8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

Having a small wedding on LI is quite a challenge if only to find a hall that will do less than 80 people minimum. In our search, we found extremely expensive hall ($5300) just for the use of the ground and NOTHING ELSE to local restaurants. We had a specific budget and we decided to stick to it. It is so easy to get carried away.

GEORGE WASHINGTON MANOR
A+++++++++++

We only wanted 30 guests but we also wanted a nice hall (not a restaurant type), reasonably priced with good food. We found everything we wanted at the George Washington Manor. It had so much character (colonial style), a separate chapel with a great staircase for the bride entrance.

Staff: Extremely helpful. They explained everything. I did not bother them much. Since the chapel was not used the week prior to the wedding, I was able to decorate it a few days before. (ivy on the staircase ramp, bows for chairs, etc).

Day of:
I had decided to get ready at the hall for MU/Hair and getting dressed. They have a nice bridal suite on the 2nd floor of the chapel. I knew they did not open until 9am. The limo arrived 20 minutes early. There was no traffic on the way. A nice man saw me, my mom and my sister waiting outside. We were sitting on a rock. He came towards us and told us that he had the key and that we did not need to wait for the staff to come in. That was so nice of him, it was in August, and humidity was already kicking in. He turned the AC on in the chapel.
Of course I had forgotten to eat. I asked the BM if they had some “bread or crackers”. She must have laugh at me (inside)…..probably lots of bride “expect” a full breakfast waiting for them. She told me their truck did not leave yet to go to get the bread/pastries but would find something. She came back 10 minutes later with a full breakfast (bagel, pancakes…) and juices. I gave her the biggest smile. How nice of her!
Maitre d’: Met him for the first time that morning while getting ready. He did a great job. He was on top of everything. Made sure we had some food from the CH while taking our pics. They packed everything (decorations leftover we wanted back, etc…).

Food:
We did not do a tasting. BUT some people had used the restaurant part of the hall and told us how good the food was. Honestly, we were a bit nervous but on the day of, the food was outstanding. The BM had offered to upgrade the fish (Salmon instead of swordfish) at not extra charge when we picked our final menu a few weeks prior to the wedding. The price was so reasonable and honestly the food was so far better than some other big name halls we went to (I will not name them…no need to stress brides to be!!!).

Grounds:
While they have multiple banquet rooms of different sizes, I felt our room was very private. They have a pretty garden. Unfortunately, the gardens are reserved to the biggest banquet room. Since we had a smaller room I asked them if we could use the ground/garden. They told me as long as nobody had booked it, it would not be a problem. Nobody had booked the room that afternoon so they let us use the garden and we took pics. If you don’t have that room, there is a park across the hall called Gerry Park ($50 fee).


VERBENA DESIGNS – Flowers
A++++++++++

A bride posted pics of “blue” flowers. I fell in love with 2 of the pics. We only went to see one vendor, Verbena Designs. They do not have a store front and it’s by appointment only. Jennifer had been so nice on emails and on the phone prior to our appointment. We never had a sample. The total cost of our flower was so low….I honestly could not expect one. Being on a budget, I also did not see the need to pay for samples either. I gave her a photo of the pics. She understood exactly what we wanted (colors, atmosphere, etc…). I think I must have “freaked out” once on the flower. I really wanted a very soft light blue (nothing purple or periwinkle) so I contacted her AGAIN to make sure we were on the same page on the color. She assured me they would not, that the flowers would be beautiful.


Day of:
Jennifer and an assistant came to install the arch flowers. We did 3 pieces (1 on top and 1 on each side). I had asked her to be able to convert those into CPs. WOW….when I went to see them (taking a break from getting ready upstairs)…I was in shock. Absolutely gorgeous! So much more than we expected! They left and came back after the ceremony to uninstall the flowers from the chapel and set them up for the CH/Reception. Jennifer was in and out with a breeze. Totally unobtrusive!






RIGHT ANGLE STUDIOS – Photography
A++++++++++++

What to say about George of the Right Angle Studios that I did not say already?

We wanted digital photography, a reasonably priced package customized to OUR needs and a talented photographer.

We first thought we only wanted someone for a few hours but found out we had other options to keep our price down.

After meeting with George, we knew we wanted him to do our wedding. He is so talented, professional and so great to work with. He arrived early, stayed the whole day. Everybody was talking about my photographer and how nice he was. Very inobstructive!


George was not “that” popular on this site when I first booked him. I know a lot of brides are using him for 2007. Honestly, you will not regret it. I can only say good things about him.

He called me one week after the wedding, telling me my proofs were ready. Unfortunately, the next day my FIL passed away and we had to postpone meeting with George for our photos. We ended meeting anyway that week but to get photos of my FIL for his funeral. George was so helpful. With only 1 hour notice he went to his office and found photos of my FIL from our wedding that were suitable for his funeral. He cropped them and retouched them in 2 hours. I am so thankful to George for that. He understood how difficult the timing was and went above and beyond our original contract with him.












VEIL – AC Moore

I really tried to get a “reasonably” priced veil. After looking at different style veils, it became obvious that a single layer finger tip veil was the best option. I did not want a veil in my face, I don’t like puffy veils, I did not want a blusher and I did not want it to compete with my dress. It just never seemed to work out. I saw a very pretty veil for $70 but I did not buy it right away and it was gone when I came back. I saw an alternative but then it was $100. In the end, I went to AC Moore and got a very single ivory veil for VERY CHEAP. I bought some crystals to do the edge beading myself. But after consulting a few people they all thought the crystals were taking away from the dress and I removed them all. Plain veil it was and it was perfect.

Re: WEDDING REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

Thank you sooo much for the wonderful review on George!!! i am soo excited!! Those pics you posted were gorgeous!! Can't wait to see more!!! Congrats!!!!!!

Re: WEDDING REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

beautiful pics - sounds like u had the perfect day

Re: WEDDING REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

What a great detaled review! Congrats!

Re: WEDDING REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

Great review! Beautiful pictures!!!!! Congrats!!!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

OMG Sophie - I thought I had posted on this review, but I guess I hadn't! You look stunning!!! Congrats again on everything!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

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Posted by ewickens

OMG Sophie - I thought I had posted on this review, but I guess I hadn't! You look stunning!!! Congrats again on everything!

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Thank you! I did not finish it.... I will have a few vendors to review.

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

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Posted by sr081906

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Posted by ewickens

OMG Sophie - I thought I had posted on this review, but I guess I hadn't! You look stunning!!! Congrats again on everything!

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Thank you! I did not finish it.... I will have a few vendors to review.

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I know you have other things to concern yourself over, so take your time!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

Yeah, OK, what is this, like 3 pages in Word?? Betsy and I expect another 5 pronto!!

Just teasing! LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures!!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

great review!!! You looked soo beautiful!!!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

Love you pictures.. but I demand more

Congrats!! Beautiful!!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

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Posted by kittythestray

Yeah, OK, what is this, like 3 pages in Word?? Betsy and I expect another 5 pronto!!

Just teasing! LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures!!

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No.... about 1.5 page...

I am actually not done.

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

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Posted by kittythestray

Yeah, OK, what is this, like 3 pages in Word?? Betsy and I expect another 5 pronto!!

Just teasing! LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures!!

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Or you can ascertain to the 17 pages I had, Sophie!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

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Posted by ewickens

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Posted by kittythestray

Yeah, OK, what is this, like 3 pages in Word?? Betsy and I expect another 5 pronto!!

Just teasing! LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures!!

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Or you can ascertain to the 17 pages I had, Sophie!

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Yeah, well yo ucheated by using a big font!!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

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Posted by kittythestray

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Posted by ewickens

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Posted by kittythestray

Yeah, OK, what is this, like 3 pages in Word?? Betsy and I expect another 5 pronto!!

Just teasing! LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures!!

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Or you can ascertain to the 17 pages I had, Sophie!

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Yeah, well yo ucheated by using a big font!!

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I used Arial 12.... for my 1.5 page review.

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

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Posted by kittythestray

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Posted by ewickens

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Posted by kittythestray

Yeah, OK, what is this, like 3 pages in Word?? Betsy and I expect another 5 pronto!!

Just teasing! LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures!!

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Or you can ascertain to the 17 pages I had, Sophie!

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Yeah, well yo ucheated by using a big font!!

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hahahaha - i used one size larger than that that amounts to be about 1/2 page smaller than it would have been!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

congrats!!!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

Wow your photos are gorgeous! And I LOVE your flowers!

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

Love your review!!! Congrats

Re: 8/19/06 REVIEW: GWM, Verbena Designs, Right Angle Studio... and more to follow

So glad you had a great wedding! Loved your write up on GWM. We are having a small wedding there in April
Congrats again!