The Brides' Review - Our wedding Review: 06/12/05 Westbury Manor- We apologize for the delay!

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Wedding Forums > The Brides' Review > Our wedding Review: 06/12/05 Westbury Manor- We apologize for the delay!

Our wedding Review: 06/12/05 Westbury Manor- We apologize for the delay!

pattyp Posted: Jul 21, 2005 03:47 PM+

pattyp MEMBER SINCE: 12/04 TOTAL POSTS : 133 WEDDING DATE: Jun 12, 2005

Posted: Jul 21, 2005 03:47 PM

Our wedding Review: 06/12/05 Westbury Manor- We apologize for the delay!

I am the groom and I am posting the review as my wife (pattyp) is extremely busy, and because we were helped so much by other reviews. We hope that you find our review helpful. We have given high marks to our venders but please do not infer that we are 'grading on a curve'.

Mother Nature – 10
It was a hot, beautiful, sunny Sunday. There was a chance of rain predicted, but it never happened.

Gown: Bridal Reflections, Massapequa – 7 (This review is solely from my wife).

My dress was a beautiful Marissa Bridal white, strapless, silk satin gown. When I first went to look at dresses, Dana was our salesperson. She was very helpful and patient, and not pushy at all, especially considering that I had no idea what I wanted. The dress came in on time, in about 4 months. Once I started going to fittings, without going into too many specifics, I felt a little rushed and that they were less interested by this point. My mother tried to ask a question about the bill at one point, and they were not helpful and were very abrupt with her. All in all though the dress was fitted beautifully for my wedding day.

Flowers: Dees of Oceanside: 10 - The flowers were beautiful. My bouquet was all cream with some greenery, a nice contrast with the white dress. They also made a beautiful boquet for my matron of honor and flower girl. The flowers on the tables were done in pastels, and they were gorgeous.

Makeup: Jillian of Gorgeous Faces – 10+ (this is also solely from my wife).
What can I say about Jillian that hasn’t already been said! She was absolutely wonderful. She arrived on time (early I think) and she definitely shared in the excitement I felt that morning getting ready. She did a spectacular job and I truly felt beautiful. I cried at times during my wedding and even got a little sweaty while taking pictures outside, but my makeup held up for the entire day. She is also a kind, fun person and truly added to my day.

Hair: an old friend and hairstylist, Kami. 10 (again, this part is from my wife).

Kami has been cutting my hair for many years and I could not imagine using anyone else. I have short, naturally curly hair so I did not feel I had many options. She has 6 kids (including a newborn) but agreed to do my hair, and my matron of honor’s at 5:30 a.m. that Sunday! She was ready to go and did a fabulous job. My headpiece and veil stayed on all day, even though people kept accidentally tugging it while hugging me! She also added to the excitement of getting ready for my wedding.

Westbury Manor 10+:

They greeted my wife right in the a.m. when she pulled up in the car. Right from the start, she was in good hands as they attended to her every need and made her feel very special. When I came in, I was greeted at the door and met with our banquet mgr. for the day who made me feel everything
was under control. We were treated like royalty (our guests too). The gardens made for very nice photos.

We had the ceremony at the Manor too, and the set up was very nice. Again, help was there to make everyone feel at ease. The cocktail hour food was excellent, or so I was told because we did not have time to partake.

The dinner was also excellent, as was the service. All the dinners came out at the same time. Numerous times we were asked by the banquet mgr. if everything was okay or if we needed anything.

I spoke to Jerry Scotto before the wedding and he said they would 'bring it home for us' and they certainly did with great food, service and wonderful setting. I took a chance and left Jerry Scotto a voicemail, not knowing if he’d call me back, but he did!

Band: Stan Wiest Orchestra 10+:

Stan was very good to work with and would always respond promptly to our E-mails and questions.

During the affair, he came to us to make sure the music was to our liking. I’m sure he took breaks, but it seemed like he played continuous music. Stan tied our wedding song to the cake cutting which was a nice touch. We also enjoyed the ceremony and cocktail music.

As far as ceremony music, he took direction from our cantor and played what she wanted.

In addition, Stan suggested a 5th piece to the band, but was very low key and did not push an additional piece; he said it was my call. He was correct, it made for better sound.

My one pet peeve is that no matter how good the band is, regardless of the size of the room, they are often too loud. I must add that when the band played, one could chat with their fellow guests. Stan promised me he would have the volume under control and he did. People danced and had a good time. He played a little bit of everything. His female singer has an extraordinary voice.

Guests commented to us that they enjoyed the band. All in all, Stan was great to work with, very professional and we would use him again.

Photographer: Patken - 10+

Nick, our photog, moved us through the poses very quickly. He made us feel totally at ease with the
different poses but we never felt uncomfortable. He also kept us laughing during the process. From the cocktail hour to the reception, he was snapping away photo's but not obtrusive.

He also took special care in the way he choreographed the first time we saw each other that morning. He was very professional with a great demeanor. We recently picked up the proofs and everyone like the final product. My wife is happy with them and that is really the most important thing!

Oh, and my headpiece came from Barrons at Tri County, almost forgot to mention that. It was a simple pearl headband. It was not expensive and was very comfortable. It was just what I was looking for, without spending a fortune.

All in all our day was wonderful, mainly because of our vendors. Also, my wife thanks all of you for sharing your advice, ideas and opinions.
We both wish all of the past and future brides the very best!

Rob and Patty

CJStein Posted: Jul 21, 2005 04:30 PM+

CJStein MEMBER SINCE: 11/04 TOTAL POSTS : 2628 WEDDING DATE: Mar 18, 2006

Posted: Jul 21, 2005 04:30 PM