baby). I love Lindsey!
Mallory did a great job with my hair. We did a few trials until I decided that I wanted it half up but I'm so happy with my decision to wear it like that. I loved my hair!!
The BMs all seemed to love their hair and were really impressed with how well it stayed in.
My hair: Mallory (one of my BMs)
Makeup: Lindsey Hoegener
The hair/makeup team came to DCC to help us get ready.
I get my highlights and haircuts done by Lindsey, so it was a no brainer to book her for the wedding. She helped coordinate the other girls to do hair and we decided that due to our time schedule, Lindsey would just do makeup. She uses MAC products (she used to work as a MAC consultant). She did a trial for me, which I loved, at no charge. The makeup was $30 each and included false eyelashes. She's absolutely awesome!! (I should also mention that she agreed to do the wedding when she was pregnant, so she brought her baby and her cousin with to take care of the baby). I love Lindsey!
Mallory did a great job with my hair. We did a few trials until I decided that I wanted it half up but I'm so happy with my decision to wear it like that. I loved my hair!!
The BMs all seemed to love their hair and were really impressed with how well it stayed in.
Officiant: A, Pastor Gary Ellis
Website: http://yourperfectmoment.blogspot.com/
I found Pastor Gary via qcweddings.com and through the recommendation of a recent bride. We met him at a Starbucks to discuss how he usually conducts ceremonies and while we were there, I started crying. That's how we knew he was the officiant for us! We set up a preliminary outline for the ceremony that day and in the months to follow, we tweaked it a few times via email. Pastor Gary was very easy to work with and quick to respond to emails. We received several compliments after the ceremony!
I found Pastor Gary via qcweddings.com and through the recommendation of a recent bride. We met him at a Starbucks to discuss how he usually conducts ceremonies and while we were there, I started crying. That's how we knew he was the officiant for us! We set up a preliminary outline for the ceremony that day and in the months to follow, we tweaked it a few times via email. Pastor Gary was very easy to work with and quick to respond to emails. We received several compliments after the ceremony!
Photographer: A+, Creative Wedding Package (CWP)
Contact: Todd Boerema
Website: http://www.creative-wedding-package.com/
Location: Bettendorf, IA
While we're currently still waiting for our finished picture files, I have to say that I loved working with Todd! Throughout the planning process, I contacted him a few times to discuss the timeline and flow of our day. Todd worked with us to get what we wanted at our budget (he even gave us 2 Chicago engagement sessions for free). He's really laid back, but even for me, as an uptight bride, we meshed really well.
CWP was one of the first vendors we booked. Ben's sister used CWP for her wedding and as soon as we saw her pictures, I knew that we should use them! It's important to note, that we own all of our digital files.
Website: http://www.creative-wedding-package.com/
Location: Bettendorf, IA
While we're currently still waiting for our finished picture files, I have to say that I loved working with Todd! Throughout the planning process, I contacted him a few times to discuss the timeline and flow of our day. Todd worked with us to get what we wanted at our budget (he even gave us 2 Chicago engagement sessions for free). He's really laid back, but even for me, as an uptight bride, we meshed really well.
CWP was one of the first vendors we booked. Ben's sister used CWP for her wedding and as soon as we saw her pictures, I knew that we should use them! It's important to note, that we own all of our digital files.
Post-Wedding Brunch: A+, The Isle Casino Hotel
Contact: April Boyer
Email: [email protected]
Location: Bettendorf, IA
Since we stayed at the Isle (as did several of our guests, who can blame them with an attached casino?), we hosted a post-wedding brunch here. It was delicious and we had plenty of food! We worked with April to modify the country breakfast buffet so that we could have waffles instead of biscuits and gravy. This was done at no additional charge. The brunch was hosted in a small conference room (Riveria Room) and we had our own waitstaff.
See menu below
Email: [email protected]
Location: Bettendorf, IA
Since we stayed at the Isle (as did several of our guests, who can blame them with an attached casino?), we hosted a post-wedding brunch here. It was delicious and we had plenty of food! We worked with April to modify the country breakfast buffet so that we could have waffles instead of biscuits and gravy. This was done at no additional charge. The brunch was hosted in a small conference room (Riveria Room) and we had our own waitstaff.
See menu below
isle_menu.pdf | |
File Size: | 580 kb |
File Type: |
Rentals: A+, AAA Rents
Location:Moline, IL
We rented our “bright white” ceremony chairs and shepherd’s hooks from them. They delivered, set-up, and tore-down everything on time. Absolutely perfect!
We rented our “bright white” ceremony chairs and shepherd’s hooks from them. They delivered, set-up, and tore-down everything on time. Absolutely perfect!
Rehearsal Dinner & Venue: A, StoneyCreek Inn & Johnny's
We held our rehearsal dinner at Stoney Creek Inn (Moline, IL) in one of the Salons and had it catereed by Johnny's. The food was amazing! (porkchops, pasta, and veggies) In addition, Stoney had a TV/DVD set up so that we could play a slideshow Ben's dad made for us . Stoney provided us with centerpieces for the tables. We also served Whitey's Ice Cream (Pumpkin and Mississippi Mud), which was a hit. It was a great night! Since it's in downtown Moline, several people went to the bars afterwards for more drinks.
Transportation: A, Act II Transportion
Contact: Rick
Location: Coal Valley, IL
We provided a pre-ceremony shuttle bus to pick up guests from their hotels and 2 post reception van (9p-12a) for our guests. The vans were able to take guests wherever they wanted in the QCA and eliminated the need for those who had been drinking to drive. The shuttles were definitely used and we heard no complaints.
Location: Coal Valley, IL
We provided a pre-ceremony shuttle bus to pick up guests from their hotels and 2 post reception van (9p-12a) for our guests. The vans were able to take guests wherever they wanted in the QCA and eliminated the need for those who had been drinking to drive. The shuttles were definitely used and we heard no complaints.
Bridal Gown/Tuxes: A-, A Storybook Ending
Location:DeWitt, IA
Dress Style: Casablanca 1881
Pros: My SIL purchased her wedding dress and BM dresses from here. They have a good selection of dresses. They also steam the dress and hold it for you there until the wedding. There is a self-employed alternationist, Patty, who is really reasonable! ($110 for bustle, hem and 3 alterations taking in the top). They also rent tuxes, shoes, etc. After we found a Skeffington tux we liked, we found that renting it from Storybook was $50 cheaper per tux than renting them from the Skeffington store…however this is because I purchased my dress from Storybook. Depending on the price of the dress, you also receiving certain discounts. My dress was $675 (which was waaay under what I had anticipated spending; they didn't seem to have many dresses in the store over $1,000) and we received 10% off BM dresses, MOB dress, accessories, free cups to be sewn into dress, free crinoline/slip rental, and discounts on the tuxes. Wednesday before the wedding we simply went and picked up everything. It was great to have a one stop shop!
Cons: The distance from the QCA is a bit of a con, but the 20 minute drive is still manageable. The other con I’d have to say is that while the staff was very nice, they seemed to snub their nose at me a little bit since I didn’t purchase any accessories from them (veil, shoes, jewelry, etc).
Dress Style: Casablanca 1881
Pros: My SIL purchased her wedding dress and BM dresses from here. They have a good selection of dresses. They also steam the dress and hold it for you there until the wedding. There is a self-employed alternationist, Patty, who is really reasonable! ($110 for bustle, hem and 3 alterations taking in the top). They also rent tuxes, shoes, etc. After we found a Skeffington tux we liked, we found that renting it from Storybook was $50 cheaper per tux than renting them from the Skeffington store…however this is because I purchased my dress from Storybook. Depending on the price of the dress, you also receiving certain discounts. My dress was $675 (which was waaay under what I had anticipated spending; they didn't seem to have many dresses in the store over $1,000) and we received 10% off BM dresses, MOB dress, accessories, free cups to be sewn into dress, free crinoline/slip rental, and discounts on the tuxes. Wednesday before the wedding we simply went and picked up everything. It was great to have a one stop shop!
Cons: The distance from the QCA is a bit of a con, but the 20 minute drive is still manageable. The other con I’d have to say is that while the staff was very nice, they seemed to snub their nose at me a little bit since I didn’t purchase any accessories from them (veil, shoes, jewelry, etc).
Bridesmaid Dresses: A, Jenny Yoo
Location: Chicago, IL
Style: Nina, Color: Vermillion
Great! I found Jenny Yoo by recommendation of a family friend. I found these by myself and then looked in the QC at stores with the girls, but in the end, my heart was set on these dresses. The prices were high for the dresses, but I was able to attend a fashion show for 10% off. In addition, since we ordered BM dresses and FG dress, the price dropped even more. We ordered the dresses at the end of January and they were in at the beginning of May.
Style: Nina, Color: Vermillion
Great! I found Jenny Yoo by recommendation of a family friend. I found these by myself and then looked in the QC at stores with the girls, but in the end, my heart was set on these dresses. The prices were high for the dresses, but I was able to attend a fashion show for 10% off. In addition, since we ordered BM dresses and FG dress, the price dropped even more. We ordered the dresses at the end of January and they were in at the beginning of May.