At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

So at long last I have decided to do my wedding review. This is like closure of some sort. The end of an era, well a planning era at least. I don’t know where to begin in all of this, almost like how I felt in the beginning of my wedding planning – where to begin. My wedding planning was eventful, but so much fun. The most important part of the journey was never letting anything stress me out, well maybe just a little. When it all comes down to it, it’s about the marriage not about the wedding. Have fun with your planning and have fun with your FH while doing it.

So here is a look at my wedding. Most of the photographs are from North Island Photography, but some are just your regular pics.

Save the Dates:
MagenetStreetWeddings.com – B
I sent them just for the heck of it. The font size on the magnet was a little small and it took a little long to arrive, but I ordered them a little last minute so I was a little rushed to get them. Everyone seemed to love them, but honestly, I should have just saved my money.

Invitations:
Only You Personalized Gifts, Islip – A
Encore Studios
I loved working with Melinda at Only You. She was so helpful through my entire initiation ordering process. When my invites came in, I had decided I wanted to do address the inner and outer envelopes after telling Encore originally that I was only addressing the outer envelopes. Since they already lined my inner envelopes (and send them to me) they had to charge me for new inner envelopes. Melinda gave me discount on the price. She even gave me a book on the proper addressing of the envelopes. I highly recommend this store to anyone looking for invitations!

Placecards:
Finestationery.com - A
Crane & Co.
I ordered my placecards online since I wanted something different, but I didn’t want anything bulky that people had to carry around, since I know when I go to a wedding I usually have a small pocketbook I figured I would abide by that rule for my wedding when ordering placecards. Anyway, I found these online and fell in love with them. Them came in super quick and I had no problems. I even e-mailed them to add on an extra 25 and it didn’t hold up my order at all.



Calligraphy:
Mary Ellin – CalliGraphics – A
I e-mailed her last minute after getting a referral from LIW. She was great. She took me on the week of my wedding to do my placecards. I dropped them off at her house and picked them up from her after 3 days! They placecards came out amazing no mistakes and I got great compliments on the cards.

Groom’s Cake
Audrey’s Bakery – A
Mr. Met
My Husband is a huge Mets fan. I knew right away I had to get him something Mets related. He also has this obsession with Mr. Met. So I searched the internet for a Mr. Met and came up empty handed. But I got in touch with Tom at Audrey’s and sent him pictures of Mr. Met. Right away he told me he could do it. The end result was so much better than I had imagined. My husband even requested that on our 1 year we get a duplicate Mr. Met cake instead of our wedding cake because he loved it so much.



Favors:
Bagel Boss of Northport – A
I wanted something edible on top of the coasters that we were giving out so I gave out bagels and cream cheese at the end of the night. The guests really liked this idea. Bagel Boss delivered them earlier in the day straight to Land’s End and Land’s End handed them out. It worked out perfectly.

I also gave out coasters – I don’t remember the vendor information. My mom wanted a traditional favor, so I went with it. Honestly though, we have them in our den. I wish I didn’t give them out. They are falling apart. Not worth it IMO.

The Weather: A
We could not have asked for more. From the moment we woke up we had sunny skies. The temperature was in the 70’s, no humidity, no rain, just pure perfection on the part of mother nature. Even when we got down to the beach and the weather cooled a bit, the breeze was slight and it still was gorgeous.

My Dress
Bridal Reflections of Massapequa – D
James Clifford
The only reason they don’t get an F is because I like my dress. From the moment I first went there with my mother and MOH I had problems with them. They don’t let you look in their closets. But fine, hey they showed me this gown that I fell in love with so hook, line and sinker I’m a keeper. Well, after my dress came in, less than 2 months before my wedding – I had continually called to find out if it was in, I try to schedule to make an appointment and “get yelled at” because I should have been in already. So, I show up at my first fitting, everything is fine, except for the snotty receptionists, but what can you do. Second fitting, I see a bride run out crying (glad it’s not me). Here’s where they decided to do my bustle and here’s where it all goes downhill. They do a pickup and I tell them I’m not happy. They say it’s the only one they can do. So they do it and we schedule the 3rd fitting. I look at LIW and go to 3rd fitting. I tell the seamstress I’m not happy I don’t like the bustle and I would like to try more of a French bustle. She gets all huffy and throws some pins in. So now they schedule me for a 4th fitting. The Monday before my wedding. I go in, the bustle is trailing on the floor and looks even worse. Thank goodness it was a different seamstress. She said she could fix my bustle and have it ready by that night. So I said I would be back by 7. So I go back for the 5th time. I show up and my bustle is SEWN up. It was permanently sewn up. Thank goodness all it took was a few little snipes to be corrected, but I seriously had it with them. After that, my bustle looked fine, but I was done with Bridal Reflections. I will never recommend them to anyone.




My Veil
Paradise Bridal – A
I loved my Veil. My mother and I were actually shoe shopping when we stumbled upon it. We were next door at Casa di Mario and then came in here asking if they had shoes. They we said let’s check out veils. As soon as we saw it we knew. It was exactly what I wanted and complimented my dress perfectly.




My Shoes
Craft Shoes Commack – A

My Shoes wear cheap and really not that stylish. But they were the most comfortable pair of shoes I found. I never took them off my feet, except for a few pictures and when I had my feet washed (but that’s a whole different story).




My Jewelry
Lord and Taylor’s – A

I forgot who made my bracelet and earrings, but when I saw them I knew they were for me. I wanted something simple and plain and something that went with my dress and these suited me well.




My Garter
allsportsweddings.bizland.com - B
New York Mets Garter
I knew I wanted it to be my something blue and to revolve around the NY Mets. So I searched the internet and found this company. They sent me my garter to wear (the pin was detachable, so he can wear it and have it as a memento) and another garter to toss. The garter came in beautifully, except they switched the balls around and gave me basketballs instead of baseballs, so I had a friend pick me up a charm and I switched it on my own, no biggie otherwise they would have gotten an A. I forget to actually put the garter on the day of the wedding, so it sat in my “day of” wedding bag in the bridal suite, which was fine since I wasn’t tossing it anyway. But the hubby saw it later that night and loved it!



Bridesmaid Dresses
Adrienne’s in Islip - C
Vera Wang
2 of the dresses came in as ordered. One of the dresses came in without the buttons on the back. It was an oversight on both Vera Wang’s warehouse and Adrienne’s part. The next fitting when they said they would have them in by, they did not (2 weeks prior to wedding). They lied and said they ordered them, when they didn’t. Then when they came in, they put the wrong amount on the dress. The staff was just rude overall to my girls. I did love the dresses though



Tuxedos
RSVP Tuxedos - A
www.rsvptuxedos.com
My husband wanted a simple plain black tux, with the white shirt and tie with the no-flap collar. That is exactly what he got. When it came time for the groomsmen, I wanted them to match my ladies. Here I was in and out. That were extremely friendly and I had no problems. My out-of-state groomsmen (he was actually oversees in the Navy) who did not send us his shoe measurements was even able to get his shoes the day of the wedding without any problems. Highly recommend.



Limos - A
Sir Oliver
www.siroliverlimo.com
These guys are so sweet. Working with Jennifer was wonderful. Joe was with me before the church. Poor Joe. He got a nervous bride! He ran and got me water from the limo while we were waiting in one of the rooms at the church. What a lovely man. He couldn’t have been nicer. He picked us up and took us back to the hotel that night. We rented another limo the next day to take us to the Mets game and that worked out perfectly – they even had champagne for us. And again on Wednesday when we left for the HM we used Sir Oliver to take us to the airport. I love them and will continue to use them.

Lovin Oven Floral Design – A
www.lovinovenfloraldesigns.com
I met with Keyth through a recommendation from one of my other vendors. As soon as I saw his portfolio, I booked him on the spot. He was the only florist I met with, but I knew I didn’t need to look any further. I felt so comfortable with him and knew he would make my wedding day amazing. As soon as Keyth arrived at my house I couldn’t believe my eyes. The flowers were breathtaking. The way he incorporated my ideas and his were truly inspiring. I knew that my decision to go with Keyth was the right one. When I walked into Land’s End for the first time and saw the room with the centerpieces I was in shock. I could not believe the job he had done. Everybody raved about my flowers and still do. I didn’t get to see the pew decorations until the next day, but OMG they were simply amazing, and better than I could have imagined.





Fusion DL – A
www.fusiondl.com
This was another recommendation from a vendor. We went to see a different DJ first, but they seemed too young for us. Then we heard of this “DJ”. So we checked them out. Well, we couldn’t believe it. It was a DJ, but they also incorporated all of the instruments of a band (Sax, flute, drums, etc., etc.!). So you got to hear all of the original artists, but you heard the live instruments as well. This was perfect for us. Exactly what we were looking for. Well, as soon as we heard our intros begin, I knew we were in for a treat. They met our expectations and more. The dance floor was packed the entire night. People who I have never seen dance, were dancing. People were in awe and couldn’t believe who we chose for our “DJ”. This is one choice I am very proud of. They are so original and different. I even hired my cigar roller through them – which was a huge hit!

Photography
North Island Photography – A
www.niphotoinc.com
After meeting with Michael from North Island Photography my husband looked at me and said, we have to book him. This was the one thing my husband was in charge of. I never saw someone so passionate and so in love with what they do. He truly cared about his work and he cared about the people in those pictures. He showed up at my house with his assistant and off we went. Picture after picture. I never gave him a must take list. I felt confident enough with him that he would know what to do. He voice was so calm and relaxing. I am amazed at the shoots he took and the proofs I have. Some of the pictures I have, I didn’t even know he was there when he took it, but to me that is exactly what I wanted; someone who wasn’t going to be in my face with a camera. Michael (and Kendra!) was the best photographer I could have asked for.






Videographer
Classic Video Productions – A
www.classicvideoproductions.com
Michael referred me to Steve at Classic Video. It took me 2 minutes to know that we were going with him. I think we knew at hello, but that is beside the point. We saw a few of his videos (2 from Land’s End) and we just knew he was the one. He showed up at my house the day of the wedding and my parents just took to him. They still talk about him. He was so nice and sweet. What a pleasure to work with people like him. I can’t say enough wonderful things about him. I highly recommend him. I really can’t wait for the video; I know it is going to blow me away!

Land’s End – A+
www.landsendweddings.com
Here is how I can sum up my experience with Land’s End –oh yes, Perfection. I knew the moment I looked around Land’s End that this would be the place I would be getting married. The rooms were stunning, the landscape is gorgeous and it ‘s on the water. Working with Jennifer Barnett only made this experience better. She guided me every step of the way. Every question, demand (that my mother had), anything at all, she was always there to help me out. After the food tasting, it only had confirmed what I knew all along, I had chosen my dream venue.

When we arrived at Land’s End the day of the wedding, every need and want was catered to. Not only for me but for my family and Bridal Party that I arrived with. They had a mini cocktail hour set up in the cordial bar, as well as upstairs in the bridal suite, drinks everywhere. My Bridal Attendant, Debbie, was the best. She was there to greet me by the limo and stayed with me the entire night. I also had my BM, Marietta, who was also wonderful. When guests arrived they were greeted with cosmos, champagne and wines. The food was in abundance. It was just amazing. I could not believe my eyes. When the waiters came around offering oyster shots, my eyes widened, that wasn’t even on my menu! Land’s End outdid themselves for my cocktail hour. I couldn’t wait for dinner! Anyway all the main entrees and everything were just delectable. They provided 2nds to anyone who wanted it. Dessert was amazing. Audrey’s bakery provided my cake and the desserts on the dessert cart. The cordial room opened up and people were diving right in. The service was impeccable. At night when my guests started to leave they were already set up and handing out my bagels and the truffles that they provide.

When it was time for us to leave, Land’s End had all of our stuff gathered and ready to go. Then they had provided us with some things as well. They provided us with several bags of food. Containers of food from cocktail hour, then containers from every course (appetizer, salad, main and the best – dessert). They gave us our top layer of cake and a bottle of champagne oh and a copy of the menu that they provided.

Land’s End was truly top notch.















I’m sure I forgot a ton of stuff, but this is already long enough. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.

Here’s the link to the rest of my album.

My Album!

Re: At Last My Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

great review! congrats!

Re: At Last My Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

gorgeous!!! i love your flowers, i am going to have to copy them!!!!

congrats!!!!

Re: At Last My Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

everything looked beautiful! congrats!

Re: At Last My Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Great Review.. You looked beautiful!!! Congrats!!!!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Great review and thank you for sharing

Best of luck to you and your DH

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Gorgeous pics. Thanks for sharing. I finally figured out what your avatar pic was.

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

YAY Dianne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you and Chuck!!!!!!!!! Congrats on getting the review done and on the wedding!!!!!!!!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Great review, Dianne!! You were such a beautiful bride and you and Chuck are an amazing couple! Your wedding looked fabulous, I love your pictures!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Congrats!!

We used Classic Video Productions, too! Steve is great. Your video will blow you away!!!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

you made such a beautiful bride!! thanks for the great review and CONGRATS!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Great Review and Beautiful Pics

Congrats!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Beautiful review, pictures and BRIDE!!! Congrats once again, Dianne!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Congratulations! Everything looked gorgeous.-I'm sorry to hear about the problems with your dress-I would have blown a gasket! But it's so nice to hear you had a wonderful day.

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Great review thanks for sharing.. you looked beautiful

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

congrats!!!! thanks so much for the review on Lands End and all the other vendors.....you looked amazing and it must have been one of the best days of your life...I really appreciate you writing the review on Lands End since there are not alot of lands end brides out there...

How does it feel to be a mrs?

congratulations!!!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

your pictures are so beautiful! sorry about the hassle on your dress, but it looked wonderful in the end. congratulations!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Awesome review chica!!! Beautiful pics!!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Congratulations! Everything looked beautiful and I love your photos. Thanks for the great review!

Re: At Last My 5/5/06 Wedding Review - Land's End, North Island Photo, Classic Video Productions, Fusion DL, Lovin Oven Floral and More!

Thank you for a great review!