VENDOR REVIEWS

Coordinator: Jane @ Belle Destination Events: A
www.belledestinationevents.com
Jane was fabulous.  Her services began with a “dreams and visions” questionnaire, so that she could get a feel for what we wanted and guide us in the right direction.  From there she sent me a list of recommended vendors along with her personal impressions of them, etc.  The day-of package included three 1.5-2 hour meetings, which we did in person and via Skype.  If I had any questions/surprises, she was quick to respond to my emails.  The week of the wedding, she was amazing.  We were experiencing stormy weather—I called on Friday to ask her to book tents.  When she answered, she already had availabilities and prices on hand.  The rehearsal was fantastic.  Also, the day of the wedding she was astounding.  Following us with umbrellas when needed, toweling down outdoor furniture, moving furniture between cocktail hour and reception, guiding vendors, taking my tissues off me for photos…everywhere I looked she was running around doing something to make the day perfect. 
My only two very minor complaints would be that the last month of planning, she was supposed to take over everything.  About 8 days before the wedding, I was still getting emails from some vendors.  However, that day, unbeknownst to me, Jane was already calling everyone at the same time as I emailed them to let them know I had a day-of coordinator.  In her defense, everything was done, so there was no urgent need for her to contact them earlier.  The second complaint would be that during the clean up of Sugarman the night-of, they were packing my Dad’s car.  Somehow all the food we brought with us that day as well as the leftover cake went missing.  I know Glenn is really disappointed about the cake.  
Location: Sugarman Estate (Honua Kai Lani): A
Love Sugarman.  Beautiful.  Big enough to have three separate areas: ceremony, cocktail, reception. AMAZING sunsets.  I wouldn’t have had it anywhere else! A few points to mention: A/C was a life-saver in those last few nervous moments (Olowalu doesn’t have A/C); there is a ledge around the toilet that I cut my foot on (advise making a visual marker/barrier out of toilet paper rolls); during one of our visits some of the built-in lights were out, but during our wedding they were perfect; finally, the road limits transportation options. 
Tent/Rentals: Pacific Event Group  A-/B+
http://www.pacificeventgroup.com/
We did a promotional package with Debbie.  She wanted a bride to use certain products and colors so that she could sell them again. We got a great deal, in other words.  Beautiful products. As it was a package, I sometimes got the feeling that it was more her event than mine, but at least I knew it would look good.  At the same time, her suggestions were honestly caring and simply wanting us to have the best day possible.  After 10/10, it was almost impossible to get a hold of her.  I needed to know the size of the place setting frames, and didn’t find out until a week before we left.  Also, it wasn’t until August that she informed me she would need an extra day to set up (an additional $300 site rental “load-in” fee).  The tent swaging didn’t look exactly as I thought it would, but that might’ve been due to the weather.  Nice, generally organized, great products, can be slow to respond.    
Rentals: Pacific Isle RentalsA-
http://www.pacificislerentals.com
Once October hit (10/10/10), I could never get a hold of them.  Even my planner had a hard time getting them to return her calls.  Supposedly the whole island got a bit back-logged after that date.  They knew what I wanted and were working on it, so I was fairly confident in their services the whole time; it just took awhile to get a finalized invoice.  Aside from that they were very helpful.  They made a custom gobo light for our dance floor, and everything was delivered, set-up and taken down on time (we also rented from them for our rehearsal dinner).  
Flowers: Nicole @ Bella Blooms: A+
www.bellabloommaui.com
Perfect, amazing, gorgeous! Consistently quick with responses, kept great records of everything and delivered exactly what I asked for.  During our meetings, including consult, she always provided mock-ups for us to see samples.  Invaluable.  Delivered and picked-up on time.  I’m still in awe of everything!
Make-up & hair: Pam Jensen A+ +
Four Seasons, Orchid Salon
Amazing! Pam did a wonderful job. Wonderful! She was set-up and waiting for us on-site by the time we arrived. At the trial we noted and or changed a couple of things, but then wedding day…my nephew came in to tell me something and literally gasped, I think that’s a good sign J Both my mom and I slept in our hair and it was perfect the next day (I took mine down, in the morning though).  Mom’s eyelashes were still on the next morning, too.  Everyone was stunning.  Sweet, talented, easy to contact and quick to respond.  
Bridal gown: Elly's Formal Wear C+
www.ellysformalwear.com
Beautiful dress.  Horrible service in the end.  They lost my veil and were always forgetting to record my appointment times/information.  In August I changed my veil request to a Swarovski crystal one (in person, I saw her write it down and charge me that day for the extra $$).  In December for my first fitting, they had the wrong veil out.  I corrected them, and they said they would have it the next week.  The next week (final fitting) they said when they checked the veil it had a hole in it, so they ordered a new one and it would be there in time for us to pick it up the Friday before the wedding.  Saturday arrived, Mom went and no veil (supposedly it was in the mail, but just wouldn’t make it in time—duh, mailed regular post with only 4 days to get from mainland to HI?!).  They gave me the non-Swarovski version, and I will be contacting them about getting my money back for the difference.  On top of that, miscommunications between the owner and seamstress nearly resulted in DH’s vest being ruined by alterations.  It took three additional visits for them to try and salvage it, and even then, DH wasn’t 100% happy.  Also, they tried to charge us for each additional “fix” that was required by their first screw up (they cut/shortened lines that weren’t supposed to even be touched!).
Catering: Aloha Events Catering A
http://www.alohaeventscatering.com/
Michelle was so great to us! She rented extra items for us, like the drink dispensers, and used the ramekin dishes that my mom bought online.  We had two tastings, yummy.  The night of, her staff was very attentive, they took drinks to our place settings so fresh ones were waiting for us. They laid out the bar attractively—example drinks on display as well.  They had an appetizer plate waiting for us after our photos.  The timing of all the courses was terrific, as well.  So much great food, couldn’t eat it all.  Once again, only complaint: where’s the left-over cake?
Cake: Cakes by Joann: A
 www.cakesbyjoannmaui.com 
I also ordered Glenn’s 30th B’day cake from her—he loved her sample cupcakes so much.  Yes, difficult to contact if there is not an immediate need.  Once within crunch time for delivery, tasting or payment (big checkpoints), she’s on top of it.  We had chocolate with Chantilly filling and lemon with raspberry mouse filling.  The cake was beautiful.  
Photography: Mike Sidney A+
 http://www.mspmaui.com/
Mike worked so hard! I didn’t seem him take a breath the whole six hours he shot us.  He was so easy to work with, and was quick to adjust his shooting methods with the rain—in other words he made the most of the time we hid under the tent and worked quickly when we were in the rain.  His assistant Nicole had the list of must-takes I sent to her and made sure everyone knew who was next so that things moved quickly. In addition to Nicole, Mike brought a second assistant who presumably took candids throughout the day.  Our viewing appointment is scheduled only two weeks after the wedding (X’mas in the middle of that, too).  Judge for yourself how good the pictures are when they come out, soon.  
Videography: ImagineWurks A+
http://www.imaginewurks.com/
They came, they shot, barely knew they were there, which I think is a good thing.  I had the little things like jewelry and invites laid out for them, and they got to it. We had two-camera prep.  One stayed with the girls and the second left to shoot the boys at the Kea Lani.  I loved getting my re-cap of the boys’ activities when he returned.  Never really saw them the rest of the day—unless I looked.  They had wireless mics for the ceremony, and they stayed a bit after the ceremony to shoot the portraits along with the photographer.  Once again, judge for yourself.   
Ceremony Music: Crazy Fingers  D+
http://www.crazyfingersmaui.com/
Music, good.  Communication, professionalism and personality absolute failure! This was the biggest headache of the wedding! Halfway through the planning I refused to speak to him again, and my mom became our representative.  But, towards the end, even she lost her cool with him.  Emails incomprehensible, no contract (I wrote it and took countless times to get him to sign it), presumably stoned during our first meeting (after deposit was paid—otherwise would not have done it!), asking for cash, changing prices, not acknowledging my playlist requests….nightmare.   Day of, showed up, played, left.  Done.  Thank goodness.  
Reception Music: DJ Ron, 007 Productions A
I had read some scary reviews of DJ Ron, but he was amazing! During our first meeting he acknowledged the poor reviews and explained from his perspective, which we accepted.  His mixing that night (and the wedding) was great, too.  The night of the wedding, he was a highlight.  I have to say we had an amazing playlist, but he read the crowd like a pro!  The dance floor was full the whole night (from 7-10PM).  Everyone was jumping around getting hot and sweaty, just when they would’ve left to rest he put on slow songs.  The week of he made sure we were comfortable with everything, and reconfirmed all of our MC needs as well.  As an extra sweet touch, he made a mix CD for our guests to jam to on their way to the After Party. So glad we found him!
After-Party: Three's Bar & Grill: A
 http://threescateringmaui.com/
Yummy! They had our appetizers out for us within minutes of our arrival.  They ordered a case of my parent’s choice wine to have on hand.  They let us play our DVD on all of their TV screens.  The lounges (leather sofas) were perfect for those who still wanted to “party,” but really were just too pooped.  And, the dance floor was a perfect size (A/C lifesaver once again).  We didn’t pay to use the facilities, and they provided the DJ (see below).  We only bought the food.  Couldn’t ask for more.  Single complaint (if I had to have one): closed at 1AM.
Note regarding After-Parties: We had about 27/44 people go to the after-party.  At 11 PM, we started shuttling people home who were sleeping on the couches/bar.  At 1 AM, we had 10 people (including us) get kicked out of the bar.  5 (ages 21-25) went on to their condo to have an “after-after party.”
DJ Del Sol: B-
We didn’t book him, Three’s did.  He was there, friendly and he played, so that’s good.  He called beforehand and asked what music we would like, a nice gesture.  However, his mixing was well below par.  The dance floor was often empty.  Britney would come on and we’d rush to the floor, but then he’d mix out of it within 10 seconds to a crap song.  What?! Things got better once my friends started requesting songs.  
Porta-Potty: Akamai Portable Toilets A-
www.akamaipumping.com
Responded best to phone calls.  Changed his routing dates so that he could deliver closer to our wedding.  I never used it, but I saw that it was there on time.  Only silly complaint is that I got an email on our honeymoon asking for the remainder of the payment.  I never received a receipt after I gave him the cc#, so I assumed he charged in full.  Oh well.  
Transportation: Akina Transport A+
(cheapest mini-buses...all that will fit at Sugarman) www.akinatours.com 
Great! Sharon worked with me on a number of occasions to determine vehicle size, appropriate routes and timing.  Her knowledge of the local area and approximate transport times was invaluable.  I loved that their base was in Kihei and that they had half-route fees instead of the hour minimum that most others had.  Plus, they’re one of the only ones with buses small enough to get to Sugarman.  I dropped off signs for them to use in the windows, even. 
Mom also used them for my surprise Hen’s party.  The driver was very nice and was always helping us drag out food or alcohol from the back of the bus.  Bring your own music, though J
Transportation: Monica @ Oli’s Taxi, A
Mom uses Oli’s Taxi all the time.  She charged us only $75/hour for her services, showed up on time whenever requested.  Lovely.  Not the prettiest vehicles, but would recommend if you need scheduled bar pick-ups or for example she shuttled the boys around the day-of the wedding.  





































I tried to match the photos to the reviews vendor, they're in order of vendors as they're listed at least...