Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Wow- took me long enough.

I guess I will start with the LIW thanks. This site was great, answered all my questions, and a valuable resource for vendors. It made wedding planning more fun than stressful, and I virtually met a lot of great women along the way. I recommend it to every bride I ever meet.



We had the best day ever. Mother Nature gets an F. But it doesn’t matter. You make do with what you get handed. And you can’t do anything about the weather.
That said- I had some great advice given to me on this site, and I will forward that along.
1) Take a moment at the reception, stop, look around, take it all in.
2) You do NOT need to visit tables. I would have regretted if I did. I am sure a handful of people had something to say about it, but c’mon people! This is OUR day!!! We want to enjoy it!
3) Try to keep the receiving line moving. I took my time, chatting it up with people. Bad news bears- we almost lost our picture taking location site, we were running so late. But I guess it made our not visiting tables OK.
So anyway- here’s the review. All wedding day photos are Duet.





VEIL
Nikki’s Custom Veils- 10
http://www.nikkiscustomweddingveils.com/
I wanted a silk tulle veil, simple. I found Nikki through ebay, and her price and ordering procedure was real easy- I didn’t have to go and order the material myself, 1 simple order.
Her quoted turn around was 4-6 weeks, I had my veil in 2 weeks! She also made the veil 4” longer for me for no charge. (I was in the ladies room at work, measuring out toilet paper to figure out the size!!!) Great email communication, as well- which is very important to me, I live on email.
One note- the silk tulle material is VERY delicate. It snags on everything (like engagement rings!), and makes pulls and runs in the veil.
**If you are going to go the silk tulle veil route- STAY AWAY FROM THE VEIL IN FRONT OF THE FACE PICTURES*** It just looks creepy. Like a shroud.
See the 3rd photo here-
Custom silk tulle center gathered veil- 36” long- with shipping: $90.50











ESCORT CARDS/ FAVORS
Patchogue Floral- FantasyLand
I decided to make the escort card out of a Christmas ornament, and have it double as a favor.
We ordered (110) 8” long wooden surfboard Christmas ornaments. They gave us a 20% discount on the bulk order, which was great. They are going out of business though, which is sad, after 55 years. Another local business bites the dust. But there may be some great deals towards the end- keep your eyes peeled! They really have everything.
Cardstock and other supplies for escort card- AC Moore. I like this place more than Michaels. Plus, they have a coupon every week, and if you don’t have one, they will usually hook you up. Michaels won’t do that.
Wooden box to hold sand- daddy built this.
Sand- Home Depot, play sand.

Cost for Escort cards/ favors for 185 guests: approx. $360.00



CAKE TOPPER
http://www.angelkind.com
10
Adorable, absolutely perfect. Charity was great to work with, the price was out of this world, and the topper is adorable. Love it.
Thanks Beth1210 for the rec!

Custom cake topper- $80



UNITY CANDLE
Celtic Candle
http://www.celticcandle.com
10
$16- can’t go wrong. Arrived in 3 weeks.
TIP- for tapers, do NOT buy cheap candles! Haha- It took me 2 minutes to get the taper out of the holder, it was all melted in.



INVITATIONS
Costco
http://www.costco.com
10
I ordered them online, proofed them online, they were at my door 2 days later!
$262 included 150 invites, with inner lined envelope, and outer envelope with return address printed; RSVP cards and printed envelopes; and reception cards.




MY GOWN
Vows of Boston- 10
http://www.bridepower.com
They sell designer samples.
I love love love love love my gown.
I bought one gown, because I was so overwhelmed on my first day out looking at gowns, overwhelmed because I liked them all, and because of the prices of some of them. I bought a Davinci dress at Centereach Bridal- they were great there, really very helpful.
But I immediately started to doubt the decision, and when a bride on this site asked about where to find Vera Wang gowns, I open a page to bring up the link for her, and this was the first gown that popped up. This was a Tuesday. During the week, they are only open by appointment only, but on Saturday, they are open to the public. Since I live on LI, and work all week, and needed time to break the news to my mother that I changed my mind on the wedding gown that she paid a deposit for… I waited until Saturday. I called them every day to check stock on my dream dress. They were so nice. Then, on Saturday, my mom and I arrived at 11 AM (they open at 10), and as soon as I asked the lady at the door about that dress, she knew who I was. They only have 4 dressing rooms, and the place is a mad house, so you can bring in only X amount of dresses at a time. We waited nearly an hour for a fitting room, but they were offering to take peoples cell #s, and call them when it was their turn, which I think was very accommodating. Needless to say, I fell in love. They stitched up the minor imperfections, had it professionally cleaned, and it was at my parents house within 6 weeks.






ALTERATIONS
Phyllis at Bridal Elegance- 7.5
http://www.gownfind.com
Everything turned out fine, so I definitely would not worry about a thing if you already have her booked for alterations. But otherwise, I can’t say I would recommend her wholeheartedly. Just a few situations of frustration, nothing at all huge.
Alterations, she kindly capped at $150, (even though I didn’t get my dress through her), but I was charged $170(+/-). She added boning to my dress, so that was probably the extra charge.

Bridesmaid/ Maid of Honor/ Flowergirl dresses
Watters/ WToo/ US Angels
Ordered through Phyllis at Bridal Elegance
Dresses were gorgeous. Phyllis was a bit frustrating, but again, everything came in on time, no huge worries. But be sure that you follow up and hassle her, I don’t have faith that things would have run so smoothly if we hadn’t. But alterations were capped, so that was good.
Bridesmaids chose their own shoes, jewelry, etc.

Bridesmaid dresses- WToo $135 (BIG discount)- alterations capped at $45
MoH dress- Waters $222- alterations capped at $45
Flowergirl dress- US Angels $80- not sure about the alterations





TUXES
Mens Warehouse
10
We hadn't chosen a tux, 1 month before the wedding. Victor wa sin his friend's wedding, and we loved their tux, so that was easy.



ACCESSORIES:
Shoes- 10
Moda Spana
DSW
Very pretty, and inexpensive. Not too comfortable, but I don’t wear strappy stilettos often! I changed into a pair of blue peep toe pumps for the reception.




Jewelry- Borrowed. My grandma’s necklace, that my mom wears every day ( my grandma passed away when I was 13- and she wore it every day- very special), earrings from my mom- which I think I lost at the hotel, I’m such an @ss, and a tennis bracelet from my mom, which had sapphire- my birthstone, and something blue.

Underpants!!!- 10

http://www.customglamgirl.com

Awesome. I got blue boy shorts in a size medium. I can’t post a pic, because the phrase I had put on them was completely inappropriate, but they arrived in like 3 days!!!

RINGS
FH
http://www.Overstock.com
6
Great ring, arrived very quickly, but ANNOYING return policy. All I wanted to do was exchange for a smaller size. This involved returning the ring, paying a restock fee, paying the shipping to return it, then buying another ring, paying shipping again…
C’mon people- get an exchange policy.
BUT a men’s titanium ring for $32, awesome.



Me
http://www.qvc.com
9
At this point in the game, we were so broke- I just wanted a cheap white gold band. I found this one here for $75, awesome. And the fit- so smooth. It’s really the most comfortable ring ever. But turns out that 18 K gold is waaaay to soft for me. Within 12 hours of getting hitched, my band looked like hammered steel. I guess that playing quarters with your wedding band is NOT a good idea. Lesson learned.

FLOWERS

BM bouquets, all boutonnières, corsages

Nina, Stop & Shop in South Setauket- 10
Nina was recommended to me by my BM Rachel, who is a manager at a Stop & Shop. We were trying to save money wherever we could. When a “traditional” wedding florist quoted me $80 per orchid plant, I knew we could do better, and Nina said she could get the plants for about $25-30 per plant. We wound up finding them cheaper elsewhere, but all the other prices she gave me were great. She was so nice, a real pleasure to meet with. My only regret is not having more faith in her! I didn’t really know anything about her style, so I kind of dictated everything specifically. She did a great job- everything was amazing.
The one downfall is, with it being Stop and Shop, you really aren’t going to know until the last minute, what type of flowers will be available. This worked out perfectly for me, since I am the type to change my mind 1,000 times anyway. Have a back up plan.


BM bo-ks were ivory double lisianthus, with ivy winding down the stem.
GM and grooms boots were freesia.
Fathers boots were lisianthus.
MOBs corsage was ivory roses with red berries and greenery
MOGs corsage was all phaleonopsis orchids.
I used 1 more orchid blossom from that stem for my hair.
2 readers, and grandmas corsage, were teacup roses.
2 Flower girl hair wreaths of baby’s breath
12 bundles of baby’s breath- assembled in baskets for church.

Total cost for all this- $512.00


Bride’s bouquet
James Cress, Port Jefferson- 8
Eh. I regret not letting Nina do this. For the price, I think Nina would have charged me half, and they didn’t even make it look like the picture I gave them. I wanted random bits of leaves poking out, there were none- they were all around the base. And the bouquet showed up with a HUGE ivory bow, which my mom and I cut off as soon as we saw it. I am not a fan of bows, personally, and was very specific about that when asked at our meeting.
But the bouquet lasted all night, and into the next day, so that’s good.









Centerpieces
Orchids- 10
http://www.hawaiifloralproducts.com
Wow. I was just looking around on this good old world wide web one day, and I found these for $7.50 a piece!!! (Bulk package of 24, plus $35 shipping).
About 6 of them arrived not fully bloomed, so I ran out to Home Depot 2 days before the wedding, and bought 3 extra, at $25 a piece. But I think they opened up in the 2 days, because we had more than enough at the wedding.


Pots- 10
I can not remember the name of this Nursery- it’s on Deer Park Ave, about 1 mile south of the LIE- it has a German name.
Anyway- awesome. I wanted inexpensive, mismatching pots. I found several there, for $3-$7 each. Convenient.

Bamboo and Spanish moss- Home Depot.

My mom and dad did all the transplanting, and my dad cut the bamboo stalks (to tie the orchids to- though I am pretty sure he forgot to tie them…), and put the moss down. He also cut slits in the top of the bamboo, where we stuck in the table number cards I made.

Total cost for 20+ CPs- $375.00+/-










PAMPERING AND BEAUTY

T Carltons Spalon, St. James-
Pre wedding prep and pamper- 10
Spray tanning- I recommend this. It’s airbrushed, so ummmm, it’s very, ummmm, intimate. You have to stand up naked in front of an aesthetician. But the results are worth it. The $35 price includes a touch up a few days later. I definitely recommend buying the 2 spray package for $55, and go about a month in advance to try it out. They almost refused to spray me 1 week before the wedding, for fear of my reaction and the color. But they agreed to do my legs only, and I loved it, so we were good to go.
Gotta give a shout out to my girl itslaurie., for hooking me up with that free gift certificate!
Day before- 80 minute full body Hawaiian massage- wow. Wonderful. I definitely recommend a massage the day before. Manicure and pedicure, also great.

Day of - Hair and make up- 10
Myself, my sister, 1 flower girl, and 3 BMs had their hair done, and 1BM, myself, my sister and my mom had our make up done.
Everything was amazing. After a few trials of half up dos, the day of was 40 MPH winds and rain, so I went with an updo- without a trial or a clear explanation of what I wanted- and it came out great. Mia did my hair, and I can’t remember the name of the woman who did my make up, but they are all so talented there, it doesn’t even matter. Janet, maybe?

Tip for stress release: I had originally planned on having all of my BMs with me, at the same salon. A few wanted to go to their own salon. Let them do this! It doesn’t matter! Even if you are getting someone to come to the house, respect the fact that maybe some of them just want to save a few $$, it’s really not important. Everyone looked beautiful.

LIMO
Sir Oliver- 10
Seriously- above and beyond. I found them, and all their glowing reviews, on this site. Jen was more than a pleasure to deal with; the many times I called her to mix things up. Joe was our driver for the day- we had 1 stretch hummer, to pick up the boys, drop them off, then turn around and get the ladies. It rained on my wedding day. Joe met me at my front door with a huge umbrella. When we were in the vestibule at the church, Joe was right there, with a bottle of water for me. I didn’t even know I wanted it until then. He read my mind. My flower girl, Samantha, started screaming and carrying on, about 30 seconds before she was to walk down the aisle. Joe calmed her down!!! I can’t remember how. Tic tacs, maybe? Who cares. He won my heart. After the ceremony, we were taking pictures outside, in front of the limo, and Joe put his jacket down on the street, for my dress to lie on!!! Chivalry is not dead.
He stopped by a deli so the boys could buy some more beers, too. And every time I got out of the limo, he was right there with the umbrella.
I want to add, a friend of ours used Sir Oliver about a month before us. Not sure who the driver was, but when the sister of the groom realized she forgot her memory card, he not only stopped by Best Buy, but ran in to buy it for her!
These guys get a 100%, wholehearted recommendation from me.







DJ
FM Entertainment- 10
I found Frank on the Vendor board. He gave me a great quote. Originally, I wasn’t going to meet with him, because they were located so far away from us (East Rockaway). But he kept in contact, and arranged a showcase in Islip for us! We booked him on the spot, not because of the music he played at the showcase, but because of how he genuinely listened to everything we were looking for, and knew what we were talking about. And because he was so accommodating with meeting us out east. At the time, we lived in Manorville, and he said that it would be no problem for him to meet us out there for our final meeting! That is a big selling point for me. He was so great to deal with throughout the process. And easy to get in touch with.
Cut to the wedding- dance floor was packed all night. He played all our requests, plus more songs that completely fit our tastes, and that of our guests. It was like being at a fancy boardy barn. Which is exactly what I wanted. Awesome.

PHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHER
Duet- Woo’s team
9

They were everywhere. People kept commenting on them, on all the pictures they were taking. And they were very nice.
I wish they were a little more creative with the picture taking ideas. And I wish they had asked me if I wanted to take umbrella pics outside. Because I really did want to, and we didn’t.
But for the price, amazing. I like my proofs more every time I look at them. Quality stuff, definitely.
Please remember to not focus too much on the “must take list” comprised of other people’s weddings. Especially if most of them are candid photos. And you are not going to get 650 proofs that you love.
Keeping these things in mind, I would recommend Duet. But if you have specific requirements for photos, be sure to keep a list, and have the MoH keep on their a$$es about it.




RECEPTION HALL
Hamlet Willow Creek
10
Wow.

We had looked at 4 places before this one, and I thought I had already decided on somewhere else.
I’ll start with the actual hall. I was sold on the following:
1) Covered vestibule and valet, in case of rain (which I swore it wouldn’t do!).
2) High ceilings.
3) Beautiful chairs
4) Only 1 event at a time. You seriously have the run of the place- no restaurant or anything.

But this place was beyond. I hardly even needed flowers, because everything was just so stunning.

I will start with my favorite aspect of HWC. Barbara.
Barbara was classy, professional, knowledgeable, all things good. She was great throughout the whole planning process. Right on the ball with returning emails, which I sent a LOT of! And very accommodating with all of my changes.
On the day of the wedding, she knocked my socks off. The whole team there did. Barbara ran the show, seamlessly. I hardly even spoke to her that night. Just a big, enthusiastic hello, and a heartfelt congrats and farewell. Veronica, my Bridal Attendant, was right there with whatever we needed, before we even needed it. And from what my guests tell me, they had one of the most professional and attentive wait staffs of any wedding they had been to.

The food was amazing. I knew it would be, thanks to Melissa (Preshy7)’s review. For the tasting, we were told to choose 3 main courses. I wasn’t nervous about the filet mignon, so I didn’t need to taste it, but I wanted to try 2 chickens and 2 fish’s, to have a fair platform from which to make the decision. It was no problem at all.
Well, we showed up at the tasting, and we had 2 fish, 2 chicken, AND the filet! They served us wine, everyone had their own salad and appetizer to try- it was fabulous.
So- we had the filet, Chilean sea bass (MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM), and the horseradish chicken. DH liked both the chicken and the filet so much; he couldn’t decide which to have at the wedding. I asked Veronica to bring both, and she was glad to!
Appetizer was the shrimp scampi with saffron risotto cake, salad was not one of the choices, but concocted via Barbara’s rec- gorgonzola, walnuts, and craisins, with citrus vinaigrette dressing. Yum? Yes, yum.
Dessert was wedding cake- chocolate devils food cake with espresso mouse filling, and chocolate ganache icing. Yeah, I know. Yum. Also for dessert was cheesecake mousse in a tuille almond shell with fresh berries. Also yummy.

At the end of the night, my sister and mother were rushing around trying to get all of our things together. Barbara stopped them- and said- go home! Have fun, relax, and come back tomorrow!!! Best words they could have heard.
Oh- and I was looking for someone to wrap up my dessert, so I could bring it back to the hotel. When I found Barbara, she said- it’s already done. Barbara, you sneaky mind reader, you!

I heart the Hamlet Willow Creek. Victor and I had a great time at our wedding, and I’m hearing good things from guests, too. I really hope I can be lucky enough to be a guest at a wedding there one day!











HOTEL
Marriot Courtyard- Ronkonkoma
8
We blocked rooms off really early. I don’t think anyone had any problems with their reservations, I didn’t hear anything at least.
Reasonable rates, and they kept the bar open all night. Good times, the after party. I definitely recommend one.
We stayed in a great suite, I wish we had a chance to use the Jacuzzi!
The 8 is for the morning after brunch. We had previously decided to just “pick up the tab” for all of our guests to have breakfast, at their own pace. We wound up being charged for a private brunch, nearly twice the cost! My mom freaked, and I’m almost positive that they caved and charged us the price we agreed on. But then, after all that, the guy that gave my mom the trouble has the nerve to say- “And where’s my tip?” I got your tip right here, guy.





That is all, I think. Here's some random photos I likes.

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Congratulations!!!! You look gorgeous and so happy in your pictures! Everything looked incredible. I wish you and your husband a lifetime of happiness.

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Wham!tastic review!!

Amazing pictures - you look so beautiful.

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

What a beautiful review, Lauren! COngrats on everything and you looked stunning! Congrats to both you and your DH!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Fabulous. You were a gorgeous bride. That's a lovely gown!!!!!!!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

beautifull pictures and a great review!!!!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

STUNNING!!! The review was great!!! I want to say that your dress was soooooooo classic. You looked amazing. Congrats!!!

eta: Spelling

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

You looked beautiful!!

I loved HWC too!! I said the same exact thing... i only hope to be a guest at someone else's wedding there one day!!

Your idea for CPs was great! I wish I had thought of that!! and i love the pics at the Stony Brook Museum!! I never would have thought of that!!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

GREAT REVIEW!!!! You looked amazing...where did you take your pictures??

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Wow...beautiful...i love your dress and all the pics..thanks so much

i love this pic

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Congratulations! Great review-You looked gorgeous and everything sounds like it smoothly.

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Fab, fab, fabulous!!!!!

And I must know what your underpants said ASAP.

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

I FEEL LIKE I HAVE WAITED SOOOO LONG FOR YOUR REVIEW.

I swear you are my sort of bride hero. Your wedding was gorgeous and I am amazed at how you were able to save money on stuff like the florist, etc.. PLUS you looked like you seriously had the BEST time.

I cannot WAIT to get married at Willow Creek in May!!!!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

I really enjoyed reading your review! Thanks so much for sharing so much detail! Sooo helpful! Best wishes to you and your FH!

You looked BEAUTIFUL by the way!!!!!!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Your pictures came out awesome! I remember you posting about where you were going to go for pics and you definitely made a great choice! Congratulations!!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

aww im so glad you loved HWC as much as i did!
you made a gorgeous bride! all of your choices were simply elegant!! looks like your wedding was a blast and it looks like you got some knock-out pictures even though it was raining!

congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Everything looks beautiful!!!! Congratulations!!!!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

congrats!!!

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Great review and pictures! Congrats.

Re: Naunie's 9.02.06 wedding review- Hamlet Willow Creek, Sir Oliver, FM Entertainment, Duet

Yay Naunie! I've been waiting for your review! Your dress was to die for, the orchids looked great, and you look like you had a blast! Congrats What is this icon?