Mini Review - my sister's wedding
My sister got married last night. Below is a mini-review of the event, based on the vendors I know about.
Flowers - Pristine Events in Queens- B+
All in all they did a good job. Beautiful centerpieces and bouquets. Slight problems - my sister asked for some pink roses in her all-white boquet because she thought the white roses would look yellow-ish compared to her dress. They only put in these really really light pink ones that basically looked white. And, my sister paid extra to have someone from the florist decorate the cake with real flowers. That was not done. Instead, upon seeing her cake and getting upset, the BM @ Crest Hollow took some roses from the centerpieces and did it himself. Some of the boutinieres were drooping and falling apart by the end of the ceremony. But, they did call my sis this morning to see if everything went OK and they agreed to refund her money for the cake thing.
Limos - Royalty Limos - A-
Royalty Limos was good. They came on time and were very courteous. My sister specified she wanted a Rolls with 4 front-facing seats to bring her and my parents and grandma to church. Instead they sent one with the seats facing eachother.
They were nice enough to remind us of the time at the church and tell us we were running late and going into overtime.
At the end of the night, when there was a HUGE problem with the hotel, the limo that brought my family did not leave until the matter was settled. He stayed with my sister and family for over 30 minutes after dropping them off to make sure they didn't need a ride to another hotel.
M&V Limos - D
My sister hired this company to have a 32-passenger party bus take the guests from the reception back to the hotel. It was supposed to come at midnight.
At 12:15, all of the guests were waiting in the lobby. At 12:20 I told my sister there was no sign of it. The Crest Hollow BM was all over it in about 30 seconds.
Apparently their limos were at Crest Hollow at midnight. Their excuse was that the party bus broke down earlier in the week and they had to send a Hummer. Except, NO ONE KNEW THAT! So we were all sitting around waiting for the party bus, but the Hummer was there, parked in the back of the lot (not in front where we could see it).
Then, as I was walking to the Hummer I said 'Oh, is this for the XY wedding' and their driver was like 'yes'. Yet he made no attempt to open the door for me or help me into the vehicle. I had both hands carrying things and he was too busy talking to the valets to help me get into the car.
DJ - Bodyrock - A
They had alot of energy and kept us dancing all night. Only problem is that they didn't play our requests. I know my sis put Bon Jovi on her must-play list, AND we requested it, but they never played it. But they were great otherwise. Their MC was so great, and even gave us instructions before giving the toast on how to hold the mic, where to stand, and what to do.
Hair & Makeup - Christie's Salon in Bay Terrace - B+
We all looked lovely. They person in charge of the salon was very organized about everything.
But, we had requested we all get to sit together and we were spread out across the salon. My mom said she was bringing breakfast and they assured her they would set up an area where we could have food. We were there for over 40 minutes before they brought us this tiny little table that looked like a foot rest.
But, they were good with the kids and very nice. My first hair style was a disaster but I blame that on miscommunication between me and the girl who did my hair. And she did fix it.
Nails - Local nail place - C+
I don't know what the point was of making an appointment. When we all got there, there were 3 walk-ins waiting. They didn't bring in extra girls, so they could really only do 2 of us at a time (we made an appointment for all 6). We were once again spread out across the whole salon instead of all sitting together. The other MOH requested french pedicure and they gave her full nail polish and copped an attitude about changing it. And while we were all sitting there they kept accepting walk-ins.
Church - Saint Luke's - C+
The pastor had a 'this is my church, my rules' attitude through the whole rehearsal. He didn't let my sister do what she wanted for the unity candle, and told me and other MOH we were not allowed to fix her dress during the ceremony (we did anyway)
He gave a VERY LONG homily, and screwed up the name of the groom's mother for the memorial candle. At the end of the mass, he forgot something. My mother had sent away for a very special papal blessing. He forgot it, and 1/2 way through the receiving line he called my sis and husband back to the altar to recite it to them. That only added to the confusion. Because of him, the mass ran so long that my sis missed key photo opportunities because they had to clear out for the 5:30 mass.
Reception - Crest Hollow - A+++++
I cannot say enough about them. Excellent from start to finish. The Bridal Attendant didn't leave my sister's side. The Maitre'D Michael was on top of EVERYTHING from the start.
While we were taking photos in the garden, the brought us trays of food and coolers of beer. When all the food was eated (there were alot of us), and the bride and groom didn't get that much, they brought out another tray for them only and told us it was just for them.
I really was just so pleased with the whole experience with them. The entire staff was kind, knowledgable, and courteous. I really don't know what else to say about them other than they were PERFECT. They made my sister and husband so happy and comfortable.
Photo & Video - Patken - B+
From what I saw, they were very good. The photographer John was great. A really nice guy who posed my sister wonderfully. And he was great with getting all the kids in the bridal party to look at the camera.
But, my sis and I both feel they missed several things. Like, there are no shots of my sister getting ready in the house. When he got there he immediately set up outside the house. And there are no shots of the bridal party lined up on the steps of the church.
After the ceremony he wanted to take some new pics inside the church, while the guests all waited outside and the bridal party had no clue what to do. This was because the priest blocked alot of the ceremony. When the bride and groom finally came out, practically no one blew bubbles or anything because no one knew what to expect. The guests had been standing outside for a good 20 minutes after the receiving line ended.
At Crest Hollow they took alot of beautiful photos of the bride and groom. But my sis had to ask to take the photos of the whole bridal party together.
I did see the camera there for everything. And when the sash came off my dress as I was getting out of the limo (the flower girl was standing on it), someone from Patken came to the rescue with pins.
Hotel - Marriot Melville - F
They overbooked (so they claim) and gave away the rooms my parents, the groom's parents, and my 83 year old grandmother had booked over a year ago. We were met with the rudest and snottiest manager who yelled back at my sister and slammed the door on me when I went back to complain. They gave away all 9 rooms (including those belonging to the bride and groom) of another bridal party that came in after us.
They sent my parents to another hotel but screwed that up as well and put 3 people in a smoking room (grandma has asthma) with one queen bed.
They tried to make up for it this morning by comping us breakfast and the hotel rooms at the other place, but it was too late. My sister was in tears in the lobby last night while she was being told 'it's not my fault' by the night shift manager.
And this morning the manager on duty kept telling us it was a computer issue because 'rooms were booked by never assigned' and all kinds of excuses. She was very apologetic but it was too little too late.
We had planned on having an after-party at the hotel. Their bar was open until 1, but we were told we could bring our own alcohol and stay in the bar area and continue the festivities. Well, after a wonderful evening the bride was in tears because of the whole thing, and no one felt like partying anymore. Especially since my parents had to take all their luggage to another hotel.
My sister's wonderful wedding day was ruined by the incompetence of the Melville Marriot. To see my sister, who was smiling and laughing all say reduced to tears and getting yelled at by an employee at this establishment was simply unacceptable.
Flowers - Pristine Events in Queens- B+
All in all they did a good job. Beautiful centerpieces and bouquets. Slight problems - my sister asked for some pink roses in her all-white boquet because she thought the white roses would look yellow-ish compared to her dress. They only put in these really really light pink ones that basically looked white. And, my sister paid extra to have someone from the florist decorate the cake with real flowers. That was not done. Instead, upon seeing her cake and getting upset, the BM @ Crest Hollow took some roses from the centerpieces and did it himself. Some of the boutinieres were drooping and falling apart by the end of the ceremony. But, they did call my sis this morning to see if everything went OK and they agreed to refund her money for the cake thing.
Limos - Royalty Limos - A-
Royalty Limos was good. They came on time and were very courteous. My sister specified she wanted a Rolls with 4 front-facing seats to bring her and my parents and grandma to church. Instead they sent one with the seats facing eachother.
They were nice enough to remind us of the time at the church and tell us we were running late and going into overtime.
At the end of the night, when there was a HUGE problem with the hotel, the limo that brought my family did not leave until the matter was settled. He stayed with my sister and family for over 30 minutes after dropping them off to make sure they didn't need a ride to another hotel.
M&V Limos - D
My sister hired this company to have a 32-passenger party bus take the guests from the reception back to the hotel. It was supposed to come at midnight.
At 12:15, all of the guests were waiting in the lobby. At 12:20 I told my sister there was no sign of it. The Crest Hollow BM was all over it in about 30 seconds.
Apparently their limos were at Crest Hollow at midnight. Their excuse was that the party bus broke down earlier in the week and they had to send a Hummer. Except, NO ONE KNEW THAT! So we were all sitting around waiting for the party bus, but the Hummer was there, parked in the back of the lot (not in front where we could see it).
Then, as I was walking to the Hummer I said 'Oh, is this for the XY wedding' and their driver was like 'yes'. Yet he made no attempt to open the door for me or help me into the vehicle. I had both hands carrying things and he was too busy talking to the valets to help me get into the car.
DJ - Bodyrock - A
They had alot of energy and kept us dancing all night. Only problem is that they didn't play our requests. I know my sis put Bon Jovi on her must-play list, AND we requested it, but they never played it. But they were great otherwise. Their MC was so great, and even gave us instructions before giving the toast on how to hold the mic, where to stand, and what to do.
Hair & Makeup - Christie's Salon in Bay Terrace - B+
We all looked lovely. They person in charge of the salon was very organized about everything.
But, we had requested we all get to sit together and we were spread out across the salon. My mom said she was bringing breakfast and they assured her they would set up an area where we could have food. We were there for over 40 minutes before they brought us this tiny little table that looked like a foot rest.
But, they were good with the kids and very nice. My first hair style was a disaster but I blame that on miscommunication between me and the girl who did my hair. And she did fix it.
Nails - Local nail place - C+
I don't know what the point was of making an appointment. When we all got there, there were 3 walk-ins waiting. They didn't bring in extra girls, so they could really only do 2 of us at a time (we made an appointment for all 6). We were once again spread out across the whole salon instead of all sitting together. The other MOH requested french pedicure and they gave her full nail polish and copped an attitude about changing it. And while we were all sitting there they kept accepting walk-ins.
Church - Saint Luke's - C+
The pastor had a 'this is my church, my rules' attitude through the whole rehearsal. He didn't let my sister do what she wanted for the unity candle, and told me and other MOH we were not allowed to fix her dress during the ceremony (we did anyway)
He gave a VERY LONG homily, and screwed up the name of the groom's mother for the memorial candle. At the end of the mass, he forgot something. My mother had sent away for a very special papal blessing. He forgot it, and 1/2 way through the receiving line he called my sis and husband back to the altar to recite it to them. That only added to the confusion. Because of him, the mass ran so long that my sis missed key photo opportunities because they had to clear out for the 5:30 mass.
Reception - Crest Hollow - A+++++
I cannot say enough about them. Excellent from start to finish. The Bridal Attendant didn't leave my sister's side. The Maitre'D Michael was on top of EVERYTHING from the start.
While we were taking photos in the garden, the brought us trays of food and coolers of beer. When all the food was eated (there were alot of us), and the bride and groom didn't get that much, they brought out another tray for them only and told us it was just for them.
I really was just so pleased with the whole experience with them. The entire staff was kind, knowledgable, and courteous. I really don't know what else to say about them other than they were PERFECT. They made my sister and husband so happy and comfortable.
Photo & Video - Patken - B+
From what I saw, they were very good. The photographer John was great. A really nice guy who posed my sister wonderfully. And he was great with getting all the kids in the bridal party to look at the camera.
But, my sis and I both feel they missed several things. Like, there are no shots of my sister getting ready in the house. When he got there he immediately set up outside the house. And there are no shots of the bridal party lined up on the steps of the church.
After the ceremony he wanted to take some new pics inside the church, while the guests all waited outside and the bridal party had no clue what to do. This was because the priest blocked alot of the ceremony. When the bride and groom finally came out, practically no one blew bubbles or anything because no one knew what to expect. The guests had been standing outside for a good 20 minutes after the receiving line ended.
At Crest Hollow they took alot of beautiful photos of the bride and groom. But my sis had to ask to take the photos of the whole bridal party together.
I did see the camera there for everything. And when the sash came off my dress as I was getting out of the limo (the flower girl was standing on it), someone from Patken came to the rescue with pins.
Hotel - Marriot Melville - F
They overbooked (so they claim) and gave away the rooms my parents, the groom's parents, and my 83 year old grandmother had booked over a year ago. We were met with the rudest and snottiest manager who yelled back at my sister and slammed the door on me when I went back to complain. They gave away all 9 rooms (including those belonging to the bride and groom) of another bridal party that came in after us.
They sent my parents to another hotel but screwed that up as well and put 3 people in a smoking room (grandma has asthma) with one queen bed.
They tried to make up for it this morning by comping us breakfast and the hotel rooms at the other place, but it was too late. My sister was in tears in the lobby last night while she was being told 'it's not my fault' by the night shift manager.
And this morning the manager on duty kept telling us it was a computer issue because 'rooms were booked by never assigned' and all kinds of excuses. She was very apologetic but it was too little too late.
We had planned on having an after-party at the hotel. Their bar was open until 1, but we were told we could bring our own alcohol and stay in the bar area and continue the festivities. Well, after a wonderful evening the bride was in tears because of the whole thing, and no one felt like partying anymore. Especially since my parents had to take all their luggage to another hotel.
My sister's wonderful wedding day was ruined by the incompetence of the Melville Marriot. To see my sister, who was smiling and laughing all say reduced to tears and getting yelled at by an employee at this establishment was simply unacceptable.
