I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Hi everyone

We just got back from Hawaii this morning, so I figured I'd post my review while it's all still fresh in my memory.

Ok, here's the re-cap:

RD: Held at Buongusto restaurant in Roslyn - food and service was great, reasonably priced. Our BP loved all of their gifts, and my husband LOVED his surprise college basketball themed groom's cake. (pic to follow)

The day of the wedding I was nervous - I admit it. Everyone tells you to relax and take in the whole day, and I really tried, but I had so much nervous energy I didn't know what to do with myself!

The weather was beautiful however - we were so incredibly lucky since it had rained the previous week. It was sunny and gorgeous, although a little warm for a fall day - about 80 degrees!

The girls came over to my house in the morning, and we all went to Salon Commisso in Port Washington to get our hair done. Marina did mine, which came out fantastic. Too bad you can't see all the detail with my veil in the way! Everyone's hair came out great and they charged between $50 and $60 for each of us.

Then we came back to my house, and had time to kill before the make up artist arrived. That's where my nervous energy began!

When I came back home, I'd noticed my florist, Sugar Magnolia's in Stony Brook had delivered out bouquets, bouts and all. Our bouquets were gorgeous, but the bouts were already turning in color Long story short, we called the florist, and determined that the roses started to die once they were en route to my house, since I'm about an hour away from the florist. That didn't do me much good the day of the wedding, so my mom ran down to a local florist, and had them replicate the bouts with the extra filler.
I think Heidi made up for this at the reception, since I remember more flowers in the room that we had talked about! LOL
All in all the flowers were GORGEOUS. Our bouquets were fall-colored roses with berries and seeded eucalyptus, centerpieces were grapevine wreaths with fall leaves, flowers and gourds nestled between a hurricane lamp. (Pics to follow)

After the florist, I got my make up done. I used Wendy from Urban Faces. Long story short, there was a mix up in her time scheduled to arrive, so when she didn't arrive on time, I started to PANIC! Then I called her, we realized we had the times wrong, and she said she'd be over as soon as she could. I almost had to call her back to let her know I couldn't wait any longer, but she arrived and applied my make up in about 10 mins flat! I didn't want a lot, but my make up still looked incredible.

She also applied some make up to my mom, and due to the mix up only charged me half price and my mom's make up was free. I thought that was very nice and professional, considering I think the error was my fault in a time change that I didn't tell her about.

Then the photographer arrived! We used John from
B rett M atthews Photography in Roslyn Heights. I'll see my proofs when I pick them up tomorrow!!! Two weeks, not bad to wait for proofs, huh? Anyway, I think the pics are going to be FABULOUS. they arrived at my house a few hrs before the ceremony, and we all went to Sand's Point Preserve for outdoor pics. They got some great candid and posed shots there, and the rest were taken on the beach at Old Field.

John brought another camera man and assistant with him - it was a little stressful at times, but I can't wait to see the pics!

Our videographer was Pete from Platinum Video in Smithtown. He was great too. Very quiet, and behind the scenes, which is exactly what we wanted. He only asked us to do a few things for him, and other than that he just taped the day - I hope the video is done soon - I can't wait to see it!

We used All Star Limos in Farmingdale. Yabbobay, thank you so much for your referral! They were a complete pleasure to work with - when we had to make changes to the contract, we had to go there in person, but the day of, the drivers were so nice. Both were pleasant, easy-going and friendly.

Our ceremony was held at The Congregational Church of Manhasset, which in MHO was a beautiful ceremony! LOL

The string quartet arrived on time Sterling Music Ensembles and played all of the music we had requested. They sounded beautiful and I was happy we splurged on them - we got a ton of compliments on them.

The ceremony lasted about 20 mins which was perfect. I was so relaxed walking down the isle - I think mainly b/c DH and I decided to see each other before the ceremony. It was meaningful, touching but wasn't overkill. I started to cry when I said my vows, then DH's eyes started to fill up! I gained my composure and finished the vows!

Part TWO to follow!

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Congrats and I cant wait to hear part two...more more more LOL

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Part TWO:

We arrived at Old Field just in time for the sun setting, so those pics taken on the beach will be BEAUTIFUL! Then we went back to join our cocktail hr and take most other pics then.

Old Field Club in Stony Brook was fantastic. The views were beautiful, food was delicious and wait staff was very friendly. The hall is on the smaller side, but I think our count of 112 was perfect for us - we all had enough room to walk around, mingle, dance, etc.

I dropped off everything to the hall prior to the wedding - everything was set up correctly (family pictures, guestbowl and book, bird cage, etc) but my menus weren't placed on the tables I'm not sure why, maybe it was just an oversight, but I couldn't help be a little mad, considering how much time and energy I spent on those stupid things! LOL

All in all Old Field was amazing! People kept commenting that they'd never heard of the place, they'd never been in the area, which was exactly what we wanted. People were calling it a gem on Long Island!

Our DJ was Tom from Spin Around Sound. All I can say is wow. He defintely senses the crowd's energy, and plays the exact music everyone will love! It was hard giving him my song selections - we have such random tastes in music, but he followed it very closely. Soon after the reception was in full swing, the crowd was about a step away from being CRAZY! Our friends and family, danced their little butts off, including myself! I rarely dance, and I was up there dragging my mom out, my cousins, everyone. It was so much fun.

I didn't notice until afterwards that we never did the anniversary dance I was really bummed about that - we had given Tom the songs we wanted played for that and everything. That, coupled with the fact that no one gave me my throw away bouquet, I didn't remember either. Oh well - the more we thought about it, we realized that Tom might have done that on purpose. It would have taken away from the chemistry on the dance floor, which none of us wanted to do. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time, and we wanted to keep it that way!

We got our cake from Cakes Unlimited. This woman works out of her home, and has been recommended to me by many. All I have to say is I was so disappointed. The cake was so not what we asked for. DH was too cute - he said, yes, it's what you asked for, the filling is vanilla cake with mocha frosting.....men don't realize how important the OUTSIDE of a wedding cake is! LOL

I wasn't too upset over it, since it is just a cake - no big deal, but I paid a pretty penny for it, and I want some explanation as to why it was changed. Even my mom said we both made it very clear to her what we wanted, and even gave her detailed pictures! I plan to give her a call.

After the reception, we stayed at the Radisson in Holtsville - definitely recommend it - they were friendly, and the rooms were great. We also had a small breaksfast for everyone the next day, which was a nice way to re-cap.

That's about all I can think of now - the reception flew by, as I knew it would, but we all had a FANTASTIC time. I did take it all in, and realize this was our wedding day! My only regret was not dancing with my husband enough! I was having so much fun with my cousins and girlfriends, and he was with his fraternity brothers! I wonder what that will look like on tape! LOL

We got back from Hawaii this morning (separate review to follow) and I'm really happy to get back to my life! LOL I loved planning the wedding, but I'm looking forward to getting back to my hobbies, cooking with all of my new toys from my shower, etc. Most of all, I'm looking forward to not having to refer to a daily to-do list!!!

Once I get my proofs tomorrow, I'll post some pics!

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Wow!! Everything sounds wonderful!! Can't wait to see pics!! Congrats!!!!!

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

I forgot to post about the gowns! We used Elegant Bride in Albertson for my gown, the BP's and my mom's dress.
Mine came out fine, but I was a little panicked by their last minute alterations - is it normal to pick up your gown a day before the wedding? I was freaking a little about that!
The girls gowns looked great, but their alterations were done very cheaply and quickly. The skirt's hem was coming undone on a few of the gowns even before the ceremony.
All in all, I was a little disappointed with this salon in general. They were friendly, but taking on too much business for their size. They were not ready for you when you had appts, and rushed through the alterations, before taking everything in. My BM had to go back yet again to fix something that should had been altered at the first fitting.

They need to either beef up their staff, or not take too many more new clients (I know, that's NOT happening! lol)

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Congratulation!! It wonderful to hear that you had a great day even though some things were exact like the cake. Usually we are the only ones to notice the little things. Good Luck to you and your new hubby!! Please post pix...

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Here are a few shots my sister just emailed me

• 

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

and another

• 

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

me with my two adorable cousins outside of church....they're holding the rose petal cones I made!

• 

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

this is my favorite so far.....

• 

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Wow...you look beautiful!!

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

and the last one for now - I'm taking a break from my shoes, in the hotel lobby waiting to check in for the night!

• 

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

sorry - one more of my sister. Here's a close up pic of the BM dress color (mocha), and the bouquets.

• 

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

wow everything looked so gorgeous! flowers, BM dresses and of course you!!
I love the bridal party watching you kiss pic!
how beautiful. the sun was setting huh? picture perfect!

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Congratulations!!! You look beautiful!! I've been waiting for you to get back...I'm glad that overall the day went well.
We had such a beautiful day didn't we! I can't wait to see more pics.

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Congrats and lots of happiness always. Please post pics when you get them!!

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Teri, congratulations! Everything sounded wonderful, and your flowers were gorgeous!

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Teri-
Congratulations!!!!!!!!! It's sounds like such a wonderful, memorable day!! I'm so happy for you! All the best for a long and happy life together with your new hubby...The pics are great, cant wait to see more!!!!!!

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Congratulations Teri! I hope you enjoyed Maui. Did you like the Hyatt?

Re: I'm back, and I'm married!!! (Part ONE - insanely long)

Thanks everyone The professional pics will follow tomorrow. I can't wait to pick them up!!

Cindy - Hawaii was amazing! Overall, we liked Kauai better. Did you stay there too? The Hyatt there is unlike anything I could imagine. I'll post a full review on that tomorrow