7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Our wedding day was a wonderful and happy day, actually our wedding weekend went beyond our expectations. From the rehersal the day before to the day after brunch, I am still overwhelmed by the love that we received from our friends and family, we are truly blessed.

....


Ceremony Location - Church of Saint Saviour - Brooklyn, NY
Comments/Reviews: We are regular parishoners at the Church, so it really felt wonderful getting married there, it was very comfortable. Father Murphy went above and beyond for us everytime as I am sure he does with everyone. The ceremony was by far the most memorable part of the day. When my father and I got there most of our guests were waiting on the balcony to see us arrive, that of course started the waterworks!




Reception Location - Stage 6, Steiner Studios - Brooklyn, NY A+++++++
Comments/Reviews: This is one of my SUPERSTAR vendors. All I heard before our wedding was that Abigail Kirsh is amazing, and they do not disappoint. I counld write a whole page on how amazing our Event Manager, Eric Hoffman was, I knew from our first meeting that we were in good hands. The execution from pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding was FLAWLESS. There were a few, special touches (my grandfathers rum punch, our wishing tree, delivery of our favors) that we wanted to include during cocktail hour and reception, Eric was able to make everything happen with no stress. My husband and I felt like guests at our own wedding. Even when we were behind schedule, he told us what our options were and made sure that we were able to relax and enjoy the food and our guests. We were able to dance, visit guests, eat, and socialize...it was wonderful.




Caterers - Abigail Kirsh A+++++
Comments/Reviews: The food..... people still comment on how great the food was. I ate it ALL, including the food at cocktail hour which was left for us in the bridal suite. It was soooo good
cake topper by Toppers with Glitz - a little over priced but super easy to work with - www.topperswithglitz.com





Florist - Atlas Florist - NYC, NY A+++++++
Comments/Reviews: I admit, I wasn't too happy to have to chose a florist off the preferred vendor list from Stage 6, and then on top of it I was a little nervous choosing a florist with out a website, but as I began working with Jeannie I understood why. Jeannie was AMAZING, I loved working with her and I think my mother loved working with her even more, in fact they started communicating on their own and my mother surprised us at the reception with the candles on the ledges and draping around our lounge area. Jeannie understood the feel I was going for, understood the space, and went with me to the church prior to the wedding, and even when I had to cut my budget because our guest list was growing out of control, she worked with me.
I got almost all of my rentals from Atlas- chairs, tablecloths, lounge furniture, draping for the lounge, candles on the ledges, aisle runner. Then there were the flowers that exceeded my expectations, they were everywhere!!! They looked so amazing in the room the pictures dont do it any justice. Our personal flowers were so beautiful, my jaw dropped when I saw them all. Then there was the wishing tree that was HUGE and was draped with all these crystals. I could go on and on, but her work speaks for itself (Note: The cards for the wishing tree and the family pictures on the tables of the wishing tree and escort card table were done by me)

Photographer - Henry Chan - New York, NY A (for pre-wedding)
Comments/Reviews: What can I say about Henry that hasn't already been said, he is funny but gets the job done. When he says that he can get family portraits done in 15min, he means 15 min, we were in and out (despite having to track down a few relatives). He was great, I barely noticed him there. And later on in the evening he reminded me about pictures that I wanted to get...too funny, I am absentminded by nature. The 1st picture above is a sneak peak picture that he sent us, we are using it for our thank you cards. Can't wait for the rest of the pics!

Videographer - Wen
Comments/Reviews: I booked Wen through Henry because he is considering adding video to his services in the near furture. Wen has shot video at Stage 6 before and I was able to see a sample before booking. Wen and her assistant were very nice the day of no complaints, I don't think they missed a beat, becuase there were everywhere. I will be able to get a better review once I get the video back.

Disc Jockey - Ultimate Sounds DJ's - B
Comments/Reviews: My husband and I come from different backgrounds in the Caribbean (he is Haitian and my family is from Grenada and Trinidad) so having a good mix of music that everyone would be happy to listen to was important to us. We felt very comfortable throught the process with Frank (our MC), he told us that towards the end of the process we would meet the DJ he thought would match our wedding well. Everything was fine until it came time for our final meeting when the songs I had on my 'do not play' list because they were too generic, he said he normally plays at Caribbean weddings. So then he asks us to create a list of songs that we would want to hear so the DJ would have a better understanding of what we want to hear, not exactly what I needed on my plate 2 weeks before the wedding. We never got a chance to meet with the DJ beforehand and it made me very nervous going into the night, not being able to really have an understanding of what was going to be played. They missed a few of my must play songs, and because we never specified what to play when people were eating, the played really mellow Disney tunes. I didn't even notice it until my sister came to me laughing and it really was funny and everyone got a kck out of it so I didnt say anything about it. But in case you cant find the humor in something like that..... All in all, all my guests had a great time and nobody knew what wasnt played, but the stress that music caused in the last few weeks was unnecessary.

Musicians - Hank Lane, Brasilia - A
Kings Brass, Trumpeters A+++++++
Comments/Reviews: We used a Bazilian duo from Hank Lane for coctail hour because my mother drove me crazy about having live music at some point during the night. I have no idea how they sounded because I was too wrapped up when I entered cocktail hour but my mother said they sounded great. We chose them 3 weeks before the wedding because we had the hardest time finding a Haitian Jazz band that was insured. Jay from Hank Lane was great in making it a very easy process.

Kings Brass was super easy to work with, we saw then at a showcase in Long Island and then as soon as I knew what music I wanted played I called them. Because my ceremony ran a half hour over, they werent able to play as we exited the church, but that was fine, all my guests LOVED it.

Transportation - Romantique - C (bride's limo)
Designer Limo - F (all other transportation)
Comments/Reviews: The limo companies were a huge disappointment, they were the only dark cloud on my happy day. As far as Designer Limo's goes, lets just say that I dont recommend them. It you have any problems (limos dropping people at the wrong church, limos not picking up after reception, power not working in half a limo), a resolution will be difficult. I feel bad because I chose this vendor from the recommendation of a friend of my parents.





Invitations - Brown Sugar Design - A+
Comments/Reviews: Oh how I loved my invitations!! I had letterpressed invitations on Crane's brite white paper, with the help of my bridal party we made invitation liners and then wrapped them in black silk ribbon. They were my babies and splurge. Whitney from BSD was so wonderful, we went back and forth over email a million times changing little details until I was happy. It was a very enjoyable process and I highly recommend them! www.bsdstudio.com
Map cards were designed by snappy maps who was another wonderful vendor to work with, quick and easy!


Other Paper: Programs, Welcome Newsletter, Menu Cards, Napkins&Stirrers, Favors, Escort Cards, Petal Cones, etc




Menu Card by http://www.documentsanddesigns.com/ - they were super easy and had a quick turnaround, I loved the way they turned out.


Programs Designed by me!!! - This was actually super easy to do, paper products I got at Paper Presentation and ribbon was bought online through http://www.jkmribbon.com/ . The program itself was designed in Publisher and the cover was in Adobe Illustrator




The place cards were done by me, you really cant see but they are small envelopes (bought at paper presentation along with enclosed business sized card that had the table name printed on it) with a Swarovski crystal affixed along with a flourish design, calligraphy is by the SUPER talented Mary Ann Goodhue of www.goodhuedesigns.com . Mary Ann also did my invitations which looked AMAZING and I received so many comliments because of her work (I will post when I can find a picture)



- Stirrers (in the TWO drinks that I am holding) and the napkins are courtesy of http://www.foryourparty.com/ - they were quick and easy and the quality was excellent


Other Rentals - Chelsea Marketplace - NYC, NY - A
NY Photobooth - A
Comments/Reviews: I used Chelsea Marketplace to rent frames that we put our table names into, they were easy to work with, I saw them online went to their showroom in the city picked them up. very easy to work with


NY Photobooth - This last miniute addition was very accomodating, and everyone had a blast! The pictures are hilarious!!

Jeweler - Fortunoff - A
Comments/Reviews: We went to the Fortunoff on Long Island and it was quick and easy since we both knew what we wanted


Tuxedos - Men's Warehouse - B
Comments/Reviews: The guys looked great, but a few were given wrong sizes or were missing items when they picked them up, problems were resolved quickly but there were issues

My Dress and Accessories - Saks Fifth Avenue - A++++++
Comments/Reviews: Okay I admit I am partially biased because at the time I was working for Saks, but many of those who helped me had no idea that I worked for the company. I LOVED my dress (Ulla Maija, Whirlwhind) I even loved all the fittings (which was many ) since I lost 20 lbs from when I first purchased the dress to my wedding day, alterations had a lot of paitence with me. Then there were my Christian Louboutin shoes that I fell in love with at first sight and didnt need to take off once during the wedding. The earrings and necklace were both by Adrianna Orsini and the comb by Homa creations, belt by Oscar d La Renta....I wanted everything to have an Art Deco feel to it, so I was so happy that I could find everything at Saks.


Bridesmaid Dresses - A.B.S - Saks Fifth Avenue - A+
Comments/Reviews: My beautiful bridesmaids voted on this dress and it fit them all so well, they all looked so beautiful

Hair Stylist - Shawna Williams - A+++++
Comments/Reviews: I knew Shawna was going to do my hair before I was engaged, she is amazing! She did my hair and my diverse group of bridesmaids hair. She showed up on time and was fun to hang out with during the day. Even on a hot 86 degree day, everyone's hair stayed intact till the very last dance.

Makeup Artist - Bluma Beauty - A
Comments/Reviews: I was most nervous about finding someone to do makeup for not only me but my whole bridal party. Our trial was great, so I went ahead and booked her. Tricia showed up on time to the hotel and did a great job, all the girls looked amazing (as did my makeup if I must say so), and it last all night. www.blumabeauty.com

Wedding Coordinator - Francesca Dazzling Affairs - B
Comments/Reviews: Francesca was great in helping with contacting my vendors, helping with the rehersal the day before, and being there the day of helping with any emergencies that came up (example: me forgetting to get a garter belt) We also had a last miniute situation where I had family members who were stranded on Long Island and she helped facilitate everything. The reason why she did not recieve an A is because she left before the night ended and therefore wasn't there through my limo drama (I dont blame her for the company not showing up) and I also had a problem getting back all the rented table frames at the end of the night, so all and all I just wished she stayed. Also, her assistant wasn't prepared for the day (especially at the church), but I hear that she is no longer at the company.

Honeymoon Destination - Europe (France, Italy, Spain, Malta, Monaco) - A+++
Comments/Reviews: This trip was completly planned by us (me). We had an amazing time!! We spent the first 4 days in Paris, we stayed and the cutest boutique hotel, Hotel Caron de Beaumarchasis. We then flew down to Barcelona for two days where we stayed at the Hotel Colon, on the 2nd day we set off on a 7 day Mediterranean Cruise which was absolutley wonderful!


Rehersal Dinner - Five Front Brooklyn, NY A+
Comments/Reviews: What a great place and a good time!! We had so much fun, I spent the whole night laughing so hard I was crying (see the 'No Ma'am tee shirt on one of the best men above). We were sooo loud I felt bad for anyone trying to have a peaceful dinner, the managers Christine and Anthony, the servers, and the food were outstanding. They worked with us on the menu and allowed us to bring in bottles of wine as favors which was great. My MOH's mother and some friends decorated while we were at the church, I owe them a lot of gratitude because it came out beautiful.


Boudior Pics - Blue Daisy Boudior A+
Comments/Reviews: Mariann was wonderful, especially since I was so nervous. She gave me great directon but also let me do my own thing. It was a wonderful experience and when I saw the picture of Wil's face when he first opened up the album (courtesy of snapfish), it was totally worth it


Movie Poster - Custom Movie Poster A
Comments/Reviews: Steve from http://www.custommovieposter.com/ is truly a gem, he was so kind even after 3 revisions, he must have though Wil and I were nuts. But it was fun and everyone who walked into our reception thought it was hilarious and thought it was ver 'us'. Great job and it is a great keepsake.


Hotel Room Block - Brooklyn Bridge Marriott - A++
We had an amazing experience with Brooklyn Bridge Marriott, I read negative reviews before booking but I had no isssues, they went above and beyond with keeping me updated, delivery of our welcome bags, and securing us great rooms for our guests and honeymoon suite. Our Event Coordinator Angela was truly a gem.


Other vendors -
Bridal Luncheon - Norma's (57th Street, NYC) - It was great to have a nice lunch with the girls seperate from the madness, and of course the food there is AMAZING, yummers

Wedding Day Dance (A++) - Ann Marie was a pleasure to work with and she and she had so much paitence with us, even when we were really cranky. She was totally flexible with our schedules. Everyone commented on our first dance (L.O.V.E (french version) - Nat King Cole).

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Hi, my fiance and I are both Haitian and we will soon be in the process of looking for DJ's. I know you rated your DJ a 'B', but did they play much Haitian music? We're looking for a good dj who will play a mix of Haitian and regular music.

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Hi There,

Even though I rated Ultimate Sounds a 'B' that was due to my issues, my guests never knew a thing. They did do a great job of playing Hatian music throughout the night, my DH's family were on the dance floor enjoying themselves. DH gave US DJ's a list of artists instead of songs that he wanted to hear which seemed to work for us. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

congrats! Sounds like you had an amazing wedding! Def post pics when you get the chance!!

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Photographer Henry Chan just sent me a slideshow of my pro-pics!! So super excited and happy with the results, please see below.

http://www.henryshoots.com/movie/2008/keishaandwilner/

Enjoy!

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

great review!!!


congrats!

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

WoW! all i can say is GORGEOUS>< BEAUTIFUL!!!! the bride and groom also the entire wedding party --just beautiful!!! congrats!

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Hello,

I'm getting married in Brooklyn too and i just love your hair. Do you mind sharing your hair stylist info? I live in atlanta now and i dont know the first person to go to for that beautiful hair style on the wedding day.

Thanks

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

congratulations your slide show is amazing!

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Congrats Keisha -- your pictures are amazing! It looks like you all had a fantastic time. CONGRATS!!!!

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Thank you for your review. We were going to go with romantique until i saw your review along with others online. Thank you for that....

I can not wait to see your pictues!

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Thank you ladies for all of your wonderful comments, Henry is sending me propics and I will post them in my review (as soon as I can figure it out)

** twin0877 - Shawna's contact info is [email protected], she is amazing and most of my bridal party now use her as their regualr stylist.

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Thank you... i will email her

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

I bought my dress at Saks also! So far, I have been nothing but amazed by their great service.

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors(kings brass, shawna williams, blue daisy, designer limo

I worked with Imo, she was amazing! I also ended up getting almost all my accessories from Saks because of the service (earrings, shoes, veil, hair clip, bracelet)

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Great review..

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

congrats!!!!!

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

Great review!!!

Re: 7-12-08 Review - Brooklyn wedding with many LI vendors

great review.