***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

I want to say a few things before I start. Don’t let what people say bother you- do what you want! And ALWAYS speak up when your upset- you pay the vendors the $$- you should NEVER feel bad!

Our eparty was indeed a mini wedding. This was not the intention at all! My parents very graciously wanted to throw us the party! We looked at a few restaurants but for the price they were charging and the food they were offering my parents wanted to look elsewhere. Then we went over the guest list keeping it at close family and friends and voila’ the party started!

I let a lot of what people say bother me and why?? Don’t let whatever anyone else says bother you!

I tired to give as much detail as possible. If you have any questions please FM me! xxoo

Oh and ALL photos are from White Pear Photo unless stated otherwise!

Invites

***Write Impressions***…My mom and grandma and I went on the hunt for invites, and I saw this place in passing, loved their website and wanted to give them a shot. We walked in and they were not the friendliest of people. They were not at first listening to what I had wanted and kind of gave me an attitude. I was about to leave and then my mom spoke up. They paid more attention to us once they knew we were going to spend some money. I found an invite I loved but was unsure of the colors. It was a lot of back and forth btwn my mom, grandma and I. I am VERY visual so it was hard for me to envision what something would look and feel like when it wasn’t right in front of me. WI assured me I would get a proof in 2 weeks and I would be able to see the colors-so if I did not like them, I could always make changes-great I thought! A week went by and we received the call that the proof was in! So my mom and I rushed over to see it and it’s a fax-for spelling proofing. No physical proof- no colors-nothing- and we were charged $25 for this! So we got back in the car and said we will just trust it will turn out fine…they said the invites would be back in 2 weeks, it only took a week, and I did LOVE them. Then came the envelope addressing; I went in thinking I could pick font and color and that really wasn’t the case, it was like this is what we are doing-sign here-pay this much. If I wasn’t in a rush to get back to work that day I may have said more but again, everything turned out great. When everything was picked up, one of the women made this comment “oh these are just for your engagement party! What will you have left for the wedding? So I said well I want a silk boxed invite. Her response “well those are VERY expensive!”. I said I am aware and look forward to having them. Also, every time I went in there they never knew who I was or why I was there-that just frustrated me.
They were fast and got things back to me on time but honestly their customer service just was not good.
NON PRO:



***Paper Goods- Marie from inviting-you.com(Menus, place cards, table numbers, thank you cards and shutterfly cards)***
I sent Marie an inquiry with my ideas and within days she had plenty of ideas for me! Within a week she had a bunch of paper samples to me! She was INCREDIBLE to work with!! She was so patient and quick to get back to me! I LOVED everything she made me! And her prices were great! I received and still am receiving compliments on everything! Marie also made the invites for my FH’s surprise 30th (I cant post because the party has not passed but they are amazing please FM me for pics). She hand delivered and showed me everything. I LOVE how she packaged everything, with such care and love! It was a few days later that I was addressing FH’s invites and realized I made a big mistake in my proofing. Within a day she had them fixed and to my house, and she didn’t even charge me! That to me was what puts her company over the top- it was MY mistake she SHOULD have charged me and didn’t! PLEASE PLEASE check her out!




Non pro:

**For the Modern Bride**- I LOVE my card box! It is sitting so proudly in my office right now! I really wanted a card box for ease more than anything else. It was perfect! Everyone loved it and it made things much easier! The customer service at FTMB is simply amazing! They also get back to you rather quickly and update you on what is going on! Many people I feel are not aware of this but FTMB does not just do card boxes- they do literally everything else you will need for your day! Everything from invitations to menus to programs to plaques. I CANT WAIT to work with them for my wedding!!!



*Shutterfly*- I made a photo book for a guest book- it was quick and easy- I also got it on sale which was great! The only thing was people didn’t realize they could sign on the pages with the pictures.


**Pedestals * Robert**
Oh pedestals and Robert how I LOVE thee…haha….We went to Robert after meeting with another florist and having a HORRIBLE apt! The man insulted me and did not get my vision what so ever. We met with Robert (honest-waited 30 min and got agitated) and fell instantly in love with him. He totally understood my vision for both the eparty and the wedding. I showed him two pics for both parties and he got it-instantly! On the night I went to see my sample I loved it! I moved it to a table that had similar linens as the WM and he added a few more versions of flowers- we went over candles for the tables, rose petals-and flowers for the cake- he took care of this all at no extra charge. We were also qoted for 6 tables, and we had eight, again no charge. The flowers were AMAZING the day of, the piece was even larger than at the sample and I just LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! And it lasted a week after the party too! I cant wait to for my wedding!!! Diane (his assistant) called me the day before to go over details one last time and we were called the day after to see how we liked everything. Another thing I loved about Robert is every time I walked in there he greeted me with a hug and kiss and remembered everything-that to me is important in a vendor! And I will mention that I had to do a venue change for the wedding and therefore had to do a complete overhaul for the wedding flowers and we literally spent another 2 hours with me to re-do everything.


NON PRO:

**Morgan’s Bay Confections**…Shortly after being engaged I was reading the newspaper and saw the Marriott in Uniondale was having a bridal show, my mom and I decided to go. There were sooooo many vendors at this place. Most were rude, pushy or couldn’t be bothered because I had not set a date yet. Well MBC stood out from the pack, they were the ONLY vendor I contacted after the show. We set up an appointment for a tasting and booked them for the engagement party (and subsequently for FH’s bday, a gift basket for my parents, and def for the wedding!). Jeanne and the crew are so amazing! So sweet! On top of being great people, they produce an AMAZING product!! I would recommend them to anyone and everyone!! I just really cant say enough about them!!!


**Etsy- BelleNouvelleDesigns**
One of the 2010 brides posted a pic of this bracelet and I knew I HAD to have it! My grandma saw it along with a few other pieces for herself and we decided to order. When we ordered, it said 2 to 3 weeks for production and then shipping time. We ordered September 13th and thought we would have no problem! One month went by and I hadn’t heard anything back from the seller so I messaged her and she got back to me a week later stating she was just waiting for a piece to still come in but not to worry because she will have everything for us. Now it is the end of October and still NOTHING. So I messaged her, again a week later I get a response-she needed to order something else and she would not get it until December-so I could either cancel the earring order or for no extra charge she would make me another pair- I told her to make me the other pair but to not bother unless she would have everything to me on the 6th. She said no problem. So the 6th came and went and nothing-I messaged her again and she said she overnighted it on the 6th and it will be at my house the 7th around noon. The 7th around noon it was there! Everything was beautiful! However, my grandma literally lifted the necklace to try it on and the extender just snapped off! Thankfully we were able to fix it. Also, I have a small wrist and asked for the bracelet to be made a certain length, on the tightest link it still felt loose, and the clasp was sooooo tiny and hard to change links. My grandma’s pieces she said also felt rough. I loved my bracelet but was completely unhappy with the service and how my grandma’s stuff came out. If items were taking longer to get to her , she should have emailed me about what was going on-not me messaging her so many times.
NON PRO:


**Elena Bridal Couture**
I thought I really loved this store and the sisters that work in it! I ordered my wedding gown from another store and felt really guilty I didn’t go with them. Wow am I glad I didn’t order my gown from them! I went to pick up my dress just about a week before the party. When I ordered I was told, it would fit great but would have to be taken in on top a little. So great, I lose weight, tone up feel really good, go try on the dress and now things are not so great! She is fidgeting with the zipper and I get nervous and she said oh no its not you it’s the way the tag is on the zipper (and takes the time after the drss is off my body to show me how the tag got caught in the zipper). She zips me up but I can breathe, my boobs are up to my chin and I do not like the way I look She says it fits PERFECTLY, you just need a different bra. I completely freeze, say I love it and leave. Freak out in the car to my mom. We get home, switch bras and my mom cant even get it to zip- The dress does not fit right at all. THANK the lord my grandma was able to fix the day- a lot of work needed to be done on this dress to fit they way it did. My mom got in touch with them-they offered NO compensation AND told my mom “Christina said she was on weight watchers and told s to order the smaller size”. I NEVER did such a thing- I would NEVER do that and my mom and grandma were right next to me when I ordered this dress- so they ordered the wrong size! Thank goodness I had been losing weight and what not otherwise I would have had to have purchased an entire new dress.

I also bought my little hairpin from them-it was nice and sparkly but flimsy.

You know its one thing to make a big mistake like that- it’s a completely other thing when you don’t try to fix it- on a whole other level when you blame the bride!


**Teresa (B-r-i-d-a-l l-o-u-n-g-e)**
I will be honest and say there were A LOT of miscommunications the month and leading p to the week before the party. The second I got on the phone with Teresa I was completely at ease. She apologized for any miscommunication really took the time to go over everything I wanted and was very thorough. The morning of she showed up early, armed and ready to go. I had a horrific migraine the night before and the circles under my eyes just were terrible and my face felt icky. I also wasn’t completely sure of if I wanted my hair half up or all the way up- never once was she frustrated with me and really let me decide at the last minute. She was truly a pleasure to work with! Friendly, upbeat, and she dealt with the craziness of my dad and brother without even blinking! She set my hair, then set my moms and did her makeup, then did my makeup and hair. After she finished my makeup I went to look at myself and was so excited I teared up! I felt absolutely beautiful and when you feel it in on the inside it truly shows on the outside. And I was so happy to feel that way because I am truly self conscious about my under eye circles and my skin. I also loved how my hair looked! Everything stayed put all night too which was great! My mom looked stunning as well! She was so happy with how she looked and everyone noticed!



*Bandolino Shoes*- they were from macy’s. They were cute and comfy!

The Shoe Boutique- I *think* this is what it Is called…It is in carle place by the mall. My mom got her amazing Carlo Fellini shoes. They were so sweet in there! NON PRO:

*Macys- Earring- Elliot Danori*- LOVED my earrings and they were under $40! NON PRO:

Also the brooch on my dress is from Tri- County- it was the booth next to Barrons. Quick, easy and pretty! NON PRO:

**Vanessa-Topaz Event Design **
I wanted to give my DOC for the wedding a shout out! Even though I did not hire her for the e-party- she was ALWAYS there to lend an ear and give me some advice! She is so amazing and I look forward to working with her!!!

***FM Entertainment***
I booked FM based on a lot of great reviews on LIW! Everything was done over the phone-so easy. Day of they were there super early setting up. Paulie was our man for the evening- he introduced himself to scott and I right away and then took us aside before the party was about to start. We really gavre him freedom to do his own thing (advice taken by one of my fav 09'ers)- we gave a few please do not plays and just said we wanted a really good mix- He did his thing and he did it really well!!!! He did an awesome job!! Everyone commented on how great the music was!!!!

***Liz from White Pear Photography ***
What an awesome find!!! I had gotten into a car accident and the massage therapist I went to mentioned her daughter was a photographer. I remembered this and got her name and info and LOVED her work! I went back and forth on having a photographer as me and FH were not asking my parents for it. I have never been happier on spending my money! There is NO way the moments Liz captured would have been captured! I first called Liz and she gave me some more info- I thought about it some more- got other quotes and made the decision to take it futher. I dealt with her thru email- she had requested phone but its much easier for me to email and it gives me time to think about things before responding- she was great with this! We went back and forth as she had a few different packages and then I signed the contract and sent her the money. I came up with a must take list (meaning portraits of family members)and she was great with that as well. Gave me her honest opinion and feed back and I am so happy she did! I thought the last payment was due the week before the party and when I was sending out the envelope and what not I realized it was TWO weeks before- I got in touch with her right away to apologize and she giggled telling me to not even worry about it!
Day of: She arrived a few minutes early- she is freggin adorable and FULL of energy. The poor thing was so sick and you would have NEVER known about it! We had the gardens for 30 minutes before the party- she literally took over 100 pics in 30 minutes, and they came out amazing! I could not even be happier with them! She knew the spots, she knew what she wanted to do and wasted no time! Not once did scott or I feel like oh god are we done yet! And she made it so much fun and I think that really shows! She was completely honest and again did an amazing job! We went up to CH, and she took all the detail shots while we got something to drink and greeted our guests- then she took the family portraits. She had the list I gave her but really didn’t even need it, she literally remembered everything! Again, quick, fun and great! She got so many great shots in such a short period of time! She wasn’t intrusive either and my family LOVED her! They thought she was great! Proofs were supposed to take two weeks- they took less than that-she dropped off the cd and physical proofs to my house and everything came out amazing! Literally cannot say enough wonderful things about her!!!
Some Favs:













**Westbury Manor**
I literally can not say enough wonderful things about the WM!!!!!!!!!!! FH and I looked here for our wedding and fell in love! We wanted to book it right away! However, logistically speaking with our guest count and wanting to use a band the room was just not going to work for us! We left on great terms with WM in hopes of coming back for another occasion. After going to a few restaurants and another hall my dad suggested going to the WM. We met with Felicia (we also met with Natasha), who is the head of the head. She was UNBELIEVAVLE to work with! She gave us an amazing deal with LOTS of upgrades! She was always available for questions and never made me feel like it was just an engagement party.

I also would like to mention that when I had to do a venue change for the wedding Felicia was there EVERY step of the way to help me and FH out! It was unbelievable of her to help us thru that time!!

The day of…FH and I arrived a bit early, we were greeted right away and offered food and drink. They took us to the bridal suite before showing us around. They had CH ready by 12:30 and said they would allow any early arrivals to get started (party was to start at 1). Joel was our man for the evening. We felt like royalty the way he treated us and my family! He would always ask before doing, show me if there were options with something. I also loved how he spoke to his staff- I know that sounds funnie but I had left the room to go to the bridal suite for something and he was talking to one of the girls also working or party and it was with care and concern not rude or nasty at all! He came up to us every 15-20 min or so to make sure we were okay. We also was there when FH and I went to take our pictures in the gardens. He was just amazing! At the end of the night, we had a lot of gifts, he asked for FH’s valet ticket and him and 2 other staff members bought everything out to our cars for us! It was so nice to have that!!! Joel ran that party like he has been running parties for 20 years! We find out a few days later, hes 20! So far beyond his years! I can’t thank him enough!

The CH was so yummy (or at least what I tasted haha)! The food and dessert was also fantastic! Oh and the cake-I was nervous about it bec of what I heard- I thought we were getting 2 tiers-as you can see we got 4-the cake was super yummy! Devils food with white chocolate and raspberry filling! Again, I just can not say enough!!!

Some things to be aware of:
-When it is down to your final meetings-you are not meting with your BM it is someone who handles the $$
-If you are a non wedding party- make sure you are clear when you are using the gardens
- If you are doing table names like I did, note that the WM has to also have #s for the waiters- had I known this I would have had them made-they were however very classy.














Our dishes also had a special touch- example:

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

OH MY GOODNESS>>>>> Chris, you blessed us with a FAB e-party review!!!!!!!!!!!

this is amazing!!!! CONGRATS bella
im meeting with Felicia tomm you were right when you said WM girl have nothing to worry about ....

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

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Posted by Sunshine15

OH MY GOODNESS>>>>> Chris, you blessed us with a FAB e-party review!!!!!!!!!!!

this is amazing!!!! CONGRATS bella
im meeting with Felicia tomm you were right when you said WM girl have nothing to worry about ....

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thanks love!!!! update me about tmw when you can! xo <3

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Great review..you look great

Love seeing WM reviews

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Great review Christina!!!! Everything looked absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

OMG everything was so gorgeous... I can't wait to have our wedding at WM!!!!!!!!!! We are also working with Felicia and she is the ultimate best!!!!! Thanks for posting!!!!!

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Wow! What a wonderful engagement party!! You're so lucky Thanks for the review!!

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Oh wow, what an amazing E-Party! It looks nicer than weddings I've seen! Very impressive! Can't wait to see the wedding!

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Wow! And to think this is an e-party...can't WAIT to see what your wedding is like! You looked so pretty, what a beautiful dress (and love the color!).

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Christina, your review was amazing. I really enjoyed reading it. I'm glad everything worked out well. The Westbury Manor has such a beautiful ambiance.

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

thanks so much ladies!!!! xo <3

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

everything looks absolutely gorgeous!!!

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

UM WOOOOOW!!! Everything looked AMAZING!!!!! You weren't kidding that was like a mini wedding!!! I am so glad you had an amazing party!

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Awesome review! I'm so glad it worked out beautifully, you're a sweetie!!

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Oh wow!! Thanks for the review of WM!! Your eparty looked amazing!!! If this is ur eparty, I can't imagine what ur wedding is gonna be like!! Congrats!!!

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

thanks so much ladies! xo

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

such a great great review! I really appreciate your honesty and good advice! You looked AMAZING and everything looks like it came out beautifully!!!!

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Everything looks amazing!!! Congrats

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

omg what a gorgeous party! definitly a mini-wedding

Re: ***Our Engagement Party Review! Westbury Manor*Pedestals*Morgan's Bay Confections* White Pear Phot*Marie from inviting-you.com*FM Entertainment*For the Modern Bride AND MORE with PICS!!!!!***

Wow what an amazing E-Party review!! Everything looks beautiful!! Congrats!!