Ok, I'm going to start this review. I may have to come back and update it a few times before I am done, but I hope it helps all those future brides out there. Special thanks to LI/NYCweddings for helping me find these amazing vendors!
Reception: Sand Castle, Franklin Square, NY - A++
My wedding went off without a hitch thanks to the Sand Castle (and my anal retentive planning). We arrived at the hall at 3:30 (7pm reception) to take pictures and get ready. Even though we were there SO early, there were people running around getting us drinks, and snacks, and making sure we had everything we needed. The place only holds one wedding at a time, and we got lucky that there wasn't an afternoon wedding that day.
The Maitr'd, Bridal Attendants, Waiters, etc. were on top of their game. Everyone said that they didn't even get a chance to finish their water before it was topped off again.
Photo/Video: DUET, Jay's team - A++
Jay and his team were lovely! They were all over the wedding but you didn't even notice them. They took over 2,500 pictures and I love 80% of them (which is good considering i'm super picky). I haven't gotten the album yet but i'm sure it'll be great. Duet in general was professional, courteous, timely, and relatively affordable. I also got their video package. It was just what i wanted--something basic, nice, and captured all the moments. For those who want more cinematic videos, I think you need to look elsewhere.
Photo/Video: Pedestals - B+
I originally booked at Pedestals with Vito. But when I called about booking my final appointment they said they were in the process of calling all his clients to tell them he wouldn't be doing their weddings. Apparently he was recovering from an accident :(
There wasn't much I could do at the time, so i picked up with Nadia who did a pretty good job catching up. I would have given them a better grade, but they messed up a bit during the ceremony. They were supposed to create white arrangements on pedestals down the aisle, with white fabric draping. there was no draping and they used the colorful arrangements from the centerpieces. But they promptly reimbursed me after i brought it up----thanks to photo proof :)
Music: After Hours - A+
Phil was our MC and we had Bopa on the percussion. They threw a great party! Phil was very energetic and got people moving. They played all the songs we requested and everything was delivered as promised. They were priced right, were very professional, efficient, and friendly.
Dress: Kleinfelds - mixed
I hated Klienfelds when I went to buy the dress. But I loved Kleinfelds when it came to alterations (my seamstress was a doll). The buying process was very impersonal, but then Randy stepped in and made it much more pleasurable. I LOVED my dress. It was Jim Hjelm and I wish I could wear it everywhere. Fit me like a dream (even though i gained 10 lbs lol).
Cake/Cake Topper: Sandcastle and Amazon- A+
I was hesitant to get my cake done by the Sand Castle, but it was included in my price so I couldn't resist. They did a beautiful job, and it wasn't even fondant. Cake toppers were from Amazon.
Bridesmaids Dress: Here Comes the Bridesmaid in NYC - A
It's a no-frills shop. But the staff is very friendly, and we found a dress my Maid of Honor loved (i only had one) and matched my colors perfectly.
Shoes: Nordstrom - A++
I first ordered those sparkly silver Jimmy Choos, but my feet were too wide for them. So i sent them back and found look-a-likes at Nordstrom for a fraction of the price that fit perfectly. I still wear them out to parties :)
Jewelry: Reginab.com- A+
By far the best quality costume jewelry out there. A bit pricey, but much less than you would pay for real platinum and diamonds :)
Tuxes: Men's Warehouse - A
Efficient, affordable, looked good. No complaints.
Invitations: Tessa at ******** Paperie - A-
Tessa was great and I give her props for coming up with invitations that were exactly what i wanted. It took a couple of back and forth between us to really figure out the look i was going for. But it came out well in the end. I would give her a higher grade, but she ignored my emails when I asked about doing table numbers, place cards, etc. I ended up doing them myself, so it's all good.
Favors: donations to Golden Retrieve Rescue and mom's friend - A++
We donated to a local Golden Retriever Rescue. Then my mom's friend (who does favors on the side) made up boxes with animal crackers as favors with a note about the donation. People at work are still eating the left over boxes of crackers lol.
Hair and Makeup: Studio-19 in Brooklyn- A
Paid about $150 all together. My mom got her hair done there too. Turned out great. Peaceful on a Saturday morning, too.
Limos: limo1stclassnj.com - A+
Great local NJ limo service. Got a Chrysler 300 for 14 hours to drive my husbands entire family from NJ to LI and back (8 people and 2 toddlers). Great prices.
Rings: BlueNile- A+
We got my husbands ring there. A platinum, low-dome, comfort-fit band. He loves it.
I had a band from a civil ceremony we had earlier.
Viennese
