My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ MORE PICS ADDED

My wedding day was truly to die for. The weather was a bit shaky earlier in the week, but when my day came; it was the most beautiful day ever. The sun was shining so bright, I was so happy. Although during the entire planning process and on the day I was very calm. I’m the type of person where I just like to let things fall into place and not worry that they won’t, so my bridal party and I were pretty cool. The best advice I can give was the advice I got from my best friend (MOH’s) mother. She told me that little things here and there may go wrong, but no one will notice it but you, and not to let it ruin your day. She was absolutely right, but I didn’t stress and let it ruin my day, it’s my wedding day, nothing could have ruined it in my eyes. Anyhow, here it goes:

LIW: A++++++++++
Although I didn’t post that much, LI Weddings helped me tremendously. I read a lot of the posting and got a lot of great ideas I probably would have never thought about if I hadn’t been on; so thanks to all you ladies for sharing your ideas, your vendor ratings and giving your advice. It really made a big difference in the way I planned my wedding.

SAVE THE DATE MAGNETS, Vista print, www.vistaprint.com A+
I designed the magnet and ordered 100 for about $35.00, which was a great deal. They took about 14 days to arrive. They looked exactly like I wanted them to.

INVITATIONS: Party City, Brooklyn, NY – A++++++++
I wasn’t trying to spend too much money on invitations. I just wanted something to reflect the simplicity and elegance of our wedding and I found that at Party City. DH and I (well mostly me) sat and went through about 10 – 12 books of invitations and finally decided on one. It was exactly what we wanted. I pretty much already knew how I wanted it worded so our salesperson, Lane, made sure everything sounded correct and spelling was correct and placed the order. We got a proof the next day (which happened to be a Sunday) and the invites were in a week later. Also, all their invites were 30% off the listed price, so we got a great deal. I would definitely go there again if I need invites for anything else.



WEDDING GOWN & ALTERATION: Lestans Bridal Headquarters, Brooklyn, NY – C
I’m really not too picky a person and I had no idea what kind of dress I wanted, but I am an avid watcher of Bridezillas and I saw a particular dress that caught my eye. It happened to be worn by one of the brides from the second season, Antonella. When I saw it I was like, that is the dress I want. I found out the dress was by Maggie Sottero and went on her website to see where it was available in my area. Low and behold, that place was Lestans, which happens to be about 10 minutes from my house so I’m like great. I go there and they have a sample of the dress in my size, I try it on, along with a couple of others to be fair. I was told If I wanted the dress it had to be ordered by October 15, because it was going to be discontinued so I went ahead and ordered it from there, this was late September. I was told that my dress would be in around the first week in January and that I would get a phone call. Well, I never got the phone call, so of course I took the initiative and called to check and of course, it had come in and had been sitting there a week and no one bothered to let me know. When it can time for alterations, which were $200.00 and had to be paid upon ordering the dress, I only needed a couple of minor adjustments (the top fit a bit big and she did a bustle) Basically, I felt like I wasted the money, my mom could have done those alterations. The reason I’m giving them a C is that they over booked the days I had my two fittings, they kept taking people before me, while each time I was waiting at least an hour without anyone telling me anything. I ended up rescheduling both times for early afternoons (which I had to take time off of work for), so that the fitting would get done. I wouldn’t recommend this place, the customer service was pretty bad, although one salesperson there, Terri helped me as much as she could.



BRIDESMAIDS & MAID OF HONOR DRESSES – Pearls Place, Metairie, Louisiana A+++++++
One of my bridesmaids, my MOH and I went to Lestans to check out dresses. My bridesmaids ranged in size from 4 – 28, so I wanted to have a dress that would flatter them all, even if they didn’t all have on the same dress (I had 5 bridesmaids and 1 MOH). My MOH definitely wanted to dress different from everyone else, so she liked a two piece from Impressions bridal. Three of my other bridesmaids (sizes 4 – 16) liked a dress from Davinci Bridal and the last bridesmaid (size 28) like another dress from Davinci Bridal. I didn’t want to order the dresses from Lestans, the price was too high, about ($155.00) for the bridesmaids and ($296.00) for the MOH. I ended up pricing the dresses at 4 different places and Pearls Place beat them all by far ($95.00) for the bridesmaids and ($200.00) for the MOH, so, I ordered the dresses from there. They came within 4 – 6 weeks and I made the girls responsible for getting their own alterations, so it wouldn’t be on me. This worked out well.



EBAY – Veil, Ring pillow, cake topper, garter, dress tag, favor boxes, a line slip: A++++++++++++++++++
EBay is the bomb. I saved a ton of money buying things from there. My veil was two tier cathedral with blusher which I paid less than $45.00. The cake topper fit me and my husband perfectly. The ring pillow, slip, favor boxes, dress tag, so much, I can’t remember it all. EBay has everything and it was all top quality, definitely a great place to check out.

SHOES – Money Saver Shoes, Brooklyn, NY: A+
I loved the shoes I got, they went with my dress perfectly and they were comfortable (although I didn’t where them all night). Only thing is I wish I would have shopped around; I paid $69.00 for those shoes. I know if I would have looked elsewhere I would have found them cheaper, but I was very happy with my shoes.



DAY OF JEWELRY: Group USA, Jersey Gardens, NJ: - A++++++++++
I wanted something simple and inexpensive to match the beading in my dress. I found some nice crystal jewelry at Group USA, long earrings and matching necklace and a nice CZ bracelet to match the bling in my E-ring and band, total cost - $30.00.



TUXEDOS – DI Re Formal Wear, Franklin Square, NY: A+++++++++++++
DH and I went in to check out their selection. He was very impressed that they had all the sizes and styles on premises and that you could look, touch and try on the tuxedos. Apparently, this isn’t the case at most tuxedo shops. We worked with Manny and he was great. We picked out DH tux and the groomsmen’s tuxes. He put down a deposit and brought the rest of the guys down to get measured. Everything looked great, no problems with wrong sizes or styles or anything. I would recommend them, I have read a few horror stories about tuxes, I’m glad we found a place that got everything right.




SIGNATURE FRAME, Target, Brooklyn, NY – A+
Got the frame from Target, paid $17.00, everyone signed it, a great keepsake.




HAIR – Jennifer’s Beauty Salon, Brooklyn, NY: B
Went to a local salon I used in High School. I didn’t get the style I originally wanted but she did a great job and the style went great with my dress.

MAKEUP – Jacqueline Nicole, Pretty Me, www.prettyme.com: A++++++
What can I say about Jacqueline that hasn’t been said? Jacqueline was wonderful, prompt and did two other bridesmaids that weren’t suppose to be done. My make up looked beautiful and lasted the night (I got airbrush). Great personality, great person to work with, highly recommended.



WEDDING BANDS – www.ice.com (mine), www.bluenile.com (his) – A++++++++
My DH found a band to match my E-ring on Ice.com. I got him a titanium band from Blue Nile.com. They were very reasonably priced, arrived promptly, again, highly recommended.



PHOTOGRAPHER – Marianela Vera, www.nellavera.com: A+,
Marianela was just fabulous. She arrived on time to the hotel and took a bunch of great shots of the dresses and flowers and the girls and I getting ready. We did some shots at Argyle Memorial Park, which turns out is a beautiful place, just not a lot of shade, which she indicated she would prefer beforehand. My fault, I was looking for a nice, non permit needing park for pics and this is the one I picked. Anyway, she did an awesome job and worked around the beautiful sun, which was shining ever so brightly. During the Ceremony and the Reception, she took some formals and a bunch of casual shots. Every time I saw here she was snapping away. She was totally non obtrusive and everyone loved that about her. She is highly recommended.


VIDEOGRAPHER – Pat @ Golden Moments Films, www.goldenmomentsfilms.com: A+ day of – to be determined.
Pat showed up early to the hotel to start filming. He was awesome to work with, very nice, took A LOT of footage and even came to the park to shoot. My final opinion is pending the outcome of the video, but I’m sure it’s going to be great!

DAY OF COORDINATOR – Michelle Nocella, D-
I wouldn’t recommend her; FM me if you need to know more.

DJ – Ultimate Sounds DJ’s, www.ultimatesounddjs.com: A++++++++++++++
Frank (MC) and Rafael (DJ) did an absolute over the top job with the music. When I meet with Frank, he was so thorough, and knowledgeable of different music. I didn’t even have to ask him anything questions, he covered all bases. We booked him the very next day. We wanted some of the intros in English and Spanish so my husband’s family always new what was going on and they did a great job. They played a nice mixture of Spanish, 80’s, 90’s, R & B, old School, Hip Hop, Reggaeton and Reggae. There was something for everybody. I don’t think the dance floor was empty all night long. Wow, the music really made the party. Everyone raved about how good they were and they gave out great party favors, everyone loved them. They kept the party going. I would recommend them to any bride looking to work with a great bunch of people. And they were very reasonably priced.


FLORIST – Designs by Rose, Howard Beach, NY, www.designsbyroseinc.com: A++++++++++
DH and I had visited one other florist and were dissatisfied with what they were offering and their price. I was referred to Designs by Rose by a fellow bride and I want to thank that bride, because they were a godsend. We meet with Doris and Rose and decided to book them on the spot. Talk about beautiful flowers, the designs blew me away. Doris and Rose were wonderful to work with and so nice. What amazing work they do. The flowers arrived on time at the hotel and they were absolutely beautiful. We got so many compliments on the centerpieces; people were fighting to take them home.





DIY - CD Favors Covers – www.blissweddings.com: A++++++++ and Programs - Paper from Staples
DH and I decided to do favors that meant something and that people could use, so we decided to make CD’s. I ordered the covers from bliss weddings, 100 covers at $.35 each, what a bargain. They can fast and looked great. We brought printable cd’s by Memorex from staples and since our printer gives us the ability to print directly on the CD, that’s what we did. We printed about 4 or 5 different designs on the CD’s, they came out beautiful. DH made a nice compilation, burned them and viola. Everyone says they have them in their car cd changer, so that’s flattering.



LIMOUSINES: Royalty Limousines, Franklin Square, NY, www.royaltylimo.com: A-
Manny was nice to work with and we got a good rate for 2 Chrysler 500’s. They were on time and friendly. The limos were very clean and we had no problems. I gave them an A- because the limo with my bridesmaids and I didn’t have champagne, which it should have and our driver, wasn’t as nice and accommodating as my DH’s driver. My DH loved his driver. Their limo was stocked with everything and the driver even took pictures of them and gave them the roll of film. I’m the bride; my driver should have gone above and beyond, what’s up with that.



OFFICIANT – Omar Lopez, Marriage NYC, www.marriagenyc.com: A++++++++++
We were looking for an Officiant to perform a civil ceremony. I happen to come across and listing for Marriage NYC on craigslist.com and decided to send an inquiry. Well, I got a response within 24 hours and so my search for an Officiant ended. Omar emailed me information about him and his company and I set up a meeting. Unfortunately, I was unable to meet with him at that time, but DH meet with him and was very impressed by his knowledge and professionalism. As we got closer to the date we set up a rehearsal day, which didn’t turn out as expected because DH and I were running very late and Omar was on time and we had him waiting, but he was very accommodating and we did a brief run through of the ceremony and he made sure that we understood what we needed to do; he was very through. On the day of, we did a quick ceremony rehearsal with all of the bridal party and parents (because we didn’t get to do one with everyone previously).During the ceremony he made DH and I feel calm and cool because we knew the ceremony would go off without a hitch. Which it did, he did a fabulous job and I would highly recommend him.

CHATEAU BRIAND, Carle Place, NY, www.scottobrothers.com/chateau: A+++++++++++++
We had already decided on another place (that we weren’t too happy with) when I saw Chateau Briand’s beautiful water fall in Locations magazine and I convinced DH that we should check it out. Well, it was the best decision we ever made because the place is gorgeous. Everyone who attended said how beautiful the décor was and that the place was absolutely stunning. Chateau exceeded our expectations beyond belief. Our banquet manager Jack Polletec, was nice, and low key, answered all of our questions. We were having our ceremony there and had already put a deposit elsewhere and they refused to give us our deposit back. We told Jack about the situation and he gave us a discount on our ceremony, like $200.00 off for set up and he deducted another $150.00 off the total price to help balance what we had lost. He also threw in a bunch of free extras and gave us a great price. He was great and we thank him much for being so genuine and nice. To top things off, our reception was originally suppose to be held in the Saturnia Room, but, when I went to drop off all our items and the final payment to Lisa, the sales manager, she upgraded us to the Normandy room (where you enter through the floor) at no additional charge. I asked her why and she simply stated that a party had cancelled and she thought it would be nice to offer it to us. Wow, DH and I were floored and so grateful. Pedro, our Maitre’D did a great job. He did a brief ceremony rehearsal before the walk in, made sure everything ran smoothly as far as the transitions between our entrance, the first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, music, set up etc. And Maria, our bridal attendant (we had 2, I don’t remember the other one, she didn’t do as much) went above and beyond. She made sure we ate, got some quiet time, pulled us away for pics, got our drinks, carried my veil, my bag, my shoes, helped me put on and take off my shoes, I can’t thing of a thing this girl didn’t do. Everyone said it was the best wedding they had ever been to. Chateau really knows how to throw a fabulous party. The food and the service was phenomenal, couldn’t ask for anything more...







INN AT FOX HOLLOW, Syosset, NY: A++++++++++
I didn’t realize that we got a comp room at the Inn at Fox Hollow until I went to Chateau to make our final payment and it said on the receipt “Complimentary Suite”. I was like hmmm, I asked Pedro, our Matire’D about this when we picked our final menu and he indicated that we would have to pay for the room, so we opted against it and booked a suite at The Four Points Sheraton. Anyway, I wanted to take advantage of the free Suite, since we weren’t taking our honeymoon until this summer. Our banquet manager, Jack, was contacted and he made the arrangements for the day following our wedding. Wow, what a beautiful hotel. We had champagne and chocolate in our room and the bed was covered in roses. It was so nice; it was like day two of our wedding night.

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

you looked beautiful! sorry that your DOC wasn't as efficient as you had hoped. what matters is that you had a wonderful day! congrats!!!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

Congrats! I loved that dress in bridezillas as well!! You looked beautiful!!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

You looked beautiful! Thanks for the review - I am using Omar as well and was waiting for your feedback!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

congrats ! you looked great!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

Congrats!!! Sorry to hear about your DOC.... at least future brides know to stay away !

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

What a fantastic review! So sorry to hear about your DOC...looks like you had a beautiful day!!!!

Congratulations! You made a beautiful bride!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

you make a beautful bride!

congrats!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

Congrats!! You looked beautiful!!!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

congrats, you look gorgeous

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

Congrats!!!! You were a gorgeous bride!!!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

What a wonderful review! remember when we spoke about ur DOC

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

Congrats on your beautiful wedding!!! Your pictures are gorgeous!!!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

You look beautiful. I love designs by rose.

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

How gorgeous Thank you for sharing your review with everyone. LOVE Designs by Rose

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

Wow, you look so beautiful!!!!!!

I love your pictures, but of course I'm biased. Sorry about your DOC, it's always a shame when vendors don't come through.

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

Congratulations!!!!!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

congrats, you look amazing!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

Congrats!!!! You looked stunning!!!

I am so sorry about your DOC, it's true that if you're meticulous and organized that you don't really need one!!!

Re: My Review of Chateau Briand,4/02/06, Designs By Rose, Marianela Vera Photography, Golden Moments Films and more...w/ links to non professional pics and professional proofs

Deidre,

I was a pleasure! And THANK YOU, thank you, thank you for all the pep talks regarding wedding plans since I too am not only a Vendor but a GROOM!

Omar Lopez