Omaha local wedding message board: OmahaWeddingForum.com

Flowers (HyVee at Shadow Lake in Papillion): they were beautiful!

Cake (also HyVee): also beautiful, and delicious; we had three tiers--two were white cake with strawberry and raspberry filling, respectively, one was marble with chocolate mousse filling

Transportation (Old Market Limousine): Our driver took us from the church to Hanscom Park to take pictures, then drove us around the Old Market before dropping us off at the reception hall. Very professional service. We chose the 12-passenger limo van because it was $270, half the price of a limo, and still included the red carpet, a banner on the back, and two bottles of champagne (it's not a normal 12-passenger van--it has an aisle down the middle with one seat on one side and two on the other).

DJ (Dave from Bandstand Music) Very upbeat and entertaining, and kept everything running smoothly.

Photography (Andre Photography): I don't think I can say enough good things about Andre--great photographs, great personality, great everything, and not unreasonable in terms of price for what you get (he's a BIT on the high side, but the service is phenomenal and he's still cheaper than quite a few). We had a VERY tight schedule for pictures at the church (NO pictures before, as there was another wedding two hours before hours, and only one hour for photos afterwards; KEEP THIS IN MIND IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT ST. CECILIA'S CATHEDRAL), and he got it done. He also came to the rehearsal to meet the wedding party and get an idea what was going to be going on at the service (this is unheard of--my uncle who's a minister says he never had a single photographer do that). When he does a wedding, there are no time limits--in fact, we left our reception before he did. The only thing I've noticed is his prices now are quite a bit higher than when we booked him last year (due to increases in fuel and material prices, and I'm sure in demand).

Reception (Karen's Fireside): Great food, great service, beautiful centerpieces (which, by the way, are included in the price). The best thing about Karen's is that they charge a flat, per person fee that includes literally EVERYTHING but the bar (rental of facilities, food, decorations, gratuity, cake cutting service, security, free bottle of champagne for the wedding party, cloth napkins and tablecloths, real silverware and plates, etc.). They have discounts for over 100 people, over 150, etc. and also a 5% discount if you pay with cash or check.

We were so lucky to find such great vendors! Our wedding day was beautiful and I hope yours is too!