My husband and I were married last month after 7 years together and 1 1/2 years of planning.!! I thought I would share some of the good (and bad) of the vendors we hired for our wedding. Hope you all find this helpful!!!
Venue: Oceancliff Hotel (Newport, RI) A-
The primary reason we choose Oceancliff was for the ocean views and outdoor space. For our wedding we really lucked out with the weather, getting a beautiful 70 degree sunny day. That said had it rained on our wedding day and we were not able to take use of the outdoor space I probably would not have been that happy with the venue as you pay a premium for the location and use of outdoor space. Food: The food was great and we received many compliments from our guests. The chef was very accommodating with my guests who had special needs (one gluten allergy and one nut allergy) The chef made nut free and gluten free entrees for them. The staff also made a note of who these guests were and informed them of which appetizers, bread and dessert they couldn’t eat. Service: The staff at Oceancliff are great. They contact all of your vendors and arrange the set up the day of your wedding with all your vendors, so you don’t have to worry about anything. From the morning of our wedding until the last dance they provided exceptional service. We were given a “Captain” as they call it, Britany, who followed my husband and myself around the whole day, bringing up appetizers and champagne as soon as the ceremony was over, holding my bouquet, caring my train, bring us drinks all night and even my flip flops when I had enough of my shoes. Rachel the ceremony coordinator was also great, she checked in with us in the morning while we were getting ready in the Gatehouse, had breakfast brought to us in the morning, and guided us through every step of our day. After all the planning I had done for our wedding it was great to not have to worry about anything on my wedding day. I had complete confidence in Oceancliff that they would make sure everything was taking care of Atmosphere: Oceancliff is a beautiful location, with spectacular ocean views. I don’t think any other location in RI can compare to Oceancliff. The only downside is you pay a premium for the location and if the weather is bad you don’t get use of the outdoor space.
Rehearsal Dinner: Safari Room @ Oceancliff A-
Allison arranged our rehearsal dinner at the Safari restaurant including setting up the seating cards and favors I provided to her. We were given a great table under the tent and had an amazing sunset dinner. The food was great and our guests couldn’t stop raving about the food and the amazing ocean views.
Ceremony Officiate: Dana Spencer A-
We were referred to Dana by Oceancliff and were very happy with her. A few months before the wedding Dana meet with us at a local coffee house where we spent about 2-3hrs talking and telling her all about ourselves. From that meeting she wrote our ceremony specifically tailored to our seven year journey together. She was very personable and really made us feel comfortable during our ceremony rehearsal and our actual ceremony. I would absolutely recommend her!
DJ: Victor from Party Time B+
Victor was very easy to work with and very professional. A little expensive, especially since we had a day time wedding and our guests spent a lot of time outside enjoying the views and there was not an extensive amount of dancing. Even though it was expensive I am happy with my choice and would choose Victor again as our DJ.
Wedding Dress: East Greenwich Bridal A-
I bought my wedding dress from Alex at EG Bridal and I am very happy with my choice. Alex is very nice to work with and helps you to find the perfect dress. I LOVE my wedding dress and veil and cannot wait to renew my vows someday (soon) so I can wear it again.
Hair and Make-up Stylist: Sara Faella and her Glam Squad A-
Sara and one of her Glam Squad members did the hair and make-up for myself, bridal party and my mom. She is so nice and fun to work with, is reasonably priced, and does amazing work. We all had airbrush makeup and I have never looked better. Sara came to us in the morning, was on time and stayed until we were ready to walk out the door. Her Glam Squad member even helped my bridal party lace the corset to my dress. I hope my BFF uses her when she gets married (some day) just so I can get my hair and makeup done by Sara again.