My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

July 29, 2006 was truly the happiest day of my life. I can honestly say like so many other brides have said in the past “The day goes by so quickly” I can’t wait to see my raw video just to re-capture some of the moments once again.

Saturday morning arrived with VERY sunny skies. It was about 93 degrees but I was so happy that there was no rain and I would be able to have my dream of an outdoor ceremony, that the heat didn’t bother me. Since all the girls in my bridal party spent Friday night at my house we were all up together bright and early having bagels and juice waiting for hair and make up to arrive.

I must say that so many of our vendors threw in a lot of extras or gave us discounted rates when they heard that DH was in the Navy. They all said that this was their way of giving back to those in the military. For this I am extremely grateful.


Hair - Jenn The Hair Genie - A+
Jenn did my hair, my Mom’s hair and my MOH’s hair. At my trial I had her put extensions in and was happy with the look, but since my hair had grown to a decent length I decided to forego the extensions on the day of and was so happy I did. Jenn outdid herself and my hair was even prettier than at my trial. My Mom’s hair came out so nice too. She wanted to look like herself, but also have something special done and Jenn accomplished both. My MOH gave Jenn free reign to create an updo. I was so amazed at the outcome since my MOH has a shag type haircut; she did such a great job.
Both Jenn and Oksana have such a relaxing aura about them that is was wonderful having them around that morning. They both arrived on time and got started right away.




Make up - Make up by Oksana - A+
Makeup – Make up by Oksana A+
Oksana did my make up, my Mom’s make up, and my Mom treated all the girls in the bridal party to their makeup as well. Each one looked awesome. I loved the way Oksana made everyone’s eyes just pop. When she was doing my makeup and Steve from Patken walked in I started to get emotional. It just hit me at that moment “Oh my God, I am getting married today”. Oksana talked me through the moment and I was fine after that. I wish she could do my make up every day.




Flowers - LA Blossom - A+
One word comes to mind (okay 2 words) TOTALLY AWESOME.
Laurie was the only florist I met with. I knew going in after seeing pictures of her previous work and reading so many raving reviews that I wanted her as my florist. When my Mom and I met with her she had so many ideas and her excitement about flowers was contagious. I wanted the hourglass vases with the beads around the vase for centerpieces. Laurie actually encouraged us to try making the beads on our own just to keep the cost down.

When the flowers arrived at my house they were breathtaking. Everyone stopped what they were doing just to admire them. I had purchased from ebay the bouquet jewelry initials for the girls bouquets and Laurie placed them in to each bouquet beautifully. She decorated the gazebo at the Riviera and placed tulle along the aisles with flowers and petals. She decorated the aisle runner with petals along side of it. The Flowers on the cake looked so pretty. Everything was exactly how I imagined it in my head. Guests who took the centerpieces home are still commenting about how long the flowers actually lasted. My bouquet was beautiful. It was made with Latin Lady Roses (white roses with red on the tips) and white stephanotis with diamond crystals in them. I loved, loved my bouquet.






Day of Coordinator - LA Productions - Laura - A+
I know a lot of brides may feel this is an expense they can do without, but I must say that getting a DOC was one of the best investments we made. Laura was fantastic. She is such a joy to work with. Her attention to detail is mind-boggling. She was on top of everything and prepared for just about any possible mishap. She kept the morning flowing nicely and was so sweet to everyone. During the 2 meetings I had with her you could really tell that she was organized and very detailed oriented. My mother was so grateful to Laura and became very emotional when she said goodbye to her. Laura knew my Dad was trying really hard not to lose it emotionally and she kept the mood light. Her assistant Jill was at the hall while Laura was at my house and she made sure everything was set up exactly how I wanted.

Limos - Royalty Limos - A
We only had them for a pick up and drop off. They arrived on time, the cars were clean and the drivers knew how to get from our homes to the reception hall without any problems. We had 2- 10 passenger limos and the Princess Rolls Royce. We also had 2 limos come at the end of the reception, one to take us to the hotel we would spend the night at and the other to take my family back home.

Ceremony Music - Royal Brass - A+
My Mom and I heard Royal Brass at a bridal expo about 18 months before the wedding. We loved how the wedding march sounded with the trumpeters. We booked them along with a keyboard for the ceremony and cocktail hour. They did the fanfares ½ hour before the ceremony as well. They were prompt and sounded beautiful.



Photos - Patken Photography - A+
When we first went to see Patken we met and liked Steve’s work and chose him as our photographer. Steve was funny, energetic and great to work with all day. He arrived early Saturday morning and got right down to taking pictures. I gave him quite a chuckle when I became the first bride that fell off the bed after taking a sexy posed shot on my bed. I truly love my proofs.

Video - Wild Rose Video - A+ so far
Though I haven’t seen my video yet I know that I will be blown away when I do see it. Bill and Marie do awesome work. Their editing style has won them numerous awards. Bill arrived at my house bright and early and started filming right away. I don’t think he missed a single thing. We had the two-camera package during the ceremony so we’ll be able to have two different angles to view. I can’t wait to see the finished product. Marie has been such a doll to work with so far.

Dance Lessons - Ballroom Dance Long Island - A+
My Dad and I decided to try dance lessons so we contacted John of Ballroom Dance LI for the free introductory lesson. After that free lesson my Dad was hooked, and we kept going every 2 weeks for about six months. We had a blast, learned some nice moves and bonded even more. My parents then took weekly lessons together. My Dad was the hit of the reception since no one had ever seen him dance before. We did a rumba for our father daughter dance. After seeing it on someone’s home video I must say we looked pretty good together. There was not a dry eye in the house when my Dad totally lost it at the end of the number and just held me as he sobbed.

Since Chris is in the Navy we were only able to take about a total of 4 lessons together. Two weeks before the wedding we took back-to-back lessons and John choreographed our first dance. He was pretty impressed with Chris’ natural dance abilities and added some dramatic steps into the dance. The day we had to drop off everything at the hall John met us there and we were able to practice on the actual dance floor so that we would know exactly where to be during each of the steps. John makes you feel comfortable and makes the lessons so much fun.



Save The Dates - Favor Lady.Com A+
Very prompt service.


Bridal Gown – Flowerama – Glendale A
I originally tried my Demetrious gown at Macy’s but ordered it for much less at Flowerama. I loved that their alterations are capped at $175.00. I had no problems at all with them. I do know however, that they no longer carry Demetrios gowns.

Bridesmaids Gowns/Flower girl Dress – Netbride.com A+

We ordered the dresses in December 05 and they arrived ahead of schedule in February 06. They were Jordan dresses and they all arrived in perfect condition saving each of the girls about $75.00. Their customer service was great, they practically walk you through the whole process. The alterations were done at a local tailor, each girl paid about $50.00 and the flower girl paid $20.00.

Mother of the Bride Dress – RK Bridal A+

My Mom chose a Mon Cheri by Cameron Blake dress. She went to RK Bridal and the sample was in the exact color she wanted and in her size. She was really happy with them.



Tuxes – Dante Zeller – Queens Blvd C

We weren’t too pleased with them the Thursday before the wedding. One of the groomsmen’s pants had been previously altered making him look like MC Hammer. It was funny at the moment, but when the tuxedo place said they couldn’t do anything my DH got quite upset and after some back and forth they finally said they would have them fixed by Friday. Some of the guys vests had stains and they also said it couldn’t be helped, after more back and forth they also had them cleaned and were ready by Friday. In the end they all looked great but the aggravation alone would keep me from recommending them to anyone else.


Rings – Good Old Gold A+

My DH bought my engagement ring from them, so we went back there to order our bands. Jonathan is extremely helpful and super knowledgeable about diamonds. We also bought matching every day bands from them as well.

Ebay Items A+

I bought so many things from ebay, saving quite a bit of time and money in the process.
Favors, cake topper, sign in board, ring pillow, unity candles, candelabra, personalized cocktail hour napkins, cry packs, tiara, bridal jewelry, garter, bouquet jewelry, cake server & knife set.

DIY Items

I made the photo cube, petal cones, menus, fans for outdoor ceremony, (it was so hot outside even the men used them), we do letters

Reception Hall – Riviera at Massapequa A+

When we went to visit the Riviera the first time it was set up for a Saturday afternoon wedding for about the same amount of guests we would have, so I was able to see exactly how the room would look. I fell in love immediately. Most of my dealings were always with Michelle who was always very sweet, but towards the end I dealt with Vicky she also was extremely sweet.

The staff at the Rivera was exceptional in how they treated us. The food was amazing and the portions were not frugal. They were very attentive to all of our needs. The Viennese hour was quite a hit and everyone loved the chocolate fountain. At the end of the reception the staff all helped my parents pack up the things that had to go back home. They even gave us a bottle of champagne to take with us to the hotel room.

Link to Patken Proofs

Link to Non Pro Pics

Message edited 9/19/2006 10:16:43 AM.

Re: Mu July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

Congratulations, you look beautiful!

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

beautiful..congratulations
your dress was also very pretty

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

You looked like a princess!

Congratulations!

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

Congrats!!!

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

Congratulations!!!!!!

I'm so glad everything went well with all of your vendors, especially the Riviera!!!! And your Pictures look Wonderful!!!

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

congratulation

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

Congrats Amy!!! You were a stunning bride!!!! I wish you nothing but happiness with your new DH!

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

congrats, you look amazing

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

STUNNING AMy. Congrats to you!

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

congrats!!!!

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

Congrats yor wedding was beautiful

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

Congrats! Thanks for posting your review! You look beautiful!

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

COngrats! Everything looked so beautiful. I love the flowers!

Re: My July 29, 2006 review. Riviera, Patken, Wild Rose, LA Blossom, LA Productions, Oksana, Hair Genie and more

Your hair looks gorgeous!

The flowers colors are so bright and happy