6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Hey everyone – hopefully I don’t leave anything out – if I do, I’ll just keep adding – I don’t have all the pics yet, and I posted all of them throughout LIW, but I’ll add whatever I have…..

All in all – it was everything I dreamed it would be – but better!!!! It was amazing – and a day I will always remember! I could cry looking back and remembering how perfect it all was… even when it wasn’t – I may seem nitpicky now in retrospect, but on the day of, it was all small stuff that paled in comparison to the fact that I was marrying my soul mate…..

So here goes….

Mother Nature: A –

I always wanted an outdoor wedding, and it drizzled right before our ceremony, so everything had to be moved inside – BUT – it was still gorgeous inside.

However, the weather was nice enough to get all of our pictures taken without a hitch, and all in all it still was a beautiful day.


My Dress, Veil, Shoes, Bridesmaid Dresses – Carmela’s Bridal Garden in Huntington
Me – A, Bridesmaids, A-

Carmela was very accommodating and welcoming when I came in to look for a dress for myself, unlike other shops that seemed snooty and told me I needed to make an appointment. She and her staff were very patient and accommodating. The alterations were good, but my dress I discovered was still too long the day of, even with my high heeled shoes. That is something I think every woman should just make sure is ok when they do their final fitting. I was not aware of it because they did not want me to walk around the shop in my dress and get it dirty, so I found out at my wedding (on my butt several times!!!) They ordered the wrong veil for me, and I would never have known but I wanted to put the veil on for my first fitting – it turned out to be the same veil but cathedral. They promptly ordered the correct veil and it came a few days later – phew!

I brought my ENTIRE bridal party – including my step mom and grandma, for the girls to pick out their dresses. Twice! The first time, I was sick and sat on the couch dying (later on I had to go to the hospital for a kidney infection) – so I was less involved in what was happening – good thing we found out the dresses were discontinued because I was not crazy about them in retrospect. We ALL came piling back in a few weeks later to do it again – and it’s not an easy group to deal with. Carmela and the staff were SO accommodating and helpful – and patient! I am very grateful for them.

I also ordered my shoes through them – Special Occasions by Saugus. I just did it because it was easier, but I found out I paid more for them there than if I went somewhere else. You live and you learn.

The “minus” was for some minor organization issues– they forgot who paid already and who didn’t, so people who paid in full were still told there was a balance due, which was obviously easy to check on, but still annoying when husbands were sent just to pick up a dress and had to deal with - did we pay??? Also, there was some confusion about dress length – we decided on tea length, but I think she forgot with some of the girls. Luckily, it was with the junior bridesmaids, but one of my girls got her alterations in NJ, and went with tea length, so there were various lengths going on which hopefully won’t be so obvious in the pics!

All in all – it was a very pleasant and nice experience…

Bridesmaids Shoes – Craft shoes in Commack
B –



They were helpful at first, and the shoes looked great, but they were SOOOO disorganized after we made our order that I thought I was going to lose my mind. It took them 15 minutes to find the binder with all the listed bridal parties. It took them 10 minutes after that to just figure out where we were in the book, and who did what so far (who ordered, who paid already, etc…) NEVER has the head banging icon been more appropriate. This happened every time I called or came over – every time. And then I posted a while back that they thought shoes were picked up when they weren’t because they simply couldn’t find them. It took them an hour to find the shoes in the back because they were shelved under their last name instead of together with the rest of the party’s. Also – we went with them because they gave free dye with the purchase, and when we went in to get the shoes dyed, they tried to charge us. When we told them we bought the shoes there, then the whole searching for the bridal book process started ALL over again…. GAAAH!



Tuxedoes – VIP Tuxedoes
C

This was my DH’s job. They were available, and did the job, but I felt Angelo’s tux looked shabby. He did not look around at different tux places – and if I were on this I definitely would have compared places, but what can I do…

I don’t know what type of tux place would give the groom such a shabby looking tux, but oh well – he still looked great, but I would have been happier with a nicer looking tux…. Obviously I don’t recommend them


Wedding bands – HLC Jewelry Masters
A+++++++++++++

I can NOT speak more highly of Darren. He was recommended to me by someone here – Katrina/AKAMrs.T when I posted I was looking for someone to make us custom made rings. She and her husband had beautiful African symbols on their rings, and we were looking for the Om symbol on our rings since we practice Buddhism.

Darren was wonderful to speak to, and he comes to your house since his office is in NJ. He never saw the Om symbol before, and I emailed him a pic. When he came over to our house, I originally told him we may not be able to order the rings until after the wedding because we were going through some financial problems. He still came over on a weekday evening to meet and discuss what we wanted, and we managed to have the money for the deposit – but he did not know we were going to order until after we discussed with him. I opted for sapphires in my ring to match my E-ring. The only tough part was not seeing some idea of how it will look – I just had to trust that he knew what to do.

Darren and his dad, who I spoke with on the phone, kept on telling me how I am going to love the rings. I knew I would, but I gasped when I finally saw them for the first time. In my life I could never imagine that he would capture what we wanted so beautifully, right off the bat. They truly are artists. A few ladies already FMd me when I posted pics after the wedding. I am telling you – if you are looking for a unique custom made ring, then definitely, definitely go for these guys. FM me for information – I will be more than happy to pass the info to you and answer any questions you may have.

Hair and makeup – Mia from Br!dal L0unge
A+++++++++

Also a wonderful experience. She spent 3 hours with me for my trial, and came to me at 6AM the morning of the wedding. I actually was happier the day of then at the trial (but I was happy with the trial as well!) She is so meticulous, and such a perfectionist – a true artist. She did one of my BM’s and did a phenomenal job, and also did my 2 stepdaughters hair for practically nothing (I wound up being able to give her the nice tip I wanted to give!) While she was working on one of us, she would return to another and fix a curl if it flattened, and just was great.

She doesn’t always return phone calls right away, but don’t worry – she will get in touch with you if you are interested in her. So many people loved my hair and makeup, but I made sure (well, Mia made sure) it still looked natural and like “me.”

I am very pleased with her work.

Flowers – Flowers by Burton
A+++++++++

Although my step mom was not happy with some of the roses they put in our napkins, the did a superb job – Matthew from the Harborclub came in to tell me specifically that he has worked with them in the past, and never did he see such a phenomenal job – they outdid themselves for our wedding, which was nice to hear.

I opted for low CP’s but hated the way the ones in the baskets looked. I saw cube vases in the office when we met with them and asked if we could do something with those. They were very accommodating, and the end product was the way I dreamt they would be – it truly was perfect. The bokays were also magnificent!!! Also – they did my cake exactly as I wanted it!

Everyone loved the CP’s – we were all very happy with them!


DJ – In the Mood DJ
B

I was very nervous after I booked with In the Mood because a few ladies on here were FMing me telling me all these horror stories. I actually called them and they knew what was being said on here and they relieved my worries. Music was important to me so I called them regularly with questions and things I wanted them to play. They were very nice to talk to, and at the wedding, they were very nice guys.

We met a few days before the wedding and I spoke with Patty about our final list, but not with the DJ’s. I was so scatter brained I forgot to tell her about my niece and nephew who were to be announced, and called them later to tell them I forgot and to be sure to put them to be put on the sheet. They never were! It was a little disconcerting during the announcements when my step sister kept saying – they haven’t announced them yet – and when my stepsister and her husband was announced, all 4 came out together so it all worked out. The Harbor Club threw in some freebies and gave us 20 extra minutes after that happened, which was nice (I will get to them!)

So, In the Mood got our ceremony music right, and definitely got everyone dancing, so all in all I can’t complain. They didn’t do anything people would notice in terms of mistakes, but I noticed. I’m not sure why I bothered sitting with them and going over the music I wanted because they just played 70’s disco, pretty much. Yes, it was fun – but I specifically asked for certain songs because they had meaning to me, my friends, my DH, and also his daughters. They forgot one of our dedications which I didn’t realize until they played the last song (too late then,) and one of the dedications they did remember was to our friends – Especially Jimmy and Jeff, and they left that part out, they just said “dedicated to their friends” which I was a bit sad about. Once again, nothing anyone would notice. They did take any request I asked for (white wedding) and Sophie and Kara asked for Like a Virgin, which was fun… They also did some cute things – the meet and greet, napkin game, called up people to do silly things on their stage, made some funny comments, and they definitely were enjoyed by everyone, but I wanted a little more variety in music. Each time another song came on, I was like – another disco song? I know I said we would like some disco – but all disco? It did give me opportunities to greet the tables though – the better the music, the more I was ignoring the guests, so it worked out….

If you are looking for an affordable DJ who will get the crowd dancing (especially the 50 and over crowd) I recommend them. If you are looking for a lot of variety, specific dedications, and a DJ who thinks out of the box, then I would probably look elsewhere.

Videographer – Tony – Coming Attractions
A

Obviously I haven’t seen the DVD yet, but he was such a sweetie. He works with In the Mood DJ, but is a separate company. He did a great job with our growing up montages, father/daughter growing up, mother/son growing up, so I’m sure the DVD will be great. His prices were reasonable, he was very easy to work with, and always was in the right place during the wedding, capturing all the fun moments. He had a nice easy-going attitude which was very calming on the day of, and was never in your face. I definitely recommend him.

Photographer – Natasha Staszak
A+++++++++++++++++++++++

We fell in love with Natasha right from the start, and knew we wanted her to do our wedding. Besides her wonderful “no worries” Australian attitude, she is a remarkable artist. She specializes in candids, which is what we wanted. We wanted a photographer who could think out of the box, and look for those moments to capture without always having to stand everyone in a line, point and shoot. When we asked other photographers how they were with candids, they gave us quizzical looks and told us that anything we ask their photographers to do, they’ll do. I didn’t want that – I didn’t want to have to say – quick – take a picture of that! But Natasha saw what I saw naturally and intuitively, and was always there taking a memorable shot, but never in our faces. What a lovely person she is too!

She was remarkable for our e-shoots, and I know the wedding shots will be great. She knew our personalities, and knew how to get us posing for our portraits in a natural way. I can not recommend her enough. Yes, her prices are higher than most, but the pictures are what you keep forever after the wedding – the pictures are what will be on your great-great grandchildren’s mantels someday, and they should be perfect! Natasha is the one who will make your pictures a dream!

Ceremony AND Reception – Harbor Club of Huntington
A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

First off, Matthew is terrific. What a patient man. He returned every phone call, every email promptly – and I know I wasn’t the only bride he had to deal with as June is a busy month – they have all sorts of parties going on there, but only one at a time, which is what we wanted. Matthew was able to accommodate our vegan needs – we originally wanted a vegetarian wedding, but my dad flipped, so I agreed as long as there was a strong vegetarian focus, I’d allow meat at the wedding. Matthew wound up giving us 4 entrees instead of 3, one entrée being butternut squash which was so delicious even non-veg ordered it for their entrée… and when DH’s daughters got excited when they saw a picture of the chocolate fountain, Matthew gave it to us for free…. Every time we came over to the Harborclub to see something, meet with them, they always offered us drinks, discovered our love for French martinis, and made sure to put Chambord on the contract without us even asking them to!

We fell in love with the water, the boats, but what really sold us was that the entire reception area had windows. I wanted an outdoor wedding, and it would have been on the balcony. But if it were to rain, we thought the inside was so beautiful. Good thing we went for that, because that is exactly what happened.

Our food tasting was comical. My step mom came and said that she and my dad didn’t eat dinner, so they wanted to eat a lot!! Matthew told me later in a joking way he never had a food tasting like that, but accommodated their food needs very well – as well as my drinking needs – because I needed a lot of martinis to get me thru that food tasting!

The forecast did not call for rain, but as I mentioned above, it did drizzle. While I was having pictures taken, I saw them taking all the chairs from the balcony to the inside. I saw my dream of an outdoor wedding being taken away, and may as well have had someone rip off my dress and tiara at that moment. I began to panic, but the maitre d was wonderful and explained to me what they had to do. I calmed down quickly, and I have to say – having it inside was so magnificent, I think it was better! It was gorgeous inside… and our ceremony was long, so it was outside it may have been too hot, so it all worked out.

OMG – what can I tell you – every second – what do you need, what can we get you – Donna, our Maitre d, was a pro, and Tori, my bridal attendant, was a doll. 2 seconds before the ceremony, my stepdaughter noticed our ring bearer forgot his pillow upstairs in the bridal suite - Tori dashes up the stairs like her life depended on it, and came down with the pillow before I could blink. She constantly tried to fix my bustle, made sure she packed everything up, knew where everything was – she really was by my side and remarkable. I felt like a pain in the @ss, but she never made me feel that way. Always made sure I had what I needed.

GET THIS – my step mom wanted to make sure I mentioned this – her shoe heel broke during the reception – someone from the Harbor Club drove OVER TO MY PARENTS HOUSE to get another pair of shoes!!!! They had the housekeeper get the shoes, and my parents lived a few miles away – but STILL! How above and beyond is THAT????

The food was unbelievably good. I have to say my best man is gay, very discerning, and a gourmet chef. He said the cocktail hour was the best he has ever been to. Everyone said the food was the best they ever ate. Everything I managed to eat – which unfortunately wasn’t a lot – was so delicious I still crave it today. The vegetarian food was perfect. Sophie and Kara from here posted and said they loved their food. The vegan cake they made for us was perfect – we ate it for a few days after the wedding.

When the mishap happened with the DJ not announcing my niece and nephew they apologized because I went over it several times with them as well, and that’s when they threw in the extra 20 minutes, and a sundae station for the kids! Donna, the maitre’d was so child-focused – she interacted so much with them, which was nice. Before the wedding, she was the one reminding me to put together activity bags for the kids.

I loved them. I was so happy with everything – AND – everyone told me it was the best wedding they have ever been to!!!!

Limos - ????
A +++++

They were sent to us after the wedding for the after party as a gift – I’ll get back to you on who they were. The guy was awesome – he drove us all over LI to drop everyone home, and drove to our house a few hundred times to get things, and was sent to pick up friends here and there throughout the night. He was so kind and patient, and never batted an eye.

After Party – Red Bar in Huntington
A++++

This was also a gift – we had a big table in the outside patio in the back, where 3 bottles of champagne were there for us, and desserts. They were so nice and accommodating, and we stayed for hours. They never rushed us out, and the waitress took pictures and chatted with us throughout the night. We had a blast!!!

Message edited 6/25/2006 2:34:15 PM.

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

A few non-pro pics from the wedding so you can see the inside, flowers, and cake...

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Our rings from HLC Jewelry masters....

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

After party pics....







Coconut Martinis at Blu honu...

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Awwwwwwwwww Liza you look gorgeous!!

You just have the giddiest grin from ear to ear and it is very obvious how happy you and DH are. Angelo looked so handsome and looks like you guys had an amazing day!! I"m soo happy for you!!

Thanks for the review Liza!! Congrats

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

You guys look AMAZING!!!!! Congrats!!!!!!

Gorgeous!!!!!!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

wow, you looked so gorgeous, what a beautiful wedding. My aunt got married at the Harbor club 3 years ago and it was incredible!!!! Congratulatoins!!!!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Liza... you looked so gorgeous! Everything on this review is accurate....

My mini-review as a guest:

Food was incredible. I did not notice anything that did not go as planned so obviously it went smoothly as a guest. Place was fantastic and clean. The staff was extremelly polite. They did an incredible job converting the ceremony set up inside downstairs during the CH. I would have never noticed I came back to the same spot with all the table being set up.

I like the flowers. Lots of them. The roses on the napkin was a nice touch.

I liked the music.. but then, I always like dancing so I am easy to please as long as it is good music. I just had to stop once in a while for Kara to take breaks. DJ could have used more "current" music but this is my own taste and I was not sure what was requested. Maybe next time I will bring my own wish list when I go somewhere.... Don't get me wrong, I did like what was played. Just ask Kara.

I just regret I never got to dance with the best man...

CONGRATULATIONS again! I was so happy to be part of your day. It was wonderful and so much fun!!!!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

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Posted by sr081906

Liza... you looked so gorgeous! Everything on this review is accurate....

My mini-review as a guest:

Food was incredible. I did not notice anything that did not go as planned so obviously it went smoothly as a guest. Place was fantastic and clean. The staff was extremelly polite. They did an incredible job converting the ceremony set up inside downstairs during the CH. I would have never noticed I came back to the same spot with all the table being set up.

I like the flowers. Lots of them. The roses on the napkin was a nice touch.

I liked the music.. but then, I always like dancing so I am easy to please as long as it is good music. I just had to stop once in a while for Kara to take breaks. DJ could have used more "current" music but this is my own taste and I was not sure what was requested. Maybe next time I will bring my own wish list when I go somewhere.... Don't get me wrong, I did like what was played. Just ask Kara.

I just regret I never got to dance with the best man...

CONGRATULATIONS again! I was so happy to be part of your day. It was wonderful and so much fun!!!!

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Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

You looked beautiful!! Congratulations. You and your husband looked so happy!!!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

You looked absolutely gorgeous and happy! What a great review, very detailed. Glad you enjoyed your day

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

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Posted by lipglossjunky73

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Posted by sr081906

Liza... you looked so gorgeous! Everything on this review is accurate....

My mini-review as a guest:

Food was incredible. I did not notice anything that did not go as planned so obviously it went smoothly as a guest. Place was fantastic and clean. The staff was extremelly polite. They did an incredible job converting the ceremony set up inside downstairs during the CH. I would have never noticed I came back to the same spot with all the table being set up.

I like the flowers. Lots of them. The roses on the napkin was a nice touch.

I liked the music.. but then, I always like dancing so I am easy to please as long as it is good music. I just had to stop once in a while for Kara to take breaks. DJ could have used more "current" music but this is my own taste and I was not sure what was requested. Maybe next time I will bring my own wish list when I go somewhere.... Don't get me wrong, I did like what was played. Just ask Kara.

I just regret I never got to dance with the best man...

CONGRATULATIONS again! I was so happy to be part of your day. It was wonderful and so much fun!!!!

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thank Sophie!!!

I love that pic of you and Kara - you looked so gorgeous as well!!!

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Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

You look amazing Liza!!!!!!!! Congrats on everything!!!!!!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Congrats on your wedding, you look gorgeous. Was your videograher Tony Doria? IF so that's my videographer, he did my sisters wedding two years ago. He is so wonderful and funny. I loved his work. His price is very reasonable.

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Great review! I especially loved your flowers!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Congratulations!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Congrats

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Great review! Congratulations!


edited to say..you made a beautiful bride!

Message edited 6/26/2006 10:07:13 PM.

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Congratulations Liza!!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you had a wonderful wedding!!!!!!!!!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Lovely! You both look so happy!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

great pics! congrats!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

wow! gorgeous! i cannot wait to see your proofs!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Congrats Liza!!! Looks like you had an amazing day despite the mishaps!!!

Woosa!!!!!!!!!!

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

Congratulations Liza!!! I am so glad that everything turned out to be better than you expected Darren is awesome!!!! Your rings look amazing!!!!!

You made a gorgeous bride

To a lifetime of happiness

Re: 6/17/06... My magical wedding.... Harborclub in Huntington, In the Mood DJ, Carmela's Bridal Garden, Craft Shoes, Mia from BL, Flowers by Burtons, and more….

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Posted by akaMrsT

Congratulations Liza!!! I am so glad that everything turned out to be better than you expected Darren is awesome!!!! Your rings look amazing!!!!!

You made a gorgeous bride

To a lifetime of happiness

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