I want to give a big thank-you to all the people who have made such great wedding recommendations. If I’ve learned anything thus far it’s that running around, getting quotes and finding out who does what in this city is EXTREMELY time consuming and frustrating. I have been lucky enough to be able to consult my already-married friends and get great recommendations.

Thank you’s go to the following: Grace Maker. Sundeep Morrison. Jen Beaulieu. Abby Mastromattei. Stefanie Buckridan. Jessie Plante. Jennie Fantilaga. Heidee Ripley. Deborah Thomson. Sabeena Tang. Julie Catenacci. Sasha Fulop. Stephanie Driedger. Shelley Amato. Lori Lamb-O’Brien. Cathy Fioret…and others (sorry I missed you!)

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Below are a list of vendors I will be, or at least, plan on using in preparation for the wedding. This list will continually be added to, so check back!

PHOTOGRAPHY:

REMUS PHOTOGRAPHY (http://flickr.com/photos/remusphotography)

I am so blessed to have a cousin that is a photographer! Remus will be taking our ceremony and reception pictures as a gift to Nick and I. He is available for all sorts of occasions and has a small home studio equipped with professional equipment – definitely worthwhile to check out if you’re looking for someone who cares about doing a great job!

FIGGIE PHOTOGRAPHY (http://www.figgiephotography.com)

I originally was not planning to do engagement photographs, but when I contacted Deborah Thomson she offered a great deal on a package shoot. Great eye, and great personality! I am excited to get our pictures done with her in May.

RECEPTION SITE:

La Zingara Trattoria (http://www.lazingaratrattoria.com)

Originally recommended by my cousin Grace, I later found that this was the reception site for John and Abby Mastromattei’s wedding, as well as Stefanie’s bridal shower. It was a highly recommended place!

Located at 769 Erie Street, La Zingara can hold a maximum capacity of 200 guests. It is owned by Pena and Toni Maceroni – give Pena a call if you are interested in hosting your event!

INVITATIONS/STATIONARY:

Allegra Print & Imaging (http://www.allegrawindsor.com)

I found out through Cathy, a former co-worker, that a friend of mine in high school came from a family that owned Allegra Print & Imaging. Adriana Lipari recently wed last year and did all her own invitations and has now started up an invitation and stationary division.

I have always loved stationary and design, and Adriana was able to help me create beautiful custom invitations that totally reflect the “organic” theme we are going for. She is located at 255 Wyandotte St. West in the Bhullar Plaza.

ENGAGEMENT RING/WEDDING BANDS:

The Jewelry Factory (http://www.jewelryfactory.tv)

Everyone laughs when we tell them we got our rings here, and yes, it is same place that the commercial talks about!

My best friend Raechel has lived in Michigan for a while, and when she told me that I could get a good deal of my wedding purchases done for great prices in the States, I made it a point to make frequent border crossings to take advantage.

We spent a grand total of about $500 on our wedding bands at this place. The service was quick and the staff were extremely friendly and able to work within our budget.

WEDDING GOWN/MOTHER OF THE BRIDE DRESS/FLOWER GIRL DRESSES:

David’s Bridal (http://www.davidsbridal.com)

I did not want to spend an arm and a leg on a dress I was to wear for a single day. David’s Bridal was awesome – they have a great selection in every size under the sun and also sell everything else you’ll ever need for your big day. My gown was $550 – I ordered it and it was ready for pick up in 3 weeks.

They also do wedding favors, invitations, accessories – and are now linked to Men’s Warehouse, so if you need tuxedos and suits for the guys of your party they can do it all as well.

CAKE:

Naomi Thomson (http://www.silverspooncakes.com)

Naomi admitted when I met with her that she’s only been making cakes professionally for a year and a half now, but her portfolio is outstanding. She does cakes for every occasion and event (even great cheesecakes!), so check her out if you need pastries at your next event!