I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

First off thank YOU all again for over 16 months of advise, support, reviews, and most of all- friendship. I could not have made it through all of the trials and tribulations of the plans without you!!!
I will try my best to give as much detail and the fairest review of each vendor. If you have very specific questions just mail me. Also- be warned these are my opinions not the opinions of every bride out there. I know how stressful it can be to read a not-so-great review of a vendor you have booked so do not assume because I was not happy that you need to rush out and change a vendor. Ask me follow-up questions and speak to your vendors if you are considered- that is what I have always done before making a decision. Also do a search and see what others have to say.
So here goes:
RD- La Familgia Smithtown- B to B-
Claud2001 posted photos of my rehersal dinner a few weeks ago. It was held on 11/1 at La Familgia in Smithtown. I recommend the place if you don't need or want a private room. I wish they had a private room but you need to have 50 guests before they give you 1/2 of the resturant. I had 36 adults and 3 small children. It was Friday so the place was busy. The food is great. It is served family style so you order a variety of dishes, not individual meals. My brother and sister gave us our RD as a wedding gift- which we are forever going to be gratefull for. The prices are very good. They paid about $1000, without tip. That included a ton of apps, salad, chicken/shrimp/2 pastas, eggplant entrees. That also included soda, beer and wine. I did not get dessert from the resturant. I didn't like the fact that they do not do pitchers of soda. We should have had a waiter assigned to ONLY our table, but we had 2 that had to also work about 6 more tables. I used to be a waitress so I know that each table needs to be given attention. With my party being so large we needed our own waiter. I felt the service was a bit slow. I do like the fact that they allowed us to bring in a special cake and cookie trays. So all in all it was a great choice for us and worked out nicely. I would recommend the place.
RD cake- Justincakesny.com B+
Michele is wonderful to work with. She spent 3 months helping me to figure out the perfect RD groom's cake. I finally decided on a replica of Fenway Park- my HUSBAND's (funny to finally write that word) all time true love since he grew up in MA. It was white cake with apple filling (another of honey's favorites). The icing was rolled white choclate fondant.The cake was good, but a needed a bit more filling since we felt it was a bit on the dry side. This was the first time Michele was working with an apple filling and she told me that upfront since most client's want choclate or mouse types. The fact is Michele does nice work at a very fair price. I paid about $125 for a cake to serve 30 adults- it was big enough to serve 40 or more. Michele also made my shower mini-cakes, which were a huge hit. I would use her again and recommend her.

Bridal Gown/ Mom's gown/BM gowns/ Headpiece/veil: Bridal Suite of Centereach A+
Not one problem at all. Only superior service from the first visit. I have a Demetrois gown, which I just love. My girl's wore Alexis velvet tops with long satin skirts. My stepmother also got her gown from BS. I felt their prices were very fair, they were willing to work with us on prices from day 1. Everything came in on time (early in fact) and in good condition. The absolute best was that I was not happy with my 1st headpiece choice. I told them AFTER it was already in and they took it back and ordered me one that I loved! No hassles at all. The seamstress also made me a custom wrap and I felt it came out even nicer than I imagined. I highly recommend the place.

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

oh that is torture!!!!

I want to hear the rest!!!



Welcome back Michele!!!! Can't wait to hear the rest....Congratulations!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

I agree!!!

Welcome Back and Congratulations!!!!!!

I've been checking everyday for your reviews!!

Message edited 11/14/2002 5:09:48 PM.

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

darn..I caught it in the middle...now I am in suspense. I am done with my wedding planning and still love the reviews!

Congrats michele. I wish you all the best and can't wait to see pictures.

Let's see if your review was longer than mine. Looks like at this rate it may! Makes me happy to say I am not the only talkative one out here!

Message edited 11/14/2002 5:11:24 PM.

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

I just emailed justincakesny.com for a price on the stadium cake - my fi is a HUGE Philadelphia Eagles fan and would LOVE that! Thanks for the info! I can't wait for the rest of your reviews! Congratulations on your marriage!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Welcome back! Standing by for part 2 of the review!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Congrats and welcome back!!! I am eager to hear the rest!!!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Invitations: www.bloomingquill.com A+
I cannot say enough amazing, wonderful things about Debi. She is an out-of-town vendor who truly cares about her brides. She custom designed my invites, wrote out all the envelopes, designed my menus and program covers. She had everything printed for me (except program covers). Her prices are more than fair and she is truly a blessing to work with. I have gotten a ton of compliments on my invites and the envelopes. I highly recommend her.

Video- Wild Rose A+
Do I even need to write a review. Most of you know how wonderful Bill and Marie are to work with. I met with 6 or 7 others before signing with Wild Rose. Their work was superior to the others and their prices are fair. Marie has been a super help to me every step of my planning. Bill was not obtrusive and discussed my vision of the video prior to the wedding. If you want more comments just do a search you can read for hours.

Photos: Mark Kauffman Studios
cannot rate until I see proofs
But I will say this much. Mark has been easy to work with and helpful. Yes his prices can be a bit tricky but once you understand (just ask him to explain) that he does not do pre-defined packages and your choices are up to you it makes a lot of sense. He has many talented photographers working for him. 2 days prior to my wedding Lynn had a family emergency. I was totally crushed but Mark made up for it. He, Roy and Jackie shot the wedding. He was understanding about me being upset over Lynn and reassured me the whole way. I pick up my proofs tonight so I can report more on this in a few days. But I will say that everyone felt easy around all 3 and they were very approachable. the entire evening. Roy is a very calming presense during the day.

Hair- Ciro A
I had 2 hairdressers booked prior to finally really liking Ciro. So I didn't just walk in and find anyone to do my hair. Ciro is a gem. He is easy to work with. His prices are very fair. I had 2 trials before the big day. He arrived on time and ready to go. He had my Mom, 4 BMs, and me ready on time. Some had trials, some didn't and all were very happy with the way their hair turned out. I highly recommend him.
Hint: I got an assortment of pretty bobby pins and clips for some of my girl's to wear and that was also a nice touch.

Makeup- Jaqueline Nicole A
JN is another gem- as many of you already know. She did makeup for all the above plus my stepmom. The makeup looked great, lasted all day and her prices are very fair. Some had trials, some didn't. She makes sure everyone is perfect before she leaves. Again, I had 2 others booked before deciding on JN. She is wonderful. I highly recommend her.

Krispy Kreme- (favors) B
Why the B you ask? Really just because I know they have raised their prices due to their sucess and that annoys me. They were not difficult to deal with once I got my original price honored (do a search for full details). I had to purchase 300 donuts so I had 150 2-packs. Each guest got a 2-pack to take home. Plus they give the bride and groom 2 dozen of their favorite. My guests thought the favor was a great idea.

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

You guys are too quick for me.

Limos- Royalty Limo A
Do a search on my M&V warning and you will know how stressed out I was 10 days before the big day. Manny at Royalty was great to deal with. I had 2 10-pass Caddies, 1 10-pass Lincoln (for parents) and a 1931 Plymouth for our bridal car. Service was great and on time. They never rushed me or my guests (but I also didn't run anywhere close to over). The price was more than fair. Cars were clean and all in good order. I am sorry I didn't book them from day1.

Ceremony Soloist: Carrie Logan A
Cindy's Mom found her for us and I am glad she did. Her voice is very nice and she is easy to work with. $75 for a one hour mass so her price is also very fair. She learned a new song for me and worked with me on making sure all of my song choses were good ones. I highly recommend her.


Gotta go eat. I will write more later. Still to come....Harpist, The Hamlet, Liberty Travel Levittown, Africian Honeymoon and more........

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Welcome Back Michelle!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Welcome back Michele!! All the best for a long and happy life together!!!! The pics we've seen so far have been great...

Please write more when you can (I'm waiting for Burton's review with my fingers crossed!)

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

I'm sitting on the edge of my chair for the Hamlet review!!!! They're few and far between!!!

I'm also sitting here with my fingers crossed - you alluded to some negative reviews, and so far they've been all good!!

Message edited 11/14/2002 5:31:25 PM.

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

I didnt even read your post yet, but I didnt know you were home. Welcome back my friend!! Cant wait to talk!!!!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Welcome Back!!

So far everything sounds great!!!

For the pictures posted Everyone and Everything from your wedding looked beautiful!!!

After seeing stefanies posted proofs I just know that yours are going to be just as beautiful!!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Welcome back! I cant wait to hear about Burtons, and I also cant wait to see pics!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Welcome back and congrats, all the best to you and Scott for many years of happy togetherness. I am happy your day was perfect, you review says it all.

Did I miss your florist review??? someone I know was asking about them, I told her I would ask on the boards and I remember you were using them, so I was reading your review in hopes of giving her some insight, she has an appt to see them.


Welcome back and don't forget to join us on the newlywed board!!!

Message edited 11/14/2002 9:50:26 PM.

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Thanks so much for your details! I can't wait to hear the rest!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Congratulations to your and your new hubby!! Can't wait to see pictures...

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Congrats Everything sounds wonderful so far....can't wait to hear the rest!!!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Sounds good so far...
Waiting patiently for dinner to be over to hear the rest!
I can't wait to see pics!!

Welcome home and Congrats!!!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Sounds like all the last minute stuff went smooth. Welcome home and congratulations again to you! Your wedding was not only beautiful, but we had a wonderful time!!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Welcome home!!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

Welcome back and Congratulations!

Re: I'm back and ready to rate my vendors (super long- did you expect anything less?)

congrats michele!