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We did it!
Our wedding day was truly the best day of our lives! It's true...the day is an absolute whirlwind. We did our best to sit back and take it all in, but it still flies by. Since I picked up so much good advice here, thought I'd let you know about my vendors and maybe help someone in return.
I bought my dress at CHARMET in Bayside. I really went here based on price and one recommendation from a friend who bought a dress here years ago. I was very, very pleasantly surprised. Everyone-from the owner and his son to the salespeople to Amelia the seamstress were a pleasure to deal with. Dress came in on time, alterations were perfect.
BM dresses were ordered thru RK no frills...again no problems. Dresses arrived early, girls found alterations on their own. RK can be a zoo on the weekends-go during the week if possible.
Guys tuxes were rented from S&S in Hicksville...no problems, even with out-of-town GM who just called in their measurements.
Jennifer from FAIRYTALE MAKEOVERS did my hair and makeup, and I was soooo pleased with the results. When I met my husband at the altar, his jaw dropped. I don't usually wear much makeup, and rarely do anything special with my hair, so it was a big shock to see me all 'gussied' up. I highly recommend-Jennifer is so good at what she does, and is also a very nice, patient and calming presence to have around the morning of!
Limos were from ROYALTY. Cars arrived early and were in perfect shape, drivers were courteous and had my directions in hand. The driver who took us home after the reception had cold beer/champagne waiting for us...big plus in my book. It was the first I really got to enjoy all day.
Can't comment on our actual pictures-haven't got proofs back, yet...but I can say that Cynthia from CASSARINO was very capable and pleasant to have around all day. We had a lot of family to photographer and lots of kids to manage, and she did it all with a smile. Will follow up once we get proofs.
Our band, ARCADIA, was awesome. Dance floor packed all night long. Our crowd demanded an encore at the end of the night! They did a beautiful job on our first dance song, played continously all night, stuck to our play/do not play lists. Gus and the rest of the band, as well as Michele at LI Paramount are wonderful to work with.
Flowers were done by DISTINCTIVE DESIGNS (Scotto Bros in-house florist). I was very, very, very pleased with what Annabelle put together! She took my basic autumn theme ideas and went to town. I got so many comments on the centerpieces...long, low displays with lots of curly willow and barley along with the flowers, pumpkins and gourds scattered on the tables. My bouquet was all white roses and freesias, and I did notice a little bruising by the end of the night...nothing that pulling a few petals couldn't help. BM bouquets were spectacular, they kept thanking me for them!
Finally, the WESTBURY MANOR. If you are a WM bride-to-be, do not fret about anything. Everyone there treated us and our families/friends like royalty. Our maitre D was Chris, bridal assistant Lindsay...what great people to have following us around all day. We got so many compliments on the food, the service, the atmosphere of the place...couldn't be happier. My hubby worked for a couple of LI catering halls, and he had very high expectations-which were exceeded!
Our honeymoon on St. Martin and Anguilla was everything we dreamed it would be. Our stay in Anguilla was at a private home that we rented-highly recommend this over staying at a regular hotel. The privacy made it very romantic, had our own patio and terraces and pool. Daily maid service was provided. We spent many nights on the terrace overlooking the ocean, sharing a bottle of wine, counting the stars and dreaming about our future. Truly the best vacation I've gone on!
If anyone wants any further details, ask away!
Congrats to all of the other Nov. brides-I just finished reading most of your reviews, and I'm happy to hear how wonderfully everyone's wedding was. Best wishes to the brides-to-be who are still planning. Don't sweat the small stuff...keep in mind that come what may, at the end of the day you will be married to the man of your dreams...that's what makes it all worthwhile!!!
Now, on the the happily ever after...
