My wedding review
I can honestly say I wouldn’t have changed one thing the day of my wedding. I was extremely pleased with just about every single vendor I had, it was absolutely perfect and you know that’s hard to say, I always look back on things and wonder what I would have done differently if I had another chance But I cant think of one thing I would change.
Let me explain my rating system - to get a 10 I feel that a vendor had gone way above and beyond simply what was in the contract, since so many of my vendors did that is how I gave a 10.
Im gonna do this in order so………………
* Stuff before the wedding day *
Weather – Mother Nature – 10+
Thank you for a day with no rain I was so happy I could have an outdoor cocktail hour.
Ladies Here on LIW – 10 +++++
What can I say you helped me to plan my dream wedding, I always got the most helpful and honest advice here, and it is now my turn to return the favor.
My Dress – Paradise Bridals in Patchogue - 6
Donna was great when I went to 1st look at dresses but the service from when I ordered it on wasn’t all that good. No one ever called to say it was in, they have some rude cranky employees, but in the end I had my dress and it was perfect.
I would like to give the seamstress there Celia A - 10
She was really wonderful and changed my bustle for me twice plus gave me lots of advice on how to make the dress look nice and advice for the wedding day very sweet and she did everything I asked for. (see pic in album)
Bridesmaids dresses Centereach Bridals – 9
I had very good service there, one of my BM dresses was ordered way too small but they fixed it in time and it looked great he seamstresses there were really great with everyones alterations. (see pic in album)
Veil – Patchogue Floral – 10
I loved my veil It had a satin bias edge which looks like a ribbon edge but the satin matched my dress perfectly, costs more that the ribbon but I loved the way it cascaded and fell, the satin was gorgeous.
Tuxedoes – Black Tie Smithtown – 5
OK one vendor I was not happy with! We have used them a bunch of times before for black tie affairs and friends weddings and they had always been great so for our wedding we didn’t even think twice. The owners are really nice and great to work with but the problem comes when the guys all went to pick up their tuxes. Our wedding was Friday sothey told the guys To pick up any time after 1pm on Thurs. Most of the guys were stuck there for 2-3 hours because they didn’t get all of the tuxes form there store in Centereach, My dad had a lot to do around the house that day but couldn’t because he was stuck at the Tux place. My hubby, and 2 of my Jr. Groomsmen were late to our rehearsal at church because of them I was fuming when I called I talked to some girl there, not the usual nice owners I deal with and she was snotty and replied “what do you want me to do about it.” They all wound up being only 15-20 minutes late so the Deacon just tried to do other stuff in the mean time. Sorry but not the stuff you want to deal with the night before your wedding.
Rehearsal Dinner – Faraday’s Smithtown – 8
Food was good and the waitress was really sweet but there wasn’t enough drinks being passed around to make me happy. When we got there we had to wait lie 15 min. before the waitress brought out any drinks, and we paid for unlimited beer wine and soda, the wait ress would then bring out one carafe or pitcher at a time I felt bad for my guests because at that time they were all hot and thirsty. Overall food was very good though, I jst felt for the money we paid for alcohol we should have gotten more.
Remember When Dance Studio St. James – Michelle (our instructor) 10+
We started lessons there over a year before our wedding and we are so Happy we did! It was kinda a secret to our families so when we went to do our 1st dance their jaws dropped. I have to say we were so comfortable with our dance, Michelle taught us an awesome dance we worked the entire floor with turns and all these cool moves we felt like Rockstars because the crowd was going crazy I loved every moment of the dance and so did my Hubby. Michelle is so wonderful she was not only our teacher but became our friend, she even surprised us and came to the reception just to watch our first dance, afterwards she came up to us and gave us a big hug and was crying, she was really proud of us. Also because we were going so long for lessons we also learned dances like the hustle and swing which were so much fun to do at the wedding as well, everyone was really impressed with us it felt great. We plan on continuing lessons because now we can use what we’ve learned at other people’s weddings and parties. (see our dance pics. in album)
* Wedding day vendors etc…*
Hair - Nicole from Cazee Hair Salon in Ronkonkoma - 9
She was a cheerleader with me when we were in HS and she was so awesome very meticulous and it stayed all night which is hard for my hair believe me. She listened to what I wanted and gave me exactly that.
Make Up – Denise from Angel Eyes – 10+
I Am so happy I had Denise to do my make up, I loved her from the second I met her at the trial she is sweet and very gentle, I don’t normally wear make up so I hate having stuff like eyeliner applied but with Denise I didn’t even notice she was doing it. She showed up at my house early (I was still getting my hair done) so she had a bagel and coffee with my mom. I only originally booked her for me and 3 bridesmaids but then everyone wanted their makeup done so she did all of my girls. All you have to tell Denise is what look you want and she will use the colors that will accentuate your natural beauty. Everyone was extremely happy with their make up and it looked great in pics. Mine stayed all day long, I only had to reapply my lipstick. It was really nice having someone like Denise at my house with me the day of my wedding I really enjoyed her being there and I am extremely happy I booked her for make up. If you haven’t booked make up call Denise you WILL NOT be disappointed.
Flowers – Flower Michelle – 10+
Add me to the list of the tons of extremely satisfied brides. John was amazing from the start I cant say enough good things about him. From the 1st meeting last summer he made me realize what type of a look I wanted for the wedding everything form the bo-k’s to centerpieces. When I had a crazy idea about putting a light in my CP’s he was excited about it and wanted to make my vision a reality, he was able to tastefully design a beautiful centerpiece to go with my beach themed wedding. The day of the wedding, all bouquets and boutenniers were delivered early and were clearly labeled, the delivery guy explained everything to me. The day before I also called John and asked if he could include rose petals for me for my cones and he had them delivered as well (talk about short notice, I had silk rose petals but decided id rather throw the real ones so I changed my mind the day before.) The bouquets literally took my breath away when I saw them, seriously I gasped and could not breathe for a second they were STUNNING to say the least, I loved the way he wrapped the stems. I’m so sad that flowers die I want to preserve mine forever. My mom brought my bouquet home with her after the reception and I didn’t know, the next morning I woke up at the hotel and started to cry because I didn’t know where my bouquet was (what a baby I know!)
Centerpieces were Amazing so different and perfect everything looked amazing in the hall, he also decorated the table with all my place cards and pictures. I got many compliments on the colors of the flowers and how different from most other wedding centerpieces, all the credit really goes to John (applause) Flower Michelle is THE BEST FLORIST, I was given impeccable service from the start there, I would not have changed a thing. Bravo to John and Flower Michelle, you made my day sooooo beautiful. (see pics in album)
Limos – All Star Limo – 10
We had the H2 Hummer it was soooo cool I loved the car. Bob was our driver he was wonderful and helped make everything run smoothly at the ceremony, and even at my house helping with packing up the car and stuff like that. He was early and my wedding started right on time. It was hot when we were taking pictures so half way though he came out to us with an ice cold bottle of champagne. I was very happy to have Bob there with us he was funny sweet and very helpful the day of the wedding he helped calm me as well. All Star is the real deal when it comes to Limos they are very professional and have a huge fleet of cars to choose from. I cat remember the driver who brought us to the hotel afterwards but he was great as well, and my parents liked the driver that took them home too, in a town car. (see pic in album)
Video – Candlelite Video – Day of – 10+
I will post in a few months when I have the video how it was but I am extremely confident in their work all of the samples I have seen were amazing.
Day of we had 2 videographers in church I noticed them getting footage of my limo pulling up, but other than that you wouldn’t even know they were there. They were extremely discreet all day long, they use only hand held cameras with no annoying lights, which I realize is so important now, last weekend I went to some one else’s wedding and at the church the videographer was wheeling around this huge tri pod with a big camera he blocked peoples views and was making noise. So now I know how important the type of camera they use is so important. AT the reception we had only 1 videographer, Mike he was great to work with again not noticeable, every time something exciting was going on Mike was there Im sure he got tons of footage and I cant wait to see the video. Mike also stayed to the very end, we added an extra hour for a Viennese hour, which wasn’t in my original contract, but he was there with us to the very end. Candlelite is an amazing company I knew from the beginning I wanted to use them. I am certain they did a great job. If you want a beautiful classy wedding video call them.
Photographer – Celestial – 9
This is my only vendor I have mixed feelings about my proofs were done really fast and posted online the day after the wedding which was really great, but I feel I had to pull a little too hard to get some of the things I wanted. He got some very beautiful shots and I love the magazine style albums he makes and I really can’t wait to see mine. I did make an extremely detailed list of pictures I wanted and even copied pictures from this website that I really wanted as well, and some of the ones I wanted were not done. I even added a 2nd photographer to hopefully get these shots (B&W photojournalist) and there I really wanted a shot of me and my dad from the back as he walked me down the aisle, and a shot of the altar from the back of the church, and im not crazy about the invitation picture because my hand is in it to show my e-ring but it is blocking the words on the invite, I didn’t realize he only took one so I didn’t ask him to take one without my hand. A Lou was wonderful the day of he was extremely funny and totally got my family and friends sense of humor, and fit right in, I was very happy with him that day. Adam the photojournalist was great too. They also use a small hand held digital cameras with no tripods and extra flashes They were virtually unnoticeable in church, I had people ask me where the photographer was which was great! I was also happy because they did not disrupt the processional or recessional at all, This had positives and negatives I have now learned. I loved the fact that the bridal party was not stopped coming down the aisle and that everything flowed and made sense I really don’t like when wedding processionals get interrupted for pictures, but at the same time there isn’t a great picture of my daddy walking me down the aisle or me and Dh walking up the aisle after ceremony, Overall I’m happy it was done the way it was, all of the pictures are natural and not posed which I like, this is just something I never thought about before the wedding so I’m trying to help all of the brides 2 be out there. I really like my proofs and will be able to make a great album Lou is a great photographer.
DJ – Tommy’s Tunes – 10+++
Amazing the best choice in DJ’s hands down, no question.
We had Joe Costa as our MC and Jason as our DJ, they kept the party going all night long. Joe never had to get anyone up and dancing because they already were. They were never in your face. They came up to me during the cocktail hour introduced themselves and asked if we had any questions. They played some awesome mixes, and made everyone from young to old happy with the selections. They played everything on my list and believe me it was an extremely detailed list. I had so much fun dancing. They are the best if you haven’t booked a DJ go with Tommy’s Tunes, they made it so much fun.
*** Honey Moon***
(this I just a general review when I have some more time I will give more details of exactly what we did in Hawaii FM me for more info)
We Booked our Honeymoon with Grace of Preferred Travel Services she gets a – 10
(let me know if you want her #)
Grace was extremely wonderful and made me see why people use travel agents, we met with her and in 10 minutes she had our dream honeymoon planned from hotels, to flights to rental cars. We also had plane troubles (American Airlines gets a – 1 from me) so we called her from Hawaii when it was 6am here in NY and she helped us out and booked us on a new flight in less than 5 minutes I don’t know what we would have done without her.
Hawaii – 10+++
What a beautiful amazing and romantic place Hawaii is, you have to go there at lease once in your life it is a magnificent place. We did 3 islands, and stayed at all Hyatt’s they offer a Hyatt hopper with discounts and free breakfasts if you stay at more than one of their hotels in Hawaii.
1) Oahu – Hyatt on Waikiki Beach – 9
Oahu is a cool place very much like Manhattan but on this amazing beach. We were here only 2 days only because I had to visit the Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor (im a US History Teacher) that was extremely moving. Waikiki Beach was gorgeous but very crowded.
2) Maui – Hyatt Regency 10++
We Loved Maui the best and the people at the Hyatt there were sooo wonderful we were very spoiled the 6 days we were there if I ever go back im going to Maui.
3) Kauai – Hyatt Regency 10+
What a gorgeous island, and a breath taking hotel with top notch service, again we were totally spoiled by their service, I can tell why Conde Nast rated in their top 10 of all hotels. The last night we were there we went out to dinner, when we came back, they had turned down the be for us left us a sweet note congratulating us on our marriage, and thanking us for choosing Hyatt, we also got a bottle of champagne and some chocolate covered Mangos on our bed, it was such a great surprise.
***** I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST******
Drum roll please…………
Catering - Chateau La Mer 10++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ isn’t good enough for them being a teacher I give them a 100, and a gold star!!!
I can not say enough about them, I’m sorry but it is the most wonderful place on LI to have a wedding, it is a hidden gem, a diamond in the rough, and believe me I’ve been to many weddings at some of the most popular sites around here, it is top notch and totally different than the main stream places here on LI.
The first time we visited CLM we met Nick and he showed us around we loved the location, and then he explained all the changes they were making, and everything he said they did. They have done so much work there it was great before but it is absolutely gorgeous now! If you haven’t been there check it out, I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Speaking of Nick, what can I say he really became our Friend throughout this planning process, not just of me and Brian but my family as well (my parents now want him to marry my little sister!) I love him he is very special and cared for us tremendously from the beginning to the end. He was our Maitre D and took care of everything, it was so apparent how hard he worked that night to make it special for us and my family. The second I walked out of the limo he was there (with a big hug), and showed us to our bridal suite. He always checked on us and went to each table to see if they needed anything at all. He was constantly on his walkie talkie earpiece thing, when we were ready to eat (me and Brian) he signaled the kitchen and brought out a hot platter of fresh food in less than 30 seconds. He kept asking “can I do anything” he couldn’t do anymore for us it was PERFECT. He bent over backwards to make it the most special night of our lives and it was. At the end of the night when it was time to go, my parents couldn’t fit into the limo to the hotel and dint have a ride, he had a car there for them in less than 10 minutes. When it was time for us to leave I seriously cried because I had to say good bye to Nick (im crying now as I type too) I really will miss talking to him on the phone and all our meetings, how many brides can say that about their Banquet managers, or maitre d’s. He and everyone at Chateau le Mer made our dreams come true.
Monika was my bridal attendant, and she was awesome, she was there to greet me the second I left the limo, she was like my shadow all night whenever I needed her she was there. She bustled my dress quickly, and walked us to the boat with a bottle of champagne. After cocktail hour, I thought my dress was too long in the front and I was afraid id trip on it when I did the 1st dance, she took me up stairs and used safety pins to re hem my dress you couldn’t even tell. She always got us drinks or whatever we needed she really made the night go smoothly for us. She was a great Bridal attendant and im so lucky I had her.
I have heard from many of my guests that it was the best wedding that they have ever been to, my uncle was already planning on booking my cousins wedding there and she doesn’t even have a boyfriend!
Cocktail hour was amazing and it had such a cool summer feel to it, I loved the fact that the guests could sip tropical drinks on the deck on the Great South Bay, I didn’t get to eat much at the cocktail hour but I heard such amazing things about it, it looked beautiful they had a bar on the deck as well. Food was definitely plentiful and there was a ton to choose from. They also offer which is awesome, an arrival by boat, we took the boat out with our photographer and got some awesome pictures on the water. When we started to get close to the deck there, Nick got everyone out on the deck and said “the bride and groom are coming” at first no one knew where we were, until the boat came in closer the crowd was going crazy cheering and yelling for us I loved it and we have some great pics.
Dinner was amazing you get 4 choices not the usual 3, and everyone said how delicious their meals were, not the usual catering food everything was hot and tender and believe me I have some pain in the a@@ family members that couldn’t even complain about the food.
We also added a Viennese Hour which was insane, some guests left before it was so their loss. Nick brought us in first and it was seriously like that scene from Willy Wonka When all the kids walk into the candy land. I was jumping up and down like a little kid. I loved to watch everyone’s reaction as they entered the room, everyone turned into a little kid, there was a cotton candy & pop corn machine an ice cream, and jello station, cakes galore cordials and gourmet coffees to die for, a giant cannolli, delicious black and white cookies, a cart full of candy, they had ribbons of candy buttons all over the place it was seriously like a dream you’d have as a kid. Everyone was running around saying I don’t know what to eat next! Nick as a surprise added the best part A CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN!!! That was such a total surprise I was jumping when I saw it my jaw dropped, I was trying to explain what it was to Brian what it was but I couldn’t talk. That was the most delicious thing ever. I must confess at one point that we all pretty much had our faces in the fountain drinking straight from it, Nick just shook his head and laughed at us, I tried to get him to do it, but he said he couldn’t. That was the best way to end the wedding everyone was so impressed, and we provided bakery boxes so everyone could take some sweets home, which everyone loved.
I will always hold Chateau La Mer very close to my heart the staff there is Amazing so accommodating, and nice, I cant believe how nice. This is what customer service is all about, Chateau La Mer Knows how to deliver an amazing wedding at a fair price. My parents had gotten tons of phone calls and notes and cards after the wedding thanking them for such a great time, and everyone I have talked to said they had the best time ever at a wedding, all the credit goes to Nick and everyone at Chateau La Mer. I love them and am sorry I cant get Married again there!!! My wedding was perfect thanks to them. Absolutely the best decision I have ever made.
Well thanks for reading hope this helps, I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have FM me for any info or advice I would love to share.
Wow this is long that was 4 hours worth of typing and my butt has now gone numb!!!
Luv Ya All,
The New Mrs. Nessa79
(A very happy bride)
PS – I’m attaching some pics. In the attached album, with captions, to show you some of my vendors work
http://www.liweddings.com/community/album/?ID=322
