Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus Honeymoon Review!!

I started this review before the wedding because I knew I would leave things out. All the reviews written about Before day of were written before the wedding.


LIW: A++++++++++++++++
Thanks to Ron and Liz for making this amazing site!!! I never would have met such great people or knew I could customize my day like I did.

Rabbi Charles Agin
Before Day of: A++++++++++
Because we got married during Sukkot we had to find a reform rabbi. My friend used Rabbi Agin for her interfaith ceremony. He was awesome!!! He didn’t need to meet with us but he agreed to anyway. He was extremely funny and serious when needed. He went over my program with me and told me what I was missing and what I didn’t need. He also helped me pick out my Ketubah since we wanted the best man to sign who isn’t Jewish. And very affordable!
Rabbi Agin

Day of: A++++
Rabbi Agin conducted a very nice ceremony. We did the Bedeckening ceremony and it was so emotional. It was the only time I actually cried. I would definitely recommend him.






Westbury Manor
Before Day of : A+
We met with Mr. Mel at first. He is such an awesome person and worked with us to get a great deal. There was only one issue (even though I still gave them an A+). We guaranteed 200 people to the wedding. My mom’s friend attended a wedding there and there were only 100 people and the cocktail room didn’t hold everyone. When we approached the issue I dealt with Mr. Scotto himself. He said he will give me the library, conservatory and the garden room for the cocktail hour. But we had to move the wedding up a half hour to 11:30am. To make things better he threw in the chocolate fountain. Now this was all pending rain that day of course.

Every meeting we had after that ran very smoothly. We requested no pork in the wedding to keep with some Jewish customs and keep the grandparents happy and they were great about it.

Day of: A++++++++++
From the minute I stepped out of the limo my bridal attendant was there to welcome me. Now I don’t remember her name (one reason is because I’m writing this 2 months later), but she was very good…until she fell and busted her knee right before the ceremony. Even then she kept trying to get me things while limping. I felt horrible telling her to get me things so I kept telling her to sit down. So I basically didn’t have a BA. My maitre’d did do a great job. She had to act as both.

The food was awesome! Not that I ate a lot of it. But people were raving. The grounds were spectacular and the peacocks even came out to party. I don’t really have a lot to say which is good. Nothing went wrong so I’m assuming everything went smoothly in the background.






Body Rock: A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you haven’t booked yet…book MC Mitch and DJ Chris!!! OMG! Best ever!!! They had people up and dancing the whole time! They even had my 80 aunt dancing…it was crazy! He did things that I didn’t know he was going to do, like a centerpiece give away and the way he got people to do the Horah, but he did an amazing job and I trusted everything he was doing. I can’t rave enough!!!
We also got the saxophone player Curtis and percussionist Alex. So worth it!!!






Pedestals
Before Day of: A++++
I worked with Ginny at Pedestals. I admit I was a little nervous because I kept reading reviews on John and Marcella. But when I saw my sample I was in love!!! Ginny knew exactly what I wanted and did it. We changed one thing and it was perfect. She even asked that I bring her my petal cones and she will put them in a basket and fill them.

Day of: A+++++++++++++++++
Are we seeing a pattern here??? The most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen!!!! There was not one thing wrong with them. I’m still in awe and my guests are still raving about them. The day before you go and approve the bouquets and when I saw them I almost cried. They were perfect. The centerpieces were even better!! Ginny knew exactly what I wanted and went with it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!






Duet
Before Day of: A+++
We used Woo for our engagement pictures. They came out amazing and everyone raved about them. I read some bad reviews about Woo but I don’t see it. He made us feel extremely comfortable during our session and I’m sure he’ll do great on the wedding day.

I will admit it was hard understanding Eric at first. But it’s a good thing I read the reviews on LIW so it prepared me. One tip I have for future Duet brides…bargain!! We asked for so many things and he threw them all in. Always ask for more!

Day of Photography: A+++++++++++++++++++++++
I am in love with my proofs!!! They couldn’t have done a better job. I’m allowed 60 pics for my album and I’ve narrowed it down to 130. This is going to be tough. Woo and his team were so wonderful to work with. I surprised my DH by singing, and I realized after I forgot to tell Woo I was doing it. Thank goodness he acts quickly and got great shots.












Day of Videography: Pending Video
Joseph was a pleasure to work with. He was not invasive and it seemed like he was always there getting a great shot. I can’t wait to see the video!!!

Lestan’s Bridal
Wedding Gown: A++++++
Again…read horrible reviews but I had a great experience! I ordered my Maggie Sottero Ivy in October of 2006 and it came in June 2007. The only thing was they wouldn’t let me see the dress until I was ready for my fitting. So instead I stopped in and requested to see it and begged. Eventually they gave in and let me try it on quickly. They’re reasoning is they once had a bride that tried it on before her fitting and she got it dirty. Then when she came back for her fitting she blamed them for the dirt. I guess it’s understandable.

Josephine the seamstress is so adorable! She’s like an Italian grandma. She made all the changes I asked for and they came out great! The sash on my dress came around the back and was supposed to be tied. She didn’t like how that looked so she added buttons instead.

The only negative was I lost so much weight that my dress was slightly hanging off. When I asked Josephine to take it in again she said she can’t, so I took her word for it. I know that’s my fault, but I felt she could have done it.



Bridesmaid Dresses:
The bridesmaids ordered their dresses the same day I ordered mine and without an appointment! The only issue I had was they were supposed to be in around May but didn’t come in until the middle of August. They said it was because of the heightened security and it took more time to go through customs. They all got their alterations done in perfect time and Lestans worked with them to make sure they were perfect.

RJ’s Exotic Limos: A+++++++
We got the limo bus to make 2 trips from the hotel to the hall. They were right on time and the bus was very clean. I think we had Nick as a driver and he was very nice.




Hair:
Before Day of: A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For every updo I have I always use my girl Vivian. She works at Artizans in Merrick. She is such a sweet person and extremely talented!!! I would never go to anyone else. I didn’t need a trial to see if I wanted her, we just did a trial to get an idea of what I wanted. I showed her a picture and since she knows my hair and face she knew certain things wouldn’t work. So she did her magic and I loved it!!!

Day Of: A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Vivian went above and beyond!!! I can’t get over how great my hair came out. She is so unique. She brought her co-worker Jen with her to do the hair of 10 people. They came to the hotel at 4am and we were done by 9am. Everyone came out great!!!




Makeup:
Before Day of: A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I used Kacey from Khouloud’s Beauty. She is a LIW vendor. I actually had 2 trials with Kacey. The first one I thought I knew what I was talking about when I said I wanted dark smokey eyes for a Sunday morning wedding. LOL Kacey tried telling me I should try lighter colors but I didn’t listen. Not that it came out bad, but I didn’t look like a bride. So I went back for another trial and I let her do what she thought was best and she nailed it!! I didn’t even feel like I was wearing makeup (she used airbrush).

Day of: A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I LOVE Kacey!!!! She is the best person to have the morning of your wedding. She just knows how to put you at ease. She also came at 4am and did 7 girls. She was done by 9 also. She even helped me put on my tiara. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using Kacey!!!





Garter: A++++
My DH is a HUGE Giants fan. So as a surprise I got him a Giants garter. I found one on ebay from seller bonniebelle13. It came with a garter to keep and a throw away garter both that say Giants and have a football on it.



Men’s Warehouse: A+++++++++++++++
We went to Men’s Warehouse because half of the groomsmen live in Florida. We had no problems and they were very good when we needed to make some changes. Everyone came out great. There were some issues the day before, but they made then necessary alterations immediately.



DIY Stuff
DIY Pocketfold Invitations: A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
After looking for soooo many invitations I realized I wanted pocketfolds. However they were so much money. I never knew how creative I could be before I joined LIWs. I ordered the paper from www.paperandmore.com and www.cardsandpockets.com. I found these 2 sites had the best prices. I printed them all and had my BMs over to help assemble them. People kept saying how great they came out!



DIY Programs: A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I wasn’t going to make programs, but I got on the DIY bandwagon and couldn’t get off. I bought scored paper from Michaels and designed them in Microsoft Publisher. I printed them out on my home computer. I punched 2 holes in them and tied ribbon through it. Very simple, just used up a lot of ink.



DIY Aisle Runner: A+++++++++++++
Instructions to make the runner I thought the idea of an aisle runner was awesome! The link will explain how I made it. Then I bought fake leaves from Oriental Trading and scattered them around the runner.




DIY Petal Cones: A+++++++++++
So simple!!! I bought 8” dollies from an art store and glued it together with a hot glue gun (best invention ever). Pedestals filled them with petals.

DIY Table Numbers: A++++++++++++++
I took the pictures that Woo took for my engagement session and added table numbers to them. I think they came out great! Then I went to the Dollar Tree and bought oak picture frames. At Michaels I bought spray paint to match our colors.

DIY OOT Bags: A++++++++
This was a last minute thing. I went to Michaels and got brown paper bags. Then I printed a poem onto a label and stuck it on. Then went to the dollar store and bought snacks. It was a nice touch.


DIY Placecards: A+++++++++++++++++++++++
I’m so proud of these! I ordered the pumpkins from www.pumpkinpatchpals.com and then I got a jumbo leaf punch from www.mcgillinc.com. I printed the names onto cardstock then punched them out. Then used map pins to hook into the pumpkins. So easy!






Rings:
5th Avenue Jewelers: A+++++++++++++
DH got my engagement ring at 5th Avenue Jewelers in Northport. DH told them what I wanted and they made they ring from scratch. It came out beautiful!!! DH also got his wedding ring here.

Elsas: A
I decided to get my wedding band at Elsa’s because I wanted a custom band to match my e-ring. I approved the whole process as it went. They told me my ring would come in August and it came in September. I thought the timing was too close. The only reason she got an A and not an A++++ is because I didn’t like her attitude. Once she has your money it’s like she doesn’t want anything to do with you anymore. Granted she does amazing work, but I didn’t appreciate it.


Bridesmaid Gifts:
Coach Wristlets – Ebay: A++++++++++
It took a LONG time to find an ebay seller that had 8 of the same Coach wristlet. I finally found seller ny4fun. She was great!! We emailed practically everyday. She worked within my budget. She even wrapped each of them and added a sample perfume.
Chinese Slippers – Ebay: A+++
I wanted to get my girls something they could change into at the reception. After finding out each of their sizes I ordered 8 slippers from ebay seller tiptop-trade. I got the slippers right away in good condition.

Maid of Honor Gifts:
In addition to the coach wristlet…

Picture frame – Ebay: A+++++++
My sister is very sentimental. I found a picture frame on ebay from seller rkeepsakes. It is 4x6 and has our names engraved and a poem. I left the picture empty for her to add a picture from the wedding.

Cafe Press: A++++++++++++++++++++++++
My sister’s husband is a bass player. So I got her a cute shirt that says “I’m With The Bass Player.” At first I bought her the wrong size so they let me keep the first shirt and sent me another one!

Tote Bag – Ebay: A+++++++++
I got my sister a tote from ebay seller threelulus. I had them use the wedding colors plus her favorite color lime green. She helped me figure out the lay out and it came out really nice!

Groomsmen Gifts: A++++++++
We got the groomsmen different gifts. Some got sports memorabilia, flasks or money clips. They all loved them.

Parent Gifts:
Bride’s Parents: A+++++++++++
Digital picture frame from Target and a 2GB memory card. Once they figure out how to use it they’re going to love it! LOL

Groom’s Mom and Step Dad: A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
They are huge cat freaks. So I found a place that will impose pictures onto a throw blanket. The only problem is they only do one picture. So I made a collage of their 4 cats and one of our e-pics. It came out amazing!!

Mezuzah w/ Broken Glass: A+++++
I bought a mezuzah from www.traditionsjewishgifts.com along with a breakable glass as a keepsake. The material is great and the price wasn’t so bad. I would recommend practicing…DH couldn’t break it on his first try. LOL
www.traditionsjewishgifts.com



Ketubah: A+++++++
DH and I are not religious at all. So we didn’t want a religious looking Ketubah. I found www.modernketubah.com and they had so much to choose from. Since our theme was autumn we got the Autumn of Joy Ketubah. The artist works with you personally to make sure it is exactly what you want.
www.modernketubah.com


Favors: A++++++++++++
We decided instead of favors we donated money to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer research. My MIL works for a plastic surgeon that is on the board for breast cancer research. She put me in contact with the coordinator. We emailed each other the wording of the scrolls and she printed out as many as I needed. We then bought pink ribbon to tie the scrolls.


Barron’s Tri County: A+++++++++++++
I got my tiara and veil here. I don’t remember his name, but the man helped me. He took his time and we picked out the perfect tiara and veil. He made changes to the veil and when I came to pick it up it was perfect.


Flower girl dress:
Mygirldress.com: B
I decided to have a flower girl a little over a month before the wedding. That said I went online immediately looking for a dress. I emailed the company telling them my wedding is in a month and if I pay for Rush Delivery (5-7 days) will it actually get to me in 5-7 days. That was a Monday, 8/20. They told me if I ordered it today it will ship out that Friday, 8/24. The dress actually shipped out 8/31 and arrived in a damaged box like a 600 pound man sat on it 18 days after I ordered it. Luckily the dress was fine and fit perfectly. I emailed the company and told them I want to be reimbursed for the shipping since that is not the service I received, 18 days is not 7 days. They tried to tell me they never said that, but luckily I kept all the emails.

Rehearsal Dinner
BK Sweeneys: A+++++++++++
Cheap and awesome!!! Food was great and service was great!! We had the private room in the Bethpage location. Everyone had a great time and I still can’t believe how affordable it was!

Shoes
Moneysavers:
I, my MOH and mom got our shoes here since I live in Brooklyn. They took their time with us and I ended up getting a ballerina slipper.

Sweet Lace Lingerie:
They are located in Bellmore, Long Island. I had trouble finding a good corset because I have a large chest. This place had a huge selection.


Honeymoon
A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We took a Royal Caribbean cruise from Puerto Rico. The ship we were on was Adventure of the Seas. Everything was amazing!! The room, the crew, the food, the entertainment. we met great people who have become great friends. and we even ran into a fellow 07er!!

The islands we visited were:
Puerto Rico, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Marteen, Antigua, St. Thomas

After the cruise we spent one night at the San Juan Marriott. They went above and beyond!!! I had a bad sun burn and the medic at the hotel walked with me to the nearest walgreens and showed me what lotion to put on my neck. and before our room was even available we laid out at the pool and next thing i knew i a palm tree wooden branch fell like 50 feet and landed on my arm!! LOL it's funny now. the hotel gave us free wine and cheese platter. I definitely recommend them.

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you looked sooo pretty. I love your flowers, DIY stuff and your hair...Vivian is awesome she did my hair once when i was a BM..
Congrats!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATS!! great review.. very detailed!! i wish you both the best of luck !!!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great review!!!! LOVED all your DIY!!!!!!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

great review!! Thank you so much for taking the time to write it! You looked great and everything looked very nice!!!!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great review! Everything looked beautiful! Your review made me especially happy because my RH is also WM and my photographer is Duet!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lovely!!!!!!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everything looked STUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You looked amazing.

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

great review... beautiful

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG I can't believe I just read your REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!

We are both old married ladies now, its crazy how far we have come from our Bog'rim days.

Everything looks incredible, and it sounds like you had a wonderful group of vendors. Your pics are just gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really wish I could have been there for your ceremony

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that's a great review. congratulations!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what an awesome review! thanks for sharing-you look amazing!!!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!!!! Everything was beautiful!!!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beautiful photos!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh wow. Thats all I Can say. It was so beautiful. I love the pumpkin idea... its so different!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats!!!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You looked gorgeuos, congratulations!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you look great!! congrats!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by MrsFazz2B

Oh wow. Thats all I Can say. It was so beautiful. I love the pumpkin idea... its so different!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats!!!

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thanks!! i was really excited about those pumpkins!!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beautiful pics! I love your CPS!

Re: Our awesome 9/30/07 Wedding!!! Westbury Manor, Body Rock, Pedestals, Duet, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diana your review is amazing, all of your DIY's will inspire future brides for years!!!