Our Vendors
Invitations
A Star Design & Printing
1108 W. Valley Blvd, #3
Alhambra, CA 91803
Specializing in Chinese style invitations
Wedding Cake
Sara J Pastry
7307 Canoga Avenue
Canoga Park, CA 91303
It seems obvious to say that their cakes are delicious. We wouldn't have selected our wedding cake from them otherwise. But they are DELICIOUS. The owner prides herself in not adding unnecessary sugar to her pastries, which results in the most natural and elegant of flavors. All the sweetness of the cakes come from either the fruits or the chocolates that are used. Even our mothers (who can't stand the overpowering sweetness of most non-Asian cakes) thoroughly enjoyed them.
On our two visits (a month apart) thus far, we've seen three wedding orders, a slew of birthday orders, one Mother's Day pick-up, and some other pick-ups that were... I dunno... for the heck of it?
And, as with all the places we select (because we're budgeting fiends!), pricing is excellent.
Bridalwear
China Bridal
733 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Monterey Park, CA 91754
For qipaos and Chinese style formal wear.
The customer service and pricing is excellent. Mom and I went twice. The first time we met the owner, who was kind and patient and let us try on nearly a dozen different styles, since I had never worn one before. The second time we went, months later, we met her employee, who was equally kind and patient. That says a lot to me about the quality of service.
We had gone to other places (I won't name names...) where the owners/workers didn't even bother looking up or saying hello when you entered their shop. There was always the pervading attitude of "I'm very busy, only talk to me if you intend to buy." And their gowns were quite expensive. One owner had a whole row of pre-made gowns for sale and wouldn't tell me the prices because she kept saying that my figure wasn't suited for off-the-rack, and that I needed to have one tailor-made. So when I asked how much that would cost, she gave me the run-around by saying it depends on the material and how much fabric I'd need. I'm not waif-thin, but I'm not THAT big either... a seamstress with 20+ years of making qipaos should be able to look at me and give me a ballpark estimate... she just saw me for a sucker, I think...
Anyway, those experiences made me appreciate China Bridal. The ladies there are there to serve you, the bride, and not their pocketbooks.
Bridalwear
David's Bridal
19240 Nordhoff Avenue
Northridge, CA 91324
I didn't expect to get my dress from here. I had gone to a handful of boutiques already and tried on countless dresses. I was surprised as anyone when mom and I popped into DB to kill some time and I found "the one."
The greatest thing they offer, in my opinion, is the alterations after purchase. It's low cost, and includes cleaning, pressing, and repairs of any beading or loose strings.
And there's no doubt about it, DB pricing just can't be beat.
Bridalwear
Pebbles Bridal
20855 Ventura Blvd., #B
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
If I hadn't bought from DB, this would have been my #1 choice. They have a huge selection of gowns, many off-the-rack, and you don't need an appointment to browse and try stuff on. They are family-owned and operated, the ladies are friendly and patient. If you like to browse, they leave you alone. If you have 20+ questions, they're there to answer them. Highly recommended for brides-to-be that aren't like me and actually plan for their gowns six to ten months in advance.
Tuxedo
Men's Wearhouse
9021 Tampa Ave.
Northridge, CA 91324
We selected Men's Wearhouse both for their convenience and pricing. Because they're virtually everywhere, it is easier for our groomsmen to get fitted on their own time, in their own areas, and we can pick the tuxes up all at one location prior to the wedding.
Tommy ended up purchasing his tuxedo because it was ultimately more affordable than renting it twice. (He needs it for our studio portrait that we take at our photographer's a month prior to the wedding, as well as for the wedding itself.)