PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon, Renate's Bridal

We were married on Friday, July 3rd - and it all went so fast! Here's my mini-review until I have time to sit and write a more detailed one:

Smithtown Landing Country Club: a perfect 10!

From the minute we booked with SLCC to the moment we left the reception, the SLCC met and exceeded our expectations. When planning the menu, catering manager Rich Laurelli was patient, kind, helpful and threw in extra menu items as well as made good on promises to get us special items such as our family's favorite champagne instead of the house champagne. This wedding truly felt like OURS and not a wedding-factory feel. Upon arrival the day of our wedding, we were greeted by Joe, the Maitre'd and Jessica, the bridal attendant, who remained attentive the entire night. The guests were raving about the cocktail hour food as well as the dinner entrees. It even felt a little 'Platinum Weddings-ish' when the Maitre'd showed us the reception room all set up before the guests were allowed in. Joe made sure we saw our cake and centerpieces and asked if everything was set up to our specifications. This was the perfect venue for us (we had 175 people and there was a nice intimate feel - any more and it may have been too tight) and I will sing the Smithtown Landing's praises till the cows come home! A perfect 10 for the food, a perfect 10 for the staff, and a perfect 10 for the venue itself!


The Little Flower Shop: a perfect 10!

John from the Little Flower Shop in Lindenhurst saw our vision through from start to finish. I went in with a dress swatch and an idea for a centerpiece and what he and his staff produced for us was just breathtaking. He arrived right on time to my house the day of the wedding - just before the photographer arrived. The bo-ks were gorgeous - fresh, full of color, and beautifully hand-wrapped. The colors he suggested were the perfect compliment to my BM dresses and my white bo-k was perfect - I didn't want a lot of green and I got what I was promised! The flowers looked gorgeous all day. We had 2 minor casualties - both mom's wrist corsages lost a flower after the ceremony. I guess from all the hugging - so I would suggest extra reinforcements around the stems if you're using single delicate flowers such as orchids. The centerpieces were a challenge since I wanted them made in these shell containers I purchased at JoAnn's. John made the work, they looked beautful on the tables, and guests were fighting over who got to take them home. John put mirrors on the tables and scattered rose petals as well. I highly recommend the Little Flower Shop in Lindenhurst for their value, service and quality product. What a wonderful vendor to work with!
By far, our FAVORITE vendor!


VARIETY DJ: a perfect 11!

I found Variety DJ at a bridal show in March of 2008. They offered me $200 off if I booked with them from the bridal show. We met later that same month - I met with Ray - and I felt very comfortable with his personality. He was very well-spoken and didn't treat me as just a dollar sign. I booked with him after our first meeting, nervous that he wasn't a LIW vendor, but if I could do it over again, I would in a hear beat! Every last request of mine was seen through. From my do-not-play list, to my dinner music requests, Ray (MC) and Frank (DJ) had the dance floor PACKED all night - at one point, I was sad we didn't have a bigger dance floor! The MC's introductions were energetic and tasteful, his interaction with the guests was professional and fun, and even now, two weeks after the wedding, guests are STILL talking about how fun the music was. I've already handed out a bunch of business cards. Variety DJ made our wedding the BEST party many of our guests had ever attended and I am so happy with their service!

ROLLING PIN BAKERY: 9.9 out of 10

OUR CAKE was simply breathtaking! We ordered a beachy cake - 4 tiers - vanilla cake with chocolate pudding filling and buttercream frosting. The beach scene was hand-painted onto each tier of the cake and chocolate seashells from www.chocolatefantasies.com were added around each tier and as our cake topper. Many guests commented on the quality of the cake, saying they NEVER eat wedding cake and that some guests went back for a 2nd and 3rd piece! The only reason they didn't receive a perfect 10 was for communication before the wedding when I was trying to order the cake. David, the owner of Rolling Pin Bakery, I believe preferred communicating via e-mail and I was becoming frustrated with the 'fuzziness' of it all - do we come in to taste cake, or not? Do we meet with you to go over the design or not? David said I could just e-mail him my cake design if I found it online somewhere and then choose my cake flavors online as well. Me being the detail-oriented bride that I am, wanted to set up a meeting in person and get my 'cake tasting experience' I thought every bride should have, but I think the bakery does wedding cakes so routinely that this wasn't a concern for them. In the end, they had a sample box ready for us to take home and I tasted everything and called back with my choice. I also went to E. Setauket to the bakery and brought a photo of a cake I liked directly to them. It all worked out well, and I will definitely use them in the future. David was patient with all of my e-mails and very nice to work with in person.

PRIMO LIMOS: 9.5 out of 10

We used a 1939 Caddy and a 14 passenger Excursion. Both vehicles were clean and arrived early. Both drivers were genuine, corteous, professional and helpful in helping to get everyone where they needed to be before, during, and after the church. The drivers had a sense of humor and made us feel like royalty! I met Ed, the owner, at a bridal showcase and he offered us the best price for what we were looking for. The only issue we had was the aisle runner. It was WAY too short - in fact, they rolled out two half-length runners - which I didn't know existed - and they did not even cover half of my church's aisle (and we have a SMALL church). Because of the runner fiasco, my bride's entrance music started playing in the church before the runner was fixed and before I was ready to enter. The guests didn't stand and I didn't get to make my 'GRAND' entrance, like I had wanted to. I actually had to add some comic relief to keep from crying about it (it seems minor now, but at the time it was all the anticipation of the wedding day coming to a head and I was SOOO disappointed) - anyway, I actually had to say, 'You can stand now!' to the guests as I began my walk down the aisle. Everyone got a chuckle out of it and the ceremony moved on. Overall, we had a great limo experience and I will gladly recommend PRIMO limos to others.

TOWN & COUNTRY TUXEDOS: 9 out of 10

Located within the Primo Limos store, in the back, is Town and Country Tuxedos. Bob was an absolute doll to work with and communicated with us during the entire planning process. He made sure all the GMs and Dads were in for their fittings and updated us (me and DH) on who had been in to do what. The tuxes looked great in pictures, but many guys had problems with buttons falling off. The best man couldn't close his jacket at all because he lost every button. DH's vest was a bit too tight and he also lost some buttons. Despite the button issues, I loved using Town and Country and would go back to see Bob again.

SELF IMAGE SALON: a perfect 10!

This is my regular salon, however, I used Michelle for my updo instead of my regular hairstylist since she specializes in updos. After my trial, we discussed a few things to do differently on the wedding day, and Michelle followed through on everything. My hair lasted ALL day, despite the heat, the weight of the veil, and the sweat from dancing all night! It was $77 for the updo, plus tip. Michelle was efficient, professional, personable, and knew exactly what I wanted when I didn't! In addition, Michelle took care of my MOH, Temika did an updo for one BM and Nicole did another BM. Everyone's hair looked AMAZING! Thank you, SELF IMAGE SALON for opening up 30 minutes early to accommodate us!

PARK AVE STUDIOS: see ratings below

Hiring a photographer is a HUGE deal and there are many aspects of this vendor I should review.

BEFORE WEDDING: The owner, Brian, was friendly, courteous, and punctual in communicating with me. We didn't schedule our e-pics until like, a month before the wedding, and he was able to accommodate us and get proofs to us within a few days. I was disappointed when I came home from the e-pic shoot with SOMEONE ELSE'S e-pics! He gave us the wrong CD when we left the studio. The correct CD was mailed to me a few days later. After seeing the proofs, I had confidence that our wedding pics would turn out great. The before wedding rating is: 9 out of 10.

WEDDING DAY: We hired 2 photographers - one to do photojournalism, one to do regular formal photos. Alyssa, Brian's wife, came to my house on time and with a smile. She offered to do B-pics, which I thought I had to book separately, so that was a nice bonus! She made me totally comfortable and I saw the digital images of them on her camera and WOW - I looked hot!!! I was happy with her at my house and she treated everyone with respect before the church. Brian went to DH's mom's house to take pics of the guys and from what the guys told me, he was disrespectful. At one point, DH's mom wanted to take a pic of her son and the best man, and Brian said, 'Miss, Miss, you can't do that.' Now, I wasn't there to verify the tone of this interaction, but I do know that they guys were not happy. Park Ave. Studio informs you of their wedding-day photography policy ahead of time which is: Don't interfere with the photogs. You paid a lot of money for them, let them do their job. Now, I agree with this, but if the MOTHER OF THE GROOM wants to take a picture of her son, she should be allowed to. There is a personable, tactful, courteous way to let people know not to take pics during the photographer's time. I wish he would have allowed others to shoot pics inbetween his shots. At the reception, things seemed to go smoothly. I, personally, did not have any problems with the photographers. Wedding day rating: 8 out of 10.

PICKING UP PROOFS: Brian and Tom both sat down with me to discuss the proofs and how to go about ordering albums. They showed me sample albums again and described how I should choose my photos out of the 827 photos they took of the day! I brought the CD home and immediately started going through the pics - I had a smile on my face the whole time - they brought back my wedding day! I am definitely happy with the way they came out. A few suggestions for the future brides: MAKE SURE YOU BLOT YOUR FACE IF IT'S HOT!!! (the photog didn't remind me and I'm so shiny in a few pics) MAKE SURE THEY TAKE A THANK-YOU PIC (mine didn't take a traditional thank-you pic of us standing, so we're going to have to choose something a little less traditional) MAKE SURE THE PHOTOGS CIRCULATE AROUND THE DANCE FLOOR AND GET PICS OF DIFFERENT GROUPS OF GUESTS (ours didn't and although we have great dancing pics, there are NO PICS of my side of the family dancing, it's all HIS!)

The album will take about 4 months, the thank-yous about 3 weeks.

9/15/09 - JUST got a call from Tom to let me know that the Brag Book we got for free with our package comes with 20 photos instead of 12, so we get to pick 8 more, at no cost to us! Woo-Hoo! Our thank-yous should be ready in about 1 week from today!

11/20/09 - Went to view the album layout today! This viewing was at another person's house/studio (not the Park Ave. Studio in Sayville) in West Babylon, so it was convenient for me to travel to. Bob (? I think ?) was organized and professional. He made sure we liked the layout and even switched a few of the photos for us. I'm excited to see the final results! Our album will be ready in about 10 more weeks! Can't wait!

Renate's Bridal in Lindenhurst: 10

I've shopped at Renates for years - for every wedding I've been in! They are close, convenient, and offer discounts along with their fair prices. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and will spend the time with you to get things right. All alterations on my dress and 2 of my BM's dresses were done as well. Melissa was the salesperson who saw me through until my wedding day, and I could not have been happier with her service! I recently dropped my wedding dress off to be cleaned and preserved at Renate's as well. UPDATE 11/20/09 - I just picked up my dress, all cleaned and preserved! It's been ready for about 3 weeks, but I haven't had the time to get it. It looks beautiful and came in a nice box and a carrying case. I am very happy with the service! It was $200 to have the dress cleaned and preserved through Renate's Bridal Shop.

Re: 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

Congrats! Thanks so much for the reviews. I've actually just inquired at Smithtown Landing and already am blown away by Donna - she is so kind and informative - has already gone above an beyond! I'm planning to go see it in person a week from Saturday - can't wait, especially after reading your review! Can't wait to see your pics!

Re: 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

Congrats...thanks for the review. Can't wait to see the pics.

Re: 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

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Posted by FrenchToast13

Congrats! Thanks so much for the reviews. I've actually just inquired at Smithtown Landing and already am blown away by Donna - she is so kind and informative - has already gone above an beyond! I'm planning to go see it in person a week from Saturday - can't wait, especially after reading your review! Can't wait to see your pics!

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Hi there!!!

You have FM!

(Pick Smithtown Landing! Pick Smithtown Landing!)

<3 Janet

Re: 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

Yay!! Congrats!! I am a smithtown landing bride as well..next year..i am soo happy u had such a wonderful time there and everthing went smoothly!! Now im really getting excited!! Cant wait to see ur pics!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

Stunning wedding!!

I'm book at SL and your review gave me chills!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

congrats!!! everything looks beautiful, i love your cake!!!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

THANK YOU!!!

I want to post more pics - especially of the dancing - our DJ was AMAAAAAZING and we wished the dance floor was bigger cause EVERYONE was up, out of their seats and gettin' sweaty on the dance floor!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

Thank you! Congratulations on the Wedding!
I loved the flowers!!!!!
Can't wait for more pics...

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

Congrats....Your dress color was soo pretty.

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

congrats! cant wait to see more pics.....i loved ur BM dresses and of course your dress was beautiful!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

Great Review!!! congrats on the big day!!!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

I am so happy Variety was great! I am using them as well..

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

Congrats to you and FH!! Everything looked amazing!! Your cake and flowers were both incredible!!!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

great review. You looked amazing!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

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Posted by kmiller

I am so happy Variety was great! I am using them as well..

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I hope Variety gets a lot of bookings from LIW - I hadn't really heard of them until I went to a small bridal showcase and I met Ray there. He was just great, and I had that 'good feeling' about them at the showcase, so I ran with it. Booked at my 1st appointment with them without even consulting FH (DH now!) and I could not have been happier! The guests are STILL talking about Variety, 42 days, 23 hours, 18 minutes and 3 seconds later! Ray was our MC and Frank was our DJ. An AWESOME duo!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

Beautiful photos, you look amazing! Great review!! Congrats!!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

great review!!! lovely pictures!!! CONgrast

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

CONGRATS!!! everything looked great! your cake is soooo cute!!

Re: PRO PICS ADDED!!!! 7/3/09 Review of Smithtown Landing, Park Ave Studio, Variety DJ, Rolling Pin, Little Flower Shop, Primo Limos, Town & Country Tux, Self Image Salon

beautiful! and a very informative review. Love it!