Update: My original review got removed because I also posted to his other location in Los Angles…read more Same guy.
If you look at my other reviews, I rarely, if ever, say anything too bad. But my blood pressure is spiking again as I relive the nightmare. Synopsis: HE DIDN'T EVEN SHOW UP.
I was the wedding coordinator for a couple, who are practically family to me. I confirmed with all of the vendors a month before the wedding. Kevin did not pick up his phone. Fine, I left a voicemail. The groom also contacted Kevin and spoke to him on the phone and if you look at how organized everything was, you'd know there was NO MISCOMMUNICATION. Oh, and there was a $300 deposit.
Fast forward to 1 week before the wedding, more confirmation calls. No answer. LVM again. 1 day before the wedding, e-mailed him and got an auto-reply.
"Thank you for your email, Due to the high number of inquires we are experiencing, we will get back to you within 24-48 hours of your contact, if this is urgent and your event is this week, please call (858) 342-9606 and we will get back to you asap."
Let me ask you, brides/grooms, is this what you want to expect before your big day?
Day of wedding: Kevin was supposed to arrive at 4PM. 4:15PM Called him and there is not even a way to leave a voice message. Great. 4:30PM called my friends to have them back up. Thank you friends, you saved the day.
Do you, brides/grooms, have a bartender to pull out of a hat?
Meanwhile, the couple are having their wedding ceremony. The bride is like a sister to me. I actually know the groom and we all traveled overseas together. I've spent the last month working with the bridal party, friends, and family. This was a moment to be shared with them. Instead, I'm running around like a chicken without a head trying to figure out WHERE IS KEVIN???? We may get our monetary refund, but how do you refund MEMORIES? I MISSED THE DANG CEREMONY! There were tears, there were once in a lifetime feels, there was love, and there was happiness. Was I there for it? No.
Cocktail hour was cancelled. Guests did not have champagne in their flutes to toast because of the late last minute change. Melted ice was spilled all over the floor (which would be another $60 for repairs from the venue) because Kevin was supposed to bring coolers for the ice. We had to MacGyver some trashcans to make due. Almost ruined the bride's day when I had to tell them what happened.
Hindsight is 20/20. The groom was swayed by the positive reviews here. If you are looking for a bartender for your wedding, don't be a sucker. There are other reviews here where he has not shown up and there is an additional complaint on the Better Business Bureau.
His response to us was that he was/is out of town. He has a staff. Utilize them. Honestly, no empty apologies will ever suffice. So don't even bother.