My November Wedding <3

My wedding review:


After a little under a year and half of planning our day was amazing! I had the most incredible day and it surely does go by fast. My advice would be to enjoy the planning process, research your vendors, negotiate prices, and make your vision a reality! I had researched my vendors ahead of time and then booked them all a year from our wedding date. After the vendors were booked, I started on the colors, the special touches, and everything else that needed to be done. Everyone told us the day goes by fast and it does!!!!

And now the review!!!!

Proposal: We met in June of 2009 at Madison Square Garden at a freestyle concert. Neither of us expected this to happen and that night, DH came home to tell his parents that he met his future wife! My friend who was with me that night screamed to me that I met my future husband. Surely, in 20 months of dating, DH popped the question. I had class in the city till 8:30pm and DH told me he had work that night and lets meet for dinner after I get out of school. I didn’t think anything of it. He suggested Agave (we both LOVE Mexican). I met him there and we had a nice dinner, the food was good as well as the atmosphere. The service was sooooo slow and I commented to DH about how nice it was to not be rushed while eating, especially in the city. After dinner, DH said he forgot his bag from work and we had to go back to MSG (Madison Square Garden). It was now about 10:30pm. We get to MSG around 11:15pm and then he takes me through the stadium and I notice all flower petals on the floor. I said “Oh man, someone made a mess here”. Sure enough, DH gets on his knee and starts to cry and asks me to be his wife! I was SHOCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course, I said yes!!!!!!!
(Agave service was slow because DH told the waiter he had to wait to a certain time to go to MSG because he was proposing that night). It all makes sense now.


& So the planning begins…..

Diamond Roof - TriCounty:
DH bought my engagement ring at Diamond Roof and dealt with Sam and Nora. He absolutely loved them and has since bought me jewerly from there. We purchased our wedding bands from there as well. Great customer service, honest prices and beautiful jewerly!



Bridal Shower:
Villa Umbertos in Elmont A++++++++++++++++++++++
Excellent, excellent, and excellent! The service and staff were incredible. My mom, MIL and my sister worked together to throw me a surprise bridal shower that was outrageous!!!!!! We were so blessed to have such generous family and friends. I was told it was DH’s Aunt & Uncle’s Surprise Wedding Anniversary party. I was taken away by it all. This day too went by so fast! Anything that we asked the staff, they did. They were extremely well organized and courteous to everyone. The food was delicious, well prepared and made. The cake was so pretty and so delicious! I had a great time!!!!!!!



Rehearsal Dinner:
Grimaldi’s – A
We looked around everywhere for reasonable menus but since our rehearsal was on a Friday, every restaurant increased their menu party prices. One day DH and I went to try Grimaldi’s and we liked it. We also saw the catering party packages and we thought this would be a great idea. This was around the block from the church. The only negative to this place is lack of a party room. You have an open area but not much privacy. However, the food, the pizza and the service was excellent. We dealt with Megan who is really, really sweet. She was very accommodating and worked with us. She was GREAT!!! Everyone enjoyed the dinner.

Groom’s Cake: Lady J’s Cakes: A++++++
I wanted to give DH a groom’s cake but not at the wedding. I wanted him to see it and enjoy it. I also didn’t want to do anything practical so I thought outside the box for this one. I ended up asking Janean to do a combo bag snack bag that reads “We make the perfect combo” on it. I choose the Bavarian cream cake and OMG DELICIOUS IS NOT EVEN THE WORD! DH’s favorite cake is red velvet so I asked Janean if she can make two red velvet cupcakes. The cake and cupcakes were VERY FRESH and MOIST. Everything was great!! He was very surprised and shocked to see this.


St. Joseph’s of Garden City:
I am not rating a church.
Neither DH or I are parishioners of St. Joseph’s but because of unforeseen circumstances with my father’s health they allowed us to get married here and I am thankful for that. The church is absolutely beautiful and reminded me of the churches that I grew up knowing in Brooklyn. It was antique, dark and just so beautiful.

We got engaged in March and I had two months left of school. I waited till I graduated and then that’s when the planning really began. I booked all my vendors that summer. I shopped and shopped around for EVERYTHING!


Wedding Wands: A+
I didn’t want to use bubbles in fear of staining the girl’s dresses. Rose pedals were not allowed at church so I decided to do the wedding wands. I had them made by a seller on etsy and they were a big hit!! www.etsy.com/listing/83028324/100-wedding-wands-any-color-large-single

Unity Candle: A+++
https://www.etsy.com/transaction/83331727 - I did this with black ribbon on it. I put the poem I first gave to DH when I was falling for him on the candle. It was very symbolic to us.


Venue:
Westbury Manor A-B
DH & I went ALL over to about 10 different halls to look at it. We loved the look of Westbury Manor for the rustic style and the warm feeling you get when you enter there. Westbury Manor doesn’t appear to be a wedding hall and that was another aspect that attracted us. We met with Ian who was very polite and kind to us. He offered us drinks, and gave us a tour of Westbury Manor. We negotiated a lot with him and he threw in a few goodies for us and we booked. Whenever I had a question (which was rare), I would call and always receive a response or a phone call back if needed. We attended two showcases to help us decide our menu. Every time we entered into Westbury Manor we were always greeted. As you get closer to your wedding day, they work with you to help with the paperwork for vendors, seating arrangements, menus, napkin and tablecloth choices. Every single piece of paper, I was very descriptive of what I wanted and how I wanted it done. I made my own set of lists and descriptions to help whoever was going to be there for our day. I also provided the same descriptions and lists to Cheeky Glam too so everyone can coordinate well with one another.

Fast forward to three days before our wedding: I receive a phone call from our DJ who stated that Westbury Manor is only giving him 30 mins to set up his equipment for our wedding. I completely freaked out! How can a DJ set up his equipment in 30 mins? UNHEARD OF!! I contacted Westbury Manor and asked to speak to Ian. He was off that day. So I switched to another Banquet Manager – Heather. I had spoken to her previously and had no issues. When I asked why is my DJ getting 30 mins to set up, she explained there was another wedding taken place in our cocktail room and would end 30 mins before we enter our reception room. Well, then common sense would be that the other wedding would have their DJ setup in a normal range of time but my DJ has to do this in a half hour. Not happening! I was then told by Heather “if your DJ is a professional, I don’t see why he can’t do this”. She cannot understand this is since she isn’t a DJ. After hanging up with her, I was so upset and angry. I contacted Jamie/Heather (cheeky glam) immediately to see what she thought of this. She helped me relax and coached me into what to say to WM.

The next day, two days before my wedding. My stomach is knots, I couldn’t sleep and took off a day to work to go to Westbury Manor and speak to Ian. My MIL accompanied me. I told Ian that we were told there was another wedding going on the same time as ours and that our DJ only had a half hour meanwhile the other wedding’s DJ can come when he/she wants to. We were also told during the booking process when we asked if there are two weddings at the same time. Ian had told us that they do not do two weddings during the same time period. Well, then we were lied to. At this point, I argued with Ian and told him that my DJ has to come earlier. Ian said he can come for 4pm for a 6:30pm party. I was satisfied. My DH was not being that we were lied to.

The day of the wedding: We had Nick, our Maitre D’ and I believe Gianna as my bridal attendant. The service was incredible! We were short staff a bartender, so Nick ended up helping the bartender at one point. Anything that we asked or wanted was provided. Gianna bustled my dress and that was a Godsend to my bridesmaid. They were on top of their game and we were very, very pleased with the level of service that they provided. DH & I were able to eat something small in the bridal suite and Nick showed us the reception room set up. Heather & Jamie and the staff of Westbury Manor worked their butts off getting the room flipped in a half hour. You would have never known. We heard the food was delicious. My FIL is a butcher and was impressed with the meat selections and cuts. (We didn’t get to eat much so I can rate that).

The cake (francesco’s Bakery) WAS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! I had a four tiered cake with black bling belt around each tier and scroll writing along the tiers. We choose the carrot cake which ended up being an upgrade $100 charge. The cake was delicious, moist and fresh. I was so nervous about this vendor based on the reviews but I had a 100% positive experience. NO ISSUES AT ALL.




Videography
GT Modern Creations: A++++++
I watched and watched every video Gabriel had posted and was in love with his work. When I met him, he was informative of his services. I reached out to Gabriel here and there throughout the planning process and he was always so nice and responsive. The day of the wedding him and Caritza came to the hotel room, ready to roll. Gabriel left at some point to video my DH getting ready while Cartiza stayed with us. They stayed throughout the reception and I now I am anticipating the video and trailer. I can’t wait!! I would highly recommend this vendor.


Photography – gift from DH’s uncle. He is a retired wedding photographer.


Hyatt Hotel in Garden City: B
We received a comp room from Westbury Manor the night of the wedding. However, I purchased a room the night before our wedding with the bridesmaids. I also did a room block, but I am not sure how many of guests used them. DH & I visited the Hyatt prior to do the room block to ensure I would have enough room to get ready. The double queen size rooms were larger than the king size room and that’s what we choose. The room was clean. I bought water, sodas, and goodies to snack on the night before and the morning of. The Hyatt has a continental breakfasts for their guests as part of the room rate. The night before the wedding, the girls and I were watching funny movies all night and laughing until we were told to quiet down or the police would come. I didn’t know laughing was frowned upon here. (It was a Saturday night). I was very surprised by this.



Florist: C
Designs by Rose:
I booked with Rose & Doris for the simplicity of what I wanted. I did my own centerpieces so I just needed bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages. For me, I wanted vendella roses, and the girls – cool water roses. The price was great! Anytime I had any questions, I always received a response fast. I changed my mind numerous times and never once did they lose patience.

Post Hurricane Sandy – Rose & Doris are located in Howard Beach and my heart went out to them. I emailed them a few times to see if they needed anything, water, food, clothes, anything at all. They were in great spirits despite the devastation the hurricane caused. I also emailed them asking them if I should look for another florist in case they were unable to provide the service, they said no – they were all ready to go.

The day of the wedding: I was getting ready in the hotel with the girls and my DH calls me to tell me that the boutonnieres were left outside. No one waited for someone to answer the door so they were left right there on the stoop. Rose comes to the hotel and drops of my bouquets and the girls’ bouquets. Well, it turned out she was missing two bridesmaids bouquets and two corsages. I asked my bridesmaids to check to see if all the bouquets were there and she said no, we are missing two. Rose stated that I had only 5 bridesmaids and I said no, I have 7. There should be a total of 7 bridesmaids bouquets. We went back and forth with this. Luckily, I had a copy of every contract with me just in case. I showed her the contract and she said that given the circumstances of what happened with the hurricane this happened. She left immediately to go back to get the rest of the bouquets. I called my DH to ask him to check the corsages and boutonnieres. He was missing two corsages, and two of the boutonnieres were the wrong color. Rose re-delivered the flowers to the hotel.

The day AFTER the wedding, I received an email from Doris apologizing for the error. I appreciated that since Rose didn’t apologize to me on the actual day of the wedding for the mishap. I also was told in the email that they had given me a bigger bouquet from what I ordered. I didn’t think this was necessary to mention despite of what happened. I also was told that the girl’s would have extra flowers in their bouquets and they didn’t.



Hair: A++++++++++++++++
Angela’s Hair Designs: I saw so many reviews of Angela’s work and I fell in love with her designs. I booked two trials with her and was completely satisfied. She is very talented, and very sweet. Angela and her assistant came to the hotel on time the morning of the wedding. They got 9 people ready effortlessly. They both were so relaxed and we had a good time with them. I highly recommend Angela!

Makeup: A+++++++++++++++++++
Agnes Barnat
I went to a few different trials and didn’t love them UNTIL I met Agnes Barnat. She was so energetic, and sweet. I wanted heavy eye makeup and she got the look right away. Agnes and her assistant also came to the hotel on time the morning of the wedding. They got 9 people ready effortlessly. I danced my butt off the entire night and makeup stayed through all the way till the next day.


Limo:
All Star: A+++++++++++++++++++++++
Amazing!!!!!!!! We worked with Debbie and she was FANTASTIC!! She really has it altogether, and is on the ball. We met with them a total of three times and not ONE complaint! We had the Rolls Royce, 18 Passenger Stretch Escalade, Limos for parents and a few other cars for the end of the night pickup and drop-offs. The cars were INCREDIBLE!!!! Fully stocked, CLEAN and the drivers were excellent and very professional! I highly recommend them!!

DJ:
Trio Productions: A+++++++++++++++++++++
Music is my passion. I love it all and this was one vendor I was extremely, extremely picky with.
I use to live in Brooklyn and Trio Productions is very well known in Brooklyn. I shopped around for other DJ’s that I enjoyed before speaking to Gary from Trio Productions. Once we met with Gary, we were sold. His energy is great, as well as his professionalism. Both DH and I wanted a PARTY. We paid for this wedding ourselves and we wanted to enjoy it. We got DJ/MC, uplighting, two plasmas TV, and boy was it a party!!!!!! The dance full was PACKED, the music ROCKED!!!!!! I provided Gary about 10 songs I wanted to hear and we were set. I explained to him I wanted a party and he delivered it. The DJ booth were lit, the stands were let, the TV’s were great, and the uplighting looked beautiful. I highly recommend them!!! AWESOME, AWESOME AND MORE AWESOME!!!

Invitations:
Sweet Stuff Designs A+++++++++++++++++++++
Cheeky Glam Events recommended Diana to me. I priced out invitations EVERYWHERE and I couldn’t find a good price for what I wanted. Diana was professional, and honest of everything I had in my thoughts. She created great work, and her prices are great!! I did a two layer invitation with a ribbon tied altogether to include the other cards. She printed the return and outer envelopes with our names and the guests name. I also used her for the table numbers, church programs, seating chart and tags I made for DH as a present. EVERYTHING came out beautiful!! Amazing work, and so very talented. She has great customer service!! I highly recommend her!!

DOC/Wedding Coordinator: A++++++++++++
Cheeky Glam Events – I was really hung up on having a DOC for the day of the wedding. I didn’t know if the extra expense would be worth it, but IT SURE IS!!! I highly recommend having a vendor. Westbury Manor’s coordinators are good but the one YOU hire for YOURSELF is FOR YOU. It’s a different kind of service. Heather & Jamie always popped into with asking how I was doing and little countdowns. I enjoyed that. We always kept touch and any questions I had, they always were there to answer. Jamie recommended Diana the invitation vendor to me and I am soooo glad that she did. Heather also helped me find a hair piece (THANK YOU).

Three days before the wedding I contacted Heather & Jamie because of an issue that Westbury presented to my DJ three days before the wedding (described above). I was frantic, sick to my stomach and they both coached me into how to address the issue.

The day of the wedding: Both Jamie & Heather came to the hotel to help organize the church stuff and be of any assistance. Well, I can say that they were. As I was getting dress, my dress ripped on the bottom and THANK GOD FOR THESE TWO ANGELS!!!!!!!!!!!! They sewed me back up and NO ONE noticed!!!

Reception: They set up the room along with the staff of Westbury Manor beautifully. I provided detailed instructions that they followed to the tee. They made sure all the vendors were there, and ready to go. And given the short notice to set up everything, they did it!!!!! And believe me IT WAS NOT AN EASY TASK! They gathered all my belongings and secured them in the bridal suite. I rented a few items from them for the wedding and they were BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so thankful and so very happy I hired them. It was a piece of mind and if I had to do it all over again, I would hire them without a second thought! You ladies are fabulous!!


Wedding Favors: A++++

I ordered from myitalianweddingfavors.com and had them wrapped with silver paper, and then in black tulle with the Jordan almonds (ginzo style). We ordered a black damask banana bowl. It was beautiful and many guests have used it.

I also ordered car air fresheners from http://weddingairfresheners.com/. Carl was prompt and responsive. I had everything within a week or two. Great service and the guests RAVED about them!!



Bridal Stuff:
Dress:
RK Bridal: I went one day to the city, tried on about 8 dresses, got to mine and FELL IN LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The saleswoman put a bridal bling belt on me and I had to have it until I saw the price over $300 for a belt. I couldn’t justify the cost, but knew that I could find it elsewhere and that I did. I ended up ordering the dress online and got it in 8 days. It was cheaper to do this but I had to have alterations elsewhere.

Alterations by Dolores (Valley Stream): A+++++++++++++
I went to another seamstress before booking with Dolores and she quoted me $400. I met with Dolores who charged me $250 which included the bustle, reshaping the bust, and a hem. She also took the bridal belt apart and stitched it onto the dress without the fabric of the belt. Her work was done insanely fast, and so precise. The bustle was a French bustle and she numbered it all underneath to make it easier for my bridesmaid to do. She was fantastic!! HIGHLY recommend her!!










Etsy:
Bridal Belt A++++++++++++: I was looking for months and months for a belt. I found this vendor on Etsy and my God, it was more beautiful than I can ever describe. I had asked her to extend the belt so it comes further out along my waist and it was just to DIE FOR!! So sparkly and made very, very well. www.etsy.com/listing/100157523/karen-vintage-inspired-wedding-crystal






Garter: DH loves the Jets, this was a no brainer!

Hair Comb: I can’t find the vendor, I am sorry.

Lipstock Box: A+++++
This store is located in Bensonhurst. They have all different kinds of goodies, makeup, jewelry, bags, and much more. I ended up having a really hard time finding jewelry that I liked. I wanted to be a jeweled looking bride. This was the place to be. Theresa has a great selection of stuff. I LOVED my bracelet, gaudy and sparkly!!
Bridal Bracelet - $35

Estelle’s Dressy Dresses: A++++++
I couldn’t figure out what I wanted, whether it be earrings and a necklace, or just earrings. I decided to just have earrings. These earrings were GAUDY!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful isn’t the word!!
Earrings: $38


Ebay:
Bridal shoes $19 A+++:
I wanted flats. I wanted to be comfortable and that was the best decision I made for myself. I didn’t want white flats. I wanted purple and glits. I got that with these. Very comfortable!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PURPLE-WOMEN-FLAT-SHOES-US-SIZE-5-5-10-/160700775841?pt=US_Women_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item256a833da1

Bridal Veil - $28 A+++:
I originally wanted a cathedral veil but decided it might be too hazardous if someone stepped on it. I decided to get an elbow length veil with crystal beading along the tiers of the veil. It was beautiful and very well made.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2T-White-Elbow-Scalloped-Beaded-Edge-Bridal-Wedding-Veil/190587668901?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=009&category=15719&cmd=ViewItem



Bridemaids:
Isabella’s Bridal – Bill Levkoff 679 – Plum. The girls paid $167.00 for these dresses since they honored RK Bridal’s price for these dresses. Bridal Reflections did not. The store was located in Brooklyn. The service was okay, and we only went here for the price of the dress. Alterations were done elsewhere.

Gifts:
Bracelet: I wanted a blingy theme so the girls got a blingy bracelet. I looked everywhere for these and I got them for an amazing price. They were so gorgeous, I got one for myself and other friends. http://www.etsy.com/people/crystalbangles?ref=pr_profile

Earrings: I wanted stud earrings for the girls since one of my bridesmaids only can wear studs. So I just got something to match their dresses and they were beautiful. Really reasonably priced as well. http://www.etsy.com/listing/99122293/purple-amethyst-swarovski-crystal-stud



Groom:
Tuxedos: Ray’s Tuxedos in Franklin Square A+++++
We didn’t want to go to Men’s Warehouse because of the mixed reviews and horror stories. One of DH’s little brothers ended up going here for prom and had a good experience. We went here and got a great deal for the tuxedos. I believe it was under $150 for the tuxedos and shoes. Great service!! I highly recommend them!

Groomsmen’s Gifts:
We got them argyle matching socks from Express and personalized cufflinks.




Honeymoon: Riviera Maya, MX – Excellence Resorts A+++++++++++++++++++
OMG, BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!! We booked this ourselves on Expedia.com. We stayed for 10 days, 9 nights. We had the most incredible time. The place had 9 pools, 10 bars, 8 restaurants, all adults. Entertainment shows at night. Free mini bar and room service. The spa was incredible!!!!!!! We had a romantic dinner on the beach where they escorted you right onto the beach, a photographer is snapping pictures of the event, a harp plays as you enjoy dessert. We went parasailing (I didn’t), DH did but I stayed on the beach. The staff makes the resort excellent. They truly go over and beyond for you. The food is very well prepared and cooked. Everything was great!! The resort is clean, and well maintained. The airport is 20 minutes from the hotel. Riviera Maya is between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. Lots of activities outside the resort. Such a romantic honeymoon!!!!!!!!

My November Wedding <3

Great review! Thanks for sharing!

Re: My November Wedding <3

Thank you for sharing - great review!

My November Wedding <3

Congrats! Great review, your honeymoon sounds awesome!

Re: My November Wedding <3

omg what a detailed and fantastic review!!!

Re: My November Wedding <3

Congratulations! Love your review

My November Wedding <3

Congrats! Thx for the review