MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!! (with TONS of (big, sorry!) photos) + some honeymoon shots....

Well.. here goes. I can finally organize ALL my thoughts, even though I am sure I''m forgetting a TON of stuff. It was a gorgeous and perfect day from start to finish. The weather could not have been more perfect. It was everything I dreamed of and more!! To stand on that altar and say my vows and marry the love of my life was an unbelieveable feeling. It was surreal. It was magical. It was perfect!! Absolutely nothing went wrong, not even the tiniest thing.

First and foremost, I MUST MUST MUST thank LIW and all the ladies that were here for me throughout the entire planning process. Without this website, I probably would have lost my sanity a whole bunch more than I already did. Aliwnec10 and MCB916, there aren't really words to explain the respect and gratitude I have towards you ladies. The friendship we have developed throughout our planning process is one that I know is going to last forever! Don''t forget about that anniversary party!! You girls were my rock. You girls were there when we ALL know who drove us crazy and were MIA I love you guys!!!

GIORGIO'S - AMAZING - From the moment we got engaged I knew that I wanted to have the reception here. I actually rearranged the date according to when they were available. I was very impressed from the moment I sat down with George until the moment I left after the wedding. They really do an exceptional job. The food was FANTASTIC. People still come up to me and compliment everything. There wasn't a moment where anything went wrong. They were so accomodating to us. They were always coming up to us asking if everything was all right. They were very organized and their staff was wonderful. My bridal attendant (I can't remember her name!) was there for me when and if I needed her. She took care of the little kids, got them food before our entrance and if there was anything I needed, she was right there to help. I can't say enough about this place. They went above and beyond my expectations. I had absolutely nothing to worry about the whole night. The place is gorgeous. They really know how to put on a reception there. Future brides having their weddings and/or receptions there, you have NOTHING to worry about. A+++++++++++++++++++++++
GIORGIOS

NATASHA STASZAK - Photography - What an absolute dream to work with. Within 5 minutes of sitting down with her and seeing her photos I knew she was the one I wanted to capture all the moments. And boy am I glad I did! She did an absolutely gorgeous job with our photos. Her and her husband were so great to work with. They both are the sweetest people ever. You never know they're there. She got the greatest shots. She has such a talent and gift. Her work speaks for itself. I am so thankful I chose her. When I sat down and looked at my proofs I was brought to tears. She did such an amazing job. I could gush for hours. She is also SO helpful and she's always there for you. She's so quick to answer your emails and questions. Just an all around pleasure to work with. A++++++++++++++++++
NATASHA STASZAK

FLORIST - MY DADDY!! (Riverhead Flower Shop) - Yes, I am very lucky to have a florist for a father. It was a HUGE help. He's got such a great eye for detail and he sure knows his flowers. We chose the BM's flowers without actually seeing them in person and WOW! They were goregous. I carried a bouquet of white Calla Lillies and the BM's carried Picasso Calla Lillies. They were SO gorgeous and they lasted for WEEKS after the wedding. I was so surprised! I can't say enough about my Dad and the work he did for us. From the centerpieces at Giorgio's, to the arrangements at the church and the pew decorations to all the bouquets and boutenieres (sp?)... he did it all by himself and the flowers were GORGEOUS!!! My Dad will always get an A++++++++++++++++ in my book!

DAVID'S BRIDAL - (Source Mall) - My Dress - Well, I must be one of the few (after reading all the horror stories on LIW) that actually had a VERY pleasureable experience from start to finish with them. Right after we got engaged, I saw a dress in a magazine and it was a Monique Luo for David's Bridal, so I wanted to try it on 1st. Everyone kept telling me 'you have to try on a bunch because the ones you like in the magazine might not look so good on'. So my Mom, Dad and I trekked up to the Source Mall and the 1st one I tried on was the one I saw in the magazine. In my head I had everyone's voices, so I tried on 12+ more. The woman I worked with was so funny and so helpful and she really told it like it was. After I tried on SO many I put the 1st one back on. This time I pictured myelf walking down the aisle in it and I burst into tears. I had everyone crying at this point. I knew I had found 'the one'. I should have listened to my instinct!!! Then came the alterations. After reading still more horror stories about their alterations department, I decided to go with my gut and use them. I was SO pleased I did. Maria did such an exceptional job on my dress, I can't say enough. She was SO funny and throughout all my meltdowns, she calmed me down and assued me that everything was going to be all right. And boy was it! My dress was BEAUTIFUL!! Everytime I went and noticed something 'off' she was right there ro fix it. It was SUCH a difficult dress to alter, with all the layers it had to it. She had her work cut out for her. But she did it and the finished prduct was gorgeous. I love my dress as much today as the 1st day I saw it. So to all the girls that had a nightmare experience there, I am truly sorry for that. I guess I got lucky. I had a 100% great experience with them. I also bought my shoes (the most comfortable shoes EVER!), tiara, and card box there.

HAIR AND MAKE-UP - My cousin Jan did my hair. She's the only one that's been doing my hair since I was a little girl, so I didn't have to look very far for that! Make-up... if anyone read my past posts you know that I went on SIX (some HORRIFYING) make-up trials. I never liked what they did to me. I never felt 100% myself, so I really didn't want DH being afraid to look at me on the day of. So... I practiced and practiced and I did my very own make-up!!! I can't be happier with it, if I do say so myself!

MACY'S BRIDAL - (Smithaven Mall) - BM Dresses - I have to say I was definitely pleased with the service there. They were always super sweet and VERY helpful. The dresses were beautiful. I was happy that we ordered them from there. Only my Maid of Honor got her dress hemmed there and it came out perfect. So... Even though I didn't get my dress there, everything else was great! No complaints!

VIDEOGRAPHER - Pete from WEDDING CINEMA - What a great guy!! Thanks to Aliwnec10 and her opinion about him, I chose to use him as well. He is such a nice guy, I can't say enough. He's always quick to respond to your emails, always there for you and whatever question you may have. He was on time and such a pleasure to work with. You never knew he was there. He was really a lot of fun. He got some great footage of some really funny stuff.... like the 'pit stop' we all made at the McDonalds in Riverhead and the Groomsmen and DH under the 'Golden Arches'!! I can't wait to see the video!!! No, we haven't gotten it back yet, so I'm unable to tell you just how good his work is, but everything else.... SO great!! I would recommend him to anyone. A++++++ for Pete!!!!
WEDDING CINEMA

DJ - George from RANTIN and RAVEN ENTERTAINMENT - George has Dj-ed a number of my DH's friend's weddings so we knew without hesitation that we would be using him for ours. What an awesome guy. I can't say enough good things about George and his staff. They really know how to keep people dancing. He's so accomodating. He really loves what he does too, so it makes it all the more pleasure to work with him. He did such a fantastic job for us and all our friend's past weddings. I wouldn't have chosen any one else to DJ our wedding. I was VERY pleased with how the night went. I don't think I got off the dancefloor all night!!

CAKE - Kathy Burton (Sag Harbor) - She is a local cake baker/pastry chef in my town and we have sampled her work MANY a time. She made my sister's cake for her wedding back in the day. She does EXCEPTIONAL work and her cakes are SO delicious. I brought her a picture of the design of the cake I wanted and a picture of the tier design and she replicated it perfectly!! It was SOOOO delicious... buttercream icing, moist buttery yellow cake with a chocolate mousse filling. (Ok, I'm getting hungry!!) She was wonderful. Super sweet. She even made the exact cake (flavors) for my Bridal Shower. All I can say is... YUMMMY!

SIR OLIVER LIMOS - Does anyone ever have anything bad to say about them? I think NOT!! They are WONDEFUL!!!! Ladies, if you're looking for a company who cares about you from the moment they arrive to pick you up until the minute they leave you, then Sir Oliver is the limo company for you! We had the the old Rolls Royce, gorgeous and immaculate by the way, and the Bridal Party was pimped out in the super stretch Escalade. Joe was their driver and Phil was ours. Phil was the BEST!!!!! I only spent a few moments with Joe and he seemed just as wonderful. He would have to be to deal with the bunch of crazies he had to deal with. Phil was SUPER sweet and just made you feel SO comfotable. I think I remember saying to me ' I am your slave for the day, so if there's anything you need or want, just ask'. And he did his job!! Both cars came fully stocked I think I drank an entire bottle of champagne on the way to Giorgio's!! They were so nice. So happy we chose them. They were there with water for us when we came out of the church... they were just all about for YOU and your people. I HIGHLY recomment using them, you just can't go wrong with Sir Oliver!!! We even used them to take us to the airport for the honeymoon. A+++++++++++++

MAYFAIR JEWELERS - E-ring and Wedding Bands - Even though I had some 'problems' with my e-ring in the beginning I wouldn't go any where else for jewelry. They are friends of ours, so they of course were very helpful. I can't say enough about them and our rings. GORGEOUS comes to mind I just love having this sparkle on my finger every day. I am so happy with them. Such quality, that's all I can say!!

TRAVEL KING - Gene Donofrio - Travel Agent - My DH and I met Gene at the Giorgio's Bridal Expo they were having. We stopped by his table to talk about honeymoon destinations and he suggested to us Sandals in St. Lucia. Well, am I ever pleased with our decision. We ended up staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. What a beautful place. I can't say enough about it. We had such a great time. Gene was such a pleasure to work with. I would use him again in a second. He is so helpful in planning, will go out of his way for you for anything and just has a general care for his customers. I felt very comfortable with him and I trusted his judgement and opinions. Yet, he let you make your own decisions and didn't force you into spending money where it wasn't needed, or forcing you to book here, etc. He let you do what you wanted and told you his honest opinion about everything. He's a Sandals certified agent and I would recommend anyone planning on staying at a Sandals/Beaches to give Gene a call!!
www.travelkingagency.com
[email protected]

All in all, I can say that EVERY vendor I used was so great to work with. I have absolutely NO complaints about anything or anyone. Like I said, it truly was the most perfect day I could have asked for. Someone was definitely looking out for us. I would do it all again in a heart beat and I would not do a single thing differently.

My special thanks really goes out to my parents for taking care of everything. My day would not have been possible without all their help. They really allowed me to have the wedding of my dreams, in every sense of the word. They are the most wonderful parents a girl could ask for. I hope to follow their example of being blissfully in love for 40 years. Thanks Mom and Dad. Love you both so much!!

Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

(I'm getting the photos organized... will be up in a few!)

Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

Great Review so far!!! congrats!! (SOOOO LUCKY Your Dad is a florist!!)

Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

Ok, let see if they work.....

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

THE END......

Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

Gorgeous pics and gorgeous bride!!!! Congrats and great review... keep the pics comin'

Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!

congrats. You pics are amazing. Love the boldness of the bridesmaid dresses!!

Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!(with TONS of (big sorry!) photos)

OH, I forgot the most important .....

The Bling!!!!

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!(with TONS of (big sorry!) photos)

Congrats you're pictures are beautiful. I love your calla lillies.

Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!(with TONS of (big sorry!) photos)

Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!(with TONS of (big sorry!) photos)

Some honeymoon shots from The Sandals Grande St. Lucian....

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!(with TONS of (big sorry!) photos)

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!(with TONS of (big sorry!) photos)

What we did ALL day!!

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!(with TONS of (big sorry!) photos)

And the HAPPIEST surprise of all came the Wednesday (sept 27th) after the wedding...

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Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!!(with TONS of (big sorry!) photos)

Beautiful and congrats

Re: MY 9-22-06 WEDDING REVIEW!!! Giorgios, Natasha Staszak, Wedding Cinema, Sir Oliver Limos, David's Bridal.... and MORE!!! (with TONS of (big, sorry!) photos) + some honeymoon shots....

Beautiful wedding!! You looked SO HAPPY!! Congrats!!