Gypsy
Super_Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2005
- Messages
- 40,225
SO… had a big TIRING weekend in DC.
On Friday we had our first of two cake tastings. Too Nice to Slice. Cake was moist and just sweet enough, the filings were crative and yummy and the skills of the baker in designing the exterior of the cakes and decorations were amazing. At 3.50 a slice what more could you ask for. Of course there’s a $40 delivery charge, and a $50 charge for the fondant ribbon I wanted. But she was personable, friendly and upfront.
Then we met with the first photographer—Alex Agaryshev. The chemistry wasn’t there I felt to start… but I wanted to see some of his weddings start to finish. Saw two. Had a problem with how nervous the bride was in one—and I felt that since he saw it translating to his lens he should have taken the time to talk to the bride and get her comfortable with the camera so that her pics would be better. He also said that he averages 500 proofs per complete wedding, which I felt was low. Still he was $1000 less than the other photographer and FI liked his style so he stayed on the list.
Next we met with Monica the Catering Sales Manager at The Madison Hotel. The hotel staff was nice, the food we ate at the bar was really good, and the rooms were clean and well maintained. The room for the ceremony was better than the pictures showed it to be and the ballroom—though without windows at all was bright. The staff was all very helpful. But the place didn’t well… grab me.
Then we met with Karen of Eikon Photo, WOW. Fabulous portfolio, great chemistry, felt she was really dependable… I asked her how she handles nervous brides and her answers were all right on. They bring their own extensive lighting equipment (Alex does not apparently) and she averages 800-1000 proofs per wedding. Plus all the editing and black and white and color modifications which Alex also doesn’t provide. SO… we are definitely going with them as our photographers.
And that was Friday. Whew!
Saturday morning we went to Hollin Hill Bakery in Alexandria. Now going in I knew that the cakes were 6.50 a slice and was prepared to just go with the baker we had met with the day before. Um. WOW. WOW. WOW. The other cake was CAKE. This was pastry. It was PHENOMINAL. Seriously. Best cake I’ve had hands down. Deserves every award the Washington Post gave it. We will be booking through them.
Then we went to the second venue of the weekend. Woodend Sanctuary—the Audubon Societies Mansion. Well… the grounds are lovely. The grove for the ceremony was just SPECTACULAR. BUT… the house itself was rundown. Especially the main room—Great Hall. The floors were worn—and not in a good historical way, the whole place was dirty and the carpets and appointments threadbare. The office was scary with stuffed dead birds and mice staring at you… AND it’s easily visible to the two main rooms flow of traffic. It would need A LOT of work and $$ for decorations for the mantles, banisters… a large cake and gift table set up with lots of flowers in the Great Hall to detract from the floor. And I wouldn’t feel comfortable without hiring a day of coordinator to make sure the place is clean and decorated appropriately. So… it’s got issues. Lots of them.
We didn’t get to meet with the florist, but I talked to her some more and am even more convinced that she’s the right one for us.
SO… we have a photographer. A baker. And a florist. But NO VENUE. Or date. So I can’t book any of it.
ARGH !!!
Very frustrating.
On the plus side one of my good friends who drove down to DC from NJ to see us has offered to do recon for venues for me… and as she went to Woodend with us, and I showed her The Madison Saturday evening—she knows what I’m looking for pretty clearly. Still… I need to find places for her to visit.
Well… that’s my report. LOL. LONG WINDED…. Sorry.
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