Leslie-Alford-Mims House

, knowing things would be done right, with less worry and involvement. Unfortunately, that was not how things panned out. Firstly : Communication with us on the front end was a trial – I could not get them to respond, even though I used several mediums - Phone call, emails, even text messages. There was no onboarding process to let me know what was happening nor any expectations. There was no general time line for us to follow, this coupled with radio silence at every turn made our experience with Mad Dash horrendous. Secondly, execution on the few things we were told was lacking - we were notified that we would get the day of timeline a month out, and it was given less than a week out. The photographer and other vendors mentioned they did not know what was going on. Thirdly: With the florals, there were some flowers that were “rented” to us that looked like they were over a week old with smelly, yellow/green water, and dried up greenery/shriveled flowers. What was great? The DJ, the food, everything was great. The décor (minus some flowers) was lovely and nicely done – adored the venue itself, the color choices, and adherence to the basic general plan we outlined was well done. It rained, and they were able to implement the change to the plans quickly and with little hiccups. The last grievance, and probably the most impactful, was the coordinator, who I got several questions about her scowling at our guests during dancing. Highly recommend Mim’s House as a venue, DON’T use Mad Dash unless they change who does the coordination (currently done by Brooke). Brooke was a bit of a bully throughout the day, the linens were not the ones we had wanted, but were “her favorites”. We also requested yellow flowers in the bridal bouquet, but not a drop of yellow could be found. She was overall a negative presence from the moment we walked through the doors. I had RAVE reviews of the ceremony, however, continuing in the theme with the communication issues I followed up with the officiant twice and there was no reply after his first email and I was not able to review the ceremony until the day of, and even with that, he miss-introduced us. Which, as a newly married couple, was not the best foot forward we imagined.

nd accepting that was the reality. I had planned for a Nov2020 wedding. I’m sure you can guess that did not happen! We did end up eloping in Dec2020 as my late FIL had terminal cancer and was nearing the end. We had a lovely little living room elopement with just our parents. We had already fully paid the venue previously and the contract stated no refunds so we planned for a “make-up celebration” for Oct2021. Cue my wedding day. It was a Sunday since it was the anniversary of when we met. They had a wedding the night before as well. We were only allowed to show up a hour before the ceremony start time to put the dress on and get those getting ready pictures and we had to be out by 9 or pay 350/hr past that. So all in all it felt very rushed. The bartender was telling guests he isn’t a bartender and just pulled into this, which was evident from the drinks. Not to mention I had to ask my friends to go get ciders ( it’s all I drink) to stock even though I specifically requested them by the venue. Nor did the signature drinks have all the ingredients so people would ask for the drink on the sign and “oh I don’t have that… uh jack and coke?”.  I paid extra to have boutonnieres for all the men, but not even the groom got one cause they forgot and the planner was just “we don’t have them let’s go” and rushed us to the ceremony.   It had rained the day prior, but the paths were very very dirty and could have been swept during the morning. (It was an all outdoor wedding). The seating arrangements were incorrect, and my maid of honor had to redo them before the groom and I sat down. The company posts so much on the “details” on their tables which I’ve always loved and mentioned and yet I was given a table with a napkin just thrown on with a sharpie scribbled with our names. None of the guest tables had any décor besides a wilting centerpiece. Not even a table runner.   One staff was wearing a very dirty and stretched out polo with unkempt facial hair and most importantly was apparently very rude to several guests including the groom.  Another staff was wearing a half-buttoned shirt with 6 gold chains, it was just presented as very unprofessional for a wedding venue. Several people kept pointing out all the greenery and florals were wilting and dying, so were most likely just leftovers from the previous wedding. I provided a guest book with pens that I had previously tried on the wood, and while I appreciate the thought, extra markers were placed out that bled and seeped into the wood so most of the signatures are ineligible which ruined the expensive guest book. I had showed several pictures of cakes I was wanting and got just a very generic white cake with flowers. The family pictures were very quick (like 2 shots, next) and were just taken where we were standing around talking. Not taken to an appropriate back drop as scenery. My mom was really upset with the family pictures. One of my biggest issues. I was very clear I did not want any “for the first time Mr and Mrs” since we are already married and felt uncomfortable with that and sure enough we were still introduced as that.   I had asked that the DJ also play some music my parents would like. Shag/beach music and when they asked the DJ he said he’s doesn’t know what that is and refused.

e ceremony with 2 witnesses at the Santa Barbara city courthouse. My fiance wanted the wedding so we compromised on a small, intimate ceremony…cue Maddash entering the conversation. Let me also be vulnerable and say I am one of the most neurotic people I’ve ever met (and I’m a clinical psychologist with a PhD in clinical psychology!) so it is a particular challenge for me to give up control and trust someone else…especially with such an important day as a wedding. However, I finally let go and trusted the MadDash process and have been thanking myself a million times over for doing so. Ok here’s the deal: if you go with MadDash your wedding will be even better than you could have even dreamed possible. You might have an idea of what “perfect” looks like in your head but Brooke and Priscilla will do such an amazing job that you realize whatever your mental image of “perfect” was before was actually just “mediocre”. They will truly show you how perfect it can be. You will be on cloud 9, showered with love, unable to form words at how incredible the decor/planning/execution will be. Brooke feels like a big sister looking out for you and having your back while simultaneously wanting the absolute best for you. She is engaging, genuine, kind, loving, empathetic and simply “gets it”...but also at the same time she is somehow efficient, competent, intelligent, sharp witted and a quick thinker. She is the IDEAL wedding planner and could not have found a profession more suitable for her skills. She is the type of person you wish could be your best friend and you feel proud of her even though you may not know her very well yet. Wow, her children are SO lucky to have her as their mom (I can’t even imagine how good those birthday parties and family trips must be!!). Saying MadDash goes “above and beyond” feels like a watered down version of the reality of the situation. They literally and figuratively make your dreams come true. You can tell they surround themselves with good people and likely good people are attracted to working with them because of who they are at their core. In your most vulnerable, intimate, life altering moments (about to walk down the aisle, about to do the first look etc.) you want someone like Brooke by your side. One of the most meaningful moments of the entire day was when I looked over at Brooke before the “first look” and told her I was nervous and worried I might cry-to which she responded “Stop or you might make me cry”. I could have been dreaming this up but it looked like her eyes might have been a bit misty when she said that. If after doing this for so many years and she STILL feels emotion with her brides…that right there is the sign you’ve got the right planner. Not only the right planner but THE planner. What more could you ever want? I’m going to end this review now-not because I want to or have even fully captured how incredible MadDash is-but because I’m starting to feel creepy with how obsessive/enamored this is sounding. TLDR; just book MadDash for your wedding and I guarantee it will be one of the wisest decisions you and your future spouse can make in your life.

I loved my wedding and would do it all again

or their families. I am out of state and wanted to make sure my appointment was secured. I understand that family comes first, but she had no right to snap and she could of set an away message. Aside from our email exchange, they NEVER answer the phone which is also frustrating.

our guests about what a beautiful venue it was. The bride & grooms suites were stunning and very comfortable for getting ready, and the rest of the house provided a perfect backdrop for the evening. We had the ceremony on the front steps (definitely the highlight of the day!), cocktail hour inside, and the reception outside under a tent we rented. Every space was very comfortable for our ~120 guests, and the booking price really fit our budget. I also took my bridal portraits at the house, and Brooke and Priscilla were very accommodating when I had to reschedule at the last minute. I had a little trouble with getting Priscilla to return my emails a few months before the wedding, but on the day everything was fantastic. It was truly our dream wedding - my husband and I couldn't have been happier with how our wedding turned out! I loved that in booking the Mims House, we also got a phenomenal caterer and a great wedding planner to help make our day perfect. Highly recommend!

was everything a young- engaged-couple-in-school-getting -their- life -together but- couldn't- wait- to- get- married could dream of! The girls styled my wedding, chose the vendors and coached me along the way. And THEY ARE SO FLEXIBLE, SO SO SO FLEXIBLE AND ACCOMMODATING. The Pop-Up wedding is a great choice for couples who are on a budget- but want the full wedding experience. You just have to be willing to give up control! (but like I said Brook and Priscilla are veryyyyy accommodating to your taste, style and needs) They carefully reviewed my Pinterest page and honestly created a more beautiful setting for my wedding than I could have dreamed or done myself. The vendors they have contacts with are also incredibly nice and helpful. I fell in love with my photographer and officiant- they were awesome and attentive- they really cared. The day of the wedding went very smoothly thanks to Brookes' on-site help, but I am sure that Priscilla was there in spirit! Brooke is a large and in-charge rockstar pro at weddings. I didn't have to worry about one thing the day of the wedding- she had it all under control- even though there were a few miscommunications! To conclude, the house is stunning, affordable, magical and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect place to get married. Cheers to Brooke, Priscilla and their team. Thanks you so much, I will never forget the day you all created. My husband and I are so grateful. Julia & Ben Markovich

oms gave us many options for the layout. We got married in the front of the house, cocktail hour was inside, Buffett was in the ballroom, band under the portico, and reception on the patio under a tent. I was worried at first if the property would be big enough but wenhad more than enough room! There is a wooded trail behind the Mims House perfect for photos. The bridal suite and groom suite were perfect for pictures and getting ready and the makeup and hair room gave us even more room to get ready. Only thing that was frustrating would be the lack of communication with returning calls and emails. But with persistence and my wedding planner Annie helping everything went as I dreamed it would for my wedding day!

y take pride in their work. They go above-and-beyond to make sure that your day is extraordinary and that every detail is taken care of. I can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like. Everything turned out absolutely amazing! The food was on point, the decorations and flowers were perfect, the photographer was wonderful, and I didn’t have to lift a single finger. Everything was taken care of! I cannot believe we had the wedding of our dreams for a fraction of the cost that it would have been had we planned it ourselves. I would highly recommend Mad Dash Weddings to anyone!

ed all of the personal touches that we wanted and made the entire process stress-free. It was truly the perfect day! I still have people telling me how beautiful our venue was and how our flowers were the prettiest they have ever seen! I can't imagine our day without mad dash!

groom suite were perfectly decorated, and each had their own bathroom, allowing us to get ready with ease. We decided to do our ceremony on the side of the house, under the portico, and a reception with dancing in the ballroom. It was perfectly laid out, and we got comments all night about how beautiful the venue was. Definitely a perfect space for a wedding!

via text, phone call, or email. The house is gorgeous and all of my pictures turned out amazing thanks to the house! Definitely recommend this to someone looking to get married or have bridal portraits done!

never answered any phone calls or returned voicemails and Brooke was late for my bridal appointment. Communication is not their skill.

tes for her to arrive. We called her cell and left a voicemail noting that we were at the house and for her to call us back. One month later we have yet to receive a call. Upon recently meeting with a caterer in Raleigh who has worked an event there, it was noted that they have also had bad experiences working with the house staff/owners (but that is a whole other story). I would not recommend the Leslie-Alford Mims House.

wers the morning of, and they let me make a mess of the house with buckets and leaves and petals, yet somehow had it beautifully decorated just a few hours later. I had a tight budget, but compared to other vendors in the area with both an indoor and outdoor space, this venue was the best value for me. The house is beautiful, and the portico was perfect for a lovely evening of dancing. Brooke and Priscilla set up a rain plan, floor plans, and went with the flow of all my last minute changes and questions and vendor additions. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing!