12/3/05- Harrison House, High Voltage, Cosmetic Artistry, Jacqueline, and so much more!

This is going to be a long one, so bear with me. ****Most of the pictures of this thread were taken by my extremely, talented brother in law. He's amazing.**** I promise to post Duet's proofs as soon as I get them.

First my Mom, Dad and family- A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I cannot even begin to tell you how much they did for us to make this the most amazing planning experience/ day of our lives. Without them, their love, support, advice, ideas, time, the thoughtfulness they put into my shower and wedding, we would be up a creek without a paddle. People say that weddings show you who your true friends are and I’m lucky enough to say that my family showed me just how great they all really are.

LIweddings.com-
Where do I even begin. My sister stumbled across this site when I first got engaged telling me all about her addiction to it and I just didn’t see myself as being one of those people since I was planning it in Virginia………….yea, right! I absolutely loved everything I learned, gained, and found out about Long Island just by using this site. Every single vendor I used was recommended by former brides and I felt like you all did the hard work and I got to benefit from your shopping around ? Thank you Ron and Liz for developing such a great site and for all the girls who helped me out during the whole process, we are eternally grateful! Tip: First off, get addicted. I’ve read so many people talk about their families not getting involved, not wanting to hear about the wedding, etc. etc. but on LIW you ALWAYS have women (and men) to share in your excitement! Use LIweddings wisely- always, always, always search the boards when considering a vendor. Sometimes you’ll get a really good/ bad vibe by doing that alone. Befriend people who are using your hall. You get some great ideas from them about how they are using the space, cool things they’re doing, questions you forgot to ask your banquet manager, ways they are setting up the room, perks you can ask for that others have. They can be such a great source of information, its unbelievable.

Bonwit INN- Commack- A- Shower- This place was absolutely beautiful and the food was delicious! It was a perfect place that fit 32 people perfectly. But, it was like a sauna along the window side so just make sure they have the air conditioner pumping in order to keep people cool. We played Bingo, Scratch off games, and multiple choice questions about how DH and I would answer questions about ourselves, such as 'What is Jim's favorite meal prepared by Danielle?' or 'What does Danielle describe as her favorite date?' And then the guest get to choose the right answer. It was so much fun!!!! See 2nd picture below

Sandstone Invitations.com- A- STD magnets
A year later its still clinging to the frig so its got some staying power. Great prices too and so many people thought it was so cute! TIP: We put them in people’s xmas cards the year before which saved us some money on stamps. Also, I know another handy bride just got the magnet paper from staples and made their own. REALLY easy to do, it seems to just insert picture and type of what you need to type up. Now, a different tip to keep in mind….we sent our STD’s out a whole year early….please be careful about this because you have no idea how your life changes in a year as do relationships and we wound up inviting 20+ people that we were no longer friends with because we had sent them out an STD a year in advance (we had since moved 2 ½ hours away so no longer saw the old neighborhood people anymore)

Linda’s Lovelies:
I would rather not rate her because there were some communication issues and I did feel as though I was usually bothering her (the three times total that I called) because she was usually with another bride or on another call all of which could be that I ordered my invites early and that I was from out of town. So, my only advice is to meet with her in person. You’ll get a feel then whether you would like to work with her. She was $45 cheaper than other vendors so that was definitely helpful and there were only a handful of printing problems that she probably had absolutely no control over. See Sample below.

David’s Bridal (Woodbridge, VA): B

The dresses came out great. All of my BM had different styles and they called in their sizes and style from different parts of the East coast (and Great Britain) and everything came out great in a good amount of time (although the “expected” amount of time it takes for shipping was quoted differently to every person that asked). The reason they got a B was because I first signed up with them about 8 months before the wedding just letting them know my bridal party info and letting them know my bridesmaids wouldn’t be ordering for quite some time. They said that was fine. One month later they called me three times over and over saying that my account needed “some kind of movement” because the woman I had been working with said her supervisors were wondering why they haven’t received any deposits for the dress. I reminded her that since I wasn’t getting married until December, there was no need to order the dresses this far ahead of time (since my SIL was pregnant at the time) and that we would order them around the 5 month mark. She paused, said that wasn’t going to work and that someone needed to do something to the account or her supervisors would keep asking month after month why there was no movement. I said so pretty much you are telling my six bridesmaids to spend money this far ahead of time so that you don’t hear it from your supervisors. She said? Yes.

1. A sample of invitation
2. My MOH/ sister
3. My new sister in law
4. My sister in law

Lillian Vernon: A
BM gifts: tote bags: Came out nice with their initials, very pretty. See Below!

Things Remembered: A
Necklaces, again, no problems here. They came out really pretty and I was able to get them with a 10% discount so that helped.

Picture of necklaces

www.hand-craftedcreations.com- A+

I got two different garters, one that was personal, one that was DH alma mater. The attention to the detail and the way they all came out were so great! The customer service was amazing and I absolutely loved them!!!!!!!! Tip: Let your imagination totally go because they are so great to work with and are willing to do anything so enjoy it!

MOB Dress- A
Commack Wedding Center

My mother is a beautiful woman so getting her in a flattering dress wasn’t that hard. But after doing much searching, she finally found the dress (manufacturer: Jovani) she liked in a store about 40 minutes from home. She went to the Wedding Center and they offered for her to go through the books they have, order the dress through them matching the price at the other store or better so that she would only have to travel 10 minutes instead of 40. Depending on the woman you work with depends on that type of customer service you get. Really important tip: DO NOT GO ON A SATURDAY. We got the inside scoop that you never ever ever want to go on a Saturday because of course they are only allowed to show you a certain number of dresses (I think it was 5) so that they can move on to the next customer. Definitely go during the week so that you can get the customer service you deserve.

My bridal shop: F
Well, there isn’t much I can say about them since they closed their doors. So, no, I wouldn’t recommend them. Tip: Order dresses early because you just never know what circumstances might come up. Although it really sounds horrible when the bridal store closes, it isn’t so bad. Just contact the manufacturer and they are more than willing to work with you and get you your dress.

High Voltage- Vinny- A www.highvoltagesounds.com-

Vinny is wonderful. I liked him from the minute I sat down with him because he never tried to sell me on anything I didn’t need. He had a tough job because of the recent events, not playing too many slow songs to upset Dad-in-law, and figuring out the crowd’s mood. He is a very good guy.

Flowers by Michele www.flowermichele.com- A+

I know people are going to think I’m crazy after my next sentence but it has to be said: In the beginning, I cared least of all about the flowers. I know, I know, I’m nuts but I want to be honest here. I really could care less about what type of flowers, what they looked liked, etc. because well…..they all die, I couldn’t remember a single bouquet of flowers I carried during any of the bridal parties I was in, don’t remember a single centerpiece at any weddings, and really, again, they all die. When we went in and met John (who by the way came in on his day off in snow!), we loved him. And I can’t even begin to describe what he did the wedding day. The pictures don’t even do is magic justice. Every rose was perfect, in perfect bloom, shape, everything and the work was just out of this world. Tip: If you are having candleabra’s or taper candles, please talk to them about how they can secure the candles in the bases. At least four of my guests had to blow their candles out because there was so much “tilt-age” going on that they feared it would be a repeat of Michael Jackson’s Pepsi commercial. By no means do I think it is the florists fault, just a lot of bumping and dancing can cause for movement.

Sir Oliver Limousine www.siroliverlimo.com

I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved our transportation. 22 (or 24?) passenger Escalade. Beeeeeautiful! I was on Cloud 9 the minute I looked at it. The drivers are beyond professional, add so much excitement to the wedding day and didn’t get lost at all. One of my most favorite, most reliable vendors!
Our limo!

Mya from Cosmetic Artistry www.liweddings.com/vendors/make-up/cosmeticartistry/

When I went for my hair trials, I always bought pictures. The pictures showed exactly what I wanted and unfortunately, some of the women I went to for the trials did my hair how they would like it done instead of what the picture looked like. SO, I set up an appt. with Mya. She is by far one of the sweetest, most kindest people you could ever meet. Her talent is beyond “just hair.” I cannot even begin to tell you how many people asked, “Is that your real hair?” all during the wedding. She is a wonderful person with a great talent.
Here is a picture of the top of the head (after my DH drops the piece of cake he's feeding to me)
Dropping the cake shot


Jacqueline Nicole www.prettyme.com

Well, really, what can I say that everyone hasn’t already said? She’s wonderful! Not only is she a genius with skin but a beautiful person both inside and out. I am grateful she was there the morning of the wedding to make me and my family feel so beautiful.
I don't have any real close-ups yet but you can see our make-up under the link for pictures of my bridesmaid dresses

The Younique Boutique www.tybinc.com A+
This was by far my most favorite moment. We got our parents customized photo quilts. They are not the photo quilts where you stick a picture in but actually an iron-on colored copy of your picture and the quality is just so unbelievable. My parents couldn’t stop showing it off. You can collect pictures between (I believe) 9 and 30 somewhat pictures of family members, grandchildren etc. We had grandparents, parents with their siblings, parents with their children, and grandchildren. It was a great gesture for my husband’s Dad since he had just lost his wife to have pictures of her with her family, with him on his wedding day, and something he can throw across himself when the house gets too cold. I can’t even begin to describe to you how sentimental and wonderful such a gift feels to give to your family. TIP I think the website said something about allowing 2-3 weeks for final product, but definitely allow about 1 ½ months to get it back.

I also got personalized cake topper for my husband and it they came out great! They send you pictures throughout the clay's development that you can offer changes throughout every step!

The Party Block- A+
I loved our placecard holders! They all came very timely without a single broken one! Highly recommend them! See below :)

Table names and appliqués: This was a DIY project that I think really came out so nicely. I went and got some paper and some scrapbooking appliqués and went to work. Since I love scrapbooking to begin with, it was a great way to add a personal touch.

Personalized cocktail napkins: EBay vendor. Do a search and you’ll find their prices comparable and all of them came out wonderful.

Target: Sign in board (shop around for this, depending on the size you need, if you have a coupon for Michael’s, you may want to consider them instead)

Placecards: Gartner- got these at Target and I cannot even tell you how easy it was!!! You can tell at the top of the package whether you use the website uprint to print them up. At uprint you can either download the template or use their online tool to print them up or one other option. TIP I would use the download option because the online option doesn’t have that wide variety of fonts that a word document would have.

Menus: Got them at Michaels and typed up the entrees myself and also threading the ribbon (from Michaels) through them. So unbelievably easy since they give you the menu card sizes and how to set up your paper. I believe they’re Anne griffin. These are good to make sure people aren’t allergic to certain ingredients in the meals.

Programs: Got these at Office Depot. These were super easy because they also had Windows Compatible set up so it was all already set up and I just needed to insert my own information.


All DIY items

Men’s Warehouse- C+

They are so easy…..well, that’s what I keep telling myself. I heard the negative reviews but we just thought that if surely we would have a different experience (roll eyes) DH had a big stain on his vest. They tried to take it out, created a large yellow stain covering his whole back, so he had to go back a few hours before the ceremony to pick up a new vest. Other groomsmen: no shoes. Other groomsmen: huge tear in the back of vest that reader had to sew mere hours away from ceremony. Ugh.


Harrison House of Glen Cove www.harrisonhouseglencove.com
Before the wedding: B+
Day of: A+

I can’t even begin to describe this place. All I can say is if you have any doubts about HH, don’t. They treated us like royalty and people raved and raved about the food, cocktail hour, after hour party upstairs, the setting, the service, the treatment, it was wonderful. Our bridal attendant decorated our honeymoon suite so intricately with candles, rose petals, champagne, left over food, everything we could’ve thought of. She went above and beyond her role and I was so grateful to have her by my side.

There were a few hiccups along the way. Their reservation system for the group rate stunk and they were in the process of revising it while we were preparing for the wedding. The tables weren’t lined up as we had agreed upon. The placecards were grouped by tables instead of by last names and Thursday night guests didn’t get OOT baskets until Friday (both they fixed right away). But all of that is minor in the grand scheme of things. They make up for it in every way possible the day of your wedding. They treat you and your guests like gold and that everyone else was full, satiated, and happy, that’s all I cared about. To have the after hours pub, on site accommodations, bowling alley, beautiful grounds, close access to airports, business center, large rooms, amazing breakfast, food portions to fill a baby rhinoceros, cocktail hour choices galore, and a wonderful manor, it was everything we could have ever imagined and more.

TIP: Keep an eye on the overnight rates offered through the hotels website and other engines because they had originally quoted us $159 and then some of our guests just booked through the Harrison House’s website for $129 a few weeks prior! Luckily we had a wonderful banquet manager who lowered our rates and included breakfast in the $129 rate.
HH
Back of reception
Our cake
The lobby

More to come!

Some other advice:

1. START YOUR WEIGHT LOSS REGIMEN EARLY!!! I cannot stress this enough. I am one of those people who always thinks she “has time” but at the three month point, I almost lost my mind. 30 pounds in 3 months??? Ugh! With that being said, depending on when you are going on your honeymoon, its important to lose weight at least during the summer season of your honeymoon year ? WORK OUT YOUR ARMS!!! This is by far my biggest regret. Tone those suckers up or every picture, all you’ll be looking at is your arms! And remember, every second if you have “poofy arms,” hold your bouquet out a bit to make your arms look slimmer, never put them against your body, like I did.

2. I don’t know if it would work for the rest of you but for me, the planning was a wonderful process (besides that Mom and Dad went to the 4 halls I was considering). What has worked for some people is to set aside 4 or 5 weekends and get everything done. EVERYTHING. One weekend, tour reception sites and Church. Another weekend, Florist, Photographer, and DJ. Another weekend Limo and whatever else and then before you know it, you’re done. If you set aside those times dedicated solely for the wedding, then you may not have little stress bubbles throughout the entire planning process ? Don’t get me wrong, there are things you cannot do ahead of time like menus, programs, etc. but I think when you devote and stick to the plan of doing everything in a limited number of weekends, you will find the planning process a lot easier (and much more fun)!

3. Printing your own envelopes. Okay, I may upset some people by saying this but honestly? You can sometimes save a load of money by printing your own envelopes and inner envelopes. It is a royal pain in the pooper to line it all up based on margins and stuff but if you keep at it (and you have a wonderful LIWedding group of advice-givers and an even more wonderful FH), you’ll be able to figure it out you will be so pleased with the results. It took me 5 hours to do and I love the results! I can’t show you any of them because I don’t want to give out people’s personal addresses and stuff (I sometimes hate that this is a public forum ?) but it really did come out nicely. Tip: Clean your printer cartridges before starting using the option in the printer set-up. Always order extra, extra envelopes for mess-ups (because you will have them and even your printer can leave streak marks on one or two). If it helps, I liked the font English Vivace III italicized, size 24.

4. YOUR CEREMONY……Unfortunately, due to some miscommunication, my invitations all went out with the time that we had set up with our priest during our initial meeting. The problem? We either both heard the priest wrong or there was an error because when I called him 1 ½ months before the ceremony to set up our final meeting, the wedding was scheduled for 3:00 and although he tried to be nice, he said repeatedly that we heard wrong. 236 people were invited to a ceremony at 3:30 when it was supposed to be 3:00. Church’s of course do not have contracts and really, who is going to argue with a Church but although it may be uncomfortable, contact your Church’s secretary or the priest before you even order invitations. Seriously. We all have brain farts and we are all human beings, so call them ahead of time and just say you are calling to double check both the date and the time. I cannot stress this enough. It’s better to be embarrassed with one person than 236.

5. Be a Bridezilla and make your FH go to try on tuxes with his entire bridal party as far ahead of time as possible, no later than the day before. FedEx comes the latest 11:00am at most places. The morning of the wedding is no time for a groomsmen to “find out” they don’t have the right size shoes because they didn’t feel like trying them on the day before. Luckily our groomsmen had been through the “tux fiasco” before, but some men have not.

*******6. Sleep. I’m not kidding. Sleep. The week before your wedding is such a vital time and you have no idea the number of “Oh Sh$t” moments that come up in the middle of the night that you still have left to do. However you need to fall asleep, whatever work for you, trust me, if you don’t sleep, I can guarantee your wedding day will be affected. I actually fell asleep on my DH shoulder during one of the slow dances…..no, no. I’m not kidding. Literally fell asleep!!!!!!! ? And it’s no way to go through the best day of your life.

7. My bustle came down 6 times. During pictures. Cocktail hour. First dance. Drinking champagne. Standing. Sitting. Breathing. Ugh! Your bridal attendant will help to make sure it doesn't keep happening BUT my advice to you is to only go to a place for alterations that has an alteration cap. I got suckered in two different times with the owner describing situations where they had to totally remake past brides dresses and the alterations only costing $150 and that my little hem and bustle wouldn't cost a thing.....$350 later! Ladies, if they don't quote you a cap, take your dress and run. You don't pick your dress up until 1-2 weeks before the wedding, so there is little you can do if you don't agree with final price. They got you and they know it.

Misc:

1. OOT baskets from IKEA- Really cheap but well-made $.99 Filled them with 2 candy bars, hugs and kisses, cheese and crackers, 2 bottles of water, 'Clark' bars, Gold'fish' (last names), Tic-Tacs, personalized M&M's, OOT letter (with extra set of directions, itinerary for weekend- see DIY project album :) and some chips. Wrapped it up in cellphane that I found out Cedarhurst Paper in East Northport. It is actually a cellphane bag with snowflakes on it, said to be used to put around a tray of cookies. Manager very helpful with this.

2. BM gifts: Universal Shopping and Overstock.Com- BIG FAT F! I can't even begin to explain how much stress they caused. Never, ever again! (P.S. The groomsmen were supposed to get stainless steel barbecue utensils)

3. My DH and I aren't really into the whole traditional bachelor/ bachelorette party weekend so we decided to rent a beach house for all of our closest friends down in Virginia Beach to come as long or as short as they needed. Coincidentally, the party also fell on my 30th birthday. I will tell you, one of the best ways to spend time with everyone you love. Lot of drinking, talking, and drinking

MOST IMPORTANTLY:
As most of you know, my DH’s mom passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm three weeks before the wedding. Needless to say, it was a very hard, emotional time in our lives. The most important tip I can pass down is to love your family, your in-laws, each other. The BS that can creep into wedding planning is completely not worth it because when you lose someone that you expect to be around forever, you are altered forever. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow so no matter where you are in your wedding planning, take a deep breath in, kiss your FH and hold everyone in your heart. Drama isn’t worth it. Rely on one another and let your ears be open both to take people’s advice in and let it just fall out the other one. Keep track of what’s important not the fluff that the wedding industry tells you you “need.” You need nothing except your fiancé and your family. Surround yourself with their love and you’ll find yourself having the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Have a wonderful wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a great review!!!

I know what you mean about sleep. I worried so much about not sleeping the night before my wedding. For some reason, when that night came, I fell asleep so easily. My wedding would not have been the same for me if I hadn't slept the way I did.

I want to see more photos!!!!

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Posted by ssdbk

What a great review!!!

I know what you mean about sleep. I worried so much about not sleeping the night before my wedding. For some reason, when that night came, I fell asleep so easily. My wedding would not have been the same for me if I hadn't slept the way I did.

I want to see more photos!!!!

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(I'm being denied access to your links

HONEYMOON!
Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica

I had never been to an all-inclusive. The place is absolutely beautiful! The food is good, drinks are flowing, and everything is No problem. What more could you possibly ask for? (P.S. Try not to fly Air Jamaica. They tend to put more than one body in one seat. That gets a little tricky) We got the standard room and it was absolutely perfect! No frills necessary to have a wonderful time!


Honeymoon

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Posted by jimmysgrl

HONEYMOON!
Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica

I had never been to an all-inclusive. The place is absolutely beautiful! The food is good, drinks are flowing, and everything is No problem. What more could you possibly ask for? (P.S. Try not to fly Air Jamaica. They tend to put more than one body in one seat. That gets a little tricky) We got the standard room and it was absolutely perfect! No frills necessary to have a wonderful time!


Honeymoon

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Totally agree about Air Jamaica. They are terrible!!!! I said that in my review even though it was not my HM when I flew with them. We were in Antigua for a week with no luggage, no reimbursement. Glad you had a great honeymoon otherwise!!!!

So great to read your review and Everything in your last comment is SO TRUE! You have a wonderful perspective and from the pictures I could see, a beautiful wedding!

I'm having trouble accessing the pictures as well....

Edited to say: WOOWZER! The room and every THING looks so pretty and every ONE looks like they are having such a great time. CONGRATULATIONS Mrs!