Wedding Review 9/21!!
Hi ladies!! Even though I've been back from our honeymoon for 2 weeks, this is really my first week back to reality!
Our day turned out to be beautiful. All week people kept asking me about the weather forecast, but I didn't watch any, and I wouldn't let anyone tell me either. Afterward I found out that they were calling for rain, so I'm so glad I didn't watch.
My dress was from Adriennes in Islip. There were a bunch of negative posts about them just after I bought my gown, of course. Overall I can't say I was happy. They had to re-lay one of the seams, and we talked about how they would then need to redo the beading. I went to try it on Tuesday before the wedding. The dress fit really nice, but they forgot to do the beading. So that meant they needed more time to do that. They wanted me to pick the dress up on Friday, but I insisted on
Thursday. On Thursday, we waiting over an hour for the dress. The slip hadn't been steamed and there were a few other small problems. I understand things happen, but not once were they the least bit apologetic, which would have gone a long way. But in the end, I still really loved my gown.
The BM dresses were by Wtoo and were ordered through Netbride. We didn't have a single problem. I do suggest trying a few different stores to find a few different sizes in the dress before ordering to see how the dress runs. This saved my BM's some unnecessary alterations. They each wore black sandles of their choice too.
Tuxedos were from Black Tie in Smithtown. They were very easy to deal with, and we didn't have any problems with them.
Hair and makeup were done by Jen at The Best Little Hair House. I was sure to book with them as soon as their appointment book allowed. 3 weeks before they told us they double booked and tried moving our times around. Again, they weren't the least bit apologetic. I agreed to go in at 7:00, and my mom went somewhere else, and my grandma went the day before. So that worked out ok. I did have 2 makeup trials and one hair before hand. The makeup was nice and what we had talked about. My hair wasn' t what we had agreed on. As she was doing it I tried to explain what she had done the last time (only 3 weeks before), but she didn't get it, and I didn't have the focus to be persistent enough. I had planned on taking my veil off, but didn't because I wasn't thrilled about my hair. I would suggest taking pictures at the trial and having them the day of to avoid any confusion.
We used M&V for our limo. We had the stretch Hummer, which was a surprise for my DH. The Hummer is a little noisy inside, but ran similar to other limo's. The driver was a crazy driver and actually peeled out from my parents house. I didn't know a limo could do that. He got lost going to the church twice!! Once with the guys and once with us! not a big deal, but a little annoying.
We used Coach USA for our guests. $495 for 8 hours. The driver had no idea where she was going. I made a copy of the directions I send Coach USA and asked my MOH's fiance to take them in case there were problems. Good thing he had them. Definitely a must, for the limo's too.
Our ceremony was at St. Thomas More in Hauppauge. Deacon Bob married us and was a blessing. My DH was so emotional, he couldn't do his vows, and Deacon Bob talked him through them. We actually took pictures in the back of the church....very pretty and saved us a ton of time. We were early for the cocktail hour!
Our reception was at John Anthony's in Babylon. I have zero complaints. The staff was great, and so helpful. We were able to use essentially both of the bridal suites the whole time since the other parties weren't weddings. I didn't hear anything but raves from our guests abu the food, the view, and the staff. We had use of the deck the entire time, and because is was such a beautiful day, so many people used it. There was even a family of swans that swam by, which I firmly believe is a sign. For the John Anthony brides, you will not be disappointed.
Photographer was Visual Concepts. They were great the day of. They were quick and very calming. I had Bob, and his wife did B&W candids all day. The proofs are ready, but I haven't seen them yet (I'm in Buffalo). I'll let you know how they come out.
Video was Wild Rose. Again very nice and helpful all day. I didn't even see them at the reception, that's how unobtrusive they were. Bill did pressure my parents into talking on the video, after I asked him not to, but not a big deal.
Our DJ was Ralph from High Energy. I really liked working with him. He played all that we asked for, and was able to work some country music in for my DH and his West Virginia friends!
I almost forgot the flowers. We used Burtons and was soooo happy with the flowers. I didn't have a clear picture of what I wanted, so I left some of the decisions up to them, and they were beautiful. I heard so many raves about the flowers in particular. I'll post pics when I get them.
Our honeymoon was 2 weeks in Hawaii....Oahu, Kauaii, and Maui. I'll post separately for the honeymoon. This is already way long
Thank you to all the ladies on this board. I can't begin to image how stressful planning would have been without all your help. Please if anyone has specific questions, let me know. I would love to be able to return all the favors.
Jen 'C'
