Watermill Brides - Past and Present

Watermill has their personal wedding coordinator, Samantha - anyone used her? What is her role? Before I booked, I met her and they talked about how she does 'wedding therapy' and is there to help with anything. I want to call and make an appointment with her but I'm not sure what questions she can answer and what she does? A couple of the things I'm unsure about:

Timeline of the day - I want to book photo/video and limo, but i'm not sure what most brides do (ie: what time to start pics, reveal, when to show up to Watermill, etc). Its tough bc its a winter wedding and ceremony starts at 730, I'd like some daylight pictures in there...

Cake cutting - Do I have any say in the time cake gets cut? Reception ends at 1AM so I'd rather do it a little early (11ish) - I think midnight is WAY too late and lots of people will start leaving around then.

I feel like I have so many questions! Also, is anyone doing pictures somewhere nearby? I live in Riverhead so I have no clue what's in that area. ADA recommended Northport Harbor?

Tips, suggestions, advice greatly appreciated!!

Samantha will help you with the whole planning process, booking vendors, etc. She is very kind, and I do remember that she even called once to see if there was anything she could do to help. I met with her once about ordering invitations, but ultimately I did the invites by myself using Wedding Paper Divas.

Timeline - My photographer actually helped me with this one and I relied on his outline throughout the process to help me. Other vendors can help you too - limo company, hairdresser (mine was spot-on with timing to get ready).

Cake cutting - Yeah, it's a bit late. Some of my guests left around 11:30 PM and missed it, but I knew they had to get home for their families. I suppose you can ask to see if they can move the time, but I wouldn't ask until you get closer to the day.

Pre-wedding pictures - we went to Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River. Only trouble is... there's no inside options if it rains (which it did for us)! Permit is easy to get and costs about $100 for 1.5 hours.

EDITED TO ADD: another option for photos is the Scully Manor/Wereholme Estate in Islip, which is also the home for the Seatuck Envirnomental Association. A permit there does allow for inside photos, and I think it costs about $200 for 2 hours.