June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

LIW
without this site I don’t know where I would be. Thank you Ladies all of your help…it is truly appreciated.

The Proposal

DH had asked me a few times…I pretty much took it as a joke.
So when he finally he got down on one knee and I totally missed it. He was in our living room on one knee and I was carrying a pile of clothes I couldn’t see over. I eventually tripped over him and fell onto the floor. He laid down beside me and hit me in the throat with the ring box. He then proceeded to say, “Well your mother said yes and your father said yes…so will you?” At this point Im still on the floor with clothes on top of me and all over the floor and I did the only thing I could do, just laugh! It wasn’t romantic or nothing out of a movie, but it was so US! Just off beat and wrong. DH asked me if he was allowed a do-over so I gave him a shot and that wasn’t any better.

We started looking for venues the day we got engaged. I feel in love with one (Russos) and thought a few were ok. We ended up deciding to have a destination wedding on NCL’s Epic. To make a long story short we ended up changing plans 3weeks before the date we selected. So instead of being married Aug 21 in Miami on a cruise we got married June 4 in NY @ Russos.




Engagement Party
EL MODERNO
Our favorite Mexican/Spanish restaurant, the drinks are strong the food is BUENO and authentic. (Brooklyn)
As a favor we gave out gift bags with blow pop, a bag of popcorn, a ring pop, pop rocks that went along with a cute poem. Each guest also received a few love themed chocolate lollipops. At the time we were to be married on a cruise so we also handed out the cruise and hotel info.







STDs
New and Blue http://www.newandblue.com/
The magnets weren’t anything fancy…plain simple & to the point. Good enough for me



Epics
Were done by Sal from The Pros. I heard really bad reviews abt them but their services was amazing. We did our pics in DUMBO. Sal made us really comfortable, we laughed so much that day.






Bridal Shower
It was a surprise! It was a Lingerie theme. My Mom & DH Mom put it together. We had a blast!
The favor was a pillbox filled with hand sanitizer, the sanitizer holder, and a mini lotion from bath & body works. They were also given organza bags with M&M’s with my picture on them!!!












Russos
Everything was amazing from start to finish, from my first vist to the cake tasting to the ceremony and reception.
I worked with Carol , she got back to me promptly with answers to all my questions. I changed my date 3x within a years time and they were very accomadating.
My wedding of 120ppl quickly ballonned into 240, Mr Russo and his staff handled everything I threw at them without blinking an eye. The services was always impecable, the food/cake was delish…our menu was an 11 choice sit down dinner after a cocktail hour full of international cusine. If you can think it, Russos can make it happen!
On your wedding day all of you needs/wants will be anticipated by the staff there, you will not need a DOC. They provide slippers for the bride and mothers of the Bride & Groom. Joe is also amazing, that man can get you whatever you want whenever you want it!!! Hes so easy going he could help the most wound up person calm down. I had a small situation with my limo company. Kelly helped me get everything settled with them…she spoke with the own and he promised that everthing would be perfect on the day of.
Mr. Russo also made a few appearences throughout the night to make sure everything was running smoothly.










Photography
Duet
I worked with team Danny. From the moment they arrived they were working, they caputred every moment. My Dad was a Dadzilla n they worked through his madness with no sweat! They met his every request.










Designer Limo
There were lots of issues with this company but in the end they did the right thing and I can appreciate that!
Their drivers were professional and their cars were well kept. We used them for one one way srvc…pick up from the hotel and dropoed off @ Russos.







Flowers
Flowers By Brian
DH picked the BOKs & CPs. I choosed the color and flowers.
We used there Howard Beach Location
They worked with our budget and my Dadzilla. Danielle was amazing she went apove and beyond to make sure we were happy. Im not a huge fan of flower so we did simple roses and a mix of high & low CPs.








Make UP
Bridal Gal
I cannot begin to say how amazing Lilly is. She is a wonderful artist and a super sweet woman. My make up trail was flawless (I didnt wash my face until 3day later and it remained perfect)...this along with her kind heart gave me no other choice…I had to book with her. I had one of the best facials with her @ her studio too!
On my wedding day she came to us & did my make up, two of my bridesmaids and my Moms. My mother was diagnosed with sarcoidosis; it’s an autoimmune disease, which causes raised scaring on her skin, mostly on her face. My mother has not taken pictures in recent years due to this. Thanks to Lilly and her talent she made the scaring invisible and gave my mother the confidence to stand next to me on my wedding day and take photos. For this alone Lillys work is priceless to me & my family!!!! We cannot thank her enough for not only making my special day special for me, but for giving my mother that extra boost and making it a special day for her as well.
I encourage anyone looking for a make up artisit to book Lilly ASAP….remember you get what you pay for ;)









Hair
A week or so before the day I had extensions put in my Tawana @ Lavar hair designs. Ive had extensions numerous times and I must say this was an experience like no other. The hair is very life like, not heavy, it wasn’t too tight. Tawana was great to talk to and she did her thing.
The day of my hair was styled by my usual stylist. Shes been doing my hair for over 10yrs. Shes amazing and I love her. She also styled me hair in my epics. FM me for her
info.



DOJ http://www.bella-tiara.com/home.html
Bella Tiara everything came perfect and I feel in love with it.







Dresses
Davids Bridal
I had a very hard time finding the one. For over a year I looked and searched and was unhappy with everything. I went to Kleinfelds, Macys, RK Bridal, a few stores in CT, one in PA and nothing :sad: About 2 weeks before my wedding I went into DB and bought both of my dresses off the rack! My ceremony dress needed to be tacted but no serious alterations…I was very luck.
Bridesmaid & Flower Girl
Were from DB as well. They all went separately.
Jr BM Dresses Bari Jay 20816
RK Bridal WARNING: First off that place is a MADDDDDHOUSE during prom season!!!!!
I ordered their dresses through the no frills program. They came in right on time, no alterations :yay:





Dress #2










MOB Dress
My mother found her dress at Macys. The designer is usually carried in Nordstrom but they didn’t have the dress she wanted. She found it in Macys by accident





Groom
GM, Jr GM & RB
Mens Wearhouse
They all got fitted, paid & looked pretty damn good to me!




BP Gifts
BM: Coach wristlets Woodbury Outlet & DOJ Overstock.com
GM: Business Card holders & Swiss Army Knife Woodbury Outlet
Jr BM & FG: Wedding Barbie, DOJ, Wallet, costume jewelry
Jr GM & RB: Gift Card Toys R US, Wallet, & Watch


Favors: Picture frame coasters
Dadzilla did the favors…I didn’t see them until the reception, didn’t know abt them either.





Invites & Programs DIY
This was another item that I could have done without, but was necessary lol I wanted to spend the least amount on this as possible.
Bought the kits from Michaels. Printed them from home…that was one hell of a project. Silly me...I dont have any photos of the programs :sad:




Name Plaques
http://www.my-sweet-memories.com/home/family-name-plaques
Channa did an amazing job on both of my plaques. She was great to work with.
Guest Book.
http://ritzpix.com/net/Default.aspx?
We used our EPics for the guestbook.



Mrs Hoody
I bought a white hoody from oldnavy and took it to my fav airbrush guy. Hes done lots of work for me in the past so I knew I would be happy. He located out of Brooklyn. (551 Fulton St. 646 358 5590)


Unity Candle & Aisle Runner
Signature Wedding Aisle Runners
http://www.signatureweddingaislerunners.com/
They were easy to work with; within a few days I received a proof. A few days later my candles and aisle runner arrived.




DJ
DJ Ser Scratch: High Velocity Sounds
[email protected] 917 541 8345
I love him! He kept the crowd laughing and on their feet. He played pop, reggae, soca, salsa, reggaton, oldies, r&b, hip hop…u request it he plays it.
Hes also a friend of the family…easy to work with and extremely reasonable prices!!!!!







Strings
The Chaminade Players: Sound Check Entertainment
They were early, professional and played whatever was requested. I the added something special to the ceremony


Double Tree JFK
The rooms were clean. They allowed us to check in early and were super helpful the day of!


Honeymoon
Part 1
Sandals Royal Bahamian

We had a blast! DH made fast friends with the bartenders and kept me drunk the entire time The food in the specialty restaurants was amazing the regular dining was average. We didn’t do much besides lay out on the beach. DH fell in love with the JetSki…he went out everyday. He so cute he even asked me to buy him one for xmas




Part 2
NCL 7day cruise
We sailed out of Miami on the EPIC, NCLs newest ship. I made the most of the trip bcz it was DH first cruise. I was disappointed in their service. I am a little biased as I am a Royal Caribbean Fan. The bathroom configuration turned me off. The toilet is in an enclosed capsule on one side as you enter the room, the shower is in an enclosed capsule on the other side, and the sink is practically in a dresser drawer. DH feet hung off the bed bcuz it was so small. The design of the rooms were on a curve which took up so much floor space you had to turn side ways to walk pass the bed. I always get a balcony when
I cruise and I was grateful for it this time around. Their included dining was blah.
On a positive note the rooms had a ton of storage space. We enjoyed their specialty restaurants, at an xtra cost of course. The Blue Man Group was one of their featured shows, we saw it twice…it was really cute. Overall I suggest this trip for families with young children they seemed to have the most fun. Throughout the ship you could hear complaints abt food, srvc, décor, ect from different guest.





Miami




THANKS FOR READING!!!!

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Great review! You looked very beautiful! Dress #2 was my fav...

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

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Posted by April_Luv

Great review! You looked very beautiful! Dress #2 was my fav...

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Thank u...#2 is also my fav

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

great review!!! congrats!!!

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Love your review

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Great review - thanks for sharing! Everything looks amazing and you look so happy and beautiful!

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Thanks Ladies

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Great review!! Thanks for sharing. I love your reference to DADZILLA!!! lol.

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Great Review, everything looked beautiful.

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Thanks!
My Dad is a mess...I tell everyone we (DH & I) just showed up to the wedding. My Dad had the wedding of his dreams

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Thank you for the review - i am so happy that i am using flowers by brian also :)

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

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Posted by rnesenoff

Thank you for the review - i am so happy that i am using flowers by brian also :)

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I only have good things to say about them...you wont be disappointed

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Beautiful Wedding! Congrats!

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

wow! your wedding was spectacular but i am not surprised because my SIL got married at Russo's and had an unbelievable time as well.
Both of your dresses were beautiful and its great that you got such an awesome deal on both of them!
congratulations again!

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Thanks

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Great review!! Love Russo's I had my sweet 16 there..never disappointed when I'm there for family parties

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

this review is amaaaaaaazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

amazing review thank you & Congrats!

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

Wow you looked amazing!! Congrats! I loved your idea of having two dresses!!

Re: June 4, 2010 Russos on the Bay, Duet, Flowers By Brian, Lilly Rivera-BridalGal *PRO PICS*

GREAT review!!! You looked amazing!! Loved your honeymoon pictures!

I never realzied how pretty Russo's was!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!