My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

Here’s my review. It was such a beautiful day. Please feel free to FM with any questions. I’m happy to share the benefits of our experience with you. I’ll post some of our proofs when we get them scanned.

Wedding Date: Saturday 12/04/04
Weather: Mid 40’s and Sunny A+

Vendors: Creative Party Works / Expressions Salon / Royalty Limousine / Community Church of East Williston / Artisan Photography and Media / Old Westbury Gardens / Flowers by Lorraine / Cudge.net / Riviera at Massapequa / In The Mood / Black Forest Bakery / Macy’s Bridal / Ray’s Tuxedo / David’s Bridal / Huntington Hilton / Liberty Travel / Jalousie Hilton / Pomodorino

Invitations: Creative Party Works… A+
Nicole was fantastic to work with. She always responded immediately, stayed on top of my order and kept me updated every step of the way. We had our invitations and thank you’s within a week of approving the proof. I plan to go back to Nicole for any other invitations or announcements we need in the future. Pricing was better than any other place I received a quote from (and I got 5) and not one bit of service was sacrificed. Nicole helped us with wording and fonts and we received many compliments.
Highlight: Best prices around.

Hair/Make-Up: Expressions Salon… B
Joanne did my hair. She did a beautiful job, did it exactly how I wanted it. My hair didn’t move and looked beautiful all night. Unfortunately she put my veil on backwards (the sparkles and pearls on the inside not the outside) more to come on that later. I will be returning to Joanne for future updo’s and haircuts. Ellen ultimately did my make up. They switched make-up artists on me after my trial. They did give me a complimentary trial after the switch. Each was fine but very different so I had to buy lipstick twice. I felt I had to repeat myself a lot to get what I wanted but overall I was happy with how I looked.
Highlight: They really cater to bridal parties.

Limos: Royalty Limousine… A+
Terrific to work with. Showed us all of their cars before we booked and they had competitive prices. They arrived over 15 min early to each location and the cars were perfect condition. We booked a stretch for our bridal party and a Rolls for us, both worked out great. We booked 2 shuttle vans for our guests from hotel to Reception and back and they ended up overbooking their vans so the sent a stretch excursion instead with no extra fees. Our guests were so impressed. The drivers were friendly and funny and put us at ease the whole day.
Highlight: Can’t choose just one but I’ll say, yummy champagne in the limos!

Ceremony: Community Church of East Williston… A+
From the minute we chose this location for our ceremony we were enchanted. Everyone at the Church was easy to work with from the office staff to the wedding coordinator. Pastor Huyck conducted a touching and beautiful ceremony. The addition of the aisle candles and candelabras at the altar created such a magical romantic setting. Their music and soloist were beautiful. From our first meeting with the Pastor straight through our rehearsal and ceremony every detail was organized and checked and spelled out for us, I never had to worry.
Highlight: In between our rehearsal and ceremony they decorated very tastefully for Christmas. Pine boughs in the rafters, wreaths and small trees with lights all added such a beautiful atmosphere. To top it off we were surprised by it all. It just made it all seem so magical.

Photography & Video: Artisan Photography and Media Group… A+++++++++++
I don’t know where to begin. We interviewed 12 photographers. I work in the photo industry and I have a very discerning eye so quality was important to me. The rapport between our photographer and us was also extremely important. We found everything we wanted at Artisan. Competitive pricing, several different packages to choose from for photo and for video. Chuck took our engagement photos and our wedding photos. Dennis took B&W photos at the wedding and Rich was our videographer. There is not a single picture in the almost 1000 proofs (we were guaranteed at least 500) that we are unhappy with. Artisan far exceeded what we had hoped for. Chuck kept everyone smiling and laughing. He coordinated his team so that all of our photos went quickly and smoothly. We hardly noticed them during the reception and I was unaware of many of the photos being taken. I highly recommend Artisan.
Highlight 1: Chuck (not my mother, MOH or a BM) noticed my veil was on backwards (the sparkles and pearls were on the inside not the outside). If it wasn’t for his keen eye I would have been really upset when I realized it probably after the ceremony.
Highlight 2: We received our proofs and raw footage (on video and DVD) 16 days after our wedding.

Photo Location: Old Westbury Gardens… A
Diana at OWG made it all so easy. She was very accommodating and easy to communicate with. It was well worth the expense to take our photos at OWG. Our engagement photos were outdoors in the end of October. I was blown away by how many flowers there were at that time of year. Our wedding pictures were taken in the mansion and it was all decorated for Christmas and such a beautiful setting. They helped us from the minute we arrived until the minute we left and made it quick and easy.
Highlight: We couldn’t have imagined a better setting for our e-photos and wedding photos.

Flowers: Flowers by Lorraine …A+

Lorraine had a lot to put up with from us. We changed our minds on the centerpieces about 3 times. She did an outstanding job. Everything arrived on time or early and was exactly how we wanted it. I had the best bouquet ever. Our centerpieces were unique and received many compliments. She decorated our cake with roses and it was stunning. Pricing was very reasonable. Lorraine paid attention to every detail we asked for and did a superb job. I highly recommend working with Lorraine.
Highlight: The Dias table was amazing I never knew a “few rose petals and candles” could look that fancy.


Candles: www.cudge.net …A
To stick to a budget we ordered frosted votives and the candles for them from Cudge. They were very reasonably priced and we had them within a week. They answered all of my inquiries right away. Only a few broken votives out of 144. We were very happy with them.

Reception Hall: The Riviera at Massapequa… A+++
Such a beautiful reception. People are still telling us what a terrific time they had. Michelle was our banquet manager and Robert Jay was our Maitre D. All of the planning and payments up until the day went smoothly. From the minute we arrived the entire staff was in good spirits and always there to provide us with anything we asked for. We always got about 10 minutes heads up before we had to get ready to do something. The party flowed beautifully. One of my Aunts had an angina attack, Robert Jay helped and the whole situation was taken care of and we never knew. The food was outstanding. From cocktail hour to the chocolate fountain we have been getting compliments from everyone. In fact people are talking about how beautifully it was decorated for the holidays and how we should have a holiday season family reunion there next year. We asked for a few extras like Sam Adams at the bar and that they keep a few on the side for the groom and they did without fail. We had a moneybag but people didn’t all realize that. Noticing this they quickly brought out a decorated birdcage and placed it behind our table. Robert Jay, and Megan our bridal attendant were always there when we needed them. At the end of the night Robert Jay packed everything with care and helped get it all in the cars. He even made sure people got the flower arrangements and centerpieces. This was the wedding of my dreams and I am so glad that we chose the Riviera.
Highlight: The chocolate fountain. People are still raving.

DJ: In the Mood… A
We were very happy with the music at our wedding. They stuck to the songs we wanted and played a fun 80’s mix towards the end that we had a lot of fun dancing to with our friends. A few guests told me afterward that they were hoping for some more slow songs but that they never asked the DJ for them. Neither did we and I’m sure if anyone had asked they would have played more slow stuff. As it was we had a ball dancing. We were a tiny bit disappointed by the MC because I think our guests didn’t really follow him because they couldn’t hear him that well but we always knew what was going on so maybe our guests just weren’t listening. Everyone said that the party flowed very well. We stopped just before cutting the cake to bring everyone to the dance floor for a group photo. I was worried this might kill the mood but with the music they chose to play during and after, the party never stopped. All in all they made it a great party, people were up dancing the whole time and had a ball.
Highlights: Impromptu sing along to Bon Jovi song and a great mix that we danced to with all of our friends at the end.

Cake: Black Forest Bakery …A
While a cake was included in our package with the Riviera we decided to upgrade and go all chocolate. Wow, were we happy. The cake looked and smelled delicious and it certainly was. We are still receiving compliments on it. Definitely worth the upgrade and I can’t wait for our first anniversary to dig into the top.
Highlight: Chocolate.

My Dress: Macy’s Bridal Manhasset…A-
I found my dress on my first shopping trip. I had a great salesperson that listened to what I liked and didn’t like about each dress I tried on. She brought me a dress that she wanted to suggest based on what she was hearing me say and it was my dress! They were easy to negotiate with. I did find that the later in the day my appt. was the longer I’d have to wait for service but it was never too bad. My alterations were done pretty easily but my dress just didn’t fit 100% in the bodice, I couldn’t put my finger on what it was but it didn’t fit me perfect. Overall I loved my dress and I was happy with Macy’s bridal.

My Tiara: EBay seller edenjewel
Great vendor on EBay. My tiara was a fraction of the price of the one I liked at the bridal salon and looked stunning.

Tuxedos: Ray’s Tuxedo…A+
A great place to get tuxedos. My husband checked out 3 place before finding Ray’s and had a great experience there. The guys all looked great, the pricing was reasonable. They were very accommodating and on the ball the entire time. They guys all liked it and there wasn’t a single problem among 10 tuxedos.
Highlight: They handled a stubborn, angry 3-year-old ring bearer with the utmost care and patience.

BM Dresses…David’s Bridal (Carl Place)…C
My girls each wore a different dress but all were Apple (Red form David’s Bridal). We all went together on a Saturday – thank goodness we had the first appt. and arrived early or we would have waited for a long time. They always seem understaffed. Dresses were delivered almost 2 months after promised delivery date. Thank goodness we ordered with plenty of time. They NEVER called to let me or any of the BM’s know that the dresses arrived. I had to keep calling to find out and I’ll just say that their telephone customer service is sub par. Their dresses did look great and were certainly a reasonable price. No one had their alterations done there.
Highlight: One BM had to exchange her dress for a smaller size after losing weight and they did not hassle her at all about it.

Wedding Night/Guest Accommodations: Huntington Hilton… A+
It was so easy to set up a block of rooms at the Hilton. Laurie, the sales and catering manager patiently answered our questions, gave us a great rate and supplied us with everything we needed. She helped us set up brunch for our guests the next day. Our room had champagne chilling when we arrived and was a huge suite. They helped with my dress and gave us great service.
Highlight: Although we missed it the hotel shuttle took a bunch of our college friends to white castle at 3:30 am.

Liberty Travel…A
The location we used is now closed but the agent we worked with, Nellie is now at the Woodbury location. Nellie was great followed up on all of our requests, listened to what we wanted. She suggest the Jalousie Hilton, we had never heard of it and wow what a place. She called us on a day that she saw the airfare go down to let us know and that’s when we booked it. We’ll certainly book future vacations with her.

Honeymoon St. Lucia, Jalousie Hilton…A+++
Words cannot describe the beauty and luxury we found at the Jalousie Hilton. We had an ocean view private villa with our own plunge pool, and sun deck. Our room had so much privacy. The food was outstanding the beach was outstanding. The location between the Pitons is the most beautiful place I have ever been. We went sailing, just the two of us on a hobie-cat every day and snorkeling most days. I can’t wait to go back. There was so much to see and do on the island and at the same time we could sit and do nothing and be just as happy.
Highlight: Massages at the spa, meteor shower while we were there, the volcano, the plantation restaurant, our tour with Chris the Taxi Driver…so much to highlight.

Rehearsal Dinner: Pomodorino (New Hyde Park)… A
My In-laws coordinated this and it was great. We had an entire private area, several choices for dinner. Food was delicious, they were very attentive, and the beer and wine flowed all night. We go there frequently for dinner and can recommend Pomodorino for small and large parties.

Bridal Party Gifts – General Info
I’m not giving a grade for this because we used so many different vendors. We had no problems with the vendors. I’ll list what we gave everyone and if you have any questions just FM me.

BM’s and MOH
Silver Bracelet from BlueNile.com
Jewelry Box from Theknot.com
Make-up bags/Travel set from Saks 5th Ave
Wrap that coordinated with their dresses from David’s Bridal

Groomsmen and BM
Poker set in carrying case from softwareandstuff.com
Leatherman tool – Squirt from gunthergifts.com

Flower Girl
Same Jewelry box as BM’s
Teddy Bear

Ring Bearer
Silver Engraved Train Bank
One of the Thomas the train pieces.

Readers:
1 got the same poker set as groomsmen.
1 got engraved bookmarks and a gift card to Barnes & Noble.

Parents:
Silver photo album with one of our e-photos.


Registries – General Info
We registered at Fortunoff and Bed Bath and Beyond. No problems at all and received our discount certificates for completion promptly after the wedding.

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review

Our Thank you Photo:

• 

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review

I just wanted to throw these posts on so there's a spot at the top to add photos.

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review

Congratulations! Would love to see photos.

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review

congrats cant wait to see the pics

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review

Congrats!! and thanks for the great review!!

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review

Congrats and great review!!

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review

congrats and great review

wheres the pictures...cant wait to see

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

Congrats! You looked beautiful!

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

Congrats....

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

congrats....

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

congrats

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

Congrats. The thank you photo is beautiful!!

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

Congrats to you and the groom! I love your thank you photo. Please post more! And I enjoyed reading your review.

My FH and I have definitely decided to stick with St. Lucia and the Jalousie Hilton, in part because of your rave reviews. Thanks a bunch!

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

Congrats! So looking forward to my Riviera wedding!

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

I am also getting married at the Community Church of East Williston. Do they have a lot of 'rules' like other churches (ie: no rice, no decorations, specific music, etc.) I also can't wait to see photos.

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

What a great review. Pastor Hyuck is great. I was in the handbell choir there a few years ago and he was always real nice to me.

Who was the MC from in the Mood? My FI is a DJ there (he does bars - not weddings) and we are going to use them for our wedding. I am not sure of some of the guys (I know them personally but have not seen them work) and want to know who we shouldn't use.

Thanks!

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

Great review can't wait to see pictures

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

Sounds like beautiful day! Congrats!!

Re: My 12/04/04 Full Review PHOTO ADDED!!!!

congrats!! i am glad you had such a wonderful day!