11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

For all the plannig I did, I never could have imagined my day being as special as it was...I laughed all the way down the isle, and when I finally saw my waiting husband to be at th altar, nothing else mattered. Thank goodness for pictures, cause I am able to relive so much of the day, see things that I hardly noticed!

My review is only my experience, keep it in mind when reading it –also, I will try and add things I learned along the way to hopefully make someone elses experience a little easier. Please feel free to ask any questions!

LIW: A
Although I didn't post as much as some, I was still on everday scavenging for ideas, reading advice and following the stories... and when I did post, I was always given much support -so thank you!

Save the Date and Invitation:
This was a DIY project -I am a graphic designer so I was really into creating something unique. I didn't find this to be a cost or time saving project but I think our invites came out great -I got all my supplies at Paper Presentations ( 23 W. 18th Street, NY, NY 10011 -212.463.7035 www.paperpresentation.com) -they have everything you need to create an amazing invite -everything! I printed the whole thing on my epson printer. And a trick I learned along the way: I did the calligraphy myself by copying over adresses that I printed on each envelope very lightly -evereyone commented on it!


Other DIY's:
Wow, looking back I got really into putting my own touches on the day -I also ended up designing my programs, table numbers, seating cards and guest book/wish bowl. I got lots of inspiration from liweddings.com, martha steward, kvetch.indiebride.com, weddingbee.com. Ebay was a godsend, and believe it or not, I actually ordered acorns and pinecones on there!

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Wedding Gown
Private Lable by G. Actually, funny story –it must have been a popular a gown in 2006, because my date and hall twin (like literally we had our weddings at the same time) had the same exact one, though I am not sure if she knew it. I saw her post a picture after her fitting and nearly had a heart attak. I was a wreck that we’d run into each other in the lobby, and to top if off she was really skinny –ack! But it goes to show you how efficient these catering halls are –I never even saw her guest let alone her –crisis averted.

Bridal Suite of Bayshore:
www.bridalsuiteofbayshore.com
My sales person was Karen, and she was a sweet heart. The store has a HUGE selection, in all sizes. I used their seamstress who did a fine job, though wasn't the warmest woman in the world. They capped my alteration cost, yet I went way over cause they don't include the bustle in that cost -and mine had 13 points, it really added up! I bought my veil here too, and was so overwhelmed that I wasn't paying attention to cost and spent WAY too much -live and learn. If using this store I highly recommend going in the middle of the week, you will get much better individualized attention.

Maid of Honor Dress
Paradise Bridal: A
44 West Main Street
Patchogue, NY
631.654.5020
This was a bill levkoff dress, totally flattering and a good price. Paradise Bridal -lots of dresses, and hands off non pushy sales people. The dress arrived on time, no problems. We used their seamestress who did a great job. Great store.

Mother of the Bride Dress
Angels Bridals, East Islip
www.angelbridal.com A+
If I had to do it over again, I would have bought all my dresses at this store. It’s a little store that doesn’t seem big, but its amazing what they cram into the place. The staff is sincere and knowledgable, and just really goes above and beyond. –My mom has a really hard time finding things she likes –these people made her feel and look like a million bucks –they know body types and whats going to work on each kind –my favorite saying from rosemary, the woman who helped my mom –“hey, hangers don’t have boobs, try the dress on and then judge it!” And of course she was right, cause things that my mother was dismissing on a hanger looked amazing on her. Really positive experience.


Groom Suit
Century 21, New York, NY - A
www.c21stores.com
DH wanted a brown suit, and it was a pain to find one! He finally found two that he loved, one was Hugo Boss, the other Ted Baker, both were $$$$$. As much as he loved these suits, he just could not bring himself to spend so much. His stubborness paid off becuase we walked into Century 21 randomly and there was the Ted Baker suit, selling for $250.00! It was fate! He looked and felt amazing in that suit...

Jewlery and Hair Comb
Store in the accessories District, 7th ave, 35th -40th streets. -A+
I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on jewelery, not did I have a definite idea of what I wanted. The accessories district was the perfect place to shop –tons to choose from all at wholesale prices. Would also be a great area to find really nice but inexpensive bridal party gifts.

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Flowers
Perfect Rose Florist
212 Main Street, East Islip, NY
631.581.0446
Amazing! The store is run by two young girls, who have the energy, ideas and
drive that will make any wedding truly special. I worked with Jen and Tina, they were superb. At our initial meeting we talked about my colors, what flowers fit them, which were in season and which would be cost effictive. I had brought pictures with me, and they were able to take all the ideas and fuse them into a gorgeous arrangement. I mean, I had willow brances and granny smith apples in my centerpiecs, and acors boutenniers -loved them! The flowers speak for themselves, they were delived on time, bright and crisp! I couldn't have been happier with their service -and all of this was for an insanly low price tag.

Photography
Perceptions Photography: A-
www.perceptionsphoto.com
I used Anthony Vazquez for my portraits and Lisa for my reception - They both caught some great moments. There was some confusion the day before the wedding which could have beene resolved with some better communication on their part –but all was resolved before my wedding day. They were extremely receptive to my thoughts regarding the matter, and as a result I think some of the issues I had will not be issues for anyone else. My proofs are gorgeous and plentiful –Perceptions gives you physical proofs as well as all the images posted online that I could send my guest (they could also order themselves prints online if they wished). I can’t wait to make my album!


M a k e u p
Podspa –Erica- A
Since my trial with Erica, I had ease of mind knowing that my makeup was going to look great on my wedding day! She took so much time at my trial to try different ideas and colors to hone in on that perfect look –she took pictures and notes, and it was set. We also talked about how to manage my skin leading up to the big day –all her suggestions resulted in blemish free skin, impressive considering the stress. When she showed up to my house ontime on my wedding day, she was ready to recreate that perfect look, and she did. Erica was a vendor that really went above and beyond, taking the time to ensure I would feel gorgeous on my wedding day, cause I did!

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

R e c e p t i o n –day of A / afterwards F
Fox Hollow /Winter Garden Pavillion
From the moment I first saw the FH, both DH and I knew it was the place. We were having a fall wedding, and with its roaring rustic charm and abundant menu we knew it was the place. We were also going to have our ceremony on site, and we liked both the outdoor garden and chapel.

Our day was bright and clear, but COLD! So we ended up having the indoor ceremony - The flowers and décor are supplied by FH for your ceremony, and I have to say that I was greatly impressed –I think it would have cost us a bit if we had to provide them ourselves. There was tulle down the isles, and gorgeous mixes of ivory flowers along the altar and isle. The room was light filled, and beautful. I had a lot of out of town guest that I was concerned with getting around long island, so having everything in one place was a huge bonus. And afterwards my guest were able to walk across the hall to the rose hunt room for coctail hour.

The Rose Hunt room had the perfect vibe for the coctail hour –dark wood, with a roaring fire place. The bartenders worked fast, and my guest were really impressed. The rose hunt room has a grand piano, and I called the fox hollow to see if I hired a pianist could they play…. The answer was yes, and they suggested the man who plays there during the week –it created a great ambiance. The food was plentiful, well stocked and displayed very nicely. Like I mentioned I had a lot of out of town guest who are not used to NY weddings, they didn’t realize there was a dinner afterwards, and were totally full after the cocktail hour!

We had our reception in the winter garden pavillion, which is a stunning room with high glass ceilings. I had a daytime wedding and was concerned that the room would feel like daytime, and people wouldn’t let loose and really party –untrue! Even though the room was bright, people were totally unihibited.. And for anyone planning ahead, I had my wedding a week after daylight savings time, so it got dark by 4:30, so half my reception felt like it was at night, a great effect. By the end of thee night everyone was on the dance floor! The waitstaff was very good, although some of them looked like they were 14! For the bride and groom they made us plates with all the different dishes offered, so we tasted everything –all was delicious.

Another thing about the WGP is that the room is set up a bit strangely with the dance floor being one one side of the room, and the sweet heart table all the way at the other. I came up with a good idea for seating arrangements –I put our families and older people at the tables along the dance floor as opposed to being by us so they could easily see the first dance, the cake cutting and such. It worked out great –all the younger people were mostly on the dance floor all night.

My Matr’d was Joe, and my bridal attendant was Yvonna –both were AMAZINGThere are always going to be little situtations that occur at such an orchestrated event, and it really helps when the person running the show is calm and efficient. Joe was a great Matr’d –he wore an earpiece and was constantly in touch with his staff, and one step ahead. While I was waiting in the bridal suite, he kept me abreast on guest arriving and how the groom was doing. When my clergy was running late, he came to tell me but said that he talked to him, knew where he was and had an ETA. Before my guest were allowed into the reception, he brought my husband and I down for a walk though to make sure all was set up and to our liking…Yvonna shadowed me the entire day, making sure I had everything I needed, and I was where I was supposed to be –great service offered.

I had a problem with the FH after the wedding which hasn’t left me as warm and fuzzy –I had a digital camera stolen from the bridal suite. I was told if it didn’t turn up that it would be taken care of. After months of being avoided, I was finally told that it was not in their policy to do so. The situaion remains unresolved. So, please clarify what their policy regarding such is in writing, and don’t leave anything unattended even though its under lock and key.

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Clergy
Father Paul Mayer –A+
www.revpaulmayer.com
I found Father Paul through a friend who said he would perform a where everyone would listen and feel like part of it –and that’s what happened. I can’t tell you how many compliments we got on it, and it was all father paul.

Ceremony Music-B+
Classical Chamberlin Ensembles
http://www.classicalchamberlinensembles.com/
I wanted musicians to play my ceremony, but only had a small budget to a lot to the cause –Sara from Classical Chamberlin Ensemble suggested only using a celloist and flutist therefore saving on more musicians. The two instruments sounded beautiful and full together. Sara was really easy to work with, suggesting various symphonies. She insisted on getting paid in cash the day of, which resulted in a bit of confusion as my brother had more than enough envelopes to handle –but that was the only hassle.


Cocktail Hour Musician
Steve Tuchman, pianist -A
516.489.7625
He played the piano for my cocktail hour –it was a really “classy” touch. Easy to work with, hardly required any direction.

D J
Vinny from High Voltage –A+
http://highvoltagesounds.com/
He may be the most relaxed guy on the planet! He got the party going, and kept it going… Vinny was really easy to work with especially considering we had a lot of obscure song request, he made them all happen, and at appropriate times. I’ve already recommended him to people and will continue to do so! Great value for such wonderful service.

F a v o r s
http://sweetelement.com A
I was doing a donation to a boston terrier rescue org, but wanted something to accompany the donation card. After searching high and low to find something perfect, I found sweet element. I explained what I wanted, which was a chocolate boston terrier…after some sketches, she came up with a boston terrier truffle –complete with their trade mark big ears and a white chocolate strip down its snoot –it was adorable, and as delicious.

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

A f t e r p a r t y
Fox Hollow Inn: Day of A/Before hand D
I had booked my after party when I booked my reception hall –more than a year before my actual wedding date. Overtime, management changed hands, and the Fox Hollow Inn they were no longer going to have after parties. Two weeks after my invitations went out, with info about the after party –the new social director at the Inn called me to say that although they would honor the agreement to allow me to have my afterparty, they wouldn’t allow me to serve alcohol. I was having a daytime wedding, and part of that decision was based on the ability to keep the party going, and not having my guest put themselves in danger by driving to another location… I had a contract, and I fought to make them honor it. Many phone calls, and finally signing a waiver stating I would take full responsibility for my guest I had a new contract allowing me to serve alcohol at my after party. I’m glad I fought hard, and won –it was really fun and worth it.


N i g h t o f w e d d i n g H o t e l
Fox Hollow Inn: B-
It’s a gorgeous hotel, and you can’t beat the location, but its really overpriced. We paid extra money to have a “honeymoon suite” and it was a normal room with champagne in it… The “free” breakfast isn’t really free, as if you have more than two people in a room, you are charged an extra 15$ per person to covere their breakfast. There is no hotel bar, so guest who wanted to stay up and talk had to do so in each others rooms. Theres’s an excutive inn down the block, that offers a restaurant and a shuttle service for a whole lot cheaper. I would have blocked rooms there if I knew.

H o n e y m o o n -AAAA++++
St. John
http://www.villascaribe.com/
We rented a Villa through http://www.villascaribe.com/ and it was an amazing experience. We went during honeymoon season, which was a gamble that paid off… cheaper airfare and visitor rates, less crowded and perfect weather! It was in the 90’s everyday, and our villa had its own pool and hot tub. I had never rented a house for vacation, but it was a really affordable private alternative to vacationing.

Bachloretty Party
Tiki Bar, Lucky Chengs and Route 85A
Awsome time, totally recommended places to hit for a fun night out!

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

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Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Congrats!!!!Glad you had a great day!
I love your flowers & invites...they are both beautiful!
I am having a fall theme wedding as well!!

Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Great review and i love the pictures!!!

Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Congratulations!! Your pictures are beautiful! The photograher did a great job. Sorry about your issues with your reception hall after the wedding.

Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Awesome Review!!!
I love your pics, you looked amazing, love all the details!!!

Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Great review....beautiful pics. thanks!

Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Beautiful review! Best wishes!

Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Great review Beth!! I was hoping you'd post one.. wanted to see how Perfect Rose turned out!! THANKS!!

Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Melissa -Perfect Rose really was one of the best vendors I had -everyone loved the flowers, and were fighting for centerpieces at the end. They delivered flowers to three different locations, all on time, very smooth. You've got nothing to worry about! (they even put together the cake topper, and decorated the cake -came out so pretty!)

Re: 11/4/06 –With Pics: Review of Fox Hollow, High Voltage, Pod Spa, Perfect Rose, Perceptions Photography and more!

Congrats date/hall/dress twin!!!! (you have suuuch good taste!!) I think its so funny that we both had our dogs as our table numbers (I will try to post pics!) Your wedding looked beautiful!!!!