My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

A piece of advice before I begin:

Through all of the planning, DH and I had been through so many ups and downs. We lost friends who we thought were going to be with us forever (not because of the wedding), DH lost his job 3 weeks before the wedding, we ran out of money, and we had some disappointments on the day of. However, we were always happy with each other and we always knew that no matter what happened, we were getting married and would be spending the rest of our lives together and that was really what the day was all about. So, no matter what happened, we can look back on this time with amazing memories and remember that through it all we stood by each other and did this together. When you are planning your wedding, take some time to remember that you are getting married to your best friend, the person you could live without, but would never want to.
Also remember that these are just reviews based on one bride’s day and cannot give you a true picture of how a business is run and all of the years of service a vendor has given. This is my story, the good and the bad. I hope that all of my good passes onto the future brides, and that my telling you all of the bad helps you to cover all of the things that may go wrong on your day so you can fix them before they happen.
With that said, let the reviewing begin!!!

Before Wedding:
Proposal: I absolutely love how DH proposed so I had to add this in. His best friend at the time called me one night and asked if I was planning on doing anything for Brian’s (DH) birthday. I hadn’t really thought about it so he suggested that we throw him a surprise party at his favorite restaurant, Planet Thai in Williamsburg. So Brian’s friend took care of all the details and I told Brian we were just going out to dinner with 2 of his friends and their girlfriends. So his friend Vito picked us up and we drove to the restaurant where we were supposed to meet 2 other people. Well…little did Brian know he had a whole room of people waiting there to surprise him! We walk in and they bring us to the room where we were eating. It was mostly his friends and one of mine (but we were all friends anyway so it didn’t matter-irrelevant I know) Anyway!!! We sit down and the friend who threw the party got up to thank everyone for coming and being on time so he could keep the surprise going. So Brian decides to get up and say a few words…after a few minutes he says…”thanks everyone for coming out for my birthday but I knew about the party all along” Now clearly I am the culprit here who opened her big mouth and spilled the beans and everyone starts heckling me, but wait!! He starts blabbing on and on about nonsense obviously because he is nervous, so now I start heckling him and say to our friend, “where does he think he is his wedding?” So Brian turns to his friend who helped plan the party, he reaches into his pocket, so Brian says, “I knew because I planned the whole thing. I wanted to plan the perfect proposal.” He takes the box gets down on one knee and proposes!! No one knew except for a few people, the rest of the party was speechless. He really did an awesome job, we did get into a few fights because I knew he was keeping something from me but I thought it was bad…you can’t always be right!



Scott Jewelers (Brooklyn) C-
DH bought my engagement ring here. I love my ring, it is beautiful. The only thing is that side diamond fell out 2 months after we got engaged, again that summer 8 prongs broke, and then again at the end of last year four prongs broke. Over the summer they told me that had to re-do all the prongs. They said they would have my ring for less than a week. I kept calling and calling and my ring was not ready. 2 weeks later I finally got it. I told DH I would never go there again.





Kennedy’s On the Bay (Breezy Point) A+
My mom and sister planned my shower. It was a tea party themed brunch. The centerpieces were white roses in painted tea pots, the favors were homemade butter cookies and small bags of tea. The food was awesome as always and we really had a nice time.






Famous Dave’s BBQ A+
DH and I had some “issues” with our rehearsal dinner. We decided to just have everyone over to the apartment the Friday before to do a small rehearsal and give out gifts. Well, we didn’t know what kind of food to get. We knew we would be having Italian at the wedding so we didn’t want to do that again. Famous Dave’s is one of our favorite places to eat. It was DH’s idea to order from them. They came all the way from Westbury to Queens to deliver and set up everything. They came in and were out in like 15 minutes. We had about 25 people here so there was a decent amount to set up. Everyone loved the food so I have to give DH credit for this one!

Gabriel Jewelers (Tri-County Flea Market) A+
Since I got my engagement ring somewhere else I was afraid that my band wouldn’t match. Oh how I was wrong! It matches perfectly. I have a 7 stone prong setting with princess cut diamonds to match my e-ring and DH got princess cut diamonds in his band to match. They are both white gold.




DH also got his groomsmen gifts here. They were stainless steel bracelets. The guys loved them and they all wore them the day of the wedding. Only a few of them had to take a link out.

Barron’s Tri-County A
I got my hairclip and my niece’s hairclips here. My clip matched the beading on my dress perfectly. I loved it!


Oz Boutique and alterations upstairs A-
My mom and MIL got their dresses here. I loved their dresses. They fit great and they felt comfortable in them. I thought it was funny when my mom went into the store seeing as how I got my prom dress there! But, they did have lovely dresses for the moms so I felt much better about it. The only problem was that I think they cut MIL’s dress too short. They just started cutting and didn’t ask her how much she wanted off. It still looked nice; I just thought it should be a little longer.



Macy’s (Coach) A
I got the girl’s Coach wristlets. They loved them and I think this is such a practical gift. I got most of them the white and beige and one girl the pink because like me, pink is her favorite color. I didn’t even have to wrap them because the boxes were so cute.

Perfect details (www.perfectdetails.com) A
My friend bought my Unity Candle from them. It was so pretty! The sent it all wrapped up in paper and plastic so it wouldn’t get ruined. The delivery was pretty fast also.


Michael’s
We got our cardbox and unity candle holders here. They too did the job!

Myownlabels.com (www.myownlabels.com) A
Cupcake labels: We ordered them like a week before the wedding. We got them with more than enough time to spare. They were cute and exactly what I needed. I did a little research and they actually had the best price for what I needed.


Invitation Consultants (www.invitationconsultants.com) A
I just wanted plain cream invites with brown wording. That’s what I got. They were very cheap and I had them within a week of receiving my proof. I would definitely order from them again.



Blue Tux Shoes A
I ordered my shoes online. I got them just in time for my first fitting. They were comfortable and I had no problems. I liked that the soles were blue.



Martha’s Country Bakery (Forest Hills) A+
I love cupcakes and so does Brian (DH). We were originally going to do Godiva chocolates but wanted something more “us”. Cupcakes were a perfect fit. We ordered them about 2 weeks prior to the wedding and then picked them up the day before. Everything was all ready to go. We got half lemon coconut (my choice) and half red velvet (Brian’s). They were delicious. I don’t even think half of them made it passed the reception.

Staples
We printed our programs here on resume paper. We brought the CD in one morning; we had the programs an hour later. They were cute, they did their job.



Things Remembered
I bought my mom’s gift here. My grandparent’s song was “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. I bought her a music box that played their song. Both my grandparents passed away when I was little so whenever she hears the song she thinks about them

Wedding Day and Major Vendors

Howard Beach Formals A
No problems here. All the guys ordered their tuxes about 2 weeks before the wedding and they all had them on the day of! Their only task and they did well. I chose to get the tie and the vest in brown. It had some black threads going through so I think it looked really nice with the black tux and the brown bridesmaid dresses




US Limousines A+
I love love loved my car. My father loves Cadillacs so I knew that I would have to get one for us to drive in to the RH. We needed a big enough one for me, him and my mom. We got a vintage I believe it was a 1947. For the bridal party we got an Escalade. The drivers were early to my house, they helped everyone in and out of the car, they look care of the flowers and even helped my mom with all the stuff she was holding. They were really nice and the guy that drive me knew a lot about the car and I think helped to calm my dad’s nerves because they were talking about it the whole ride there. It was so cool driving in it…people kept honking and waving.







Lillette’s Bridal A
I found my dress at another well known bridal shop but didn’t want to but it there because I heard bad reviews. Well I got my dress at Lillette’s and then heard bad reviews about them! I went with what I thought would be the best for me and it turned out fine. The only complaint is that my dress did not have a hook on the back when I put it on the day of the wedding. I don’t know if my sister broke it and didn’t want to say anything, or if they removed it at Lillette’s and never replaced it. To tell you the truth, I don’t care! It stayed on and Lynette at Jericho Terrace sewed it up and it was fine all night.

I also ordered my veil from Lillette’s. When I had originally tried it on it was cathedral length. I decided that I wanted a one layer fingertip length veil instead. Mine had a blusher but was still only one layer. Well they found out that they would be able to order me the veil in a shorter length. I was so happy because I felt like it matched the beading on my dress perfectly. When I went in for my final fitting one of the women that works there asked if she could borrow my veil for a second. Apparently another bride wanted exactly what I had and it turned out that the company told her she couldn’t have it! Boy am I glad I did everything early! That veil was perfect. And my hair stylist loved me for it because it had a metal comb. Apparently the plastic ones do not hold as well.

BM got their dresses there as well. They were from Bill Levkoff in Sable and Champagne I believe. They came in on time and exactly when Lillette’s said they would. There were some issues with alterations but I feel like no matter where you go you are going to have some trouble with this. Plus almost all of my girls were on diets!! This is obviously not a good time to do this but whenever a dress needed to be fixed it was. Again, some of the clasps on the dresses were not metal on the day of or were non-existent prior to the wedding. I don’t know what to say about this but the dresses stayed on.

My FG also got their dresses here. My senior flower girl had the pearl and chocolate and my little flower girl had the diamond white and pearl. I fell in love with this dress as soon as I saw it. It was perfect. The only thing is that they were very tight under the arms. I don’t think this had anything to do with alterations but my niece was complaining all night.












Marco’s Hair Salon (Ozone Park) A+++++
This is my regular hair salon. I had my first hair trial there when I went for my final fitting. My mom and DH hated it! I am not one to wear my hair up usually so they thought I would look better with it down. Well I had a picture and my big mouth on the day of the wedding to help me when I decided to change the whole thing. Talk about rolling with it!!! My hair came out awesome! She listened to everything that I had to say and obviously gave me her opinions on what to do. Without a trial I think I looked fabulous! I really had no doubt that she would do an amazing job.
Same thing with my make-up, I had a “trial” last summer for my e-pics. I wanted something bolder. Turns out the girl that did my make-up for the e-pics didn’t work there anymore. No biggie! I went in the day of the wedding and told her what I wanted. I had to say only three things before she was working on me. I really loved my make-up. She did exactly what I wanted!
My mom, sister, cousin, and one bridesmaid got their hair and make-up done, my niece and other flower girl had their hair done, and another bridesmaid had her make-up done. We started at 8am and everyone was done and by my house by 12:30. It was really nice to know that everyone would be ready and on time for pictures.





Rabbi Swerdlow (Interfaith Clergy)
Such a nice person, I loved working with Interfaith Clergy. Rabbi Swerdlow was so helpful and he helped make our ceremony so special. Before the wedding he and Father Sweeney said to me, whatever happens today is happening for a reason. These are the things that are going to make your day unique. Cherish every moment. I remembered this when things went down with the DJ.





NYC Photobooth (www.nycphotobooth.com) A++++
This was one of the best parts of our wedding. Everyone went in and had so much fun. My niece must have gone in at least 10 times!! It was something we had never seen done before and the same for most of our guests. We got the couture wedding album done were the designed the pages to look like a scrap book. It was also like a guest book because people got to write in it. We had so many people take pictures that we had to call and ask for more sheets! The guy that ran it was so nice and helpful. He told me that if I wanted him to shut it down at any point in the night to just let him know. I did because I wanted to go in with my niece. DH and I were able to go in before the reception to take two sets of photos to put on the first and last page. I think it was totally worth it and we got to use it as part of our favor.










Starlight Express
I do not feel that it is right to give this vendor a grade. I was really excited to have them do my wedding. DH and I were afraid that they would be out of our price range when we saw them but were thrilled to find that we could afford them. We knew right when we met with them that they would be our DJ. This isn’t going to be a pleasant review but I do not want to bash them either. We did choose them and I know that they are an excellent company and have done some amazing weddings; mine just wasn’t one of them. If you have booked them, I am sure you have nothing to worry about and I don’t want to put doubts in your mind. The purpose of me writing this is so that there aren’t any future brides who have the same problems as me. I don’t want to give names because I am not pointing fingers here. I just want to tell the facts as they happened to DH and me.
We met with someone a few weeks before the wedding to go over everything. We thought he had written everything down, from what we could tell he did. I even wrote down some requests. Everything seemed great. DH called them the Thursday before the wedding to find out when the Father of the Bride speech would be made and he was told a time, right before the cake. We settled all our music and everything was great.
The ceremony- I really wanted to have “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys play as we walked back down the aisle after getting married. Well it did, only I was almost half way out the door before it actually came on. The rabbi gave the cue and it was still delayed. After the ceremony our MC came in to ask some questions and introduce himself. He didn’t seem very friendly but I brushed it off thinking he had to get back and he didn’t want to bother us.
The reception- My sister kind of freaked out right before her speech. That didn’t please our MC. He got short with her and walked away. I told him she was scared and he was like “ooookk” and just walked away. I asked for very little 70’s and that’s what they started the night with. Whatever. I asked for the “Cha Cha Slide” to be played for my niece, never done. We asked for a birthday announcement, he came to me at 11:15, the wedding ended at 11:30 and asked if she was still there and she had gone already. As stated earlier, DH called to confirm the order of speeches, they never did the FOB speech then when asked about it our MC said he didn’t know about it. They gave away the centerpieces at 10:30 and everyone thought the wedding was over. DH had to tell the MC that it wasn’t over to tell people not to leave! No one even knew we had and MC. Also, we called to discuss all the problems and we were given what I felt were excuses for everything. I was very disappointed and shocked at how our wedding was handled.
But I have to say that people were dancing, the percussionist was great and I had a wonderful time. These are things that only DH, our families and very close friends noticed. Everyone enjoyed themselves and in the end that’s all that matters, right?




















Flowers by Brian (A)
Another vendor we booked 2 years in advance. They were a little pricey for me but DH insisted we get them. He loved their work and that’s all that mattered to him.
My bouquet was all mini callas wrapped in white organza. The girls had hydrangeas wrapped in brown organza, my MOH had hydrangeas and mini callas wrapped in brown organza, the moms had a mini calla clutch, my senior flower girl had a white hydrangea kissing ball, the boys and dads had two mini callas for their boutonnieres, and DH’s grandmother had a traditional corsage with an orchid.
Our centerpieces were on a gold stand. I had hydrangeas, roses, Casablanca lilies, and I think some baby’s breath as filler, not too sure.
I loved my flowers and my bouquet was still alive 10 days later. The only problem was that the hydrangeas died very quickly. I don’t think this is their fault, even if they would have warned me I know I wouldn’t have listened. I don’t care though, when I saw them they looked awesome and in my pictures they looked awesome.



You can see the wilting here






You can kind of see my sister's (MOH) bok here









F I N E A R T Photography/Video (A++++++)
Totally worth every single penny! We booked with Jimmy the summer of ’06 after Michael from JT recommended them. We met with other photographers but we didn’t click with them the way we did with Jimmy. We had our engagement pictures done with Frank who was a doll. So we know that it isn’t only Jimmy who is great but other photographers they have on staff as well. Also Nora, who runs the place, is awesome as well. She is so sweet and so helpful.
Before the wedding we had no worries about them either. We went over everything with them and Jimmy had given us all of the information we needed so we didn’t even have to ask any questions.
The day of: We had Jimmy, Dean and Nicole. Jimmy called me the Thursday before the wedding to go over some details. He decided that since DH would be arriving so early at JT (2:00 for a 5:00 ceremony) that he should have a photographer there with him and the boys. So, he sent Dean who got some really great shots of the boys.
Nicole and Jimmy came to me. Jimmy made jokes and kept everyone calm and was so sweet about telling everyone where to stand and how to pose. My mom started crying right away and he made jokes to calm her down so she wouldn’t ruin her make-up lol. I started crying when I came down the stairs and looked at my parents. He knew when to take the shot but he also knew when he needed to move on because with all the tears we would look like crazy messes.
At Jericho we got everything done so quickly. He got everyone where they needed to be and was just all around awesome. I absolutely love my pictures

Video A++
Also F I N E A R T. our videographer was Wayne. He did an awesome job of staying out of everyone’s way. I didn’t even know he was there until he came up to DH and me to ask us to say a little something in the camera. He asked one question about interviews and left us alone all night. He was kind enough to step out with my father so that he could do his speech and we would at least have it on tape.



















































First Dance (Me and DH) A++++
I think we did an awesome job. We practiced the whole week before the wedding and added turns and a lift. This was our only true DIY lol. So I think we deserved a pat on our backs!







Our best man appropriately showing our guests how any why DH met.


Jericho Terrace A+ to infinity
This is going to be a long one because I have so many things to say about them. I want to make sure that any bride considering them knows just how fabulous they are!!!
Before Wedding: We formed a great relationship with our BM Mike Kloss. He is the funniest easiest going guy in the world. We weren’t sure at first if we wanted to go with JT because they were an obvious choice due to recommendations. We wanted someplace different. After meeting with Michael and looking at the place, we were sold. Any questions we had were answered. Whether it was about vendors or just something silly, Michael was always there to help. In the years and weeks leading up o our wedding, this was the only vendor we had NO worries about.
Wedding Night: Our Maitre’D was Jose. He was a real sweetheart when we met and on the night of. He took care of everything. We went in the night before to give our favors and all of our ceremony things. He was taking notes as we spoke and assured DH (because he was a wreck) that everything would be fine.
Our wonderful Bridal Attendants were Lynette and Billy. They were awesome!!! The clasp to my dress broke and when I was in the bridal suite Lynette had me take off my dress and she fixed it for me. From taking pictures and everyone pulling on my veil and DH shoving his head all over me during pictures lol my hair was a wreck. Before the reception she took me into the suite and curled my hair and fixed me veil. They were so much fun and took care of every little thing that we needed. We had so much fun with them that we all got into the photo booth together at the end of the night to take a picture.
We had a lot of things going on for the wedding and they took care of everything. The pictures, candles, favors, toasting flutes, cake cutter…everything was where it was supposed to be and where they said it would be.
The food was amazing!!! We ate a little! They even wrapped up meals for DH and me to take to the hotel with us. The place was gorgeous!!! There were a lot of weddings going on at the same time which I was worried about. I never crossed paths with a bride. I did see them taking pictures but we were never walking next to each other or in each other’s way. They really did an excellent job of making sure everyone had their own night.
Before we left Jose, Billy and Linette had packed our boxes and made sure we had what we needed to go home with. They helped us to the car and stayed until we pulled off. I cannot tell you how amazing it was to feel like people were there only to make sure that your day was everything you planned and hoped it to be. I really cannot express how amazing their service was. Like I said, we had high expectations but we could not have anticipated what a great experience they would have given us.
All of my guests raved about the food and the general look of Jericho. I have to say if it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would have been as calm about my day and the things that happened. I LOVE EVERYONE AT JERICHO TERRACE!!!

















Ok well good luck to all the future brides! I really hope you found this to be useful. May your day be everything you wished for and more. If not, remember you are married!!! This is what it is all about!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

Everything looked unbelievably gorgeous! I loved your cupcake favor - there's a Martha's up the block from my school in Astoria - their cupcakes are the best! Congratulations!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

wonderful detailed review...congrats!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

Great review!!!! Thank you for writing it! Beautiful pictures!!! Everything looked great!!! Congrats!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

GORGEOUS! Congrats!!!!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

great review, gorgeous pics!!! congrats, you look beautiful

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

great review.....you looked gorgeous........i'm also a jt bride and i can't wait for my wedding, glad to see that you were very happy with them

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

wow beautiful! great review!

i love your cake cutter..its so adorable to match ur cake....or that just the reflection? lol either way its cool!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

you were/are a gorgeous bride!!!!! thank you for sharing your review!!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

everything was beautiful! congratulations! great review!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

You look soo Beautiful! Love everything about your reviews!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

Fabulous review... alot of the elements of your wedding were things FH and I were thinking of doing or are doing too. lol

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

Omg! Your wedding was fabulous everything looked amazing. I love to see great reviews for Jericho terrace it makes me feel warm and bubbly. You and your darling husband did a great job planning your wedding. Congratulations!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

Great Review! Your pics are amazing! And your proposal was sooo sweet, Congrats to you and DH

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

thanks for the review, you looked so stunning! I am bringing some pictures of you to my hair dresser~


Congrats~

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

Great review! your pics are beautiful! Im going to def. look into the pphotobooth company you used!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

You were a beautiful bride! Great review!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

Beautiful wedding! You looked so pretty!Thanks for the greayt review!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

Great review!! Thank you for sharing your pictures and thoughts! Everything looked amazing!! Absolutely Gorgeous!!!

Re: My March 29, 2008 Wedding at Jericho Terrace. Including but not limited to, Flowers by Brian, US Limousines, Lillette's, Vendors in Tri-County Flea Market

Excellent review...beautiful wedding!!!