My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

When past brides tell us what a blur the day becomes, they weren’t kidding! It’s over in a snap, so try to breath in every moment. And above all, do not separate from your husband for long periods of time! We made that promise to each other and within a minute of walking into CH, we were pulled apart. Sure, we got to spend time together but I got pulled away more than I would have liked.

Now…onto my review:

Mother Nature (A+)
I couldn’t have wished for a better day. The heat wave had broken a few days prior so it was sunny and in the mid-80s. Not a cloud in the sky! And even better….not humid. It was perfect for my outdoor ceremony.

Hair: Janine from Sorell (A+)
Janine has done my hair for every prom, sorority formal, fraternity formal, etc., so I knew I had nothing to worry about. She reviewed the shots we took at my hair trial and I told her some very minor changes I wanted. She worked her magic on me, making sure to stop every so often to make sure my hair was just as I wanted it. Perfecto! Hiring her was a no brainer.

Makeup: Tracy from Maximus (A+)
The only reason I went to Maximus was because of the free trial coupon Fortunoff gave me for registering there. Great marketing ploy! Well, I hired Tracy on the spot. She did a fantastic job. The only thing I didn’t like – and this is a reflection on Maximus, NOT Tracy – is that in addition for charging more because she came to my house (which I expected of course), they charge another fee to “release” her.

Fox Hollow (A to A-)
For the duration of the party, Fox Hollow was on the ball. I noticed a few small mistakes (ie – not placing the guest book where I asked) but it was nothing that anyone would notice, nor did it affect the outcome of my wedding. And when I pointed it out, the problem was fixed immediately. Karen was my maitre’d and I’m so happy I had her because she walked me through everything! I really needed some guidance because I got very nervous at the last minute. Naomi was my bridal attendant. She was good, but not great. I requested that she not let my MIL set foot in the bridal suite – many of you know of the problems my MIL has caused – and sure enough, MIL walked in.

What I didn’t like was how the party ended. At the stroke of 5, the centerpieces were being broken down, new ones were going up and a gray cart was rolled into the middle of the room with my things on it. When I asked to go back into the bridal suite to change, I was told that there was already another bride in there and was taken to another suite to change. Apparently, FIL also felt there were some problems with the presentation of some prawns on the (IMO) unnecessary seafood boat during CH. But when I spoke to the banquet manager the following day about how the party ended, the prawns came up and he (BM) said that he had strongly advised against serving cold prawns. So maybe the discontentment in presentation is not REALLY Fox Hollow’s fault. I’m not sure.

But on the subject of food, I’m told it was yummy. My stomach was hurting for most of the day unfortunately, so I really only had fruit and a piece of sushi. For my entrée, I chose the vegetarian option. Didn’t really eat much of that either, but that was because we barely had time to sit.

In the end, Fox Hollow is extending complimentary dinner to me & DH, my in-laws and my dad and future stepmom. We’re going there tomorrow night so I can eat all of the yummy things I missed at my wedding. I did however, go there for dinner months ago so I can already tell you from personal experience that the food is good.

Pedestals (A+)
My mouth dropped open when I saw my centerpieces. My chuppah was exactly what I dreamed it would be. The BM’s bouquets were beautiful and mine was REALLY heavy. Everything was perfect and now, almost three weeks later, I’m still getting compliments on the flowers. I worked with Rob – he’s fantastic and I highly recommend using him. At the last minute, he told me that he’d throw in flowers for the cake. I was expecting pink roses but he added orchards (which I love!) and some other flowers to it as well. That too, was perfect. They also have good prices.

Stan Wiest Orchestra (B)
Stan’s take on weddings is that it is all about us brides. He flat out told me that he doesn’t care who’s paying for it (because my MIL kept stressing that she should get what she wants because she’s paying half), no matter what the day is mine. And true to his word, when my MIL made a request for a special dance that he thought I wouldn’t like (he was right), he ran it by me first. He was also very good at helping her select a mother/son dance. He was easily accessible and helpful over the course of the year.

On the day itself, he arrived very early which set my mind at ease. If the song was in his repetoire, he did a great job. But I asked him to learn two songs for me and if I'd known they'd sound the way they did, I probably would've skipped over it. It was like he didn't care about learning them and one I might add, was my first dance song! The entire band never learned it so essentially, it was just him pinging it out on a piano. And I might add, he was off-key (I took voice lessons for years.) I asked to be announced as Robyn and Justin Fuchs but now that I've seen the tape, I noticed he just said "Robyn and Justin." Maybe I sound silly, but isn't the whole point of being announced because it's the first time you're husband and wife?

Clergy/Rabbi Scott Weiner (A-)
I got his name from the rabbi of a family friend. We met three times prior to my wedding which after comparing it to my other engaged friends, seems to be a lot. We also conversed several times through email and a few times over the phone. He’s very responsive. Given the unfortunate circumstances of my mother’s passing, I wasn’t sure how I’d want to handle the ceremony – I didn’t want her to be excluded but I also didn’t want it to be depressing. I made it very clear that I did not want any prayers for “those who cannot be with us today.” But he said that prayer anyway! I know it wasn’t done on purpose and surprisingly, I didn’t cry. I did however, get angry that he didn’t respect my one wish and I know my facial expression changed drastically. I’m certain that was caught on camera.

Photography & Videography/Sherwood Triart (A+)
When I arrived at Fox Hollow, my photographers were already there (early – I liked that!) They started snapping the moment I got out of the limo. We got our family/bridal party pictures done fairly quickly so DH and I didn’t miss much of CH. They got a lot of photos in beforehand! I found the photographers easily when I needed them, but never felt as though they were on top of me. They blended nicely. The posed shots seemed mechanical, but these guys know what they're doing...my photos are beautiful!!!! And this is before they start retouching things. I've got about 1,200 proofs. Sherwood girls, you've got nothing to worry about!!!!

They did a terrific job on the video, too. It's edited perfectly...so you feel like you saw the entire day but not to the point where you're bored watching people dance for an hour.

Bridal Gown/Priscilla of Boston (A+)
I originally worked with Dina, who never came back after her maternity leave which was a shame because I really liked her. At my first meeting, I showed magazine photos that caught my eye and explained what I did/did not want. Dina was very attentive and showed me lots of great stuff. Don’t be fooled by the lack of selection in view initially. They have lots of dresses hiding!

I found my dress – Olivia by Melissa Sweet – at my first visit there. This was the first store I visited. I wanted to look around a little more so we ended up going to two other shops that week. But when I had a dream about the Melissa Sweet dress I knew that was the one so we went back and bought it. My search was over in one week.

Bridesmaid Dresses/Bridal Reflections (B to B-)
They won for having the best price for the dress we picked. Plus, they have a great selection. However, they ordered the wrong size dress for one of my BM’s and that posed a problem…it was six sizes too big. So I guess attention to detail isn’t their specialty. Nor is flexibility…ladies who work 9-5, you will have difficulty getting in there for a fitting. They have one Saturday per month but you need to inquire; they will not volunteer that information. So my BM was rushed to get this fixed. Granted, they offered to rush another one but again, no attention to detail….my wedding was in three weeks so there wasn’t enough time to order another.

Tuxes/Men’s Warehouse (B-)
Men’s Warehouse is good convenience-wise because you can order your tux in one store and drop it off at another. We worked with Marcharette in Carle Place who was nice and helpful. However, DH’s pants were a little short the day of the wedding and although it wasn’t really noticeable, it made him very uncomfortable and as the groom, I think they should have paid extra special attention to him.

Invitations and Beyond (A+)
I cannot say enough great things about this store! This is a small family-owned shop in Oceanside but don’t be fooled by its size…they’ve got every single invitation book there. They had the best discount I could find and I found Jessica a pleasure to work with. She gave me ideas and suggestions on how to bring the price of the invite I liked down without having to select something completely different. The final product was beautiful! They also did our computer calligraphy – also looked great!

Royalty Limos (A+)
The driver was early to pick us up and the limo was immaculate. The driver was friendly and my dad got a good deal. If all you need is a pickup/drop-off you need to ask for it. You will not find a price listing for it anywhere, and they will not volunteer that option to you.

Deluxe Car Service (A+)
DH and I didn’t want to spend the money on a limo home the next day (we stayed at the Fox Hollow Inn) so we got a town car from Deluxe. The driver was early and very nice. We also used them to get to/from the airport.

Inn at Fox Hollow (A+)
We got a comp room, but I would recommend this place even if you’re paying full price. This is an all-suite hotel so the rooms are large. The bed was very comfy. I’m not a robe person, and I generally don’t find hotel robes to be all that wonderful but this one was SO soft. If I wore robes at home I would have bought it. The Inn also serves a complimentary breakfast buffet which is pretty good. Seating in the lounge is somewhat limited so DH and I went outside, where there was some additional seating. It was a nice and quiet atmosphere. We liked it a lot.

Feel free to FM me with any questions! I hope you found my review helpful!

XOXO
Robyn

Message edited 12/4/2006 3:28:35 PM.

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congratulations! Glad to hear your day went so smoothly. Can't wait to see pics.

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

congrats on your wedding. Thank you for sharing your review. Can't wait to see pics.

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congratulations! I'm glad you had a wonderful wedding day!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congrats!! Great Review!! Cant wait to see pictures!!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

excellent review! congratulations on a lovely day!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

great review!!!!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congratulations, I can't wait to see pictures!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

It sounds like such a beautiful wedding thanks for the review can't wait to see pictures

Message edited 12/5/2006 8:35:28 PM.

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

congratulations.

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congrats to a fellow Fox Hollow bride! Sounds like everything was perfect! Can't wait to see the pics!!!!!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congrats!!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congrats on your wedding!!!!!!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congrats on a wonderful wedding!!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

congrats, great review

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Great Review Congrats

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Great review! It sounds like your day was perfect. Can't wait to se pictures!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

congrats!!!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congrats!!!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

congrats... we want pics

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Congrats! I'm dying to see pics!

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

Great review! Very helpful for a fellow Fox Hollow bride.
My Fiance and I are working on getting a comped room the night of our wedding. When we booked our wedding they said we get a room there, but now no one knows anything about it. It was our understanding all couples get a comped room the night of the wedding. I saw you said your room was comped- did you have to do anything special to get this?

Re: My 8/6 Review: Fox Hollow, Pedestals, Stan Wiest Orchestra, Royalty Limos, Sherwood Triart, Priscilla of Boston, Bridal Reflections, Mens Warehouse, Deluxe Car Service, Inn at Fox Hollow and More!

great review.