Carlsbad Windmill by Wedgewood Weddings

ng incredibly easy. They helped simplify decisions and kept everything on track, which we greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, our experience on the actual wedding day did not meet the expectations set during the planning process. When speaking with our planners, specifically for the ceremony portion, we mentioned that we wanted to create ceremony programs. We spent the time and money to do so, and we specifically intended them to be placed on the reception tables for guests to read during dinner and throughout the reception. Instead, they were placed on the ceremony chairs. This was not what we had planned, and many guests either left them behind after the ceremony or did not have them available during the reception when they were actually meant to be used. We also purchased the Elite Open Bar package and informed Wedgewood multiple times beforehand that our guests would likely consume a significant amount of Hennessy shots. Despite this, many guests commented that the bartenders were pouring unusually small shots and sometimes refusing additional shots if they believed a guest had already received one. This created frustration among our guests and did not reflect the open-bar experience we had paid for. We also received multiple complaints regarding one of the bartenders, specifically the African American male bartender. Several guests felt he was rude and unprofessional. One guest witnessed him move our drink menu from the front of the bar to the back so that a tip sign could be displayed more prominently. When she was trying to order and could not see the menu, he repeatedly rushed her and reminded her that there was a line behind her. Additionally, one of my bridesmaids ordered a drink for herself and later returned to the bar after I asked her to get me one while I was on the dance floor. The bartender questioned her, saying, “I just gave you one,” and after she explained that the second drink was for the bride, he appeared reluctant to serve her and rolled his eyes. Our biggest operational concern involved the ceremony coordination and officiant, Kimiko. Communication between the officiant and coordinators appeared lacking. I was surprised when the officiant approached my husband and me approximately 10 minutes before the ceremony to ask about the order of the processional and who would be participating in the Filipino traditions, including the veil, cord, and candle ceremonies. These details had already been discussed and practiced during rehearsal the day before. At one point, when our photographer attempted to correct the officiant, she responded with visible attitude in front of everyone, which was uncomfortable and unprofessional. Additionally, the officiant should have confirmed marriage license witnesses ahead of time. During an already busy and hectic period when we were taking photos and greeting guests after during cocktail hour, she asked me to identify witnesses from the crowd rather than having this organized beforehand. This added unnecessary stress at a time when we should have been able to focus on enjoying our celebration. The rehearsal itself went smoothly, and the ceremony order was clearly established. However, on the wedding day, several parts were executed incorrectly in front of our guests. For a wedding that incorporated cultural traditions that are deeply meaningful to our families, this was particularly disappointing. We trusted that the rehearsal would ensure everything ran smoothly, but that was not the case. The order of our Filipino traditions had been reviewed and finalized during rehearsal but was not followed during the ceremony. With that being said, one of our biggest disappointments was that the blessing of the food was also forgotten before the table dash. As a Filipino Catholic couple, saying a prayer and blessing the meal before eating is not simply a small detail—it is a meaningful tradition and an important part of our faith and culture. We specifically included this in our plans because it was something that mattered deeply to us and our families. Once the table dash began and guests started getting food, there was no opportunity to properly incorporate the blessing as intended. It was heartbreaking to realize afterward that such an important moment had been overlooked. Overall, while the planning team did an excellent job preparing us for the wedding, the execution on the wedding day fell short in several important areas. We are grateful for the support we received throughout the planning process, but we hope these concerns are addressed so future couples—especially those incorporating important cultural and religious traditions into their wedding day—can have a smoother and more thoughtfully executed experience.

rful things about our Event Experts, Kristiana and Tabitha. Their professionalism, attention to detail, organization, and genuine care made the entire planning process completely stress-free. They were always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and ensure that every detail was thoughtfully handled. On our wedding day, they seamlessly coordinated every aspect of the event, allowing us to simply be present and enjoy every moment with our family and friends. Their friendly personalities, calm demeanor, and commitment to excellence made us feel supported from start to finish. The all-inclusive experience was truly outstanding. Every vendor they partnered with delivered exceptional quality, and everything—from the beautiful venue and delicious food to the seamless timeline and flawless execution came together perfectly. They didn't just help us plan a wedding, they helped bring our vision to life and created memories that we will cherish forever. If you're looking for a venue and team that genuinely cares about making your day perfect, look no further than The Carlsbad Windmill by Wedgewood Weddings. We wholeheartedly recommend them to every couple looking for an incredible, all-inclusive wedding experience. Thank you, Kristiana, Tabitha, and the entire Wedgewood Weddings team for making our dream wedding a reality. It was everything we hoped for and so much more.

ed. Our coordinator Tabitha was especially amazing! She made everything seamless and low stress for us.