5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, PennyLane, Dazzling Affairs, HIgh Voltage, Designer Limos, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

I can not believe that I am writing my review…I signed onto LIW with 724 days to my wedding and really I never thought it would come. But it came and went and it was definitely everything I hoped it would be and more. It was as every bride before and after will say-the best day of my life.

This is very long and detailed-if you actually read thru the whole thing I commend you-I have found all the reviews to be very helpful and figured I would try and do the same for future brides

First, many thanks to Ron and Liz for this site! Without it I would have been lost in the whole planning process. This site became an outlet to share my vents and happiness with other B2B’s that were going thru the same things. I found each and every one of my vendors on this site and would recommend just about all of them.

To My Favorite ’07 girls: You all know who you are (I am sure I’m forgetting some) -Millie, Stephanie, Callan, Tracy, Andrea, Elisa, Athena, Heather, Bethie cakes …we almost all started out a loooooooong time ago when there were only like 40 or so 07 brides and now we are all almost married! Each of you I have gotten close to and appreciate your honestly and humor during the whole process! When I first got on this site I thought all the girls who said they are very close to other LIW ladies were nuts, now I get it.

Advice to all of you, its said time and time again but it is sooo true! DO NOT sweat the small stuff. Up until that day you will stress over matching flowers to dresses, will your hair stay, will it rain, will I be on time, who will not like this or that…the day of you do not care!!! You can not and will not make EVERYONE happy! You can not foresee people’s reactions, how they will behave, what they will say or how things will progress throughout the night-so try to make yourselves happy first. If you love it that is all that really matters. If you have your heart set on having or doing something-DO IT! Don’t let someone tell you it is not worth it-it is if it’s what you want. Remember that it is YOUR wedding-not everyone will drop everything to help you-they may not ever help you (I had this happen ) so try not to take it personally when no one seems interested. Try and remember when you were not engaged!

Know this-I was 10000% happy with how my wedding day went-we had plenty of bumps-everything that could go wrong before did…and everything that could go wrong the day of did!!! From my dress, to BMs dresses, flowers, limo, hating invitations, headpiece to shoes…it happened to me-the day of everything was beautiful and WELL worth the annoyance. We had perfect weather! And our family and friends around us and we got married! nothing better then that!!!

***Most Pictures are Professional from Right Angle***

Weather-A+
Granted…I sweat like no other the day of my wedding, I was not prepared AT ALL for the beautiful weather that we got. So definitely A+ all the way around for no rain. This is just an example, the night before the wedding it was supposed to be gloomy, cloudy with a 60% chance of rain...I kid you not.....no clouds...no grey....no rain. Ignore the weather weeks before, start looking at it a few days before so you can buy nice big umbrellas if it does rain.

Rehearsal Dinner-Figaros A+
My ILs love this restaurant and know the owners very well. We had a big fat Italian meal and everyone loved it. Served family style and there was more then enough to go around. The cake they made for us was gorgeous and so yummy. And it didn’t cost us an arm and a leg either, definitely worth the money.

Aisle Runner
My mom lives in Michigan and really just could not afford to travel back and forth to help me. I sent her pictures of our progress so that she could be somewhat involved though I know it broke her heart not to be with me. I originally wanted a red carpet but for the length I needed it was just too much. So after talking to my MIL I decided to ask my mom to make mine. My mom is an amazing artist and really lets her talent go to waste-she was ecstatic to say the least. She and my MIL went back and forth looking for a runner and when they found it my mom started. She bought 15 different types of paint and colors b/c she wanted it to be “PERFECT” and it was. She had “This day I will marry my friend” on the end closest to the altar and “This day I married my friend” at the other end. It will be something I cherish forever.




Nassau County Police Department Pipes & drums-A++++++
This was a surprise from DHs dad…he knew that DH had wanted bag pipers at the church, but since we got married in New York he was able to go all out and get us not 1 but 5 pipers. They played a string of songs for about 10 minutes and it was definitely worth it not to have them at the church We also danced the Irish Waltz and DH got to wear the drummers hat-it was a nice surprise and all our guests thought it was great.













Right Angle Studios-George& Vinny A+ thru the whole process!
One of the hardest vendors for me was photography. I really wanted someone and something special. I wanted someone that could capture our day and the emotion down to a blink. I really feel that George did that. He has this thing, I guess its a gift of knowing how to I guess help you along in getting what you want out of your pictures without really trying. He was personable from the get-go. The minute I met with him I adored him. His love for photography is nice to see-he is amazing at what he does and KNOWS what he is doing. I wasn’t uptight and tense with him-most of the time I didn’t notice he was there-or our second photographer for that matter. He knows how to position you just right to make you look amazing and he truly made me feel beautiful the day of my wedding even though I couldn’t see the pictures. I was the princess and he made me feel that way. DH even commented on how it was so easy to be around him and not feel like someone was taking your picture. He sweat it out on our wedding day and didn’t whine about it-though I did
I wanted specific things in our package. I didn’t want 50 5x7’s-what am I going to do with all of those? So when asked he was flexible and included everything I wanted for the price I was looking for. I had met with so many photographers and none that were really as flexible. And really-a photographer can show you a million beautiful pictures but that doesn’t sell me-those are the best pictures in thousands. I wanted someone who had a LOVE for taking pictures and wanted the person they were shooting to almost want to love it too. I wanted someone that would be excited about shooting my wedding, that was going to make us comfortable and that was going to fulfill what I wanted in our pictures, and he did. Your day is truly a blur and I can go back and remember every emotion I had that day...and remember how it felt to stand with my dad before we walked down the aisle, how it felt to sit next to my fiance who was going to be my husband soon...that is what I really think a photographer should be able to do for a bride and groom...and he did that times 100 for us.
The day of George was my 4th set of eyes, he tried so many times to make me rebustle my dress-I refused, when he went into the reception he saw them putting cake flowers on my cake and knew I was going to be upset b/c I didnt want any...he was more then a photographer, he really really did listen to every little detail I had mentioned in conversation with him.
From day one he was excited-I’m sure he gets excited about all brides weddings-but I felt special b/c of that. He knew who I was when I called and that to me was also VERY important. He will be someone I call when I have kids and he is someone I recommend highly.
With that said, I LOVE GEORGE! His work really is everything that I wanted in my pictures and I really could not have asked for more. The pictures I think really speak for themselves.


































Dazzling Affairs-Francesca A+
I was totally uninterested in having a wedding planner. I am a control freak and felt that a planner would take away my control- this is NOT true to say the least. After my ILs insisted that I get one I started my search on LIW and came up with a couple of names. I spoke to each one over the phone and really like Francesca. She was open from the minute I got on the phone with her. I told her what I was looking to do but just didn’t know really what I wanted. At this point we only had CB and the church booked. DH and I met with her when I came to NY for my birthday and instantly I loved her. She was always a phone call away, anytime I began to lose my mind she dealt with it. We had so many problems leading up to the wedding and she was always there to answer my questions, make sure I knew what was going on and what was the smartest way for me to handle it. She endured endless phone calls from myself and my MIL regarding questions and issues-and was always so pleasant. She set up all my appointments with vendors, met me at each one, we talked everything over before signing any contracts. She was without a doubt there for me 100% to make sure that I did not get roped into anything. She dealt directly with my dress store once the big problems arose and met with me for most appointments.
I really can NOT say enough about her! Francesca and Alex (her assistant) were my saving grace the day of the wedding-kept me collected-on time-and together and that really speaks for itself b/c I was not an easy bride to deal with. I had looked to her so much that now that she isn’t around I feel like I am missing something. I would and WILL highly recommend her to anyone-she is definitely an amazing person, really knows her stuff and awesome at what she does! If you want someone who can handle the situations that you cant, that will be your voice when you arent being heard and has been in the business long enough to be ready for anything to happen and will take matters that are too stressful for you to deal with off of your hands, She IS the ONE to go to!!!








Favors-Love Coasters
I really have no idea who we got these from, they were not expensive at all and I liked the way they were wrapped when they came in so I changed nothing. Alot of our guests loved them.



Invitations-Carlson Craft-A+
I ordered my invites thru Dazzling Affairs, they came pretty quick once we ordered them and they were in great shape. Only down fall was I did not love them. At first I did-then when we started putting them together I actually started crying! So myself, my MOH and a friend spent 4 hours gluing and glittering the edges of them b/c we felt they were just too plain. Ironic thing-everyone loved them-said they were elegant and not over done. AND a lot of people mentioned the glitter they still find around their house!



Ring Bearer Pillow-Beverly Clark-A-
I also ordered this thru Dazzling Affairs. I picked one out and found out that it was discontinued. So I picked 2 others that I liked just in case. Francesca actually got both of them for me so that I could decide. They were both nice-the only thing was they seemed pretty small. I don’t know if that is because out RB was 7 years old or what-but it didn’t matter…he practically dragged the thing down the aisle anyway. It did its job and it was very pretty.

St Brigids Catholic Church-A
I grew up at St. Brigids so there really was no question about where we have our ceremony. I LOVE the old feel of the church and DH didn’t argue-he loved it too.
We met with Father Ralph and loved him instantly. He had this calming affect-we were SO nervous about this meeting it wasn’t even funny. We talked for awhile and he set us up for Pre-Cana. About a week before the first mass I got a call from the lady who oversees Pre-Cana saying that she wanted to make sure I was ok with out Pre-Cana couple. She informed me that my second uncle and his wife were over seeing our group. It was strange for a second but it didn’t matter. We felt it made it easier b/c I had been to their house numerous times. No biggie.
The whole process was really easy to follow; they were very flexible with us and made it all possible. Due to DHs work schedule it was hard to be where we needed to be or even get there on time. But it was not an issue at all.
Our rehearsal was the Wednesday before the wedding and really-I was more confused when it was over then when it began. It was so hard to follow what was going on and what was going to happen that we just felt lost. We ran into Father Ralph afterwards and got to sit down with him and go over it all-which helped.
The day of the wedding we had some glitches. We were told I could wait upstairs so DH couldn’t see me-the day of the wedding Francesca went to go up there and it was scorching hot halfway up the stairs so we wound up going across the street to wait. No one had opened the windows in the church so the church was extremely uncomfortable and hot inside. A close family friend actually went around and opened the windows-it didn’t help very much. Also, just before my BMs went across the street to line up, the secretary came over to me and told me the music director was on the phone, she didnt have my music list :shock: I had called and given it to her and faxed it over....so I had to remember what I had picked out! Very much an annoyance.
Our wedding fell during 'Easter' for the church so we had the opportunity to use the pew candles they used during this season, I was very excited about this as it went with all our other candle stuff. Father Ralph did an amazing job, everyone told our parents that the ceremony was beautiful-half of our guests cried (big babies ) and we were on cloud 9 the whole time!





















Flower Michele-A
I only met with Barbara from Flower Michele. I kind of had an idea of what I wanted but just didn’t know how to put it all together. She finished my ideas and made them complete. I really didn’t care about flowers until we had met with her and then I was excited. I really couldn’t wait to see them all.
The reason for only an A is that my MIL made an appointment for us to see my CPs to make sure I was happy and didn’t want to change anything. I live in Holbrook-so it’s a hike to Mineola, well we drove to Mineola to get to FM and what was set up as my CP was not my CP. It was pillar candles on a plate with rose petals. I had sent a picture of what I wanted-pillar candles inside glass hurricanes with rose petals in the hurricanes and petals and rose heads on the tables. Disappointing b/c I drove all the way there to have to drive home a little upset. When we went back they were perfect. And we were both very happy with what had been put together for us. The day of however...there was one less glass hurricane then we had talked about on each table AND flowers on my cake which i had repeated soo many times that I did NOT want. By the time I saw it there wasnt anything I could do so I dealt with it.

There was a little confusion on my part and their part a few days before the wedding and the day of. We had changed the amounts of everything so many times that it really made it hard to keep track. I went to pick up an extra bout for DH the day before the wedding and I called Francesca in a panic that they had gotten it wrong when in fact I had it wrong-they had it right. So we changed it to what I thought it was no problem. The day of the wedding however I was short one BM bok, which was frustrating-especially since I received a call telling me that my count was off (bc that was the moment and the time to do this-my contract had the numbers correct so I dont know where the confusion began) but it turned out ok-they just delivered it to the church and it was there when we arrived before the ceremony. All the boks were tied wrong, i specifically said I wanted the stems completely wrapped (they had a picture) and it wasnt, the girls the streamers were supposed to be long not just tied-again had given them a picture. Otherwise, Barbara was very accommodating given the circumstance of me being so far away and it being hard for me to get to Mineola during the hours they were open. If I wanted to change something it was not a problem to do so over the phone.
My flowers were beautiful-they pretty much held up all day in the heat that we had and they were in essence beautiful regardless of what was wrong. Everyone thought my CPs were gorgeous, they warmed the room and that’s exactly what I was looking for.
If you booked them your flowers will be gorgeous! I can say without a doubt in my mind that Flower Michele is one of the best florists out there-they are able to take what ideas you have and build on the look and feel you want.











]High Voltage-Vinny A+
From the second I met Vinny I adored him. He was nice, personable, straight forward and honest. He didn’t try and sell me anything I didn’t need. We talked a lot from the time I booked him until the wedding and I consider him to be like part of the family. He even recommended places for us to go when we went to AC with friends for New Years when I spoke to him shortly before. He helped me with my music selections 2 days before my wedding-yes I waited that long. to do it! I didn’t have a crazy Must Play list, I really honestly felt that he is the professional-he knows better then I do what is going to keep people dancing-so I really left it up to him. When I gave him our few requests I also (again last minute) decided to add the give aways, which were a huge hit! I really could not have asked for more-people danced all night, I know I did! And that was all that really mattered to us-we wanted EVERYONE to enjoy themselves!
We did have some strange requests but he played them all and made sure that DH and I were there to hear them. He was overall PERFECT for what I had wanted in a DJ. I can not really recommend him enough. He will always be the DJ I will run to for our parties. He really knows his stuff-if you booked him do not worry-your party will definitely be off the hook! The only recommendation-and it has nothing to do really with Vinny-is don’t cut out all the cheesy wedding music. This was what got a lot of our guests out onto the floor-we had the electric slide, cotton eye Joe…and trust that each guest had a blast!!!









PennyLane Studios-Adam A+
Let me start off by saying that I had NO intention of getting video. DH talked me into and then I refused to spend thousands on a video I would never watch. I just couldn’t see doing it. I met with Adam and from the start LOVED his work. It was unique and special. It had something that leaves you in awe. He really is a master in his own right-I watched videos in his office and was blown away at what he could do. I had made my decision in his office but still needed to make sure that it was ok with DH. I showed him some of the videos on the website for PennyLane and he told me to do it. I was a little slack about doing this. But Adam gave me the time I needed to make sure and I know that when I do get my video back it will be something I will watch over and over again.
I’ve been to weddings where the video guy stands on a chair in the middle of the dance floor with his light shining in your face-I personally can not stand that. I didn’t even notice Adam 99% of the time. The only time I saw him was when I was looking for him. He was not in your face and annoying-which was a huge perk. I highly recommend Adam if you want something a little more fun, unique and something that isn’t ordinary.

Karenthemakeupartist-Karen A-
I saw Karen’s work searching for someone to do my make-up. We went back and forth with emails and phone calls so many times it was laughable. When I finally set up a trial with her it was a relief. One month to my wedding and I booked her on the spot. She did exactly what I had asked her to do. It was perfect. The day of my wedding I was very late meeting her at my house, so she started on my MOH. She was done before I got there but she waited patiently. She did me and then my MIL and we all looked flawless. I loved my makeup and really was in awe at the job that she did, I absolutely felt amazing and so happy that I had booked her! The only little thing is she was on the phone doing business a lot of the time which was a little annoying but all in all she was wonderful to deal with. Very sweet and very nice girl and an absolute pleasure to work with.






Denise Leli Headpeices-Denise Leli-A+
I had met with Denise’s daughter for my veil and had already basically put in my order. I had originally ordered a headpiece from Paradise Bridal and had an issue so back to Denise I went. Francesca had called her after speaking to my MIL about my problem. I had seen the Rayna (spelling?) on her daughter when I did my veil and loved it but had already ordered my headpiece. When I met with Denise I told her how I wanted my hair and we started going thru boxes of tiaras, combs and band styles until I came across the Rayna. We left that one for last and when she put it on my head I was in LOVE! It was stunning and I had to have it. We tweaked my veil a little bit and it was done. I got a headpiece that EVERYONE I know raved about! Everyone thought it was gorgeous and just sparkled like nothing they had ever seen. Thanks to Denise and her daughter I not only got a headpiece but she gave me back a little bit of what I had lost with the original headpiece and more. It was 100 times better then the original-I didn’t want a tiara anyway





Wingate Garden City-A
We used the Wingate for OOT accommodations as well as our room for the night of the wedding. They were very easy to deal with until the day prior to my wedding. I had a few guests arrive very early, we had put their room on our CC and they gave us the money-when they showed up to check in I got a phone call at 430 am saying that they were not letting them check in b/c they didn’t have an authorization form signed on file from us allowing the card to be run for the room. My ILs had been there both days before going over details, etc. with them, we paid for the bar to be open after our reception, etc. and never once was this mentioned to us. They even asked if there was anything else that they needed and we were told NO…so after about 2 hours of arguing with them they finally authorized the card and let them check in. That was really our only gripe with them. I can only imagine what had happened if DH had been checking in and they wouldn’t allow it-his GMs arrived at the hotel first, I can tell you it would not have been a happy start to our wedding day.
Otherwise, they were very nice, the room was nice and clean…and the bed WOW it was definitely like sleeping on a cloud

Old Westbury Gardens-A
I went to Old Westbury Gardens so many times growing up that I had always said I would take my wedding pictures there. And I did! We booked and had no problems. The only thing that was a little bit of a let down was you were given the choice of 3 areas…I Picked my 3 and only got 1. I had a few must take pictures that were from Camacho’s wedding and I didn’t get those exact pictures because of this. Not too big of a deal for me-just annoying thinking you are going to get one thing and you get another.









Gennaro Jewelers-Bellmore Village-A+
I knew I wanted a double band, otherwise that is all I knew. DH wanted something light and not flashy b/c he isnt used to wearing rings, after talking about it with them they suggested the titanium and DH loved the choices he had and wasnt quick to choose, but did, he chose a titanium band with a single diamond in it-he loves it. I went thru a couple of different rings before I finally decided, they were all single bands, so I picked one and they ordered 2 so they could be bridge around my e-ring. We went in for our rings about 2 months before the wedding, they came in about 1-2 weeks laters. We didnt go there to pick them up and have my rings bridged until the weekend before the wedding (Yes very lazy on our part) but it was no problem. We walked in, said what I wanted and they did the work right in front me and when it was done they inspected all the stones, made sure I was happy and polished it and my e-ring for me. I HIGHLY recommend Gennaro for ANY jewelry needs. The pieces they have are unique are beautiful, they are quality not crap, the service is amazing and really that put together with the security of knowing where your item is at all times is worth it. There are always customers in the store, and they staff is VERY nice!!







Tuxedo Park-A+
I was very particular about what I wanted in a tuxedo, I told Francesca what I was looking for and she found it. We went in and it was EXACTLY what I wanted, all the boys wore Uomo shadow tuxes-including the dads and they looked sharp. When I told Bob what color the girls were wearing he pulled out 2 ties that matched perfectly. Things did get a little complicated as DH was originally in a white vest and tie and I didn’t really love it-and we added a RB. I had called a week prior to the wedding to change the colors for DH and the RB vest and tie and was told no problem. The day they picked them up however the changed were not noted, I spent about 30 minutes on the phone (not with Bob) going over the changes-for whatever reason DH called me and told me that they don’t make the changes over the phone you have to go in and make changes-that I can understand-but why I had to be the one to give them the changes when DH was standing right there I don’t know.
They were really pleasant to deal with, very easy to get in touch with-had some late night hours which was great for us being in Suffolk and always called back if we had a question. DH, the GMs and the dads looked awesome! Everyone said they really liked the look of the tux. They were a little on the high end as far as cost-but they were tailored perfectly, no one had a problem with anything and the service was outstanding without a doubt.





Designer Limos-Before A+/Day of B+
I booked Designer after going to one other limo company. I knew I needed one of the larger limos b/c out GMs are all big & tall boys. I had a hard time getting in and out of limos so I knew it would be hard for them. I booked the 2007 Escalade thru them and everything was great. We changed our pickup locations and times a few days before the wedding and it was no problem.
The day of the wedding however I was a little upset with the company. My worst fear about the wedding day was the drive to the church. I got ready in Holbrook-about a 45 minute drive from the church, I was so worried we would break down, get into an accident, get stuck in traffic, etc. etc. and really I don’t think this worry would have gone away even if I was driving my own car. First, the limo was supposed to be at me at 130, when I made my final they said it arrives 1/2 an hour early, nope it was there at 130-truthfully this was fine by me but it meant rushing to get in. We go to get into the limo and it is NOT the limo I booked. I booked a 20 passenger bc all of our GMs are tall boys-I wanted them to be comfortable-I got a limo that just barely fit 12 of us comfortably. I really couldn’t do very much as I couldn’t wait for another limo to come and really there would have been no point. The GMs all said that they were comfortable-but really what else are they going to say to me on my wedding day. Now-our driver was very courteous, helped me in and out of the limo, made sure we were comfortable, etc. the only thing was that I don’t think I took a breath all the way to the church. I was frantic in the limo. I was just not comfortable at all with his driving and really almost kissed the ground outside the church when we got there. When we arrived at the church the driver asked if I had a runner, we told him yes but he didnt need to un roll it, I had asked 2 of my close friends to do this. I said it, my dad said it, Francesca even told him...when the doors opened for me and my dad to walk it wasnt my friends unrolling my runner but the driver! This truthfully was the only thing that REALLY got to me that day. The 2 I had asked to do this werent part of our BP b/c we had decided the GMs were DHs choice and vice versa for the BMs, these were 2 guys I have been friends with my whole life and I wanted them to be a part of the day in some way, they didnt even get to do something that both of them were honored to do.
Otherwise-we got everywhere that we needed to be on time and had no problems. The limo was ok-the speaker in the door was busted in, the carpeting was stained-this bothered DH a little more then I b/c I was passed it when I realized nothing could be done. It was stocked, the AC kind of worked-so really no insanely out there complaints
I do sort of recommend them-however I would make sure that you will get the car you are booking and get it in writing!

Things Remembered A+
We bought out toasting flutes and cake knife and server from things remembered. We had them engraved thru them also, everything was perfect and everyone there was very helpful~I was very indecisive so it took alot of patience to deal with me

Paradise Bridal-Before Ordering A+/After Ordering F
I am not one to give anyone an F but for this it seems completely necessary. I had already decided on what dress I wanted before I went to Paradise Bridal. A friend of mine got married and recommended I go there-I will never take a recommendation from her again. I went in with my MIL just to look at some dresses and be sure that the one I wanted was in fact the one I wanted. They were very accommodating, didn’t need an appointment, I was able to take as much time as I wanted to look and try on dresses. I went in the following day to actually place the order and spent 10 minutes trying to find someone to take my measurements. When we finally found someone she said all of 2 words to us. We asked to see headpieces-she told us we could pull them out by ourselves and went on with a conversation she was having with a co-worker. I found one and we asked that it be rushed we would like it ASAP and would pay for it in full if need be. We were told no problem. A few months passed and I started to wonder where my headpiece was so I called. This is where it all begins. I was told it shipped out and would be in the following week…NOPE! So I called again, this time I was told 2 weeks-then I was told it comes in with the dress and then I was told it comes in after the dress….my dress came in-no headpiece. I finally got the call that my headpiece was in-before my dress-so I went to pick it up. It was close but it was NOT the headpiece I ordered. I told the lady this and the trouble started right there. She told another lady who got another lady-so now there are 3 people involved and they are all telling me the tags match from my receipt to the one on the headpiece…That’s great but it WAS NOT the one I ordered! They checked the catalog and swore up and down that it was the one I had ordered. Now, being as picky as I am I know what I like and what I don’t. The one I picked was all set rhinestones…this one had beads sewn to it! After 2 hours of arguing one of them blatantly said to me that I was wrong and that was that. I told her to cancel it, I did NOT want it and to shove it!
Now, I had to wait for my first fitting-when it finally came I was so excited I don’t think I slept the night before. I go into the fitting room and no go. The dress wont even begin to zip!!! Basically in essence, I wanted to order a 4-we spoke about ordering the 4-she said it would be too big-so she ordered me a 2!!! I have been my height and weight since I was 15 years old!!!!

Here is my first fitting:



Here is after it was fixed to fit and basically rebuilt-obviously looks like a completely different dress:






Ok, we are told no problem they will take it out. So I go for my next appointment, it fits () she begins to do my hem-no problem. I notice that they front of the dress is crooked and the sides are higher then they were originally. The seamstress actually told me I was crazy.
Next appointment I go in with Francesca b/c I have told her my issue-again with a picture and this time I am told that there is nothing they can do-ok they were partially correct, there was a seam where the skirt met the body but the sashes were sewn in about and inch and a half above this seam. At this point, Francesca notices a lump in the side of the seam where it had been taken out. So onto another appointment!
Let me add here...I had noticed from the first fitting that the chest on this dress was HUGE in comparison to mine (yes I have nothing) when I mentioned this to the seamstress she told me there was nothing she could do it would ruin the dress. Well, nothing was done and lets just say in a bunch of my pictures there is a gap between me and my dress b/c of this! I had thick cups sewn in AND wore a bra...still too big!
Next appointment...This time my hem was still too long so she took it up a little more and we started on my bustle. Now-my train was 15” longer then the original dress-we ordered it with extra length. I insisted and made it clear that I did NOT want a huge bulge on my butt and didn’t want a poofy French bustle. After 2 attempts my MIL handed me a mirror b/c she knew I would NOT like what had been done. I looked over my shoulder and said I didn’t like it and the seamstress at this point got nasty-telling us there was no other way and actually snatched the mirror out of my hand! I guess she didn’t know who she was dealing with. I took the dress off and called Francesca and asked if she could meet me and help me with my bustle-she said no problem. I got off the phone with her and asked the sales girl to get my dress and began to pull every one of the pins she had put in the bustle. There was no way I was going to walk around with this thing hanging off my @ss! So when Francesca came with me we actually had a different seamstress. She was genius. I wound up with double French which didn’t give me this balloon affect and laid so perfectly.

Bustle:



The next appointment was a fiasco. I sat with my BMs waiting for over and hour to find out that they hadn’t started their bustles (this is their last fitting appt) and right before I am set to go in I find out that nothing had been done to my dress. This is one week before my wedding. With everything else I wanted a final before my final-there was NO WAY I was going to go for my final and not know that the dress was perfect. After throwing a fit in the store (and I mean yelling, cursing and throwing a temper tantrum) they gave me an appointment to come in that Saturday morning before they opened. It was done-I put it on and it was perfect. Except the dress was still off center-I mentioned this to the seamstress and instead of her telling me I was crazy she pulled out a measuring tape and low and behold it was off an inch and a half! She re-centered it and I had my final Wednesday before the wedding.

My BMs dresses came in 3 weeks before the wedding-and this was a little complicated-2 of them live in Nassau and the other one lives in SC. I shipped out one dress and she had no problems with hers. The other 2 their first fittings went fine. The fourth went in for her fitting during the week and due to work I couldn’t make it. I showed her what was supposed to be done to the tails so she could explain it to the seamstress. When the 2 girls made their final appointments we waited an hour (this is the same day I had my non-fitting fiasco) b/c their bustles had not been done. They were in and out no problem. The fourth girl I met at the store the Wednesday before my wedding for her final and of course there was a problem. The tails were never done. They pinned them and guaranteed to me that it would be done for me to pick up the next day (the day before my wedding). We went in and picked up all the dresses-steamed and pressed and ready to go. We get all the dresses home and by sheer luck the fourth BMs dress fell off the hanger. When we picked it up my MOH noticed that her tails were still pinned
Now this is the question-if the dress was steamed and pressed how did they miss the pins? Any who-I called and LOST MY MIND on them. They sent an employee to pick up the dress and she delivered it back to me later that night at my rehearsal dinner!!!!
The day of my wedding we noticed many things wrong-all the hems on the dresses were rolling up, my MOH had a stain on the front of her dress, the stitching across the bust line on a BMs dress was crooked…all in all they looked beautiful but not without tons of stress!
I recommend them for purchase I do NOT recommend them for alterations. The dress that I adored and loved turned out to be the dress from hell. I actually told DH that I wish I had ordered another dress b/c it would have made my life so much easier. In the end I wore the dress of my dreams and it was everything I wanted. So I guess it was worth it.















The girls wore Bill Levkoff #966, my MOH wore a different style-Im not sure of the #- in Euro Grey and the sash was Euro silver





And I saved the best for last!!!



Chateau Briand-Before A+/After A



When we started looking at halls DHs dad suggested we look at CB. He had been there for many functions over the years and said the service and food was top notch. Our first hall was CB on our list. When we got there we were greeted at the door by Jack, who spent an hour and a half with us just walking around the building. We were a little worried about this part b/c we figured that we would be treated like we were “young” and get forced into signing something we weren’t ready for. Not once did Jack make us feel that way. He was constantly making sure he had answered all of our questions and that we understood how it all went. We sat down with him and went over the menu, table settings, etc. At this time my dad’s girlfriend arrived and she was brought into his office. She sat down and he asked if we wanted anything to drink-she actually said that she wanted some food-and she said it just like that. He said no problem. Got up and a few minutes later we had a server come in, white gloved and all with a silver platter of different finger foods for us. He also came in with drinks for us. Jack treated us like royalty the second we walked in the door and we both really liked that about him. Truthfully-we walked out the door knowing that we were done looking but looked at other places. Let’s just say they had a lot to live up to after we went to CB.
A few months before the wedding we had our final meeting to do our menu and were not happy to find that we weren’t meeting with Jack. We met with another employee who neither one of us were fond of from the second we walked in. We were rushed thru the whole process and twice during this meeting DH got up and walked out. She seemed very uninterested in making sure we were happy with what we had picked, uninterested in the “customer service” aspect of it all and that didn’t go over to well. I was very uneasy about the whole thing as was DH and my MIL. Francesca was with us (would you believe she thought Francesca was my mother!!!) and I told her that all the confidence I had really went out the window.
I completely understand that Jack had left, Im not one to throw a tantrum over having him replaced, I get how the whole 'business' aspect of things go. But in all honesty the person that we met with had no idea how to answer our questions. We would ask a questions and it would be a fumble, now I dont work in the catering business but I could have told her how to answer the question. That is what made us uncomfortable. It seemed like she was pulling to answer us and give an explanation, but all explanations made no sense.

Now when we told Francesca our feelings she told us not to worry that she would take care of it. We met with Tom shortly after and we all felt so much better after that meeting. When we asked a question he had a valid answer, he answered the questions and made sure we knew what he was talking about. He treated us-again-the way were treated by Jack who in essence is most of the reason we booked CB in the first place. Our confidence was restored and we all were very happy.
The day of came and went pretty quick. We didn’t get to CH like we had wanted to but that was ok. We had Elmer as out Maitre D and he was wonderful. We walked both rooms (Europa & Normandy) and he made sure we loved the way things were set up. Everything looked so good-and everyone said everything was fabulous! He was basically right there when ever we needed him-but not all over us. My bridal attendants were very good too (i dont remember their names :sad: very nice girls. Only thing was they bustled my dress wrong so it dragged and got stepped on all night-once I noticed I didn’t care. The only thing that was a little annoying to me was that we were doing family pictures prior to CH and I know our families didn’t know where they had to be, when I went to go down to get my family I was told I couldn’t go downstairs because another bride was supposed to be arriving-I booked CB knowing full well that they did more then one affair-so in essence I got some family pictures but only with our parents. I don’t have a single picture of me with my grandfather (he had to leave early due to an outside incident) and I can’t get that back. If you are hell bent on NOT seeing another bride-book a hall that only does one wedding at a time, you really don’t know what affect your personal preferences may have on another bride. I found out later that night that the person who was also having their wedding reception there was the “Ultimate fighting Champion”-I don’t know if this had any affect on anything-but I sure felt like it did.



Otherwise-we didn’t eat much b/c we were having too much fun but everyone said the food was amazing and there was so much of it. What we did eat however was definitely the best we have had at a wedding in awhile. My MIL tells me that people are still raving about the hall itself-how unique and beautiful it is-how the food was amazing and that the staff was friendly and attentive. Most of our guests said that CH could have been dinner there was so much food, some have said that the best part was you could tell that the food was fresh and just prepared-so in essence-CB means good food
Our group of friends became buddies with one of our bartenders so much that at the end of the night they all remembered his name and STILL talk about how great he was. One of our guests who is on the hard to please side of the spectrum actually came out and said to me that he had the best time-and when he asked for a specific wine that he KNEW they would not have they went above and beyond to get it for him They had it in stock they just didn’t have it at the bar. He said that was great!
The night went perfectly; CB was everything I had hoped that it would be and more. I do not in anyway shape or form have a single valid complaint that I could say is worth ranting and raving about. Of course looking back there are a few things I would have changed-but hindsight is 20/20 and I could not foresee certain things happening. They were phenomenal and really do know how to make your day, food and whole experience with them great. If you have booked them-don’t stress at all. When I look back and think about it-they were in essence Perfect!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Great review, you look beautiful!!! Congratulations!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

awesome review!!! your pics came out awesome!!!!

congrats!!!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Great review, everything looks beautiful....

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

everything looked beautiful! Your make up was perfect. Congratulations

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Congratulations Peggie!!! You looked beautiful! So nice to read a great review of CB - makes me excited for my big day.

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Congrats!! Great review!!! you looked absolutely gorgeous!!!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Peg, great review--- and your pics are absolutely breathtaking!!!!!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Your pictures came out beautiful!!!!!!! You looked gorgeous & your girls flowers are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Congrats Peggy - you looked beautiful!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Thank you for the review!! Congrats! I am not a headpice kind of person, but i really Love yours! Very pretty!!! And your flowers looked amazing! And of course you looked amazing!!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Congrats, Peggy. Beautiful Pics and great review.

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

You made such a beautiful bride! Congrats!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

COngratulations! Your pics are beautiful and you were glowing!!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

great review. wonderful pictures!!!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Beautiful pics!!!!!

You were a gorgeous bride!!!!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

great review!!! sorry to hear you had some drama w/ Paradise Bridal and with your sample centerpiece at FM! I love all your pictures!!

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Wonderful review and beautiful pics!! Ever since I saw you at PB, I've been waiting for your review to see if you had issues with them too...so sorry to hear that your problems were that bad! I'm glad in the end it all worked out and everyone looked beautiful.

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Peg....well done.....loved reading your review...you look beautiful....just amazing...

more pics more pics

Re: 5~25~07-Chateau Briand, Right Angle, Flower Michele..best day ever!!!

Finally I read it through!!! Tough day today with all that damn electrical issues ... Reading your review was just like hearing it from your own mouth. It was very put together and honest. You were an absolutely breath taking bride. I love all of your proofs and hope one day you have a HUGE album to place them all in on a coffee table !!!! May you and Tommy live happily ever after like I know you should... Luv ya honey