July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Here we go! First I would like the start out by saying thanks to LIW and all of the advice and ideas I got from you ladies. I was not the most frequent poster but I learned a lot. We are extremely fortunate that we have this website! I know my wedding wouldn’t have been the same without it!

Overall, I have mixed feelings about wedding planning. I really enjoyed most of it but the last month was hell and certain vendors made it very difficult. What I find most disturbing about wedding planning was the customer service I received from some of my vendors. Growing up in a small town in New England and having worked in retail before I was always taught “the customer is always right” and “the customer pays your salary…without them you won’t have a job”. I think these ideas are especially crucial in the wedding business because we are able to share our experiences and make recommendations to our friends and family and even more importantly, we have LIW where we are able to share our experiences with thousands of other brides. That being said, I was really surprised when vendors treated me like $hit and if something went wrong they were not bending over backwards to make it right. Also, I am very particular so some of the issues I had may not have seemed that important to you but if I am paying a vendor $$$$, I expect to get what I want and I expect to be treated right.

All in all the day was great! We had an awesome time and so did the guests. People are still saying it was amazing and the best wedding they have ever been to. And we had a tough crowd! It was a lot of fun and 99% went smoothly. The only things that went wrong were things that I noticed and no one else.

Rehearsal Dinner: Tello, Huntington Village—9
Everything was delicious but the room was a little tight…there were 32 people and not enough seats. But overall once we got seated it was fine.


Hair/Makeup: Jillian, Sarah and Bridget from Gorgeous Faces--10++++++++++++++++
They were AWESOME! They worked so fast and flawlessly! I loved my hair and makeup and they totally gave me the look I wanted. Also, 3 of my BMs loved the makeup so much that they decided at the last minute to get theirs done too. They ended up also doing my SIL at the last minute and trimming my FIL hair! DH’s cousin wants to use them for her wedding. All of the BMs hair held up (even after some crazy dancing) and we only needed to touch up lipstick, and a little powder…it was 80+degrees and we were sweating. I would use them again in a heartbeat. They are so friendly and helpful and they really want to make YOU happy. Having them come to the house was priceless. It was so nice to just relax eat a little bit and not have to worry about travel time and who is riding with who...etc. In fact, I like them so much I am now going to go to the salon Sarah works at and have her cut my hair. And I’m on their website! Woohoo!!!

Church: St. Patrick’s RCC, Huntington—I don’t think I should rate a church!
Although the church is gorgeous and everyone loved the ceremony, I was very disappointed with a lot of what happened. First of all, our original priest left the priesthood and the second left the church. So we got a third priest who wasn’t going to arrive until June 29th! So we would never meet him. Also, we were never told that each priest was leaving. We had called them for various reasons only to find out they were no longer there. I think we should have been called at least to give us a heads up. At the rehearsal, they had booked 3 rehearsals for that night so we were very rushed and I don’t feel like I was really prepared. They started us a half hour late due to the previous rehearsal. And apparently each priest does the ceremony differently and the woman had no idea how our priest would do it. So she just went with what is typically done. Needless to say the day of, he did everything completely differently, never told us to kiss and it was all screwed up. DH had to ask if he could kiss me. Overall, no one noticed or cared but us.

The Royal Brass: 10
Music was beautiful…I actually don’t remember too much about it but it added a nice touch to the ceremony. Especially since our church was so large.

Limo: Royalty-- 8.5
We got the hummer limo (DH’s pick) and it was clean and on time. The gentleman was very helpful and nice. Everything was so crazy and I was so out of it I don’t even remember his name! My only complaint is that it was supposed to be stocked with soda, beer, etc and I didn’t see any beer and the soda/iced tea was generic! If I am paying $$$$ I expect brand name soda! Everything was fine, but nothing over the top.

Old Westbury Gardens-- 10
Diana was very helpful. She carried my train and veil the entire time. She knew my photographers and was able to help set me up the way they wanted. I haven’t seen any pictures but I’m sure they are beautiful and justify the price of going there!

Tuxes: Tuxedo Park Carle Place--7
We went to this place because of the wonderful recommendations and the selection they had. It seems like every place has the same ties, vest, etc. and this place had a different selection. The service we received was top notch. They were very helpful and didn’t rush us. Their prices were high but we liked their selection. So why the low rating? They day of my wedding my brother came to the house to take pics (a groomsman) and I looked at him and thought “Something doesn’t look right”. It turns out they gave the guys the wrong ties! Apparently, ours was discontinued, and the attempted to save them for us but they saved the wrong ones!!!! I’m sorry but if our guys are paying $200 for a tux you better give us the right tie! I haven’t gone there and I don’t know if I am going to but I think that it is ridiculous. The ties we actually picked would have looked nicer. Also, most places give the groom a free tux. Well, DH didn't need one becuase he owns one he just needed a vest and tie. They charged him $55.

Florist: Pedestals--7
This is very disappointing. I picked pedestals a year before my wedding because of Joe who used to work there. I really like his personality and I could tell he and I were on the same wavelength and we would work well together. Flash-forward to 3 months before the wedding I call to see when we are supposed to come in and start planning. I am told Joe doesn’t work there anymore. What!!! Now I understand Pedestals has a great reputation and quality work but it was just very frustrating that I was drawn to Joe’s personality and character and now I won’t be working with him. So they stuck me with this other girl who I really did not care for. I always felt very rushed with her. Also, this bothered me too…I had gotten a fortunoff $100 off coupon from Suezboss, and the girl at Pedestals wouldn’t let me use it! She said it was already factored into my bill. Really? Because nowhere do I see anything about $100 coupon. Then, my MIL wanted someone to decorate the outside of the house with tulle. They wanted $65 which I thought was ridiculous I can just go to Michael’s and do it myself. So we didn’t get it. Then at the last minute, MIL decided she did want them to do it. So I went in and asked them to do it. Now the price is $100! Are you kidding! How did it go up so much? I flipped out on the girl and told her that is NOT the price we were originally given, but that is what the other people were telling her and the girl I was working with wasn’t there. DH paid it anyway but I was so fuming.

So now we get to the day of. The flowers arrive and they look great! I pick up my bouquet and the bottom of the stems which was wrapped in white satin was completely black with dirt! So the poor delivery guy had to wrap it again and then entire day it just kept coming unwrapped. The bouquets were wilting after the church and the centerpieces were disappointing. Some of them looked nice while others looked like they were thrown together haphazardly. And the charged me $100 for the cake decorations which I really don’t think was worth it.

What is really bizarre is that on our honeymoon we met a Leonard’s bride (are you and LIW bride ? ?) who got married on the same day and used pedestals and she also was very disappointed with her flowers.

Despite everything my flowers were beautiful. I could have called Pedestals that day to have them fix my bouquet but with everything that was happening I didn't bother. I also could have asked to work with someone else but I didn't. Overall I don't think anyone has anything to worry about if they chose Pedestals. I just had extremely high expectations (maybe too high )

Favors: Have you heard?-- 10+
We ordered photo album favors . They had the best price and selection of the places I looked. They came in on time. We took them back to insert a picture of us that says “Thank you for sharing our day” and gave them back and they wrapped it up. They are very friendly and know exactly who you are on the phone. Excellent customer service. I definitely recommend them.

Invitations: La Confeteria in Queens--10
Why did I go to Queens? I don’t know! SIL knows the owner so I was supposed to get a good deal but when it came down to it; I paid just as much as I would have elsewhere. They were fast and easy to deal with.

DJ: Starlight Express-- 10++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! This was probably the best decision we made. We saw them at SIL’s wedding and DH wanted them so we got them and they were great. They played just about every song from our VERY long must play list. Very friendly and great. I would definitely recommend them and use them again. We had Vinny as our MC and I think Ray as the DJ. They are a little pricier than others, but well worth it.

Photographer/Videographer: Sherwood-Triart-- TBD
Since I haven’t seen anything yet I am not including my rating. But I will say I thought they did a nice job. They took just about every picture from my long list. Karen was my photographer and Tony the photojournalistic photographer. They both had a great sense of humor and Karen was really into getting the best shot. I felt rushed and wished we took more time at the church and at Old Westbury Gardens, but as they say the photographer is in charge. I know she was just trying to get us to the reception on time. I know they took TONS of pictures so I look forward to seeing them.

As far as video goes, the only reason I know he was there was because he introduced himself to me before the church! Other than that, I barely even knew he was there! I don’t even remember his name! No one was obtrusive and at times I really forgot I was being photographed and video taped!

Groom's Cake: Carvel-- 10++
I brought a mold to Donna in the ronkonkama carvel and she was able to make me a cake in the shape of a pug! I gave her a picture and she did a really nice job. I got DH a pug as his wedding gift. It was a surprise at the reception. DH loves carvel cake so I wanted to do this for him.

My Dress and Bridesmaids Dresses:
I decided not to rate the salon where I got my dress. I had an awful experience with them and although everything was fixed, I would only have a few good things to say. I know they go on this website and I know they will read my review and call me if I trash them (they have done this before. The printed out a previous post of mine and stapled it to my card in the store!) If you want the whole story feel free to FM me and I will share. I just do not want it up on the website.

Jericho Terrace: 9.5
It has been a month already and people are still raving about our wedding! DH comes from a very large Italian family and when we booked JT there was some concern about of course, the food. Noone in his family had ever been there. Needless to say, they all LOVED the food, and they are a tough crowd! Overall the reception was a blast and they really did a nice job. I highly recommend them to everyone. People are still raving about the cocktail hour and although I didn't get to see it, it was unbelievable.

The only reason they got a 9.5 is because of a few hiccups along the way. Nothing major but I just want to give a heads up. First thing, which I think most of the JT ladies know, they wouldn't let me do the votive placecards. This wouldn't have been a big deal, but there was some miscommunication. I had called to ask if I could do them, and I was told 'Yes', so I bought all the supplies and had my heart set onit. Then, when I went in for my menu, I was told we couldn't. Again, not a big deal. As far as the reception, the only thing that was slightly off was they didn't put out the pens with the sign in board, and they didn't dim the lights during our spotlight dance. The lights were on full force and I think it just took away from us a little. Other than that everything was great. Our Maitre'd was Jimmy and he was very helpful getting me whatever I needed and forcing me to eat. he was great! My Bridal attendant was Niky and she was also very helpful. She was even going to sew my bustle when it broke (just like I knew it would! ) Overall, they were great and I would definitely recommend them to anyone. JT ladies you are in good hands!!!!

Save the Dates, Rehearsal Dinner Invites, Menus, Bubbles, Mint tins, Programs, Votives, Placecards, OOT boxes- me!
I was obsessed with making sure things matched. I had to have the same font and same color on all of these. After alot of hard work and alot of searching I was able to find hte font on my invitations and incorporate it into most everything. I added some pics to the bottom.

Bride and Groom: 10++++++++++++++++
Now, don't think I'm crazy for putting this becuase it's more like advice for the Brides to Be. like I said before, so many people are still raving about our weddingand saying it was the best wedding they had ever been to
(including DH's cousin who worked for a wedding planner). But it wasn't so much the flowers, the music or the food (although everyone did rave about them). What they said made the wedding was me and my husband. From the moment we went into that room, you could see how happy we were. We were dancing machines and we were smiling nonstop. We were pulling people onto the dance floor with us. If YOU are having a great time, your guests will. It is probably the best advice I can give you. Enjoy every minute and dance your heart out becuase it goes by so fast. We did make it around to all of our tables (we had 20).


Still to come...
Tips for the Brides to Be
Honeymoon!!! (Bora Bora and Moorea)

Here are some pics!!! Enjoy!

pics

DIY Pics

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

You looked stunning! Everything was beautiful! Congratulations and thanks for sharing!!!

P.S...I know your flowers were not exactly what you wanted but they looked beautiful in the pics!!!!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

congratulations!!! love how sarah rock did your hair--gorgeous!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

You looked stunning!!! I loved your makeup, it looked so natural!

Congrats and best wishes!!

P.S. Where did you go on your HM?

Where did you get your headpiece?

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Beautiful! Great pics. Congrats!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Congrats Mrs!!! I'm looking forward to reading your HM review- I want to go to Tahiti too!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

I really think this is one of the best reviews I've ever read! It was so clear and I really enjoyed reading it.

Congrats on a great day!!!!

Lots of happiness to you and your DH!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Congratulations!!!!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

congrats and great review and pics

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Great review! You looked beautiful! Thanks for sharing your pics... What room did you have?

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Congrats everything looked amazing

Your students with those T-shirts that was soooo cute Awwww

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Congrats!! You looked beautiful! Loved your makeup! Sorry about your frustrations with your florist-but from what I can see in the pics you flowers really do look beautiful!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

wow!!!!! you were an absolutely stunning bride!!!!! congrats on your day!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Karilyn! Congratulations sweetie!

I love your review, very detailed. So sorry to hear about Tuxedo Park, I agree completely that if you're paying that much for a rental nothing should go wrong...I feel partly responsible for raving about them...sorry!

Great to hear that the DJ rocked the house and JT treated you well. I think we may have had the same Maitre 'D (ours was 'Jim') - he was awesome.

Wihing you and your husband a long, happy, healthy and blessed marriage!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Congrats! You looked beautiful!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

You look amazing and are glowing! Great review too

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

You looked so pretty and were just beaming! I liked what you said about how it makes such a difference when the bridal couple is having a great time and being good hosts. I went to a wedding reception once where the bride and groom just looked stressed and not relaxed. I thought it was so sad.

Despite your flower issues, I think they came out beautifully! Congrats!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Great Review. I guess I need to start writing mine....

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

Great review...very honest! I totally appreciate that!
You looked amazing on your day!
I love the t-shirts your students made and the Groom's cake from Carvel!
Congratulations!!!

Re: July 2 Review!!! Very long with pics!!!

I am having my reception at Jericho Terrace next year in the Dome Room. I think it looks like you had yours in there? If so, how many guests did you end up having and was it crowded? I am freaking out because I think we are going to have between 200-225 guests and I don't want it to be too crowded in between the tables or on the dance floor. Although they said it holds 250 people, I am still very nervous. Second question, where do they put the bar?