A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY's and more... Edited 1/10/07 to add album & video clips!!!!!

I want to start off by thanking LIW and all the girls on here who have helped me during planning! Ok, I'm going to get right to the review...

*All pics taken by The Velvet Studio*

Weather
Sunny, but windy! – A
We got very lucky since the entire week prior to the wedding it rained! I woke up Saturday and ran to the window only to see a clear blue sky. That’s also when I noticed the trees blowing violently in the wind. Honestly, it didn’t bother me… I’m not even sure that rain would have bothered me at that point. It was my wedding day!!!



Florist
LA Blossom – A++++++++++
(www.lablossom.com)
Laurie is such a doll, which is the main reason we chose to book with her. Not to mention her previous work has always been outstanding and other bride’s reviews prove that! She is so sweet and talented and was such a pleasure to work with during the planning process. I changed my mind SO many times on what type and color flowers I wanted and Laurie always came up with exactly what I was looking for. She even emailed me pictures so I could see her suggestions. The day of the wedding the bouquets, bouts, etc all came on time and were exactly what I pictured. I’m so glad I went with peonies! The CP’s were SO beautiful!!! I couldn’t believe how amazing they made the ballroom look! She also provided the fake orchids for the BM's hair, which looked so real!








Oh and the gazebo, it was a sight to see!!! I couldn’t get over it and I think I even said something to Len in the middle of the ceremony about how beautiful it was!!! Thanks Laurie!



DOC
Laura F. (Weddings by Laura) – A++++++++++
Email: [email protected]
There really aren’t words for how great Laura was! She was incredible. Phenomenal. More than I ever expected. I enjoyed every meeting with her before the wedding and she was always making me lists and reminding me to do certain things. On the day of the wedding, she was with me from 10am until the last person left the reception after 1am!! We never had to look for her, she was always right there when I needed something. She made sure all the girls had their hair/makeup done that morning and that everyone was on schedule. I didn’t know this until after, but 3 of the girls’ clasps broke on their dresses and she had to sew them back together!! She dealt with limo issues, getting into OWG for pics, getting us to each pic location on time, helping with the ceremony set-up, etc… She held my train and veil ALL day while taking pics and made sure it didn’t drag anywhere. She always had whatever we needed… lip gloss, tissues, bobby pins, safety pins, hairspray, tampons, you name it! At the reception, we never had an envelope or empty drink in our hands for more then 2.2 seconds! Oh and she took care of all the day-of payments to vendors and tipping.



All my bridesmaids, our parents AND our guests couldn’t get over how amazing she was and a friend of my mom’s even called her up and wanted her number so she can have it for when her daughter gets engaged… she’s not even engaged yet, but noticed how attentive she was to Len & I all night!!

Most importantly, she was always smiling!! Laura just has this smile that lets you know you everything is perfect. I could go on forever… bottom line… HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


DJ
Feel The Vibe – A+
Phone: (516) 486-VIBE
They were GREAT! Izzy & Eddie were our DJ & MC and we could not have asked for a better team. They used to be part of a larger popular DJ company, but went out on their own to create Feel The Vibe Entertainment. All our guests were talking about how great they were. Everyone was dancing ALL night and they played the perfect mix of music. They played all the songs we wanted and threw in a lot of their own choices, which were perfect!

We also had a sax player and a live drummer! They were AWESOME! We got them through Feel The Vibe. They just gave that little something extra to each song.






Ceremony/Reception
Chateau La Mer – A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(www.chateaulamercatering.com)
What a place!!! This was the 3rd place we looked at and didn’t look anywhere else after we met with Nick! We really liked how they hold your date for you until you do a food tasting… and the food tasting sold us! The price was also great for a sat night in June and you get SO MUCH for your money. We loved the neutral colors, great views, huge reception room with lots of windows and even the chairs are gorgeous… no chair covers needed!!!

I can’t tell you how many of our guests were coming up to us and tell us how beautiful CLM was! It really is a unique hall and since we both love being on the water it was perfect for us! The reception room was set up perfectly. We had no problems with anything.



We had our ceremony there too and are so glad we got to do it outside… it was exceptional. But, we would not have been upset if we had to do it inside since the new chapel is really nice. We’re so glad we got to do the yacht arrival into CHour, our guests flipped over it!!!




The food was incredible. Our guests said the cocktail hour was awesome and had SO much to choose from (we were at the CHour, but were bombarded with guests and only tasted a few things when we went down to the bridal suite – our bridal attendant had got us some plates of food)! Dinner was amazing too! They gave us each one of everything and our guests were able to have seconds if they wanted! Our choices were chateaubriand, stuffed shrimps, chicken francaise and salmon. For the cake we got yellow cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries… yum! We only had a bite but everyone really liked it.

Nick was our maitre’d and we LOVED him!! I had a bridal attendant who was great too, but I forgot her name… since I had Laura (DOC) there she probably didn’t do as much as she normally would. Nick was SO great to work with before the wedding and on the day of the wedding he just made us feel so special. He told us everything was going to be perfect and it was!


Photographer/Video
The Velvet Studio – A++++++++++
(www.thevelvetstudio.com)
We only looked at one photographer, which was The Velvet Studio. They were at the food tasting at CLM, since they are one of their preferred vendors. We met with Bob there quickly and then set up an appointment with him for that next week. We just clicked with him at the meeting and he seemed so excited to do our wedding! Plus, his work was amazing! We booked on the spot.

We love how they work as a family. We had Bob as our main photographer, his wife as the photojournalist (b&w), his daughter as the lighting asst and his son as the videographer!!! They all just work so well together. They were with us for about 12 hours and never stopped taking pics! We have over 1,000 proofs and can’t stop looking at them! I don’t know how we’re going to narrow it down to 120 for our album. We highly recommend Bob and his wife from The Velvet Studio, they were a pleasure to work with. They caught every moment!

All pics in this review are pro pics, taken by them! The quality is AMAZING (all film photography), but when uploaded into shutterfly they aren't as crisp. Here are a few... the rest are at the END OF MY REVIEW.







We got our album!!! It's an 11x11 black thick leather magazine style album with platinum edges. They did an awesome job, the book is so unique and the layouts are amazing. All the layouts were e-mailed to us before the book was made so we could make changes. We made a few changes, but overall they created a perfect album for us. Our package also came with a mini-album that is our exact album but about 1/8th of the size, which is perfect to bring around to show co-workers, etc!!

Here are some pics of our ALBUM:






































Mini album (how cute??)








Video Review:
We just got our VIDEO on 10/21 and it is so amazing!!!!!!! They got every detail and every important moment. We can't stop watching it... it's bordering on obsession! In addition to our edited video they made us a highlight video also. They did some parts in slow motion, put music to it and that is even more fun to watch! We love it and are SO happy with the job velvet did!

Click the links to see the highlights of our wedding:

Reception Dancing Highlight

Our Wedding Day Highlight (with Honeymoon Recap)


Bridal Jewelry (Tiara and Earrings)
Thomas Knoell – A+
(www.thomasknoell.com)
I know I’ve said this a million times in previous posts, but Thomas Knoell is so amazingly talented and one of the nicest people I have ever met. He sat with me for about an hour the first time I met with him and we customized the most perfect headpiece. I chose “Secret Kisses” with crystal and colorado topaz accent stones. I also got the matching “Small Dream” earrings.



After I picked them up from his store, I couldn’t believe how beautiful everything was. I ended up getting my bridesmaid necklaces there too! They came out gorgeous.



Many people say that his pieces are pricey, but they are absolutely worth every penny! I am going to keep my headpiece and hope it becomes a family heirloom.


Dresses: Bridal Gown (EOM) & BM Dresses (Lazaro)
Lillette's in Baldwin– A+
Phone: (516) 546-5660
I had a great experience with Lillette’s. I worked with Pat (thanks Chrissy – Dbleplay17 for recommending them) and she is such a sweetheart. I loved that I could look through the dresses myself and with Pats help I found my DREAM dress. It’s an Eve of Milady ballgown, 2005 I think.






Bridesmaid dresses were by Lazaro. They came in when expected and they were all correct. They looked so amazing on all the girls!! They all loved the dress.



I didn’t do my alterations with them and I don’t think any of the girls did either.


Mother of the Bride Dress (Claire’s Collection)
Alta Moda in Bellmore – A+
Phone: (516) 221-7098
My mom loved working with them! They have really unique dresses and although they can be pricey, the selection is huge and unique. We went to so many stores seeing the same dresses over and over and when we got to Alta Moda she had so much more to choose from. My mom's dress was by Claire’s Collection and it was stunning!



Flowergirl Dress
Ebay seller: Butterflyxc – A+
Easy, quick, inexpensive and the dress was in perfect condition. My seamstress did the alterations to it and added a pink sash and pink on the bottom.



Tuxes
Oceanside Tuxedo – C
They were really nice when we went there to pick out tuxes for the guys, Len and the dads. We ordered everything and worked with the owner of the store. When they went to pick up the tuxes before the wedding there was A LOT wrong. One of the guys pant legs were uneven, another one had pants that didn't even fit, two of the guys had the wrong shirt, one of the dads had the wrong shirt (didn't know till it was too late) and I think there was more but I don't remember! The kid... and I say kid b/c he was probably 16... who was working there had no clue what to do (and he was the only one there) so all those guys had to go the DAY OF the wedding to get their corrected tuxes since that's when the owner would be there. Why wasn't the owner (or someone who knows what they are doing) there when a wedding party is picking up their tuxes?! Then when I was returning Len's tux after the HM, the kid working there said one of the guys never returned a tux. So I told him and he said he DID return it and that kid was there when he returned it! What problems... but it did get resolved after a few phone calls and they found the tux he returned.

The guys did look great though! They all wore ascots (GM's in black and DH in white) and the dad's wore sharpei ties in black.




Veil & Alterations
Done by a family friend (Dalia) – A+
A family friend did my alterations, bustle and made my veil. The alterations were perfect and I loved my cathedral veil. It was a diamond white color with no edging and a few feet longer than the train on my dress. It was on a comb and she also put an elbow length veil on the comb that went on with velcro so I could take it on and off. I wanted to have only the cathedral veil on for pics at the gardens, etc.



GREAT ADVICE for future brides: My seamstress told me at my final fitting (6 days before the wedding) to eat ice cream every night before bed so I wouldn’t lose weight! Well, I didn’t listen. I’m usually pretty consistent with my weight and always have been, but I ended up losing about 4 lbs that week before the wedding… I was shocked. She was right! My dress was a tad big that day and I definitely noticed it didn’t feel as snug, but that was only my fault. So, make sure you don’t lose any weight after your last fitting!


Officiant
Rev William Britton (Pastor Bill) – A+

Pastor Bill was great!!! It was so easy to communicate with him throughout the planning process. He got back to us withing the hour every time we contacted him!! The ceremony was amazing and he spoke so well. He even threw a little surprise speech in there about marriage which was really nice and memorable. I won't say too much in case some of you are usingn him. We were a little nervous at first since he said he didn't need to meet with us or anything before the wedding, but he honestly did a great job... we recommend him!




Shoes
Pamela's - A
(www.pamelashoes.com)
The owner of Pamela’s is very nice. I told him what I wanted and he picked the perfect pair of shoes for me. I was in and out in about 10 minutes. You get 3 free dyes with each pair! I got them dyed there to match my diamond white dress and although it wasn’t an exact match, it was a nice dye job.




Limo
All-Star – A
(www.allstarlimo.com)
It's hard not to give them an A+ since my experience on the day of was perfect!! But, DH had a few problems with his driver. We were picked up separately (girls & guys) and my driver was 45 mins early and SO nice! The driver DH had was late because he got lost (DH and the guys saw him driving past a few times and figured it was him) and I think my DOC had to call them to tell them he was driving around and give them directions to give the driver. Also, he gave them a problem because DH told him they were going to OWG first for pics and since it wasn't in the 'schedule' he almost refused! Laura (DOC) had to call and get him on the phone and tell him to take us there and anywhere else we wanted to go. We had directions and everything for him so he caused some unnecessary drama... but other than that they were great. Limos were in perfect condition and very clean!




Hair
Salon Montage in Oceanside (Marie) – A+
Phone: (516) 764-6680
My mom, sis and I have been getting our hair done here for years! I wanted us and all the girls to get our hair done at a salon since it was a lot of us and things would move quicker. Plus, it's only 3 mins from my moms house where we got ready. They gave us great prices for the BM's hair and we had two girls doing updos. Marie did me, my mom and my sis and Lisa did the BM's. Everyone loved their hair!!!!! I told Marie that I wanted mine a little higher than the trial and she did it exactly how I pictured it!




Makeup
Mia from Bridal L0unge – A+
(www.bridall0unge.com)
Mia is so talented! She arrived on time and got started right away. She did two BM's, my sis (MOH), my mom and Me. Everyone looked gorgeous. She just knows what looks good on certain people and she is just so sweet. I HIGHLY recommend Mia!!!








Picture Location
Old Westbury Gardens - A+
(www.oldwestburygardens.org)
OWG is breathtaking! We booked it just in case it was a rainy day, basically for peace of mind since they have the mansion where you can take pics indoors. But, luckily we didn't even need to go inside. The grounds are beautiful!!! If you don't mind paying for a place to take pics, definitely go to OWG!












Rings
Family friend (Steve)
We got all of our rings from a family friend. He works in the city but brought us home a bunch of rings to look at so we didn’t have to go into the city. I got a round diamond eternity band (size 4) in platinum and DH got a white gold band with two lines going through it (hard to explain… see pics).



Favors
SMC Connection (coasters) – A+
(www.smcconnection.com)
Lowest prices that I found and VERY quick shipping! They all came packaged perfectly and we had no problems. They came with a white bow tied around, but we took it off and put the raffia (sp?) on ourselves.



Wedding Night Hotel
Huntington Hilton – A+
(www.hiltonlongisland.com)
This hotel is gorgeous! I had never been there but heard it was nice and when my mom and DH went to check it out a week before the wedding we were amazed. The lobby is gorgeous, there's an indoor pool, great food at the restaurant, friendly stafff. I'm so glad we chose this hotel! Everyone's rooms were ready when we got there at 2am and we had no problems.

Customized Undies & Embroidered MOB Hoodie
Custom Glam Girl – A+
(www.customglamgirl.com)
They have very cute stuff and everything arrived exactly how I ordered it.



“Soon To Be” Tank
Customized Girl - A+
(www.customizedgirl.com)
They also have cute personlized items and a lot to choose from. My tank came and it was perfect.




Honeymoon
French Polynesia (Pearl Resorts) – A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(www.pearlresorts.com)
CLICK to see our Honeymoon Review with pics



Invitations (& other DIY Projects)
Me and my wonderful DH – A+ ?
Link to DIY Pocketfold Invite post
Link to DIY Guestbook post
Link to Other DIY stuff (program fans, menus, table numbers & petal cones)

Bridal Shower & Rehearsal Dinner
Johnny's Union Park Cafe in Oceanside – A+

Bachelorette Party - A+
Norwegian Dawn 1-Night Cruise to Nowhere (from NYC)
May 6, 2006 - May 7, 2006
Link to Bachelorette Party Review and pics



Our Thank-You card that Len designed in photoshop!!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Some more pro pics...


Seeing eachother for the FIRST time!!!







Len dancing with his mom (mother/son dance)! Started off slow and then mixed into a merengue song!! Everyone loved it.



Soccer ball cufflinks I got DH as a gift


Reception


First Dance



Friends being silly at the reception


Seeing myself all dressed up for the first time (most emotional point in the day, besides seeing DH for the first time)!


Coming down the stairs to see the girls


At the beach


Getting off the boat coming into the CHour



Girls getting dressed


Practicing for the ceremony


Love this pic!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

You were a beautiful bride...Great review... I really enjoyed your proofs and I am so glad to here great things about Mis from *************...I have my trial with her in August.

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Thanks for the great review and gorgeous pictures!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

What a great review. You are by far one of the prettiest brides I have yet to see. You both look wonderful.

Congratulations and best of everything to the both of you!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Great review! Your pictures are beautiful! You were a gorgeous bride!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

wow....great review....and gorges pictures!!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

And a few more....

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Thanks for the great review! You looked beautiful!

My favorite picture was when Len saw you for the first time! It was really sweet.

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

You are a SUPERSTAR***********

Thanks for the review, everything looked spectacular!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Jessica, everything looked amazing. You were an absolutely stunning bride!!! Congrats!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Jess I have been watching for this every day!

CONGRATS again and again....you and your wedding were simply stunning!

Fabulous review and pictures!

Congrats!!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

I have been waiting for this review!!!!! You looked absolutely gorgeous!!!!!! CLM looked great too! I looove how you decorated the gazebo! Congrats!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Great review twin! You were gorgeous!!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

OMG your day looked amazing!

You too are so cute together!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome review!!!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Absolutely gorgeous!!! You are so beautiful

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Gorgeous!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

OMG Jess..............the photos, your dress, the RH...everything is sooooo beautiful...................I am speechless (somewhat). Congrat's again!!!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

Jess... You are BREATHTAKING!!!
Congrats to you!!!! What a GREAT review!!!!!!

Re: A CaMacho Wedding Review (with PRO PICS)!!! Chateau La Mer, Velvet Studio, LA Blossom, Mia, Feel The Vibe, All-Star, Tahiti Honeymoon, DIY Projects, and more...

looks like you had an amazing day!! You looked beautiful!!!! Congratulations!!!!