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The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Eliza...
meejack1110 Posted: Jul 16, 2014 11:44 AM+
meejack1110 MEMBER SINCE: 4/13 TOTAL POSTS : 1651 WEDDING DATE: Jul 04, 2014
Posted: Jul 16, 2014 11:44 AM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

It truly was the best day of my life. I feel so happy and fortunate to get to spend the rest of my life with a truly amazing man, who accepts me as me, and loves me so completely! The day goes super-fast, and everything was great! Over all I’m extremely happy with the way things went. All the little details I spent 20 months on, and half of them even I didn’t notice! But guests are praising everything, and I know I had an amazing time!

LI Weddings: A++

I am so happy I found this site, I had already booked a venue, so I missed out on all the great venue help, but never the less it was a great sounding board, source of ideas, and support. Through this site I’ve grown extremely close with two other 2014 Brides and I now have 2 new lifelong friends! It’s just so great to have a group of girls as excited about all the little details as you are throughout the planning process.

Smithtown Landing Country Club: A+++++

I cannot say enough nice things about SLCC, it’s a Lessing’s place so automatically when we went venue searching I knew we could depend on the quality of food and service. DH and I had a very tight budget, but didn't want to sacrifice service or ambiance. We found everything we wanted and more at Smithtown Landing. The Outdoor deck served an ideal romantic spot for our ceremony, and the rustic feel of the cocktail hour room fit our theme so well. I loved that everything was in a different building a felt like that lent to the feel we were looking for. Unfortunately the weather had different plans for us and the outdoor ceremony didn't happen.

From day 1, Rich Laurelli, the Banquet Manager was great. He answered all of my (many many many) emails and calls promptly and the answer was never NO! Can we switch this menu item? Yes! Can we have a Sparkler send off? Yes! Can I come in 6 hours before the wedding to get ready in the huge bridal suite? Yes! Him and his staff went above and beyond during both the planning process and the wedding itself to make sure it was a completely personalized day.
Even the rain didn't hold them back from delivering. They quickly set up the main ballroom into a beautiful ceremony site, everything was so perfect and when I walked down that aisle I couldn't care less that it wasn't outside! Lol





My Maitre D was Joe, he is so calm, so organized, so sweet, in a word AMAZING. I swear every time I turned around he was there with a helping hand (but never in my face). At one point during the reception I was getting so hot, I swear he read my mind and popped up with a glass of water and just calmly told me ‘drink all of this’ lol so he kept me calm, cool, and hydrated!
Pat, my bridal attendant was also on point, the poor lady held my purse like all day I feel like because I wanted my lip gloss and tums close! Lol She helped me with everything and served us one of every dish at the wedding so we could try each one!
I am sad I didn’t eat more at cocktail hour, the day really goes so fast. Even though we were able to go to our cocktail hour, I only tasted a few things (omg delish) and missed out on the Baked Clams which my family is STILL talking about. I’m not joking, many have said ‘best baked clams they’ve ever had every anywhere’ lol



Parties Alive- A+++

We met with many DJs during the planning process, and not only were many out of our price range, but we always got the same sales pitch. DH and I would tell them what we wanted, and it would be ignored while the sales men/owner showed us ridiculous lighting, and told us about zap photos, big screens etc (all things we said we didn't want). After being tired of being ignored we booked with Parties Alive because the Owner (Rich Harris) did not try and sales pitch us at all. He said ok, what’s the budget, and made a package for us staying with in it. His company does offer all those add on’s, but he was the only one to not ignore our requests and try and shove them down our throat. This is something we were so happy about, and also happy that he made having a photo booth fit in our budget!
Day of our MC was Greg (who we love!) and DJ was Anthony. Both were beyond amazing. There wasn't a single minute when the dance floor wasn't packed. The music was perfect, and Greg ran everything so smoothly, but never got too in your face or cheesy on the mic. Even before the party, when we met with Greg to finalize he just ‘got’ what we were looking for, and day off he delivered big time. My family cannot stop raving about them and any future parties we have we’ll be calling them 100%!




Paul Kloc Photography- A

I tend to go with smaller name companies because many in the wedding industry charge way more than necessary just for the ‘name’ and price does not always equal quality. This is exactly the case with my photographer Paul Kloc. He works from his own personal studio, which keeps prices down, and his quick turn around and quality of photographs sold me! He was recommended by a friend who used him a few years ago, and I’m so happy we went with him it saved us a ton of money.



Since it rained many of the photos I had hoped to get on SLCC’s beautiful landscape we’re quickly tossed (whomp whomp) and instead we opted to do the standard portraits inside, in the beautiful bridal suite and in front of the fireplace. We had told Paul we much preferred a more natural, candid style, so after the portraits we asked him to just capture our happy moments naturally.





As promised we had our raw proofs after only 2 weeks! He captured so many great shots. We've just selected 300 to be edited and printed as well as our Thank Yous. I will keep updating this once I see them and also after we create our Album!


Vista Print: A

We used VP throughout the planning and wedding for invites, stds, and thank yous. I couldn’t be happier. I love paper, but I am not willing to spend and arm and a leg on something that will be thrown out. Between sales and groupons, I saved a ton and ordered STDs, E-party Invites, E-party Thank Yous, Shower Thank Yous, Rehearsal Invites and Wedding Invites. Their envelopes are a little flimsy so I recommend upgrading them or ordering premium ones online (I used paperandmore.com)



For our Wedding invites I made the enclosures myself, and added a custom wrap, and tie/tag to jazz it up. Over all it came out amazing and cost me less than $2 each with postage!!





Here are the envelopes which I printed myself, it’s a little frustrating but still easy, I recommend paperandmore.com for quality envelopes and quick service



Eizabeth Aiello (Make Up): A+

She is so sweet and so talented. I booked on the spot after my trial without even talking to anyone else. Her prices are affordable, and she travels to you, so it made getting ready a breeze for me , my sister, and my mom. My make-up was FLAWLESS, she achieved exactly the look I wanted and I even woke up the next morning with my eyes still done up- lashes and all! Lol
She gave me a little pot of the custom mixed lip color so I could re-apply later, and I’m just very very impressed how my make-up lasted. I was so frightened of sweating it off dancing! Lol



Fire Monkey (Hair) Dusti- A+

Dusti is hysterical; ok first of all I booked her to do my Bridesmaids hair because I wasn’t sure what I wanted yet. Well ultimately I went and had a trial and I was in love! I felt very comfortable with her and she is very talented I just trusted her implicitly to create a great wedding day do! My bridesmaids hair were also done quickly and perfectly.





Helen’s Bridal (Dress)- A

Liz, the owner is such a nice woman. Every time I came in I was greeted by name and with a hug. I loved the personal service and the warmth of the staff there. They carry a ton of Maggie Sottero, which my dress is (Jayla). I purchased it during a trunk show, and from purchase to alterations I really couldn’t be happier with both my dress and the service there at Helen’s.




Tri-County (Barron’s)- A

How many times does it have to be said? GO TO BARRONS! LOL By far the biggest selection, they will make you whatever you want! Gorgeous accessories and the cheapest prices you’ll find on Long Island. I chose a beautiful hairpiece and a long but simple veil and I paid only $124!!! The headpiece alone would have been more than that at a salon! Can’t be beat!



Tina DiFransico- Flowers A

Tina used to be at Perfect Rose Floral Design in East Islip, and when I met and booked I was ecstatic that she understood the look I was going for, and could do miracles with my tiny budget. Together we came up with a beautiful, rustic, look for the wedding. When she ultimately sold the shop she kept to our contract and did the wedding independently, which I was so happy about since She was the one I always worked with. The flowers were beautiful, and now almost 2 weeks later, still alive! Lol

Centerpiece Sample:




Still Holding on!

The Sugar Chic (Cake, cookies) A++

The sugar chic makes amazingly delish treats. We ordered cupcakes and Cookie favors for our E-party, Cookie Favors and Cake for my Shower, and our Wedding Cake. They are the single most delish things you’ve ever had! Seriously it’s rare that wedding cake both TASTES good and LOOKS good. Mine was perfect in both categories. She got my vision 100% and I couldn’t be more thrilled with everything
Highly Highly recommend This shoppe to everyone!!



Favor Cookies



LaMonica Jewlers (Rings) A+

Hubby did an amazing job picking out my Engagement ring; it’s everything I ever dreamed of and more. I know that the people at LaMonica not only helped him with the ring making process, but also gave him a great deal. It feels good to have a jeweler you can trust, and Sean and Family are great!



When it came to selecting bands, we went back there; it wasn’t even a second thought. Again we were blow away by their helpfulness and fair prices. They are now “our” jeweler and hubby has since bought me a few gifts from them, and we plan to continue using them for years to come!






Marriot Residence Inn, Hauppauge – B

They were great, the event planner who I emailed with back and forth was very helpful, the rooms were nice and clean. They let us party it up in the conference room after the wedding, and handed out our OOT bags for us. The only complaint I have is they have an outdoor patio/bbq area which is open 24hrs/day and we were told we could use after the wedding. Well we planned this whole bbq and brought all the food, and guess what. No propane! This was at like 1 am, the poor kid at the desk was the only one on staff, so needless to say we ordered Dominos! Lol it didn’t kill the party at all just slightly annoying.

Winston Transportation (Shuttle and Towncar)- B

Again, very helpful on the phone by far the best prices, we hired them for a guest shuttle to and from the hotel, a van to transport the groomsmen, and a town car at the end of the night for Hubby and I. They get a B only because on the way home, I guess one too many unexpected guests took the shuttle, and they denied passage to my sister and her bf. They said they were at max and couldn’t take anymore. Now, I’m sure there are safety issues etc, but I don’t think that me having to take two guests with me in my getaway car on my wedding night was acceptable. The only saving grace is that it was my sister and her bf is my hubby’s close friend so at least it wasn’t like a great aunt or a wasted friend lol.

Cigar Roller- Cigar Cigars in Sayville- B

Jr is the master cigar roller and owner of Cigar Cigars, he was recommended to me by another LIW bride, and I hired him to be a surprise for my Hubby. He was ecstatic and all the guys loved this feature at my cocktail hour. Day of he was great, but they received a B because it took me 2 weeks and 5 calls to confirm with them right before the wedding. I was beginning to panic! Lol But all went well, and they are very affordable, so if anyone is looking for this it’s worth the hassle .



The Knot- A-
I ordered matches, cocktail napkins, and some bridal party gifts from the Knot during their various sales. Gave them a minus only because one set of cocktail napkins were misprinted when they arrived, a problem they promptly fixed, but it kept the experience from being perfect.


The blue napkins were misprinted with 2013

Davids Bridal A- Bridesmaid and Mother of the Bride Dresses
I hear a lot of mixed revues about Davids but I didn’t have any issues at all. We went to the Massapequa locations with my bridesmaids and they picked a great dress in my color (horizon) it was quick and painless.



On a separate date, but same location we found a dress for my mom that was affordable, appropriate, but still stylish. She really looked great in it and she was very happy. For alterations she took it elsewhere though.



Black Tie- Smithtown (Suits) B

Hubby met with one of the guys from black tie at a showcase, and liked what he had so say so he picked them sight unseen. I said fine and went to see their selection. They had a perfect light weight tan suit and for a good price. Day of the boys had some issues with the suits (although up until then zero complaints from hubby and me). One groomsman had a suit wayyy too small for him He’s a very thin guy and didn’t change size so I guess it was either a mistake or mis-measureing. Luckily the guys went there 2 days ahead of time so there was time for the shop to get a new one before the wedding. Another groomsmen complained his jacket was too tight, but wore it anyway I’m not sure who’s fault that was lol. The only problem I witnessed, was with the ring bearer’s He is not yet 3 and yet his suit was the same price as the grown men’s ok whatever we won’t fight you. But day of, his pants were literally like 4 feet long. And rather than hem them they just kinda folded them in. Well this is an active toddler, and the fold was not staying, Poor kid was tripping on them all afternoon. Not a huge deal, but still an issue. I loved the suits though and the guys looked great in them.



Etsy Purchases over all A+………… I recommend all of these sellers:
Fingerprint Tree: SayAnythingDesign


Cake Topper: ThePinkOwlGifts

Embroidered Hankies for Parents: SeasonEmbroidery

Jr Bridesmaid/Flower girl headband and sash: SweetAppleBoutique

Ring bearer’s Bowtie: JuJuBabyBoutique
Burlap Table Runners: TheRusticChicBtqe
Engraved Beer Tap Handle: Brewedover
Engraved Humidor: TheGroovinGroom
Bridesmaid Clutches: ao3designs

Honeymoon: In September Hubby and I are going on a cruise to Bermuda so I will review after that!
I will add more photos as I collect them, and if anyone has any questions about vendors I used send me a PM!


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Nicole0408 Posted: Jul 16, 2014 12:13 PM+
Nicole0408 MEMBER SINCE: 4/13 TOTAL POSTS : 534 WEDDING DATE: Jan 18, 2015
Posted: Jul 16, 2014 12:13 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Great review.. Sounds like you had a great day... Congratulations :)
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Alimm729 Posted: Jul 16, 2014 01:04 PM+
Alimm729 MEMBER SINCE: 8/13 TOTAL POSTS : 1781 WEDDING DATE: Oct 25, 2014
Posted: Jul 16, 2014 01:04 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

I love great, detailed reviews like this! I'm so glad you had such an amazing day, despite the weather. Thank you for sharing your day with us!
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Vilardi82 Posted: Jul 16, 2014 02:08 PM+
Vilardi82 MEMBER SINCE: 7/13 TOTAL POSTS : 1348 WEDDING DATE: Aug 22, 2014
Posted: Jul 16, 2014 02:08 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Great review and love the pics!
My mom got the same mother of the bride dress at davids bridal too
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JaimeLin Posted: Jul 16, 2014 02:11 PM+
JaimeLin MEMBER SINCE: 7/12 TOTAL POSTS : 1448 WEDDING DATE: Oct 05, 2014
Posted: Jul 16, 2014 02:11 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

I love sugar chic! My family has been using her for years.

Did Mickey and Minnie respond?!
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meejack1110 Posted: Jul 16, 2014 04:35 PM+
meejack1110 MEMBER SINCE: 4/13 TOTAL POSTS : 1651 WEDDING DATE: Jul 04, 2014
Posted: Jul 16, 2014 04:35 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.


Posted by JaimeLin

I love sugar chic! My family has been using her for years.

Did Mickey and Minnie respond?!



I actually grew up with Melissa from sugar chic, our parent are neighbors! But everything I said about her stuff is true no bias here. Deeelish! And yes Mickey and Minnie sent us a greeting back :)
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haw4 Posted: Jul 16, 2014 05:22 PM+
haw4 MEMBER SINCE: 10/13 TOTAL POSTS : 1165 WEDDING DATE: Nov 06, 2012
Posted: Jul 16, 2014 05:22 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Congrats!!! I'm so happy to hear all of the wonderful things about SLCC!!!!
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ASemderWedding Posted: Jul 17, 2014 09:52 PM+
ASemderWedding MEMBER SINCE: 12/12 TOTAL POSTS : 795 WEDDING DATE: Sep 26, 2014
Posted: Jul 17, 2014 09:52 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Great review!! So happy your day was perfect!
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booie135 Posted: Jul 17, 2014 10:04 PM+
booie135 MEMBER SINCE: 4/14 TOTAL POSTS : 531 WEDDING DATE: Apr 11, 2015
Posted: Jul 17, 2014 10:04 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Thanks for the great review you looked beautiful! Congratulations!!!
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boridizzy Posted: Jul 26, 2014 09:34 PM+
boridizzy MEMBER SINCE: 3/13 TOTAL POSTS : 256 WEDDING DATE: Aug 01, 2014
Posted: Jul 26, 2014 09:34 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Everything came out amazing!! Congrats!!!
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katiephoto Posted: Jul 28, 2014 10:05 PM+
katiephoto MEMBER SINCE: 8/13 TOTAL POSTS : 335 WEDDING DATE: May 24, 2015
Posted: Jul 28, 2014 10:05 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Beautiful wedding! I love your DIY touches to your invitation. I am planning to do something similar.
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FutureMrsPonce Posted: Aug 23, 2014 06:02 PM+
FutureMrsPonce MEMBER SINCE: 1/14 TOTAL POSTS : 550 WEDDING DATE: May 24, 2015
Posted: Aug 23, 2014 06:02 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Congratulations! Beautiful wedding.
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Sarahg9 Posted: Aug 24, 2014 04:03 PM+
Sarahg9 MEMBER SINCE: 8/13 TOTAL POSTS : 610 WEDDING DATE: May 24, 2015
Posted: Aug 24, 2014 04:03 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Congrats! Looks like it was a great day
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simba301 Posted: Aug 25, 2014 03:03 PM+
simba301 MEMBER SINCE: 3/13 TOTAL POSTS : 1370 WEDDING DATE: Mar 08, 2014
Posted: Aug 25, 2014 03:03 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Awesome review and beautiful pictures! You looked incredible!
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kedjmay2015 Posted: Aug 25, 2014 08:06 PM+
kedjmay2015 MEMBER SINCE: 5/14 TOTAL POSTS : 525 WEDDING DATE: May 24, 2015
Posted: Aug 25, 2014 08:06 PM bride-minus.png

The Best Day of My Life! 4th of July Wedding at Smithtown Landing, Parties Alive, Fire Monkey, Elizabeth Aiello, The Sugar Chic, and More! Non-pro Pics.

Congrats!! You looked beautiful! And I love that you sent an invite to disney! So cute
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