My 10/20/07 Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!! UPDATED W PRO PICS :)

First and foremost, without LIW, I would not have the obsessed, detailed control freak wedding of my dreams, so thanks LIW!

Hair - Jenn the Hair Genie A++++

Jenn was fantastic! Since I had bought my hair comb two weeks before the wedding, I didn't have the chance to do a hair trial with it on, so I was really worried about how it would look. She took over and did a half up, half down 'do that really made me feel like a princess. I LOVED my hair that day, I had her add in extensions cause I like the longer hair look and she was totally accommodating. BMs hair came out fab also! Rave!!





Makeup - Oksana A++++++

Love love love Oksana! So down to earth and fun! She did exactly what I wanted that day and made my girls look beautiful as well. We all went to her house for hair and makeup and even though we were running late she made sure we stayed on schedule.





I loved how the make up shimmered in low light :)



Tiara - haircomesthebride.com - A+++

I am in looooooove with my tiara!! I had originally picked something from Barron's, but I didn't love it (good rule of them for anything wedding related - if you don't LOVE it, don't get it!) I was just browsing hair combs and I set eyes on this one and purchased it immediately. It arrived two weeks before the wedding and I'm so so happy I got it.



Chandelier Earrings: Fashion Galaxy, 1014 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY - A+++

I must've combed the entire world wide web looking for 3' chandelier earrings! I found some really pretty ones at Fashion Galaxy. I think I got them at 20% off too. Very helpful and LOTS of selection to pics from. Big rave for them!





here's a shot of the BM gifts - chandelier earrings too!






Wedding Dress, Veil, Shoes: Lotus Bridal, Brooklyn, NY - A+++++++

Wendy at Lotus Bridal instantly became my first favorite vendor when I stepped foot in her store. I was on a mad hunt for a Maggie Sottero dress that I just needed to try on before I decided on a dress I saw at RK Bridal. I must've called over a dozen stores looking for that Maggie dress that no one had, but what set Lotus Bridal apart from the rest was their attention to detail. Wendy pulled up a picture of the dress I was inquiring about and she said 'Oh wow that dress is gorgeous. I'm sorry we don't have it but you should check out our store we're in love w the mermaid look and have lots of dresses similar to this one' Ding! I was sold. According to myself, I went there solely to make sure the RK Bridal dress was 'the one' when all of a sudden Wendy brought out my baby: a store exclusive Swarovsky crystal beaded mermaid gown. I put it on, twirled around and saw all the sparklies everywhere and fell in !!

I ordered the dress in February and it came in in September

I tried on the dress in September and they had a matching bling-y veil to go with it, perfect!

I had also originally purchased some shoes at Target, but I caught site of some kitten heel Coloriffic shoes that were adorable! It was a no brainer

The rest, as they say, is history! Any question I had Wendy was right there to email me back. What great customer service! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!







BM Dresses by Impressions: Lotus Bridal, Brooklyn, NY - A+++

I went searching for my dress w my MOH and while she was waiting there for me to try on dress after dress, she started trying out dresses as well. We both fell in love with an Impressions Separates dress (you could mix the top and bottom similar to the Davids Bridal website program). It came down to two tops that we couldn't decide on, and since she's the MOH, she picked her favorite, and the other BMs wore the other top. We ordered it in Claret and when it came in, the girls at Lotus Bridal could not stop raving about how gorgeous the dress was! (They only had the store sample in a aqua greenish color) when the dresses came in, Lotus Bridal shipped it to my OOT BMs for alteration Lotus Bridal gets my biggest rave!



BM Dress -


MOH Dress -


Photo/Video: Velvet Photography A

Bob was great to deal with! We met with about four or five photogs in all, and although we had no idea how much we'd end up spending on photo/video, we knew we couldn't cut corners on this expenditure. Jerry was the main photographer and he was really nice and accommodating to my insane Hispanic family. Great great guy! Will add more to the review when I get some proofs!

Limo - Camelot Limos - A+++++

What can I say that hasn't been said already about the FABULOUSNESS of Camelot!? Showed up early, super courteous drivers, fantastic service. Funny side note - AS I was about to walk down the aisle, I felt really parched. I quickly asked the guy's limo driver for a piece of gum...he BOLTED down to his car, got it for me just as I was about to start walking down the aisle.







String Quartet - Ambience String Quartet - A+++

Shane was an absolute STAR to work with! His price was unbelievable!!!!! I really wanted a string quartet to play at my church and I took a chance by posting on craigslist. Shane was great with emails and really delivered on that day. DEF reccommend him!

shane thor galligan
[email protected]
516-313-9581
(tell him Lupe sent you!)

Photos - Central Park Conservatory Gardens - A+++

This park has such meaning to me! It’s where I took pictures after I graduated pre K, when I did my sweet 16, and so many more special occasions. I knew I had to have my wedding pics here too. I contact the office for a permit and they were super nice and helpful. No problems whatsoever.



Reception Hall: Dante Caterers, Queens, NY - A

Mr. Bennett was the first person we met while RH shopping and he was like our guardian angel. He told us what we were going to hear, how scams work and what not to believe. Although we would've preferred something fancy on the island or in the city, we couldn't break the piggy bank on just the reception hall. Dante's fit the budget and they were always available to take my calls.

Wine Bottle Favors - Me A+

My dad works all around Jersey and bought full sized bottle of Searidge Cabernet Sauvignon at a warehouse out there for 3 bucks each I think? I DIY'd the labels based on another wine bottle label, then had a friend touch it up in Photoshop Finding a color laser printer was a pain in the asss (bc of the label paper) I just ended up at Kinko's and used their printer with regular computer paper. I cut the label to size and used a Xyron sticker machine to create the sticky back to apply on the label (thanks enjft!) Guests loved it, big plus!

Discount Liquor Outlet Inc
15 Grand Avenue, Palisades Park, NJ 07650
(201) 941-9221



Votives - cudge.net A+

The difficulty of this project was not major, the insanity is that I decided to do this two DAYS before the wedding! Cudge offered warehouse pick up right from their offices on 23rd and 6th and it was super hassle free. Personalizing them kept me up late hours but in the end it gave the room an excellent glow that guests were super impressed with

Flowers - Flower Shop on 18th Street and Broadway - A++

Seriously? Two dozens roses for eight bucks!? I bought the amount that I needed for the CPs and BMs bouquet and made out like a bandit! My mom volunteered to arrange the red rose CPs and she also made simple white rose bouquet for the BMs. Everything was simple, yet elegant. Loved the outcome! A+ for Mom too!





My bouquet – Rosa Rosa, 831 Lexington Ave, NY, NY

I wanted red roses with white stephanotisis and this flower shop delivered! I couldn’t see myself spending a whole lot of money on my bouquet and every place that I called wanted small fortune for just one bouquet. Rosa Rosa kept it under a hundred bucks! I really loved my bouquet and am so glad I went with them.









Table Number Frames - 99cent store in the Bronx - A++

Simple, wooden 5x7 frames for a buck! Can't get any much better than that!



Monogram Cake Topper - bella tiara ebay store – A

It was probably one of the first things I purchased wedding related. I remember it taking a long time to arrive, but when it arrived I was in love. Very bling-y and cute!



DJ - Zeta 100 - A++

This was the one area DH had to have total control over. He had to have an Ecuadorian DJ play at our wedding and I have to admit, it really paid off. He had the crowd going all night long and we partied til they kicked us out. Did exactly as we asked him to and was super professional.

DOC - Hollie, Exquisite Affairs Productions A+++++++++++++++

The best, for last - There are no words to describe my gratitude towards Hollie and what she did for me that day. She popped in while we were getting Hair & Make Up and snapped away, asked if I was okay, offered to get me anything that I needed, was totally accommodating. I met up with her again at church and again, she did it all. Aisle runner, petal cones, touching up on decoration, cry packs, she really made sure all of the touches that I worked on were there and noticed. At the reception hall, she made sure everything was as planned, really took over making sure I felt comfortable, always one step ahead, really just doing everything that I couldn't cause I was greeting family and catching up with everyone. The very next day I had over 200 pictures emailed to me that she had taken throughout the day. She took care of all the tips, final payments, everything! She made sure whatever I took off (veil, shoes) was stored and packed ready to go home. Nothing was left behind and everything is accounted for, thanks to her attention to detail. Seriously girls, if you are even considering a DOC, Hollie is your girl!!

HONEYMOON – PUNTA CANA, DR A+++++++++

I picked the Dominican Republic because we love the typical music and because of it’s proximity. We stayed 7 days and 6 nights at the Excellence in Punta Cana. My dad booked the entire HM, and we could not have asked for a better deal. Literally, the MOMENT you step foot at Excellence, you are treated like royalty. As we were getting out of the cab, they greet you with cool towels to dry off (the humidity is serious down there!) As you’re approaching the reception desk (not even checked in yet!!) you are offered a champagne toast! Our room was awesome, the service was excellent and the food!? DELISH! We had to pick from seven different cuisines each night and the restaurants were top notch! Even if we were by the pool we could always stop any attendant and have food sent to us right there in the pool. I could go on and on about Excellence, but I’m not. Seriously, it’s the best place you can go. EVERYTHING there is included (drinks, food, everything!!) and it’s SUCH a great place. GO THERE!!!



Excursions we took

Snorkeling and swimming with sharks – FUN! we saw so much and had such a great time on the Caribbean Festival boat.



Swimming with Dolphins – So cute! We were able to buy a DVD with all of the pics that were snapped as the excursion went on, so cute!











Horseback riding by the beach – Fun!! It’s funny how the horses are trained to be in a group. DH and I tried to slow the horses down to enjoy some alone time while on the beach but the horses kept on wanting to catch up to the group to be in the pack so they wouldn’t really let us be alone too long.



4 wheel driving – Can you say muddy!? It rained for a bit while we were riding and we were absolutely filthy by the time we were done but it was so much fun! they took us to a cave and by the beach, it was excellent!



Isla Saona – Seriously, this is the prettiest island I’ve ever seen! At this island there is a “natural pool” where the water level doesn’t go past your chest and the water is as clear as any pool you’ve ever been to…the best part about it, is you’re in the ocean! Absolutely amazing…breathtaking!!



Kayaking – a blast!!


THE END,
Sincerly,
The Newlyweds....

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

You and everything looked beautiful, Congratulations!,

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

AWESOME REVIEW!! I love the money saving tips. Congrats!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

Lupita, you looked wonderful. I'm so happy for you and Adrian - wishing you only the best!

Can't wait to see the pro pics!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

lovely review

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

great review....congrats

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

You looked beautiful! What a talented mom you must have - making centerpieces and bouquets! Congratulations!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

thanks for posting and congrats to you and your hubby!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

Lupita! You looked amazing! Congrats and many best wishes to you and your DH

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

Lupita you look beautiful. I was lookign at your HM pics and thinking...hmm those look familair lol and realized you went to Excellence Punta Cana just like we did lol we did the horseback riding too.

Congrats to you both. cant wait to see the pros.

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

Congrats! Everything looks great! Your honeymoon looks like ti was awesome!!!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

Beautiful!!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

awwwwww thanks girls! I updated the post to include contact info for the wine bottles and string quartet

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

You were such a gorgeous bride, Lupe! Congratulations sweetie! I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and health.

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

Beautiful! I love your bouquet!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

Those wine bottle favors are AMAZING! I will definitely look into that! Great review!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

love the pics!! you looked great! congrats!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

great review Lupita!! you & your mom did an awesome job with the flowers!!!! you looked gorgeous and so did everything else!!!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

I also adore Wendy from Lotus! You looked so fab! Congratulations to you and DH. YAy!

Re: My Wedding & HM Review! Hair Genie, Oksana, Lotus Bridal, Velvet, Camelot, Exquisite Affairs Productions!!!

Beautiful wedding!!!!!