8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Im so relieved everything is over!!! I never thought planning would be so stressful.
My advice to everyone getting ready to marry the person of their dreams is what Im sure you all heard a million times. Dont forget to take it all in. The day goes by so fast. From the moment I was done getting my hair and makeup done it felt like a whirlwind. I can barely remember anything (and i didnt drink). I'm so glad I did get a videographer so that I can watch it all. Always remember that its YOUR day but at the same time that its only 1 day for the rest of your life so dont obsess and enjoy it. My day was as perfect as I originally planned but it was still my perfect day.

First off as usual thank to this website that helped me so much in the planning process. its so sad that its not as active as it was several months ago.

Invitations by Dawn A+
I highly recommend them. I didnt want to waste my money on invitations because they get thrown out but I know they set the tone of your wedding. I ordered a few sample ones from all the websites that allow you to do that and compared. THese were the best quality for the amount you spend. I stayed around budget and got really gorgeous invitaitons that look like they are worth a lot more than I paid.

La Combe, Rocky Point- A+++
Getting my hair and makeup done was a big stress for me especially since this was one of the last things I booked. My mother is a hair stylist and thought of her doing my hair but she told me she didnt want the added stress of doing it the day of. So she was speaking with one of the girls at her salon and Shari offered to do my hair for me. I showed her a picture of what I wanted and she created the exact same thing. it looked AMAZING. She also did my makeup which was also amazing, I never wear makeup and I didnt want to look like someone painted on everything which ive seen but it was perfect. My hubby even told me that it was perfect. Kirsten also helped and did my bridesmaids hair

Camouflage by Jenee B-
I also got Jenee to do the bridemaid makeup for timing. Her work is beautiful!! everyone looked great and makeup stayed all night. However the B rating is because of her attitude. SHe was so rude throughout the whole process. Even the day of, she asks 'whos the bride' and I raise my hand indicating me and she goes ok and just walks off. Then as shes leaving no good luck or you look great nothing collected her money and ran off. Also she told me eyelashes were included in the price then found out after she charged each girl extra for them.

Davids Bridal A
I found my dress the second time I went looking. The dress was exactly what I wanted a pouffy ball gown with textured bottom. I did have second thoughts the day after bc I felt i didnt try enough on but i went back to the store to try it on again. But i was told if i wanted to cancel i can but would have to use a store credit. I got my dress in less than a month. I didnt do my alterations there because of horror stories ive heard. I also got the FG dress from there which was like a mini version of mine.

Nicky's Dresses in Huntington A
I did my alterations at this tiny dress shop. They gave me the best price (who knew alterations would be so expensive) I was lucky i didnt need a lot just a hem and bustle. She also did what she called an inside corset which was kinda of heavy duty elastic in the back which not only made the dress feel more secure on but made my waist look tiny. Done super quick and the lady was so sweet

Mens Wearhouse A
We went here since the guys were all over the place. They were very easy to work with which was good. They allowed the guys to pick up the tux 3 days prior and return it 2 days after the event. This allowed them to switch out a few of them that were not the right size. I also recommend ordering the extra shirt. My hubby was totally soaked through in sweat in his shirt after the ceremony.

Barons in Tricounty A
I got my veil and headpiece from here. The detail was beautiful and I wore my veil all night because I loved it. I got a good price and she was very sweet. Took 4 months to make my veil since I wanted a 2 tier.

Craft Shoes in Commack A
I went there twice looking for shoes. They have a super large selection and gave good prices from the other stores I looked. I wanted comfy shoes in blue which are extremely hard to find. I got Francine by Nina. A few weeks later I noticed many of the rhinestones fell off I called them up and told them and they ordered me a brand new pair. Were very easy about it and didnt give me a hard time.

RK Bridal in NYC A
I got Sophia Tolli dresses from here. I highly recommend going during the week as I heard its crazy on the weekends. Look on their website first because the store is very overwhelming to find things in person and write down all the style numbers. I gave them to the lady and she found the ones they had. we ordered the dresses through the no frills program to make it cheaper and since I have girls from westchester to way out on LI they could go to any seamstress they wanted. the dress took longer than quoted but still received in no time. they looked great on everyone.

Benchwerk Photography A+++
Chris was my favorite to work with. I did a lot of research looking for a photographer and not only is his work amazing but you can tell he really loves what he does. We did my E photos only a few weeks before my wedding because of timing issues (between my hubby and I ) and rain and everything and I asked him if I could have a few before my wedding because I wanted to use some of them and he had them all ready for me the week before my wedding. His whole crew Ralph and the 2 other guys (sorry Im really bad with names) were all great and good at directing people to get the perfect shot. I dont have my photos back yet but I cant wait to get them. Also just to show how awesome they really are my best friends boyfriend also is a photographer ( amazing work too but way out of my price range even with his family discount he gave me) and also said they looked like they were doing a fabulous job with angles and other stuff.

LJR Films A
Lesean was great to work with. I cant fully grade him yet since I didnt get my video but I know its going to be amazing. He worked great with the photographers and it was his first time meeting them.

Burtons Flowers A+
One thing I did not have to worry about were the flowers. They knew exactly what I wanted. The bouquets were so big and full of flowers. The centerpeices were amazing and were so pretty. everyone told me how awesome they looked.

Swan Club A
I really love this place its so beautiful and Im so sad it poured the whole day so people werent able to really appreciate it. Theres only 2 things that I didnt like that happened was that I heard they didnt refill things during the cocktail hour once food ran out and that there was hardly any passed food. Also my maitre d was MIA the whole night. I know they are running around behind the scenes but she wasnt there for things she needs to be, for instance she didnt even have the cake decorated till right before it came out, and the bouquet toss where i had to use a bridesmaid bouquet bc no one knew where she put my toss one. She also forgot to give me the top tier to my cake. As well as my bridal attendant she was good at making sure we always had a drink but that was it. Late in the night the photgrapher wanted to get some outside pictures since the rain stopped. I know I was tired and it was so hot and muggy out but she was whinning the whole time we were out there and all we did was 2 pics. THat aside the food was amazing and everyone really loved it.

Fm Entertainment A
Frank was awesome. Hes really good at what he does. People were up all night dancing. He was really good at transitioning between the music which we had a large array. (Greek Arabic wedding) The only reason he didnt get the + was were supposed to have a frank sinatra singer during dinner hour which didnt make it becuase he got into a car accident. Now its no ones fault that occurred but I felt like if I didnt ask him where he was a few minutes into it he wouldve never realized. We got the money back from him for it but I was a lil disappointed bc I felt it wouldve been a nice touch to have.

Wrap with us A
I had a hard time picking out favors. I wanted something really nice and different than the typical gift but didnt want to spend several thousand dollars. Its greek tradition to give something that can be used in the kitchen. most people give out plates and platters. I was able to find really cute oil and vinegar bottles that come in a caddy. I thought it would be perfect and something that both my side and my hubbys arabic family would use.

Channa Plaque A+++++
I ordered this through channa's website. Let me say she is the sweetest person to work with. Gets back to you like instantly and has no problem sending multiple proofs. I felt like I was going to be a pain because I was really unsure of the color scheme I wanted because I wanted it to match my colors but still nice that I could hang in my home after. She sent me sooo many proofs and without me even asking for them. I received the plaque and its even more amazing in person! Amazing quality. and its such a beautiful way to personalize your wedding. Cant wait to hang it up.

Etsy A+
I ordered a lot of things through etsy and everything came out amazing!! Everything was great quality and exactly what was pictured if not better. I also received everything in time quoted or earlier.So im just going to list the vendors i used.
wonderfulbride
jewlerypersonalized
fourhandsnyc
artinspiredgifts
carolinatwist
aandleengraving
bellacescaboutique
glitzandlove
sugarshoppe


Ill update with professional photos once I get them.

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8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

You looked beautiful! Glad you had an awesome day and good experiences with most of your vendors. Congratulations

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Congratulations!!

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Great review! Glad you had an amazing day!

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Yay!!! Congrats I am so happy and relieved about jrl films and Benchwerk!!! Can't wait for my wedding now!!!! You looked great and I am so glad you had a perfect day!

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Awesome review! U looked amazing loved ur bridesmaids dresses.I know ur LJR Films trailer will be amazing!

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Gorgeous! What style number is that bridesmaid dress?

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Thank you everyone for your kind wishes. Ill be postibg ny trailer when i receive it, hopefully this week.
Bridesmaid dresses are by sophia tolli color salmon. I dont remember the style number but it began with BY. Hopefully that helps.

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Congratulations. You looked amazing.

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

I'm happy to see the 'A' for Frank! He is our DJ/MC too. Thanks for the list of Etsy vendors! Very helpful :)

Congratulations!

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Great review! Any advice for a future Swan Club bride?

Re: 8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

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Posted by Kristen6615

Great review! Any advice for a future Swan Club bride?

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I think everything went great. Just make sure you go over every detail during your final drop off. And dont forget the top of your cake when your leaving ;)

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Beautiful! Glad it went so well!

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

everything looks beautiful!! congrats!!

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

Beautiful everything looks lovely. We have same venue

8-31 Swan club/ benchwerk photography/ LJR/ Burton/ FM entertainment/davids/invitation by dawn/

I feel the same way about Camelot limo! I had teh worst experience with them on my wedding day. The limo was an hour late to pick me up at my parent's house meanwhile they had dropped off the guys at the church beforehand which is only 5 minutes away! My dad had to direct him to the house on the phone and he had no idea where he was going. When he finally reached us we were an hour late for the ceremony. Unacceptable. He was driving like a maniac and whipping us around. It was horrible. I do not recommend them at all. I have called and complained about it, but like you no on has called me back.