The Brides' Review - My LONG 3/11 USMMA Review (Edited 4/8 for full photo & video review)

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My LONG 3/11 USMMA Review (Edited 4/8 for full photo & video review)

coxmandi Posted: Mar 20, 2006 11:18 PM+

coxmandi MEMBER SINCE: 12/04 TOTAL POSTS : 1496 WEDDING DATE: Mar 11, 2006

Posted: Mar 20, 2006 11:18 PM

My LONG 3/11 USMMA Review (Edited 4/8 for full photo & video review)

I had a perfect day. There were things I would change, but only minor things. All my vendors were easy to deal with, and I have no major complaints. The day goes soo fast, and it will be a blur after the wedding. Take a few minutes every hour to take it all in, and enjoy the moments.

LIW: A
--Without LIW I wouldn't have found my DJ, Videographer, cake topper idea, picture ideas, flower inspiration, and so much more. My advice is to take everyone's advice on here, but remember it is your day and your wedding. At times it made me crazy to read about how much other people had done, or how much they were able to spend, or how many personalized touches they had. But if I kept things in perspective, I learned soo much.

Mother Nature: A+++++++++++++++++++++++++
--I can't believe that on March 11th, it was warm enough for pictures outisde. I never used my shrug/shawl that I had, and the sunlight was amazing.

Dress- Bridal Reflections in Carle Place: B+
--Dana was my consultant and she found me the perfect dress and it was well under my stated price range. I fell in love with it when I put it on, and didn't want to take it off. Don't be insulted with the dress sizes. I wear a size 4 every day, and the 10 was snug on me. Just buy what fits the best, and don't care about the label. My dress was a Paloma Blanca.
--I had my alterations done there, and there was some confusion about when the dress was going to be picked up. I made a trip to NY (from VA) specifically for what I thought was my final fitting, but my dress wasn't done (and all I had needed done was cups sown in and it hemmed).
--When I did pick up my gown, they did some last minute things to make it perfect (changing a few seams) and were willing to do what ever I wanted to make sure I was happy.
--At the reception several people stepped on my bustle and ripped one of the loops. I didn't want to have to sew or pin the dress, so I just carried the section that broke. It ended up looking cute in pictures, so I didn't mind. It wasn't Bridal Reflections fault that people stepped on my dress, but I wish they had sewn in two loops, so one could be a backup. All other alterations done were perfect.
--Overall, just make sure you have good communicaition with them.
Me carrying my bustle:

Bridesmaid dresses- NetBride.com A
--My BMs wore Bill Levkoff dresses, and they just got measured on their own and I ordered the dresses. Note his dresses run a little small. NetBride has excellent communication, and the dresses came in earlier than expected.

Veil/Tiarra- Barrons in Tri County A+
--They were both exactly what a wanted, and they were so easy and nice to deal with.

Shoes- Payless: A+
--They were $19.99 and so comfortable. You don't need designer shoes, the only time anyone saw mine was when the photographer had me pose with them.

coxmandi Posted: Mar 20, 2006 11:22 PM+

coxmandi MEMBER SINCE: 12/04 TOTAL POSTS : 1496 WEDDING DATE: Mar 11, 2006

Posted: Mar 20, 2006 11:22 PM

Re: My LONG 3/11 USMMA Review (Editied 4/8 for photo & video review)

Invitations- Invitations and Beyond in Oceanside: A
--Easy to deal with, great prices, and very helpful.

STDs- VistaPrint A
--I made STD magnets myself and ordered them from www.vistaprint.com Everyone loved them. Prices are cheap, and shipping is quick.

Unity Candle, Programs, Favor Bags - Ebay A
--I used Favor Frenzy and had no problems.

DJ- FM Entertainment: A
--Frank was really helpful. I am clueless when it comes to music, and just gave him what I wanted for the specific 'special' dances and he did the rest. People were up dancing, and thought he played a great variety of music. He was so easy to work with, and did everything we asked.

Limo Bus- Royalty: A
We had arranged transportation for our guests to and from the wedding. No one had complaints and the drivers were prompt.

Photo- Studio 307/Joseph Mancuso: A-
--They are a husband/wife team that works out of their home in Long Beach. They were a pleasure to work with, and were very very good at setting up people and pictures. FM for contact information.
(After viewing proofs): I love most all of my 300+ proofs!!! All of our formal portraits came out fantastic. I wish they had been a little more candid or photojournalistic, but I knew when I booked them that wasn't their specialty. I know our album is going to be great though. I am glad I had table cameras out because we got some great shots from that. But I would highly highly recommend my photographer, the price was fantastic. Some proofs are in my community album.

Video- Wild Rose: A
--Joe was our videographer and he was easy to work with.
(After seeing video) There had been a problem on my wedding day, one of the videographers was not able to get into my wedding because of expired car inspection (I got married at a federal military academy and that is a major no-no). I didn't even realize this until after the wedding was over. Wild Rose had my cell phone, but didn't call because there was nothing I could have done, and they didn't want to sress me out. I'm really really glad they didn't bother me. As a result of the confusion they upgraded my package. The video is great!!!!!!!!!!!! They really captured all the important moments and DH and I could watch the opening and recap over and over again. If you book Wild Rose they won't disapoint you!!!

Flowers- Wicks in Baldwin: A
--The flowers were delivered early, and were exactly what I wanted. All the BoK and Bout. were of a good size. I thought the centerpieces were a little less full than the sample, but they still looked good, and no one else noticed.

Hair/Make Up- DeFranco Spagnolo in Greak Neck A+
--I loved what they did. My hair and make up stayed all night long and didn't move. I didn't even have to reapply my lipstick!!!

US Merchant Marine Academy - Chapel and Melville Hall for Reception A+++++++++++++++++++++
--Although most people cannot get married here, I wanted to share my review. I had an amazing time there. My DH graduated from there, so it was meaningful for him to be married there. The grounds are gorgeous, and the staff was very helpful. Richard is the banquet manager, and he knows his stuff. He attended to every detail. The food was amazing, the view amazing, and I was on cloud nine when I saw the set up.

Honeymoon- Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana DR: A++++++++++++++++
--Absolutely Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!! DH and I were sooo relaxe d after our 7 nights here. We felt pampered and spoiled and were in heaven. It is all inclusive, and the food and drinks were really good. We booked through Beach Bum, and they gave us the best price by several hundred dollars.