REVIEW: Milleridge Cottage, 7/18/09
Hello Ladies,
This review is a bit late, but I really wanted to gather all of my pictures (and all of my thoughts!) before writing to you all. I have found the reviews on these boards to be so helpful for so many reasons, and I just wanted to give you all a thorough summary, so please excuse the delay ?
Two weeks ago today, I married my best friend. It was the absolute happiest day of my life, and I’d like to share the details with you all in this LONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGG review.
We worked with some amazing vendors (except for one) and I hope that if any of you are on the fence about any of them, this will persuade you to hire them instantly!!!
******************************************************************************
Reception: MILLERIDGE COTTAGE, More than A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I can’t imagine a lovelier place to hold the biggest party of our life. The Cottage was absolutely breathtaking, just as I knew it would be. Actually, it was better. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were treated so wonderfully, as was our bridal party and all of our guests. DH and I just got back from our honeymoon and we are hearing from our parents that people are STILL telling them how amazing our wedding was.
Leslie, our banquet manager, was welcoming and accommodating every step of the way. Whenever we had a question, concern or request, I knew I could email or call for anything. She clearly CARED about what we wanted, and was very in-tune with us in terms of the tone we wanted to set for the evening. When we arrived and went up to the bridal suite to decompress for a bit, Leslie came up to say hello, just because. I don’t feel that she did so because she HAD to… I think she actually wanted to see us and wish us luck. For anyone considering the Cottage, I can advise you with confidence that Leslie will take EXCELLENT care of you.
Our maitre’d (spelling??), Pam, was equally attentive and reliable. Pam greeted us at the car and was like our shadow all day. I felt so comfortable knowing that she was there, specifically because of how she handled one of the two MAJOR (but only) snags of the day…………… Just before walking down the aisle, I got out of the car and had a catastrophe (and subsequent 20 minute breakdown)… My dress brushed up against the back tire and was visibly marked. A lot. Like, a real lot. I got back into the limo with my mom and my MOH and they calmed me down as best they could. I don’t know what prompted me to bring baby powder along, but thank God I did. My MOH brushed off as much of the black marks as she could and covered with baby powder. ANYWAY ----------------------- I digress.
Hours later, we arrive at the Cottage and Pam immediately asks me what she could do, get us, etc. I explained the situation and she was not at all concerned. Told me she’s bring me a drink and that she’d get the stains out in no time. And she did.
I really can’t stress enough how wonderful the Milleridge Cottage made our wedding. One relative told my mom that if she had any other children to marry off, she’d insist on having the wedding there. She thought the food was incredible, the service was excellence, and the general ambiance just lovely. She said it was not gawdy, but not minimalist… Just perfectly elegant and charming.
********************************************************************************
Flowers: LOVIN OVEN/MILLERIDGE FLORIST, A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(I don’t know which name they are actually using, but these two are the same company. )
WOW.
When the flowers arrived to my parents’ house, I was close to tears – good tears. Keyth had perfectly captured the look I was going for. There is not one thing I can complain about. I don’t really know what to say other than…………….. See for yourself ?
********************************************************************************
Music: IN THE MOOD, A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This company came highly recommended, and I can see why. There was NOT ONE POINT during our reception that the dance floor was empty. Our DJ kept the party moving all night and I have the pics to prove it!!! LOL Apparently, everyone’s talking about how great the DJ was and how much fun they had on the dance floor! They played everything on our “must-play” list, with the exception of two songs, and they spoke to both of us about them beforehand because they didn’t want to ruin the mood by putting in a song that would slow down the crowd. FINE WITH ME!!!! I deferred to their expertise on this, and I’m so glad I did. With the exception of some very minor hiccups (wrong song on video montage--- not a huge deal), In The Mood did an amazing job!!!
*********************************************************************************
Limos: D
GIRLS, I will go into further detail about this company at a later date. I CAN say that the drivers were very, very nice. But that’s about it.
Here’s the deal: We order 3 cars: a Bentley, and 2 large Cadillacs.
The 1958 Bentley was a #^#$% disaster. What they don’t tell you is that these things DO NOT HAVE AIR CONDITIONING. They say they do, but they definitely do not. The best thing it can be likened to is a fan. My dad and I were squished in the backseat of that #$%^&*% car for 30 minutes. Me, under a 50 lb dress and him, buttoned up to the neck. It was horrible. It was such an awful blemish on our day that when I think about it, I want to cry.
SUMMERTIME BRIDES: Before you book your limos, you’d be very smart to request a ride in the car you want beforehand. They’ll tell you it takes a few minutes to kick in, but that’s BS. It never kicks in. It just blows hot air.
The bigger problem, however, was what happened to my dress. If you read the part above, you know that it was basically ruined before I even walked down the aisle. I almost lost it. I had been so calm all morning (so much so that my Mom asked me why I was so calm), but when there was no AC, my hair starting drooping, and my dress had many obvious black stains, I quickly turned into Bridezilla. I didn’t know whether to cry or scream.
Another thing: The 14-passenger Cadillac STS mysteriously turned into an Escalade. Apparently, the company called DH that morning to tell them that the AC wasn’t working in the Caddy and they were sending an Escalade, but not to worry --- “it’s an upgrade.”
Sorry, but if we wanted a TRUCK, we would have ordered a TRUCK. I don’t appreciate being told that they’re doing us a favor when they are giving us exactly what we didn’t order.
Finally, the other Caddy: THAT turned into a Chrysler!!!!!! And one without AC! And without warning! Not even a call about that glitch.
Luckily, the rest of the day was flawless and beautiful. If it had not been, however, I would be telling you that this limousine company RUINED MY WEDDING DAY.
If you are concerned that this may be YOUR company (that you found in the Commack/Smithtown area), FM me.
********************************************************************************
Hair: HAIRSCULPTING BY RENEE, A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Renée is really awesome. Not only does she know what she’s doing, but she’s fun to be around. I was so glad to have her there the morning-of to share in the getting-ready. I did 2 trials with her and we stayed in frequent contact about what I liked, etc. She is now officially my “hair girl”! My mom also now goes to her for her hair, as does my sister-in-law-to-be, who will also be using her for her upcoming wedding! Give her a call --- she’s the best!
Makeup: Anita, A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anita was so sweet to work with, and like Renée, a lot of fun to be around. Now that I know her, I think I’ll be having my makeup done for functions a lot more often! Don’t know if she has a website, though. FM me for more info ?
***************************************************************************
Photo: Franklin Square Photographers, A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We worked with Keith from the beginning --- what a nice guy. The day of, we had Keith, Dawn, and 2 or 3 video guys. This crew was so professional and also really great to deal with. Now that I think about it, they NEVER got in the way or made themselves a nuisance. Also, he was very open to requests, so if you’re using them don’t feel at all weird about giving some “must-take photo” suggestions. Keith was also very accommodating when we scheduled our engagement portraits, and agreed to go to Manhattan for our shoot.
I am really glad that we went with FS Photo. I’ve seen our shots online and WOW did they do a great job! I can’t wait to pick up the proofs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I highly, highly recommend them.
**************************************************************************
Hope this review was informative for any of you out there using these vendors!!!!!!! I can honestly say that I didn’t miss a beat of my wedding day. It went quickly, yes – but it’s really true: Savor it. It’s the most special day of your life, and all brides should cherish and enjoy every single moment.
See you soon, girlies!
PS - Anyone know how to save pics from Snapfish to hard drive?? i'm having trouble saving my DIY stuff
This review is a bit late, but I really wanted to gather all of my pictures (and all of my thoughts!) before writing to you all. I have found the reviews on these boards to be so helpful for so many reasons, and I just wanted to give you all a thorough summary, so please excuse the delay ?
Two weeks ago today, I married my best friend. It was the absolute happiest day of my life, and I’d like to share the details with you all in this LONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGG review.
We worked with some amazing vendors (except for one) and I hope that if any of you are on the fence about any of them, this will persuade you to hire them instantly!!!
******************************************************************************
Reception: MILLERIDGE COTTAGE, More than A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I can’t imagine a lovelier place to hold the biggest party of our life. The Cottage was absolutely breathtaking, just as I knew it would be. Actually, it was better. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were treated so wonderfully, as was our bridal party and all of our guests. DH and I just got back from our honeymoon and we are hearing from our parents that people are STILL telling them how amazing our wedding was.
Leslie, our banquet manager, was welcoming and accommodating every step of the way. Whenever we had a question, concern or request, I knew I could email or call for anything. She clearly CARED about what we wanted, and was very in-tune with us in terms of the tone we wanted to set for the evening. When we arrived and went up to the bridal suite to decompress for a bit, Leslie came up to say hello, just because. I don’t feel that she did so because she HAD to… I think she actually wanted to see us and wish us luck. For anyone considering the Cottage, I can advise you with confidence that Leslie will take EXCELLENT care of you.
Our maitre’d (spelling??), Pam, was equally attentive and reliable. Pam greeted us at the car and was like our shadow all day. I felt so comfortable knowing that she was there, specifically because of how she handled one of the two MAJOR (but only) snags of the day…………… Just before walking down the aisle, I got out of the car and had a catastrophe (and subsequent 20 minute breakdown)… My dress brushed up against the back tire and was visibly marked. A lot. Like, a real lot. I got back into the limo with my mom and my MOH and they calmed me down as best they could. I don’t know what prompted me to bring baby powder along, but thank God I did. My MOH brushed off as much of the black marks as she could and covered with baby powder. ANYWAY ----------------------- I digress.
Hours later, we arrive at the Cottage and Pam immediately asks me what she could do, get us, etc. I explained the situation and she was not at all concerned. Told me she’s bring me a drink and that she’d get the stains out in no time. And she did.
I really can’t stress enough how wonderful the Milleridge Cottage made our wedding. One relative told my mom that if she had any other children to marry off, she’d insist on having the wedding there. She thought the food was incredible, the service was excellence, and the general ambiance just lovely. She said it was not gawdy, but not minimalist… Just perfectly elegant and charming.
********************************************************************************
Flowers: LOVIN OVEN/MILLERIDGE FLORIST, A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(I don’t know which name they are actually using, but these two are the same company. )
WOW.
When the flowers arrived to my parents’ house, I was close to tears – good tears. Keyth had perfectly captured the look I was going for. There is not one thing I can complain about. I don’t really know what to say other than…………….. See for yourself ?
********************************************************************************
Music: IN THE MOOD, A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This company came highly recommended, and I can see why. There was NOT ONE POINT during our reception that the dance floor was empty. Our DJ kept the party moving all night and I have the pics to prove it!!! LOL Apparently, everyone’s talking about how great the DJ was and how much fun they had on the dance floor! They played everything on our “must-play” list, with the exception of two songs, and they spoke to both of us about them beforehand because they didn’t want to ruin the mood by putting in a song that would slow down the crowd. FINE WITH ME!!!! I deferred to their expertise on this, and I’m so glad I did. With the exception of some very minor hiccups (wrong song on video montage--- not a huge deal), In The Mood did an amazing job!!!
*********************************************************************************
Limos: D
GIRLS, I will go into further detail about this company at a later date. I CAN say that the drivers were very, very nice. But that’s about it.
Here’s the deal: We order 3 cars: a Bentley, and 2 large Cadillacs.
The 1958 Bentley was a #^#$% disaster. What they don’t tell you is that these things DO NOT HAVE AIR CONDITIONING. They say they do, but they definitely do not. The best thing it can be likened to is a fan. My dad and I were squished in the backseat of that #$%^&*% car for 30 minutes. Me, under a 50 lb dress and him, buttoned up to the neck. It was horrible. It was such an awful blemish on our day that when I think about it, I want to cry.
SUMMERTIME BRIDES: Before you book your limos, you’d be very smart to request a ride in the car you want beforehand. They’ll tell you it takes a few minutes to kick in, but that’s BS. It never kicks in. It just blows hot air.
The bigger problem, however, was what happened to my dress. If you read the part above, you know that it was basically ruined before I even walked down the aisle. I almost lost it. I had been so calm all morning (so much so that my Mom asked me why I was so calm), but when there was no AC, my hair starting drooping, and my dress had many obvious black stains, I quickly turned into Bridezilla. I didn’t know whether to cry or scream.
Another thing: The 14-passenger Cadillac STS mysteriously turned into an Escalade. Apparently, the company called DH that morning to tell them that the AC wasn’t working in the Caddy and they were sending an Escalade, but not to worry --- “it’s an upgrade.”
Sorry, but if we wanted a TRUCK, we would have ordered a TRUCK. I don’t appreciate being told that they’re doing us a favor when they are giving us exactly what we didn’t order.
Finally, the other Caddy: THAT turned into a Chrysler!!!!!! And one without AC! And without warning! Not even a call about that glitch.
Luckily, the rest of the day was flawless and beautiful. If it had not been, however, I would be telling you that this limousine company RUINED MY WEDDING DAY.
If you are concerned that this may be YOUR company (that you found in the Commack/Smithtown area), FM me.
********************************************************************************
Hair: HAIRSCULPTING BY RENEE, A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Renée is really awesome. Not only does she know what she’s doing, but she’s fun to be around. I was so glad to have her there the morning-of to share in the getting-ready. I did 2 trials with her and we stayed in frequent contact about what I liked, etc. She is now officially my “hair girl”! My mom also now goes to her for her hair, as does my sister-in-law-to-be, who will also be using her for her upcoming wedding! Give her a call --- she’s the best!
Makeup: Anita, A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anita was so sweet to work with, and like Renée, a lot of fun to be around. Now that I know her, I think I’ll be having my makeup done for functions a lot more often! Don’t know if she has a website, though. FM me for more info ?
***************************************************************************
Photo: Franklin Square Photographers, A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We worked with Keith from the beginning --- what a nice guy. The day of, we had Keith, Dawn, and 2 or 3 video guys. This crew was so professional and also really great to deal with. Now that I think about it, they NEVER got in the way or made themselves a nuisance. Also, he was very open to requests, so if you’re using them don’t feel at all weird about giving some “must-take photo” suggestions. Keith was also very accommodating when we scheduled our engagement portraits, and agreed to go to Manhattan for our shoot.
I am really glad that we went with FS Photo. I’ve seen our shots online and WOW did they do a great job! I can’t wait to pick up the proofs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I highly, highly recommend them.
**************************************************************************
Hope this review was informative for any of you out there using these vendors!!!!!!! I can honestly say that I didn’t miss a beat of my wedding day. It went quickly, yes – but it’s really true: Savor it. It’s the most special day of your life, and all brides should cherish and enjoy every single moment.
See you soon, girlies!
PS - Anyone know how to save pics from Snapfish to hard drive?? i'm having trouble saving my DIY stuff
