My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Hi Everyone,

Let me start by saying a great big Thank You to all that have given truthful recommendations and/or warnings on vendors. I used this board as a resource to finding almost all of my vendors.

My wedding was on Labor Day and pretty much the entire weekend was crappy weather. However, despite the weather, I was so happy and had so much fun. Saturday was the rehearsal dinner at Francesco's in Babylon and it was 'Mm Mm good'. That night we had a coed bachelor/bacholerette gala on Fire Island, the drinking and fun didn't end until 2 in the morning with the last water taxi. We made it coed because alot of our friends are couples and didn't know the other girls or boys. It also made it so much more fun to have a larger group of people. It was one of the best times I have ever had. We started the night at one of the bars and then went to Mermaids for some dancing and hooking up. ;)

It rained like a monsoon the entire day of my wedding, unfortunately. But in the end it really didn't matter, it was the best day of my life. Anyway, here's my review:

St. Cyril and Methodius Church: I swear that I am not saying that our wedding ceremony was the most beautiful that I have ever been to because it was my wedding. The way that Deacon Charlie officiated our ceremony was so eloquent and special, it's hard to describe. Many people told us what a great job he did. He was funny, gentle, and moving and the church in particular is so big and beautiful.

John Anthony's on the Water: The food was delicious, the service was exceptional, and the staff was very accommodating. Because of the rain, all outside pictures were canceled, however they let us arrive early to take photos and helped us out as best they could. And the cake was soooo good, if you are having your reception there, get the chocolate cake with the vanilla cannoli filling- it practically melts in your mouth. They also have such a beautiful display during the cocktail hour.

VIP Studios- John and Carol arrived on-time and were very easy to work with. I kind of forced them to go outside under an overhand to take pictures of Ryan and I even though it was raining (I needed some outside pictures!) and they were very accomodating. Carol was very sweet and definitely deserved her tip. I will be receiving my proofs the end on this week and will post pictures then.

Candlelite Video- Mike was our photographer and the guy was so nice and patient. One of Ryan and I's most favorite memory of our wedding was watching Mike tape us leaving the church in our limo. It was hilarious! He was standing there in the rain with his umbrella caving in towards him from the wind while we waved at him through the window from the dry comfort of the limo. He really went above and beyond what was expected of him on that day. The whole Candlelite Video staff has been so nice and patient with the number of times I have called with questions. Can't wait for the video. Mike taped everything and they have like the smallest camera I have ever seen!

Flowers by Jilda- Jilda is a friend of my cousins who is a teacher but runs a small business on the side from her home. Her prices are unbelievable and the flowers were just as beautiful, if not better than the big business wedding florists. All of the bouquets were roses and they turned out absolutely gorgeous. The centerpieces looked exactly as I wanted them to look and were equally as beautiful. This was the one vendor I was most nervous about, but I was not one bit disappointed. If anyone wants her number let me know, she lives in Farmingdale.

Barton's Limo: We ordered a 10 passanger white stretch and a Rolls Royce for Ryan and I. The stretch limo was big, clean, and the driver (Lenny?) was this jolly guy who had a smile on his face the entire time. The Rolls Royce was clean but a little old looking. The driver was not as nice and sometimes was a little rude to others. I know that Barton's doesn't own the Rolls and contracts with another company, so I am not blaming them. I would use Barton again for limo service- they were on-time, helpful, and nice. Ryan and I also had a free pickup after the reception in a huge black limo and the driver was very friendly.

Fairytale Makeovers: Jen and Joyce did such a beautiful job on everyone. I absolutely LOVED my hairdo, I almost cried when I took it down. T.he makeup stayed on the entire day, even in the rain. For everyone who booked them, you won't be disappointed. They were on-time (5:45 am!), their rates were very reasonable, and they are both very sweet. They even did my mother's makeup for free.

Cathy's Bridal (Lindenhurst): We ordered the bridesmaids dresses from them. Everyone there was nice and there was absolutely not one problem-until the wedding day. The whole side of my cousin's dress ripped halfway down her body and my friend's spaghetti straps broke while dancing. I don't think it was the seamstress's fault but the maker of the dress (Jordan).

Men's Wearhouse: I know that someone posted a while back had a horrible time with receiving the correct tuxedo for the GMs, but we had absolutely no problems. All of the tuxes looked great, arrived correctly, and were a good price (~$100 each). Almost all of the GMs were from out-of-town and it worked out fine for the fittings and to pick them up where they lived.

If anyone has any questions or would like more information on a vendor, I'd be glad to help. Happy planning!

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Barbara, Congratulations! It's sounds like everything was perfect. Enjoy life as a newlywed!! Was it all a blur?

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Barbara,

Congrats!! We had our reception at John Anthony's last September, and it rained on our day too! But, what are you gonna do, right?? See ya over on the 'newlyweds' side!!

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Congrats Barbara...I am so happy everything went well. May you have many many years of happy togetherness.

I am so glad you liked Jennifer. I loved her too and talk about on time PS did her dad stay and drive around while she worked???

Now we want to see peekshures

Congrats again

PS you are the same Barbara that had the trial at FM the same day that I did??

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Congrats Barbara !!!! It seems even throught the rain you had a GREAT day, and vendors that were wonderful !!! Enjoy being a Newlywed !!! YAY !!!!!!!

I second Shamma's request for pics !!

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Thank you ladies for your sweet responses. Shamma, yes that was me that you met! I don't think that Jenn's dad was driving around??? Why would he do this?

I have SO many pictures already but I don't know how to use my scanner. All of the pictures look great.

By the way, I forgot to mention my DJ company: Tommy's Tunes. They were excellent and the DJ Mike was so nice. I had so many people comment on the great music they played- not the same old sappy wedding music. We had so much fun doing the Conga line (even though my new husband kept tripping over my dress) and NY, NY.

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Barbara, Barbara, Barbara! You have no idea how much I've been waiting for your review. It is so nice to finally read a John Anthonys review! You have succeeded in making me even more excited about my wedding day. As you know, we share the same church, reception, and now makeup artist! I'm so happy your day turned out as good as it did - despite the crappy weather. Sounds like it was everything you had hoped and dreamed for.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see pics!

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

bump for fellow John Anthonys brides...

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

congratulations barbara--can't wait to see some pics---it sounds like you had a wonderful day despite the rain!.......best of luck to you and your hubby!!

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Barabara, you better learn to use that scanner really quick, you cannot have us waiting too long now

Her dad drove around and around the block b/c he was waiting, I told her to tell him to come in or park, she says he does it all the time and he takes her to all her appts.

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Congratulations! Sounds like things ran really smoothly for you! I can't wait to see pics!

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Congrats and best wishes! Show us pics!

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Congratulations! I am so glad that you had a good experience with John from VIP. That's who I am using, and have only heard good things so far! All the best to you and your new hubby

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Thank you everyone.

Paiz: I am going to try 'playing' with the scanner tomorrow, I want everyone to see my pics too!

Shamma: Jenn came with Joyce because there were 4 of us that needed to get done- so that's probably why she didn't come with her dad. Plus she was at my house for like 3 hours, he would've used alot of gas. I feel bad however, I got so wrapped up in taking pictures they both slipped out without me even being able to thank them- they will be receiving a big thank you card.

Marnles: You have nothing to worry about with VIP

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Congratulations! I wish you and your hubby the best.

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

Barbara:

I CAN'T WAIT! THANKS!

Re: My Sept. 2 Wedding - A Beautiful Day even with the Rain (VERY long)

congratulations!! pictures!!!!