Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

When we first got engaged (april 2007) we agreed to something, we wanted something very nice but nice comes with a price so we decided to do the best we can while staying in budget. The only way to achieve this (and this is only my opinion) is by having a small guest list and that is when we decided to a 50 guest wedding. This was one of the best decisions made. A year after starting planning the wedding we got an opportunity to move to Florida and we had around 2 months to set up everything and move. So 10 months before the wedding we moved miles and miles away and still with a wedding to finish planning and no time to go back to the Long Island but a week before the wedding (I know what you are thinking, stress to the highest point lol)

LIW:A++

I am so thankfull I found this site because I didnt know what I was going to do, I had just moved to the Island less than 3 yrs ago and never been to a wedding in the states. I had no idea what my people where expecting or what to do, where I can find dresses, RH ANYTHING!! I think without this site I would have eloped because I didnt have clue about anything... I am so thankfull for the ladies in this site and for Ron and Liz for putting this together.. Thank You!!!!!!!!!!

BRIDAL SHOWER

Villa Monaco+
I can't say enough good things about this place, great service, great food and great prices. I highly recommend.

Invitation: Vista print

Theme: it was garden theme sorrounded by butterflies and flowers all over the room. Everything looked great. In one wall they made a huge collage of pictures of me from when I was a baby till I met Frankie and we adopted our puppy. I couldn't have asked for anything better. I also had a wishing well with stuff for the kitchen and a recipe box where everyone shared their recipes. I was so blessed with family, friends and gifts. I loved it. They did games and the winners got gardening hats

Favors. The favors was big flower pots with seeds to plant sunflowers (my favorite type of flowers when I was a little girl)
Favor tags: they created business cards with the invitation design and used them as favor tags

(I will add pictures later)

Asking the Bridal Party.

I wanted to do something special for my BM so I create personalized cards with poems in which I asked them to be in my bridal party. I than bought a basket (dollar store) and put a small bottle of wine, a wine glass and some typical wedding flowers. DH and I brought them to their house and they where so excited and suprised for the way I ask them. For my MOH I also gave her a card but I bought a cute necklace as she lives OOT.
For the ring bearer I also made him a card and gave him a teddy bear with a ring pop in his hand (he loves his teddy bear now).
My FG, I gave her the book '10 cool things about a flower girl' also with a poem.

Save the Date (design 08 bride , magnet print Pippy sweet, card Vista Print) A+++ (one for each party involved)

I saw NYCGIRL2008 (a 2008 bride)'s STD and I asked her who did them and she told she did it herself and she was so nice and offered to do a design for me... I couldn't be more thankful and she did a lovely job. I contacted Diana from Pippy sweet to see if she can print the design on a magnet for me, she was so nice and great to work with and took her time for the print to come out great. After her great job and the attention to detail and for everything to be perfect I knew she was the perfect person to use for my invitations later on.
Vista Print: I also wanted to attach the magnet to the card so I created a post card in Vista Print, when they were having a sale, with a cute poem. I attached the magnets, with picture holders, to the back of the card. I did two different types, one in English and one in Spanish (as some of our family only speak spanish). In general, Vista Print, good product good service and fast delivery.




Disclaimer: All day-of wedding pictures are by Thomas Paul Photography

Helen's Bridal: WEDDING DRESS (Angel by Maggie Sottero) A+

I ordered my dress from Helen's bridal. It was the second dress I tried and I knew it was THE dress. Helen's has a great selection and great customer service. I worked with a young girl, who's name I always forget, but she was great to work with, no presure to order and sincere opinion. I told her what I was looking for and the first one she pulled out was the one I ordered. They also shipped my dress to Florida after it arrived with no problem.


http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs166.snc1/6215_114886682302_509962302_2691427_5344329_n.jpg

Endless.com.A+

My shoes o my shoes. I never thought I wanted something different than white shoes but after getting engaged and looking at the crazy prices of everything that has the word 'wedding' or 'bride' on it I decided that I was going to go a different route. So one day I was looking for shoes online ( online window shopping) and I saw these faboulous pink shoes, with the perfect height and the perfect price (less than $35 and free shipping!!!!) and it just popped, pink flower so pink shoes lol. The next minute I ordered and in less than a week I got the most perfect shoes. Everyone wanted to see my shoes and I loved the way they looked in pictures.

Garter A+
A lovely 08 bride sold it to me for a great prices, it was perfect.



DOJ (Macys).A

This was another area I didn't want to spend too much money because lets be real, I am not a every day dropping pearl type of girl. So during the Columbus Day weekend I went into Macys and started browsing and just checking for anything that I may want to use the day off, and how was my luck that I found that perfect pair of earings and bracelet on sale and on top of that I could use a coupon.


Veil:

I always wanted a mantilla style veil and it was perfect. It was made by my family in the Dominican Republic, which made it extra special. I couldn't ask for anything better.



BM dress (Bill levkoff style 601) Bridal Suite in Bay Shore A-

I knew I wanted tea length dresses in sage. SO we started our hunt going to different bridal stores and looking at their selection, one night me and my BM stoped at the bridal suite and found this dress which I loved. I felt it had a spring feel to it without being light or thin fabric. Only my BM ordered her dress in NY, she ordered it from the Bridal suite. No problem with the dress, good service. She did order her bra from them but they gave her the wrong size, she didn't notice this until the day off of the wedding so I can't say much about that as she didn't have time to go back to exchange it.

Flower girl outfit

Ordered online from affordableflowergirldress.com. A + Very nice, just like the picture, good quality and great price and free shipping. (What else can I say?)
Shoes; payless.
Hair piece: Etsy seller;A they answer my emails fast, and fast shipping

Flower Girl basket: 'Wrap with Us' A+
great prices, fast shipping.
RIng bearer pillow: priceless- made by family in Dom. Rep.


Groom, BM, GM and ring bear tuxedos Men's Warehouse tuxedo. C+

It was a continous battle because they promised me grey tuxedo if I booked in advance. Well it didnt happen and everytime I went to confirm something different was wrong.. but by the time it was time to pick up the suits they delivered what we finally ordered. Ralph Lauren 3 bt.


Pippy Sweet (invitations and favor tags): A +

As mention before she was great to work with when I needed someone to print my STD magnets. So in September 2008, I contact her to start the process for my invitations. Diana has such an attention to detail and is so dedicated to what she does. She works with you until you are completely happy and its exactly what you want. She also made sure to send more envelopes and tags just in case of a mistake. She did the addressing of the invitation that where going to the U.S. I highly recommend her. Great to work with!


Do it Yourself project: A+++ (I am very proud of myself lol)

So this is the the stuff that I couldnt see myself paying for but I really wanted.
Menus. I found in Party City this DIY programs kit on sale and I thought it was the perfect way to do my menus as I wanted to do the menus in both English and Spanish. It worked great!! I was able to print them with not much trouble. They come with an ivory ribbon but I wanted to add some color into it so I bought a light green ribbon at Michaels to match the colors of the wedding. PERFECT!


Table numbers: I knew I wanted to incorporate our engament pictures in our table numbers but didnt know how to do it. I knew I could again count with my lovely ladies in LIW, and a quick search got me in MrsQ helpful step http://www.liweddings.com/chat/topic-406030-1.html. Some playing around with power point and sending the pictures to CVS.com the next day my table numbers where done. I found simple 5x7 picture frames at the dollar store, so in total 6 table numbers with frame less than $10.


Place card. I also took this idea from another lovely bride, an 08 bride (I can't remember her name). I bought a cheap mirror in a thrift store and 5 bags of rocks from Michaels (of course using a coupon). and the place cards that my RH provided and wolla you got a lovely and different way to present the place card.


Card Holder. I knew I wanted a type of wood box, shopping I went. DH and I found the perfect wood box in Hobby Lobby (a Michaels type of store in Florida). Add some sand paper, wood paint a magnetic old looking letter 'S' and DH's handy hands and we got a beautiful card holder


Cake topper. I wanted a sparkly 'S' but couldn't find an affordable one, next option DIY. I bought a mirror 'S' from Wrap with Us and bought 1 pack of medium crystals and 1 pack of small crystal.. 2 nights of putting crystals one by one and I got what I always wanted


Bk charm: I knew I want my grandmother to be with me on the day of the wedding. She passed away 8 yrs ago but I still feel it was yesterday, we where very close and I wanted to have her close to me that day. I found the charm at Hobby Lobby and used the same ribbon as the one for the menus. I used the last picture I had with my grandmother and made a color copy so I didnt have to cut it and used the copy in my charm. Everytime I felt nervous I just held my bk tight


Goodie bags for kids: I only had 3 kids at the wedding so I needed to give them something to keep them busy, that's why I put together goodie bags. I created a personalized coloring book (Please FM for template) with our wedding details on it, (I made them into a little book at office max) I also added some crayons, a sticker book and some easter playing cards (our wedding was the week before easter).

Sign-in board; I found a cute poem to put in the picture part of the board. The board was from Michaels


Hair and Makeup

Barbara from Up do by Barb (Hair). [email protected]+
Imagine this, you are miles away without no one booked to do you hair for your wedding and no time to fly to NY for trial. What do you? You pray to God that you can find someone that is as good as the pictures you are looking at from other jobs she has done. Well I can say that my prayers were answered. I dont know how I found out about Barbara but I just sent her an email pretty much saying that if she was available on april 5 I was going to book her but I cant have a trial until the week of and I am just trusting that this is going to work lol. And that's what happened and I couldn't be happier. Great Job. She also did my FG's hair. She came to my hotel early that morning (and I am talking 6:30 AM early) with the same great personality and spirit as if it was 3 in the afternoon. I have to say again, she did a great Job

Andrea from lola loves makeup (makeup).A
Same story as with the hair, no one booked, no trial and good prayer. I was a little scared because the original day of our trial (5 days before the wedding) when I arrived she was not home and was actually sick on the other side of the country, but 3 days later I went back and all my worries went away when she did my trial and it looked beautiful. It was not heavy, stayed all night and very natural.


Ceremony and Reception

Watermill, A+

The first RH I ever saw when I moved to NY was Watermill and I saw it from the street on my way to the movies, I remembered saying to myself 'If I ever get married in New York I would love my wedding there' I can't believe that dream came true. Watermill was the 3rd place we visited and the moment we walked inside the first thing we said was 'WOW'. We were nervous that as we wanted a small wedding they where not going to really pay attention to us or be accomodating (as it happen with one of the RH I called) but Sean (our BM) was so nice to work with and made us feel great. He understood that our wedding was as important as any other wedding with a bigger guest list. Every question and concern was answered, every time we went there (which was a lot lol) they treated us great.
The day off. We arrived 3 hours before the wedding for pictures. I was welcomed by the captain and my BA (I cant remember her name) she was very good and on top of everything. always asking me how I felt and If I needed anything from water to holding my BK to spraying my hair.
The ceremony was very nice looking. I was so happy with the weather it was perfect weather, not cold, not breezy, just perfect. You couldn't tell it was the beginning of April at all.
Ceremony music:
BP: Here & Now Luther Vandross
Bride: Grow old with me MaryChapin Carpenter
Bride and Groom at the end: This ring Anthony T Carter

Cocktail hr was delicious!!!! I made sure to eat everything (even if it was just a little).
Reception, as in the cocktail hr I ate some off everything.
Chocolate fountain was a huge hit and it was really good.
The cake. we got the cake from Watermill as we didnt want to spend more money and it was really good. Prior to us moving to Florida we went to the Bakery and had a tasting. Lily help us with the choosing and pairing. We chose a Chocolate cake with rasberry and chocolate moose filling.




Cake cutter (Things Remembered).
It was a gift. Pretty? yeah, need? not at all. (JMO)


Thomas Paul photography (photo).A.+

I can't say enough good things about him, he is so easy to work with, but at the same time very responsable and talented. When we first met with him at his office, we didnt feel the pressure nor was he pushy. He worked with our budget and everytime I talked to him and during the e-pic and the day of it was like talking to a friend. We booked him and a second photographer, she met with DH and he came to my hotel to start the day. We still have to do our Albums but I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for a great photographer.M & V limo A+.

After we booked, I read negative reviews on the board and I was a little nervous. The truth is that they where perfect.What we asked, On time, clean, full stock bar and very nice drivers. We booked a 1 limo 8-10 passangers for 3hrs and a town car to pick us up at the end of the night . They arrived on time to pick up DH and his guys and drop him at the RH. Then he came to pick me up and waited for me and my girls, opened champagne bottles and made sure that our FG was correctly buckled up. He was very nice and helpful (now if I can only remember his name).
At the end of the night when it was time to leave our driver was already there and we had the same pleasant experience as with the previous driver. Just a great Job!

***************** A+

Our flower colors were the first thing I chose when we started planning the wedding and I can say that Burton delivered exactly what I asked for and what they had shown me as my sample. Perfect!.


DJ. (Feel the Vibe/ In Style) B+

We originally booked with Feel the Vibe entertainment with one of the owners, but when we got to New York I noticed something was weird. The day after we arrived he called us to schedule our final appointment and he agreed to come to our place (I didnt put too much tought into it as it was more convinient for us). When we met I told him that I fax the list with the music and I spoke to someone at the office and they said they got the fax, he just said that he didnt get it, so I had to recreate the list really quick as I didnt have it in hand. Now to the day of the wedding: In our contract we just had a DJ (no MC) and our names in lights and a basic light package. The day of we were informed that they didnt have our name in lights as the order didn't arrived on time. I was a little upset as we had booked way in advance but they were very nice and compensated with adding to our package a MC and the plasma and in the plasma they create a monogram together with pictures taken during the Reception. The plasma was a huge hit among our guest and they gave us the CD with the pictures and our must have songs at the end of the wedding. It was great to have pictures from the wedding by the time we got to our hotel room. When we gave the final payment at the end of the night is that he notify us that he had separated from Feel the VIbe and he had open 'In style DJ'. We didnt have a problem with this, we had just liked it if he told us of the change of company when we met early during the week or much better when the separation happened.
Over all we all had a great time, and continue raving about their job after the wedding and call us to rave about what a fun wedding and atmosphere. I think our guests had as much fun as wedding on a saturday night (which was my main concern).




Favors:

Home made mini sweets. I dont know the name of the person who did them but they were delicious, and very fresh. A friend recommended her last minute as our original plan fell through.
White boxes from buygiftwrap.com (great price and fast shipping).Green ribbon from Hobby lobby to match the menus and favor tags from Pippy's Sweet.


Bridal Party Gift

BM & MOH: a personalized picture frame from things remembered and a wrist bag from Dorney and Burke
FG: a bag with a flower from target, a personalized snowflake snow globe from things to remember and silver butterfly necklace from Dillards
BM and GM: Beer Mug/ flask personalized from things Remembered and pocket knife






Well I hope you enjoy this review and is helpfull in any way.

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

awesome pics girl!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Beautiful wedding!! I am having a smaller affair also....nice to see some encouraging pics that show that smaller can be just as wonderful!!

You looked beautiful...congratulations!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

great review....you looked beautifullll ....congrats!!!!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

great pics! you look so beautiful. Congrats!!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

congrats! i love your flowers, such pretty colors

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Fabulous review!! Everything looked awesome and you were a beautiful bride

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

awesome pics looks like you really enjoyed your day.

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Awesome review! Your looked gorgeous! Very creative ideas!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Beautiful.

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Congrats!!! Your wedding looked beautiful!!!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Great review. Everything looked beautiful especially the bride.

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Great pictures....and review. You both looked beautiful. Congratulations!!!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Thanks ladies

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Great review!!! Congrats!!!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Congrat's!!! I am so glad you posted this review. We are having our reception at the Watermill in the same room as you. We also decided to have a small intimate daytime wedding reception. Everything looked beautiful. Ohhhh, and we also added the Chocolate Fountain... It looked so yummy in your pic's, I can't wait

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Congrats you look wonderful Im so glad M& v was great I also booked them and after That I have heard Neg. things im gald everthing went well

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

You looked beautiful. I loved your veil and hair especially. Congratulations!!!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Congrats!! Everything looked beautiful! Love your pics!

Re: Our April 5, 2009 50 guests spring wedding Watermill Caterers, Thomas Paul, Burton, Helen's Bridal, M&V Limos, Pippy's Sweet, etc

Great review and wonderful pics. I may steal some of your ideas