My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

LONG ISLAND WEDDINGS (A+) Although I am not the most frequent poster, this website has been invaluable in terms of reaching out when I thought I was going to lose my mind. I had no idea how many details are involved in planning a wedding, and this community enabled me to communicate with other girls going through the same thing. I also have to say, I never would have found Duet, or my Day of Coordinator.

MOTHER NATURE (F) For a girl like me whose mood significantly improves when the sun comes out, wouldn’t you know, it rained my entire day. I had plans for pictures on the boardwalk in Long Beach, as well as the Planting Fields in Oyster Bay. Although my pictures are beautiful, there are some shots I had my heart set on that I will never have.

NORTH RITZ CLUB (A+) Exceptional in the areas of service, and both food quality, as well as quantity. The staff was attentive and helpful. My entrée choices were Surf and Turf, Chilean Sea Bass, and Chicken Tuscany. Many guests raved about the quality of food. I also had the Viennese Hour, which included an immense amount of food (cakes, pies, white and milk chocolate fountains, zeppolis, waffles with sundae bar). It was comparable to the cocktail hour in terms of dessert choices. I could not find one area for improvement. It is Long Islands best kept secret in reception halls. I love that no one knows it, and it was the first time almost all of my guests had been there. They also sent us home with two of every entrée, as well as a variety of desserts.

PEDESTALS (A+) I chose Pedestals because they were able to do the ceiling of the North Ritz Club in white lights and tulle in a short amount of time. They did an amazing job. They also did all of the personal flowers, as well as pew bows, and altar arrangements. The flowers were exactly what I asked for, and photographed beautifully.

DUET PHOTOGRAPHY (A+) They were funny, making us laugh. I never felt like they were in my way, and can not believe I have 800 proofs to choose from to make my album. I picked up my proofs yesterday, and it was like reliving the entire day. The photographs are amazing, I am truly impressed with their work.

ROYALTY LIMO (A) I only used one limo for our entire bridal party, the Escalade. They arrived on time, my driver Mike was very friendly and helpful with the fact that it was raining. The only reason they lost the + was that a limo was supposed to pick up my parents at the church, and a town car arrived instead. My coordinator called them, and they corrected their mistake immediately. I would use them again.

TOP HAT ENTERTAINMENT (A+) DJ Bob had already done three of my family weddings, I did not even shop around in this department. I gave him a long play list, as well as do not play. I don’t think he deviated from the list once, hence the reason I changed into sneakers and flip flops in the middle of the reception. DJ Bob actually thanked me for the play list, saying most brides don’t do it. I guess its another little thing I learned on LI Weddings. My goal for my wedding was to have people dancing as much as possible as the night goes by so fast. I hate it when you are at a wedding, having a great time dancing and they stop the dancing for the various traditions. I got rid of almost all the traditions, including introducing the parents and bridal party, the cake cutting, garter tossing. What I did instead was, I chose an entrance song and everyone got up to the dance floor (Heaven Must Have Sent You) That set the tone for the entire party. The second song was Knock On Wood, everyone kept on dancing. Keith and I did not do our Wedding Song until everyone sat for dinner anyway. Few slow songs were played, and people have said my wedding was a great party, and that’s exactly what I wanted.

ABSOLUTE STRINGS AND THINGS C (This might get confusing. Bear with me.) I hired a violin, viola, cello and flute to play during the church. Later, when I chose my song for the processional, I added a trumpet. I figured, since I hired a trumpet, I might as well add more pieces of music that use a trumpet for the ceremony besides my procesional, specifically Trumpet Voluntary. I mailed a copy of my church program to the owner of the company. During the mass, the quartet was seated next to the altar, and the trumpet was up in the balcony in order to collaborate with the organist on my processional. I walked down the aisle, and listen during the entire ceremony as my blood boils. THE TRUMPET NEVER BLEW HIS HORN ONCE DURING THE ENTIRE HOUR!!! Everyone complimented the quartet, as they were a nice addition to the mass. As soon as the receiving line was done, I hightailed straight towards the owner extremely upset that I did not hear the trumpet play once. He gave me some excuses, and we were lining up for pictures so it was not the time to pursue the issue. Suffice to say, the owner was thrilled that week when I called to ask for a refund for the trumpet (thinking I would be on a honeymoon and would forget about it, lucky him, I work in a school). My issue was that he was hired to play, and he never did. The owner tried to tell me that he was paid, since he did show up, and that he missed his cue during my processional. I asked about the other songs he was supposed to play in, like Trumpet Voluntary. The owner said that I never told him I wanted the trumpet to play Trumpet Volunary!!! The owner said I only wanted the trumpet for my processional. I told him that I don’t get paid to show up at my job, I have responsibility. He very much danced around the issue trying to tell me I should be happy for my health, and my new marriage. He eventually caved and offered a full refund for the trumpet. He later told me that someday I would look back and see this as an insignificant detail. I told him I will one day look back, and be very happy with myself for standing up for myself when I felt ripped off!!

Although my attention was focused on the trumpeter, everyone said the quartet was beautiful. The best is while looking through my proofs last night, there is a picture of the trumpeter in the balcony while I am walking down the aisle. He has his hands in his pockets, watching me walk down!!! For someone that thought he was only hired for one song, he did not look very prepared. I guess no one told him the bride walks down after all the girls in the colored dresses!!!

JODILYNN FROM SIMPLICITY PLANNING, DAY OF COORDINATOR (A+) I highly recommend her if you are debating about having a coordinator. I wanted a coordinator because I did my own centerpieces, menus, placecards, etc, and wanted someone to make sure they were as I wanted. She was on top of the limo situation, and the trumpet situation. Unfortunately, in speaking with the organist who was in the balcony with the trumpeter, there was not much Jodilynn could have done. She was checking off my play lists, and my must takes. She was professional, and I highly recommend her.

GHRIARDELLI CHOCOLATES We got a small box of four chocolates to attach our donation to. They were pretty, and packaged well.

DUNKIN DOUNUTS, Jericho Tpke, Plainview This was my mom’s idea, and she handled it from beginning to end. We did a giveaway at the end of the night of two glazed donuts and a small package of coffee. Many people were appreciative of this, as it was a different idea. My parents also made labels for the side of the boxes, which had a picture of an NYPD car with our names. Jodilynn took care of applying the stickers to all of the boxes.

MICHAELS CRAFTS- I used about 500 40% coupons from the newspaper to purchase my centerpieces (glass bowls, silk floating roses, rose petals, green leaf vines) ribbon, scrapbook paper, card stock, vellum for menus, programs, placecards. I spent A LOT of time and money at this store.

MARRIOTT HOTEL, Uniondale Both my parents from Florida and my brother from Boston were staying here during the week. Keith and I decided to spend our wedding night here also so we could have brunch together on Sunday morning. With the forecast as grim as it was, the night before the wedding, we all had dinner at the hotel, and then scouted sites in the hotel for pictures. We networked with some staff, telling them we would probably be there the next day for pictures. The hotel was packed for a convention, and the lobby was always occupied. I figured if we made friends with the staff, they would help us out the next day. We were right. When we officially decided we wouldn’t be going to the Planting Fields, we arrived at the Marriott, and had no trouble clearing the lobby. The manager of the restaurant came out, and told us we could come in and take pics there.

We were “upgraded” to a business room. It was a little bigger, but I wish we had a fridge for all of the food the NRC sent us home with.

WEDDING SALON OF MANHASSET (A+) I fell in love with two different Reem Acra dresses, the top of one and the bottom of the other. Kleinfelds gave me a quote, and I brought the quote to WSM telling them their store was much more convenient and I wanted to give them my business. They did beat Kleinfelds quote. Lee helped me with the sale, and Jo did my alterations, although she has since left the salon. Jo did most of the alterations before leaving, and did an amazing job. She put so much boning in the top of my gown, I didn’t have to wear a bra. They were friendly, and I was always seen at my appointment time.

TECHNICOLORS, RVC (A+) Joleen has been doing my hair for years. I had a wedding to go to back in October, so I went to her for my trial. It was exactly what I wanted. Suzanne did my makeup, and was open to suggestions. I never wear any makeup anyway, so I thought I looked nice.

BARRONS (A) I found my tiara and veil there. You cant go wrong as they have such an immense selection. I got a very simple pearl tiara. I ordered a simple veil, and when my dress came in the color was a little too white. I exchanged it for a $15 fee.

MOTHER KELLY'S, Cedarhurst, (A+) We had the rehearsal dinner here. Crazy amount of Italian food, right up my family's alley. Nice appetizer buffet, sit down pasta, salad, entree, and small dessert buffet. Would absoultely hold another function there.



Duet Proofs

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club

Amy, you did a wonderful review and your proofs are beautiful! I am so glad they turned out great! Congrats again and thank you for a beautiful wedding. By the way, how handsome is your groomsman with the short brown hair and brown eyes???

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club

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Posted by MrsMadness
By the way, how handsome is your groomsman with the short brown hair and brown eyes???

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I'd love to set you up, but I think he's married!!!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club

Congrats! Even with the rain it seems you had a wonderful day and your pics came out great.

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club

congrats, your pictures came out great!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club

Congrats!! My mom got the same dress!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

You guys look amazing

Beautiful Pictures

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

Many, many congratulations on your beautiful wedding!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

Congrats!!!!! You looked so beautiful!

and I LOVE your bridal flip flops!! too cute!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

Congrats..

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You look beautiful! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

CONGRATS! Great review! You look so beautiful and happy.And of course I'm so glad to see another please NRC bride. Long Island's best kept secret!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

Congratulations - everything looked amazing!!!! Your dress, tiara and veil were soooo beautiful, too!!!

I love the color of the BM dresses and all of the Bouquets!!! Best wishes to you and your DH!!!!

I have some questions about some things, so I am sending you FM! Congrats again!!!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Wonderful pictures!!! (I see you got yours but I didnt get mine yet!)

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

wow! amazing. You looked stunning!

The flip-flop shot might be my fav! You look like you were having a blast!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

What beautiful pics!!!!!!!! They make me happy that we Picked Duet!!!!!!!!

What precinct are you in???? You look familiar. I'm in the 107....

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

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Posted by hbradio

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Wonderful pictures!!! (I see you got yours but I didnt get mine yet!)

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and wouldnt you know after all that frustration, they were at Duets office for over a week. They said they sent me an email but I never got it. No hard feelings to them, I LOVE my pictures.

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

Congratulations! Your pictures are beautiful. I love hearing about other NRC brides' experiences and I'm glad you had such a wonderful day.

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

Congrats...everything looked beautiful!!!

Re: My 4/30/05 Wedding at the North Ritz Club-with link to Duet proofs

beautifull
Congradulations