My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

My Review
Larkfield Manor- February 9, 2008

**update- so, I haven't logged in here in quite some time. My younger brother is getting married, so I'm doing some research, and realized that there are some reviews that I left open ended...so I figured that I'd fix them!

ok, just tried to edit to include the pro pics, and it wouldn't let me upload them, the files were too large..If anyone could enlighten me on how to add pics within the text, PLEASE FM me!! I feel like such a SPAZ!!
(there are a few pics in my album...though, it uploaded the same few pictures like three times...my computer is a disaster!)
...anyway...

Ok, the weather was crappy, I wanted a winter wonderland, and it was 50 degrees and wet. what can you do. I didn't have a florist, I created my centerpeices bouttoneirs and 'bouquets' myself. All of my invitations, menus, place cards, and programs were designed and printed by one of my bridesmaids, who has her own graphic design side business. She designed a logo, and put it on everything, and it was perfect. We wanted our wedding to be uniquely ours, and it so was...
If you see any vendors you need contact info for, feel free to FM me!



Angel Bridal- East Islip- A+!!!
www.Angelbridals.com

Wedding gown, and Bridemaids dresses



I absolutely LOVE this shop. To the point that when I picked up my dress, I was actually sad that I wasn’t going to have any more reason to go there! Let me start by saying that when I walked in this store, I already HAD my wedding dress…or so I thought. Ok, I found a dress at another shop, that I liked…it was being discontinued, and I realized that I could get the sample at a really great deal. I was not in love with the dress, but I did like it, and my mom and sister loved it. I couldn’t pass it up. I just figured that as self critical as I am, I won’t love myself in any dress, so I should just take the deal. Well, a few weeks later, I took one of my Bridesmaids to Angel Bridal, to look for BM dresses. I had seen Angel online, and thought the shop looked cute, and I was planning on going there to look for my own dress, before I wound up with the dress I bought. So, I knew I wanted to look at BM dresses there. First of all, I emailed the store owner, asking about making an appointment, on a Sunday, since that’s the only day that was good for my BM, because that’s when her husband is home to watch the baby. When I didn’t hear back right away, I called, and asked. I was told that they weren’t open Sunday, I said “thank you, I’ll call back…” Then, I check my email, and Rosemary, the owner had written my back. She said, “I think you called about a Sunday appointment, but on the phone you didn’t explain the situation to the extent that you did in your email. I would be happy to open the store for you on Sunday, just tell me what time you want to come!” I couldn’t believe it! They were going to open up just for me! So, right away, I knew I was on the right track. We get to the store, and Rosemary let us in, and locked the door behind us, we had the place to ourselves, and Rosemary’s full attention, it was GREAT! The store is adorable, I felt like I was in my grandma’s sewing room, instantly comforted and at home. Colleen tried on some dresses, and as she did, I looked around…and that’s when it happened…I saw faux fur peeking out from one of the racks. I thought maybe it was a cape, which I had been considering, since I was having a winter wonderland theme, and really wanted a wintery, snow princess type look. Well, it wasn’t a cape, it was a DRESS! I didn’t even want to look at it. It was too perfect, and I knew I was just going to fall in love, and be even more disappointed with my first purchase. Well, Mom and Rosemary convinced me to try it on. That was it…I felt like Holiday Barbie, and I felt beautiful…something I didn’t think was possible. Rosemary explained that this dress was a sample, from a company that went out of business a few years back. Most dress shops send their samples back to the manufacturer. However Rosemary said that if a dress is different from what they have on the racks, they’ll hold on to it, to give brides more options. Thank goodness for that! The dress was a bit snug, but she said that there was plenty of seam allowance, and that it could easily be taken out. She saw my hesitation, but also, could see that I was in love…I was just so anxious at the thought of buying a second dress! What would I do?!? So, she said that she’d hold it…take my time, try to sell the other dress, decide what I want to do. Well, there was no question, I had to have this dress…I told her what the other dress cost, ($400) and she said…”that’s what this one is…” That was it…I came back two weeks later, and bought the dress…I still have that first dress hanging in a garment bag, unaltered, waiting for someone to love it as much as I love it’s replacement…
Now, back to the shop!!! Colleen picked out a dress…and from that, we decided that the girls would all choose Alfred Angelo designs, just so the colors would be the same. I said, “I hate strapless dresses, so I’d prefer if you don’t choose strapless. And I’d like the dresses all to be gown length…” And told them to all choose whatever they liked. I went with them separately, so no one felt pressured, and Rosemary gave everyone personal attention ever time. They have so many different sample sizes too! Two of the BM’s were a size 22 and they were able to try on dresses. One was a 16, she tried on dresses, and then there are the size 0-2 girls and they tried on dresses! It was wonderful; no one had to feel left out! One of the girls even chose a dress that had spaghetti straps, but came with a wrap, and they created sleeves out of the wrap! It came out amazing! In the end, everyone was happy, and looked gorgeous. I am SO grateful to Rosemary, and this store, I can’t recommend them enough!! The only suggestion I have, is that if you’re going to have anything done to the dress, ask if it falls under the alteration cap. They set the cap at $65, but I think that’s just for basic alterations, letting out, taking in, a hem, etc. Anything else will be extra. Some of the girls didn’t realize this, so were surprised by their alterations price…which caused me MUCH anxiety. But, Rosemary did the break down, and I saw why they charged what they did with the custom alterations, and it was fine…But, in retrospect, that all could have been avoided if we’d asked more questions. But, it all worked out in the end!! If you’re looking for that dress shopping experience you always imagined, GO TO ANGEL BRIDAL!!!



DJ- All Occasion DJ’s- Floral Park- A+
www.AODJ.com


I always knew I’d have a DJ, not a band. I hate wedding bands. What I didn’t know was that a friend I’d grown up with, who had DJ’d my Sweet 16 while we were in high school together, had grown up and started his own DJ company! I was at a friend’s wedding, before I was even engaged, and was commenting on how good the dj was. Then, when I saw who it was, I was shocked! I knew he’d be the one. I had very specific ideas and Marc listened to everything. He gives you as much time and attention as you need. They come with a separate sound system for the ceremony, and cocktail hour. And at the reception, Marc and Rick had people dancing all night! I would have liked more slow dances, but I don’t blame Marc for that, I should have spoken up. He was just reading the crowd, and they were all up and dancing, and he kept them that way! But he would have done anything I asked! And the best part was, he seemed to be having as good a time as the guests!!

Photography-
Twelfth Night Photography- Garden City Park- A++++
Ok, so I haven’t actually seen the pictures yet…BUT, I LOVE these people.

**update** I LOVE my pictures. I was given a disc with 1292 pictures!!! I have NEVER before looked at a picture of myself and liked it, let alone loved it.
And, no joke, I love every single picture I got from 12th night!! My two very close friends wound up using them after I did because they were so happy with them!

I first heard of them when they photographed my husband’s cousins wedding, in 2004. Their pictures came out so incredible, that I knew they were the ones to go to. And what I liked best, was that the package doesn’t include albums. They give you all of your proofs as prints. But, then, they give you the disc with all the Jpegs, for you to print, save, do as you like!! I LOVE this option. I want to own my pictures, not have to pay for each print, and beg for “negatives.” Or get jpegs with a watermark! My pictures are mine, and I’ll be able to create albums, order prints, for as long as I want! I’m going to do the album on Snapfish, and it will cost a fraction of what photographers charge for an album! And I don’t have to pick out which pictures I want…I get them ALL! As for the photographers themselves, they were incredible. We had a main photog, Geraldine, who was with us for ten hours. And a second one, Vicky, we had for five hours. Vicky hung out with the guys before the ceremony, and Geraldine and her assistant, Steven, were with the girls. We wanted to see each other before the ceremony to get in as many pics as possible, and Geraldine set up a perfect moment for us to see each other for the first time. And after all of our posed pics, I swear, we didn’t even know they were there! No in your face, “hold that pose…” It was perfect! I can not WAIT to see the results! I’ll be sure to update when they’re done!

Videographer-
Looking Glass Video- A
www.lookingglassvideomemories.com
Tom Mulligan
Well, I haven’t seen the video yet, so I won’t give a grade.
***UPDATE**
I love my wedding video. Watching it for the first time was really like reliving the entire evening, and I swear we felt like we'd just been at a party when it was over. Tom did such an amazing job of capturing the feeling of the room, without bothering anyone...noone even knew he was there! And, now, it's five years later, and we have a four year old, who LOVES watching it! She calls it the 'mommy/daddy movie' and she can't get enough of it!
However, this was another vendor I stole from my husband’s cousins wedding, and their video is magnificent! I didn’t think I wanted a video, as I’m far too self conscious to worry about someone documenting my every move. But, the more thought I gave it, the more I realized that I was going to miss so much of what went on at my own wedding, and that I’d like the opportunity to look back, and relive it. Tom is sweet and softspoken…he offers a few different package options. And his prices are unbeatable! Again, we did not even know he was there!! That was a big issue for us! DO NOT go around talking to people, and getting in the way…just keep rolling!! Again, I can’t wait to see the final result, and when I do, I’ll update the review, but I am VERY optimistic!!


Novelty Photo Station-
Parties by Gail- A+

I first saw this at my cousin's wedding. They set up a background in the corner of the room, or wherever you choose. and people can go up over the course of the night, and have their picture taken. It's awesome! They give you your pics in a frame, or a keychain, and it's a nice little take home favor!! People love it, taking all kinds of sill pictures, family pictures, whatever! I'm so glad we did it!!! FM me for the info if you're interested!!!
Hotel-
The Wingate by Wyndham- B-
Commack/Brentwood
This is a tough one…Everything was ok, but it’s the one thing that I would have done differently. The hotel is very nice. They don’t have in room dining, which I knew, and was fine with. They do have a complimentary continental breakfast, which I know many of the guests enjoyed. The rooms were very nice. Me and my soon to be husband, my sister, my parents, and the best man all stayed there the night before the wedding. My sister stayed with me in the bridal suite, and the husband stayed in his own room. All the girls came to the bridal suite in the morning and we all got ready together. It was perfect. But, housekeeping leaves at 5pm…my mother had requested that my room be cleaned, after we left, but we were going to be in it until 3:30…they actually called me while we were getting ready to ask if housekeeping could come now, otherwise they wouldn’t be able to come at all. That was annoying. The shuttles were another issue, that was resolved, but that caused me stress. They have a complimentary shuttle to and from the reception. This is why I blocked the rooms here. However, the shuttle only holds 13 people, and will go back and forth a maximum of two times. The problem was that my guests booked 30 rooms! I was very concerned that there would not be enough room for everyone to take the shuttle, and the hotel was not giving me much help. I finally got them to agree that if after the two trips, there were still guests that needed to get there, that they would go back a third time. The other issue I had was that when I asked if the shuttle could drive the bridal party to the hall, they said that it would count as one of the trips. Even though that would have been 2 hours earlier than when everyone else needed to be there. In the end, they offered to get us a charter bus, that would take the BP to and from the reception, for another $500. And, what’s more, is that the girl I was dealing with the entire time, right up until a week before the wedding, when I went in to make the final arrangements, was fired! I walked in the day before the wedding, and asked for her, since she was my point person, and was told…”Oh, she’s no longer with us”!!! It was just not a very pleasant experience, and I don’t think I would recommend them.

Hair-
Sheila Mulligan- A+++++
Corner Cutters, Floral Park
Sheila is a friend. Well, she married one of our friends, and thus, became a friend. I looked around for someone to come to us the day of the wedding. Price was a big issue, since I was paying for not just myself, but for my mom and bridal party as well. Everyone I spoke to was asking for $100 a person or more. When I realized that no matter what, that’s what it was going to run me, I decided to call Sheila, and have a trial. I figured if I’m paying that much, it may as well be to someone I know and trust. The trial was great!! I gave her a couple of pictures of styles I liked…and she just went to work. I booked her on the spot. The day of the wedding, she showed up at the hotel with her sister, Theresa. There were seven of us being done, so she was going to need help. We had a blast! My sister is NEVER happy when she gets her hair done, and she loved it! My mom, is very weird about her hair too, and she was thrilled! I was so happy. Sheila duplicated what she did at the trial, even though I forgot to bring the pictures…I was thinking how great it was that my hairstylist would be at the wedding if I needed any tweaking…but my hair didn’t move! And it was GROSS out that day, rain, mist, it was so humid…but, I looked like a princess all day! Everyone was happy with their hair, which made me so happy!!!

Make- up
Jacqueline Nicole- A+++++++++++
www.prettyme.com
I went to Jacqueline for a trial because she had the best trial prices. I didn’t want to pay $100 to have my makeup done to go nowhere! The trial was at her house in Nesconset. Both my mom and I went. My mom doesn’t wear any makeup normally, so she was nervous about having it done, so I thought her having a trial too was a good idea. It just so happened that our cat died the day we were supposed to go…after much thought, we decided to go anyway, and hopefully get our minds off it for a while. We walked in, and Jacqueline’s cats were right there. Of course, we then had to tell her what had happened and she was wonderful. Such a sweetheart! We were there for a few hours, both getting made up, and we just loved her. She does such incredible work! The day of the wedding, she came to the hotel, and got started right away. We had three stations going at once, Sheila, Theresa, and Jacqueline. Everyone was having a great time! The best compliment that I can give Jacqueline, is that one of the bridesmaids had no intention oh having her make up done. She said, “I never like the way they do it, I’d rather do it myself.” I said fine, it was her choice, (and hey, I was paying for that too, so, one less person, was fine by me! Well, as she watched Jacqueline work…and saw the results on everyone…she started to have second thoughts! She said, “do you think it would be ok if I have mine done too? Everyone looks so perfect!!” So, I was thrilled that she decided to have it done!! Everyone was happy, and looked beautiful. And everyone has such different coloring, and styles, and Jacqueline listened to exactly what everyone wanted, and did it to a tee!!!

Charter bus
Paradise Trailways- Hicksville- B
I don’t have much to go one with this bus. This was a bus that we chartered to pick up our friends near the bar we hang out at, and take them to Larkfield. I saw the buses in the lot when I booked them. The woman I dealt with, Lauren, is the owner, and while she was nice enough, she was sometimes difficult to get in touch with. The thing that really bothered me is that as I was about to walk down the aisle…I heard noise in the lobby…the bus had just arrived…That bus was supposed to leave Bellerose at 5pm…I was later told that it didn’t leave until 5:45…my ceremony was at 6:30, but the invitations said 6pm! So, I guess someone could have told the driver to leave sooner, but I would have thought that the driver would have made it clear, that it was time to go! I know my friends, and I’m sure they were lollygagging, not getting on the bus, having one last drink in the bar or whatever. But, the bus driver was supposed to leave at 5…and I would think that he should have taken the reins and told everyone “get on the bus now, or we leave without you!!” So, they arrived late, and the Maitre D’ had to get them into the ceremony room without disrupting the ceremony.

Larkfield Manor- East Northport- A++++++++++++++
www.larkfieldmanor.com

I can not say enough about this place. We have been to 28 weddings together. We did not want to get married someplace we’d already been, or someplace that looked the same as every other place. This was tough, since we’d been to so many weddings! I found Larkfield in Wedding Sites and Services. It was the first place we made an appointment with. We went to 12 other places…and came back to Larkfield. We did a lot of research, knew what we wanted, and knew what we could get and at what price, elsewhere. But, we liked the look of Larkfield. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but you walk in, and it is so homey, and beautiful, that we knew it was what we wanted. We did some negotiating, and got everything we wanted, at the price we wanted. I emailed Harry constantly…about everything. And he never got annoyed with me, and always got back to me quickly. He answered all of my questions, and always did everything he could to help. We booked in July, and set up a tasting for August. The deposit we gave would be refundable if we didn’t like the food. WELL! Wow. The food was amazing. And my husband is a bit of a food snob, as is my father. The four of us sat down and they brought two trays of appetizers, with a little of everything. Then, they brought out six entrees, for us to try. Everything was perfect. Their champagne is amazing!! And the cake?! Well, the story of the cake is, I wanted to upgrade from what was included in the package to a red velvet cake. My husband thought it was foolish to spend money on something that so few people would even notice. I eventually caved, and said, fine, chocolate cake is fine. And I was ok with it. When my brother’s girlfriend found out that I wasn’t getting the red velvet I wanted, she called them and asked if she could pay to upgrade our cake. They said that they just needed a phone call or an email from one of us, saying that it was ok. She came to me and told me and I was thrilled! So, I emailed Marianne, and told her to go ahead with it. OH MY GOD! My cake was UNREAL!! So much so in fact…that it was all served, and they didn’t get to save the top for us to take home…well, all it took was a phone call from my mom…”did you forget to wrap up the cake top?” And they explained that there had been none left…but that they would call the bakery and have another one made!!! So, they did, and I got a brand new cake to bring home! They could not have been more accommodating. One of the greatest compliments I received was my friend’s parents saying to her “IF you ever get married…it’s going to be here!!” And my dad’s friends think we spent a fortune…we SO did not!!! They just put on such a great party. You really can not go wrong! And it doesn’t look like the cookie cutter reception halls either. Harry and George love furniture, and décor, and they have done an amazing job of making this place unique…I can’t wait to have an occasion to have another event there!!!
**UPDATE**
Larkfield has since done a complete renovation. While the pictures I've seen look simply gorgeous, I want to mention that our wedding took place before the renovations were done!

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Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

great review! congrats! does your BM want to do my programs etc. too? if she does side work please fm me! thanks

I love your dress and the last picture; you look so happy!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

congrats my best friend is getting married there next year I will be sure to tell her how good it was for you!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

Great review!!! Congrats to you and your new husband!! Can't wait to see your 12th night photos!!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

Congrats!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

Congrats! I'm glad everything went so well for you!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

great review

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

Great review!! You look so happy. CONGRATS!!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

Great review! Congratulations

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

congrats!! great review!! im getting married their next year and can not wait! i love hearing good reviews about larkfield!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

Congrats, great review!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

Gorgeous! Great review!
Congratulations!!!!!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

congrats!!!!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

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Posted by coley1027

congrats!! great review!! im getting married their next year and can not wait! i love hearing good reviews about larkfield!

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agreed!

Congrats to you and your hubby!

Re: My 2/9/08 Review! Larkfield Manor, Twelfth Night, All occasion Dj's, Angel Bridals, Jacqueline Nicole...kinda long! with pics!

How funny!! I went to Larkfield Manor the day of your wedding!! I'm getting married there next year and my aunt was here from NJ. I wanted her to see the place so I popped in a little earlier than when your reception started. You looked beautiful and I'm so glad everything went well for you!! Congrats!!