My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

Hello ladies! While I was not an avid 'poster' during my wedding planning process, I was a very avid reader. I absolutely could not have planned my wedding without the help of many of you here on LIWeddings...thus, my big REVIEW will start with an A+++ for LI Weddings. I see that many of you in the past use regular grades, so I'll go with that.... Here we go!

Pastor April from 'The Church of Ancient Ways', A+
I wasn't sure who to book for our ceremony. My husband and I aren't religious, but we didn't want something too simple like a justice of the peace, either. April helped us compose a beautiful, beautiful ceremony. We received a million complements after the fact on how unique and personal it was--so many people cried in a very good way and said how sweet it was. She was great to work with--got back to me quickly and very professional.

Flowers-Verbena Designs, A+
The flower arrangements that Verbena put together for me were absolutely stunning. Considering all I gave them to work with when I initially came in was 'I like fluffy flowers' and I was hoping for some sort of silver pails. Jen helped create a very nice, simple and elegant vision for my wedding. Our reception was at a restaurant, so we didn't need too much decoration--just a few low centerpieces on each table and the standard bouquets, corsages, etc. and prices were very fair. I will say that I didn't survey too many florists, but Jen and the staff went above and beyond expectations with their arrangements!

Venue-The View, Oakdale, NY, A++++++++
I did not want to have a very formal, sit down reception at a hall for my wedding. I wanted something simple and beautiful on the water. The View was EXACTLY what my husband and I were looking for. We were fortunate enough to have a surprisingly beautiful day in April-65 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I would say that for the entire length of the party, the majority of guests were lounging outside on the deck partying and enjoying the view; it was a very fun, social environment. We did the cocktail hour reception, which served a ridiculous amount of very delicious food, including a sushi and raw bar, typical pasta and carving stations, and passed 'small plates' of some of their more popular dishes (filet mignon, fresh salmon, a chicken dish, etc...). Bartenders were quick and made very delicious, strong drinks. We really wanted our guests to PARTY and they certainly took advantage. Jimmy, the wedding manager, was excellent. Every time we stopped by to discuss menus or drop of things for the day, he gave us a meal on the house. Very friendly and gets back to you quickly when you have questions. The day of, our maitre'd was fantastic. We got married on-site and she arranged everything from the ceremony to the cocktail hour transition PERFECTLY. I can't say enough good things about this place...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

DJ-Vinny from High Voltage Sound, D
I don't mean to smear someone's name on here, but I was very disappointed. All along the planning process we only dealt with him as he owns and is the business. You only speak with him and he lead me to believe that he would be present on my wedding day with a second DJ assistant to keep the party going. I spoke with him two days before my wedding to confirm some last details about entrance music and other minor details. To my surprise, on the day of my wedding, someone else showed up alone. He introduced himself, was incredibly polite and did an excellent job. I spoke with him briefly just to address what I was expecting and asked where Vinny was. He simply said Vinny told him to come do the party and that he was one of his 'main guys.' Despite Vinny's reasonable pricing, I felt as if I had been tricked. I am very glad that the representative did a good job, but would not recommend him because of his sneaky and unprofessional behavior.

I did, however, book a steel drummer for our cocktail hour through his company as well. The guy was AWESOME and really gave the party an incredibly summery, fun party atmosphere. Sadly, I didn't get his name, but I would highly recommend!

Transportation-Mayfair Limousines, A+
We had our ceremony on-site and needed a limited amount of transportation. In the morning, my family, bridesmaids and I rode in their stretch SUV. At the end of the night, we had a towncar pick us up. Their prices were SO reasonable, they were prompt (and actually early for the pick up in the morning) and the drivers were very polite. I am planning on booking transportation for my honeymoon through this company.

Wedding Gown-Purchased at Village Bridal in Babylon, A-
I am only giving Village Bridal an A- for their attitudes towards customers. I don't expect to have people kiss my feet when I enter a store, but I think that if you are going to make an expensive purchase like a wedding gown, you deserve a higher quality of courtesy. While staff was never rude, they never went out of their way to show any sort of enthusiasm about my upcoming wedding or act overly friendly. I suppose they were just a little stiff in their professionalism. Regardless, I found my gown there, they called about shipment dates as I was limited on time. I ordered a Maggie Sottero dress that was not to come in until 3 weeks before the big day. It arrived EARLY and they had me in for my first fitting immediately. Alterations department was great, a little pricey, but she was lovely and did a great job. Again, didn't catch the name, but was a pleasure! I also appreciated that they allowed me to order the size I wanted--I was VERY determined to lose weight, and I did...so that worked out well. Overall, a positive experience, but if you're looking for that 'Say Yes to the Dress' enthusiasm from the sales people, I'd suggest going elsewhere.

Men's Suits-Men's Warehouse in Massapequa, A++
My husband wore a charcoal grey vested suit for our wedding and the groomsmen wore regular 2 piece suits. At Men's Warehouse, we worked with Justin, who is one of their managers. He was INCREDIBLY knowledgeable about menswear, sizing, fit, etc. He helped us find a nice, high-end suit for my husband and then offered their 'Everyday Value' suits for the grooms, which were only $200. I thought this was a great move as the guys got a nice quality suit to keep for the same price as a tux rental. They also did a great job helping my father, who is definitely in the 'Big & Tall' section. They had plenty of options for him as well. Alterations department was fair and reasonable; PLUS, if you get alterations done there, they are 'guaranteed for life,' meaning if you want something taken in our out, you can always go back for free adjustments.

Mother of the Bride Dress-David's Bridal in Massapequa, A-
My mom bought her dress off the rack at David's Bridal. We went on a busier day, so they weren't OVERLY attentive as they appeared to be understaffed for a Saturday afternoon. However, it wasn't impossible to get assistance. Because we bought off the rack, they volunteered to steam the dress and fix some of the beading. Overall a positive experience, but I'd recommend going on an off day (say, daytime midweek) if at all possible.

Hotel Block-Hilton Garden Inn, Ronkonkoma, A
I was very pleased with the Hilton. We got a free room for our wedding night since we reached our 10 room quota. They were very accommodating--the kitchens were closed the night of, but they were very helpful to our guests providing take out menus, etc. Overall a very positive experience.

Hair & Make Up-Cactus Salon, East Islip A
I had my hair done by Don, who gives me my hair cuts. I didn't even bother going in for a trial as I knew I could trust him. He went a bit off of the picture I shared with him, but did a great job nonetheless. The salon manager was very helpful and even negotiated pricing for my bridesmaids' hair...I was trying to save them money as often as I could! I was only slightly disappointed as some of the stylists were a little late coming in the morning (we had the shop open early at 7:30)...my mother was getting *very* stressed! Overall, though, everyone did an amazing job with the updos, make up and blowouts! :)

Re: My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

congrats and thanks for the review

Re: My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

Congrats! Great review

Re: My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

Congratulations!

Re: My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

congrats

Re: My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

congrats!

Re: My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

Congrats!

Re: My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

Congrats!!We got engaged at View yesterday, 6/27/07 was our 5 year anniversary as a couple. Naturally I would like to get married there. Your review is great!! I will not have a big wedding. At the most 50 to 75 people. I cannot see prices on their site though. Would you mind sharing?

Re: My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

I was also looking at the view as a possible venue. Can I ask how many people you had? I was concerned about the size of the space. We are expecting around 150

My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

Congrats!!

My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

Congrats! Sorry about your DJ, but it seems like it was a great day regardless!

My Bride's Review! April wedding at The View!

Congrats! Great review!