Does anyone know

Danes983

When vanessapodunk or that other girl who got married in Sept at the Brownstone gets back?  I am so nervous about my venue.  I know it got some good and some bad reviews but a lot of them were from wedding a year or more ago. i was really hoping to  get feedback from there girls.  Or anyone who has planned anything with  them in the last 6 mo. TIA

ddelo23

Some people here have had problems with them, but i use them for ALL my events (other than my wedding) and I have yet to have an issue.  They're really great, depending on who you work with.  What kind of questions do you have? if they're not totally wedding related, I may be able to answer.

Danes983

I already booked there.. I dont have like a million questions, just more of how things went and what to expect. Also must have food items and all that jazz. I am working with Albert Manzo.  I am so nervous that its going to be a disaster and I dont know why.  I am a meeting event planner (well i was before I was laid off and took my current job) I hate that I cant control everything the day of because I will be hopfully enjoying.

ddelo23

Everything will be fine.  The only one I really had a problem with was Anthony there, and it wasn't so much that I had a problem with him, but he's very by the book and isn't willing to budge. Everything will be fine.  Like I said, I have NEVER had a problem with them, and I have been to a friends wedding there and everything went well.  They're food is really good, never had a complaint about that either but I can't tell you what to get or what not to get, because for most of our events, they're buffet/cocktail hr style.  Just be upfront with what you expect of them, and everything will be fine!

misskris927

I went to a wedding there in June. It was a friend of mine from work. To be honest, I thought everything was OK. She had a lot of issues with them beforehand, like never calling her back, rescheduling appointments, etc. She was really fed up with them by the end of her planning process. All in all, everything went fine that day, but the food and service was just alright. I also just had my sister-in-laws shower there in September. Her mom insisted we have it there, even though I disagreed. I went through the same BS my friend did with it being impossible to get in touch with them. I felt the food at the shower was actually quite better than the wedding. I'm sure everything will work out for you. Don't stress about it too much. You've already booked with them. Just make sure you stay on top of them ALL THE TIME. Go down there if they don't call you back (because they NEVER do)

ddelo23

That's strange, because I have ALWAYS received a call back when I call.  Maybe because we have multiple events there.  Or it could just be who you're working with I guess.  There is a woman Cookie there that is AWESOME to work with and so nice.  So I guess it's situational now. Either way, I'd focus on the postives now, since you're booked already.  try not to even think of the negatives and like I said - be upfront and stern with what you expect.

GK2009

My sister had her engagement party at the Brownstone and we also just had my Grandmother's 90th birthday there a few months ago.  They were 2 great parties!  The Brownstone is a beautiful place and the staff was very nice.  The food was delicious.  These weren't weddings, but the Brownstone was totally professional.  You already booked them so don't focus on the negative-- just get psyched that you are going to have an awesome wedding!!!  Good luck.

Danes983

Thanks ladies. I am just stressed bc I didnt join the knot until after I booked and then when I asked for feedback Brad ranted about them.  Now I have him in my head and feeling like I didnt make a good choice.  My wedding is really far out so I dont expect them to be up my butt right now, but I did e-mail with a few questions and never got a response. Just makes me crazy bc I dont want to be that bridezilla needy person.

misskris927

I would just keep on top of them. If you don't hear from them after a couple days, just keep calling/emailing. All in all, they do a good job and I'd try to not worry. You obviously picked them for a reason, so keep reminding yourself why you booked there. I would definitely go down there though, if you have a hard time contacting them.

Melissa66

The Brownstone did the catering for my offsite reception in Ridgewood in September 2008. The beginning of my dealings with TB was difficult since Al Manzo, the offsite events director, was tough to get on the phone and email. But once hubby and I met with Al everything went smoothly. We had a private tasting at TB with my sister and BIL in April which was lavish with absolutely incredible food. 2 months before the wedding we went to an open tasting at TB with a packed ballroom. There we chose our dessert buffet -- the desserts were fantastic. On wedding day everything with TB fell into place perfectly. They showed up at the venue ahead of schedule. When hubby and I arrived at the venue everything was perfect. The cocktail hour was super elegant, the tables in the ballroom were impeccably set up and the wait staff was very professional and friendly, including the bartender. The food was phenomenal! We got rave reviews from our guests about the dinner and dessert buffet. I wouldn't worry about TB. Just remember that it's a wedding factory and that they're always frantically busy. But it's worth all that because the food and service on your wedding day will be fabulous. Hope this helps!

Melissa66

Danes, Don't worry too much about Al Manzo. He is difficult to get on the phone and email. But be persistent and you will connect with him. I was afraid that he was blowing me off until he finally called me. Also, be very specific about the kind of food/liquor/beverages you want. Al will provide what you want.

Danes983

I am feeling much better. Thank you al so much.  I am glad I got some real reviews other than "mafia run bla bla bla"  They could be run by the Russian Mob or anyother Mob for that matter. As long as the food is great and they take care of me I will be happy.

cher1980

hey danes - i dont know much about the brownstone but i will tell you is that i got married at the bethwood - and its not a favored place here in knot land...but i worked with the general manager there - me and him and the rest of the staff became great friends and my wedding was perfect - everything was great and people who i invited who also didnt think highly of it, had a wonderful time.  Dont stress about what other people think - go with your gut. You have to take control at places like this...take control now, show them whose boss, and it will all be smooth sailing!

ddelo23

what does brad know?  don't worry about what he says.

Jaytee501

Dana/Danes, We'd emailed a few times before but I'm happy to go over more stuff... maybe I forgot to answer questions? Our May 1st wedding at The Brownstone was fabulous- and I've been to almost each popular, raved-about venues on this board, the ones that do one event at a time, etc., all in the past 15 months or so. Our food & service surpassed many of the other weddings I attended! My experience the DAY OF (you can read my review again: no, they're not the best communicators but they came through!) was perfect. I can't think of anything I was displeased about regarding the staff, the food, the cleanliness, etc. I now ignore everyone & go by my own experience...and more recently, Vanessa's as well!Email me again if you'd like