Love_my_Freddybear
I love my Freddybear!!!
Member since 6/05 2015 total posts
Wedding Date:
12/3/2005 3:00 PM
Wed. Location:
**LARKFIELD MANOR**
|
MY CHRISTMAS WEDDING AT LARKFIELD MANOR 12/3/05 LINKS TO PICS AT BOTTOM &PICS ON PAGE 1 AND 2.
First and Foremost I would just like to say that we’ve had so many people tell us that having a big wedding seems nice, but when it’s all said and done, it’s really not worth it. That is by far, the worst advice we have ever heard!!! This whole experience was just as amazing as carrying my daughter for 9 months; it was filled with excitement and anticipation and best of all memories!! Fred and I had so much fun planning it and not once did we stress. It was enjoyable for us. You make a budget and you keep it. It doesn’t matter if your budget is $20,000 or $50,000, you can make it work!!! The outcome is priceless! And it’s all about making memories!!!
The morning of the wedding was wonderful. There was no stress or tension. I was with my daughter, mother, best friends and his sisters!!!! It almost felt like a big GTG. We were very relaxed; talking, laughing and reminiscing. Nobody rushed to do anything. I was as cool as a cucumber. I was getting ready to marry my true companion, what’s better than that??? It was the most incredible feeling in the world. I was filled head to toe with adrenaline. When the limo arrived, I thought I might be tense and nervous, but I was completely relaxed and excited!!!! When I got out of the limo, I walked into a private room in my church. I didn’t want to be distracted by anything. I just waited anxiously with my Mom until the limo driver pulled me out. I was still cool, calm and collected!!! I walked over to the doors, which are still closed and my Mother put the blusher over my face. Now, my heart finally starts racing. My Mom looks at me and says “Are you ready Ca?” “Let’s do this!!!!!” The doors opened and for the life of me, I don’t know what came over my body, but I lost it. I am by far NOT an emotional person. I don’t easily cry. It takes a lot to “move” me. But when those doors opened, I started shaking so heavily that Fred thought I wasn’t going to make it down the isle. I was so overwhelmed with happiness and joy. The feeling was so intense. I can’t even begin to describe it. Emotions just filled my body and I could hardly breathe. Funny thing was, I never cried. Only my breath was taken away and I shaking like a leaf on a tree. When I finally made it over to Fred, we just held each other so tight until the priest pulled us apart. It was beyond amazing! The feeling is totally indescribable.
Life will get hectic at times; it’s not always going to be peaches and cream. And that’s ok because as long as you have your love boat by your side, you’ll get through it. Always be kind to one another and don’t keep score. Love each other and respect each other. Don’t forget to communicate. None of us are perfect. When you think your life is rough, just remember someone out there has it much worse than you do. Always be there for one another. And last but definitely not least… May you always look at each other the way you did on your wedding day!!!! Lots of luck to all the future brides out there!!! Don’t lose focus on what this day is truly all about. Don’t stress with all the wedding planning, instead have fun with it!!!! It goes by really fast. You may not think so now, but you’ll soon be in my shoes writing your review!
AND SO HERE IT GOES…….
MOTHER NATURE –
How can I rate Mother Nature? Rain or shine, snow, sleet or hail, I was getting to that church and marrying my dream boat. Actually the weather was great; cold and sunny. It was December ……
RINGS-ELSA'S WEDDING RINGS/BANDS A+
Elsa was great. She totally made my ring they way I wanted it. The price was right. They do excellent work and their customer service was just as good. My over all experience there was positive and would recommend them to anyone. They deserve to be a LIW vendor.
CHURCH PROGRAMS (I’m only mentioning this because of the poem)
Staples
We bought the kit from Staples and used a catholic template. They came out good enough for me. Fred put an awesome Celtic monogram on the cover. We dedicated this poem to our deceased Grandparents.
Those we love remain with us,
For Love itself lives on.
Cherished memories never fade,
Because one loved is gone.
Those we love can never be
More than a thought apart,
For as long as there’s a memory,
They live on in our heart.
- Anonymous
WEDDING CENTERr A+
Commack, NY
We did a lot of business with the Wedding Center. At first I was skeptical because we left A LOT in their hands. I was worried that maybe we booked too many vendors with them and maybe I should have researched a little more and waited to book. However, they really surprised me. They were excellent. They did everything they said they were going to do, and we had no problems or bumps in the road. We got our invitations, flowers, Video, BM jewelry, Tuxes, favors, my dress, my veil and my tiara from them. I didn’t get my video back yet, but everything else was great. Everything came in on time and I had no problems with them what so ever! Our invitations came in almost immediately after we ordered them, and our favors were wrapped beautifully. Over all, they did an excellent job. The owner Bob can be a little “out there at times” but that was the least of my worries. ***The Wedding Center did NOT do any alterations for me, nor would I recommend them for that. I have heard only negative things so I decided to go elsewhere for alterations. If you order your dress there, even thought they are cheap, they DO NOT have a cap on wedding dress alterations. I was upset when I found out. Wished they told me before I bought the dress. I just assumed they offered a cap on alterations. Anyway, I have no regrets b/c my seamstress was a Goddess! That is the only negative thing I can say about the Wedding Center. Other than that, I really had a positive experience with them.
www.gownfind.com
PHYLISS LIMMER A+++++++
GOWNFIND
East Northport NY
This woman is amazing. She altered my wedding gown and all of my girls. My Mother bought her dress there and we bought all of our accessories there; shoes, pocketbooks, fur capes, undergarments etc. She is too reasonably priced if you ask me, but I wasn’t complaining. She does excellent work with alterations and makes gorgeous bustles!!! My bustle was beautiful. I can’t wait to go back to her when my daughter makes her communion. I already told her she is making my daughters dress. I felt as though she became more of a friend than a vendor. I absolutely loved her and was pleased with her work. I would recommend her to anyone.
LIMOS-MARK OF ELEGANCE- A+
Commack, NY
Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!! They were wonderful!!! Lisa and John (the drivers) were great. Lisa was with me every step of the way. She helped me with my dress and made sure it never touched the ground. She made sure everything was perfect at the church before we stepped out of the limo. My daughter was being stubborn right before she had to walk down the isle just like I knew she would. I honestly thought she wasn’t going to walk down, but Lisa had a talk with her, and whatever she said worked because my daughter happily walked down the isle. We were both very happy with them and felt they went above and beyond. The limos arrived on time, they were spotless and they had a full bar. Well done!!!
DJ - VARIETY MUSIC A+++++++++++++++++++
LIW Vendor
We were 100% satisfied with this vendor. We had Ray as the MC and Ray as the DJ. They were GREAT!!! Talk about crowd motivating!!! Our friends and families were up there dancing and singing on the Microphone! I can’t wait to see the video!!! I told Ray before hand what we liked and what we didn’t like. I gave him a play list, which had about 15 songs on it. And I left the rest up to him. They played everything I asked! Nothing was left out. And everything else he played was awesome!!!! He knew just what to do with the little information we gave him. He involved my me and my husband through out the night. They really helped make the night fun!!! My daughter had a ball; she was rocking the whole time!!! She loved all the props! She had to be the center of attention! It’s very important to have a great DJ; they can make or break your wedding! Although your center pieces make be breath taking, people won’t remember them. However, they will remember if they got up and shook their tail feathers. I totally recommend these guys! They have show cases all the time. Whomever you choose, totally do your research and don’t rush with your decision.
JEWLERY
Swarovski Crystal
Smith Haven Mall
My husband picked out my jewelry. He wanted something that I can wear again and not just for the wedding. He really loved it and so he bought it for me. I got a lot of compliments on it.
MAKE UP
Make up by Michele A+
I knew Michele because she did my girlfriends makeup when they got married. I liked her work and never thought of booking anyone else. She is extremely reasonable and I wasn’t going to spend crazy money for a makeup job. I know it’s my wedding day, but I’d rather spend my money on something else. IMO, makeup can only do so much. I still wanted to look like me. She gave me just the right amount of makeup that I needed for pictures. She is a pleasure to work with and she travels to you.
LIPSSTICK-
Mac A+ Longwear Lipclour
I am including my lipstick in my review because it really did wonders for me that night.
This lipstick not only lasted the whole night, it refused to come off the next day. I had to scrub it off. It wasn’t “cakey” at all. I made sure I bought a lipstick that was going to stay on me and not go on him!!! I didn’t want to be bothered re-applying my lipstick throughout the night either. Who wants to stop all the fun just to go re apply??? My lips were picture perfect all night long. Totally recommend it for your wedding day!!!
HAIR
Everyone’s hair was done by Fred’s Aunt Robin who lives in Florida. Love her!!! She was awesome, but no need for a review.
CHURCH- St Johns Nepopumcene, Bohemia
I can’t rate my church, it’s my church. It’s not the prettiest church by far. IMO, my priest was a little off that day, as if he suffered a stroke and just didn’t know it yet. Anyway, it’s my church; it’s where I grew up and made all my sacraments in. I wouldn’t have gotten married anywhere else.
FLOWERS- THE WEDDING CENTER- A+
I loved my flowers. I was actually very impressed. They were exactly what I had wanted; even better. They did an excellent job.
UNITY CANDLE– THE WEDDING CENTER
Every unity candle manufacturer sells them, but the Wedding Center had the cheapest price. On the candle it says “The circle of Love.” It has our names and the wedding date and then it has my daughters name underneath ours. We wanted to include her in the “lighting of the candle ceremony.” This was very important to us; after all the three of us are a family now. Let me tell you what a tear jerker that was for everyone. Forget about it! It was very emotional.
ALERT-SHUTTLE BUS
They were very reasonable with there prices. They were on time to bring our guests from the hotel to the reception and back again.
MARRIOT (ISLANDIA) – HOTEL
We got a very good price for a block of rooms. And our guests had no complaints.
BAG PIPER –PIPETUTOR (LIW Vendor)
Tim from Pipetutor was great. His price was right, not too high and not too cheap. The cheapest route is NOT always the best route to go. We spoke via e-mail and everything worked out.
DYI’s – I got the cake topper, swarovski crystals and glue on e-bay. I also did votive candle placement cards and we used waterslide decals instead of vellum paper. Fred wanted to use them. He said it would be easier than the vellum paper; no cutting and no taping. All you had to do was place the piece of paper in water for 30 seconds and it slides right off onto the votive. The votive candles came out great. I got the idea from Diana (Mrs_B) Even though they served the same purpose regular placement cards do, they looked elegant and enchanting. It was definitely a good look!!!!
VIDEO-WEDDING CENTER- N/A I don’t have my video yet to give an honest review. But this guy was on point and exactly where he had to be the entire night. It didn’t look like he missed anything.
PHOTOJOURNALIST -CARLOS A++++++++++++++
This man is insane! OMG, what he did NOT do on my wedding day. He was standing on top of garbage pails and climbing onto things just to catch a great picture! Everyone loved him, they kept saying “you’re photographer is no joke!” He was incredible, and so down to earth. LOVE HIM!!!! I only had a photojournalist. I had the option to have a traditional one too. I don’t know why I didn’t. I guess I thought Carlos would have been enough. If I can do it again, I would have had the two. But I am happy with the outcome of only the photojournalist. However, my advice to future brides is to definitely get both a traditional and photojournalist photographer. I love my pictures, because I am a fan of his work. He captured every moment for us. I have no regrets, he was awesome!!!
AND NOW FOR THE GRAND FINALE……..
MY 2 FAVORITE GUYS BESIDES MY FREDDYBEAR………..
GEORGE & HARRY OF THE LARKFIELD MANOR!!!!!!!!!!
A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Fred and I can’t say enough about these guys!!!! First of all, I’m very realistic and I wasn’t expecting to have “a perfect wedding” Nothing is perfect. I just wanted to be happy. And even though I absolutely loved Larkfield Manor, I still didn't expect perfection. Well…. Holy Strawberry Banana Batman, my reception was with out a doubt FLAWLESS! Total perfection!!! From the moment we booked the hall until the end of the wedding night, it was nothing but smiles, hugs and handshakes with Harry and George of the Larkfield Manor. They were incredibly wonderful to work with. I still don’t know how they got every little detail right, but then again it’s their job and they make sure they get everything right!!!! They arranged all my DYI’s just the way I asked, nothing was wrong or out of place!!!! I couldn’t stop hugging George the entire night! Every time I saw him, I wanted to hug him. The food was incredible! I can’t even begin to tell you how delicious it was. We couldn’t eat as much as we wanted to, but George gave us all 7 dinner entrees to take home and enjoy. Before cocktail hour even started, George pulled us into the room so we can see how it was set up and displayed. There was food for days!!! Every last thing they said they were going to do for us, they did. They didn’t miss a trick. Our guests were well taken care of. And then right before our guests went into the reception room, George made sure we got to see the room first. It was just the two of us in the room. We began to slow dance; the moment was magical. George and Harry mean what they say and say what they mean and that’s what I love most about them!!!!! The whole staff was great, including the bridal attendants. They were our little shadows. They were all awesome to my daughter, anything she needed, she got! I just can’t say enough about this place. They totally went above and beyond, to say the least!!! They have been wonderful and accommodating since day one. Anyone who has there reception at LM is going to have their guests talking for days. My family and friends still haven’t shut up. They have never seen a cocktail hour so big and with so much food!!! Forget about it!!! My family is Italian so they all love to eat. And believe me, they know good food!!! They have all been to other catering halls, but still, they couldn’t get over the amount of food there was. And not only the quantity, but they couldn’t get over how delicious. They were just so impressed with everything!!!! And that made Fred and I feel really good.
My wedding cake was out of this world. I brought in a picture and they made the exact replica of it. I had mini Viennese trays for my guests; cookies, pasties and fresh fruit, but as gift, Harry and George surprised us with a chocolate fountain!!!!! I can go on and on about how much I love and am so grateful for the Larkfield Manor!!!!! There is not one thing I could complain about, not even remotely close. Everything was perfect!!! When the night was over, all my stuff was packed up and put away for me. I didn’t have to lift one finger to do anything. We were treated like family and we always felt special. I never felt the “Dec. 3rd Bride.” They were very personable with us; we were never treated like a number. All they wanted was for us to be happy and to remember this day for the rest of our lives!!! !!! George and Harry only took over the Larkfield Manor less than a year ago and already they have done so much with it. It looks totally different. It’s all new and beautifully renovated. The food is better than ever and the service is dynamite. They are soon going to have everyone ranting and raving about this place!!! I am so grateful for them and all that they’ve done for me and my Freddybear!!!!
Future Brides, trust me, just go check this place out. You have nothing to lose!!!!!!!!!!!
…And that’s my review!!!
Pictures
Message edited 3/3/2006 10:58:24 PM.
|
