New and where did you start?

HI,
My FI and I got engaged a few months ago but we haven't set a date yet because he just moved to Michigan to start law school. I was unable to join him because I still have one year left of school We plan on setting a date soon (april or end of April or end of May 2004) when he has a feeling of whether or not he will be able to transfer after his first year. He wants me to join him out there when I graduate but because I will be studying for the bar I want to start booking things as soon as we set our date.
We will be having a rather small wedding only about 100 people maybe 110 if we are lucky. My family really wants me to have it at their club but we want to look around before we make any final decisions. Because we are planning small we understand we will be kept out of a lot of venues because their minimums are much higher on a Sat night. We are open to some suggestions of places we like the feeling of Oheka, and the Nassau county art museum. Can anyone suggest some other places for small weddings?
Also, I want to be able to book my music, photographer, and videographer as soon as we set out date and location. Since I have very limited time with school I'm trying to get some names together now. Where and how did you start looking. All the family weddings I have been to were not in this state, and many of my friends would not recommend some of their vendors, so I am really at a loss where to start- there are so many?
Thank you all for your help!!!!

Re: New and where did you start?

First off, Congrats!!! welcome to liweddings!

why don't you try out Harrison House and Vanderbilt mansion, Coindre Hall, or try and check out the vineyards out east..

as far as vendors.. I suggest you do a search and you'll find 943853948753 dif replies.. one way we can help you out is if you tell us a little more about what you're looking for..

Re: New and where did you start?

We first picked a date, then decided on what type of wedding we wanted. Then we looked at places, choose the place. The first vendor I booked was the videographer, then clergy, ( joined a temple) photographer, DJ, ,started to look at bridesmaid dresses, dresses I like etc. My venodrs are_
DJ- Albert Lee Music
Photographers-Rick and Company (www.liweddings.com) remeber to put in the s at the end!
Videographer- Bellarino.(www.bellarino.com)
Bm dresses -Davids Bridal
My gown-Estelles Rt110
BM gifts- Necklaces from QVC outlet in Pennyslvania- I saved a bundle! jewelry boxes- Bed, Bath and Beyond
We just ordered our wedding rings, we got the right price so we figured one more thing out of the way. Do not let anyone tell you that you have plenty of time, 2004 is around the corner, and hey are they paying for it? Then they should be quiet! Good luck! If you need anymore advice forum mail me.

Re: New and where did you start?

thank you all so very much for your advice! It it rather overwelming there seems to be so many vendors and many have gotten good recommendations so it seems hard to know where to start. I will try some searches and try to get a good list to start

Re: New and where did you start?

Hi. I'm having my wedding at the Vanderbilt Mansion. The room is small so it is perfect for 100 people. I think the Sat night miminum is lower than most places.