My wedding review/vendor rave-5/24/09(update)** -Jacqueline Nicole,Velvet,CLM,Campbell's Bakery,Esquire Tuxedo,Pat Sforza jeweler,more

I have finally come around to posting my review. I have been a lurker for the past almost 2 years,but have gotten so much helpful advice that I swore I would post a review.There were some problems on my wedding day or prior with certain vendors which I didn’t want to mention or post about ,because I didn’t want to leave negative
feedback. I realize now though that this is unfair to the other vendors that went so much above and beyond and that I was doing them a dis-service,as well as to the future brides so I have decided to just post feedback on my vendors that rocked.
My thanks to them all!!

Jacqueline Nicole A ++++++++++++ and beyond!!
Jacqueline,I can not thank you enough for everything! She was my absolute 100%
favorite vendor , and I have a few favorites and yes she is number 1 even above my hall, and I loved Chateau La Mer and Nick and Jessica-but frankly she even blew them away ! She just went above and beyond in everything.Rest assured that if you book with her that you will look amazing and she is so great to work with !
Going to back when I first got engaged in November 2007, I knew nothing else but that
I had to have her do my make-up,(especially since I am an older bride and very self conscious about my wrinkles).I have been to weddings where the brides were gorgeous from across the room.After, when I asked who they used for make-up ,it was alwaysJacqueline Nicole.I made a mental note of that. She was the first person I contacted and she got back to me right away and was so sweet and professional.
It was still a little early yet and she didn’t have her 2009 schedule yet.She said she would contact me when she did. When her schedule was opened she patiently took the time to answer all my questions.I told her to please just send the contract,that I knew that I wanted to book her –no trial necessary. Her contract and pricing were so fair and I was especially shocked being that so many people add so much money to a service when the word 'wedding' comes into it. Not her!
I am truly still shocked at her great prices,especially for her talented work.
I actually didn’t have a trial until March I think(I got married in May).She has this amazing personality and she is just as someone had once described her to me- She’s beautiful inside and out ! She was a pleasure to be around.Professional but fun. My mother and mother in law got trials too and loved her and her work as well.Now ,this is huge because my mom initially before meeting Jacqueline and seeing her work was going to do her own make-up. She doesn’t like to be fussed over and pampered but my dad and I insisted. She felt and looked so glam and that was so important for me that she felt so good about herself! I loved what she did for me too. I was even more glad that she would be spending my big day with me after we met and I saw her work! She spent hours with us that first day and it was so much fun.
On the day of the wedding she arrived early and set up. In the middle of everything there was a huge problem with my flowers which I wont get into. Jacqueline was an amazing, calming presence. She worked on me ,my mom and mother in-law,and my BFF throughout the chaos. She did an amazing ,amazing job ! There was another issue with my hair too and by the time I realized it wasn’t what I wanted and after the floral nonsense,there was no time to fix my hair. As I was leaving for the church and throughout the entire day my hair fell and became very straight and frizzy. Jacqueline was my saving grace because everyone kept complimenting me on my make-up.After the wedding when I mention how upset I was by my hair ,people keep telling me that they didn’t notice ,and everyone says the same thing-how my make-up looked Amazing !! My mother and mother-in law and BFF kept getting compliments too.I feel like had it not been for her I wouldn’t like the way I looked in my pictures,but because of the way she did my make-up it drew the attention away from my hair.
On another note,during the stress of the flower situation ,I decided to have a beer to take the edge off.This was right as my photographers were starting to take pictures.
Jacqueline comes over to me in a very professional but cute way and says “Sweetheart,you look so beautiful and classy but you need to put the beer down before you have pictures of you holding your rosary beads in one hand (which I was)and a Coors light in the other(yep,I was doing that too).”
I didn’t even realize that. I had totally forgotten that previously I had also told my photographer do not take any cutesy, posed pictures,if I am drinking a beer I don’t care if it is in the picture,not realizing the situation . –thanks JN or else I would’ve have 50 frames instead of 10 with the “champagne” as my photographers were just doing what I asked,lol-Thank you Jacqueline for all your beautiful hard work and for being with me and helping me out on my special day!!!!!!

Velvet Studios A ++++++++++
Bob and Judy for epics A++++++++++++
Bob and Jean for wedding
A +++++++++++++++++++++++
They are tied with Chateau La Mer (and Nick and Jessica) as my second favorite vendor.
When I met Bob(the owner) he was so great. He understood and worked within our budget.I had explained how important photography is to me and that I wanted a second photographer to do the more photojournalistic. Bob also had a heart when I explained that we wanted the magazine album ,but I was possibly looking at a lay-off from my job and didn’t know if we could do it financially.He gave us the traditional album price and the magazine album price & said we could decide on which we wanted as we got closer.That was so nice of him to do and thankfully we were able to get the upgrade! Thanks Bob !!
The epics were also included in the price .I wanted pictures on the beach and he suggested Captree which has the bridge in the background. The pictures were so beautiful(and I don’t like the way I look in pictures normally),but Bob and Judy made it so much fun and captured the way I look at my DH. I was so thrilled because DH had such a great time that he couldn’t wait until the wedding (and he is normally shy about pictures).
On the day of-poor Bob and Jean (Bob’s wife) come into the middle of this huge floral fiasco.I have only 1 bq as the rest were returned and we were waiting for new ones.They worked with what we had.Then they got what pictures they could. As the phone calls and anger progressed on my part because of my floral situation(or lack thereof) ,Bob said to me ,”You need to relax or else it is going to come across in the pictures”. At that I said “hell no” and gave my biggest actress smile. You would never know what transpired prior to those pictures.Now that's talent !!
Bob and Jean were truly great . They were fun,professional,and right there for everything.They called me to alert me when they had arrived at the church and that there was a christening clearing out ,but not to worry-that they were there.They even put up with some crazy major heavy duty heckling from our crazy friends and family who were saying and doing things to either lighten the situation –or later on were just being themselves. They captured all the best moments of the day,like one of my friends(a BM)getting on the back of the lion statue at Old Westbury Gardens,or our groomsmen playing piggyback,etc.They captured the emotional beautiful moments,caught the way I look at DH, but also caught all the craziness and fun. I can’t wait to see the album.
There are so many beautiful proofs that I can’t decide on which to use. Thank you for that!!

St Barnabas A++++++++++++++++++++++
Father Gil A+++++++++++++++++++++++ (thanks for coming back to marry us).
Long story short,they took us in when our parish wouldn’t help us get in to see the priest asap .We were working with CLM on trying to book a prime date(the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.) Our parish said they had a procedure and the rules couldn’t be broken and we had to wait at least 10 days for the priest to contact us. My BFF told me to go here and got the name of a priest that I would like from her sister in law.
Father Gil met with us 2 days later.He was perfect for us and we felt an instant liking and we both knew that we wanted him to marry us. He books the wedding and then we ask if we can request him and he says he will try,but he is scheduled to go to another parish in 6 months.I was heartbroken about that but he said if he could he would come back to marry us.I changed parishes that day,before even seeing how beautiful St. Barnabas is. I was so pleasantly surprised to see that this church was even more beautiful than I had dreamed it would be .And Father Gil worked it out and married us.
It was so beautiful and special to me ,thank you Father Gil!!

Esquire Tuxedo-Merrick NY- (Mike)A++++++++++++++++
Another one of my favorite vendors. DH ,his father ,brother and another groomsman are over 6'1 ,so I knew this could be tricky.I was freaking out because we initially just thought to go next door to David's Bridal and use Men's Wearhouse.When we did that DH and I were told that he had to pick out his vest and accessories and then get fitted right before the wedding. There was nothing in his size to try on and they told him that they couldn't get anything to try on.He was told he would need to pick without trying on.I told them that was as ridiculous as me buying a wedding dress without trying it on.Now 3 months before the wedding I had no clue where to start.Again being that he is very tall with a large foot and so are so many in the party,I was especially concerned.I hit this site frantically.Going by other rave reviews of Mike(the owner) and his staff,we decided to try Esquire.
Well all I can say is that they were not wrong and I cannot rave enough about Mike.He went so far above and beyond.I can't tell you how many nights that DH ended up going not realizing they were about to close and Mike was more than patient.He even ordered various accessories (like vest,etc) in DH's size,so that he could try on things so he would know what looked good on.I left this all in DH's hands after I initially went with him.I wanted DH to go again with 'his boys' and pick out his tux and surprise me on our big day.Mike helped him coordinate a look for him and the entire wedding party that was so classy and looked great! The tuxes were of such great quality ,too! Mike went above and beyond to even keep ordering different shoes (which is no easy task as DH is a size 15-15 1/2 shoe) so that DH could find the right shoe-comfort and look.He helped out our dads too,which was not easy as my dad kept changing his mind.DH's brother(one of the bestmen)lives 5 1/2 hours away and had to call in measurements.He couldn't pick up and get fitted until the day or 2 before the wedding ,which totally stressed me out.I called Mike and he was so great and kept telling me that was ok. The tux was perfect,as were the rest. Thank you again ,Mike and staff!! You are all fantastic and we cannot thank you enough.

Pat Sfroza- jeweler(Franklin Square) A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Pat was recommended through DH’s Best friend and one of our Best men.For years he would speak so highly of Pat. Well as far as my engagement ring ,he helped DH pick the most beautiful ring that is so me. It is beyond my wildest dreams.I finally got to meet him about 8 months before the wedding and he is such a great guy,too .He is honest and goes out of his way so much for you. I am so not traditional and not about “matchy-matchy” with anything like furniture ,lamps ,etc.When we went to pick out rings I floored DH by saying that I wanted a matching band. Pat convinced me and rightfully so that to not get even a small diamond band would not do my beautiful engagement ring justice. He was so right. I asked if I could get a matching band and wear it on my right hand,and to have this be my wedding gift. Of course DH picks a band that doesn’t have a match. Pat worked on this until he found a company that would make one –and it is exact. The price on all 3 rings was so much less than we expected on just 2 rings. Thanks Pat!!

Singleton’s(Rehearsal Dinner) A+++++++++++++++++++
Tina at Singleton’s A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Israel maitre’d A++++++++++++++++++++
OMG how I didn’t drive poor Tina crazy,but she was always professional,always a pleasure to work with and went above and beyond in so many ways and things that she did for us. I even wanted to get a second use out of the decorations I made and used for our e-party and she set up everything so beautifully.Israel (I hope I spelled his name right),and staff were so fantastic and couldn’t do enough for me ,DH and our guests. The food got rave reviews from our relatives(and some are very picky on food).I was thrilled about that,too! We had about 40 or so people and they did a spectacular job.It was the perfect start to our wedding weekend as I felt like it was a mini-wedding.It was so great to party with our friends and loved ones.

Carlotta(saleswomen) at David’s Bridal in Westbury A+++++++++++++
David’s Bridal Lake Grove-Rebecca seamstress and the manager Elsie A++++++++++++
After an initially fantastic experience with Carlotta at DB in Westbury who was so sincere and lovely, and helped me honestly pick my dream dress,I had a lot of problems after that with everything else at DB in Westbury.I used them for my dress,my mom and mother in law’s dress and my girls all bought everything there and all had problems. Poor Carlotta helped me with things when she could and I appreciate all her help. I was afraid to use DB for any alterations. I went all over the island looking for a seamstress and came across 2 who as nice as they were,they bustled my gown where I looked like a bell.I am sensitive about my weight too,so felt fat and unshapely-no actually,I felt bell shaped. This is 3 months before my wedding. I walk into DB by my mom’s in tears because I am told that this is the shape of this gown and maybe I should’ve gotten something else.I was ready to start looking for something else .On a whim there is a lady in alterations who I ask to show me the bustle,and she does it exactly like I knew it should be. Well,I make an appointment for a month later thinking it is with her as I am now afraid to have anyone else pin,tuck,or touch my dress. Now there is a miscommunication and that woman is not in when I go .I have a bridal meltdown and am hysterical and thank God my BFF is there and she talks to the manager and explains the entire situation(probably starting with the fact that I haven’t slept in a year and a half and have made everything from the invites to the CPs to the table menus etc,lol).Elsie was so good with my Bridezilla moment-calmly asking what can she do to make it right,and suggests that since I took the day off from work,and since I drove there that I should see Rebecca and just let her try to work her magic.She assured me that she is good.
Well Rebecca is a miracle woman! Not only that but I must’ve insulted her with my poor bridezilla behavior by not just letting her try and for that I am sorry,but she never let it show.She even made sure that she was there for me at my final fitting(I think she stayed late to do that).She did an even better job on my bustle than I expected,and I was down at least a size between buying the dress and altering.It was tough to alter because of the shape and I wanted big boobs added.She calmed me down that day and even made me laugh at myself for being a bridezilla. Rebecca kept checking on me and even helped me out on problems that I had with things I bought in Westbury.Thank you,ladies for your help and kindnesses!!!

Ilene at the Melville Marriott A++++++++++
Thanks for accommodating me and all my cooky requests for adjoining rooms ,bedding etc.She did a great job at understanding what was getting confusing for even me,as far as my dad’s requests,and everyone else’s. Thanks for your patience !

Butera’s Smithtown-Nick (owner)and Staff A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My Shower-My BFF has known Nick the owner for most of her life.We go there when we go out for our girl’s nights.She knows how much I love the food and the ambiance.It is so beautiful and the food is delicious. My BFF who was also a BM and my MOH ,Matron of Honor all my other BMs and my mom had the most beautiful surprise shower for me here.It was seriously such a beautiful princess day for me ! Nick even worked that day so that he could be there and make sure that it was perfect.He even made my favorite- Shower punch..and Chicken Parm. Nick ,seriously it is the best punch ever. Thank you Nick and my beautiful bridal party, and mom ! It was such a special day that I will always cherish!!!

Campbell’s Bakery/Gregg (owner) Brentwood A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I told Nick at CLM I wanted a delicious red velvet cake.He asked me if I had spoken to Gregg at Campbell’s. I hadn’t but only because they didn’t have a website.He told me that they were amazing and not to let that worry us. I called and made an appointment to speak with Gregg the owner.We also did a tasting.I wanted to upgrade to red velvet and wanted a specific look to the cake,with shells and a beach theme. When he saw the picture and quoted me the price I was shocked because I had been quoted 3 times the price elsewhere and the cake didn’t even taste as good.The cake at Campbell's was SO much better .Gregg was so nice and has this super way about him.It was really like business is business via a handshake .I didn’t have the cash or a check on me to pay the upgrade and they don’t take credit cards so he said “Don’t worry,just send me a check when you have it”. I was a little nervous because I was afraid that something would be overlooked.Fast forward to my wedding day…..when Nick showed me the cake I started to cry…it was just like my picture,only better. AND it tasted even better than that.
I now drive from Nassau County to Brentwood for that special occasion cake.
Thank you Gregg and staff!! On a side note-I called him to thank him after the wedding,he says “well I can’t take the full credit,I only bake the cakes,the credit goes to my cake designers,I hope it tasted good though because that I can take the credit for”
I was floored by that humble and honest remark.
WOW!Yes,Gregg the cakes are super delicious!!

Chateau La Mer A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nick and Jessica A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
and then some!
OK ,what can I say without repeating what has been said so many times before.
For the first year or so we dealt with Lou and liked him.We loved the food at the tasting,and Lou was more than nice each time we met. In April we met with Nick who called me up to advise that he wasn’t calling for the payment but to just square away the details,menu,etc.Well,we had heard and read fantastic things about Nick and they are all true! He truly made us feel like family and like he cared. We felt so comfortable that I asked him if he would be working our wedding and said probably not as he didn’t do as many as he used to,but that we would be in good hands,because Tino is excellent.
The week of the wedding we came to drop the stuff at CLM which was all my months of making stuff,and sleepless nights .I had boxes upon boxes of stuff.Lou initially helped us bring everything in and was looking a little nervous about me having so much stuff.He didn’t know if they had enough smaller tables to hold everything.Then Nick came in and we were talking with Lou about that I wanted the Polish toast also known as the blessing of the bread, salt and wine. Lou said they have a Bridal attendant from Poland and that he would assign her. Nick said don’t worry about it,that he was going to work the wedding and that he knows all about it.He also told us that my bridal attendant would be Jessica.He proceeded to explain the entire blessing(I didn’t even know exactly how it went, even though I am almost 100% Polish).Nick explained it perfectly. The day of ,he and Jessica met our limo and already knew of what happened with the flowers.They said relax now -this is your day,we are here for you! They couldn’t do enough for us. They had a drink in my hand before I could ask for it and were by our sides the entire night.Right before we were to be announced we noticed that the boutineres for DH, one of our Bestmen, and a Groomsman had like 2 petals left on it.It was half dead when it arrived but troughout the day, all the petals fell off. Jessica made 3 new boutineres from flowers in the lobby as we awaited being called in.My jaw dropped ,she was so quick and was just like Macgyver.They looked really good ,too.Then after my first dance I stepped on my dress and ripped my bustle and she pinned it all so perfectly and it wasn’t noticeable either.Later on in the evening we had a wedding crasher from upstairs. I looked at the guy like OK I guess he is a friend of DH.He starts dancing with me. Nick runs over after realizing they were not part of our wedding ,whispers something to him and gently escorts him out,without a scene. Like I said they couldn’t
have done enough for us,and they did a great job showcasing everything that I made .
Nick made sure that there was a place for everything and that it was setup in both the CH and the reception.They made everything so special,like it was the first and only wedding they ever worked.A few of my guests had to leave before dinner was served and Nick ran around asking if they could wait a few minutes.He came out with their dinners wrapped up for them so they could take them home,because he didn't want them to miss out.They were shocked and impressed. Things like this happened all night. Thank you to both Nick and Jessica for making this my dream day!!! If you are booked at CLM you will have an amazing time!!!

One last note-remember what the day is about and that as much as you think you can control ,sometimes things may happen beyond your control. I got this piece of advice the week before my wedding from someone. When I had problems the day of I tried not to get too ugly or Bridezilla-ish.I tried to remember and kept saying “At 3pm I am marrying my dream man.”I didn’t want to be that bride who gets ugly and has a temper tantrum.At 245pm when I am sitting in my limo calling the florist because I have no bouquet,I still am not out of control.
The next thing I know,I am truly reminded of what the day is about when my mother in law runs outside and screams”Where’s the marriage license,the church says they can’t find it” We had given it to them at the rehearsal 2 days ago. For a good 5 minutes that may have been the longest of my life,I kept saying “OMG I am not marrying my dream man at 3pm” and the reality set in more than ever of the meaning of this day.Yes,we worked so hard to make it perfect ,and you may not have flowers,your hair may not be perfect but it is about marrying the one you love. As long as this happens ,everything else will fall into place.So yeah,although my day wasn’t without a hitch it was the best day of my life! At 310 pm I did finally marry my dream man!! ( A few minutes late,but better late then never)DH you also get an A++++++++++++++++++++++,and beyond!!!! Thank you for being you and giving me my dream day Hopefully I will get a chance to post pics in my album(once I figure out how).Thanks for reading.

Re: My wedding review/vendor rave-5/24/09 -Jacqueline Nicole,Velvet,CLM,Campbell's Bakery and more

great review!! glad it all went well!

funny thing....I booked CLM the weekend of your wedding...I saw a bunch of boxes in the lobby. probably yours

Re: My wedding review/vendor rave-5/24/09 -Jacqueline Nicole,Velvet,CLM,Campbell's Bakery and more

Hi,
Thank you!
I am sure it was ...That is too funny-but the priceless thing was Lou's face as we unloaded DH's truck.Seriously there was so much stuff after the wedding and thank God Nick was kind enough to say he would hold it until the next day.We took my car (a mitsubishi mirage) to the CLM straight after we checked out of the Marriott ,b/c DH didn't want to go home for his truck and then go back to Lindenhurst. I had so much crap that I was sitting on boxeson the way home and this was after people had taken the CPs and CLM said that if I was going to throw the vellum votives I made out that they could use them.

I asked DH if he was going to make me ride on the roof like' Aunt Edna' in vacation.

You will love,love love CLM !! Congrats

Re: My wedding review/vendor rave-5/24/09 -Jacqueline Nicole,Velvet,CLM,Campbell's Bakery and more

Awesome review!! Thanks so much for sharing. I am using Velvet & CLM...it is always great to hear rave reviews about your vendors!

Congrats to you and your DH!!

Re: My wedding review/vendor rave-5/24/09 -Jacqueline Nicole,Velvet,CLM,Campbell's Bakery and more

great review thanks for posting it

Re: My wedding review/vendor rave-5/24/09 -Jacqueline Nicole,Velvet,CLM,Campbell's Bakery and more

Awe thank you ,Jayepyt and Cacarina !

Cacarina, you will love both Velvet and CLM !

Enjoy your big day,ladies. I wish I could do it all over again .

Re: My wedding review/vendor rave-5/24/09 -Jacqueline Nicole,Velvet,CLM,Campbell's Bakery and more

Congrats..CLM was awesome..my guests have been raving about it since my wedding

Re: My wedding review/vendor rave-5/24/09 -Jacqueline Nicole,Velvet,CLM,Campbell's Bakery and more

I love this!