/cities/monterey-ca/ Judy's Book - Latest posts - Monterey, CA en-us help@judysbook.com http://images.judysbook.com/members/judysbook.png /cities/monterey-ca/ Reviews - Uncategorized Carry E.
Review of: Amie Morgan Wedding Photography - Carmel, Monterey

I'm from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey (aka the DLI) and after getting my wedding photography gig canceled (only a month before the wedding mind you!), by not one, but *two* individuals, I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it was that Amie Morgan Photography (they're actually located less than a mile from the DLI by the Monterey Bay Aquarium) was able to shoot my ceremony and reception on post. FYI, I found her at: amiemphoto. com Like I said though, after the insane time with the anti-military photographers around here, Amie and her assistant were able to actually able to shoot my event EVEN THOUGH they had already shot some other person's wedding earlier in the day down in Carmel or Pebble Beach (or something like that). The best of all, she didn't try to jack her rates up or anything given my bind (hey, she certainly could have and I would have been MORE than willing to pay). Anyway, totally professional and understanding. I'll close with the quality and artistic skill of of their photographs... In one word, the best photojournalist a bride (or groom for that matter) could ever hope for. Highly recommended beyond words! -Candice
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/98682/posts/2008/5/530996/ Mon, 26 May 2008 21:26:43 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/98682/posts/2008/5/530996/ Reviews - Other Professional Services Carry E.
Review of: Amie Morgan Photography

I'm from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey (aka the DLI) and after getting my wedding photography gig canceled (only a month before the wedding mind you!), by not one, but *two* individuals, I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it was that Amie Morgan Photography (they're actually located less than a mile from the DLI by the Monterey Bay Aquarium) was able to shoot my ceremony and reception on post. FYI, I found her at: amiemphoto .com Like I said though, after the insane time with the anti-military photographers around here, Amie and her assistant were able to actually able to shoot my event EVEN THOUGH they had already shot some other person's wedding earlier in the day down in Carmel or Pebble Beach (or something like that). The best of all, she didn't try to jack her rates up or anything given my bind (hey, she certainly could have and I would have been MORE than willing to pay). Anyway, totally professional and understanding. I'll close with the quality and artistic skill of of their photographs... In one word, the best photojournalist a bride (or groom for that matter) could ever hope for. Highly recommended beyond words! -Candice
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/98682/posts/2008/5/530995/ Mon, 26 May 2008 21:21:04 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/98682/posts/2008/5/530995/ Reviews - Other Professional Services Tara J.
Review of: Amie Morgan Photography

AMIE MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY Carmel, Monterey, & Pebble Beach I just had a wedding in Carmel (at the Carmel River State Beach to be exact) and was fortunate enough to have use Amie and her awesome assistant as my wedding photojournalist. Given that I live in New York and had never actually been to Carmel before the actual day of my wedding, it truly was refreshing to find Amie's website and utilize her services. For anyone like me who is unfamiliar with the Monterey Bay area and planning to have a destination wedding there, finding a local photographer who actually knew the geography (as opposed to the San Francisco based photographers of similar caliber who are simply ignorant of the local in's-and-out's) was the best thing that could have ever happened. Trust me, when you Google around looking for local Carmel or Monterey based photographers you'll notice one glaring problem: not only does their work simply reek of tacky style and a business model based in the stone age, but they are completely destination wedding UN-friendly. So, when I visited Amie Morgan's web site and found that she really did cater almost exclusively to destination-wedding brides-to-be, it truly took a load off my shoulders. You should also know that she really does shoot in a "photojournalistic" style as opposed to the formal and posed style that was previously popular back when my parents were getting married. That isn't to say that she didn't shoot posed group shots of the family, she sure did, but I can say that with my photos about 90% or more of them were more candid, natural, un-posed, and of a photojournalistic style (basically, she was telling a story when it was all said and done). I suppose another "downside" is that she books her calendar well in advance and it fills up fast. I actually contacted her a year and a half in advance of my wedding and we actually had to shuffle my schedule around a little bit to have her shoot my wedding. As far as prices are concerned, like I said earlier, it truly was refreshing that she provided clear, honest, and up-front pricing so that I could budget accordingly. I say this because the vast majority of the competition I looked at really "hid the ball" by charging a low fee up-front but then seriously burned you after the event is over by charging anywhere from $10-35 per 4"x6" proof print (if I recall correctly, for the bigger 8x10 enlargements the competition would charge well over $45+ per print). Even though she does provide the opportunity for you to order extra enlargements/prints from her site after the event, those prices truly seemed like she simply passed her cost directly on to you without any nasty markup. Additionally, while on the topic of prices & prints, she provided me with the 500+ high-resolution digital images so that, if I decided to, go out and make prints on my own and cut her completely out of the picture (I actually didn't make many of my own prints because I noticed that my local photo finisher didn't do half as good of a job as the photo finisher she uses). In summary, I simply am soooooo happy I was able to find her and have my wedding captured with her attention to detail. Without question, I would highly recommend Amie's photography services to any bride-to-be that is having their wedding in Carmel or the Monterey Bay Area.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/98385/posts/2008/5/530731/ Wed, 07 May 2008 11:16:57 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/98385/posts/2008/5/530731/ Reviews - Other Professional Services Tara J.
Review of: Amie Morgan Photography

AMIE MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY Carmel, Monterey, & Pebble Beach I just had a wedding in Carmel (at the Carmel River State Beach to be exact) and was fortunate enough to have use Amie and her awesome assistant as my wedding photojournalist. Given that I live in New York and had never actually been to Carmel before the actual day of my wedding, it truly was refreshing to find Amie's website and utilize her services. For anyone like me who is unfamiliar with the Monterey Bay area and planning to have a destination wedding there, finding a local photographer who actually knew the geography (as opposed to the San Francisco based photographers of similar caliber who are simply ignorant of the local in's-and-out's) was the best thing that could have ever happened. Trust me, when you Google around looking for local Carmel or Monterey based photographers you'll notice one glaring problem: not only does their work simply reek of tacky style and a business model based in the stone age, but they are completely destination wedding UN-friendly. So, when I visited Amie Morgan's web site and found that she really did cater almost exclusively to destination-wedding brides-to-be, it truly took a load off my shoulders. Just a few of the highlights from my experience with her include: -Simply breathtaking, stunning images (my hubby is not-so-photogenic and she somehow made him look like a million bucks) -There were two photographers at my wedding (both Amie and her assistant) -Since it was a man/woman team shooting, they were able to split-up before the wedding and shoot both myself and my fiancé getting ready (those were actually some of the most touching photos actually) -Online reservations -Online credit card payment (I think I used Google Checkout but am not sure) -I got a ton of super high-resolution images (well over 500 pictures) -With those digital images I could order prints at my local photo finisher -She made an awesome slideshow & hosted it at her site so I could share it with my family/friends who didn't make it to the wedding -Surprisingly low price (especially considering the horrible local competition cost well over $1,000 more than her prices) -She really did run her business practically all online so I was able to do everything from my laptop here in New York without a single hiccup. The only "downside," if you even want to call it that, was that she does not operate a traditional photography portrait studio; so, if you want super-formal portraits with backgrounds only found in portrait studios, then that would be a drawback. You should also know that she really does shoot in a "photojournalistic" style as opposed to the formal and posed style that was previously popular back when my parents were getting married. That isn't to say that she didn't shoot posed group shots of the family, she sure did, but I can say that with my photos about 90% or more of them were more candid, natural, un-posed, and of a photojournalistic style (basically, she was telling a story when it was all said and done). I suppose another "downside" is that she books her calendar well in advance and it fills up fast. I actually contacted her a year and a half in advance of my wedding and we actually had to shuffle my schedule around a little bit to have her shoot my wedding. As far as prices are concerned, like I said earlier, it truly was refreshing that she provided clear, honest, and up-front pricing so that I could budget accordingly. I say this because the vast majority of the competition I looked at really "hid the ball" by charging a low fee up-front but then seriously burned you after the event is over by charging anywhere from $10-35 per 4"x6" proof print (if I recall correctly, for the bigger 8x10 enlargements the competition would charge well over $45+ per print). Even though she does provide the opportunity for you to order extra enlargements/prints from her site after the event, those prices truly seemed like she simply passed her cost directly on to you without any nasty markup. Additionally, while on the topic of prices & prints, she provided me with the 500+ high-resolution digital images so that, if I decided to, go out and make prints on my own and cut her completely out of the picture (I actually didn't make many of my own prints because I noticed that my local photo finisher didn't do half as good of a job as the photo finisher she uses). In summary, I simply am soooooo happy I was able to find her and have my wedding captured with her attention to detail. Without question, I would highly recommend Amie's photography services to any bride-to-be that is having their wedding in Carmel or the Monterey Bay Area.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/98385/posts/2008/5/530730/ Wed, 07 May 2008 11:13:30 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/98385/posts/2008/5/530730/ Reviews - Restaurants Josephine D.
Review of: Gilberts On the Wharf

It was very disappointing to hear from my parents, that what should've been a wonderful weekend spent with their grandchildren included a very unsatisfactory customer service on Gilbert's part. Our family has been coming to Gilberts for years, and for the past several years, my parents have done a weekend trip to Monterey with their grandchildren which included a stop at Gilberts. Without fail! However, my parents were very distraught that their server Erika, on Saturday Aug 25 '07 did not even bother to exert ANY kind of customer service to them. Who took their drinks? An apologetic busgirl. Who followed up on their order? No one. Who followed up if they had drinks? No one. And Erika had the audacity to tell my parents that it was a busy night? There is absolutely no reason for that excuse and it is even more appalling that their wait staff would even say that to the guests. I am hoping that Erika's unprofessional behavior does not put a cloud on Gilberts, however, based on a very poor experience that my parents encountered over the weekend, it will definitely be a note to remember when recommending places to eat at Monterey. As a customer, I would sincerely hope that the management would take an extra effort in educating their wait staff in regards to customer service. To say that we will not be having a meal at Gilberts again is definitely an understatement!
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/87418/posts/2007/8/525275/ Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:17:59 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/87418/posts/2007/8/525275/ Reviews - Zoos Steve H.
Review of: Monterey Bay Aquarium

I never miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is simply awesome and unlike any aquarium you'd ever see...I mean, it's got to be the best in the world, or at least in the top 3. They have a deep ocean tank that's got huge sunfish and sharks in it...they even kept a Great White (juvenile) in it for a bit (released now). It's quite a drive down to Monterey from 'Frisco (about 50 or 60 miles), but I always, always go. I usually grab a bite to eat near the aquarium where you can watch Sea Lions bask from your dinner table (but be prepared for lackluster tourist-trap food), then hit the aquarium. If I leave early enough, I sometimes hit the Santa Cruz boardwalk on my way back to San Francisco, mostly for the nostalgia of my parents taking me as a kid (or because the "Lost Boys" from the 80's film hung out there..in the movie anyway), but it can get kind of scary there lately (population wise). The aquarium is great at feeding time (usually around 1 pm if memory serves). The kelp forest is awesome with two-three story tall tanks (also the sea otters). The Monterey area is beautiful to begin with anyway, so it's nice to visit anyway, especially if you like Steinbeck.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/16474/posts/2007/6/522673/ Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:39:46 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/16474/posts/2007/6/522673/ Reviews - Child Care proudnana S.
Review of: Great Beginnings

My grandchildren have thrived at Great Beginnings Early Learning Center! They look forward to going to school everyday and have a wonderful time while they are there. The teachers are very caring and in tune with the children. Not only are the children safe and cared for ( a huge peace of mind) but they also have a lot of fun and learn so much. Their new facility is absolutely beautiful! I would recommend Great Beginnings to anyone who is looking for an outstanding place for their children!
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/77959/posts/2007/6/521818/ Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:33:48 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/77959/posts/2007/6/521818/ Reviews - Child Care Parent C.
Review of: Great Beginnings

This place is clean and seems able to work with parents. But the hours are 8 to 5 and after 5 they charge a dollar an hour. Not good for single mom's. The director does not take any responsibility for her commitments and made me feel I was the one who change my mind when she was calling the shots.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/64630/posts/2007/1/513106/ Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:47:53 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/64630/posts/2007/1/513106/ Reviews - Hotels Amit K.
Review of: Marriott Hotels Resorts Suites

Stayed in the Marriott over the long weekend and just one word...AMAZING. This is one of the best Marriott hotels with a great Ocean View. Located in one of the Prime locations in Downtown Monterey its within walking distance to some of the best restaurants in the Peninsula. Dont forget to try the free buffet breakfast. Its awesome. Fresh Orange Juice, Freshly made egg which ever way you want, Fresh Fruits among other things make this place one of the best to stay in Monterey http://www.marriott.com
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/8773/posts/2006/11/494207/ Thu, 30 Nov 2006 11:55:46 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/8773/posts/2006/11/494207/ Reviews - Gift Shops Amit K.
Review of: Monterey Bay Aquarium Gift & Bookstore

Even though they have some of the best souveniers related to the monterey Bay Aquarium, I believe the things here are a little overpriced. I had rather not buy anything from here since I strongly beleive that they could have done better than to sell stuff thats like a mark up of almost 70%. But if you are a big fan and have to buy something, they do have some of the best looking frames, key chains and jackets/T shirts. The stuffed animals are hard to resist. http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_visit.asp
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