The Brides' Review - Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael - Now with Pics

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Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael - Now with Pics

usuk2004 Posted: Mar 04, 2004 10:41 AM+

usuk2004 MEMBER SINCE: 10/03 TOTAL POSTS : 5469 WEDDING DATE: Feb 21, 2004

Posted: Mar 04, 2004 10:41 AM

Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael - Now with Pics

Some wedding pictures

Wow, it went by so fast, why didn't someone tell me it would

First I should say that we planned this wedding in 5 months and one day with my fiance in London and me in New York (part of that time in the city, part on Long Island). I didn't really have time to fuss with a lot of details, nor did I want to. The day was literally a blur, but wonderful in every way. Here's my review:

Duet Photo and Video Have not yet seen proofs or video, but they have been a pleasure to work with. Alfredo and Eric were wonderful to have around all day and made me feel so comfortable and beautiful. I should say that FH didn't want video, but a few things happened that we just can't wait to see on the video!! Also, FH was very concerned about the videographer being in the way. I mentioned this to Eric and he was very aware of what he was shooting and from where--he even asked me several times if it was okay to shoot. There were photos that I wanted that just got lost in the day, but that's my fault, not theirs. At the time, you just want the pictures to be over so that you can party, and unfortunatley there were some family combinations, etc that I would've liked to have had. More to come when I get my proofs...

Music by Michael He was wonderful. My only complaint is that he only played half of SHOUT--a song I had told him makes a wedding in my opinion. Otherwise he took our suggestions and went with them and ended up with a great mix of music. He even made us a CD for ourselves with a few select songs from the day on it. His website made planning on two different continents much easier and he found all of our quirky requests--even a particular version of a well-known song. During the reception he was a perfect MC--not cheesy, or intrusive, but definitely fun.

New York STyle Limousine I literally booked them 3 weeks before the wedding--I only needed one princess rolls. It arrived on time and in perfect condition. OUr driver Glen was great, very courteous and took charge of everything. He backed into our driveway to make sure that I could get in without getting wet. Helped me into and out of the car every time. On the way to the church my dad and MOH were stone silent

but Glen and I chatted the whole way. He ran the processional at the church like a pro and even held my train for a few pews. They were also the most reasonably priced around. It doesn't seem like many people use them from these boards, but I would definitely reccommend them.

Acme bus company We got a 55 passenger coach bus. From what I could tell it was fine--it was on time except for getting lost on the way to the church so that I arrived before it did. But it was just a few minutes. Price was reasonable, coach seemed clean. DH and I rode it back to hotel at end ofthe night and it was a blast--everyone had a good time.

Shoreham Florist We didn't need much in the way of flowers because I only had an MOH and we had no centerpieces on the tables (opted to go with just rose petals and candles). The flowers we ordered were lovely and reasonably priced but the woman who owns the shop (I think) was not very friendly. I don't think she smiled once in all my dealing with her.

Raphael It was absolutely beautiful. I wish I could've paid more attention to it! Julie was wonderful to work with early on. She worked with us on pricing and gave us lots of suggestions (ie rose petals instead of centerpieces). The food was incredible--if anyone is having their wedding here you must, must, must have the lamb chops and the shrimp at the cocktail hour--people can't stop talking about them!!!! Unfortunatley, I didn't eat much during the cocktail hour because I was talking. My mom was a little upset that the mediterranean table that was set up had a very long line the whole time and by 6pm had not been replenished. During dinner, we had decided to do everything up front, meaning no dance sets in between courses. I'm not sure if the staff wasn't used to it, but service was a little slow. At one point one side of the room didn' t have any wine. They're just things to bring up if you're having your wedding here. Other than that the food was delicious and the bartenders were working over time!!!! Everyone enjoyed themselves and the compliments are rolling in.

I hope this is helpful, we had a truly wonderful day!!!

OOps, I forgot about my dress

Bridal Suite of Patchogue I have heard horror stories about this place, but I had absolutely no problems with them. My dress was in EXACTLY when they said it would be. There was even a charge we disputed that they took right off. I was so happy with my overall look on the day (veil came from Patchogue floral and had my hair and make-up done at Glamour Shots in Miller Place) that I love the dress more and more every time I see it in pictures!

nsgraham Posted: Mar 04, 2004 11:42 AM+

nsgraham MEMBER SINCE: 10/03 TOTAL POSTS : 2267 WEDDING DATE: May 30, 2004

Posted: Mar 04, 2004 11:42 AM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

Congrats! I'm so glad it went well!

I'm trying to see your pics, but I can't.

drewsgirl Posted: Mar 04, 2004 01:34 PM+

drewsgirl MEMBER SINCE: 10/03 TOTAL POSTS : 1224 WEDDING DATE: Jun 05, 2004

Posted: Mar 04, 2004 01:34 PM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

Congrats! I would love to see the pics too but the link isnt working

luvsun27 Posted: Mar 04, 2004 01:39 PM+

luvsun27 MEMBER SINCE: 9/03 TOTAL POSTS : 2887 WEDDING DATE: Apr 17, 2004

Posted: Mar 04, 2004 01:39 PM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

Congrats! I can't view the pics either

lovergirl Posted: Mar 04, 2004 01:52 PM+

lovergirl MEMBER SINCE: 11/03 TOTAL POSTS : 254 WEDDING DATE: Nov 05, 2005

Posted: Mar 04, 2004 01:52 PM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

Congrats! It sounds like you did a great job planning from far away & in ONLY 5 MONTHS!! I can't see the pics either!

DrmnBlnd Posted: Mar 04, 2004 02:29 PM+

DrmnBlnd MEMBER SINCE: 12/02 TOTAL POSTS : 5976 WEDDING DATE: May 15, 2004 WEDDING LOCATION: undecided

Posted: Mar 04, 2004 02:29 PM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

Congrats, Farah!!! Good luck in London!!!!!

The pics are GORGEOUS!!

allure Posted: Mar 04, 2004 02:47 PM+

allure MEMBER SINCE: 12/02 TOTAL POSTS : 14367 WEDDING DATE: Jan 16, 2011

Posted: Mar 04, 2004 02:47 PM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

Congrats

Cant see pics

NYCHICK Posted: Mar 04, 2004 02:52 PM+

NYCHICK MEMBER SINCE: 9/03 TOTAL POSTS : 4604 WEDDING DATE: Sep 05, 2004 WEDDING LOCATION: New York ..

Posted: Mar 04, 2004 02:52 PM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

congratulations!!!!!!!!

can't see pics

Spot12905 Posted: Mar 04, 2004 03:12 PM+

Spot12905 MEMBER SINCE: 1/04 TOTAL POSTS : 1671 WEDDING DATE: Mar 23, 2005

Posted: Mar 04, 2004 03:12 PM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

Congrats. I am glad that you had a great wedding.

usuk2004 Posted: Mar 05, 2004 10:12 AM+

usuk2004 MEMBER SINCE: 10/03 TOTAL POSTS : 5469 WEDDING DATE: Feb 21, 2004

Posted: Mar 05, 2004 10:12 AM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

Some more pics....

usuk2004 Posted: Mar 05, 2004 10:13 AM+

usuk2004 MEMBER SINCE: 10/03 TOTAL POSTS : 5469 WEDDING DATE: Feb 21, 2004

Posted: Mar 05, 2004 10:13 AM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael

ElleOct04 Posted: Mar 05, 2004 10:58 AM+

ElleOct04 MEMBER SINCE: 10/03 TOTAL POSTS : 244 WEDDING DATE: Oct 10, 2004

Posted: Mar 05, 2004 10:58 AM

Re: Here's my review - 2/21 at Raphael - Now with Pics

What beautiful pictures. You look stunning and a gorgeous dress! I went to a wedding last year at Raphael, absolutely one of the best places for a reception, everything looks gorgeous. Congrats and much happiness!!!

allure Posted: Mar 05, 2004 01:04 PM+

allure MEMBER SINCE: 12/02 TOTAL POSTS : 14367 WEDDING DATE: Jan 16, 2011

Posted: Mar 05, 2004 01:04 PM