DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

I am so excited to write this review. Before I was even engaged I loved loved loved to read this section of LIW. I want to thank all the past brides for their time and effort in writing their reviews bc without them I would not have had such an amazing year and half of planning. I enjoyed my wedding process to the fullest, I never was stressed because I knew the whole time how lucky and blessed I was to be able to have such an experience. Most of the world does not get to do what you are doing right now so every time you get stressed remember to smile and put “your problems/issue” in prospective. YOU ARE soooo blessed, you have another human-being wanting to pledge their life to you in front of all of the people you LOVE. . It is the most beautiful celebration in the whole world, respect honor and cherish this beautiful gift! Do not take one second of this process for granted, it is truly one of the most amazing times of your life!

The Proposal A+++++++++
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands
Anna @ Las Americas Jewelry Corp 205 B ny, ny 10013 212 966 4556
Email [email protected]
Will proposed to me a week before our 5 year anniversary. It was a Friday afternoon I called him to pick me up at the train at 615 pm. Silly me forgot my phone at home so I actually called him from a strangers phone on the train (so embarrassing) well I was so nervous during the call I told him an hour later than the time I was arriving. When I got off the train I called him from a payphone, he told me he would leave in 10 minutes, I told him no worries I would just jump on the bus, he started to ramble and say “no no no I want to get you, I am leaving now “? so weird. I waited for 20 minutes I thought he got into an accident or was doing # 2 hee hee sorry TMI . When he finally arrived I was yapping my head off about how scared I was, he admitted he was in the bathroom. LoL. He then suggested we go straight to a restaurant for dinner, I became irate bc I wanted to go home and shower and started whining about who wants to go to dinner at 5pm that I was not a fan of the early bird special and that I think he is selfish bc I figured out that the only reason he wanted to go to dinner early was to get home to watch the Met game. He agreed to go home so I could change when I walked in there was a huge sign hanging from our ceiling that said will you marry me and he was on his knee, I really don’t remember what he or I said except for “WHO ARE WE GOING TO CALL FIRST” LOL we are very lucky to have a huge group of friends so we were on the phone for quite some time it was very awesome!
My engagement ring and wedding bands were purchased from an amazing jeweler on canal street (friend of a friend) she gave us an amazing deal and amazing products!!





Photography
Yang Photo www.yangphoto.com (ALL PIC IN REVIEW) A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My photographer was the most amazing vendor a couple could ask for!!! I can not recommend him enough. I have been married for months and everyday I get to work and watch my slideshow and look at yangs blog just bc his pictures are so beautiful and truly capture every part of your day. Besides his talent, he is incredibly professional, easy to communicate (facebook, email, phone etc). All my friends love him and all plan to use him when they get married. He was early on the big day , his 2nd photographer Thai was AWESOME, THEY MAKE SUCH A GREAT TEAM AND JUST SO MUCH FUN TO BE AROUND. My memories have been captured in such a beautiful way that it brings tears to my eyes every time I look at them bc I feel like I am there and can remember every second of our big day. I could not be happier!!!!















Bridal Shower & Bachlorette Party
La Bottega & Hunkamania A++
http://www.labottegagourmet.com/labottegagourmet.html
www.hunkmania.com

I really wanted it to be surprise and it was!! My girls threw the most amazing day ever. My shower was in my best friend’s backyard they rented a tent and chairs. The theme was a garden, the centerpieces were adorable water cans with adorable green and yellow flowers, green mums/kermits my fav! The tablecloths were all different garden colors as well as the napkins and paper plates. It was catered by La Bottega ? amazing!!! We ate the Panini’s for days afterwards, they are soooooo goooooooodddd!!!!!!!!!!!! I definitely recommend going there for lunch/dinner with friends or for future catering needs, they do a great job.

My bachorlette party immediately followed my shower which was so awesome bc I did not want the day to end and worked out great for my out of town girls. We all packed up the shower headed over to my house got dressed up all together like we used to in college (tear , tear, gosh I miss those days) The limo picked us up at 7:30pm. We first went to Bell Boulevard where Will and I met. Monohans ? we did some shots and played a game that was hysterical. Every one of my girls bought me a pair of underwear, I had to guess who bought what it was a riot. The bar was empty so it was perfect to be goofy. We then drove to midtown for the Hunkamania show. IT WAS THE FUNNIEST THING EVER!! We all peed in our pants watching older women feel up on the guys and dressing me with dollar bills. Afterwards we went downtown and danced the night away.








The Rehearsal Dinner
Donovan’s of Bayside A+
http://www.donovansbayside.com/

Donovans was awesome! Great food, great price and they let us control the back patio which was so nice bc they technically could have sat people on the patio bc it ws a nice day. They also did not rush at all and let us stay way after our time. Menu and pricing is on the website (non negotiable so don’t waste your time, but they don’t need to be the price is right and fair) they only accept cash/personal check 29.95 Dinner, Domestic Beer, sirt down or buffet. My step Dad made our cake he works at Cardinali Bakery & Pastry Shop http://www.cardinalibakery.com/ in Carle Place. SOOOO YUMMYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!





Wedding Party Gifts A+++
BM clutches http://www.etsy.com/shop/stinigurl
Bath and Body Works lip gloss
Colored Large Zip Top Canvas Tote Bag
Wine charms etsy seller
Customized TSHIRTS


Lands End was having a great sale on large overnight totes ($31) bags so I decided that to be the main present, they were personalized with their first initial. Inside the bag I put day of earrings, purchased at jewelry factory on Broadway in Soho for$6 each. I wanted them all to have matching day of clutches so they could carry their camera, lip gloss and mints (all selfish items hee hee best idea ever). The clutches were custom made from an etsy seller link above, I gave her the fabric of the dresses and the color champagne and she made awesome bags for $10 each THE GIRLS LOVED THEM great etsy seller!!!. Lastly I bought them personalized wine charms from an etsy seller(Wine charms etsy seller
), great product, great communication, super quick shipping.

We bought the guys personalized with their initials, ipod shuffles from mac.com (I am a Citi employee so we got a slight discount) THE GUYS LOVED THEM!
DH also made really cool customized TSHIRTS with their nicknames on the front and their corny saying on the back, GUYS LOVED THEM and wore them while they were getting ready the next day it was a great idea. We ordered them through http://www.myspace.com/manmadeclothing he has the BEST PRICES around for customized printing needs, quality and service is impeccable highly recommend !!!









Presents for Parents, Readers, Flower Girl & Grandparents
Custom made Handkerchiefs A+
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ccbgknikolich
I clicked on the custom button on the top of the Etsy.com page. Typed in that I needed 10 Custom made Handkerchiefs with all different initials and I wanted to spend $8 each with my time limit. Many people contacted me via etsy. I really liked the efficient communication this etsy seller had so I went with her. I wrapped the Handkerchiefs in a showdow box that I bought from the 99 cent store and printed out a pretty poem for each person on pretty paper and put it in the frame with the hankie http://www.newtraditionshankies.com/siteSpecific/hankies/packageSelection.aspx



Save the Dates
www.vistaprint.com A++
http://www.jubbileeart.com/ A+

I purchased a caricature from http://www.jubbileeart.com/ it cost 39.99. All you do is send them a picture via email with any specific requests and the turn around time is about a week. I asked them to change my hair color and I had a revised copy in about 2 hours, very good communication.
I created my magnet on power point saved it as a jpeg and uploaded to vistaprint.com 150 cost me 45 dollars! They are awesome and I got soooo many compliments, anyone needs help let me know I would be more than happy to lend a hand.
I went to staples and bought blank matte postcards and typed up the overnight accommodations and included that with the magnet.


Invites
The Invitation Station & Sweet Nut Hut A++
I searched online for hours and hours for the perfect budget friendly pocket invite. I had many OOT guests so I wanted all the info possible in the invitation. Every time I ordered a free sample from a website I ended up hating it and really wanted a another person checking my spelling etc through this process so I took a drive to Deer Park BC Cathy’s email were so friendly and felt like she cared ? It was soooo worth the 25 min drive! It was so much fun hanging with Cathy in her store , we mixed and matched a couple invites and came up with my amazing invitation for a great price! Cathy communicated with me via EMAIL which is my favorite they even stayed open late for me one day when I was in traffic. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!









Programs
www.vistaprint.com A++
Vistaprint to the rescue once again! They are the best company ever! I decided to make my own programs as I searched through kits and templates I decided none of them were good for me. I traveled back to vistaprit.com and saw the template for brochures and loved their designs so went with it. After I ordered them my DH aunt was unable to read at our wedding I called vistaprint let them know and they sent me another 150. no extra charge! ? talk about customer service!
Besides the general programs wording I also included the full Readings, After Party Information and Local Tax Information. The guests really appreciated all the extra information.






Ring Holder A++
http://www.etsy.com/shop/palomasnest

OH HOW I LOVE ETSY! I bought a ring holder because I did not have a ring bearer with a pillow and wanted a picture of our rings on something pretty. The best part of the personalized ring holder is it becomes an ornament for your tree if you like. I love ornaments with a story. We had it personalized with our wedding date on it. I cant wait to bore my future children with that story every Christmas ? the etsy vendor was a great seller, quick shipping and great communication.


Family Name Plaque
www.MySweetMemories.com A+++
I got this idea from Liz (Egem523). I saw it in one of her pictures and LOVED it! It was set up next to the place cards and pictures of my parents and grandparents wedding photos. It is now hanging in our apartment and every time my eye catches it I smile.


Place cards
Michael’s A+
I went to Michaels in Manhasset on Northern Blvd went to the wedding section and bought plain ivory blank place cards. The instructions and template was very easy to follow.


Card box
www.etsy.com/shop/austin14 A++
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34489470
Excellent card box that spins all specs are on the link above. I had 205 guests more then enough room for all the cards ? etsy seller will make any color. Excellent communication, quick delivery.



Dress and Veil
The Wedding Salon of Manhasset A+++
http://weddingsalononline.com/designers.htm
ALVINA VALENTA STYLE # 9600
Wedding Salon of Manhasset: Everyone was very nice and knows what they are talking about. I loved going there for all my fittings and felt my dress was in very good hands. I got the best price for my dress there but honestly with their designers you are able to get the same price from every nice salon. Just choose the salon that is close to your house and the one you feel most comfortable in ?

I found my dress on this site!!! A previous bride wore it and the second I saw her pictures I felt like I knew it was THE DRESS. After trying on dresses the first time around I knew I wanted lace and a gown that I could SWIRL in (pic below) hee hee). When I saw my dress in person (at bridal reflections in carle place) I slipped it on, showed my Maid of Honor (my best friend) and we both said “YUP this is the one.” I was told by a million people to stop searching. I ignored everyone and went to Klienfelds, Bridal Reflections and an AMAZING STORE called Bridal Couture of Shirt Hills in Chatham, new jersey. ? I sooo wanted to buy my dress here but she did not carry my designer. If you want to take a trip to Jersey only an hour from Manhasset I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS STORE http://www.bridalcoutureofshorthills.com/aboutUs.htm the owner truly takes cares of you and the store is just so adorable!
FUTURE BRIDES: Do not worry about your dress coming in on time!!! Salons do not want your expensive gowns in the closet for longer than they have to, fittings should start 1 month before the big day and your last fitting should be as close to your date as possible for the perfect fit. DO NOT WORRY about gaining/losing weight the seamstresses at these nice salons are no joke and work magic everything and anything can be fixed!!!

Veil: fingertip ivory veil with blusher, it looked perfect with my dress. I bought my veil from the salon bc my step mom and dad freaked me out thinking if I bought from a cheaper venue I would lose it, rip it, or it would not match color. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY! I soooo regret wasting 300 on a PLAIN piece of tulle. SAVE YOUR MONEY and buy a veil on ebay, Barrons at tri county etc don’t make my mistake.






Shoes A++
Caparros Vincente II Silk Pump
http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=3&sort=&category=&prodId=dsw11prod420018&brand=300070

I found my shoes on my photographer’s blog. The second I saw the picture I knew they would be perfect for my dress. I was so scared to Google the designer thinking anything I like is usually ridiculously expensive. Luckily when I typed Caparros into Google a big $49.95 sign from dsw appeared I was RELIEVED AND SO HAPPY bc I knew I was going to MASTERCARD THOSE BAD BOYS no matter what price. They were very comfortable with the perfect amount of heel.





Garter A+
I typed into Ebay giants Garter and a million popped up. I chose 2 because they were so cheap.




Day of Purse A+++
http://www.etsy.com/shop/viabella
OH how I loooooovve etsy. I found a purse that looked exactly like my shoes. The Etsy seller was awesome, LIGHTENING SHIPMENT, great price and even got it personalized with name date and blue fabric inside ?




Hair Piece
NAUGI.comA+++
I LOVED my hair piece, I wish I did not put veil over it, I don’t know why I did. This website is excellent, reasonable priced pieces with wonderful customer service!


Earrings A+
Filenes Basement Manhasset
http://www.carolee.com/category/earrings.do
Antique Vintage Crystal and White Simulated Pearl Linear Drop Pierced Earrings , Great classic pearl drop earrings for less than $30. cant go wrong

Bridesmaid Dresses A+++
Priscilla of Boston ROSLYN & SHORT HILLS, NJ & BOSTON
These are the style numbers; they are no longer viewable on the website except for one. But in case you want to order them you still can.
PB303
MS127
MS226
MS109
MS108

This was the only process of the wedding that I found a bit challenging. I had 10 girls and I wanted ALL the girls to feel beautiful so I wanted a designer that had many different style dresses in the same color, length and fabric. I despised that thick satin fabric and taffeta that all the Bill Levkoff and Jim Hjelm dresses were made of so I decided to check out Priscilla of Boston in Roslyn and I did not despise the silk charmesue, it was flowy, elegant and photographed beautifully. I really really really wanted dark ivory green dresses but it was no where to be found in all my searching so I decided on dark chestnut brown floor length silk charmeusse dresses by designer Pricilla of Boston and Melissa Sweet. The girls had an option of five styles. The customer service was superb at all Pricilla of Boston locations. My girls were able to try on and pay for the dresses at any location closest to them. It was so convenient and the seamstresses were very reasonable and did an amazing job, most of the girls needed 0 alterations. ALWAYS NEGOTIATE WITH SALONS, I got the girls a great discount just by simply asking “What is the best price you can do for my girls” , they want to please you and they also want you to rave about them to other brides. UNDERSTAND YOU’RE BUYING POWER.



Hair A+++++
Kara from Salon Diva
http://www.salondivanyc.com/
4703 Francis Lewis Boulevard
Flushing, NY 11361-3045
(718) 631-8631

Kara started highlighting/cutting my hair 7 years ago. I have watched her do wedding hair a million times on the weekends at the salon. I always knew when it was my big day she would do my hair. Not only is she ridiculously talented but she is so fun/chill to be around on your big day. She comes early, ready to work and does not stop working until everyone in the room is HAPPY! She travels or will do hair in the Salon . Not only did she do a million trials for me, she helped me get the perfect real hair clip on extensions for the wedding that did not cost me $500 like most places charge for the same exact hair. I bought my clip-on , real hair extensions at a beauty supply store called Eve Beauty Source located on Broadway between grand and Howard street (212) 219-9458 http://www.yelp.com/biz/eve-beauty-source-new-york It cost me around $90 for a full set. BEST INVESTMENT EVER! I have thin hair and really needed the volume. I am so in love with them, I wear them all the time.




Makeup
SANDRA BALDINI A++++++
http://www.nycityweddings.com/vendors/make-up/artistry-by-sandra-baldini/
http://www.sbmakeup.com/
516-639-0832
I found Sandra through a recommendation from another 09 bride. She was local (Floral Park) and had very reasonable rates for a trial so I decided to give her a shot after many terrible EXPENSIVE trials. I loved that she quickly communicated with me through email and set up a trial time convenient for me and my busy schedule. The second I walked into her beautiful home I KNEW this was someone I wanted around on my wedding day. She really listens to what you want and treats you with a welcoming heart instead of so many snotty artists who are cold and mean. I am so happy that I chose her for my big day. My makeup lasted all night, I even woke up and thought wow my eyes still look awesome ?





Hotel for getting ready and OOT
INN AT GREAT NECK A+++++++++++++++
http://www.innatgreatneck.com/
516-773-2000
Inn at Great Neck gets extra +++ because they went above and beyond for me and family. They are so nice and accommodating and WORTH every penny. I worked with Donisha Patterson [email protected] SHE WAS AMAZING she answered all my questions/concerns via email immediately and sent me updated pdf guest lists every time I asked for them. The discount rate is pricey $199 but soooo worth it! I got a suite because I was getting ready there; when I arrived Friday morning with 3 bms the whole staff welcomed us with open arm and a glass of champagne. They had my suite for early check in (which was key) I picked up my dress from Wedding Salon At 11am and then drove straight to Inn at Great Neck, the staff at the hotel helped with my heavy dress and all our baggage and even took furniture out of the room for me because I wanted a ton of room for all of us to get ready. They even put a huge full size mirror in the room for our getting ready needs! When we got home from the wedding the room was covered in rose petals with champagne.
The night before my family and I took over the bar and had a blast, there was a piano man and the servers were awesome?

Budget Friendly Hotel for OOT
http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-floral_park-new_york-NY495
256-15 Jericho Turnpike (formerly Jamaica Avenue), Floral Park, NY, US, 11001
I wanted to provide a more budget friendly option for my out of town guests. This hotel is brand new, very clean and only $99 a night, extremely convenient location. The rooms are very small so let your friends know they can’t share.


Officiant
Pastor April A+++
http://churchofancientways.org/
516-785-4191
Meeting with Pastor April was an amazing experience and we were soooo happy to have found her … We met with her in her home for about 2 hours after work on a week night, it was one of the best nights of my life and I will always remember it. She asked us what we meant to each other and why we chose each other. We had never been asked such questions and listening to each other speak about one another was something I will never forget. I am crying right now thinking about the beautiful words that we said to each other. We are not mushy people so I thought the meeting would be uncomfortable and it was the exact opposite. We talked about the ceremony wants, likes and dislikes and Pastor April put ZERO pressure on us to book her , she said think it over and let me know, which I really appreciated! We booked her after I did some more research on offciants and she immediately sent us a draft copy of the ceremony. We then went back and forth perfecting the ceremony (over email my favorite) the final product was perfect and we received a million compliments on how beautiful our ceremony was, highly recommend!!! These are the readings we chose for our ceremony:
1st reading

Union by Robert Fulghum
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.

The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.”

Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same.

For after today you shall say to the world – This is my husband. This is my wife.

Reading number 2


Wilferd Peterson – The Art of Marriage

The little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say, “I love you” at least once a day.


It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other,
not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation,
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have the wings of an angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere
in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the Spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is BEING the right partner.
This is “The Art of Marriage”


Limos
Camelot A+++
http://www.camelotlimo.com/
Everyone raved about Joe from Camelot on the boards so I did not even think twice about booking him. I emailed him what I thought I needed he called me back with the QUICKNESS. We talked for 20 minutes and everything was set he even threw in a free ride to the airport. We booked right over phone faxed/emailed me contarct all done?We got the limo bus and the size was PERFECT, soooooo much better than trying to duck into a limo with a big dress. I even made a slideshow of all my friends and family to watch when they were being shuttled to wedding. . I got so many compliments and tears since the bus also served as a shuttle for my hotel guests. Since everything was so close we were able to book the limo bus for only 3 hours and it served as the boys ride, my ride and the remaining time was shuttling people to and from hotel. One lil problem The bus smelled of cleaned up vomit. Some people did not notice but I did and that’s all that matters. I emailed Joe on our honeymoon and he immediately responded apologized and sent us a complimentary airport pickup. GREAT BUSINESS MAN ! I already used Joe for a night on the town with the girls, we booked the stretch navigator and it was awesome! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!


Flowers
Pedestals A+++
I worked with Nadia, it was so much fun working with her, she is a doll. I had no idea what I wanted except that I wanted something budget friendly with elegant fall colors. She nailed it! Everything was gorgeous and I got a million compliments.

TIP READ YOUR CONTRACTS!!!! The day of the wedding I was so upset when I saw the bouquets because the stems were wrapped. I called Nadia hysterical and she offered to come and fix them the way I liked them, had I read my contract it specifically stated stems wrapped , I TOTALLY missed it. Obviously it wasn’t a big deal but on the day of my wedding I was so mad for 5 minutes and then when I got home from the honeymoon I looked at the contract and realized it was my fault ? SO GIRLS read your contracts a million times.









Cake A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cardinali Bakery & Pastry Shop in Carle Place
http://www.cardinalibakery.com/
My step father is a pastry chef and he made my beautiful cake. It was my wedding present and I had not one ounce of input. IT WAS A TTAL SURPRISE! When I saw it come into the rehearsal hall during our pre ceremony pictures I was mesmerized. It was a cake that only existed in my dreams. The inside was the most amazing brownie, peanut-butter raspberry concoction that was to die for!!!!!!!!!!





DJ
Body Rock A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://www.bodyrockdj.com/
I booked body rock’s basic package and was so happpyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! Def one of my favorite vendors, worth every penny!!! !!!!!! They nailed it! They followed my directions to a tee and made a party that no one ever wanted to leave. My dj was anthony and mc john = AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!












PHOTOBOOTH
http://partybooths.com/ A+++++++++
Instead of spending money on favors we decided to get a photo booth. IT WAS BY FAR THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. DH refused to give me a green light on this decision so I did it anyway haahahha My wedding was delayed and it was a life saver? During the wedding DH whispered to me good call on photo booth hahah Party booths attendant was early attentive and such a sweet guy. GREAT COMPANY, GREAT SERVICE, GREAT PRICE no reason to look anywhere else.


Reception/ Ceremony Location
DOUGLASTON MANOR A

I had a great time planning my wedding with Tom the banquet manager. I live very close to Douglaston Manor so was able to pop in any time, everyone always welcomed me in with open arms day or night and it felt like home. The place is not like any other reception hall you have ever been to, the moment I walked in I knew it was my place, I fell in love <3 with the whole mansion and when the day came I felt like it was all mine even though other parties were going on; the food was amazing and I still get compliments to this day. Coconut shrimp, fried calamari, stuffed mushrooms; raw bar were the crowd’s favorite for cocktail hour. Dinner everyone raved about the sea bass including myself def go with the potato au gratin side for main dish biggest hit of the night pure butter and cheese heaven.
The service was awesome from a bride and groom perspective but guests complained about 1 bartender’s lack of experience, and young servers but all in all I think that can happen everywhere and has happened everywhere. I don’t think I should have picked the hall due to the size of my party the grand ballroom states capacity of 240. I had 200 and it was way too tight, but I loved the location so much I didn’t care and in the end the night rocked and it did not affect my day in any way. I compromised not having a dais for more dance space (which was fine with me bc I didn’t want one anyway) we sat with our best friends and all ate dinner together and I will remember it forever. We put the DJS in the front of THE T shaped room in the closets ( doors wide open) to once again maximize dance floor space it worked out perfectly. I sat younger people in the front and older people further away from the music. We had 2 bars setup with 3 bartenders. We used the room next to the ballroom as a lounge area with a full bar and photo booth it was my idea and it worked out great!!! When people wanted to do shots or get away from loud music they had a space to talk, play in photo booth etc. IT WAS REALLY AWESOME! The day before my wedding Douglaston Manor called me letting me know my banquet manager would be unable to attend rehearsal or wedding; obviously I was heartbroken as I planned my whole wedding with Tom. Chris was assigned to me and he did the best job he can do with the Shi&&y situation given to him. Douglaston Manor was very booked on my wedding day, they had multiple parties, had it not been raining I would have not had any idea and it would not have affected me at all but since it poured I was forced to have my ceremony inside and unfortunately Douglaston manor booked a bridal shower in my backup ceremony room that ended when my wedding was to start? I was told this the night of my rehearsal , I broke into tears, no bride spending that kind of money should have to be put through that. In the end my wedding started at 5:45 and it worked out great bc Douglaston Manor opened the bar for my guests who arrived early and fed them, the day of my wedding there was horrific storms in the tri state area so many guests were VERY VERY LATE soooo it actually worked out that we started at 545 bc the late people were able to see us get married and the early people got drunk and ate so all in all it was a win win but a shi&&y compromise because my wedding was cut short. The day of my wedding I had the best time and I don’t want to knock DOUGLASTON MANOR as a terrible vendor bc the staff tried their hardest to accommodate their overbooking but in retrospect I am pissed at DM for not living up to my expectations bc from we had such a great experience during the booking process. I also truly believe had the weather been nice you would have had a glowing review of DM.
Pics at dm

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR FALL WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

What a great review! You looked so beautiful!! Congrats!!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

WOW awesome dana! looks GREAT

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Lovely wedding!!!!

Congrats!!!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

thank you!
such a great review!
everything was beautiful!
and such wonderful advice!
xo

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

great review!!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Looooove your review!!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Thanks for sharing!! Great review!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Great review! Your pics are beautiful!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Yay Dana Congrats!!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

what a great review Dana! everything looked just amazing!!!!!!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Great Review!!!! I love your dress!!!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Gorgeous pics!! Congrats!!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

great review congrats

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Great review Dana!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

thank you for the review! You looked gorgeous and your pix are beautiful!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Very detailed review! i loved it!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

beautiful!! thanks for taking the time to do a review!!

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

everything looks gorgeous :)

Re: DOUGLASTON MANOR WEDDING FALL 2009 PEDASTALS, BODY ROCK, CAMELOT, KARA SALON DIVA, SANDRA BALDINI MAKEUP, YANG PHOTO AND MORE.....

Beautiful, love your flowers and a great details on the review. Thanks for sharing.