Riviera, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

My Chocolate and Pink Wedding

First off, a big thank you to LI Weddings. I’ve “met” some awesome girls on this site and without their help I would not have even thought to include the details and special items at my wedding. We are still getting compliments on all of these little touches that I would never have known if not for the LIW girls. If I still lived on LI, I’m sure I’d be hanging with you guys offline. Anyway, I hope this review helps girls who are planning. Message me if you have questions.

Riviera
A+
Though I didn’t get to enjoy the food myself, I was told it was excellent. I ate only a few bites of our dinner (our attendant Joann was awesome- she brought us a plate with everything on it!!). But due to nerves and just being so involved in the wedding it was hard to stop and eat. Michelle our Banquet Manager was so amazing and patient with my Bridezilla ways. Our maitre’d Paul was excellent and Joann was always available bringing us drinks from start to finish. The hall was lovely and even though it poured the entire day, everything was still beautiful. Many people called it a hidden gem and said they never knew it was there and guests are still telling us it was the best wedding they ever attended. My only complaint was that we wanted people to help themselves to wedding cake since it was three different flavors and the hall wasn’t familiar with that style of cake serving, so people who wanted to try red velvet received chocolate and people who wanted yellow were served chocolate, etc.

Black Forest Bakery in Lindenhurst
A+++
I have to say we tasted the red velvet cake when finalizing the order and my mom and I nearly gagged it was nasty. Not true the day of the wedding! I think it was old and stale in their fridge and maybe this is why they don’t like you to taste the cake. The day of our wedding, the cake was sooooo good. I have never tasted wedding cake that good in my life. I can’t wait to go back to LI where my mom has the cake in her freezer. My one big complaint which I expressed during our meeting is I think it’s uncool that they ribbon and pearls they apply to the cake are not fondant. I think it’s weird to mix inedible items to a wedding cake. They wouldn’t do anything for me about that and I really wanted the touches, so I let it go. The cake was beautiful. They did exactly what we asked and nailed the shade of pink exactly. People say fondant is gross, and that was a fight with my mom, however I loved it, it was like marshmallow and Mom agreed it looked amazing thanks to the fondant.


David’s Bridal (dress, bridesmaid & flower girl dresses and shoes, alterations, invitations)
B+
My dress and bridesmaid dresses were purchased here. My one complaint is the bustle looked weird and poofy on my butt the day of the wedding. Also they do not know how to dye shoes in the Wayne, NJ store. The truffle shoes looked purple and other truffle brides in my area have complained about that as well.






David’s Bridal Invitations online
A+
Everyone adored our wedding invites and the price was a steal. $168 included shipping and a proof for 100 invites. The assembly wasn’t easy, but we pulled it off and they were lovely.


Sandy’s Shoes in Massapequa
A
Fair prices and very helpful staff. These ladies know shoes and with my big wide feet, they found me a lovely shoe that was somewhat comfy. I just didn’t really like the shade of ivory they were dyed, I thought they had a stale yellow tint, but I was the one who selected the color, so that was my fault.

Cruise Control Limos in Massapequa
A+++
Margaret our contact there was so awesome. I can’t say enough nice things about this vendor. The drivers act like they’re family and treat you like you’re their own little sister or something. It was raining and I was wearing flip flops on our way back to the hotel and our driver actually picked up my big girl body and set me down making sure I did not slip out of the 12-passenger van. They were upbeat, friendly and very professional. The groomsmen were late and held up the limos and the drivers just remained patient while I panicked in my hotel room. All of the vehicles they selected for us were spotless and sophisticated.


Then ‘Til Now DJ
A++++++
We originally were going to use Ariana’s DJ but after attending a showcase at The Rivera, my MIL fell in love with Steve and wouldn’t let us go with anyone else. Boy are we glad we chose Then ‘Til Now. Steve seemed super busy when we were trying to arrange a meeting with him, but once he squeezed us in, he was awesome. He searched for obscure songs we wanted that he’d never heard of and made lots of suggestions which we really appreciated and valued. He was so patient with my 100 ‘zilla emails back and forth. Very professional and everyone told us he was great. I was afraid he’d be one of those corny MCs but this was totally not the case. Steve and his partner were just our style. He had the perfect combination of what the crowd expects but not over-the-top annoying if this makes sense. I had provided him with a long list of “do-not-play” songs which they truly stuck to which of course caused some guests to complain. While we were out in the lobby taking family photos, I heard Justin Timberlake so I’m sure it was a begged request. Ha ha! Oh well!

Reverend Sica – Officiant
A+
I feel so bad that every time Rev Sica tried to talk to me, I was pulled in a different direction. He was very kind and warm. Super genuine! Guests were shocked that we didn’t know him beforehand. Our Banquet Manager, Michelle suggested him and it was nice to know that our DJ was married by him and reassured us. Everyone loved Rev Sica! He was funny which was great to break the nerves and serious which made the moms cry. Perfect!


Tim’s Flowers – Massapequa
B+
The reason I can’t get Tim’s an A is because I was a bit bummed the day of our wedding. I was promised cocoa Gerber daisies and we received orange ones. I’m guessing they couldn’t get the chocolate colored flowers in. I also could have sworn we asked for a special MOH bo-q and it wasn’t, it was the same as the other bridesmaids??? and I didn’t want to get into an argument about it the day of the wedding so I let it go. The service was excellent and they made MANY last minute changes which I emailed them about, so I feel like I really can’t complain. I tend to confuse people but they got nearly everything right. Gail was great to work with and the price was very fair.

Carolyn & Sabrina Hair & Makeup
B
Very punctual, the girls arrived to our hotel thirty minutes early to our surprise. Everyone loved their hair, I’m slightly bummed that I didn’t put more of it up or just wore it straight instead of curls as my biggest fear of the ratty ‘do occurred once I began dancing and sweating. I had the flattest limpest curls ever an hour into our reception which I knew was going to happen as my hair does not hold curls well – this is by no means the stylists fault!! The makeup held up and I received many compliments. The lighting wasn’t very good in our hotel room and one of my bridesmaids had very bright orange cheeks and some of the girls didn’t like the way their eyeliner looked and ended up touching it up quickly after they got out of the chair. I have no complaints though – my makeup looked fine to me. The only thing I suggest is to get everything in writing regarding the price. I was told one price when I booked, then was asked for $50 more per girl when it was time to pay. I was told free lashes for all the girls then questioned about it the day of. It was agreed that my grandma’s simple blow out style would be complimentary and was charged $35 (I didn’t bother to tip on that one) so just be sure you get everything in writing and keep it with you the day of your wedding makeup/hair.


Best Western in Massapequa
A++++
Angela and her staff (we LOVE Mike!!) did such an amazing job. I have no idea how the Best Western staff kept their cool. I called them so many times over the year with questions and concerns. They gave guests the special rate if they forgot to mention our names, they handed out the OOT boxes with ease (my mom tipped them). The rooms were clean and neat and perfect for what we needed. Our guests stayed in exterior rooms and bridal party got suites inside which was perfect. If you are a Riviera Bride, I would really suggest using Best Western. It saved our guests so much money – it’s a mere 3 miles to the hall and there is a coffee machine and breakfast in the lobby. The location is perfect – near restaurants, stores, etc.

Ciao Baby in Massapequa
A+
Our family dinner (about 15 of us) the night before the wedding was so awesome. We were lucky to get there during restaurant week and got a great price for what we ordered. Huge portions, excellent service. Ciao Baby is walking distance to the hotel so it worked out very well for our pre-wedding meal.

Barron’s at Tri-County
A+
My veil and hair pins looked amazing. I even called them several months before my wedding and changed the color scheme and they were cool with it and the veil looked perfect.

Nashville Wraps for OOT boxes and organza bags
A+
Quick delivery, decent price, so glad I didn’t go with gift bags for the OOT goodies. The boxes were sturdy and the brown was a very nice touch as our wedding color. Organza bags were pink and brown polka dot. Very cute!



Favor TakeOut Website
A+
We ordered “Personalized Hot Cocoa + Optional Heart Whisk Favors” and I think the site is now out of business. Weird because they did a great job- you can find this favor on any other web site. They are inexpensive so you should really get one per person and not one per couple. The cocoas were super cute and everyone loved them. They came in our colors, pink and brown.

Adesso Albums (Polaroid guest book)
F
This $300 investment was to take the place of a photo booth and cameras on each table. What a disappointment. We had seen the fun our friends had with it at their weddings and I was so excited to have it at ours. Well, the camera never worked. It took blank white pictures and everyone complained to us. The company is refunding our money, but it’s the memories that are gone and we are left without the sign-in book since I didn’t have a back-up plan. They have agreed to refund my money, but I’m still sad that we lost that opportunity for fun guest memories.


Honeymoon
Travel Tom: A+
Punta Cana Princess: B
Travel Tom was very helpful and provided excellent advice. I suggest you use him! Punta Cana Princess was lovely, very clean and neat and right within our small budget. The food at the breakfast and lunch wasn’t very good, which Trip Advisor users will agree with, but it was lovely and the staff was so helpful. I lost 5 lbs by only eating dinner there. The dinners are much better than breakfast and lunch. If you’re not a big eater, this is the resort for you. Price is unbelievable if you are on a very tight Honeymoon budget. The entire 7-night trip including air, transfers, food, alcohol and a Honeymoon suite was about $2500 total (that’s for two people).

Vista Print
A+
Bridal shower invites and thank you cards.
Everyone knows how great this vendor is. Enough said.

Bed Bath & Beyond Registry
A+
Excellent! They took back returns and worked with us. Glad we registered there!


eBay Vendors:

Tackytclothing
A+
Personalized “Just Married” shirt and Honeymooner bag on eBay. Excellent service, free proof before they send you your items which is rare. Everyone loved my “Just Married” tee at the after party and day-after brunch. The tote was perfect for the honeymoon which we used as a beach bag.


Mayasmomma
A+
For DH’s microbrew “place cards” I ordered special hang tags which the seller soaked in coffee and vanilla and baked to achieve an antiqued look. They were an awesome touch and smelled awesome. Price was only $20 for 100.


ekidsthings
A+
We couldn’t decide on a fitting cake topper. One of the first things we had in common when we met 7 years ago, was a love of ‘80s video games and pop culture. I found this dealer on eBay who had a bride and groom version of Pac man & Ms. Pac man original ‘80s figurines. Everyone loved it and took photos of it



Etsy vendor:
Cards By Emily
etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5597871
A+
Emily does beautiful work. She worked with me and let me select fonts and colors and sizes of our tent cards for table numbers. She emailed me various mockups before starting the work and completed the entire project in lightening speed. Be sure to give her two weeks notice before your wedding. I’m not a last minute person, so I had her start a month before the wedding. Everyone loved them.

Re: Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

congrats

Re: Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

great review Aly- you looked gorgeous- congrats!

Re: Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

Congrats Great review...Thanks for sharing.

Re: Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

Ally, awesome review!!!!!! I'm sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you feel better quickly.

You were a gorgeous bride and your cake was amazing.

Re: Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

Ally, Congrats to you and Drew. Everything was beautiful. I can't wait to see your proofs.

Re: Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

great review!!!

you did a great job!!! everything looked fabulous

Re: Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

Congrats!!! Great review!!

Re: UPDATE. HATE MY PIX! Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

great review...again, I'm really sorry you were unhappy with your pics..You looked gorgeous!!!!

Re: UPDATE. HATE MY PIX! Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

Great review!! i am also using Ariana Studios. Can you you tell me who your photographer was? I am going next sat for my e-pics and to meet the photographer and i want to make sure I dont get the same one.
TIA

Re: UPDATE. HATE MY PIX! Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

i'm sorry to hear you hate your pro pics but your wedding still looks amazing from what youve posted here!

you looked beautiful and so happy!!! i love your favors they were so cute! congrats

Re: UPDATE. HATE MY PIX! Riviera, Ariana Studios, Then ‘Til Now, Cruise Control Limos, Tim’s Florist, Black Forest Bakery, etc.

Congrats!! great review! Im sorry you are not happy with your photos. Maybe find a photographer you love and do some day after photos...