MY 8-19-07 WATERFRONT WEDDING WITH LOTS OF NON-PRO PHOTOS- The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & SO MANY MORE- Ultra Long!!!!!

After dating for almost ten years, we were engaged on October 29, 2006 and thought about a planning a destination wedding, but, realized family many members and friends would not be able to share in our special day, so we decided to plan a traditional wedding! We began searching for a venue in the middle of January of 2007 and after looking at a quite a number of different facilities, we decided to book the Harbor Club on February 2nd!

Although I am not a not frequent poster on LI / NYC Weddings; I am in the event planning industry and found this website to be a very valuable tool in helping to create my magical day!

Working within the bridal industry for many years, I decided to post this review to acknowledge the very professional and superb vendors who assisted in turning my dreams and visions into a spectacular reality. Having only 6 ½ months to design and plan my own ideal fantasy wedding, I was so very fortunate to have all of my first choice vendors!

The pictures that are posted throughout this review are non-pro photos and were taken by my friends and family. I am not posting the professional photos, as there are SO MANY beautiful pictures that it would be nearly impossible for me to narrow it down, and it is extremely time consuming- however, send me FM if you would like to view them and I will gladly forward you the link.

Mother Nature- A+
For the entire week prior to our wedding day, the weather forecast varied daily so we were prepared for anything. That day the weather held up for our outdoor photos, the ceremony and our indoor / outdoor cocktail hour and it did not begin to rain until the reception was underway! We were able to have our wedding as planned and still had "good luck" rain later in the evening after everyone was already settled into the reception.

The Harbor Club (Ceremony and Reception)- A+
www.harborclubcaterers.com
From the moment I walked into The Harbor Club, I knew this was the perfect setting for our Mystical Twilight Wedding Celebration. After meeting with Matthew, I knew our wedding would be completely flawless, as Matthew is so detail oriented and provided total support throughout the planning process- he was incredibly professional and accommodating and treated us like I we were his only clients!

Upon arriving on my wedding day, Donna our Maître D’ and Cara, our bridal attendant, immediately greeted me upon my exiting the limo- Cara had a drink for me in her hand- and she remained by my side for the entire day! Cara was so attentive and I felt so comfortable and relieved to have her by my side. The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception rooms were set up EXACTLY as I envisioned and all I prepared for was transformed into a brilliant reality! EVERYTHING WAS JUST MAGNIFICENT- the food, the service, the décor, the atmosphere, the view- I wish it could have lasted forever!


Designs by Rose (Flowers and Invitations)- A+
www.designsbyroseinc.com
Rose and Doris are fantastic and did a fabulous job creating the floral designs for our wedding day! I arrived at my first appointment unsure of what I wanted or what to expect, but Rose took the time and offered me so many different options to ensure I would have the look and feel I wanted and was totally happy with- She is so creative and extremely helpful. My bouquets were gorgeous, the centerpieces were BREATHTAKING, and every bar, table and entrance arrangement were amazing and everything was set-up impeccably! The arrangements for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception were created flawlessly! Three weeks later, the table centerpieces and floral arrangements were still beautifully in bloom!







Table WeAr’ (Chair Covers and Sashes)- A+
www.tablewearny.com
I met with Donna and we went over the different chair cover and chair sash options. We matched the table linens and napkins with the chair covers and Donna sent me an entire page of chair sash color swatches and fabrics for me to choose from! Donna was so on top of it and did an EXCELLENT job achieving exactly the look I wanted for the chairs at the reception and coordinating it perfectly with my room’s décor.



Captain Arnold, Nautical Wedding Bells (Marriage Officiant)- A+
www.nauticalweddingbells.com
We wanted a spiritual ceremony and Captain Arnold made it happen better than we could have ever imagined!! Captain Arnold met with us prior to the wedding and got to know us, then he created a personalized and meaningful ceremony-tailored just for us. He takes his time and does not rush through the ceremony and his words are so touching. His ceremony was well thought out, well received by us and our guests and completely personalized to suit us perfectly. Upon arriving home from our honeymoon, Captain Arnold had sent us our wedding vows and ring exchange wording beautifully typed and ready to be framed along with a picture of him and us from our Wedding Day. WE WILL NEVER FORGET OUR BREATHTAKING WEDDING CEREMONY and it really set the perfect tone for our entire wedding day!



Fame Entertainment (Band & D.J.)- A+
http://www.xtranix.com/fame/
We looked into many wedding bands and could not find what we were looking for, then my parents who are ballroom dancers, referred us to Louis Del Prete and Fame Entertainment- and we were completely blown away- they were everything we were looking for and MORE! Louis is a multi-talented DJ, MC, Singer, Musician and Dancer and he and his band set the tone for our unforgettable wedding! Louis took his time to work with us and assisted us in picking the just right music to create the perfect ambiance for our ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. The dance floor was packed throughout the night and the entire eight-piece band and DJ were simply OUTSTANDING!





Martin Willard Photography (Photography and Video)- A++
www.magazinestyle.com
I met Marty over 14 years ago and knew that when I got married, MARTY HAD TO BE MY PHOTOGRAPHER! I highly recommend Marty to absolutely everyone and called him immediately upon securing a date. Marty is unobtrusive, personable and takes great photos in many different styles. He specializes in so many types of photography and personally works with each of his clients, from start to finish making sure you get all of the pictures you are looking for! I received my unedited proofs in less than two weeks and each and every picture is flawless and STUNNING! Marty is truly a photographic genius and captured the very essence of our special day!

Once again, please note- THE PHOTOS POSTED ARE NOT MY PROFESSIONAL PROOFS-I am not posting my professional photographs, as it is much to time consuming and there are so many great pictures that it would be way to difficult to choose, however, I would be happy to share them with you if you are interested just send me FM and I will provide you with the link.

Hal recorded and will be editing our DVD's and I am absolutely certain that it will be really INCREDIBLE! He has a great personality, was so discreet and never in our way- although I am certain he did not miss anything! He worked with us very well and gave us many options to customize and personalize the edited copies of our DVD's. We are really looking forward to viewing and replaying our incredible Wedding Day!


Fiorello Dolce (Wedding Cake)- D-
I spent quite a bit of time (over two and a half hours) with Gerard custom designing my wedding cake and I even followed up with an e-mail, including pictures and a recap of our discussion, which he confirmed, yet, I still received a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT cake than we decided upon! At least the colors and type of cake were correct, but it was still very disappointing after devoting so much time to designing our wedding cake. We also had a large assortment of pastries, cookies and biscotti from this bakery and they were decent, but, nothing really great.



M & V Limousines- A+
www.mvlimo.com
From the moment I walked into their office, I was thoroughly impressed with their professionalism. Their entire staff were really wonderful. The day of our wedding, they were on time, all of the cars were immaculate, the service was impeccable and the drivers were extremely pleasant and easy to deal with. We even had to add a stop, last minute, and alter our original route on our way to the wedding and they were completely understanding and did not even charge us anything additional!


Robert James Salon and Spa (Hair and Make-up)- A+
www.robertjamessalonservices.com
Lisa is not only super sweet and a great friend, but she is also an exceptional hair artist. My sophisticated updo was just what I wanted and did not feel tight or hurt my scalp or head, yet my hair stayed perfectly in place from very early in the morning until I took it down at the hotel, very late that night.

Tina, my makeup artist, was so patient and also truly artistic and talented. She did an exquisite job creating natural, flawless looks for my mother, my sister and myself. Our makeup turned out great and lasted all day long; with only a few minimal touchups and we all looked so glamorous and photographed gorgeously!



I purchased so many personalized items online and wanted to acknowledge a just few of the wonderful vendors who helped turn my fantasy into a remarkable reality…

Customized Wedding Creations
(www.customizedweddingcreations.com)- A +
Hand Painted Table Runner


Linda Laughery Designs
(www.lindalaugherydesigns.com)- A+
Hand Painted Aisle Runner


Toppers With Glitz
(www.topperswithglitz.com)- A+
Custom Monogram Cake Topper


HCC Garters
(www.hccgarters.com)- A+
Custom Monogram Garter and Dress Label


Bridestuff
(www.bridestuff.com)- A+
Custom Pearl Memorial Candle


Wedding Announcer-A+
(www.weddingannouncer.com)
Easy To Use Wedding Website Service
you can view our wedding website at:
DawnMarie and John's Wedding Website


I had so many DIY projects- Save The Dates, Monogram(s), Programs, Place Cards, Menus, Bathroom Baskets, Donation Scrolls, OOT Baskets, Slipper Baskets, Day After Breakfast Invitations and CD Favors, Ceremony Bows, photo collages, etc. and they all turned out GREAT! There were also so many others that I could go on and on, if you would like more details, please send me FM. I am so glad I took the time to personalize and customize our wedding day!


I also purchased so many additional unique and personalized items online to make our wedding day truly unique and special- Stamps, Fans, Mint Tins, Water Bottles, Cigars, Coasters, Cocktail Napkins, Stirrers, Guest Towels, Wishbowl w/ personalized cards, Table Cameras, Personalized Golf Umbrellas, Handkerchiefs, Hoodies, Placecard holders, Bouquet Jewelry, Ring Bearer Pillow, Sand Ceremony accessories, etc. and I was quite pleased with each and every vendor. Send me a FM for further details- there are just way to many to list...



Brief Wedding Attire Reviews:

Adrienne’s Fashion Studio, Islip (Bridal Gown)- F
Gown With Custom Beaded Straps By Sonia Cholette
(A+ for Gown Designer/Manufacturer)
I purchased my gown from this store solely because they were the only store in the Long Island area that carried it. I did not have my dress altered here and would not recommend it…


Bridal Headpieces by Laura (Headpiece & Veil)- A+
Crystal / Fresh Water Pearl Headpiece and Custom Detachable Circle-Cut Veil
www.bridalheadpieces.com


Cinderella’s Pumpkin- A+
Day of Rhinestone and Pearl Earrings
www.cinderellaspumpkin.com

Advantage Bridal- A+
Bridal Broach for my custom made wrap
www.advantagebridal.com

E-Wedding Shoes (Bridal Shoes)- A+
High-heel, Open Toe, Satin Wedding Shoes
www.eweddingshoes.com


My Glass Slipper (Bridal Flip-Flops)- A+
Beaded Wedge Bridal Flip-Flops (the same heel height as my shoes)
www.myglassslipper.com


Bridal Suite, Centereach (MOH & MOB Dresses)- B+
Mother of the Bride gown by Jovani and Maid of Honor dress by Jordan
My mother’s dress arrived in the wrong color, but, they were on top of the situation and rectified the problem immediately.

S & S Tuxedos, Hicksville- A+
Oscar De LaRenta “trilogy” tuxedos with solid black matte satin vests
Our ring bearer’s tuxedo was in stock and they ordered us a vest and custom made a tie for him to match the bridal party perfectly- and he looked like a little man!



BEFORE AND AFTER THE WEDDING
Brief Reviews:

La Famiglia Restaurant, Smithtown- A+
My Bridal Shower- June 24, 2007
The food and service were absolutely WONDERFUL and we were not rushed at all.
My mother and sister gave me the ultimate bridal shower and it was a fantastic day...


This blanket was a gift from my godson (who was also my ring bearer) and was made from the same picture I used on the stamps for our wedding invitations...


Huntington Hilton- A+
Wedding Night Bridal Suite & Day After Brunch (in the Mattituck Room)-EXCEPTIONAL!
They had champagne and chocolate covered strawberries on the dinette table ready for us when we walked into the room and waited on us hand and foot throughout our stay!

They delivered the out of town baskets and brunch invitation scrolls in a timely manner and to the correct rooms (as they were personalized) and while our guests were attending our wedding, they placed thank you notes from us on their pillows so our guests would receive them as they arrived to their rooms after the wedding.

The brunch was set up beautifully and exactly to my specifications with the CD Favors at each place setting and muliple votive candles placed on each table. The food and service were wonderful and in abundance and the atmosphere was much better than we could have ever expected! After the brunch, we hosted a pool party for our guests at the indoor pool- It was the greatest send off for both us and our guests!

Marriott Stellaris Resort and Casino, Aruba- A+
Honeymoon- August 21st through August 28th, 2007
The setting and service were absolutely TERRIFIC and the staff was ultra accommodating. Upon our arrival, we were given honeymoon t-shirts and a door hanger, then, the next evening they sent champagne and chocolate covered strawberries up to our room! They knew us by name and completely catered to our every desire and everyone treated us like royalty!


To celebrate our one-week wedding anniversary, we had our wedding rings blessed at Saint Anne’s church in Aruba…


And then went to the Hyatt for brunch to celebrate!


Our last night in Aruba, we had champagne and watched the beautiful sunset...



My entire wedding celebration was a complete and totally extraordinary fantasy come true- I treasure each moment and cherish every blissful memory - I sincerely wish I could relive that magical day, it was truly the happiest day of our lives!

Re: My Ultra Long 8-19-07 Enchanting Waterfront Wedding Review WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & many

Congrats on your GORGOUS day!!!! u were a beautiful bride & look incredibly happy!

Re: My Ultra Long 8-19-07 Enchanting Waterfront Wedding Review WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & many

Great review! You looked beautiful!

Re: My Ultra Long 8-19-07 Enchanting Waterfront Wedding Review WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & many

Great review! Congrats

Re: My Ultra Long 8-19-07 Enchanting Waterfront Wedding Review WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & many

Congratulations! What a beautiful wedding. Thanks for the review. I love the idea of the table runner. I'm going to check out the website link. I'd love to get one for my wedding.

Re: My Ultra Long 8-19-07 Enchanting Waterfront Wedding Review WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & many

Congrats! Thank you for the great review- everything looked great! Love your flowers!!!

Re: My Ultra Long 8-19-07 Enchanting Waterfront Wedding Review WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & many

TY for sharing your pictures!
absolutely beautiful

Re: My Ultra Long 8-19-07 Enchanting Waterfront Wedding Review WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & many

THANKS so much for taking the time to read my review and for all of your comments! You are all so very sweet!

I am so glad I decided to post a review and very grateful you all took the time to take a look at it!

Message edited 4/7/2008 8:16:33 PM.

Re: My Ultra Long 8-19-07 Enchanting Waterfront Wedding Review WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & many

Great review....It looks like you had an amazing day!!!!!

Re: My Ultra Long 8-19-07 Enchanting Waterfront Wedding Review WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & many

thanks for sharing your experiences! congrats!

Re: MY 8-19-07 WATERFRONT WEDDING WITH LOTS OF NON-PRO PHOTOS- The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & SO MANY MORE- Ultra Long!

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Posted by Dougs Girl

Congratulations! What a beautiful wedding. Thanks for the review. I love the idea of the table runner. I'm going to check out the website link. I'd love to get one for my wedding.

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Message edited 9/27/2007 8:22:40 PM.

Re: MY 8-19-07 WATERFRONT WEDDING WITH LOTS OF NON-PRO PHOTOS- The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & SO MANY MORE- Ultra Long!

Hi Dawn Marie!! It's so funny, I came across this post in doing a search for my site (to test a few things) and I was surprised to see my work on your page. :)

I just have to tell you you had an absolutely beautiful wedding. Best of luck to you.

By the way - Robert James Salon, where is that?

:)

Cherin

Re: MY 8-19-07 WATERFRONT WEDDING WITH LOTS OF NON-PRO PHOTOS- The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & SO MANY MORE- Ultra Long!

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Posted by Cherin

Hi Dawn Marie!! It's so funny, I came across this post in doing a search for my site (to test a few things) and I was surprised to see my work on your page. :)

I just have to tell you you had an absolutely beautiful wedding. Best of luck to you.

By the way - Robert James Salon, where is that?

:)

Cherin

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Re: MY 8-19-07 WATERFRONT WEDDING WITH LOTS OF NON-PRO PHOTOS- The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & SO MANY MORE- Ultra Long!

Hi again, DawnMarie. :)

Thanks again for the compliments. I'm just happy I was able to add a touch to your special day.

I'm actually from NJ, not Long Island. But, there is a Robert James Salon right around the corner from me and I was just curious. And, I actually just found this board on an internet search and signed up just so I could message you. :)

Anyway, congratulations and best of wishes to you. Thanks again.

Cherin

Re: MY 8-19-07 WATERFRONT WEDDING WITH LOTS OF NON-PRO PHOTOS- The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & SO MANY MORE- Ultra Long!

Very nice photos!!!

Your flowers were gorgeous!

Updated With Thank You Pix- MY 8-19-07 WATERFRONT WEDDING WITH NON-PRO PHOTOS-The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & MANY MORE

I received my thank you cards about a month ago, but, had them left blank inside so a personal message could be written to each guest... well, I finally completed and sent them out about two weeks ago!

I decided to go non-traditional for the card and insert a traditional wallet...

The Front (4 x 6)



The Inside (wallet inserted with two sided removable photo tape)




The Stamp
I created custom stamps through Zazzle- (Size Large) using a side profile photograph of us kissing on our wedding day with the words "Thank You" written across the top.

We are just thrilled with the way they turned out!
Many of our guests and some of our vendors have even contacted us to say how much they loved them!

Message edited 5/17/2008 12:33:29 PM.

Re: MY 8-19-07 WATERFRONT WEDDING WITH LOTS OF NON-PRO PHOTOS- The Harbor Club, Designs By Rose, Fame Entertainment, Captain Arnold, Martin Willard Photography, M & V Limos & SO MANY MORE- Ultra Long!

You pics are beautiful!!!