My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- THANK YOU CARD PROOF Added Pg2 UPDATED WITH MORE PICS Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

LIWeddings/NYCityWeddings-

Thank you Ron and Liz, this site is an excellent resource for wedding information. I gained a wealth of knowledge WR and NWR (some life lessons) from this forum; I incorporated many great ideas from this site into my wedding ( I have to admit some I have never heard of before this site) but it made my wedding that much more special.

As brides we tend to have a lot to say about our weddings and many people around us are just not interested but this is a website that you can vent about WR and NWR stuff, get answers to some silly and some not so silly questions and basically talk “wedding” 24/7 and I can’t forget you make new friends along the way, Ron and Liz thanks again for providing such a conduit.

With that said I would like to thank Christine (my DOC) before hiring her as my DOC she was always very helpful, Kathryn (Hampton’s Bride) thank you, you are a very sweet person and I would love the opportunity to meet you. Sabrina (missgwife) you and Gary are great friends of ours now and last but not least Melaine (werock) Tim and I are happy to have you in our lives.

Now onto my Review (some may be long)


Mother Nature: A+++++

The 10-day forecast called for isolated thunderstorms throughout the day, I got a little worried and then decided to change my focus, as I have no control over the weather. I started to think about all the nice umbrella shots I will take. On Sunday when I woke up it was nothing of the sort the sun was shining, I got my outside pictures and it never rained until at night while everyone was at the reception. We got best of both worlds, because we got to take our outside pictures and it rained on our wedding day, which is considered good luck and blessings – according to tradition.

El Caribe Caterers: A+++++

The hall choice was DH’s pick he wanted to keep it all in Brooklyn, I have to admit it was the best investment for my wedding. We met with Phil and from the start he was very attentive I really did not have much contact with him until ‘07 ( I booked them back in July ‘05) as my wedding day approach I called him with several questions and he took the time to answer each question and my every detail I wanted he was able to do. My sister had signature drink menus made up and Phil ensured that all the ingredients to make each drink were available at the bars. Phil also waited around for DH and my arrival as he had a surprise for us, he illuminated the bar with a blue light and he had those fountains turning with blue pina coladas (I was so happy). Terrance was our Banquet Manager and did everything in his power to ensure everything was perfect and that it was; DH and I glasses were never empty and neither were any of our guests, the cocktail hour was elaborate they even have blue and fuchsia (my accenting color) ice sculptures in the cocktail hour. Dinner was amazing and to top the night the Viennese hour our guests still can’t stop talking about it- they had amazing flaming displays and the variety of food (popcorn, snow cones, waffles, eggs, a tree that held shots of Grand Marnier just to name a few), El Caribe provided us with personalized menus, matches, cocktail napkins and the ambiance the place was just perfect. The El Caribe is one of Brooklyn’s finest gems, their service is impeccable, and my wedding day was truly an affair to remember- Thank you Phil and Terrance.









DOC- Christine- Exquisite Affairs Productions A+++++ (LONG)

When I announced my engagement, one of my aunts told me that I should hire a coordinator, she told me “You can’t do it all and you need that shield.” I am very happy I listened, you need that DOC to ensure all goes well, to ensure everything that you planned is in place and to iron out all the kinks and no wedding day is without kinks. A DOC was the second best investment for my wedding day (the hall was the first). I got to enjoy my day without the stress and worries of what went wrong.

I had never met Christine but via FMs had asked her questions and she was always quite helpful, when I heard she went into business I contacted her immediately (1) to congratulate her and (2) to hire her for my wedding. I had two meetings with Christine the first she went over her packages and services I booked her on the spot (but IMO she provided more services to me that the package I picked), she really had herself together (like she been in business for 10+ years) and her personality was just amazing, I was impressed. The final meeting we met for three hours maybe more and not once did I feel rushed she sat there patiently going over detail after detail with me. On the day of my wedding Christine was like superwoman, she arrived on time, ensured that I ate breakfast and drank lots of water. She went to the church a little before I did, took the guys boutonnieres and MOG corsage and pinned them all at the church. DH told me after that someone had walked on my aisle runner and ripped it but by the time I got to the church it was all fixed up I did not even notice Christine had taken care of it. After the ceremony, we went to take pictures she went to the hall to make sure things were perfect. When I arrived at the hall Christine took me to my bridal suite and helped my sister bustle me up, my sister could not remember how to bustle me up (we were doing shots all day) Christine did all she could even brought out a kit with some huge safety pins and pinned up the rest (the pins did not even show).

Although I hired Christine for my DOC, I asked her questions throughout the remaining portion of my planning process and she was always prompt to get back to me, she even answered once from her vacation. Family members even commented on Christine’s professionalism and how much she was on top of things. I honestly feel I could not have hired a better woman for the job. Anyone looking for a DOC Christine is the way to go and if you are already booked with her you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Flower Michele- A+++++ (I don’t think this is doing justice)

What can I say, my flowers were beautiful, creative, unique, breathtaking John is truly talented, I thought my sample was beautiful but the flowers on the day of surpassed my expectations.

Before meeting with John, I met with one other florist; their personality did not grab me as John’s did. From them, I got the feeling like they were trying to talk over my head throwing out names of flowers that I really had no clue about, next stop was Flower Michele for me and I never left. John is amazing at what he does (let me not say that-he took some really great pictures of my ceremony as well so he’s great a photographer as well). John has a great personality for his business, he sat with me and helped me plan my flowers out and he was very patient (the only thing I knew was how I wanted my bridal BoK I had a picture from a magazine) the rest of flowers I had no clue, he had me bring in a swatch from my girl’s dresses and the rest was all him. By my wedding I was an expert in the types of flowers and what seasons they bloom just because of John. Phil and Terrance my banquet manager even complimented me on how beautiful my flowers were. John’s personality is amazing and it shines though his stunning floral arrangements. I am extremely proud to be on the Flower Michele bandwagon, another vendor that poses no worries on your wedding day.







The very handsome and infamous John from Flower Michele & I:



Ultimate Sound DJs –A+++++ (LONG)
DJ- Raphael, MC-Janera, Percussionist- Heraldo

Music was an important aspect to DH and myself. We wanted a DJ who was able to give us a vast array of music to include some really good Caribbean music. With this in mind we met with three other DJs before booking Ultimate Sound DJs. Two of the three DJs came to my house and one showed footage on his Treo of himself at work at a reception, it got better the other had a portable DVD player of footage of himself at a reception and third we went to his house and he basically spoke about how well he can play at our reception. DH was still not impressed and we bumped up on Ultimate Sound DJs. DH was impressed from the first meeting, we met with Frank the owner of the company, he is not a DJ but is very knowledgeable about music. He has TVs set up and he plays footage of different djs he employs and had us pick one to suit our needs. The second meeting we got to audition our pick, he played different sets of music so we got to preview his skills and the lighting as well, what can I say but WOW, needless to say we booked Ultimate Sounds they added a very tangible aspect to a very intangible service – we got a feel of our wedding day.

About sometime at the end of March we got a call from Frank, stating that our dj was no longer employed with his company, at that point Frank assigned Raphael to us and let us audition him, Frank offered to give us a full refund if we were not satisfied with Raphael (I can appreciate an HONEST businessman) and for that DH and I stayed with Ultimate Sound DJs. On our fourth meeting with Ultimate Sounds we met with Raphael again and our MC Janera, we left that meeting that night with the feeling that they were going to bring down the walls at the hall and they did just that. Both DJ and MC personalities were amazing and they worked so well with each other. My family and friends are all party people and really do not need that extra push to the dance floor but they are still talking about Janera and how great and interactive she was, her presence was known but was not overbearing she kept it lively, from my experience an MC can only add to your party.

I must say everything happens for a reason because DJ Raphael ROCKED the house, he kept the dance floor packed, we did not even provide him with a must play list just a list of our formalities and some genres of music we liked, the rest he did on his own he read the crowd and kept the party going as every dj should do.

Last but not least we had a percussionist (one of DH’s must haves) Heraldo was also excellent and added a little flair to our party, I got to play the drums and symbols I had a blast.
DJ Raphael, MC Janera and the Percussionist Heraldo of Ultimate Sound DJs are professionals and I must reiterate ROCKED the house. If you’re looking for a party Ultimate Sound Dj is the way to go.








M I A – Hair/MU A+++++

Mia arrived on time and was very professional, my hair and make was perfect, my make up looked flawless all night while the curls dropped a little from partying so hard the hairstyle was still beautiful. Below are pictures taken at the end of the night in front of the El Caribe and my hair and make up still looked beautiful.







Duet Photography- A+ Sam’s Team

Duet showed up on time, as soon at they got out of the car those guys got to work, they began snapping pictures of the decorations my mother had put up outside and inside of the house. They took pictures of everything they were all over the place they were like paparazzi I do not think they missed one shot, so many of our guests commented on how they were everywhere.

I was supposed to have Jay’s team but Jay was hospitalized a couple days before my wedding and they had no idea what was wrong with him so in that panic they erroneously sent me one videographer instead of two and they assigned me Sam. Eric quickly addressed and rectified that problem; he also rushed ordered my proofs to make up for it. While Jay is one of my favorites I am extremely happy with the proofs that I received from Sam I received my proofs 6/13/07 and they are beautiful they really did not miss a thing, I have so many proofs and 5 CDs worth of pictures I cannot wait for them to begin working on my albums. I would still give them an A+ because (1) these people are human beings too and things happen (2) Duet’s Staff is amazing from Sue to Eric to Nicole, they handled my issue with such assiduousness that it was nothing I could really get upset over and (3) their entire photography staff is so talented you cannot go wrong with any team you pick from Duet, my proofs are amazing.

US Limousines- A-

I worked with Kathy, she is very friendly and courteous and a pleasure to work with. For the Bridal Party we had the 2006 Hummer, the Parents Limo we had 2006 Porsche Cayenne and we had Vans to shuttle our OOT guests and pick-up transportation for our bridal party and OOT guests after the reception since we got so many vehicles from them Kathy gave us the limo for 4 ¼ hours instead of the standard 3 hours, she also sent a car to take us the Newark Airport for our honeymoon on 5/29.

All of the cars arrived early and were very clean. The driver of the parent limo was very helpful he seemed to know exactly what to do, he helped me into and out of the car, the bridesmaids and parents into and out of their cars, crossing the street to take pictures he stopped traffic and he picked up the remaining items at the church. The driver of the Hummer seemed nervous and much less helpful of which I found out it was his very first day on the job, he also charge me for overtime while I did not go overtime and he had a copy of my contract with him that stated I had 4 ¼ hours. When I retuned from my honeymoon I noticed this charge and called Kathy up and she immediately reversed the charge. Overall, both cars were early and cleaned to perfection and I personally would recommend them.



Madison Chauffeur Services – A- 2007 Rolls Royce Phantom

Originally I booked the 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom and the company told me that that would the newest phantom they had, as Rolls Royce was not planning on changing the shape. I booked with Sascha who left the company shortly thereafter but told me to call them to make sure all was in tact. I called and got someone name Bill who was a total PIG no patience and totally nonchalant about everything, needless to say he did not last with the company very long, I then dealt with the owner who was more patient and seemed to want to make me comfortable and assured me all was fine for the day (this car was another of DH’s must haves). They had two pick-ups, one to take the groom to the church and the other to take my father and myself to the church. A few days before the wedding I ran over these detail with the owner and so did Christine, the day of the driver of the car did not have DH’s pickup but Thank GOD our house is not far from my parents house where I got dressed he was able to get the address and get to DH and drop him to the church and pick up my father and myself all in a timely manner.

To our surprise they showed up with the 2007 Rolls Royce Phantom we were in awe, the driver told me that DH was like a kid in a candy store, he was really cool and kept the atmosphere really light and for that I’m grateful. All in all, after those kinks were straightened out we were able to enjoy our car and it added a nice touch to our day.




Ninny’s Fashion House- A+++++ Bridesmaid Dresses

There was no way I would be getting married and did not have my seamstress make the dresses for my bridal party. She has sewn for me on several occasions and each time I was never disappointed, I just show her a picture of a dress I like, sometimes I do not even have a picture of the back and she still makes a beautiful end product.
I provided her with a color swatch of the groomsmen hankie and a picture of the dress I liked and allowed her to do her thing. She made variations as to flatter each girl’s figure, she added the one shoulder, and she did the Maid of Honor, Jr. Bridesmaids and Flowergirl dresses all by herself, but that is the comfort level I have with her, she is extremely talented and did not want to stifle her creativity and I was extremely pleased with the end products; the Mother of the Bride dress was also made by Ninny. She is a creative, talented individual with a keen eye for fashion.



Kleinfeld- A+++++

Kleinfeld was my second stop for dress shopping and my dream dress was the second dress I tried on, I knew what I did not want in a dress, I knew I wanted something to elongate me, and wasn’t too shiny yet I did not have an exactly vision of what my dress would look like until I saw my dress. The feeling is so surreal you really do get that “this is it feeling” I thought that was not true until I experienced it myself.

The customer service at Kleinfeld is out of this world, the sales people are knowledgeable and help you fit into something for your body type, Maria did my alterations and she was on point, they usually schedule three fittings and I only needed two. My dress was all ironed and ready to go 5/24/07. I highly recommend Kleinfeld they have a wide selection of dresses that even if you do not buy your dress from there you will leave there with an idea of what you want and the “Kleinfeld” experience is one no bride should be without.









Lorilus- A+++++ Personalized Aisle Runner
Lori and her sister really works promptly and efficiently, I hired them to do my personalized aisle runner. I mailed them a swatch of my exact color and they replicated my monogram to a T.





This concludes Jazzyt’s Wedding review I know some of it may be long but hopefully informative.

Some of my favorite proofs

Message edited 7/25/2007 8:20:06 AM.

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Congratulations!!!! Great review I love the flowers

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Congrats, you all looked beautiful. thank you for the information; i am using several of the same vendors.....best wishes for a wonderful life together.

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

very nice review! wow picture looks amazing and you looked so beautiful!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

EVERYTHING was beautiful. I loved your review!!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Great review!!! beautiful!!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

your pictures came out gorgeous! Great Review!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Great Review!!! You really took the time to write it... thanks for the info! Everything looked so beautiful!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Your pictures came out great!!! You look so happy and relaxed!! I hope my day goes this well. Congrats again to you and DH. Soon maybe the pitter patter of little feet.....?

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Great review. Congrats to you and your husband!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

beautiful wedding!!! You looked stunning- love your dress!! Congrats!!! Thanks for the great review!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

great review and BEAUTIFUL pictures......your dress is absolutely stunning!!!! congrats :)

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

You look amazing and your flowers turned out perfect!!!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

congrats to you and your husband! everything looked wonderful!!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Great review! I can't believe you're already married! Everything looked perfect and planned to the T...you did a great job and you looked amazing! I absolutely love your dress! Congrats!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

looks like abeautiful day to me! congrats!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

everything looked absolutely amazing giselle! I cant believe you are a married woman now!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

CONGRATS and I LOVE your pictures and color combos with that blue just stunning!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Wow Giselle! everything looked beautiful... i love how you incorporated your color into everything. you were a beautiful bride!

much happiness and love to you and DH!

p.s. i love the pics of you jammin' on the drums!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

great review and you looked gorgeous!!!!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Beautiful wedding and great review! Thanks!!!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

What can I say, you and Timmy did your thing, and everything turn out EXCELLENT.

I have to say, John, from Flower Michele is the best. The flowers at the wedding were out of this world. (and I won the centerpiece at our table) We had the honor of seating together at the wedding, and he had Gary on the floor.

PS
John, were are my pictures?

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

Oh my... Where to start. Everything was absolutly amazing and Giselle you looked beautiful!

Wonderful review!

Mwah
XOXO

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

OMG soooooooo nice! Congrats!!

Re: My 5/27/07 Wedding Review- Flower Michele, El Caribe, Duet, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Ultimate SoundDJs and More

you look amazing!!!
congrats!