Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

I can't believe I am here on LIW as a married woman after so long as a bride-to-be. LIW was such a wonderful tool while planning my big day in more ways than pure bridal advice. It was, and still is, a place to talk with friends about anything in life and during the whole planning process sometimes talking about something other than wedding details is a nice and welcome relief. I am going to write up this review and then add more details as I think of them. It is harder than I thought to write out all the moments and events of that day.

Storyline from the wedding day:
I woke up at 7am to have a quick breakfast and wait for Tara Le to show up. I was so relaxed and kind of tired even so I didn't feel even the slightest bit of nerves at all. Tara showed up and began doing my sister's hair and I sat on the couch and obsessed over the weather channel. At one point I must have fallen asleep on the couch because I dreamt that Tara Le was on a carousel doing shots of vodka while doing my sister's hair. LOL Once my sister's hair was finished, it was my turn.
By this time, Denise from Angel Eyes was ready to start on the make up. I was still very calm and both Tara and Denise couldn't believe how easy the morning was going and everything was on time. After my hair was finished, Tara started doing my mom's hair while I was getting my make up done. After my make up was done I had a chance to relax and eat and drink a little bit.
Duet showed up exactly at 12:30pm and they got right down to work, taking pictures of everyone and everything. I got a little camera shy. It is a weird feeling when someone follows you around with a camera; all of a sudden I have nothing interesting to say. Ha Ha Ha
The flowers were still MIA which was ticking me off to say the least but I still kept calm because the bridesmaids and some family showed up and I was too busy to notice anything for more than 5 seconds.
It seemed like the limos just appeared out of no where but it was ok because I was ready to go and so was everyone else.
The ceremony was wonderful, and I never shed a tear which is still a mystery to me because I cry at dog food commercials but the only explanation I have is that I was just too darn happy to cry. Seeing all the smiling faces in the pews was so wonderful and then it was the moment I was waiting for since the beginning of planning. Meeting Nick's eyes from half way down the aisle gave me chills and my smile had to extend to beyond ear to ear.
In the limo on the way to Woodbury CC I finally got a moment alone with DH and we couldn't wait to tell each other all about our mornings getting ready. The ride to the hall went too fast!
The CH and reception was absolutely magical and amazing and wonderful and fun... oh, I should stop! LOL If I had to use one word to describe that whole night it would be PERFECT.
The next day we packed the rest of our stuff for the HM and just relaxed and talked about our wedding.
Then Sunday morning we were on a jet plane headed for paradise!

Now for the vendors and their ratings. As I said before, I am writing this all my first day back to work so I will add things as I think of them.


Invitations - Linda's Lovelies - A
www.lindaslovelies.com
We had no idea what kind of invitations we wanted because it was such a challenging thing for me to 'set the mood' of the wedding using a piece of paper. Me and DH felt it was best to go to Party City and look through every single one of their books to get an idea of styles and prices. Once we had an idea of the type of invitation we both agreed on, we made an appointment to see Linda. She had more invitation choices than I could even know existed and she was more than patient and helpful. She even gave us pointers on the wedding invitation and RSVP etiquette. When the invitations came in, they were perfect.




Favors - Specialty Wines - A
I decided to do mini champagne bottles with personalized labels. I scoured the internet for the best prices and found Specialty Wines . I called and ordered a sample and it was very tasty, we even compared it to Moet and we liked their champagne more. The delivery was fast, the bottles and labels were in great shape and I think they looked very pretty on the tables.





Bridal Gown - Bridal Reflections - A
I was so excited to start dress shopping. My mom was involved in every aspect of my whole 'look' for the day and I thank her for that. We went to David's Bridal to try on all the dress styles in my size to get an idea of what I liked and looked good in. I didn't think I was going to like strapless gowns, but I did and from there we went to a few different bridal salons but Bridal Reflections in Massapequa made my dress dreams come true when they walked in with Maggie Sottero's Topaz. I heard that BR is on the pricey side, but I thought the prices were fair and the service was wonderful. Everytime I called or went in there, all of the women were very helpful.






Bridesmaid Dresses - RK Bridal - C
We went to a few places and then tried RK Bridal in the city. We went on a Saturday but a rainy day so there wasn't a huge crowd like there normally is. The selection and prices were great. The dresses came in on time and properly. That is all the good stuff I can say about my RK experience. The staff was rude to me and all my BMs every time we were there, they didn't tell us the BMs also have 2-3 fittings like the brides do, they wouldn't allow one of my BMs to put more money down on the dress, and lastly, which isn't their fault, what a pain in the neck to schlep down there all the time.




Veil and Tiara - Barron's - A+
Thanks to the brides on LIW, I found the best veil and headpiece shop out there IMO. Yana was wonderful each and everytime I saw her, and the young girl who works there was very helpful as well. My tiara went with my gown like it was made to go together. I saw my same tiara at another brial salon for $200 more than I paid! My veil was a 2 tier fingertip length with a blusher totally custom made and absolutely flawless.










Shoes - Craft Shoes - A
What a huge selection of shoes they have! I was very limited because of the fact I am about 2' taller than my DH so I couldn't even look at the shoes with more than a 1' heel but I found the perfect shoes for me at an average/fair price.





Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands - The Karat Shop, huntington - B+
All of the rings were purchased at the Karat Shop on Jericho Tpke. in Huntington. They had a big selection and great prices. The reason they got a B+ and not an A was because my ring was supposed to come in on a certain day and it was a week late, and we never received a phone call that there was a delay.







Cake Topper - www.weddingchannel.com - A
I ordered my little cake topper from Wedding Channel and everything went smoothly. I really thought my cake topper would be on top of the cake or I would have gotten a bigger one but it was really cute.






Honeymoon Planning - Liberty Travel - A+
I did most of the research myself about where to go but once I had my heart set on Aruba and where we wanted to stay, we headed to Liberty Travel on Hempstead Tpke. in Franklin Square and spoke with Nancy. She was flexible and knowledgeable and super easy to work with. We had one question that she did not have any info on, so she called Aruba right there to get an answer. Very easy, and a great price.

Honeymoon - Divi All Inclusive Resort, Aruba - A+
What an amazing time! Aruba's weather is like the perfect beach day every single day and the atmosphere of the island is summed up very well on the Aruba license plates 'One Happy Island'






Flowers - Expressions Floral Design - D-
This was the only part of my wedding that I look back upon sadly. I didn't give an F because I did actually end up having flowers on my wedding day. All through planning, the score was an A+ but the morning of the wedding day it was a different story. The flowers were delivered about an hour late and my bouquet was supposed to be the local variety of peonies, not the Holland which are very hollow and the yellow centers show. DH had a stephanotis bout in which he wanted blue pearls in the center. The pearls were adhered to the center with a glue that was brownish/yellow. The color theme of my wedding was pink and green and the CP's were to reflect that theme. The contract stated green hydrangea in the CP's but instead there were a few pieces of some other green flower. The BM bo-k and the GM bouts were made from white hydrangea which wilted after about 2 hours. The mother's corsages were huge and bulky, much too big for my mom and MIL's wrists, so they had to remove the extra flowers. Update: It was agreed that a small refund would be sent to my mother. That really doesnt seem to be happening. So basically the promises made after the wedding had as much 'value' as before the wedding.





Tuxedo - Men's Wearhouse, Carle Place - B-
The guys had their fair share of issues with them. My dad and grandfather wanted bowties and they were given ties, a button popped off DH's tux when he tried it on, one of the vests were the wrong size BUT all the the problems were either fixed right there or the next day and the service was very good too.





MOB gown - The Wedding Center in Commack - B
My mom loved shopping for her gown. She started looking for her dress before I did! When we finally found the dress of her dreams, it was a little more than she wanted to spend. So we went to The Wedding Center and they had the same one for alot less money. The dress came in early which was fine by me and she had it altered elsewhere. The older salespeople were good but the younger girls in there did some more training in customer relations.




Rehearsal Dinner - Poppy's Place, Floral Park - A
This is a small Italian restaurant that I had my bridal shower at. Everyone loved the food so much, we decided to have the RD there as well. They did a great job, and even kept the groom's cake in the freezer for me until it was dessert time that I had dropped off there earlier in the day.


Groom's Cake - Carvel - A
I was planning on getting an NYPD themed groom's cake the whole time. After really sitting down and thinking about it, I couldn't bring myself to spend about $150-200 on a cake. So I asked around on LIW where I can get a photo cake. Someone mentioned Carvel. It was perfect! I put a picture of me and Nick from when we were dating about 4 months and he has me in his arms. The cutest part is that I put as the saying on the cake 'You swept me off my feet' (referring to the picture). For about $30, everyone was happy with the cake.





Ceremony - Our Lady of Victory - B+
We had a wonderful ceremony, the church is just pretty on its own and my dream of walking down the aisle with my dad came true. A little confusion during the rehearsal because of double booking but nothing terrible.





Reception - Woodbury Country Club - A+
www.woodburycc.com
I couldnt have asked for more perfection if I tried. Where do I begin? First of all even though WCC has two weddings at a time, the other ballroom was booked with some kind of charity dinner and it didnt begin until 7:30pm so I was able to take advantage of both sides of the grounds for pictures! I was thrilled about that. The staff was wonderful, the food was delicious, the grounds are breath taking, and most of all... my guests had a blast! We added the chocolate fountain at the last minute because WCC just started offering this service about a month before our wedding. The grounds at WCC was what sold us at first but after the tasting, we knew we found the right place. And we were right!













DJ - Bravura - A+
www.bravuraentertainment.com
I knew Tony was going to make my reception into a party and that's exactly what I wanted! My dance floor was packed all night. I left the play list up to them and they read the crowd like professionals. All of the songs I requested were played and Tony even came over to get me and DH to dance to our special requests, because we were busy and didn't realize what was playing.


Limo - Alexis Limousines - A+
www.alexislimousines.com
These guys were AMAZING! We had the Excalibur for me and my father and then DH and I from the church to the reception. We got a 10 passenger Cadillac for the BP. They went above and beyond the call of duty on many instances. They showed up so early so I wouldn't have to keep looking out the window, they stopped at the request of the bridal party at a liquor store and even took the video camera from one of my GM to tape me getting ready at my parents' house and at the ceremony.




Hair - Tara Le - A+
Everything you have heard about her is true, as long as it was all good things! She was there on time, and ready to go right away. I changed my hair style slightly from the trial and she nailed it perfectly just from my description. After I looked in the mirror at my finished hair, I wanted to cry from joy! She even spritzed my dad's hair a little. Hee Hee My held all night through all the dancing and hugging. Tara is THE BEST! I am so sorry that she isn't doing hair anymore for brides. This is a picture of her putting on my veil.




Make Up - Angel Eyes - A+
http://www.liweddings.com/vendors/make-up/angeleyes/
Denise is wonderful and so professional. My trial with her was enough to book her on the spot and after all the girls got their make up done on the wedding day, we all were asking her to move in with us because she was like a magician with make up. I felt like a model and it lasted all day and night.


Photography and Videography - Duet - A
www.duetwedding.com
I can't believe how many people were coming up to us after the wedding commenting on how they were everywhere, and we aren't going to miss a second of our wedding after we have our video. They were like my own private paparazzi but after the posed pictures were finished, I barely remembered they were there. And that is exactly how I wanted it!
UPDATE: We recieved our proofs (over 700) which were all gorgeous. A few key photos were missing but they said they could be on the negatives. I havent scanned any of those yet but we are supposed to receive a CD with all of the proofs on it so I will post them then. We also received our video last week and all I can say is I couldnt stop crying happy tears. They caught every moment and made the day seem as if it were yesterday. I definitely recommend them!


LINK TO POST WITH ALL PROOFS


ALBUM LAYOUT PICS


I don't know if I am forgetting anyone, if I am I will add it as I think of it. This is my review for now, as it is I worked on this for like 3 hours...

Please FM me if you want more details about anything I have written so far.

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congrats on your wedding and I'm sorry about the flower issue! It does sound like you had a great day and you look beautiful from what I've seen!!!!! Let's see more pics!!!!!!!!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

CONGRATULATIONS DIANE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I never saw a happier bride in my life! Your happiness was so deep and true you shined all day! I am so happy for you!!!!!


What a great review!!!! I am so glad everything worked out so well for you! Except for the flowers of course......

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congrats!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congrats again, Diane! I'm sorry about your florist, but I'm glad everthing else worked out!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

great review, I am so happy your day was perfect cant wait to see more pictures

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congratulations Diane!!! Sounds like almost everything went without a hitch. You looked absolutely amazing!!!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congrats!!! You looked beautiful and you 2 are sooo cute!!!!!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congrats Diane!!!! More pics!!!!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Yeah! So glad you had a wonderful day. You looked so stunning!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Diane, you looked beautiful.

Now I'm nervous, I have the same florist. I FMed you... UGH, my wedding is two weeks away.

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congrats!! You look beautiful and sooo happy.
Great review.

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Thanks for the review Diane! You really looked so beautiful, I'm so happy for you!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Great Review Diane! Sorry about the flowers.

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congratulations! You look gorgeous and so happy! All the best to you and your DH.

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

wow.. looks like a GREAT day was had by all!!

CONGRATS

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congratulations!!!!!!!!

You looked Beautiful!!!!!!!!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congratulations!!!!
You were a beautiful bride and everything looked great!
Happy to hear that WCC did the right thing and all worked out.....except for your flowers.
Thanks for sharing your special day with us!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

You looked absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!

So glad to hear your morning was wonderful (it was the opposite of mine! ) - everything does sound perfect!

ETA: So sorry about your flower issues . Your words hit close to home as I felt exactly the same way about my day of hair.

Thankfully, it matters not in the grand scheme of htings - you looked radiant!

Wishing you and your new husband all the best!

Re: Woodbury Country Club --- June 3, 2005 Review

Congrats!!! You looked so beautiful!!! FM what happened with the florist please?