March 20th review - Harrison House, now with some pics
Although I was mostly silent on these boards, everybody’s advice and opinions guided me through most of my planning. I wanted to share my experience so that it will hopefully do the same for others. Thanks everybody for all you help!
Ceremony/ Reception The Harrison House – see below (A+/ C)
The venue was absolutely everything we wanted. We had a lot of out of town guests, and since everyone could stay overnight at the Harrison House, our wedding became more of a “weekend” rather than just a day. Even in town guests stayed over so that everyone could party and have a good time without worrying about driving home after drinking. The food was great and the newly redecorated ballroom looks absolutely gorgeous. Many of our friends and family stayed up till 3 am both Friday and Saturday night hanging out at the pub playing pool and just having a good time. I cannot emphasize enough what a great set up they have and how beautiful everything was.
That being said, we had multiple problems in the planning stages. While I know people have had problems in the past with Bill, many of our difficulties were with Carmela. We actually got Bill involved to help with some of the issues. I will not go into detail here, but if anyone is interested in knowing more, please FM me.
I would still highly recommend the Harrison House (and even do it all over again) because it is such a unique place. My advice though, would be to work with a wedding coordinator who knows to ask the right questions and not put up with many of the things they try and get away with.
Band Ken Gross Orchestra – A
Great music, great energy, and kept the dance floor full all night. They were very easy and honest to work with.
Flowers Flower Michele – A
John is a pleasure to work with and is very patient and accommodating. Our centerpieces were 50 tulips in a glass vase surrounded by 3 tall candles and looked absolutely gorgeous. The bouquets were beautiful and full, though simple and elegant the way I had described. The Chuppah and aisle was not as decorated and full as I wanted, but still got many compliments. The only thing I would have done differently is asking for examples of the exact colors of the flowers, because some of the shades of red and purple that we had used elsewhere in the room, were not the same.
Photo/Video Duet Photography - ?
They were on time and very professional. Will finish when we see our proofs…..
Dress/fittings Kelinfelds – see below (A/ C)
You cannot beat the selection of dresses they have there. My first visit there, I found a dress I loved, but hated the woman who worked with me. When I couldn’t find the dress anywhere else, I went back and told them what happened and that I wanted someone else to help me. They then went way out of their way to make sure I was happy and getting the attention I needed. I worked with Renee and she did a great job. I bought the dress there a few weeks later, at a trunk show. Everything came in on time with no problems.
The fittings were another story. While they were very accommodating (having the fittings upstairs for me because I had people come with me who could not walk down the stairs), I was not happy with the job Antoinette did. I went for FOUR fittings and as I look at some of my pictures, I am sorry I didn’t insist on a fifth! Again, feel free to FM me for details.
Hair/make-up Perfect Bride – A+
Aly was terrific. They came on time and worked quickly and efficiently. I was VERY HAPPY with my hair and make-up. My bridal party was also very pleased! While she is a bit more expensive than other places, she is definitely worth it!
Invitations Favorite Things – A++
Rebecca was wonderful. Our invitations came out great and she was always available to answer all of our stupid questions (even late nights and weekends). Highly recommend her.
Tuxedos Zeller Tuxedo – A+
We had groomsmen pick up their tuxes at all different locations with no problems.
Bridesmaid dresses RK bridal – A
Although it was a bit chaotic looking at dresses there, they were well priced and had a good selection. We got separates from Alexia in claret. They each picked out their own top and skirt. The dresses came in on time, with no problems.
Ceremony/ Reception The Harrison House – see below (A+/ C)
The venue was absolutely everything we wanted. We had a lot of out of town guests, and since everyone could stay overnight at the Harrison House, our wedding became more of a “weekend” rather than just a day. Even in town guests stayed over so that everyone could party and have a good time without worrying about driving home after drinking. The food was great and the newly redecorated ballroom looks absolutely gorgeous. Many of our friends and family stayed up till 3 am both Friday and Saturday night hanging out at the pub playing pool and just having a good time. I cannot emphasize enough what a great set up they have and how beautiful everything was.
That being said, we had multiple problems in the planning stages. While I know people have had problems in the past with Bill, many of our difficulties were with Carmela. We actually got Bill involved to help with some of the issues. I will not go into detail here, but if anyone is interested in knowing more, please FM me.
I would still highly recommend the Harrison House (and even do it all over again) because it is such a unique place. My advice though, would be to work with a wedding coordinator who knows to ask the right questions and not put up with many of the things they try and get away with.
Band Ken Gross Orchestra – A
Great music, great energy, and kept the dance floor full all night. They were very easy and honest to work with.
Flowers Flower Michele – A
John is a pleasure to work with and is very patient and accommodating. Our centerpieces were 50 tulips in a glass vase surrounded by 3 tall candles and looked absolutely gorgeous. The bouquets were beautiful and full, though simple and elegant the way I had described. The Chuppah and aisle was not as decorated and full as I wanted, but still got many compliments. The only thing I would have done differently is asking for examples of the exact colors of the flowers, because some of the shades of red and purple that we had used elsewhere in the room, were not the same.
Photo/Video Duet Photography - ?
They were on time and very professional. Will finish when we see our proofs…..
Dress/fittings Kelinfelds – see below (A/ C)
You cannot beat the selection of dresses they have there. My first visit there, I found a dress I loved, but hated the woman who worked with me. When I couldn’t find the dress anywhere else, I went back and told them what happened and that I wanted someone else to help me. They then went way out of their way to make sure I was happy and getting the attention I needed. I worked with Renee and she did a great job. I bought the dress there a few weeks later, at a trunk show. Everything came in on time with no problems.
The fittings were another story. While they were very accommodating (having the fittings upstairs for me because I had people come with me who could not walk down the stairs), I was not happy with the job Antoinette did. I went for FOUR fittings and as I look at some of my pictures, I am sorry I didn’t insist on a fifth! Again, feel free to FM me for details.
Hair/make-up Perfect Bride – A+
Aly was terrific. They came on time and worked quickly and efficiently. I was VERY HAPPY with my hair and make-up. My bridal party was also very pleased! While she is a bit more expensive than other places, she is definitely worth it!
Invitations Favorite Things – A++
Rebecca was wonderful. Our invitations came out great and she was always available to answer all of our stupid questions (even late nights and weekends). Highly recommend her.
Tuxedos Zeller Tuxedo – A+
We had groomsmen pick up their tuxes at all different locations with no problems.
Bridesmaid dresses RK bridal – A
Although it was a bit chaotic looking at dresses there, they were well priced and had a good selection. We got separates from Alexia in claret. They each picked out their own top and skirt. The dresses came in on time, with no problems.
