My initial review of my 11/4/07 FLOWERFIELD wedding! Including: Pennylane, Lovin Oven Floral, Tommy's Tunes

Ok...I know it has taken me forever to write my review but I'm going to start considering I'm sitting here with a raging case of the flu!! So...here I go!!

As all the brides before me have said...LIW, I can't thank you enough. Without all the lurking about, I would've had NO clue what I was doing. For that, I am eternally grateful.

I don't even know how to begin to break down a year and a half of planning but I'll try.

We did not do save the dates, as it was an off season wedding, and I was too lazy...but I do have to say invites were the hardest part for me so I'll start there. I originally booked smashing cards, but got canceled (in more than ample time) due to personal issues by their main person. I ended up getting my invites from:

Invitations, Bridal shower extras...Have You Heard: A

Have You Heard Inc...who we saw at the LIW showcase last year. While they were not cheap, I have to say Ginny was a life saver!! We picked simple invitations and they were ready in less than a week after the proof was finalized. My mom got all my bridal shower things from them, and I bought all my ribbon and extra supplies from them. I did not get my favors, thank yous, or rehearsal dinner invites from them...bc I felt they were a little pricey...but what I did get from them was timely, and effortless. So, they get an A

Inklinations Manhasset - Rehearsal Invites - B

I ended up getting my rehearsal dinner invites at Inklinations in Manhasset, which was next to my bridal salon. I have to saw their service is lacking and the people there always seem stressed. They were never overwhelmingly helpful, but my invites were done the way I wanted them, and on time. I give them a B, but if I had to do it over again I would get them at Have You Heard in a heartbeat. (I live in queens, so manhasset was closer for me)

Wedding Salon of Manhasset - A

I only went shopping one day for my dress bc I knew I wanted a Reem Acra. The salon was the only one outside of manhattan that sold her, so I went in there and found a dress I LOVED. They gave me 10% off the dress...which saved us close to $500, which was nice. The salesgirl was extremely helpful, I forget her name, but she has left the store since anyways. The ladies that work there are never overwhelmingly friendly, but they are always helpful. Casey did my alterations and she was quick and did a great job. The day of the wedding only one of my bustle ties broke, and I think it was bc DH stepped on it, the rest held up beautifully. I got my veil and headpiece there as well. Dionne custom made it for me...I didn't ask the price, and I should've. It was EXTREMELY expensive. Don't get me wrong, they were both AMAZING...but it cost my $1700 for the veil and headpiece, I almost died!! Her work is impeccable, and not cheaply done, but $1700?? HOLY CRAP! My mom paid, so I didn't faint...but just to forwarn u haha. Other than the $$ the salon was great. All my fittings went smoothly and they were very professional. I believe I paid $500 for alterations, which is their flat rate with a simple bustle. As long as u know going in there it isn't going to be cheap, you will be pleased!

Diamond Roof --Sam at Tri County: A+++++

Ok...I have had some bad experiences at tri county, but my brother has been using Sam for years and I took his advice. We bought my engagement ring, our wedding bands, bridesmaids gifts, DH's watch, and the flowergirl and ringbearer's gifts from him. Sam and his wife Nor have always been extremely helpful, honest, and fairly priced. He gave me amazing deals on everything, and when we got my engagement ring appraised, it was worth $7000 more than what we paid. I have referred him to numerous friends, and they have all been extremely satisfied with him. He custom made my wedding band and when I originally didn't like the amount of diamonds, he fixed it AND didn't charge me a dime extra!! He is AMAZING...I wouldn't hesitate recommending him to anyone!

Ciao Baby Carle Place - Rehearsal A

I wanted something simple and not to expensive...especially considering we weren't actually rehearsing anything, it was just a lunch!! They were very attentive, honest, and the food, as usual was enormous!! The guests raved and everyone was happy. The dessert was gross...it was some sort of grahm cracker pudding thing...but we didn't pay extra for it. They did say they were giving us a cake so I didn't buy one, and they didn't....but it wasn't a big deal.

Danford's on the Sound - C+

Ok...where do I start?? My girls and I stayed here the night before the wedding, and about 35 ppl stayed the night of the wedding. We threw a breakfast for all the guests the next morning which was catered by them as well. The hotel has that old world charm, bed and breakfast feel to it which is y I picked it. I didn't want my out of towners staying at hotel that overlooked the LIE, I wanted some ambiance!! Danford's definently has ambiance...but the service was HORRIBLE!!! They are renovating most of the hotel and the room I originally booked was closed, so they gave me the next similar sized room, which was their tower suite. I wasn't crazy for this room, but it was 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and had a huge living room, so it was more than adequate. Not only did they try to charge me the $300 difference in the room, but when I questioned them, they gave me an attutitude. Not only was I not aware of the renovations, but u changed my room without telling me and now ure charging me for it?!!?? So that was problem 1....then the front desk was CLUELESS...not just one person, the whole staff those 2 days we were there. I called to ask if we could use the fireplace and was told 'I dont know' The eventually sent someone up to light it for us and then informed us if we used another log we would be charged. Then they said they had no record of the breakfast I was holding, that I PREPAID for!!! SO I had to call the morning after my wedding to check if everything was ok and where it was being held. My guests had no idea where to go, I was so embarassed!! Oh, did I mention that half the lamps in my room had no light bulbs?? and 2 chairs were broken?? RANDOM!! My bridal party had to pay to put chocolate covered strawberries and champagne in our room the night of the wedding, bc when she asked if they did anything they said NO...ahahahaha...oh THEN...they tried to charge me twice for the breakfast...and gave 3 guests the wrong room!!! All that wouldn't mattered so much if they had at least been friendly to myself and my guests, which they were not. I wrote a not so nice letter to the hotel, needless to say I haven't heard back!! They nickel and dime u for EVERYTHING!! A resort fee?? haha are we AT a resort??? I DO NOT recommend them unless they can get their act together!!

Lisa Marie Photo - A-

I LOVE Lisa. She worked for ADA for years and recently branched out on her own. She was always super friendly, approachable, professional, and got us our proofs within a month. My only complaint, which is partly my fault, is that there weren't any pictures of us in the room before the guests came in, or a lot of pictures of the bouquets, invites, etc...the little things. In the end it doesn't really matter...but it would be nice to have some more pictures of that stuff. Overall she did a great job and is one of the nicest people I have ever dealt with!

Judy, the brides best friend DOC - A+

I found Judy in my quest to find a priest who would marry us at Flowerfield. DH and I are both Catholic, but we are not religious. My mom's church was being renovated and our original preist canceled on us 3 mths b4 the wedding. She was amazing!! She helped me plan EVERYTHING!! She gave me advice and her honest thoughts from day one, and made sure everyone was taken care of on the day. My parents and guests raved about her, and I never had a card in my hand for more than 2 seconds!! She helped me more than words can say and didn't charge me an arm and a leg. I still talk to her via email and the occaionsal phone call...she has become a great resource and friend!! I would highly recommend her!!

Pennylane Productions - Video- A+++++++++

What can I say about Adam and his staff that hasn't already been said?? Well..I originally booked another videographer, who I loved. When my mom saw Adam's work, she HAD to have him. I booked him 2 mths before the wedding (thank god he was still available) and lost a $500 deposit with my other video company, understandably. Adam was more expensive than more other company...twice the price actually...but he was worth every penny and then some!!! He and his staff did an amazing job!! I haven't seen the finished product yet, but I can't wait!! I didn't notice he was there, but was aware that he was filming everything. I got the 2 cameraman package with getting ready footage and the movie trailer. The trailer is at: pennylaneprod.com/clients/kathraf.htm for anyone that would like to see. He is so excited about what he does, and it shows in his work. He was one of my favorite vendors!!

I need to take a break...flu is kicking in!! Ill be back with more reviews...tommy's tunes, lovin oven and pics...!!

Re: My initial review of my 11/4/07 FLOWERFIELD wedding! Including: Pennylane, Lovin Oven Floral, Tommy's Tunes

Thank you for the great review!! Post some pics when you get a chance!! I'd love to see them!

Re: My initial review of my 11/4/07 FLOWERFIELD wedding! Including: Pennylane, Lovin Oven Floral, Tommy's Tunes

what a great review so far....I cant wait to read the rest of it!!! feel better!!

Re: My initial review of my 11/4/07 FLOWERFIELD wedding! Including: Pennylane, Lovin Oven Floral, Tommy's Tunes

thanks for sharing and congrats!

Re: My initial review of my 11/4/07 FLOWERFIELD wedding! Including: Pennylane, Lovin Oven Floral, Tommy's Tunes

cool trailer -- exciting music can't wait for more!
thanks for the review!

Re: My initial review of my 11/4/07 FLOWERFIELD wedding! Including: Pennylane, Lovin Oven Floral, Tommy's Tunes

Thanks. Can't wait for more!!

Re: My initial review of my 11/4/07 FLOWERFIELD wedding! Including: Pennylane, Lovin Oven Floral, Tommy's Tunes

congrats
cant wait to see pics