Hi- I used to post more during the early stages of planning, and the vendor reviews were always the most helpful. I also used to be mmontroni. You can post these on the vendor website, but please don't use my knottie name.
Vendor Reviews- 11/25/11
Reception: Westmount Country Club: A+
We worked with Stephanie as our Banquet Manager, and Karen as our Maitre’d. However, the entire staff did a phenomenal job throughout the night, and we could not be happier with the presentation, professionalism, and care they showed to us and to our guests. Many brides say they never eat at their reception, but that was not the case for us; Karen made sure we ate, drank, and had everything we needed. It was clear that they were extremely well organized and prepared for whatever issue might arise. The food was excellent, plentiful, and they were able to impress every single one of our guests, who are still calling to compliment the reception nearly a month later.
Ceremony: St. Philip the Apostle Church, Clifton, NJ: B-
There was no wedding coordinator on the day of the ceremony, and the processional started before I was even out of the car- there was no one to tell the organist when to start! Plus, we got our marriage certificate back and it has the wrong date.
Flowers: Atlas: A-
Matt was not always the warmest or most professional person to get along with, but he did beautiful work. Considering we had to choose from one of three florists, he gave us the best price quote and was the most convenient in terms of location.
Cake: Palermo’s: A+
We had a vanilla cake with vanilla custard and fresh strawberries and it was delicious! With the Westmount’s package, you get to choose from about 25 basic designs, and then you can customize more. We stayed with one of the basic designs and it was gorgeous.
Band: Drop Dead Sexy: A++++
They made our wedding. There are hardly enough words to describe how amazing this band was. They are a cover band from Philadelphia, and they kept the dance floor packed the entire night. Even the grandparents were dancing all night! Booking was easy, and their agent answered all of my questions. Once it got closer to the wedding, Ducky, the MC, called and we discussed some specific song choices and how I wanted the flow of the wedding to be. I had full confidence in them and it paid off. They are amazing!
Photographer: Robert Wayne Photography: A+ (Pending the rest of our photos)
We found Bob on the Knot, and used him for our Engagement photos, so we knew what his style was, and how we felt around him. He’s very creative and flexible, and has a lot of great ideas. He’s easy to work with, and we both felt very comfortable around him. We had him take some very large group photos, which was a challenge with the space and lighting, but he handled it professionally and I know the photos will be wonderful!
Videographer: GT Modern Creations: A+ (Pending video)
Throughout the entire day, Gabriel and Caritza, (a husband and wife team) were unobtrusive and gracious. They even helped my grandmother when the lens fell out of her glasses! We had lots of downtime during the day, so they came up with a video message for me to record for my husband. Then they taped his before the ceremony. I know they had a great time at the reception, because I could see Caritza dancing behind her camera! They were all over the reception throughout the night, capturing the night’s best moments. I can’t wait to see what they put together!
Hair: Santa Fe Salon, Jill and Lisa: A+
My mom and I have gone to Santa Fe for as long as I can remember, and Jill has done our hair for the same amount of time! So it was natural for her to do my hair for the wedding! We had several trials- every time I went in for a cut in the year before the wedding, we’d end up trying different ways to curl my hair so it would last! On the day of, Jill booked the entire salon for my bridal party, mom and grandmother, brought Champagne, and she and Lisa did an amazing job. All of our curls lasted, and we stayed right on schedule!
Makeup: Patty Doo Beauty: A+
Patty Delvecchio currently works as a makeup artist for CNBC, so she knows what makeup looks good on camera! She’s also family, so I knew she’d do a great job! She made us all look like amazing versions of ourselves- glamorous and beautiful. She even put false eyelashes on my 82 year old grandmother, and made her look like a model! She was efficient, fun, and a great choice for a makeup artist!
Limo: Rt. 22 Limo: A
My husband’s family had used this company in the past for weddings, so it was kind of natural that we would use them as well. We had no problems booking, although it is a kind of strange location if you have to go there in person…take your fiancé with you. They were early, waited patiently for us to come out, and my driver was very courteous. We never got to do our Champagne toast because we were pressed for time, but we really didn’t need it.
Tuxedos: Ideal Tuxedos: A
My husband’s brother had used this shop for his wedding, so we went here as well- it’s small but the owner is very knowledgeable, and flexible with last minute changes.
Dress: Bridals by Roma: A
My Demetrios dress was ordered in a size 20, and I am a size 12/14, so it had to be taken in an enormous amount. All the beading had to be removed from the bodice, which was completely beaded! My seamstress was Maria, and she was really wonderful- she had an eagle eye and wouldn’t let me out of the fitting room until everything was perfect. I did not find my dress at Roma- I actually found it at the Demetrios trunk show at the Willowbrook Macy’s, but Joanne at Roma gave me a much better price for the dress. Since it wasn’t a sample, it was harder for Maria to alter since she had nothing to compare it to, but she did an excellent job. The bridesmaids dresses were also from Roma, by Allure, and we were all very pleased with the experience as well.