My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

Hi ladies. I know this is a little late, but you know the saying....

First of all, my wedding day was hands down the BEST day of my life. And not b/c everything went perfectly (even though it pretty much did) it was because I have NEVER been happier in my entire life. I let go of everything...every care, every worry, and soaked it all in. I breathed the day as if it was air...and I took everything out of it that I could.

Please please please enjoy the day..the love, life, fun, and laughter that surrounds you. Try not to let anything..little or big..get to you. I wish you all the best.

Now, on the the review

My Dress
Was made by a member of fh’s family, based on a Reem Acra I loved, but did not want to spend the money on. I won’t go into too much detail b/c most will not be of use to you, but some of you that are going the custome route may find these few things helpful. 1) Get the price IN WRITING upon your first meeting. Let’s just say there was an issue with what I was told initially, and what I was told when I made my first payment. Thankfully it was amicably resolved, but it did cause me a lot of stress. She made some changes that I was not really ok with, but once the fabric is cut, what can you do...the dress itself came out beautifully, but it was too big in the bodice. It was my complaint FOREVER, but somehow she couldn't get it right. I am not really sure why. In hindsight, I would have picked a different dress (or maybe just a different seamstress). However, everyone raved about it, and I did look like a bride, so all was well.







Bridesmaids dresses
Made 'collaboratively' between my two friends in the fashion industry. My friend Erika took my jumbled idea and description and turned in to exactly what I was looking for. She then took her drawing and made the patterns for the dress. I bought the fabrics for the dresses and jackets at various stores in the garment district. Another friend, Maria who has her own design company cut and sewed the dresses based on Erika’s patterns. I am very happy with the end result, but sometimes I feel this route was more trouble than it was worth. It has caused some problems in a few friendships, and I am not sure how they will recover honestly. I would advise anyone thinking of going the custom route to steer clear of using your friends. I thought I was doing someone a favor by giving them exposure to what could be a lucrative area, but I ended up with more worry than anything else. The jackets were a little different that what I wanted, and one of them did not fit my Matron very well, but everyone made the best of it, and I still love the color and am extremely happy in that respect. My girls were stunning.








Flowergirl dresses:
Another custom job, by a woman that lives in Brooklyn in the Wyckoff projects. I supplied the material, she charged $25 for each dress. I think they came out great, especially for the price. The ladies house was a complete mess, but she does good work. If anyone is interested, please fm me.






Ring Bearer
We bought a black suit, ivory shirt, and silver tie at Sears in the Staten Island Mall. My little man looked so handsome! (he is my godson, so I am VERY biased) total cost was about $60. can't beat that!







Invites and STD's
Also used my friend Maria and her design company. I was very happy with both products, though again, the invite process took longer than expected, and there were many problems. I was happy she was able to recreate the invites as I asked her. I received a lot of compliments on them.

Now on to vendors you may use!

Limos
Royalty Limos
Very easy to deal with and matter of fact. I booked with Manny and had little contact with them until the day of the wedding. Mike was our driver, and we had a 14-passenger Lincoln, which was very clean and nicely stocked. Mike was a really cool guy- sweet and down to earth. He was very helpful in getting the BP set up for the entrance. Very professional. I definitely recommend them.

Our car
BMW 645 convertible
My husband wanted a different car for us, and he wanted to drive, so we rented this car from in the city. The price was great for 3 days and we got some great shots…it was also so much fun to drive around with us in the front seats for all to see. So many passersby wished us well, rolling down windows and honking horns…it was a lot of fun.







Flowers
Signature Florist:
Hollie (hmpena) and Leese put me on to Signature, and we kind of all fell in love at the same time LOL. I really loved George (don’t we all ;-D) and the quality of flowers for the price we paid. I knew I wanted an all pink bo-k of varied shades and flower type, and I got just that. I really loved my bo-k. I must say though that I think I loved my girls bo-ks even more. I worked with Yelena on all of the arrangements after my initial meeting with George, and she was amazing…very creative and really got excited. I explained the color of my girls dresses and I must say, the blue/green hydrangea with the pink and cream roses was the perfect compliment to them. I LOVE the way they look together. The bouts were great and the corsages too. The cps were exactly the way we wanted them, so I really cannot complain. They looked beautiful and definitely helped create the feel we were looking for. I do think that Yelena is overwhelmed at times (she delivered the flowers to me herself!), and they may need to hire more help, but they came through for me and I was very very impressed. The flowers are still alive and kicking a week later. They also provided the petal for the petal cones and for the flower girls…pink and white to go with the “theme” the cake flowers were beautiful (and also still alive at home!) they did forget the rosebud headband that was to be for my oldest flower girl, but I gave her my throw away bo-k instead, and she seemed FAR happier with that, so it all worked out. CP's were EXACTLY how I'd hope they'd be (for some reason, I don't have a pic of one right now) I trusted Signature and Yelena’s eye, and I was NOT disappointed! Also highly recommended.







DJ
Bravo Sound Int.- DJ
I first heard Bravo at a Fox Hollow showcase. Before hearing them, I was very concerned that I would not find a dj that could SEEMLESSLY go between all of the different music genres that make up our taste in music. I LOVE classics, top 40, hip hop, and of course Spanish (merengue, salsa, rock en español, Spanish pop) plus our LOVE of U2, Sting..and the Love Actually soundtrack LOL. I was concerned, that is, until I heard a dj go from Louis Armstrong to Maroon 5, to merengue, to the Kiss Kiss (a Greek dance song that I LOVE) and back again without a hiccup. I was with Hollie chowing down at the chocolate fountain when I knew I’d found the dj for me…and I never waivered. They were a little more $$ than I thought we’d pay (but I later found out they are pretty comparable to other dj’s in the area) but they were worth it. I was so happy with our DJ (Diego- he was great) and I had a great experience. They got everything on our must play list and not ONE line dance was played. I proved to them that I wouldn’t need an MC by having the dance floor packed at ALL TIMES! They gave us the PARTTTYYY I was aiming for and more. Everything was timed just right, and Diego came to us a few times to make sure all was to our satisfaction. Definitely highly recommended.



Night Before Hotel
Marriott Brooklyn Bridge:
Stayed here the night before and prepared her the day of. Nice hotel, pricey, but worth it for the nice room, great shower, and peace of mind it gave me. Not sure if you’ll ever be in need of a hotel in BK, but check it out if you do.

Wedding Night hotel
Wingate Inn-Garden City
I blocked rooms here and stayed here with my guests the night of the wedding. Rooms are nice and clean, with a comfy bed. Not expensive at all, and the bartender was pretty cool (we kept him up a lil late We had them order a hot breakfast for our guests, which was placed in one area of the lobby/bar area and marked for a private party (we opted NOT to spend the $300 to rent the conference room- was unnecessary) I dealt mostly with Jessica Pollaro, who was very nice and helpful. None of our guests experienced any problems with their reservations, and my experience was just great. I would recommend to anyone ordering the hot breakfast buffet (eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, French toast) to order for their guest minus at least 5 (meaning if you have 20 people, order for NO MORE THAN 15) there was food left over and it went to waste. All in all, they were a pleasure for me to deal with. I already had my cousin block rooms there for her January wedding, so I definitely recommend them.

Church
St. Joseph’s Church
Not rating it at all. It is our church and I love our priest. Before I walking down the aisle, Fr. Bob came to me to give me “one last chance” to escape LOL, and then kissed my forehead and said “I think I might cry today Jessie” how could I want to get married anywhere else, or by anyone else! The church photographed beautifully and I couldn’t be happier to see that. We will be going to this church for years to come.






Petal cones, programs, votive place cards, table numbers, photocube: all done by me, fh (and CAE!)
These were a collaborative effort, and though I am not normally the “crafty” type, I was thrilled the way they all came out. Thanks again to Christine for really coming through for me A WEEK BEFORE HER OWN WEDDING! To print the programs when I couldn’t get my printer to format the size. She save me money and time! The program included the prayer of St. Francis, which I dedicated to my grandfather who passed away in August. I thought his “absence” would mar my day, but when the sun suddenly appeared and caressed my check with its warmth and radiance, I knew that was my grandgathers strong embrace…and his gift to me. It’s amazing how you can really feel those around you, even if you can’t see them.



Cake
Wedding Cake: Delices de Paris, Brooklyn
This is my favorite bakery of ALL time..I still lament the fact that moving in with dh has ended my routine of getting my coffee there EVERY morning.. I tasted the cake the WM had to offer, and though it was good, I am such a huge CAKE person that I felt I wanted something else. So I went to my bakery, gave them a pic of the design and said “make this taste like a chocolate almond croissant” In my opinion, they really came through. The cake was DELICIOUS…I think they may have gone a little TOO much with the gold on the outside, but the inside was out of this world (and no, I have no qualms about critiquing my own cake) we are still eating it (we opted NOT to freeze the top part…we’ll just order a new one next year ) I can only look forward to having a lil something from them on the weekends now, but I am so happy to have had a lil piece of Brooklyn in my LI wedding.





RD
Trattoria Mulino- Rehearsal Dinner
Great little Italian restaurant on 5th ave in Park Slope. We decided just a week before the wedding NOT to have it at home, and they really came through. The food is really good and not to expensive. We ended up having a lovely evening and they set us up with the doors open. It was a lot more $$ than having it at home, but very reasonable for 28 people. Would recommend for a big party, or just a nice dinner out

Catering Hall
Westbury Manor
The Westbury Manor has such a great reputation on these boards, and it is very well earned. Every single person that works there makes it their own personal mission to make you happy. We were treated to so well and with such respect- it is an unforgettable feeling. I fell in love with it the minute we walked in, and after eating at the restaurant TWICE before the wedding, I had no doubt my guests would be well taken care of. Raul was our Maitre D and Lisset was our Bridal Attendant- both just blew us AND our families and guests away. No stone went unturned, no desire went unfulfilled. Our reception rolled like clockwork, but smooth as silk. Food service was so fast and flawless, it felt like service for 10, not 100. I have heard nothing but good things…the cocktail hour blew people away. We had the chocolate fountain AND the Brooklyn sundae Bar, both HUGE hits. People just couldn’t believe their eyes. The grounds are really lovely, and the Garden Room though the smaller room, is elegant and homey. People enjoyed their ability to step into the library for some chill out time, or out by the gorgeous fountain for a breathe of air or a smoke. I cannot say enough about the staff though. I’ve been to lovely places before, but never to a place were the staff actually seemed to ENJOY their work and making you happy. It was so pleasurable just to be there with them. And then there is my crush, Raul LOL I just LOVED him the first day I met him…his presence, his ease working with the staff, everything was completely under his control…Leo said it was like “the force” was with him LOL I know all of us think our places are great, and really they all are. the WM was the perfect match for us, and I hope you all are treated with the same amount of respect and love at your catering hall.





Photography
Twelfth Night Photo: Dom, Gabe, and Vanessa
I really can’t describe to you the incredible experience I had with 12th night. From the day we visited them, up until my phone conversation with Dom yesterday, it’s has been nothing short of PERFECT. Some of this has to do with the fact that our personalities clicked, but MOST of it has to do with their talent, good humor, TALENT, enthusiasm, TALENT…and most of all TALENT! The eyes that ALL of the photographers have are wonderful! Dom and Gabe were our scheduled photogs, but the day before Dom called to tell me he wanted to bring a new photog, Vanessa, along to shoot some of the wedding as well. Yes ladies, I have 3 photogs snapping away…covering everything. Talk about feeling special! LOL Dom made the posed/formal shots bearable and we just had the BEST time when we all went down to the Brooklyn Bridge for more pics. They totally went with us and our crazy ideas..(playing soccer and eating pizza) and I am really hopeful that they were able to capture US…the real Jessica and Leo, underneath the fancy dress, suits, makeup and hairpins. I am writing this as I wait for my proofs…but I am not posting until I get them LOL. Poor poor Gabe was left with us for the duration of the reception…and I think I saw him climbing a tree at one point LOL…seriously the guy was EVERYWHERE! I had a blast with him…and I think we bonded LOL..I hope to be going to one of his frat parties very soon! LOL I want to let the pics speak for themselves so I will stop babbling now, but suffice it to say-12th night is made up of some really talented and genuine people, and I am honored to have had them capture my wedding day!
edited to say: when I received my proofs, I cannot describe to you the feeling of utter joy I had (and have!) looking at them. Worth TRIPLE the price we paid (Dom, DO NOT RAISE YOUR PRICES B/C of this review ) you can see real feelings and emotions in the pictures, and come what may in life, they will help dh, me, and our family look back on a day that was truly filled with love and joy. they took over 1700 photos, and I'd love to show them ALL to you...but my community album has a good number, and I will try to update it with more.
RUN RUN RUN to 12th night...if nothing else, just to see what all the HYPE is about!









so, that's pretty much it ladies. I know it's long, but there is just so much to talk about. But in the end, it's these moments that make it so worth while. 12th night captured the 'reunion' bet. my brother and my cousin, both in the military, that hadn't seen each other for years b/c of their service, even though they grew up best friends....and also other family members that had drifted apart for a bit as well. and that's what this is, in the end, my lovlies...it's the joining of two families to create ONE...it's not the hair, dress, music, food (well, maybe a little ) it's all about FAMILY...for better and for worse.






I must also shout out my first true love, my beloved borough of BROOKLYN. I am a BK girl and I needed to have that part of us come through in our photos...the pier, the soccer, the PIZZA, the bridge...the LIFE that is Brooklyn. I hope you enjoy looking at our zany pics...and I hope it makes you hungry!

P.S. I am HORRIBLE at posting web images here, so if all you see is red x's, here is the link to my community album. where you will find all of the photos. pics in community album

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Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more

Your pictures are amazing! You and FH looked great! Congratulations!!

Absolutely love your flowers and BM dresses. Colors are gorgeous!!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more

Great review Jess, now only if I could see the pictures

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more

Thanks for the review....I could only see 3 pics but they were gorgeous!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more

I can only see three pics as well. Review is great non the less

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more

Congrats on the wedding!!!!!!! Wonderful review - now we just want to see the pictures!!!!!!!!!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more

Beautiful, gorgeous, stunning!!
Am I gushing enough??

Felicidades amor!!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more

great review, but a lot of the pics did not show

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more

congratulations and great review!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

OMG Jess...I have been waiting for your review since the day after you got married - it is nothing short of great...You looked stunning - I love how natural you and your DH are in your pictures - you can see that you both are just enjoying every moment of your special day - nothing but the best to both of you - every couple should do the same....

I CANNOT wait to use TwelfthNight - the feeling I got when I first met Dom and he showed us a sample dvd of a wedding he just shot - I was teary eyed while watching this couples wedding and I had no idea who they were - like you said he captures all the emotions that are going on that day - and that is exactly why I booked him - FH had no say in this one

and forget the excitment I have for Westbury Manor - cannot wait to go and see them for our menu...

Thanks for the review

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

great pics and a wonderful review, thank you so much!!!!!!!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

Wonderful review!! Your pictures are beautiful! I love reading abut wesbury manor!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

Is it bad to say that I absolutely love ya even if i have never 'met' ya? You were a beautiful bride, but more importantly a beautiful person to share this adventure with.

I wish you all the best life has to offer.

One more thing: 'It’s amazing how you can really feel those around you, even if you can’t see them.' --this quote is so true. We felt it on our wedding day as well.

G-d Bless!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

Your review brought tears to my eyes. YOu were stunning the day of your wedding, and you truly look so happy. Everything seemed so magical, I can tell just by looking at your smile in the pictures that you truly married the love of your life. Best wishes to you and your husband!!!!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

What a fantastic review! I can't wait to pic up my pics tonight from 12th Night!!!!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

Congrats, congrats, congrats!

Everything looked gorgeous, and I think your dress was absolutely stunning even if it wasn't what you expected...You looked like a princess!

Great review, gorgeous pics...thanks for posting!!!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

congratulations! what a great review you looked gorgeous and really seem to have enjoyed yourself which is wonderful to hear!!

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

I saw all of the pics-I think- and they all look great. I cant believe someone made that dress for you. It looks beautiful. You guys make a very good looking couple.

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

Your dress was beautiful...love the pictures...also love the idea of renting a car I suggested this to FH anfd he thoght I was crazy...I think it is something different

Re: My April 23 wedding review: Westbury Manor, 12th Night Photo, Signature Florist, Royalty Limos and more PIX are FIXED!

Jess...Everything is so amazing!!!! I love how personal everything was....You guys both look gorgeous!!!!

Congratulations and thanks for sharing such a great review!

All the best sweetie!