The Brides' Review - NOW WITH PICS....My 11/13 NRC wedding...Silverfox, LA Blossom, Atlantis and more..!

MrsBrad Posted: Feb 05, 2005 12:04 PM+

MrsBrad MEMBER SINCE: 2/04 TOTAL POSTS : 1950 WEDDING DATE: Nov 13, 2004

Posted: Feb 05, 2005 12:04 PM

NOW WITH PICS....My 11/13 NRC wedding...Silverfox, LA Blossom, Atlantis and more..!

Rehearsal Dinner

Sans Soucci - B+
The food and service were good and the room was the perfect size for our “small” rehearsal dinner of 50 people. My only concern is that Nargis, the BM, told my MIL that she was going to charge us for 10 extra plates because she has 60 orders, however after we counted the ppl in the room 3 times we were certain there were only 50 people there. After a lot of confusion and frustration, she realized that her waiters put in double orders and messed up. Also, Nargis continued to remind my MIL that her tip was no included in the gratuity – I think I her tell her this at least twice and she also kept asking me why we chose the NRC and not Sans Soucci. In all, I was annoyed with the BM but everyone else had a wonderful time and was very impressed by the place.

Ceremony

Glen Head Gospel Meeting House – A+
Our ceremony was amazing and it was perfect. The chapel was recently renovated and it looks wonderful great, especially with our decorations. Brad’s father officianted the ceremony (his first time) and he did a wonderful job!! A+++ for my FIL!!

Details, Details, Details

Day-Planner
LA Productions – A+++
Laura and Jill, her assistant were AMAZING! Everyone told me I was crazy for hiring a day planner because we have a bridal attendant and BM at the reception hall. But I cannot tell you what a comfort it was to have them there, esp. being and out of town bride. From the moment Laura walked in the door whenever something went wrong I could say – go tell Laura. It was so nice. Even when we had a mishap with our limos (see below) they immediately got on their cell phones and handled the situation without getting me and DH too involved. I cannot recommend Laura and Jill enough. They are sooo great!

Makeup
Angel Eyes - A
Denise was great. She showed up on time and did a beautiful job on my makeup and the makeup of my sister, bm and mother. I knew from the moment I booked her that I would have nothing to worry about, I felt gorgeous all day!

Dresses
Jinny’s Bridals (Huntington Beach, CA) – B
I bought my dress from Jinny’s because it was $400 cheaper than any other salon. However, when I ordered my dress in January they said it would be no problem to keep my dress until alterations but when it came in May (months before alterations) they made me take it home because they said their lights turn all the dresses yellow (that sounded stupid to me). They also handled the dresses for my Cali bridesmaids and they were also calling the girls to ask them the same question and they were always disorganized. In all, they get a B cause the price was right but they did cause a lot of unnecessary headaches onmy end.

Bridal Reflections – A
My NY bridesmaids all bought their dresses from bridal reflections. Although I didn’t deal with them directly – no one complained and they all looked beautiful. BR even pressed my dress after I shipped it too NY and it was sooooo wrinkled. They did a wonderful job.

Bridal Perfections (Redondo Beach, CA) – A-
Nadine works out of her home and did a wonderful job on my alterations. My only complaint it that she charged me about $50 more that we initially discussed and I didn’t realize until it was too late.

Veil
Barons (Tri-County) – A
I was VERY worried about getting my veil from Tri-County, but for $75 they created exactly what a wanted – a two-tiered chapel and finger length veil. The chapel length could be removed after the ceremony and it looked great (ps this is a great idea for those of you who want long veils, I cannot even tell you how many ppl stepped on my veil during the first half of the day – it was REALLY annoying)

Tuxedos
Men's Warehouse (Carle Place, NY; Marina del Rey, CA; Seattle, Wa; Folsom, CA) – B
The service all around was great, we were please with out selection and the guys looked great in their tuxes. However, for some reason everyone who was measured at the Carle Place location had problems with their tuxedos. My grandfather tried on his tux and the pants were more like shorts with the hems resting below his knees. Almost everyone’s tuxes was way too short. BUT, everyone’s tux was altered in time for the wedding and in the end everyone looked great.

Shoes
Lillettes (Glen Cove) – A+
The seamstress at this small bridal shop in Glen Cove designed and made my grandmother’s dress and she did a AMAZING job. She also dyed all the girls shoes and we were all impressed in how much effort she put forth to match the colors exactly! I was very happy with Lillettes.

Flowers
LA Blossom – A-
I am so upset that I cannot give Laurie and A++++ because she is amazing! From the moment I booked her, she was always available to talk to, to discuss any ideas I had (even if they weren’t related to flowers). She dealt with my endless array of questions and concerns and she was/IS fabulous. The ceremony decorations she did were so beautiful – I think everyone was blown away with what she did. Also the bouquets were really pretty and the colors of the roses were vibrant – they were exactly what I wanted. The only reason I am giving her an A- is because, unfortunately, the centerpieces were not exactly correct. When we did the centerpiece trials, my fiancé didn’t like the vases Laurie chose and neither did I. I was really pleased with the alternative that she had shown us and we agreed to use those in the final product. However, when I got to the hall all the CPs were in the original vase and I was pretty upset. In the end, no one noticed it besides me and Brad, but I was disappointed. I later found out that the vases were discontinued and I was so glad that it was a genuine problem and not something Laurie could have controlled. But, because I didn't know about it ahead of time I still have to give her an A-.

Also, the flowers just looked amazing all the pics. The colors were so vibrant (just what I wanted) and the stems were decorated beautiful.

Everyone should use LA Blossom, Laurie was WONDERFUL – she was so creative and helpful – definitely recommended!

DJ
High Voltage Sounds – A
Vinnie was great. He played exactly what I asked and was good about making sure I approved all requests as I asked him too. Everyone had a great time and I definitely recommend him!

Photographer
Silverfox – A/A+++
Don and Leah did a great job. I have approx. 2000 proofs and all the shots are gorgeous. I am particularly glad that we got the photojournalist because Leah did a fantastic job at capturing everyone’s personality. They captured moments that I would have never remembered. Please look at Silverfox, they rock!

Limosines
Atlantis Limos – D+

I DO NOT recommend this company. I had heard bad reviews about them before and now I know why. We ordered 1 hummer limo for the bridal party and 1 CTS Cadillac for myself. When they showed up we had the hummer and a Lincoln. I didn’t notice at first cause I as too busy thinking about getting married, but my DH sure did and he was furious. He really wanted the CTS for pictures. Laura, LA Productions, and her assistant immediately began calling the office to find out the deal and they consistently gave her the run around, putting her on hold and refusing to talk to her. On top of that, there were no drinks in my limo (the ugly Lincoln) and the limo guys did not come prepared with directions and kept getting lost – the bridal party had to direct them, and frankly that’s their job! At the end of the night one of the drivers picked us up in an UGLY and falling apart car which smelled. He acted as if he didn’t know we got the wrong limo even though he is the guy that Laura spoke to that morning, the same guy that kept putting her on hold and ignoring the call.

The only reason they are not getting an F is because the Hummer limo was really nice looking.

Reception Site
North Ritz Club- A+

The NRC was perfect. George and the the Bridal attendant were very attentive and they made sure I was always comfortable. I worked with them to make things a certain way and they were great, they even let me get my chocolate wedding cake which was really important to me! The day of the wedding the room looked gorgeous and the food was amazing! DH really wanted to go to the cocktail hour, so we went down and I got to taste a little and the food was so good! We even ate during the reception and I was so impressed. The only thing I didn't get to taste was the cake & desserts but I hear it was good. In all, there is NOTHING bad that I can say about NRC. DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED!

MrsBrad Posted: Feb 05, 2005 12:09 PM+

MrsBrad MEMBER SINCE: 2/04 TOTAL POSTS : 1950 WEDDING DATE: Nov 13, 2004

Posted: Feb 05, 2005 12:09 PM

Re: My 11/13 NRC wedding...Silverfox, LA Blossom, Atlantis and more..!

Misc. Accessories
Ebay, Ebay, Ebay – A++

As some of you may remember, I was recently interviewed for a book called “How to Plan a Fabulous Wedding on Ebay.” Ebay rocks! I purchased my votive candles, my candy buffet jars, my programs, my ring bearer pillow, the flower girl dress, the scavenger hunt cameras, Brad's wedding ring, my bridesmaid and flowergirl gifts and so much more on ebay. Doing this saved me about $1000 dollars. I highly recommend Ebay!

Travel Agent
Celebrate-travel.com – B+

These agents were really thorough and they planned a great honeymoon for us at a great price. I recommend them. The only reason the are getting a B+ instead of an A is because I didn’t think all the activities we booked were necessary. Some of them were cheesy.

Okay, now time post pics….

MrsBrad Posted: Feb 05, 2005 12:19 PM+

MrsBrad MEMBER SINCE: 2/04 TOTAL POSTS : 1950 WEDDING DATE: Nov 13, 2004

Posted: Feb 05, 2005 12:19 PM

Re: My 11/13 NRC wedding...Silverfox, LA Blossom, Atlantis and more..!

gNi1125 Posted: Feb 05, 2005 08:26 PM+

gNi1125 MEMBER SINCE: 1/05 TOTAL POSTS : 6238 WEDDING DATE: Jun 04, 2006

Posted: Feb 05, 2005 08:26 PM

Re: My 11/13 NRC wedding...Silverfox, LA Blossom, Atlantis and more..!

Congrats!!!

jesslangen Posted: Feb 05, 2005 11:20 PM+

jesslangen MEMBER SINCE: 9/04 TOTAL POSTS : 3156 WEDDING DATE: Sep 17, 2005

Posted: Feb 05, 2005 11:20 PM

Re: My 11/13 NRC wedding...Silverfox, LA Blossom, Atlantis and more..!

Congrats!! Sounds like everything went smoothly (exactly what I'm hoping for!)

Can't wait to see pics!

allure Posted: Feb 05, 2005 11:55 PM+

allure MEMBER SINCE: 12/02 TOTAL POSTS : 14367 WEDDING DATE: Jan 16, 2011

Posted: Feb 05, 2005 11:55 PM

Re: My 11/13 NRC wedding...Silverfox, LA Blossom, Atlantis and more..!

Congrats

Where are the pics!!!!!!!!

BCTM33 Posted: Feb 05, 2005 11:59 PM+

BCTM33 MEMBER SINCE: 2/04 TOTAL POSTS : 2139 WEDDING DATE: Oct 29, 2004

Posted: Feb 05, 2005 11:59 PM

Re: My 11/13 NRC wedding...Silverfox, LA Blossom, Atlantis and more..!

Lea!!!!!! I've been waiting for your review for so long! Where are the pictures???? I hope married life is treating you very well. I'm so happy to hear most things went well. I had a problem with our limos as well, but no day is completely perfect I guess....

Pleas post pics soon!