The Wedding Design Studio by Proposing Dreams

Blushing Bride

Blushing Bride

Jamie Sherman

Bridal Shops

www.blushingbrideshop.com

blushingbride@sbcglobal.net

 

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

5

 

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

Over 750

 

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

Yes

 

WDS: How many employees in your company?

5

 

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

Blushing Bride is a quaint and romantic bridal salon located in Shiloh, Illinois in metro St. Louis. We are a full-service bridal boutique that offers couture bridal gowns and accessories for all your special occasions. The salon offers a beautiful, extensive selection of designer wedding gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, mothers' dresses, flower girl dresses, prom dresses, veils, tuxedoes, and many wedding accessories to complete your special day. Many of the designs are unique to the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Each of the wedding gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, mothers' dresses, and flower girl dresses are handpicked twice each year for their standards of high quality design, fabrics, and construction.    Since opening in 2004, this mother-daughter team has been dedicated to offering their brides an unforgettable experience in finding the perfect dress. From finding the dress of your dreams to searching for the perfect bridesmaid gown, our exceptional staff members are highly trained and educated to help you with every decision and question you may encounter throughout the process.    Blushing Bride offers custom and personalized service to each of our clients and we believe your big day should you as special as you are and strive to help make your dreams a reality.    Call today for your appointment and start your journey to finding the perfect gown!

 

WDS: What is the average price spent on a bridal gown?

The average price for St. Louis that is spent on a Bridal Gown can range depending on the type of wedding the bride is having.  However, we find that most brides who come to see us are spending somewhere in the range of $1000 - $2000 for their wedding gown. 

 

WDS: Do you rent bridal slips? If so, what is the rental fee?

 We do not rent bridal slips.  We do sell bridal slips, as bridal slips are considered an undergarment.

 

 

 

WDS: What is your payment policy/cancellation policy?

Blushing Bride has 2 payment options available.  We require at least 50% of the grand total for a deposit before we place the order on your items.  The remainder is due within 10 days of when we notify you that your items are in at our salon.  Otherwise, full payment is due for off the rack or in stock purchases.

There are no refunds, exchanges or cancellations on any merchandise. 

 

WDS: How far in advance should someone order their gown? And for bridesmaid gowns?

It is best to order your gown 12-9 months in advance of the wedding as they do take anywhere from 4-6 months to arrive.  Bridesmaids should be ordered at least 6 months before the wedding as they do take 3-4 months to arrive as well.  Mothers should also keep in mind that they should order their gowns during the same time frame as the bridesmaids.  Flower girls should be ordered 3-4 months from the wedding as well. 

 

WDS: Do you carry bridal shoes? What is their price range?

We do carry bridal shoes.  We carry many different designs from Dyeables, Touch-ups, Colorific, Salon Shoes and Grace Shoes.  The price range is $50 - $135 for a pair of shoes and most if not all can be dyed if you want a specific color. 

 

 

Photos courtesy of Starry-eyed Studios.
 

Petals Galore Floral Art

 

Petals Galore Floral Art

Sandra Meyer – designer/owner

Florist

www.petalsgalore.com

sandra@petalsgalore.com

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

11

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

Over 500

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

Yes

WDS: How many employees in your company?

4

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

Flowers are sensual, they are beautiful, and when I design them, they are truly unforgettable. Why? Because I am so passionate about this business. For as long as I can remember, flowers have been an integral part of my life.

· 10 year Charter Member to Wedding-Club.com

· ISES Member

· Missouri State Florist Association

· Head stylist for St. Louis Entertains magazine

WDS: What is your main design philosophy (we know you'll do what we want but if we said "do whatever" what would we get)? Minimal? Traditional? Elegant? Edgy and modern?

I love all these styles, but I would say that a Romantic, Sensual, and Lavish Style would have to be me.

WDS: How many weddings will you do on the same day or weekend?

We staff our weekend crews accordingly.  This consists on Designers, Delivery Drivers, Set-up and Strike Crew.  No matter what the scenario or number of weddings, Petals Galore is staffed to handle the work load. 

WDS: Explain your concept process briefly. Is it budget, give ideas, constructing needs? Is it ideas, construct needs, and then evaluate budget? Is it constructing needs, give ideas, then evaluate budget?

At Petals Galore Floral Art, we are interested in all the ideas, needs, wishes, and whims of the client, regardless of the budget.  This helps me to solidify her style and the vision that she has for her wedding.  After which I will try and evaluate her budget.  We then find a way to make her vision become reality through her budget. 

WDS: Will you deliver the flowers to our wedding or spend time at the site, setting up and making sure everything is in order? What is an average set-up fee?

We do whatever you require of us.  If you prefer to pick up the flowers yourself to save money, you may do so.  If you want us there every minute to be at your side we do will do that as well.  We want your day to be completely stress free.  From simple delivery to full blown set-up and return we are there for you! Servicing ranges from $100 - $600 with an average of $250. 

WDS: Do you have an approach to a venue you may not have worked at before?

That solely depends on the centerpieces required for the event.  If it is no more than a simple container centerpiece in the middle of a guest table, then there is no need to visit that venue.  If there are any questions that arise we would look to the venue web site.  For large reception set-ups and installations, we insist on taking the client on-site for a walk through of the event to make sure that we are all on the same page. 

WDS: Do you have a minimum budget?

There is no minimum budget.  There are many times that the bride has no attendants and needs are very small, yet flowers are important to her.  They may not spend a large amount of money, but that doesn't mean that the design work is not intricate and amazing in itself.

 

April Schaeffer Hair Design

April Schaeffer Hair Design

April Schaeffer

Hair & Make up

www.aprilschaeffer.com

panachehairdesigns@yahoo.com

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

4

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

80

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

No, I am a full time hair stylist

WDS: How many employees in your company?

2

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

We are a traveling hair and makeup team servicing the St Louis and surrounding areas. Since 2005 we have been beautifying wedding parties of all sizes (1-13). We strive to be a very reasonably priced MUST have for your wedding day!

WDS: What products will you be using on the day?

We use Paul Mitchell styling products as well as  Bare Minerals and MAC makeup.

WDS: How soon before the wedding should I make my trail appt?

I suggest getting a trial 2-4 months prior to your date, depending on the time of year will determine my availability and yours.

WDS: What is the fee for a hair trail? Can I have more than one?

Hair trials are $40. Makeup trials are $20. You can have as many as you would like. Scheduling 2-4 months ahead ensures you’ll have time for more than one if necessary.

WDS: What if a client wants flowers in their hair?

Don’t be 80's…baby’s breath is OUT! Keep it simple and understated leave the flower statement to be made in your bouquet

WDS: What should a client bring to a trial?

Pictures, pictures, pictures! Visuals of what you have in mind is extremely helpful to us. Any accessory you plan on wearing is helpful as well. However, if you don’t have them yet, pictures of them will help us ensure that your style will compliment them.

 

Slice of Lime Design

Slice of Lime Design

Emily Leong

Stationery

www.sliceoflimedesign.com

emily@sliceoflimedesign.com

 

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

5

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

Over 200

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

yes

WDS: How many employees in your company?

One

 

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

Emily Kaufman Leong has been a freelance graphic designer since 1998.

A lifetime lover of unique greetings, Emily also crafted handmade, one-of-a-kind greeting cards for friends and family. In 2001, she was approached to design and construct custom wedding invitations. Since then, she has been designing personal stationery and graphics on a regular basis and incorporated Slice of Lime Design in 2004. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design from Webster University.

 

WDS: Do you offer an invitation addressing service? If so, what is the charge for this?

In addition to exclusively referring a local master calligrapher, I do offer invitation addressing myself.  For matte papers, I can either hand-write (I don't do professional calligraphy, but I do have a unique, elegant penmanship) addresses or print them by high resolution laser to match the fonts used in the suite.  Invitation addressing is 1.00 per envelope. 

 

WDS: What lettering style options are available? Will the lettering push back my delivery date?

For computerized calligraphy, turnaround time is 48 hours.  Lettering styles can be matched exactly to the fonts used.  For handwritten envelopes, turnaround time is 3-5 days and only my handwriting is available. =)  Please feel free to contact me to discuss rates and turnaround time for my professional calligrapher. 

 

WDS: What is a good per invite budget range?

For complete custom invitations, expect to spend anywhere between $3.50 to $15.00 per invitation, depending on the papers, printing, assembly and embellishments used. 

 

 

 

WDS: Do you offer a package or a discounted price if they order all of the invitation components at the same time?

Depending on the products chosen, some package pricing may apply since the stocks are best ordered from the same lot.  If we're using the same papers for invitations as we are for accompaniments, I can get a better rate on bulk paper orders. 

 

WDS: Are there any new styles, trends and color combinations they might consider?

New color trends I am seeing are jewel tones, gray scales and a return to classic colors - black, burgundy, navy, etc. Styles are simple, natural, eco-green, vintage-inspired and city-chic.  My clients are using unusual embellishments and custom die-cuts as well. 

Will Jackson Photography

Will Jackson Photography

Will Jackson

Photography

www.willjackson.com

will@willjackson.com

 

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

16

 

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

30 weddings per year

 

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

Yes

 

WDS: How many employees in your company?

2

 

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

Will has been photography weddings in the St. Louis area for 16 years and those have been growing years.  They've included involvement with professional photography organizations and studying with internationally known photographers.  As a result, Will has been chosen by local brides to be in the "Best of" category in the Knot wedding magazine, both in 2008 and 2008/2009.  But what Will is most excited about is the growth in his skills in making photographs that are sensitive, real, and show the beauty of the inner person.

 

 WDS: What is your price range? Overtime or per hour rate?

My regular price range is $2900 to $3500, but that can be modified depending on the couple's needs.  That's for a typical wedding day, starting photography a couple of hours before the ceremony, and going into the reception about three hours.  It includes all of the pictures, and the $2900 option includes high resolution files with copyrights, an engagement portrait session with up to $280 credit toward engagement portrait prints.  The $3500 option includes a 40 to 50 page library bound album. 

 

WDS: What are the deposit and payment arrangements?

I ask for a $500 retainer when I'm asked to reserve the date.  The balance is due ten days prior to the wedding ceremony.  

 

WDS: How long before they see all proofs online or in print?

The proofs will be ready online within two weeks of the wedding date.  

 

 

WDS: Will you give them the negatives (or high-res DVD) or what is the charge?

A high-res DVD is included in some packages.  If it's not included, it can be purchased at a discount.

 

WDS: Generally St. Louis brides are looking for about 10 hours of coverage, a second shooter, at least a 20 page album, and DVD of high resolution images. What price range would that put a client at with your company?

Starting at $3265 depending on album options.

 

Clark + Walker Studio

Clark Walker Studio

Alisha Clark & Luke Walker

Photography & Videography

www.clarkwalkerstudio.com

Alisha@clarkwalkerstudio.com

 

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

5

 

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

Over 100

 

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

Yes

 

WDS: How many employees in your company?

3

 

Photography

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

Alisha Clark provides a refreshing, contemporary approash to high-end photographic expression, earning a reputation for delivering distinctive and highly imaginative photographs. Her creative flair combined with a relaxed, non-intrusive approach enables her to produce a detailed visual commentary of your day. She creates stunning images that invoke the emotion of the day, capturing the energy, characters, and moments with a unique style.

 

Whatever the occasion and wherever the location, Alisha Clark will provide you a very personal service and mremorable wedding photography of your event, and images you will treasure forever.

 

Alisha, also specializes in timeless children potraiture. The results warm the soul and tug at the heartstrings, capturing the moments of childhood that are cherished for generationsto come.

 

Alisha, a natural visionary artist, began taking photographs ar a very early age, always documenting travels, events, and occasions through the camera lens. Her work is regularly published in a number of regional and national blgos, newspapers and magazines. It is the wealth of experience that allows Alisha to shoot various types of images, from the candid and informalfly on the wall photojournalist shots to the more traditional and form portraites.

 

Her accolages include many awards and hornos, including be voted the “Best of” Photographer in The Knot Magazine the last 2 years by her brides!

 

WDS: Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take the pictures? If not, can they meet that person?

Alisha is the primary photographer for the St. Louis region. You will get her on your wedding day. 

 

WDS: Can we substitute features within your packages?

Absolutely! We are very flexible and can accommodate your needs. 

 

WDS: What attire will you and your assistants wear?

Our attire is always wedding appropriate.

 

WDS: Once you receive their choices, how long before getting an album?

Album production takes approximately 4-6 weeks.  

 

WDS: Will you give them the negatives (or high-res DVD) or what is the charge?

All clients receive a high-res DVD upon album delivery or unless otherwise noted in their contract.  

 

 

 

 

Starry-Eyed Studios

 

Starry-eyed Studios

Karin Doolin

Photography & Videography

www.starryeyedstudios.net

krnk75@yahoo.com

 

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

4

 

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

Over 100

 

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

Yes

 

WDS: How many employees in your company?

7

 

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

Karin started her journey with photography 10 years ago by assisting several local photographers with weddings, and by working at a well known local studio.  The hands on experience ensured that she learned the ins and outs of a wedding, and the studio work provided a behind the scenes look at production and album design.  4 years ago, Karin began to start working on her own.  Video was a hobby at the time which Roger picked up as well.  Roger has a personal desire for perfection which has uplifted him to one of the most gifted videographers in the area.

 

Photography

WDS: How long before they see all proofs online or in print? 

3 weeks 

 

WDS: Once you receive their choices, how long before getting an album? 

8 weeks for proof design, 1 week for final product once approved. 

 

WDS: Will you give them the negatives (or high-res DVD) or what is the charge? 

Digital negatives are included with all pricing options. 

 

Kelly Park Photography

Kelly Park Photography

Kelly Park

Photography

www.kellyparkphotography.com

kelly@kellyparkphotography.com

 

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

10

 

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

Over 50 0

 

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

Yes

 

WDS: How many employees in your company?

One

 

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

Kelly Park Photography is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Saint Louis, Missouri and willing to travel worldwide ~ Love destination weddings!!!    Kelly approaches photography with a fun photojournalistic candid style.

 

WDS: How long before they see all proofs online or in print?

3-4 weeks.

 

WDS: Once you receive their choices, how long before getting an album?

6-8 weeks.

 

WDS: Will you give them the negatives (or high-res DVD) or what is the charge?

Yes, all packages include edited full size images on DVD.

 

WDS: Do your photography packages include albums or are they additional?

Yes, some of my packages include a flush mount album. 

WDS: What makes your company stand out that we might not know about?

My approach to photography is to capture real emotion.   I talk with my clients and in the process it enables them to relax, laugh and be themselves.  

Artisan Photography

Artisan Photography

Timothy Pastor

Photography

www.stlpohotgraphy.com

tim@stlphotography.com

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

Over 8 years

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

Close to 300

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

Yes

WDS: How many employees in your company?

One

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

Timothy began his career in art early, even being regarded as a prodigy by some of his instructors and teachers. He spent many years refining his fine art skills, giving him a sharp sense of composition and design that transcends over to his photographic work. He also has an unusually sensitive eye for interpreting light, giving him an edge only a formally trained artist, with years of experience, has.

After having experimented with almost every photographic field, Timothy has fallen in love with recording personal memories for his clients and has made portrait and wedding photography his focus.

His artistic abilities have yielded him many accolades and also often get Timothy selected for elite projects based on his talents. Such as having been hired to photograph many of Missouri’s political officials, such as Jay Nixon (during the 14th NCCAN), and the late “Buzz” Westfall (for the Missouri Growth Association) among others. Timothy also shot the reference photographs, of a St. Louis family, for internationally known painter PJ Lynch, whom resides in Ireland. This project was in conjunction with the company Johnson and Johnson. Just recently, Timothy has been trusted to photograph an international wedding in Cancun, Mexico in November of 2004.

His talents extend into Athletics, Mathematics and also craftsman type of skills: and he maintains a renaissance type of philosophy. His greatest focus and passion remains photography, but the great benefit of having this renaissance philosophy is that he feels aspects of other studies and interests find their way into his work. “When I’m finding just the right angle for a composition I feel as though I’m painting; when I capture a split second moment, the reward feels like that of a breakaway goal.” This renaissance philosophy is also the origin of his company name – being and artisan and a craftsman himself.

He currently spends most all his time fine tuning his photography or spending time with his daughter, Madalynn, and wife, Heather (though not enough time). Both have been an incredible inspiration to him. Heather photographs alongside Timothy much of the time, her background being in photography as well. They both continue to expand their expert knowledge and create heirloom memories for all of their clients.

WDS: What attire will you and your assistants wear? 

Modern dress clothes.  Usually no tie

 

WDS: Generally St. Louis brides are looking for about 10 hours of coverage, a second shooter, at least a 20 page album, and DVD of high resolution images. What price range would that put a client at with your company? 

About $3800.

  

WDS: What makes your company stand out that we might not know about? 

I think anyone who knows me knows I put a lot of time and effort in to making each wedding stand out.  I work on my client’s albums and photos as though they were my portfolio images.  I invest my time in my clients rather than advertising, and they continue to help spread the word because of my talent and effort.

WDS: Will you give them the negatives (or high-res DVD) or what is the charge? 

Yes, on the 1 year anniversary

WDS: How long before they see all proofs online or in print? 

2 weeks

 

Millenium Music

Millenium Music

Ben Kelly

Disc Jockeys

www.milleniummusic.net

b.kelly@milleniummusic.net

 

WDS: How many years have you been in business?

9

 

WDS: How many weddings have you been a part of to date?

Too many to count, We average 6 wedding events every Saturday

 

WDS: Is this your full time occupation?

Yes

 

WDS: How many employees in your company?

7 full time employees and 15 part time employees

 

WDS: Please describe your Professional Biographical Background.

Millennium Music hires only the best DJs and MCs who can present themselves in a classy and contemporary style. All of our DJs are reception experts, and well-versed in the art of communicating and helping to plan a smooth-flowing event.

 

WDS: What does your service include? 

One of the top wedding DJs in St. Louis, computer based system with multi-genre song mixing capabilities, unlimited song list, online reception planning and coordination, full high-end JBL sound system, feedback and interference free wireless mic system, classy LED lighting system draped so no ugly poles, wires or equipment,. 

 

WDS: Any additional options your company has available? 

Surround sound and multi-zoned sound systems, plasma/flatscreen upgrades for slideshows and music videos, uplights for your venue, draping options, video options, staging, and MUCH more. 

 

WDS: Will you stick to our requests, such as a "must play" or "do not play" list?

Absolutely, we highly recommend this to personalize your wedding 

 

WDS: Describe your style: 

Classy, contemporary professional DJs who are NOT cheesy or cookie cutter.  Younger guys in their 20's and 30's who do this as a profession and not a temporary part time job. 

 

 

 

WDS: What is the fee for a 5 hour event with basic lights and music?

$1045...we don't have "basic" lights, they are a full clean and classy LED system to give rich color to your venue and dance floor. 

 

 

Photographs are provided by: CMAXX Photography, Memories Are Forever, and CLC Photography.