Weddingbee Blog
Finding our band (or DJ) was Mr Frenchie’s responsibility, so right after we decided to have the wedding at the Bernardo Winery, he went to task. The first email Mr Frenchie sent me was for an awesome “crooner”, David Patrone.
Mr Frenchie and I love Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Jamie Cullem (to name a few). (We always joke about whether we could afford to hire Michael Buble if we just got married in a tiny chapel in Vegas). Through David’s website and MySpace page, we were able to give him a listen, and agreed we HAD to have him! Go ahead and pop over to his website, I’ll wait…
Our problem, however, was that we weren’t sure he’d fit in our budget.*
I’m of the belief that it doesn’t hurt to ask (in most cases), but after our first conversation with David’s rep, Jeff, our answer was no. We had allotted about half of what they normally charge, which was a bummer, but we understood. David and his quartet play all over San Diego and at swing competitions.
It turns out, it didn’t hurt to ask, because about 2 weeks later we got a message from Jeff saying that they would drop their price. I immediately called them back to make sure we weren’t dreaming. I could not believe our luck! They were including everything, for the WHOLE DAY! David Patrone, the quartet, and a DJ for after dinner dancing. Jeff emailed me a contract, Papa Frenchie looked it over, and by the next Friday we had everything booked - ceremony and cocktail music, David singing during dinner, and Jeff DJing after.
*Since my parents have generously offered to pay for our wedding, I don’t think it is my place to discuss our budget because it involves my parents’ finances, and not mine. I will say that I believe our budget is average but flexible, however I am trying my best stay within it as much as possible.
Is any element of your wedding something you thought you couldn’t afford at first?
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Super duper photography. Then I found the most amazing, affordable photographers ever.
The reception. We didn’t realize how affordable our reception venue could be when you don’t have to pay for all the add ons.
finding a band was our first project too! that’s so exciting that they dropped the price for you!! david patrone sounds great!!
umm, almost everything. Thank goodness there are a cheap ways to do so many wedding essentials!
That’s awesome! You have great taste in music! I’d have to say that for us it was a great photographer… she’s a pleasant surprise.
Oh, that’s awesome! I’m sure the music at your reception will be uh-may-zing! We didn’t think our caterer would be NEARLY as affordable as he is…Mr. Bruschetta and I are foodies, and Laurent’s cooking is among the best we’ve tasted ever (and we’re quite picky!).
Awesome!! That will be really special and add to your party!
How amazing is that! We’ve had to rethink our original plan of having a band because of the budget, so I understand.
Our cake. I loved her work, had seen it at other weddings, and she was about 3 times what we had budgeted. But, with some kind words and bartering, we get our dream cake! Yum!
Isn’t it great when things work out?! We were planning on having an iPod wedding because we had no budget for DJ or band music, but then my uncle offered his classic rock band to play! I’m so excited. Classic rock is the perfect genre for our crowd and its free! (Minus feeding the guys.) Plus its my uncle, which makes it so much cooler.
Miss French Bulldog I’m stealing all of your So Cal/OC Vendors! lol. I feel like I owe you flowers for doing all the leg work for me!! lol You have GREAT taste!! 
@Miss Marine: LOL! I’m just excited that I’m helping someone
omgoodnesss that is so exciting and perfect!!!
WOW! lucky!
photography. our photog shoots for the new york times as a correspondent and while we admired his work (from afar), we thought he was out of our range, plus having to fly him in.
turns out that it all worked nicely
I’m so glad you got the band you wanted! Having the entertainment you want makes such a difference. Your wedding is going to be swinging!
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Mrs. French Bulldog, Orange County
Age and Occupation: 28, Administrative Assistant & Interior Design Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Purchasing Analyst
Engagement Date: November 8, 2008
Wedding Date: August 2009
Venue: Bernardo Winery
About Me: I've lived in Atlanta, Dallas and Laguna Niguel; although I've lived in Orange County, CA most my life, I'm a Southerner at heart. I work full time for a Commercial General Contractor (aka my father) and I go to school for Interior Design at night. I love modern design, music, wine, crafting, DMailing, my family, my Westies, and of course, Mr Frenchie! Mr Frenchie and I met 3 years ago on Match.com and have been best friends ever since. I love his "old soul" and how he laughs with his whole body, among many other things. We are planning our summer wedding at the winery near his hometown, just 45 minutes south of Orange County.
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