My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

Our wedding day was the most incredible day of my life. I married the man of my dreams and this day was just the beginning of our wonderful life together. We had an intimate gathering of our beautiful family and our most special friends. It will be a day that I will never forgot.



There are so many factors to consider when evaluating
all of your vendors. I used a balance of price and trust. I went with my gut feeling, which for the most part was right. This is a hard decision, I am happy with the decisions I have made.

Ceremony & Reception: Giorgio’s at Fox Hill Country Club: A++++++++++
Everything was perfect! I don’t even know where to start. I met with Giorgio Sr on my initial visit. He answered all my questions and made me feel at home. I loved everything, especially the grounds.


Dawn, the office manager, eased all of my fears by promptly answering all my questions and giving me suggestions. I sent her a million emails and she was always happy to reply back. When I went to give in my final payment, I saw the stack of emails attached to my contract. It was great to know that she kept everything and attached it for reference. She was a pleasure to work with!

We had our ceremony outside. Although it was a little warm by the time we started the ceremony, it was absolutely beautiful. The grounds are perfectly manicured and maintained, leading to beautiful landscapes for our pictures.

Our Maitre Ds were Malaki and Jamie. They were wonderful!!! Since they were so organized, I didn’t need to ask them to do anything, everything was perfect! During the reception, Jamie came up to us to make sure everything was to our liking. We really appreciated that. My Bridal Attendant was Allison. She was great. She stayed with me before the ceremony to make sure everything was running on time. At one point, I think I drove her crazy trying to find people in my family to take pictures. She was so sweet and always had a smile on her face.

George Jr. helped us pick our menu. The food choices were outstanding!!! I’m very happy with the selection we were offered, it covered everybody’s palate. We were able to walk through our cocktail hour for 15 minutes, from what we heard from our guests, everything was tasty, fresh and cooked perfectly.
The reception was outstanding! The bar service and the wait staff were at tentative and friendly. Our dinner menu had 6 different choices, there was something for everyone! We had a split plate where we tried a little of everything. My favorite was the seared tuna was kiwi-mango salsa.


Wedding Cake: Vinnie (One of Erik’s best friends):A++++++++++
Vinnie did an amazing job on our cake. The cake topper is “First Dance” from Lenox. The fondant on the cake is an extension of the bride’s dress. The cake is strawberry shortcake, my favorite!!!


Groom’s Cake: Baked to Perfection: A++++++++++
I went to the store and looked through the book of pictures. I found the dice, and had a 3 and 4 on top of the cake. Robert did a great job! The cake was chocolate with a layer of vanilla mousse and fresh raspberries. It was the BEST chocolate cake I have ever eaten!!


Photography & Videography: Natural Expressions NY:A++++++++++
From the time I met Frank at the Oheka Bridal Show, I knew there was something special about him. His work is beautiful and he made me feel comfortable about asking all types of questions. I wound up booking my videography through him also. I was so happy with my engagement photos and I knew that our wedding photos would be just as great. Words cannot describe how much I love Frank and his team. There were 6 or 7 people on his team that day. Everyone one of them acted in a professional and friendly manner that day. At the end of the day, we were taking pictures on the golf course and I love the fact that everyone was giving suggestions. Everyone’s opinion was valued and they worked as a team to capture our day to the best of their ability. We took pictures on the beach and golf course and they all came out great!


Florists: Flower Michelle:A++++++++++
Who doesn’t love John? His work is beautiful! The flowers were huge and fragrant. They arrived on time to Giorgio’s in perfect condition. My bouquet was perfect, exactly how I envisioned it. My centerpieces were exactly what John showed me 2 weeks prior, no surprises. During my quest for a florist, I had gone to some places that insisted that I have high centerpieces. I kept telling them that’s not what I want, John listened to me and gave me what I wanted for my wedding.




DJ: MME Entertainment: C-
Of all of my vendors, this is the only one I would not recommend. Although my party was successful and everyone had a good time, this is the only person I would never use again. If you would like more information about the incidents that occurred at my wedding, please FM me. I will take the high road and not bash and embarrass this vendor on a public forum.

Hair & Make-up:Bella Mia Make-up & Hair (LIW Vendor):A++++++++++
Angella did a great job!! I loved my hair!! I knew exactly how I wanted it and I brought pictures to my trial. I emailed her the pictures so she could have them on file. On my big day, she came prepared with everything. She was extremely helpful to those who didn’t know exactly how they wanted their hair. She was open minded, creative and worked with the girls. Jennifer was awesome. Again, my trial went great and my wedding day make up was exactly what I expected. I highly recommend these ladies!!! The only thing that happened was that we ran a little late. I wasn’t really watching the clock and obviously no one was either. I would suggest assigning 30-45 minute time slots to ensure you will run on time.





Wedding gown & Bridesmaid dresses: Jaime Bridal (Pleasanton, CA):A++++++++++
My dress (Paloma Blanca) : I fell in love with my dress the moment I put it on. The loved the simplicity and material of the dress. I found it at a local shop and Jaime was able to beat their price. Jaime gave me a shipping date and it arrived in the store on that day!! I’ve known Jaime for 7 years through my current job.
Bridesmaid Dress (Bari Jay): Originally my dress was discontinued, but Jaime called the designer and they were able to still make it for me. I was so appreciative that she went the extra mile to do that for me. All of my girls liked the dress and trying to find another one is not another task I wanted to take on.





Flowergirl Dress: Bridal Elegance: A++++++++++
Sweet Beginnings by Jordan: I loved the little pick-ups with the rhinestones. It complimented the girls’ dresses. Phyllis’ price was competitive and her staff was very friendly. The dress came in on the day they promised.


Shoes: Sandy’s Shoes: A++++++++++
I LOVE my shoes!!! I had an idea of the type of shoe I wanted. I brought my dress to the store and Carolyn showed me some different options since my dress was pretty plain on the bottom. I’m so glad that she did! My shoes lasted me all night and I loved them!! Did I tell you how much I love them!



Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse: B+
Overall, our experience was good but there were some mishaps when the guys went to pick up their tuxedos. My brother waited in the store for over an hour to pick up his tux. They gave my brother-in-law a small vest, he is by far not a small. They had to overnight a new vest to the store. It wasn’t a big deal except that I was already pressed for time that I didn’t really need another errand to run. My ring bearer did not have a tie. My sister-in-law left a message and told them that they forgot it so we didn’t get charge for losing it. When my husband went for his measurements, he didn’t really agree with what the salesman wrote, but he kept insisting that it would be OK. On the day of the wedding, the shirt sleeves were too short. It wasn’t horrible, but it was not fitted correctly.


Invitations/STD/Calligraphy/Programs/Petal Cones/Menus/Table Cards: Cal-lee-graphy Unlimited: A+++++++++++
This is my mom’s company, so naturally, I chose her. Our Save the date cards were from Carlson Craft. They were scratch off cards which went with our gambling theme.
My invitations were from William Arthur, they were letter pressed in black ink on white paper. I had the back of the inner envelopes pressed with our date.
My mom did the calligraphy for everything, table cards, envelopes, etc. The programs were from Carlson Craft. I noticed that people usually use the wedding program to fan themselves. I combined the two ideas and got programs printed on a fan. I was so excited when I found these, they were perfect since hearts are my favorite shape.







Hotel: Holiday Inn Express East End: A
I secured our hotel block over a year in advance. I initially worked with Christine and then worked with Rita as the wedding got closer. I booked the bridal suite, which was perfect. On the morning of the wedding, all the girls came to the room and we got our hair & make-up done. There was ample room for everyone and the kids stayed occupied by watching TV. All of the other guest rooms were clean and comfy. All of my guests received their hotel bags. Some of my guests did not receive it when they checked in, the front desk called them and asked told them they had forgotten to give it to them. We had multiple shuttles for our family and friends. The shuttle was on time for all the pick ups except for me. The driver left and the hotel had to call them to see where they were. I was a little annoyed, but that was not the hotel’s fault.



Hair Jewelry: CJB Designs (LIW Vendor): A
I found Cortney on LIWeddings. I sent her the picture and she gave me very competitive pricing. I read some great things about her on this site and wanted to use her since she is a LIW bride. I love my hairpins. They are exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend her!


Embroidered Personal Touches: Djchic: A
I found Denise through a recommendation on LIW. She lives in Long Island and was a bride herself. I asked her a million questions and she was so sweet. I ordered a pair of embroidered panties and 2 personalized hankies (one for my mom and one for my mother-in-law). Her work made my day a little bit more special. I’m so glad that I found her.

Favors: Post Liquors in Syosset: A /Vogrin’s Place (ebay vendor): A
In a black mesh bag, I put a bottle of White Merlot (187 ml), personalized poker chip magnet and a Lucky 7’s scratch off card. I placed my wine order and them came in within a week. Great service! I found the poker chips on eBay and fell in love with them. This vendor had my order shipped within a week.




Bridal Shower: Alias Smith & Jones: A
My first bridal shower was canceled due to the snow storm the first week of March. Since most of my bridal party is out of state, my mom thought it was safer to reschedule. She quickly looked for another location. Alias Smith & Jones was so accommodating. She had a great experience with the planning phase.
We had a private room in the back of the restaurant. The service and the food were great!!! There was a champagne punch that everyone loved. The menu consisted of soup, salad, entrée, cake and cookies.



Rehearsal Dinner: King Umberto’s Restaurant: A
Erik and I have been coming to this restaurant for years. The food is great, the service is excellent and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re family. We didn’t have enough people to get a private room, but they placed the tables together and away from others so it did feel like we did.



Travel Agent: G.A.P. Travel: A+
A co-worker of mine who was getting married 4 weeks before me, recommended Robin. We spoke for 5 minutes and I felt like I knew her forever. Before she booked anything, Robin asked me questions about what we wanted to do on our honeymoon so she could book the best possible hotel for us. She worked within my budget and gave me exactly what I wanted.

Originally I called a travel agency that I had used in the past. I wound up speaking to a different girl since the girl I used before was on maternity. I told the girl what I wanted and what my budget was. She totally did not hear the second part of our conversation. She called me with a package that was 1½ what I was budgeted for. Then she proceeded to tell me that I could not do Hawaii on my budget. Well, needless to say, I found a new travel agent.

Re: My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

Thanks for the great pics and review. You looked beautiful!!!!

Re: My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

I love a good review. What a good looking couple! Looks like you had a great day. Thanks for the review!

Re: My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

Love the review!! You had a beautiful wedding!!

Re: My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

beautiful wedding! thanks for the review and congrats to you and your hubby

Re: My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

congrats!!!!

Re: My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

Congrats, What a great cake!!!!!

Re: My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

your review and pics are absolutely beautiful!! I love your theme too

Re: My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

thank you for the great review!! Everything looked great!

Re: My 7-7-07 Wedding Review: Giorgio's, Natural Expressions NY, Flower Michelle, Bella Mia, etc

Congrats !!!