06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

****Pics posted in my album!**** I'll post Honeymoon pics soon!***

I can't believe I am finally posting a review of my wedding! After 2 years of planning it is all over... sad... but in the same way it is a nice relief.
Ok... I'll start off with the weather.... the week of June 29th was a brutal hot/humd week... but luckily... on thursday... the heat broke with a few thunderstorms.. and Friday... was just gorgeous! The weather was partly sunny w/ some clouds and about 75 degrees and very low humidity.... who could ask for better that that??---I'll give the weather an 'A'.

St. Joseph's Church, Kings Park-- A -
They have been my church since I was born. Everything ran smoothly with them... the only annoying part is they don't let you throw anything, have an aisle runner... nothing! But I knew that going into it so I cannot fault them for that. The only thing is that the people who ran the rehearsal told us to do certain things, and on the day of the wedding.. almost everything was done differently... but everything worked out fine!

Make-Up - Marie Katz -- A+
Marie is so sweet... She is one of the first vendors I booked. I used her for my sister's wedding so I didn't even get a trial until like 2 months before my wedding... She did a fantastic job, was on time (actually there before I even got back from the salon). I def would use her again for a formal affair and would recommend her to everyone.

Hair --Barbara Ross --Kris S., Commack -- A+
I use Kris all the time for my hair.. she has done many up-do styles for me in the past and always did a great job... my hair stayed the whole day and it looked great... I really have no complaints!

DJ / Percussionist: Platinum Productions, Farmingdale -- A+
They did a great job... They really switched up the music at the right times and played music that most people would enjoy. They played everything we asked them to...everyone was saying how great the music was and wanted to know where we found them. Frank Mazzili was the MC, Steve was the DJ and Carlos was the percussionist... the drums sounded awesome w/ the Dj... really makes the songs sound more live. I would def recommend them and use them for another party. The only thing my DH was annoyed with was they played the Tarantella right when we were sitting down to eat our dessert... that might have been better off in the beginning or when people were already on the dance floor. But other than that.. that were outstanding! We also had a pianist and bass player at the cocktail hour... they were great as well.

Florist: Flower Michele--work: A-, Service D
Ok.. unlike most people, this was my LEAST favorite vendor to work with. I worked with Barbara... my poor service started w/ the first appointment. I walk in and the first thing I hear is...'you don't have an appointment today... it is on a different day'... and I let them know that they were not correct and I def had my appointment today. So I wait a while w/ my Mom and then we work with Barbara. We have a good appointment, like her ideas etc. A few months later, I make an appointment to get a sample centerpiece made.....I go to the appointment... and Barabara proceeds to tell my mom & I that she couldn't get all the flowers we talked about... so basically there was no centerpiece for us to look at. She throws something together in about 5 minutes... and we tell her we do not like it...(as this was not what was discussed in the first appointment)... so she does change the centerpiece to something that I liked... but was also rushing us out of there to take the next appointment. This got me & my mom really annoyed... I did like the centerpiece but at the same time, I felt rushed and basically felt like I was forced to take what was made. She then tells me that the next appointment would be the final one 2 weeks prior where she would make the sample again... but more finalized so you could see exactly what it will look like on your wedding day... great. I make that appintment.... I call the day before to confirm.. and she says that they do not make the sample again... and that she may have said that to me.. but they don't do that... umm.. ok... I wasn't going to argue with her.. but I know what she told me. Anyway... we confirm all the finals.. and all is well. The day of the wedding I could just taste that something would go wrong with them.... all the personal flowers got to my house.. they looked really beautiful and I have to say i loved the bridesmaids bouquets a lot. My bouquet was beautiful as well except for the stephonotis that seemed to be browning already as well as on DH's bout. So... all is well until I get to The Carltun... I walk in.. and I see NO FLOWERS... no flower petals on the placecard table, no petals on the piano, no candles in the ballroom and worst of all NO CENTERPIECES! I was flipping out.. and The Carltun assured me that florists tend to come pretty close to when the wedding begins... fine... we take our photos.. cocktail hour is starting... still... NO FLOWERS... half way into the cocktail hour... NO FLOWERS. The Carltun called Flower Michele about 5 times before they were able to talk to someone that knew what they were talking about... they also spoke to someone who said my paperwork wasn't there... doesn't surprise me as I never seemed to be in the system before either. So the cocktail hour was in full force.. and at about 8:15 the flowers finally arrive (that is 15 minutes before the RECEPTION) is starting.... the centerpieces ended up being beautiful... but i really didn't care at that point... i was just happy that they decided to show up with something. They really made me stress during the whole cocktail hour, my mom had to talk to the Carltun staff abbout it... and it really was unnecessary stress that they caused. Because of this.. I would NEVER use them again or recommend them to anyone.

Limos: All Star Limos , Farmingdale - A
We had a Hummer.... it was a cool car.... that is what I wanted from the start. I thought they were great and easy to deal with from the start and their price was competitive. The car was clean and they picked up on time. We also had a few cars picking us up after, one for parents, and honeymoon transports... all were ontime, clean etc. Our limo driver (for the hummer) was a little odd... nice but odd... lol... can't explain it. I would def use them again and recommend them!

Photo/video: Duet (Jay's team) A+ for service and experience... A+ for proofs.... sooo many pictures I haven't even gone through them all yet!
Jay arrived at my house on time w/ the video guy Oscar I think his name was. They walked all around my house first to seek out good picture taking areas. They did so many creative shots with all the family that was there. Danny went to DH's house and did the same. After the ceremony we did all of our formal shots at the Carltun and they seemed to get everything we asked for with various scenery. The only picture they missed was Dh's grandmother... but she was only at the church.. I did write that on the paper.. but I should have stressed it more then I did... everyone was commenting on how they were all over the place but didn't bother anyone. They also were a lot of fun to work with... when you arer in a wedding.. picture taking can get annoying but everyone seemed to be having a great time. I can't wait to get the proofs back!

Dress: Bridal Reflections (Carle Place) - A
I worked w/ Dana and Barbara there. I thought they were great from day 1. I went there a few times and they listened to what i wanted and my price range... they found my dress! They were helpful but not pushy... and were honest with you... I ended up choosing an Ines DiSanto gown. The alterations went well also.. although I thought my gown was a tad too long.. i seemed to trip on it a few times but i also wasn't used to wearing a gown like that. They also should have given me a stronger bustle as it came down 3/4 into the wedding... the bridal attendant quickly fixed it... but that shouldn't have happened. I went to so many bridal salons.. and they were excellent!
We also got the bridesmaids dresses there... Jim Hjelm Jasper/Gunmetal satin taffeta. All the girls looked great... everything seemed to be O.K. nobody mentioned any major problems with them.
I also order my headpiece from Denise Leli at a headpiece show at Bridal reflections... ordered one of those headband type pieces w/ all the crystals... I received so many compliments on it!..I would def recommend using her... although it took 2 months longer to come in then they told me!

Invitations: Pippy's Sweets - B+
She was great to deal with overall. I thought her work was great and she was always quick to respond on e-mail. The only thing that annoyed me was that she decided when you would send your invitations out. I understood that she was busy, but i sent my invitations out over a week after I planned to because she didn't have them ready. When I rec'd them, the monogram on the front was smaller than we discussed, a few envelopes were incorrect and there were a couple where you saw glue, and i remember one had no RSVP card in it. When i told her I needed the new envelopes.. she did overnight it to me. Overall I thought she was a good vendor.. but because of the 'last minute' type thing, I chose to go elsewhere for ceremony programs and placecards.

Ceremony programs / placecards: Papier, Huntington - A+
I worked with Minu there... she was great! Very helpful and quick with receiving the product... i was happy to find someone to print placecards as a lot of places I called did not have this service. Everything came out beautiful and the programs looked so much more expensive than they were... they really were awesome!! I would def go there again for invitation type stuff in the future.

Tuxedos- Dante Zeller, Westbury - C
Ok... this was also one of my least favorite vendors. I booked them because they received so many rave reviews. Well... out of 7 guys, only 1 guy's tuxedo fit when it came in. DH as well as a few others needed alterations.. fine... but a few others were the TOTALLY WRONG size... now.. it is Wed and the wedding is on Fri. So these guys had to go back on Friday morning to pick up their tuxes. We also had guys that used the NYC location who also needed alterations.. and my cousin in NJ... was given tan shoes w/ a black tuxedo! ***! All of this in the end was corrected.... but they caused already very busy and stressed people to be more busy and stressed as well as inconvenienced. Although they corrected this problem, I will never choose to use them again, or recommend them.

MOB Dress, Metamorphosis, St James- A+
They were so helpful here... TONS of dresses and good prices..I would definitely recommend anyone going to a formal affair to try them first!

Rehearsal Dinner, The Bonwit, Commack- A
The space was a little small but everything seemed to go smoothly... food was good and they gave you a lot. Staff was friendly. I would recommend having a dinner party there.

The Carltun-- A++++++
I LOVED this place from the start. It is beautiful all on its own. I truly believe in the phrase 'you get what you pay for'...that is so true! Th Carltun is pricey for my taste but you get exquiste looks, service and best of all FOOD! The cocktail hour was probably the best I've ever seen, with 7 stations and 16 different passed hor d'ourves. It really was unbelievable... people told us it was the best wedding they have ever been to and that this place was 'rockin!' lol. The dinner also was fabulous.. they gave DH and I a sampler of the filet mignon, sea bass and chicken... each entree has its own side dish and i think the sea bass was the best i've ever tasted in my life! The service was also great... the bridal attendant was very helpful... got us drinks, fixed my bustle, brought me my slippers, helped in collecting cards from people etc... you name it.. she was right on top of it. The Maitre'd was nice and seemed to be doing his job... we didn't really converse with him that often though which i liked... he more or less made sure everything was running smoothly and that was it. The dessert bar was also a big hit... people really were just in awe of the whole place. DH's aunt went to a wedding the week after.. and she said.. no other place compares to The Carltun... which is great to hear... you don't mind spending the money if you are getting what you pay for. They also were excellent in dealing with my flower michele incident. I can't wait until out 1st anniversary so we can go to dinner there! And someone please invite me to a wedding there so I can enjoy the food as much as my guests did! lol-----I forgot to write a review on Tiffany who was my banquet manager. She was fantastic from the first appointment. Anytime I had questions she would e-mail me right back... and anything i asked her was never a problem...she was just very sweet and easy to work with... she made the planning process very easy and very enjoyable!

I'm probably forgetting a few categories.. but those were the main vendors i dealt with.

Honeymoon: HAWAII!!! A++++++
We spent 5 nights in Kauai and 5 nights in Maui. Stayed at the Hyatt in both. We loved both islands equally but loved our hotel more in Kauai... just because it was newer and just a slight step up from the Hyatt in Maui. In Kauai we did the Rafting tour of the Napali coast (AMAZING!) and snorkeled, we also drove up to the canyons on the west side, and saw amazing waterfalls and beaches on the nnorthshore. Also, ate at Dondero's (in Hyatt), Tidepools (In Hyatt), Yum Cha (in Hyatt), Stevenson's Library (In hyatt), and Keoke's Paradise (in Poipu shopping village). We really enjoyed every meal and everything we did on this island. We also had a couples massage at Anara Spa....very nice despite our sunburns! Thank goodness we had the breakfast buffet included as it normally costs $27 pp for BREAKFAST! lol.
Maui was awesome as well. We went to the Luau at the Hyatt as the Old Lahaina one was booked. It was fun and the food was good.. I wouldn't run to go see it though.. it was nice, but not a must see. We also saw Warren and Annabelle's Magic/comedy show which was great... def book it! We also did the sunrise van tour on the volcano as well as the helicopter tour of the island. We ate at I'o in Lahaina (awesome!!!), Mamma's Fish House (great but $$$$$$) , Tony Roma's, and Spats ( in Hyatt).
I must say we didn't have a bad meal the whole trip! And we loved every second of it. But def save your money now!! It is crazy expensive! But that is why you can justify it... since it is a honeymoon... i don't see how otherwise you would ever t ake a trip there... unless you hit lotto. lol. In Maui, def go to Wailea Shopping Village... it was more upscale stores but really cute. We thought Big BEach and Wailea Beach were the nicest beaches on the island. Also that whole area is more upscale then where the Hyatt is in Kaanapali... but the Hyatt is 5 minutes from Lahaina.. where if you stay at Four Seasons or Grand Wailea.. though awesome and classy... you are an hour from Lahaina... so we just went to those beaches on the south side of the island 1 day. It overall worked out better for us.

Ok I will also add photos of the honeymoon when I have more time.
Anny questions, let me know! And hope you found this review helpful!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!

Congrats! Can't wait to see pics!!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!

congrats! Thanks for the Hawaii review!! I'm staying on the same islands in the same hotels!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!

congrats! Can't wait for pictures!!! Thanks for the great review!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!

beautiful review! I can't wait to see pics. Sorry we couldn't catch up in Maui!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!

Wow, I cant believe the poor service at Flower Michele. Im still looking for a florist, so thats good to know! Im glad everything worked out though! Congrats!!!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

Beautiful wedding! I had a similar experience with Flower Michele and I too would NEVER tell anyone to use them for flowers!!!!!!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

Great review and congrats... I'm surprised that Flower michele gave such horrible service with all the good reviews they get on here.

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

Congrats!
Great revieuw! cant wait to see the pics!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

great review i love your bridemaids dresses!
COngrats

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

You looked beautiful and I love the colors that you picked. Everything flowed perfectly! Sorry to hear about your FM experience...I would have been having a total heart attack. I'm glad it all worked out though. Congrats!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

Great review! I wonder if that's around the time that Barbara left Flower Michele...........I remember it was around 4th of July weekend that we found out that she was gone. Oh well, whatever.
I'm just glad you got your flowers and had a blast!
Congrats!!!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

great review!!!! sorry about flower michele!!!! great pictures!!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

i didn't even know she left... my mom had called the next day to complain and they left a message for John... he did call her back like a few days later & left a message about the 'mix up'..... my mom never called him back... i still may call just to find out what happened.. but its all over now. If they didn't show at all then obviously i would be busting down their door the next morning lol!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

great review and gorgoues pictures!!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

Congratulations! You looked beautiful! Can't wait to see the pics by Duet!

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

Congradulations!!! You looked beautiful. Got married 2 days after you and had similar problems with Flower Michele.

Re: 06/29/07 The Carltun - Duet - Platinum Productions - Flower Michele - All Star Limo - Bridal Reflections - Pippy's Sweets - Marie Katz - Dante Zeller Tux & More!- PICS IN ALBUM

Congrats date twin!!! great review!! you looked beautiful