Illinois Brides--Vendor Recs, Please!

[Haven]

Okay ladies, I know you''re out there--if you live in Illinois and you are having or have had a wedding in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, I need some recommendations! (We''re getting married in Highland Park, a northern suburb of Chicago)

I''m specifically looking for:
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Baker (cake)
- Florist
- Limo/Transportation
- Band

I have already found vendors for many of these things, but FI wants to shop around before we make any commitments. HELP!

Thank you, in advance, for all of your wonderful recommendations!

 

[MarksGirl]

Hi Haven! I don''t have too much to add for the vendor recs (we''re still pretty early on in the planning process), but I just wanted to say "hi" and introduce myself because I''m an Illinois bride too! I grew up in Evanston and I''m having my wedding in the city. I''m a big fan of Highland Park! My mom and I can spend an entire day shopping and eating in downtown HP

I did want to pass on a recommendation for a photographer though. We just signed with John Andrews Photography yesterday and I couldn''t be more thrilled! This was the vendor, that behind the ceremony and reception site, was the most important to me. He was one of the first guys I checked out, and we met with quite a few photoraphers and kept coming back to him. I''m amazed by his work and he''s got an awesome blog that he updates very often. I''m not sure of PS rules, so I don''t want to post his website, but if you google "John Andrews Photography" and "John Andrews blog", the sites will come up. He just shot my friend''s wedding on NYE and she was incredibly happy with him and I''ve seen some teaser pics and they look great. If you''re interested in photojournalism with a bit of traditional photography, I think you''ll be impresed. I hope that helps!!

And yes, come on Illinois brides -- I need some vendor recs too!!!

 

[Haven]

Thanks, MarksGirl! I grew up in Lincolnshire, which borders Deerfield. I have spent FAR too much time shopping in downtown HP--my girlfriends and I actually spent our senior ditch day in HS shopping! (Sad, I know.) I actually teach in Evanston on Saturdays, LOVE it! I spend hours wandering around every Saturday, and FI and I eat at this great tapas place there--is it Tapas Barcelona? I can''t remember the name right now.

ANYWAY, I will definitely check out your photographer--this is actually the most important vendor to me, as well, and FI and I are having a hard time deciding. Please post any other leads you find, I''m desperate for some help here!

We love our caterer, if you''re looking--Hel''s Catering. They are a-mazing.

 

[newbie124]

Hi guys,

Just wanted to add that I will also be an IL/Chicago bride (and I went to school in Evanston)

I''m still in the beginning stages myself since we''re not officially engaged yet (the ring is taking a little longer than expected), but I''ve already started looking around for vendors b/c I want a spring 09 wedding (and I''m just an obsessive planner).

For photographers, a friend of mine is using Pen Carlson, who have some gorgeous photos if you go to their site. I''m also considering Dennis Lee (he did a friend''s wedding and they really liked him), Kevin Weinstein and Becky Hill. I''m also very picky about photographers and, coming from a journalism background, want someone w/ a more photojournalistic style.

Sorry I don''t have much more for you regarding the other vendors. My friend is in the process of vetting florists right now and it seems that Scarlet Petal, a popular knot recommendation, is coming in w/ the lowest quotes and apparently the samples of their work all appear to be good quality.

Hope that helps!

 

[monarch64]

I was a west suburban bride...and our wedding was 4.5 years ago but I''ll list what I can for you anyway.

Photog: Progressive Sight and Sound, Tinley Park
Videographer: relative
Baker: DH''s personal assistant
Florist: Heritage House, Downers Grove
Limo: can''t remember the name of the company, but 1800limo is a reputable nationwide service that we use all the time anyway.
Band: we had a DJ from Hoffman Estates.

We were married in OakBrook, at the Bath & Tennis Club on 31st...the coordinator there recommended Weber Bakery for the cake. I can also recommend Fender and Donisch photography, I believe they are located in Orland Park. Really my only comment on photogs is to stay away from Fred Fox, I''ve seen a couple friends use them and they were less than happy with their pics/DVD''s in the end, especially for what they paid.

Let me know if you have any more questions...happy to help!