JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

LIW - I am truely disturbed by the recent actions LIW has taken on the08 brides. I no longer have anything positive to say, so I will stop my review of this board here.

My DH and I were chosen for the show 'My Fair Wedding'. It was both a blessing and a curse. We had chosen great vendors. Some we had to cancel 2 weeks before our wedding due to the show. Therefore I will not only rate the vendors we used, but the ones we had to cancel. I feel it is only fair. Also, to clear things up, by no means was our wedding FREE. Not even a little bit.

PLEASE NOTE THAT *** is for LIW Vendors.

VENDORS I HAD TO CANCEL

Make-up by Michelle
10 out of 10
I did not use Michelle on the big day but my MOH (sister) and mother did. It killed me to have to cancel with her for myself because not only was she a joy and pleasure to work with, but I LOVED my trial. The day of my wedding...my sister and mom looked gorgeous, flawless and felt beautiful, but Michelle also helped in calming their nerves. She is just a pleasure to work with, and I can't wait for my next big occasion, because I would be so honored for her to do my make up.


Hair by Mami
10 out of 10
Again, another vendor that I did my trial with but did not use. But again, my sister and mother used her and they both looked gorgeous. My sister has very fine hair that can not hold curls so she asked me if she could do something a bit funky yet classy and of course, the non-bridezilla that I am said sure. When my sister walked in the door...I was so happy. Not only because her hair looked ROCKIN but she felt comfortable, she felt pretty. And a comfortable, felling pretty MOH...is a happy MOH...a happy MOH makes a happy bride!
My mom gets her hair done by Mami on a regular basis and yet again...Mami nailed it!

The Towne Florist - East Islip, NY
8 out of 10
Now again I didn't use them for the day of but Wendy the owner was wonderful to work with. The only reason why it was not 10/10 was because, their website and phonebook information was totally incorrect and happened to be a 1-800 free s e x line...until I finally brought it to their attention.
Other than that they were great to work with. We went there with Crystal ideas but a Budweiser budget and they showed us gorgeous samples and Bo-k's. Wendy was so nice to work with.

Caught in the Moment Photography
10 out of 10
As many of you know Jess (of davenjess fame) was originally my photographer. The show told me that no matter what I said they were basically supplying a photographer for me. Jess so graciously back out of the picture as not to cause any additional stress for me. She didn’t think it would be fair to me to have two head photogs basically competing for the shot, and both possibly missing it. She did attend my wedding and took a bunch of pics on her own that I can not wait to see. I am sure they are spectacular.

VENDORS I USED

***IRISH COFFEE PUB - Ceremony location and Reception hall
10 out of 10
In all honesty...if I could give them 88 out of 10 I would. Words can not even begin to describe how amazing they are. Eric my banquet manager, ummm...a saint...yeah, that is the best way to describe him! He was just the nicest, easiest person to work with. Jay, another banquet manager there also played a large role in our wedding and I couldn't be happier with him. The entire staff at ICP was amazing. Our guests still talk about the food and service. It was important to us that our food and music were amazing and we had both!!!

Pictures by Alex Rodriguez Photography





CASTLE ENTERTAINMENT - DJ
10 out of 10
HOLY COW THEY ROCKED!!!!! Every song we requested, was played, the crowd was dancing and having an amazing time. They just nailed it. They were on top of everything and were so easy to work with. Kevin was our MC, and a ton of guests asked for his card, they all loved him as did we.





***ABOVE & BEYOND EVENTS - Invitations, Ice Sculpture Design, Programs, Table Runner and Day of Coordinator
10 out of 10
I can't help but get a bit emotional writing this part of my review. Ryan at Above and Beyond was my angel. When I was 'done' with wedding planning, she made it exciting again and created my invitation. When I was scared out of my mind because we had gotten the show...she came to my apartment to help calm me down and let me know that everything was going to be OK. The day of the wedding when a production crew member woke me up at 7am and I couldn't fall back to sleep so I decided last minute to drop my car off at the hotel...who picked me up with no questions asked...Ryan! When the camera crew took over my parent’s house...who calmed their nerves...Ryan!
DH and I needed a few minutes to be alone and enjoy ourselves after the ceremony and after pics; Ryan barricaded our bridal suite and said 'They need a few minutes.' It was the best few minutes of the day. The quality of the work was superb. The dedication of the entire Above and Beyond staff is second to none. I can honestly say that my wedding would not have been the same if Ryan and Above and Beyond were not on site.

Helping me get dressed.


Ryan helping me with my bo-k charm my sister got me. (Photo by Alex Rodriguez Photography)


My invites.


Program.

Ice Sculpture design to match my invitations.


Table runner.




***TRAN-STAR EXECUTIVE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE - Car for Bride and FOB, Car for female BP and MOB, Car for male BP and Groom.
10 out of 10
First off...I sincerely want to apologize to my driver and the driver who drove my mom and BP....I can't for the life of me remember their names. But what I do remember was them being early, both drivers being two of the nicest gentlemen ever, and for being very patient when dealing with a 12 person camera crew and a HORENDOUS thunder storm right before the bride was due to walk out of the house! Once we arrived at the ICP, the driver opened the privacy window and said something I'll never forget, he said...'Look out the window sweetheart, the sun is shining!' Then he turned around and he gave one of the kindest most genuine smiles I have ever seen. I wanted to run around to his door and give him a hug but I couldn't because they had to tape me getting out of the car and saying hello to David!
But driver...if you are out there...THANK YOU!
After the reception, the van to pick up the guests going back to the hotel was early and my guests said the driver was so nice and drove safely. Tran-Star throws in a car for the bride and groom with their wedding packages and our driver ROCKED, plus it was a nice chance for me and DH to steal a few private kisses and talk about the day!!! He even took us to 7-11 to get more beer for our hotel room!!!

Picture by Alex Rodriguez Photography



Santos Floral Design (Long Beach, NY) - Centerpieces, ceremony tent
9 out of 10
This was the florist that David took me to. They were so nice and sweet when I met with them. I honestly didn't have any input on my flowers, but their work was gorgeous, the store was so beautifully designed.
Everybody kept commenting on how much they loved the centerpieces. They were made from Waterford crystal to go with my Irish theme.

All pictures in the section are provided by Alex Rodriguez Photography








ALEX RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY – Miami, FL
9 out of 10
His pictures speak for themselves. He was really nice to work with. Never got in our face which was what we requested. I regret not giving him a list of must takes…but that is my fault not his.

***MAXIMUS SPA AND SALON – Source Mall, Westbury, NY
Make up – 10 out of 10
My make up was done with Raquel. She did an amazing job! David had to pick which way I wore my make up and he picked the right choice and Raquel executed perfectly. I could not have been happier.

Picture by Alex Rodriguez Photography



Hair – 4 out of 10
My hair was done by Janine. She was a lovely woman and I am sure does beautiful work. She in all honesty can not be blamed for the fact that I hated my hair. It was the choice that David picked for me. It was the choice that during my trial I told him I hated.
But enough about that.

Picture by Alex Rodriguez Photography



MW Tux – South Shore Mall, Bay Shore, NY
10 out of 10
There were no issues at all with the guys getting their tuxes. My dad and DH’s grandfather and Uncle even got them. Everything went very smoothly.

All pictures by Alex Rodriguez Photography








DAVID’S BRIDAL – Lake Grove
Bridesmaid Dresses
Wedding Dress
5 out of 10
While trying on BM dresses…even with an appointment, we received NO SERVICE until I asked to try on gowns. My poor BMs tried on a ton of dresses, and the one they ended up with looked amazing on them both.
I only tried on 4 dresses. The one I went with was the one I tried on 2nd! It was comfy, fun, and NO TRAIN!!!

The major problem was once I picked up my dress and the BMs picked up theirs…the store kept calling asking when we were going to pick up our dresses or when were we going in for alterations. I called and told them many times that we were not using David’s Bridal for alterations but they continued to call. Finally I spoke with the store manager and the calls stopped.

Picture by Alex Rodriguez Photography



***ANGEL BRIDAL – East Islip, NY
Alterations
10 out of 10
LOVE THEM, LOVE THEM, LOVE THEM!!!
Super fast and accurate service. The instant you meet these women it is like you are family. The alterations were reasonably priced and the quality of work is second to none.

***AUDREY’S FINE BAKED GOODS - 229 Montauk Highway, West Sayville, NY 11796
10 out of 10
DH and I just hate fondant. It is our personal preference. When talking to David I had shown him a picture of what my dream cake would be. The only problem was that of course it had fondant. Well David and his team went to Audrey’s and they created my dream cake…FONDANT FREE!!! It was all butter cream, very yummy and gorgeous. Everyone was debating as to weather the flowers were real or sugar. They were sugar and actually very tasty!

All pictures by Alex Rodriguez Photography






***SHANDON COURT – East Islip, NY
Rehearsal Dinner
10 out of 10
We booked them 13 months in advance because I HAD to have my rehearsal dinner there!!! It was all apart of our Irish themed wedding. The food and service was amazing. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. I would recommend them for any occasion.












Holiday Inn at MacArthur
OOTers and After Party
Before the wedding - 5 out of 10
Day of wedding - 2 out of 10
They could never give me any straight information when I called them. Never dealt with the same person. I never felt as ease after I spoke with them.
The day of the wedding…one of OOTers gave the bartender a hefty tip to keep the bar open later than 1am. This was after we were told that they were going to be open til 4am. The clock struck 1:30 and the bartender closed it down. There were a lot of people in their other than us. We were really disappointed in the hotel.


AVON – Bridesmaids gifts. DOJ
10 out of 10
I went online saw what I wanted clicked and bam they were here within a few days. What more could I ask for?

Linens and Things .com – Groomsmen gifts.
10 out of 10
We ordered them engraved pocket watches. They loved them, and looked sharp.

Wedding channel.com – Parents gifts
8 out of 10
We ordered silver engraved picture frames for them. The parents loved them. But the delivery was kind of slow and I was getting nervous that we wouldn’t have them in time for the rehearsal dinner. Luckily they came the day before the dinner.

BEYOND IMAGE GRAPHICS – Menus and Crest designed especially for us.
10 out of 10
Although I didn’t design it or even have a say in it…it was exactly what I wanted. This is something that we can carry on. It was even on our cake.



J.D. Page’s – East Islip, NY
Bridal Shower
10 out of 10
My mom and sister picked here because they knew it would be an easy place for me to get to with out having to figure out a crazy lie! They said we were going there for my sister’s birthday lunch. DH and I literally live within walking distance. So we walked there with my shower outfit that I was going to give to my sister to hold on to because I was convinced my shower was going to be the following weekend!!! Basically I walked into my shower with my outfit in my hands!!!
The food and service were amazing. Everyone was very generous, I couldn’t have been any happier!









Holiday Inn at MacArthur
OOTers and After Party
Before the wedding 5 out of 10
Day of wedding 2 out of 10
They could never give me any straight information when I called them. Never dealt with the same person. I never felt as ease after I spoke with them.
The day of the wedding…one of OOTers gave the bartender a hefty tip to keep the bar open later than 1am. This was after we were told that they were going to be open til 4am. The clock struck 1:30 and the bartender closed it down. There were a lot of people in their other than us. We were really disappointed in the hotel.

So that is my review!!! I hope you enjoyed! Here are a few of my favorite pics from the day. The last one is my absolute favorite!!!

All pictures by Alex Rodriguez Photography










How many brides can say they had a rainbow on their wedding day? I guess it was the luck of the Irish!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

Amanda!!! I am sooo happy for you!! I can not wait to see the show and see the details in 'action' so to speak!

You looked great and ICP food is incredible!!!

CONGRATS!!!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

Awesome Amanda!!

and how funny that Arod took your photos!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

Great review!! Everything was beautiful...love all of the touches. Your dress was beautiful. All of the flowers were gorgeous. I love the shades of green that were used from the BM dress to the napkins. I know you were not happy with you hair, but it did look lovely. And how about that rainbow! I can't wait to see the show!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

You look absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to see it on TV. But I have to say, your CAKE is without a doubt, the most beautiful cake I have seen on this site. The colors and the flowers are just extraordinary!! Congratulations!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

Amanda great review!!!! so nice of you to take the time to review the vendors you didnt end up using!!!!

everything looks so beautiful--especially YOU!! i dont care what you say I LOVE how your hair came out!!!!!!!!!

congrats!! what a beautiful wedding!!!

ps. ryan is AWESOME!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

great review!!!! You looked beautiful and everything looks like it was so nice! I love your flowers and your cake!! I can't wait to see everything on tv!!!

Congrats to you and your DH!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

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Posted by KK Holiday

Amanda great review!!!! so nice of you to take the time to review the vendors you didnt end up using!!!!

everything looks so beautiful--especially YOU!! i dont care what you say I LOVE how your hair came out!!!!!!!!!

congrats!! what a beautiful wedding!!!

ps. ryan is AWESOME!

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Kathryn basically took the words out of my mouth.....from being nice enough to review vendors you didn't use, to your hair looking beauitful but totally understanding that you didn't like it, to RYAN BEING AMAZING!!!!!!

Great review Amanda.

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

great review!!!! Congrats!!!!!!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

great pictures i really like the ice sculpture design

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

What a great review!! You look amazing in the photos!!! Can't wait to see the show too! And then hear YOUR take on what really happened... love behind the scenes!!

My DH would LOVE your photographer's name too.

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

nice review, and wow 2 your cake...congrats!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

Nice review! I love your cake

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

WOW! It must have been a blast being on My Fair Wedding! Everything looked perfect - I absolutely LOVE the cake! You looked soooo beautiful! Congratulations!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

I can't wait to see your show tonight! Great review!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

Thanks for posting! I literally just saw your commercial! Can't wait to see the show!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

Congrats, you looked amazing! I will definitely watch the show to see all the transformations.
Congratulations again!!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

Congrats! I just watched your show (DVRed) it and I have to say you definitely seem like a sweetheart! i am so happy that your wedding came together, you looked beautiful! Great review!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

Congrats!!!! your episode was amazing-you and your husband were sooo happy at your wedding!!!! Congrats!!!!!

Re: JEFFAMANDA080808 - My Fair Wedding Review!!! Vendors Include IRISH COFFEE PUB, SHANDON COURT, TRAN-STAR, ABOVE AND BEYOND LI

looks like a dream
congrats