My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET , Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

LIW- A+++++++++++


It's been said probably over 1000 times, but here's 1001. I can say without a doubt that this site has been my favorite part about my wedding planning. Where else can you find a website that you can talk weddings 24/7, bounce ideas off of other brides, meet new people and make lasting friendships. To the genius minds behind LIW- thank you! I don't not know how I could have gotten through this planning without the website. And to my favorite LIW brides- love you all! I'm so glad I met you girls, and got to know each of you. I only hope our friendships continue after all of our weddings have come and gone





The Weather- A++++++++++++++

This was the ONLY thing I had absolutely no control over, and I couldn't have been anymore pleased. There was definitely a few people up there pulling strings for us, and we got amazing pictures


Invitations & Wedding Programs- Etsy Dealer for Desgin-B/ DIY

I hard a very hard time trying to find a modern and chic peacock feather invitation with teal accents. I came across this etsy seller who designed and personalized the image of the invitation, response card, programs, and place cards. I printed them out through vista print, and assembled them together with my 2 MOHs




STD- Vistaprint- A+

I stumbled upon an email from vistaprint offering 30 free STDs and envelopes, so I had to check it out. DH and I agreed on doing a peacock themed wedding, and were having a difficult time finding a decent STD. We knew we wanted to have teal as our main color, instead of the popular purple that we've seen done before. After browsing through page after page, I finally found a one we both liked. We needed about 75, so I used my name & address, my moms name & address and a friends name & address to get the amount of STDs I needed for free. And it worked! I went to michaels and bought the stick on magnets, stuck them on the back and sent them off. It was the best 12 bucks I've ever spent




Engagement Party- My parent's backyard- A+


We rented tables and chairs from my dad's friend's rental company, bought the plates, serve-ware and table clothes from party city, and had my mom and aunts make the food. Nothings better than home cookin! We had picture frame coaster sets from beau-coup.com as the favors, and handed out our STD as part of the gift (saved a ton of $$ on postage).

I wanted to get my BMS shirts as part of their gift, so I went to old navy during their $5 t-shirt sale, and had them airbrushed at FAME in the Smithtown Mall. They did a great job, but it took about a week to get them, and that was with a rush fee added. Overall, it didn't matter paying the extra $5 per shirt. The girls loved them, and they came out awesome






Dress- Davids Bridal: Massapequa Park- D

The only thing I loved about Davids Bridal was my dress. That's about it. We had a terrible experience with them. The only one who actually made my dress shopping experience worth-wild was my consultant Joan, she is absolutely amazing. Everyone else who works there are rude, absent minded and don't communicate with each other. I would get phone calls about once a week from them saying I need to pick up my dress from their storage room even though I had my dress hanging in my moms closet. They would call and say I need to pay off the rest of my balance, when in fact I had a receipt that stated “PAID IN FULL”. Why they would let me take home my dress if they thought I still owed money on it, boggles my mind. But anyways, that was just MY personal experience with them. I don't want to stop anyone from using them, just wanted to share what happened to me.







Bridesmaid Dresses- Davids Bridal: Massapequa Park- D

I was told when I bought my dress that I needed to have my girls order their dresses 6-8 months in advance to ensure ample time for delivery and alterations. So after finally arranging everyone to come shopping we went in October for my April Wedding. My girls range from 00 to plus size, so I told them to choose whichever dress they feel they look great in, and that’s in their price range. My only stipulation was that it would be in the “oasis” teal color. My bridesmaids ended up all choosing the same dress, and my 2 MOHS each chose their own dress. Worked out perfectly. The girls all paid for their dresses, and was told to expect a phone call around January. Well, 5 days later 3 of my bridesmaids got the phone call that their dresses were ready to be picked up. This caused many issues between us, because it was such a hassle to get everyone to come together in the first place. Plus, 2 out of those 3 ended up gaining weight after ordering their dresses and had to spend $$$ to add more fabric at alterations. The remaining girls received their dresses around Christmas. All in all, the dresses came out beautiful and my girls were STUNNING!!!





MOB Dress- Davids Bridal: Massapequa Park- A

My mom picked out her dress when the BMs were looking for theirs. She didn't have any issues, her consultant was knowledgeable and found a dress that really flattered my mom. She looked beautiful and most importantly, she felt beautiful so I was happy!




Tuxedos- Classic Tuxedos: East Northport- F


I will never recommend their services ever. When we went in for the appt, they were great at first. They knew their stuff, and found a great tux for DH and the GMs. DH is picky about his appearance so the fact that he found something at the first place we went to was astonishing. The second we gave them money, and all of our GMs were fitted and gave in their deposits, it went all downhill. We were promised by the owner John and his sister Joanne that the guys can pick up the tuxedos on the Wednesday before our Friday wedding to ensure there wouldn't be any issues. Well, after calling 2 weeks before to confirm, I was told the complete opposite. I was told they are only to pick them up either the day before after 6pm, or the morning of. After trying to explain to them that this is not what I was told at the time of ordering, words were exchanged and I was cursed at and called an obscene name. The day of the wedding, buttons were falling off of the suits, a GMs ripped a seam when putting on his tux, and my father's pants were the wrong size and looked like elephant truck bell bottoms. Do yourself a favor and take your business elsewhere.






Venue- Larkfield Manor- C


This was one of my favorite vendors to work with up until the day of our wedding. We chose LM for one reason- THE FOOD. They put out an unbelievable spread for CH, offer many popular choices for entrees, and I can't even begin to explain how amazing their VH is. Every showcase we went to they offered a different variety of food which let us enjoy all that LM had to offer. They day of the wedding my guests were shocked by the presentation of CH. Some of my OOT guests thought CH was the actual wedding. Needless to say, when they walked into the garden room for the reception, they were blown away. Our Matre D, Gerald was top notch. Every time I needed something, he somehow knew what I wanted, and had it waiting there for me. My Bridal Attendants were also on top of everything. From cleaning the tire grease streak on my dress, to getting my DH and I a generous sampling of CH, the staff of LM went above and beyond my expectations.

The reasoning for the low grade is because I had two incidents which I need to addressed for future LM brides.

The Bridal Suite- Every time I went to walk to my bridal suite, I kept seeing my guests walking out of our bathroom. Apparently the door was left open the entire time. Myself, my husband, and both of my parents each had to go speak to Marianne but it kept happening. Although nothing was taken, it was rather annoying having to 'check' to make sure it was shut.

The Garden Room- We had a major setback. The dais table is on a riser which has carpet that matches the carpet on the floor. It's impossible to see where the floor begins and where the table starts when the lights are out. I tripped over the table 2x, the DJ tripped over it, and worst of all my grandpa tripped, fell on his hip, was knocked unconscious and had to be admitted to the hospital. Turned out he broke ribs. When we tried to speak to the owners George and Harry, they weren't around (this happened around 830). I brought it up to the Matre D that the dais table should be lit up with rope lighting, or something to distinguish where the table begins and he said he'll speak to the owners. I have yet to go back to LM to see if they did something about it, but I really hope they did so nobody has to experience what I went through.











DJ- Dr. Beat Productions- A++++

I honestly can not say enough good things about Sal and his team. Without sounding to cliche, from the moment we met him, up until the end of our wedding, he never missed a beat. If we had a question, he'd immediately call us back with an answer. We went over our must play/do not play list, and he was spot on the day of.

The only 'negative' thing ( I mean this verrrrrrry loosely) was that there were 2 extra men with him that we weren't expecting and didn't include in our tip total. Wasn't a big deal- we had extra cash on hand, but I can see that being an issue for a bride if put in that situation unprepared.

Other than that, they were great!! I wish more brides would use them, so they get the experience that I had. We actually booked them again for my moms surprise 50th next month








Florist- Ribbons n Roses- A++++

Lisa and her team blew me away! I couldn't believe how beautiful the CPs came out, how perfect and detailed my BOK was, along with the girls boks and guys bouts. I will recommend them to anyone whose on a budget. I was upfront with Lisa about my budget, and she gave me all she could give within my price range. The flowers were fresh, perfectly put together, and EXACTLY how I envisioned it. Hands down a great vendor to work with.







Limos- Legend Limos- A++++

I heard such great reviews about Bobby and legend limos, and I wasn't disappointed after meeting with him. Our driver was early, professional and our limo was fully stocked which was a delight to my GMs lol. I did end up getting tire grease on my dress while stepping out at our picture location, but it was completely my klutzy fault lol


Photography/Videography- DUET- A++++/B

Even before I got engaged, I came across DUETs photos from a FB friend's wedding, and I knew I had to have them when my turn came. It was really hard deciding which team to choose as they all are outstanding, but there was something about Alberto's work that just caught my eye. When we found out he was available for our date, we scooped him right up! From our engagement pictures, to our wedding day, he lived up to the expectations I had for him and DUET. I couldn't wait to get my pictures back and when I finally did I spent all night looking through them. We got over 5000 pictures back and I love each and every one.


*** We recevied the video after 4 and a half months, and while the editing is great, and the video flowed from scene to scene perfectly, I am rather disappointed in the quality of the video. It wasn't shot in HD (which I never bothered to ask before booking which is my fault), but the way the lighting is and the fact is was an older camera, the video wasn't up the the standards of DUET. If I could do it over again, I'd just book DUET for photography-not videography

here's a link to my highlights- K&R 4/29/11 Highlight










Hair- Kelly from Bella Sposina- A++++
Kelly is a doll! She's such a sweetheart, and her talent speaks for itself. Her and her assistant were both on time, super professional- yet it felt like we were all friends gossiping and catching up. She's pleasure to work with!!









Makeup- Jackie Martine- A++++


Jackie's a friend of mine, and has been doing makeup for years. She's extremely talented, and I was honored she was able to doing me and my BMs makeup for my wedding. She has a knack for nailing the look you want, and I couldn't imagine having anyone else do our makeup!








Officiant- Pastor April- A++++

What can I say about Pastor April that hasn't already been said. She speaks with such eloquence and passion- and it really shows during your ceremony. She mesmerized my audience in her speech, almost as you were watching a play.






Favors- A Fresh Approach- A++++

there are no words to describe how amazing Jeanne and her husband's chocolate creations are. We had bride &groom pops as part of the favors, and our guests kept coming up to us throughout the night asking where we ordered these from.






Cake- Blackforest Bakery- A

my cake was better than I could have imagined. I only wish I had some of it other than at the cake cutting! Lol. I plan on ordering a mini replica for our 1 year.










That's all the major elements I wanted to share with my future brides. Here's a word of advice- TAKE TIME TO STEP BACK AND TAKE IT ALL IN! The day goes by in a blink of an eye, so try to take a minute with your DH and remember why you're here. It's truly an amazing feeling when they pronounce you husband and wife.

I hope the butterflies you feel when you have your first kiss, stays with you throughout your entire life!!!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Aw I got goosebumps! Great review!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Awesome review!!! You looked absolutely stunning!!!!!!!!!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

great review. I love all the pics especially the first one

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

great review and you looked beautiful. Please tell me your grandfather is okay?

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Great review! Sorry to hear about your grandfather!!! Hope he's doing better

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

That was a awesome review

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

great review


I hope your grandpa is ok.

I love your cake!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

grandpa is doing just fine now, thanks for all of your concerns ladies!!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Beautiful wedding!!!! Congrats!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Love your dress! sooo pretty. great review. sorry to hear about your grandpa! i hope he recovered okay.

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Yay Kristen!!!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Beautiful! Love that Teal color and your boquets were stunning! Love your dress, it was beautiful despite all your problems. And you looked so beautiful, such natural makeup!!!! Sorry about your grandpa, and from the picture of the dias you can tell that the pattern of the rug really camouflages the fact that there's a step. How is grandpa now?

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Everything looked beautiful. Congrats!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Great review!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Awesome review! Thank you for inspiring to do mine as well! Your wedding lookd absolutely amazing!!!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

Congrats...You looked beautiful!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

beautiful wedding! Congrats

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

great review love all the pics as well!!

Re: My Own 4/29/11 Royal Wedding- Larkfield Manor, Dr. Beat Productions, Ribbons n Roses, DUET, Legend Limos, Bella Sposina, Jackie Martine Makeup, Pastor April, A Fresh Approach, Blackforest Bakery

BEAUTIFULLL!!! Everything looks amazing, love all the feather/peacock details!

And glad to hear your grandpa is doing well!