June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!! NOW WITH PICS!!!!!!

Our Wedding was beautiful and I loved every moment of it. So, here goes....

Weather – C
The day of the wedding the rain held off until just after the ceremony. The temperature was pretty much perfect, but just as we started to take family pictures it started to rain. We had to cut our pictures short and we missed out on the outdoor cocktail hour and yatch entrance at CLM because of the weather. It didn’t ruin our day, but it definitely was a disappointment. Looking back I realize June was a BAD choice -- it has a lot of rainy days and we really would have been much smarter holding off one more month til July since its a much dryer month.

Le Bella Couture in Dobbs Ferry, NY (my dress, MOB dress, and BM dresses) – C+
Giving Le Bella’s a C+ is generous, and the only reason they get that grade is because in the end all the dresses looked beautiful. In the beginning I loved them – I got my dress at a great price and it was being customized for me. But as the process went on we encountered many problems. My girls had to come in for 3 fittings because the alterations weren’t done when they were fitted the first 2 times, my dress came in on time....BUT 3 inches too short, the owner was unprofessional and yelled at myself and my mother in front of other customers, appointment times and details were changed on us without notification, we were kept waiting for HOURS when we had appointments for fittings on multiple occasions, and I HAD TO HAVE OVER 7 FITTINGS before my dress was right. Not to mention, they didn’t steam my veil correctly so 2 days before my wedding I had to pay to take it to a Cleaners to steam the wrinkles out. My girls wore Bill Levkoff 966 and at first the owner REFUSED to cut the sashes to floor length even though my girls had already paid for the sashes to be altered and the seamstress had no problem doing it for us. FInally, the seamstress had to convince the owner to allow her to cut them!!! Oh, and 2 of my bridesmaids never recieved the shawls that came with their dresses. To this day, Le Bella's still has their shawls, even after my girls have made repeated calls to the shop and left multiple messages on their answering machines asking for them -- none of the calls have even been answered or returned. Although I loved my dress and my bridesmaids dresses, if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

Dante Zeller’s (tuxes) – A
Simple, fast, good prices. The guys picked up their tuxes the Thursday before the wedding. Two of the groomsmen’s tuxes didn’t fit correctly but they tailored them and the guys picked them up the next morning and they were perfect. They all looked great!

Cactus Salon (MOG and BM hair and makeup) – A
The girls really liked the salon – very nice staff and the salon itself was very nice. Shab did the makeup and they looked beautiful. Hair cost them each $70 - $75 for updos and they all came out amazing! They were back at the hotel in time to get dressed and their hair and makeup lasted all night.

Terri Covais (my hair and makeup) -- A++++
Terri is a very close friend of mine who owns a salon in Rockland. She doesnt do much wedding hair and makeup anymore, but since she's a friend she offered to do mine and my mom's. She was my saving grace that weekend -- she came the night before to set my hair in foam rollers AND brought a bottle of red wine to drink with my girls. She arrived early the next morning to do my mom and grandma. She brought several relaxing CD's that she popped int he CD player while we drank mimosas. She did an amazing job -- she even did my grandma's makeup since she had extra time. My hair and makeup came out better than the trials and absolutely perfect. And since she was a guest at the wedding, she fixed my curls before CH! I absolutely LOVE this woman!!!!




Party City (Invitations) – A+
We ordered our invitations through Party City and everything was perfect. We got 30% off and they were ready literally a week later! We absolutely loved our invitations and would definitely use Party City again.

HCC Garters (garter) – A+
Joanne was fantastic to work with. I wanted a camo garter with a dog tag attached, but still wanted something feminine and delicate. She sent me my garter several weeks later and it was absolutely perfect.


Smcconnection.com (Favors) – A+
We ordered mini photo albums from this site and they were $1.00 cheaper than anywhere else we checked. They came no more than 2 weeks later and they were all in perfect condition. Everyone loved them and made good use out of them!

Capcatchers.com (GM gifts) – A++
These were such a unique gift idea (especially if your guys like to drink). They were very reasonably priced, personalized, and came SO fast – within 3 days of ordering. AND my husband liked the idea so much that I surprised him with his own on the wedding day. LOVED capcatchers.


Djchic.com (hankies and dress tag) – B+
Denise did a fantastic job on my dress tag, so soon after I ordered 2 mom hankies as well. It took more than 9 months to get the hankies which bothered me since I had already paid and had contacted her several times to ask her to send them. However, when I did finally get them, they were perfect and our mom’s loved them so much they cried.

Lids.com (ring bearer and junior groomsman hats) – A+
We ordered personalized baseball hats from lids.com for our Junior Groomsman and Ring bearer. We designed them ourselves, chose the hat we wanted, and it shipped within a week and a half. They came out awesome and the boys loved them!



Villa D’Avanzo (Rehearsal Dinner) – B+
The restaurant was nicely decorated and easy to find. The food (in my opinion) was average, however they were very fast with getting us the food. We were supposed to be getting the back room to ourselves, however when we got there we realized there was a 50th birthday party going on in the same room at the same time. It made gift-giving and speeches very difficult and less personal. It was a huge disappointment and DH and I were VERY upset.

Huntington Hilton/Hilton Long Island (hotel for OOT guests & after party) – A
We booked with the Huntington Hilton after having problems with the Holiday Inn Express. I dealt with Corrie the entire time and LOVED her. She was so helpful with both myself and our guests. She reserved the ground level bridal suite for us, which had a sliding door leading to the gardens. This worked out perfectly for us and we ended up taking “getting ready” shots in the garden. The rooms were beautiful and the beds were the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in – every one of my guests commented on the beds. The hotel is gorgeous – great photo opportunities. And the lobby bar stayed open late on the night of the wedding so that my guests could party it up there! The Hilton even sent DH and I a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries….YUM! The only reason I didn’t give them an A+ was because one of my guests mentioned that her carpet in her room was soaking wet when she got there and we also had a problem with the guests in the room next to the bridal suite (they had a barking dog and like 5 kids screaming in their room all day but then complained that we were talking to loudly in our room at 9:00pm on a Saturday night).

Audrey’s Bakery (Groom’s cake) – A++++
WOW is all I can say. I never even had to visit the bakery to order the groom’s cake. I dealt with Tom via email – sent him pictures of what we wanted and chose the filling and cake type. On the day of the wedding they delivered on time and the cake looked awesome! Most people didn’t even know it was a cake. And it tasted out-of-this-world! It was so yummy that Dh wants to have it re-made for our one year anniversary!


Flowers By Burton (bouquets, cake flowers, bouts, corsages, and toss petals) – B+
This was a tough grade to give. Before the wedding Burtons was our favorite vendor – they were fantastic to deal with and gave us an awesome price. I gave them very details instructions for the bouquets and even pictures of what I wanted. We worked with both Mike and Jill and both were fantastic. On the morning of the wedding they delivered the flowers an hour early, but unfortunately almost everything was wrong. They forgot to delivery the toss petals for the church, my bouquet was much smaller than it was supposed to be, we were missing 2 bouts, and the BM bouquets had some sort of wilted purple flower in them instead of all light pink. The delivery guy was great – e contacted the shop right away and I spoke directly with Jill. Although she seemed annoyed, she could tell I was very unhappy. They took the flowers back and fixed everything. Within 30 minutes the flowers were back and they looked much better. I loved my bouquet and I adored what they did with the BM bouquets (they had to improvise since they didn’t have enough light pink flowers to fill them). Although one thing that still annoys me a lot is that almost all the flowers in my bouquet were not openned and they remained closed throughout the night. Its just a pet peeve of mine -- I much prefer when the flowers are full and open and I was pretty annoyed that they never openned up. I gave them a B+ because since we had such a great experience with them before the wedding, we expected more out of them the day-of. However, they DID rectify the problem and the cake table, place card table, and sign-in table at the hall looked gorgeous. Overall, I would still recommend them, however, I would suggest calling them the week before to go over everything one last time to make sure you’re all on the same page.




Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church – A+
Okay, I know you can’t really rate a church….but I did. Saint Mark’s wasn’t our home parish since we’re not from Long Island. They took us in with open arms and made everything so easy. We met with Father Rick several times and really liked him. The church is gorgeous with so much charm and character. Tami and Mark played the piano, organ, and violin throughout the ceremony, which was absolutely beautiful. The best part was that there were beautiful grounds right on the church property to take pictures afterwards. Everyone said what a great job Father Rick did…he made it so personal and really special. Loved St. Mark’s and its clergy – they made our wedding so memorable.

Stolen Moments (DJ) – B
Stolen Moments is in Dobbs Ferry, NY. We loved DJ Kenny when we met with him and really had no worries. He seemed to know what we wanted. We supplied him with a DVD slideshow to play at dinner and a long playlist of songs we love (along with very specific instructions). On the day-of, Kenny played music throughout the cocktail hour and then during the reception. Just before we were announced he told us that our entrance song was skipping. We picked another song on the fly, but I was very annoyed since I LOVED our original entrance song. I felt that the songs should have all been checked prior to the wedding to make sure they worked. He also played the wrong version of our first dance song. I actually didn’t even notice, but DH did and was pretty upset about it. He also messed up on announcing my parents’ anniversary dance (he said grandparents instead…even after I corrected him) and the plasma screen went to waste after the slideshow because he didn’t put up still images of people dancing like we were promised. Aside from that, I felt that the music was somewhat slow for the better part of the night and I would have liked more songs from our playlist played. I really felt I missed out on a lot of good songs and overall it could have been better. I feel that the dance floor could have been fuller and he should have realized that by changing the music slightly a lot more people would have been up and dancing throughout the night. It really wasnt until the last 45 minutes when I TOLD them to 'kick it up a notch' that they started to play more party music and the floor was PACKED the way it should have been the entire night. I would probably have to say that using this DJ is my biggest regret -- we really wanted a huge party atmosphere and I just dont feel that we got that with them.

Sir Oliver Limos – A++++++++
By far, our favorite vendor ever! We booked the stretch Lincoln for the bridal party and the Rolls Royce for ourselves. They were right on time and the cars looked amazing. Joe was the driver for the Rolls (he also picked us up in the stretch afterwards) and he was awesome. So nice and so funny. He completely calmed me down before the ceremony, offered me a tic tac for before the big kiss, held our umbrella over us during pictures, and the best part – after the ceremony he drove us a few blocks away, pulled over and popped the champagne for us. It was such a special few moments for us to be alone as husband and wife, sitting, drinking champagne in a rolls. When he picked us up after the reception it was pouring – like sideways rain. He had two umbrellas over me and helped us into the car. Absolutely loved Joe. Tim was the driver for the stretch, and although I wasn’t in that car with the bridal party, I heard rave reviews about him as well.

Exquisite Affairs Productions, Christine (DOC) – A+
We booked with Christine only a few months before our wedding when we had to cancel our original DOC. Christine was so sweet and answered every question and email right away. When we finally met I absolutely loved her – so fun and adorable…and organized like me. I felt so comfortable leaving everything in her hands. The day of the wedding she picked up lunch for everyone. She arrived a tiny bit late due to traffic, but she made up for lost time quickly. She fixed my MOH’s dress, helped me dress, took our photographer to see the guys, set up the church, and took care of the bridal party until we arrived at the hall. She stayed with us through all the pictures and even re-curled my hair after it rained. She was everywhere – I honestly don’t know how she does it. She gave me piece of mind that day. I didn’t worry about ANYTHING!

Leli Photography – A- (albums: TBD)
When our original photographer canceled on us with 6 months left we panicked. Gary was referred to us by another LIW bride and as soon as we met him we were blown away by his talent. He’s so laid back and easy going plus he has an amazing eye and we couldn’t wait to work with him. The day of the wedding he was exactly on time and ready to go. He snapped a few shots in my room and then offered to go find the guys and take pictures of them while I got dressed. He was back before I knew it and taking more pictures. He was literally our shadow that day, yet I barely remember seeing him around – he was so unobtrusive. The day after the wedding he sent us 25 pictures to get a “taste” of the proofs. We were blown away again – the pictures were stunning. He got us the remaining proofs soon after but when we saw the rest we were a little disappointed and felt some could be better. He caught so so so many moments that I would never have remembered, and he captured them perfectly but the posed family shots were lacking -- people looked misplaced and awkward and they lacked creativity. I do have to say....after seeing several other LIW brides who used leli, DH and I felt that we got the short end of the stick. He took very basic shots, didnt give any direction, and didnt really follow my must-take list -- but other Leli brides had just fantastic pictures. Part of this can definately be blamed on time restraints and the weather, but not competely. I still cant wait to see our albums when they come together and will leave the FINAL grading until then.







Forever Video – A+
We were on a tight budget when it came to video. I did a lot of searching around and finally came across Forever Video. The price was perfect and we were SO impressed with his work. Michael is based out of Canada, but that didnt stop him from doing a fantstic job for our NY wedding. His camera man showed up right on time and was amazing -- we never ever noticed him the whole day! Within a week of the wedding, Michael sent me a link to the first dance video. The, a few days later, a link to the church, then to the reception, etc. I was able to work with him via email to let him know what I liked and didnt like. We received our video one MONTH after our wedding!!!!! He was so fast we couldnt believe it. Not only that, but the footage was incredible. He captured moments that I didnt even remember. Thanks to Michael an dhis staff at Forever Video, our wedding memories will last a lifetime.

Black Forest Bakery (wedding cake) – A+++
CLM supplies the wedding cake through Black Forest Bakery. We picked out our cake several months beforehand. Pretty simple request: chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling and raspberry preserves underneath with whipped cream frosting. The day-of the cake looked gorgeous! I was in love with it. It tasted delicious and we asked to take the top tier home. Well….we ate the top tier 2 days later (we didn’t want to save it) and it was still SO moist and delicious. Probably one of the best cakes I’ve even had. DH and I plan on going back to have them remake it for us.


Chateau La Mer -- A++++++++
Where do I start? We fell in love with CLM as soon as we stepped foot in it. We went for a tasting and that was it -- we were sold. Nick was our BM and Maitre'd and we LOVED him. My Bridal attendant was Monika and she was fantastic. When we got there the day-of the place looked gorgeous. Everything was set up perfectly, they got us drinks immediately, and they let us use the chapel for pictures. Cocktail hour was great and all our gusts keep saying it was the best cocktail hour they've ever been to. Dinner was out-of-this world.....amazing food. Unfortunately due to the weather we missed out on the yatch entrance, but CLM was still amazing. It didnt ruin the day for us and we still enjoyed the water views. They treated us like a King and Queen that day! Oh, and from what I hear, the bartender was fantastic as well!



Thanks for reading....more to come soon!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

You two look amazing!! and i love your cake too!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Thanks for the detailed review! I'm sorry some things didn't work out, but it's great you gave advice for us to avoid the same mistakes!!

I cannot wait for pics!!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

congrats on your wedding, thank you for sharing your review. Can't wait to see pics. I also had problems with the Holiday Inn express.

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Ohh love the one of you and hubby under the veil and in the entrance of the church
Congrats

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Fabulous review!! I love to hear great things about Christine, as she is my DOC as well!! She is the best!! Congratulations to you and DH! May you have a lifetime of happiness, laughter and love!! Can't wait for pics!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Congratulations! From the pics you posted on 07, you were a beauuuuuutiful bride and everything looked great! Can't wait to see pics with your review!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Thanks for the review fellow CLM Bride! Congrats!!!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Great review! Congratulations!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

WOOHOO awesome review, Jenn! I'm so happy you had a wonderful day despite the weather!! CLM rules! Thanks for the heads up on Burtons...I'm in love with them right now but if they mess up on my day...

Can't wait to see more pics! I already know you were a phenomenally gorgeous bride though!

CONGRATS!!! I am sooo happy for you!!!!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

great review.. i'm going with CLM also

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Ohh Congrats!!! I am so excited over your review. I can not wait to see your pics!!!

Oh god what happened at the holiday inn express?? I blocked there and haven't heard anything bad yet

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

congrats...another wonderful CLM wedding review--cant wait for pics!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

you too looked great

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

You made such a stunning BRIDE!!!!!!!!!!


Congrats....and great review.

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Your dress is beautiful and you looks gorgeous.

Congrat!!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Thank you for the great review!!! You looked beautiful!!!

Re: June 3, 2007 Wedding review -- CLM, Burtons, Leli, Sir Oliver, Exquisite Affairs, and MANY more!!!!

Great review! Congratulations to your and your husband!! You looked sooo beautiful!!