Our son's rehersal dinner was not a sweet dream, as had been promised by this planner.instead, it was a complete nightmare. We paid in cash (over $125. Per guest) for a dinner for 80 on the beach at Tybee Island. When our guests arrived, the event planner was hurrying to get things set up and some of the food was sitting, uncovered on the sand. There were no tablecloths on the tables and because of the wind, they stayed in the bags by the buffet table. Poor planning and preparation seemed to be the theme. The table decorations were literally thrown out onto the tables as we all watched. The hired high school age students hurried around in their bikini tops and shorts and complained about having to be there so long.
By the time the food was actually set out, it was beginning to get dark. The appetizer/happy hour that was to preceed the dinner, did not happen. The beer keg did not work (one of our guests tried for 30 minutes to fix it) and the wine which we provided was not chilled. The low country boil dinner was mediocre and when we inquired about taking some of the left-overs back to the hotel for the guest, we were told that they were to be used for the next event. The bride was to be served a beautiful fresh salad and it appeared to be a bagged lettuce salad. Dessert was never announced and the few guests who found it, ate in the dark.
One of the highlights (?) was the red port-o-potty that was positioned near the bridge over which the guests arrived. The wedding planner made no apologies and left shortly after the food was put out. The helpers were unprofessional and disrespectful to not only the host but some of the guests. Also a very expensive camera was taken that evening.
The entire event was embarrasing and disappointing for all of us. Ms. Stevenson was scheduled to do the set-up for the wedding on the beach the next morning, but we all decided the safest route was to move the ceremony to a venue in Savannah. Anastasia Stevenson was more than happy to grant us our wish. Luckily the Westin provided all that our children had hoped for. They were extremely professional and bent over backwards to provide us with a beautiful and memorable evening.
We sincerely hope that our experience will not be repeated. It was both embarrasing and frustrating. We had spent hours with this planner trying to create a wonderful wedding. We had paid all of the expenses by check and in a timely fashion. We would caution you to beware and to check the Savannah BBB before making any plans. Also, when you have signed a contract, be sure that a copy is sent immediately back to you. If you do not receive one, run as fast as you can... Even if it means losing your deposit.
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