UPDATED !! BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

First , I don't know what I would have done without this site and the girls who have helped me SO much ,, Both have been so helpful in making this planning process so much fun !! A++++ to LI Weddings and all the girls on here!!!!




THE WOODLANDS A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I don't know how to express how in words the amazing experience we had planning and the result on the day of my wedding . They EXCEEDED our expectations .. We booked a year ago with Raquel. ... there wasn't a time she didn't respond to a email or phone call immediately .. We had a vision of how we wanted the day to be including LOTS of details and they ALL were carried out .. Every single request we had ( and there was a lot ) she took care of with a smile :)))

The cocktail hour was UNBELIEVABLE.....Everyone was greeted with martinis with orchards in them at the door . There were so many stations and the food was always refilled constantly ,, The waiters passed around sushi and other appetizers that the guests loved and they all raved about the kung pow calamari .. We actually went to our cocktail hour and when we walked in the room the mood was set for the night,, we were blown away with the way everything was set up .. The weather was awful earlier in the day , but later that evening ,, it cleared and we had half the cocktail hour out on the balcony which remind us of being in on a Italian veranda in Europe.

The main room was decorated just as planned and looked FABULOUS ,, The guest raved about the food choices ,, filet mignon , parmesan chicken and red snapper ,, they said never did they actually get a plate of food steaming hot at a wedding, and the table service was great, the guests never wanted for anything

Raquel and the BM Angelo and Nicole the bridal attendant were ALWAYS by our side from the moment we walked in if we needed ANYTHING . There was not one thing they missed

The Woodlands is truly a place you should consider having your special day !! It made OUR dream come TRUE











Groomes cake by Stephanie and Kelly

A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My DH LOVES Van Halen so when I heard about the AMAZING WORK that these two girls did on cakes....I had to call them .. I sent Stephanie a picture and she made the EXACT cake from the picture ,, People were RAVING all night about how awesome the cake looked (including the band members) with so much details including guitair pics ... Better yet ,,, it tasted DELICIOUS!! Chocolate with raspberry , I would HIGHLY say if you are deciding on doing a grooms cake or ANY cake to contact these girls ,, you will be VERY happy .. They can be reached at [email protected] or 631 226 1764 ... ps- they are priced very resonably and they EVEN delivered the cake to the hall the day off ,,,!!!!! I am ordering another cake for my DH birthday this year !








HEART AND SOUL A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My husband is a musician so music was going to be a VERY important part of the planning ,, we had heard Jill Gioa on the television show Supernova and Knew we wanted her to play at our wedding ,, We were lucky enough to get H&S and Jill for our night and they ROCKED the house down ,, they played all our requests as well as had my husband play drums and his best man play guitar . The guests were dancing the entire night and commented it was the BEST band they had ever heard .. ( One of my bosses immediately booked them for our holiday party the day after loll) IF you are lucky enough to get them you wont be disappointed !!









Here are 2 clips of the band. The first is Peter playing Bring Me to Life with Jill....which she did on Rockstar Supernova and the second features his best man Rob Balducci on 'You Really Got Me'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0oPrA_-1zk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDus2--FgBs


Artisan Photo and Video A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
( video still pending)

We met with Chuck though a few recommendations and booked him on the spot .His work speaks for itself ,,, He is SUPER talented and a doll to work with :)))). He Shot our engagement photos and knew the wedding photos would be terrific ,.. We were looking for a photographer that could shoot a lot of photo journalism stuff as well and he came though like a charm He arrived early with his staff the day of the wedding was nothing but polite as wells as having a great sense of humor ,, ( taking pics all day can get kind stressful but with chuck it was a breeze ) There were points in the wedding you didn't even know he was there , YET took the BEST pics ever ,, They are So many great proofs it will be hard to finalize the wedding album .. His assistant Lynn in the office has been a pleasure to work with as well ! I highly recommend them for your special day !!


UPDATED ALBUM AND THANK YOU REVIEW

I just met last week with Lynn to do my album .. Let me tell you girls ,,, she spend 4 1/2 hours with me to lay out the album PERFECTLY!!

I am so detail oriented and I wanted to display the pictures in a certain way ,, Lynn spent all that time with me with a smile on her face :))

To me the pictures are the most important thing ,, memories that you keep forever ,, Artisan and the crew came through once again ,, I HIGHLY recommend you check them out before booking someone,, you won't go wrong :)

I will post the offical album layout when I get it back

Thank You cards -

Here again ,, I wanted something special ,, Lynn worked with me to make the most special card ,, I will post it below :))) I just LOVE THEM ,, now I just have to mail them out lol
























Pedestals Florist - A

The flowers looked great ,, I met with Robert who was a pleasure to deal with ,, They arrived early with the bouquets ( Robert made 2 for me ) and they all looked fabulous with the fall colors .. The center pieces were stunning ,, the guests are still talking about the flowers .. The only thing they forgot was the special pew bows I had requested with roses in them ... they only had the bows ( no roses ) ... they still looked great and such a small error didn't make a difference at all.





Denise Venti ( hair ) A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I had such a hard time with hair ,, ,, I had so many trials and just could not get it right. Joanna (JoannaandJeff) saved the day,, She told me about Denise and let me tell you ,,, I went for a trial and she nailed it on the first try ,, She is Brilliant at what she does ,, she is a TRUE professional and TALENTED beyond words. First she talks to you to see your vision for the day ,, including what you are wearing ect ,,, when doing my trial she tried my hair three diff way and took pics ( all posted on her website WWW.DENISEVENTI.COM) so we would have it PERFECT for the day of ,, which it was ,, She is a DOLL a real genuine person that you want to have as your girlfriend ,, I booked her 2 weeks before and LUCKY me she squeezed me in between her busy schedule of weddings that weekend ,, The day of she arrived early and got straight to work ,, My hair came out better than I could have imagined and stayed the entire 12 hour day ,, Keep in mind also the day I got married was a CRAZY rainstorm and my hair still looked PERFECT ,, Denise is a Must have on your wedding day !~

Jill Harth

A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Another amazing vendor .. Again ,, I had such a hard time with makeup ,, I had many many trials ,, all not coming out how I had thought it would.. I called Jill through some referrals from LI weddings .. she did my trial and took a long time trying to look at pictures and talking to me so get the vision right .. she did the airbrush makeup on me which I had never had and boy did it look great and stay on all day ,, I booked her right away ,,, The day of the wedding Jill arrived very early and set up and started to work ,, She sculpted my face for hours... loll.... and it came out great .... we actually changed what we were going to do the day of and I could not have been happier ,, I did not touch up my makeup at all day excepts for lipstick ,, I got so many compliments on her work .. Jill is a true professional having worked on many celebrities and is a doll to work with She also also gives you a kit with all your makeup for the day ,, blush .. eye shadows .. lipsticks ect . She can be reached at www.JIllharth.com









Jesse ( Bubbygram )

A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This was my husbands idea to have a Frank sinatra look a like sing at the cocktail hour ,, Well Jesse was the hit of the wedding ,, so many people called me afterwards to say they just LOVED him .. He dresses like a young Franke ., HE was terrific!!!!





Travel Tom -- Tom Varghese
A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
[email protected]


What can I say about Tom that has not been said before on IiWeddings ,, He is TERRIFFIC !! Tom spent endless hours planing the trip of a lifetime. He calls you back nights and weekends from his home and makes sure you get the trip you dream about . He works for American Express so there is no commission and he is TOPS at what he does .. He booked our trip St Lucia and I drove him nuts with all little details ,, He was ALWAYS professional, polite and came up with great solution to some issues we had ,,We also spoke to him on our honeymoon numerous times as we had to change our location from jade mountain to sandals... I will post review later and pics ,, WE have referred Tom already and will ALWAYS use him as our travel guy !!! :))

Smashing cards - Invitations

B+

I wish I could have given this vendor a higher score .. It is a small based Internet company ,,,with all details done though emails ,, I saw this on autumbride's review and just loved her invite ,, I ordered them immediately ,, It was very frustrating for me to get return emails at times and toward the end I did not hear from Ashley ( owner ) for 4 weeks ,,,In the end I did get my invitations with a refund for my inconvenience and they came out Beautiful !! I Would recommend Smashing Cards to anyone who is looking for unique beautiful work ,, I am still getting compliments ,,,but for me doing business through the Internet and email with no phone contact was very hard


Karyn Michael's events -- programs , pedal cones ect

A+++++++++


Well after my issues with the invitations ,, I decided to go to a store front in massapequa to order the rest of my items for the church and reception.. Karyn is the owner and stepped right up to the plate with not allot of time to start programs ect .. They came out GREAT .. I showed her exactly what I wanted and she made them to perfection ,,, People at the wedding were raving about all the small details and they were all made possible due to Karyn .... true unique ,, different things to add to a wedding :))










Christine Wheat - Day of Coordinator

A+++++++++++++++++++++


AMAZING......................... what would we have done without Christine Wheat and staff ... I decided that I was going to plan my wedding but needed some help the day of .....well Christine and her staff ( Stephanie especially) helped us the day of and then some .,, NOT one thing went wrong the day of the wedding and I can truly owe it all to her ,, She met with Peter and I numerous times to get a minute by minute schedule in place. she confirmed with all vendors ,, showed up early the day of the wedding and ran the day like it was her very own wedding ,.. .. I am a very detailed person myself so I gave her tons of details to carry out and she did it all day .............with a BIG smile She is someone I could not have done without and there is not a score high enough to say how terrific she is !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is a TRUE PROFESSIONAL

Bridal Reflections - Massapequa

A

They were all really great there .... The one and only issue I had is that when my dress came in it was 2 sizes to big :((.. They said the manufacturer had sent the wrong size in error and wanted me to have it altered ,, I did not want to as it was way to much material to take in and it would not have looked the same ,, In the end... they ordered me a NEW gown in the right size ,, it came it ,, fit perfect ,,, I hardly needed any alternations ( expect for the french busell which was very pricey ) They were all professional and polite , I had a very nice experience here and would recommend them .

2nd dress-- Macys Bridal Salon - Manhassett

A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I was never thinking of purchasing a 2nd dress till I went with my mom to get her dress from Macy's Bridal .. There .... I saw this great dress I feel in love with and when I tried in on .....it fit perfect ,, no alternations ,, I wanted to get a dress I could Dance the night away and I did ,,, I guess ....I rationalized the purchase by saying since this is my FIRST marriage at 42 it was ok... loll :))))

My mom also got her dress there and the store and people were TERRIFIC ,, Nellie especially -- she is a sales lady there and she was great ,, the seamstress was great with my mom ,, everyone did a perfect job , would highly recommend this store to anyone :)





Class In Motion - Limo

A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This is a family friend that I have been using for events and work for over 15 years. so of course this was an easy choice..:)

The owners Steve and Ray are great !! The day of my wedding was HORRIBLE weather beyond words ,, heavy down pours until we got to the church ,, They arrived early ,, had BIG umbrellas and helped us all to the church without a drop of rain on us ,, Steve and his staffs are all polite , professional and I got many compliments from the family and friends that used them that day .. I would highly recommend them for Any occasion :) They are also very reasonable priced :)



Thomas Knoll - Headpiece

A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This was a last minute decision of mine ,, ( 2 weeks before ) I was referred from JoannaandJeff)l and this vendor really has GORGEOUS stuff ,, I called him and went there that night ,, I saw a headpiece I wanted and he made it in two days ,, HE is a wonderful person to work with ,, There is a picture of my headpiece on the cover of brides this month ,, you can also view all his work on his website
www.thomasknoll.com


Shoes- www.myglassslipper.com

A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I heard about this web site ,, I ordered my shoes on line ,, got them ,, they were in perfect condition and the right size ,,, and SO comfortable ,, the easiest purchase by far !! I danced the night away :))))





Capri Gifts

A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I have known this vendor for a while and her work is great !! I ordered fall colored mosaic candle holders and Antoinette ( the owner) wrapped them gorgeous and also included the almonds as a bonus ,, She is so talented in the work she does ,, So many people called me to say they just LOVED the gift !She owns a store in Seaford and specialized in all sorts of gifts and favors ,, I highly recommend her and you can contact her at www.caprigifts.com







Caricature cards
www.cartoonsrwayne.com

A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


My Husband wanted to put a little something extra in the candle favor so he found this artist who sketched our pictures including our little 11 mo English bulldog Tony Soprano. He did a terrific job and all the guests loved getting them




St Agnes Cathedral

A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


This is my husbands parish and they could not be a more beautiful church .. They were all really great at the parish along with my priest and friend Father Anthony and Peter's priest Father Brigandi marry us ,, It was a truly special day !!




The following is two reviews by hubbie :)


Esquire Tuxedos AAAAAAA++++++++++++++++
2156 Merrick Road
Merrick, N.Y. 11566
516 378-6060
http://www.esquiretuxedos.com

This is Lornas husband Peter....and I wanted to let
everyone know that if you are looking for the BEST
tuxedo, this is the place. Mikethe owener is super
accomodating and has what I think is the best
selection of tux's anywhere. Even new pinstripe ones
which is what I was looking for. They are new, in
great shape and his fittings are amazing. I needed
added shirts, a few vests, etc and he made it all
happen. He was so accomodating with my party and took
the time to help them find what they needed. Prices
are very fair and if you wanna look sharp....def go to
Esquire.







Kravit Jewelers AAAAAAAA++++++++++++++++++
https://www.kravitjewelers.com/
3187 Long Beach Road,Oceanside New York

Husband here again....Ive been going to Kravit
Jewelers since as long as I can recall. There is no
better jeweler that I know of. Trust me, Ive been to
Tiffany, Bailey, Banks and Biddle, Fina, etc....and I
would not trust my work to anyone else. Bennett is a
true superstar at what he does. I chose to have
Bennett design a ring from some images Lorna saw...and
what he created is simply magnificent. I purchased
her engagement ring, as well as Lornas wedding band
and new engagement setting there. Bennett even
designed my band to be something very hip and rock and
roll...like I like. His designer happens to be the
jeweler and designer for Chris Angel....so I knew it
would be hip. Lornas rings speak more to the classic
and traditional style...georgeous.

The best part about Kravit is the joy you get from
helping and participating in the process. Bennett and
his team are masters at what they do. Prices are very
fair and the selection is incredible.

I recommend all go to Kravit. There is no better...










UPDATE ALBUM AND THANK YOU REVIEW

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TOM TRAVEL , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

WOW I really enjoyed your review. Great pics, everything looked perfect. YOu looked STUNNING!!!!! COngrats

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TOM TRAVEL , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

You look beautiful. I love your hair and headband...georgeous And the Frank Sinatra look-alike....love it Congrats

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TOM TRAVEL , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

Thanks girls !! I was the best day of my life !!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

Great review! you look stunning. Travel tom told me to look out for you review!!

Congrats!!!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

yay!!! we are using heart and soul!! we booked jill but have not heard her live bc she was not at our showcase...im so glad you had such a great experience with heart and soul


YOU LOOK BEAUTIFULLLLLLLLL!!!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

Lorna!!!! You looked absolutely STUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats to you and Peter!!!!!!!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

Thanks Callan ;;;;;;:))))))))

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

is that the elegance headpiece from tk?

i just ordered that, earrings, and a bracelet from TK a few weeks ago!!!

i love it!!!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

What a beautiful wedding! I love everything. Congrats

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

Yes!!! Its Elegance!!!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

i abosulety lOVE it!!!! I CANT STOP looking at your pictures haha!!!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

great review, you looked beautiful and happy

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

great review! i love your hair, you look amazing! congrats

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

BEAUTIFUL review ... You looked amazing & looks like your day was gorgeous and all that you dreamed of. CONGRATS to you and your DH!!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

OMG one word BEAUTIFUL!!! you look amazing..your hair came out fantastic. i wish i had denise venti but she was booked on my wedding day....

and your gown that you changed into at the reception is smoking hot

just beautiful

i am going to a wedding at the woodlands in June and I cant wait

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

i love the fact taht you had 2 dresses!!!!!!!! you looked gorgeous!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

Thanks for the great review! I'm having my wedding at the Woodlands too!
How may people were at the affair?

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

we had 150 people .. you will love it there!

Re: BIG REVIEW !!!LOTS OF PICS - OCTOBER 27 2007 - THE WOODLANDS, TRAVEL TOM , ARTISAN, PEDESTALS. DENISE VENTI, JILL HARTH , CHRISTINE WHEAT, HEART AND SOUL AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!

Great review! Thank you for sharing! You looked great! Everything looked very nice! Congrats to you and your new husband!!! I love your dress!