UPDATED 11/23 - PROOFS on pgs 3 & 4...September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus Greece HM Review...Added More Pics on pg 2...

(Sorry for all the posts...wouldn't let me fit it all in one post.)

Everyone told us the day would fly by...I just never realized how fast a day could really whip past you. I was happy to have a late ceremony - 6:30...gave me the day to relax with friends and family...eat...

Pre-Wedding details...

I purchased my gown and mantilla from Paradise Bridal in Patchogue. Donna was a doll to deal with...but once I purchased and was measured (hallow to hem), I began dealing with the manager, Liz. My gown came in almost 1 1/2 inches too SHORT...instead of putting PB through the cost and hassle of ordering another gown for me, I decided to find shoes with a lower heel. How hard could that be? Found the most perfect shoes - again - and the dress was STILL too short. By this time, the designer was closing shop so hopes of me getting a new gown, were shattered. After a bit of stressing, I found some shoes that while they were extremely comfortable, were so unsexy. Even on my wedding day, I gritted my teeth and cursed PB for their lack of proper measurement and the stubborn seamstress who originally measured me. But in the end, Rosalie did my alterations and the 7 point bustle and I could NOT have been happier with my dress. She did a fantastic job.

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

The BM gowns were ordered from Netbride and they were just great to deal with. They beat everyone's price by over $100. I ordered 4 of them over the phone, got prompt responses when I emailed and the gowns came in - PERFECT! - a month earlier than they committed to. We had a last minute addition to the wedding party and wound up ordering another gown just weeks before the wedding...and it came in early, again - about 1 week before their committ date. Would definitely - and have done so already - recommend them to anyone looking for great service and unbeatable prices.

After going back and forth on the look I wanted for invitations, my DH & I finally agreed on an invitation by Elite and went to Laura, LA Productions for the best price. She was a doll to work with - very detail oriented. Would definitely recommend.

The inner envelopes were sealed with wax...purchased that from Faux Wax. Great customer service, fast shipping. Definitely recommend.

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Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

I wanted something a little different for the escort (placecards) cards and found Artistic Addressing. We went with small white envelopes with the guests names on the outside...and a tiny card on the inside directing them to their table. Great communications, easy to work with, great prices. Would definitely recommend.


We bought DH's (Christian Bauer) wedding band from Fortunoff's. Because we registered there we were given 10% off. The customer service was great and the ring came in earlier than expected. Definitely would recommend.

We found my ring (pave-set eternity band - diamonds on all three sides of the band) at Freedman Jeweler's in Huntington. After a NIGHTMARE of a time, we *finally* got the ring just days before our wedding. While they do beautiful work, I would NOT recommend this place to anyone - FM me for more details.

Our rehearsal dinner was hosted at La Bella Palermo in Babylon. Incredible food, great waitstaff, great prices. Would definitely recommend.

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

On to the wedding day...

The day started around 1pm...Tarale did my hair and she did an outrageous job. She is as sweet as pie...and definitely worth every penny. She was amazed at how calm I was - she said I should get married every week. LOL Would recommend her, without a doubt.


Around 2/2:30, Jacqueline Nicole started on my makeup...another outrageous job. I was a little nervous at first that it was too much makeup - as natural as it was - I just wasn't used to seeing myself look that way. But I loved how I looked and she is just the sweetest. Also amazed by how relaxed I was...but she called it, reality started setting in that *I* was getting married in a few hours! I remained calm...just started getting really excited! Very professional - worth every penny. Again, without a doubt, I would recommend her.

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Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

We used Cruise Control for limos. The '39 Cadillac was HOT and we had a stretch Lincoln for the wedding party...my husband (last minute) arranged for a car for himself and his parents from the hotel - where they got ready - to the church. Clean cars, the two drivers were great - they kept commenting on how calm I was. I was probably the most relaxed I had been during the whole planning process. My only gripe with Cruise Control was that they didn't know how to get anywhere...I had to direct them to the Parkway and then to the church and then from the church to the reception hall. Would recommend.

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Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

St Patrick's of Bayshore is a breathtakingly gorgeous church. The rehearsal/day of coordinator, however, is a bit of a Cruella with a slight Napoleon complex - but that's a whole other story - she isn't too keen on breaking convention. The wedding before us ran late so our ceremony was about 20 minutes late...which left us with little daylight for pictures afterwards - and caused us to miss most of our CH...but seriously, it didn't matter. Anyway...DH's cousin - the Monsignor - married us. He did such a fantastic job...it was incredibly romantic - people are still calling Chris' mom and sending me cards - on how moving the ceremony was. I worked with the Msgr on the readings and while we didn't write our own vows, we tweaked vows from here and there that we felt really represented us and our relationship. I had a 'moment' just as the doors closed after my FG's, just before I was to walk down the aisle. I grabbed my dad's hand and asked him to slow me down and hold on tight. The moment I saw my DH, looking so beautiful standing there waiting for me, my eyes never left him. As soon as we were united, both our eyes dried and we both made it through the ceremony without so much as a stutter or a tear.


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Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

Kevin Connolly was a surprise for my husband...who for one reason or another, loves bagpipes at weddings. Kevin was great to deal with, he was on time and sounded amazing. The surprise was kept...until the Msgr turned us around to face our family and he whispered in our ears 'look, a bagpiper'. I almost died! LOL But my DH was in such a state of euphoria, that he didn't even hear him...he didn't realize Kevin was there until he started playing our recessional. Would definitely recommend.

Flower Michele...the flowers were drop dead gorgeous. The girls boo-k's were stunning - exactly what I wanted and pictured. The CP's came out magnificent - people were commenting on them all night. John and the staff at FM do amazing work...he's passionate about what he does and it shows in his work. Anyone looking for a florist, look no further - I would recommend him a thousand times over.

FG Kissing Balls

BM BOO-K's

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

Peter Greco Orchestra did a fantastic job. We had 10 pieces and they were all on their game. They had the crowd up on the dance floor all night playing a variety of music. Just outrageous - from CH to dinner music to boogying on all night. Loved them. We didn't give them a 'must play' list - outside of the dances we had - and there were just a few things we didn't want (like audience participation songs - which they don't do anyway! and boy bands, etc). Extremely professional, WELL worth the money. Would recommend them without the bat of an eyelash.

We used Verdi for photography...we chose them based on their portfolio and they photographed my sisters wedding - so we know they do fabulous work. DH and I really gelled with both Rich and Mindi and are excited to see our proofs...they should be in this week!! Based on the reasons why we chose them, and our E-pictures, I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.

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Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

The Hamlet Wind Watch was incredible. Working with the BM, Denise, was smooth sailing from the beginning...she was sweet as pie throughout my Groomzilla's outbursts and my semi-neurotic last minute calls the week before our wedding. Our day-of-attendant was phenomenal - we were never without food or drink the entire night. Very sweet, very attentive. The room was incredible - it looked just beautiful with the chandeliers and candles everyehwere. The staff was on top of everyone - the drinks flowed all night, no one was for want. The food was incredible (yes, I actually ate!) and the cake was to die for. Based on some things I had read, I went into the night not expecting it to look all that great, but it was pretty much identical to the picture I gave Denise...and it tasted phenomenal. We accompanied the cake with their Hagen daas, brownie crust pie...decadent! We couldn't have made a better choice for a reception site...everything ran impecible. She had the napkins folded envelope-style so the menus I made could be tucked in...and a single rose (as coordinated with FM) was placed on top. Exaclty what I asked for - it looked beautiful. Anyone looking for a simple, elegant reception hall - with outrageous food and impeccable service - definitely check out the Hamlet WW. Outstanding - I highly recommend them.

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Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

Hyatt Wind Watch (formerly Wyndham)...along with about 40 of our guests, we stayed at the Hyatt. Maybe b/c it was a recent change of hands, maybe the hotel just isn't what it used to be...but the service stank. There was not a stocked soda/water machine on any floor and no one from room service would venture to our suite to accomodate us. Pissed my husband off. My MIL hosted breakfast for everyone who spent the night, the next morning...good food, nice service. Overall, a decent stay.

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

We booked the HM through M&M Travel. We worked with Mike - the owner - and everything ran smooth. Definitely recommend.

I don't even know where to begin. The past few weeks have been absolutely amazing - more than I could have ever imagined or dreamed. And that's exactly how I (we) felt about Santorini! Such a surreal place...even having been, I look back at pictures and STILL cannot believe that there is a place on earth that is that beautiful.

We started our 2 week adventure to Greece by upgrading to business class. We flew Olympic - business is their first class. It was WELL worth the extra money. Very attentive crew...made the 10 hours fly by. Definitely a very disorganized airline though - I'm used to being called by row - with them, it was a free for all.

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Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

We had one full day and 2 travel days in Athens...definitely more than enough time for us. We stayed at the Hilton...beautiful hotel, great accomodations, good location...and the view from our balcany was absolutely amazing (Acropolis at dawn):



Took a half hour flight to Santorini on our 3rd day in Greece...another thing I can say about Olympic - they have no concept of time. Of our 4 flights, not one departed on time.

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Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

We stayed at Katikies ...the service, food, views - absolutely 5 star all around. The pictures on their website...depict their hotel 100%. Absolutely stunning - breathtaking views.




From our veranda...


Where we ate breakfast every morning...


The Infinity pool...

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus HM Review

We thought we'd tour a few islands while there...but decided - after renting a 'car' for a few days - to just relax on Santorini. Katikies is located in Oia (pronounced Ee-a) - the northern tip of Santorini...and unquestionably, one of the most romantic places in the world. Outdoor cafes, restaurants, tavernas...cobblestone roads. We ventured into Fira a few times...saw 3 of the islands beaches...and spent the rest of the time doing this:


Perfect weather...the sun was hot, the air comfortable...chilly nights. They were experiencing unseasonable weather the first week we were in Greece...but the nights finally warmed up enough for me to wear some cute dresses & skirts.

The flight home was aggrivating...we weren't seated together and the farkwad sitting next to my husband REFUSED to switch with me. Whatever.

Was hard to leave...but it's always nice to be home...

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus Greece HM Review

WOW! Sounds like a wonderful day and the teaser photos you posted are beautiful! I can't wait to see your proofs. Thank you so much for sharing and congratulations!

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus Greece HM Review

Our favors were windchimes from Festivale ...we put them in pint sized Chinese take-out boxes, wrapped a ribbon around the middle and sealed it with the wax seal we used on the invitations.

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus Greece HM Review

Congratulations!

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus Greece HM Review

thanks for such a detailed review... you looked amazing!!!
congrats...

everything sounds so wonderful!!!

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus Greece HM Review

What a great review, sounds like you had a great wedding and HM!!! Congrats!!!!

Re: September 3rd Wedding Review at the Hamlet Wind Watch - Plus Greece HM Review

you looked stunning