My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

Mother Nature (A++++++++++++):

Mother Nature was surely on my side considering I had the ONLY gorgeous Saturday day in July....the others were rainy or hotter than anything! I didn't break a sweat once that day, the sun was shining and it was everything I ever dreamed it would be!

The Inn at New Hyde Park (A++++++++++++++):

What can I say about them? I put my faith into their hands when I booked them and they weren't even breaking ground for their renovations yet. The owner Frank was so genuine that we believed it would be beautiful and done in time...it surely was! I have to say, it is simply amazing how they transformed that hall into one of the most intimate, exquisite and upscale RH's in Nassau County! The grounds are so amazing that you don't even have to go someplace else to take pics...there are seperate areas that look like different locations in pictures. The rooms are detailed with etched woodwork, huge bars and decor that is just so classy. I was sick of seeing RH's with old decor that was obviously out-dated....I felt grossed out by some when I saw how old their rugs were alone! Guess that is the clean-freak in me though lol

One reason why I was so into their hall was because they have only ONE wedding at a time. I was dead-set against a place that did multiple weddings...I worked at places like that in the past and was never a fan of the mixed-parties under one roof. They promised an intimate setting and that's what we got....there wasn't one guest that complained about ANYTHING and were complimenting the food, grounds and service to not only me, but the workers throughout the day.

The food was amazing...not the typical wedding menu, which is what we liked as well. There were 7 options and none were the norm that other RH's offer people when they book their weddings. They even had me, DH and both of our sets of parents go to their restaurant and have a full meal, ON THEM, just to taste EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING. They fed us steaks and lobsters and made us try mutiple appetizers, salads, desserts and main courses. I'm talking full meals and drinks..enough to feed 20 people and a total bill of close to $800.00! This is how confident they were we would love their food. In fact, what other place offers your deposit back if you DON'T like their food? Confident for the right reasons, indeed!

Starlight Express DJ, Mineola (A++++++++) :

I booked them because they are friends of the family and a company my family members once worked for, but also because I've seen them rock many weddings and LOVE their energy. Vinny is an amazing business owner and Demetrios DJ's his butt off, while Paul MC'd like there was no tomorrow! I'd recommend them to ANYONE!

Pedestals, Mineola (A++++++++++++):

Robert helped me create the centerpieces and BOK's that I've always wanted. My CP's were so full and gorgeous....people who were recently married complimented me on my CP's and said they wished theirs were half as nice! I found that to be an ultimate compliment! My BOK was EXACLTY what I wanted and was HUGE! It was so heavy that DH ahd to help me hold it up in some pics lol The flowers in my BOK stayed alive for THREE AND A HALF weeks after our wedding! Fresh and beautiful!

Yun Ce Eng, Photographer through Ariana Studios and a personal business owner (Floral Park/Astoria) (A+++++++++++++++++++):

Yun Ce was simply the best. She arrived early, had everything in order and was so soothing and always ready to go. She was not in our face or obtrusive at all...she got all the shots we wanted and then some. Her demeanor was so pleasant and she was a saint for dealing with our old-school Italian family members that are just naturally unpleasant LOL I <3 Yun Ce and hope to see more of her work in Rolling Stong magazine!!!!

The Wedding Plaza, Floral Park (A):

I ordered my gown and the BP's dresses and tuxes there. The ordering process was very easy and except for the one super-unfriendly girl working in the dress department, the rest of them were great. Christine helped me and was so amazing.....she was helpful, relaxed and informative. She told me the truth and wasn't trying to sell me the world....she's exaclty what a person wants to deal with when purchasing a wedding gown. Carmela did our alterations and they were all perfect.....thanks ladies!

Shoe Elegance, Lynbrook (A++):

I bought my shoes there and had them dyed there as well. Their prices were VERY reasonable and they were closing for a vacation and had my shoes dyed in a matter of days so I could pick them up before they went away. It's a small store, but the service is on point and they are so nice.

Barron's, Tri-County (C+):

Very disappointed....from the reviews I've read I thought they were going to be great. They aren't friendly, their headpieces are pricey for a 'discount' place and their customer service stinks. However, their veils are inexpensive and are beautiful...I was happy with my veil AND by the end, happy with my headpiece (after fighting to have them exchange it AND offering them to keep the substantial difference without complaining about it).

Oksana (Makeup) (B):

Oksana came to my house and did mine, my MOH and my SIL's makeup. She listened to what we wanted and our makeup came out beautiful. I was a little disappointed when I said that my mom doesn't wear makeup and I was wondering what I could do do brighten up her face and she simply offered me to use her makeup and figure it out.....no, 'You paid me a ton of money for a really short amount of time, I'll throw some eyeshadow and mascara on her' : (

Jenn the Hair Genie (Hair) (C):

I wasn't happy with the level of customer service she provided. She was VERY hard to contact AFTER I booked with her. She takes a really long time to answer her emails and doesn't call back when you leave messages on her CELL phone. I find that to be a little rude. Most hair stylists will offer a second trial for less or nothing at all if you arent' sure or happy with your first style....she asked for full price.

If you book her, ask her to come earlier than you think it good if you have an AM ceremony. I have A LOT of hair and KNOW how long it takes to do...with two other girls, her time offer was cutting it close. I asked her to come earlier and she didnt' seem happy about it. She did come and even coming earlier, she just finished in time and rushed through my MOH who HATED her hair. She didn't seem to care that she didn't like it either.

One thing to give you a heads-up about. She is very candid and doesn't hold back what she's feeling, especially when working with Oksana. They talk about personal life and issues and curse A LOT. My dad was looking at me like ARE THEY SERIOUS? I find it unprofessional and rude to come to someone else's home and do this. She also wasn't nice when it came to helping my mom with her hair....my mom went elsewhere at the end of it all.

MY hair came out nice and I love how it looks in pictures, but the curls were falling out by the reception. I feel like I could've done just as well styling my own hair.

Sandals St. Lucia (B):

We were really happy with the fact that we were able to kick back and relax, but there were things we weren't happy with. The food wasn't what people described it to be. Maybe we are just used to really good, home-cooked meals and aren't used to mass-produced food. The buffet had good food, but the restaurants for the most part had OK food, some being not so OK. The nightlife could've been MUCH better and the island itself was really impoverished. The resort is SO far from the airport and the taxi rides are horrible. I expected a lot more and will not be traveling to any Sandals resorts in the future. All in all, us being on our HONEYMOON made it the best time ever. There were things we enjoyed, but the simplicity of putting on a bathing suit and relaxing with my husband is what made it a trip to remember.

That's all I can think of FOR NOW. I'll be updating often.

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

congrats great review hope to see some pics soon

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

can't wait to see pictures!!!

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

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Posted by INNbride4409

can't wait to see pictures!!!

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You are in for a treat! You will not regret choosing them...they are the best!

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

Great review, I can't wait to see pics!

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

great review! Everything sounds like it was wonderful. Do you have any pics?
Congrats to you and your new husband!!

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

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Posted by GinaZ

great review! Everything sounds like it was wonderful. Do you have any pics?
Congrats to you and your new husband!!

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Believe it or not, I don't have any of my proofs uploaded yet. Once I do, I'll post some I promise!

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

Who was your matr'd? I really can't wait to see pictures? What was your favorite part about the inn?

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

congrats! great review- cant wait to see pictures! OMG i cant believe jenn 7 Oksana were cursing- thats insane

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

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Posted by INNbride4409

Who was your matr'd? I really can't wait to see pictures? What was your favorite part about the inn?

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I worked with Frank and Katie the most. I forgot the name of our maitre'd actually lol They are all amazing there though!

There are so many favorite parts....I LOVE how it's one wedding at a time. It really adds to the importance of YOUR day, ya know? The food was out of this world! I have a judgemental Italian family who did not complain even once! I love their grounds and the fact that you can do all your pictures back there and it looks like you were in all different parks and stuff. I love their service...I've never seen such superb service at a wedding...I've worked at a few catering halls and been to a few weddings....the service isn't always up to par. Lastly, I love how everyone complimented me on how great everything was and are STILL doing it, 100 days later!

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

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Posted by maybridetobe

congrats! great review- cant wait to see pictures! OMG i cant believe jenn 7 Oksana were cursing- thats insane

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Did they do your hair/makeup too?

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

congrats!!!!

Re: My July 12, 2008 wedding review....finally!!!!! Inn at New Hyde Park, Pedestals, Barron's, Starlight Express, Oksana and Jenn, Sandals, Shoe Elegance and The Wedding Plaza.

Thanks : )