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Newbie- need some help!

allie326allie326 member
Fourth Anniversary 10 Comments
in New Jersey
Hi girls, I'm Allie, I'm new to the boards! Just wanted to introduce myself.. Mike & I got engaged on Feb. 22- we are getting married on April 15th 2011 at the Venetian in Garfield.

We have some stuff done for our wedding- but not enough, as I'm hearing from lots of people!

I was just wondering if you could offer some guidance in terms of things I'm looking for.

We have our dj booked already- we met with Magic Moments in Garfield & then Dash of Class- we went with Vito at Dash of Class after other people we knew used them.

Now I'm having a hard time with Photographers, Videographers, Florist...

We have met with soo many photographers and I honestly havent found anyone I loved yet. Pictures to me are important but I'm wayy more interested in videography- I know I'll watch my video more than I'll look at my pictures.

The photographers we met with were:
Ben Ying
Unlimited Exposure
HallMarc
Abella
John Agnello
Visual Image
Artist European

The Videographers:
Krystle Klear
Michael Simons
plus: photographers offering video
Hallmarc
Visual Image
Unlimited Exposure
*We're going to meet with DMS & Bitcon Productions

We are also looking for a photobooth

Florist:
Marquis Florals by Kim

So I could really use a lot of help with photographers, videographers, florists, and limo companies.

For Limos- we need 2 stretch limos, a party bus & a car for me & my dad- then Mike & I after the church.

We have a huge bridal party- 14 on each side, plus 3 flower girls & 1 ring bearer.

I'd love to hear from you girls with respect to people you've used or are using and some suggestions as well! Thanks- hope to hear from you soon! =]

PS. Also- where did you or are you planning to take pictures? We were going to do Lambert's Castle- but a lot of photographers are telling me to stay away, it's too crowded with other brides & it's more of a wedding factory- they are telling us to go to Monmouth University- Wilson Hall, where Annie was apparently filmed? Not sure if we want to go there- we have no connection to Monmouth as we both went to Rutgers.Smile 
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Re: Newbie- need some help!

  • cvl105cvl105
    5000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    These are who I used for my wedding. I was very happy with each of them.  If you have any specific questions, just ask!

    Photographer - Chris Mastalia www.photocm.com
    Videographer - Daniel Lee Video http://www.danielleevideo.com/
    Florist - Precious Petals Too (Fairfield) http://www.preciouspetalstoo.biz/
    Limo - Limo Ride (Clifton) http://www.limoride.com/

    We took pictures at Verona Park and they came out beautifully.  If your reception is at the Venetian, isn't Monmouth University too far?
    ~Chelsea~
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  • Faith2730Faith2730 member
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011

    Hello!  For photography I am going with John Agnello.  He is taking us to Lambert's Castle prior to the reception.  The place we are having the reception doesn't have a lot of grounds for pictures so John recommended going to Lambert's Castle.  What I liked about him was he seemed like he knew his shots at the castle and wouldnt have us their long.  John also really worked with us to create a package to meet out budget.  As for Videography I went with Unique Video.  I also looked at Videoccasions.  We choose Unique Video because we were impressed by their videos and they just happened to be a little bit cheaper then Videoccasions.  However,  Videoccasions videos were outstanding too! 

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  • grace_anngrace_ann member
    Seventh Anniversary 100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    I am using Artist European and just got my engagement pictures back and loved them and felt really comfortable with Gerda - Also I love their albums

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  • kristen8040kristen8040 member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Hi and congrats!

    For photo and video we are using Patrick Sweeney.  He's a totally crazy and fun loving guy, which is what got us hooked.

    If you're looking for an amazing video though, I would check out endless wave studios.  I've seen a few of theirs and they shoot just like a music video!  On the other hand they're a bit pricey!

    Florist:  We are probably using Yumi at Metropolitan Florists in Saddle Brook.  She does great work within your budget.

    Good luck!
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  • uppereastgirluppereastgirl member
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My eastern NJ geography isn't the best, but isn't Monmouth University a pretty far drive from Garfield?  I wouldn't want to add that extra time to the day just to get a few photos...

    Both our photographer and videographer are based in New York but happy to travel to NJ.  We used Christian Oth Studio (www.christianothstudio.com) for our photos and 5 West Studio (www.5weststudio.com) for our video.  Both photos and video were really important to us, and both our photos and video exceeded our very, very high expectations.

    For flowers, we used Romantic Garden in Morristown (www.romanticgarden.com).  Again, we had very high expectations and Sue exceeded them.  She really was a pleasure to work with, and understood our vision and made it come to life.  (And she was very nice and patient with me as my ideas involved -- I think I was a very hands-on bride so we were in very frequent contact!)
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  • JulepheniaJulephenia member
    Knottie Warrior 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Welcome and congrats!

    I'm in the middle of a photographer search myself, I understand the frustration. :D
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  • allforyouallforyou
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    try clbphoto.com

    we are using them for our wedding and i coouldn't be more excited. i met with 17 photographers- hated them all. finally met with chris and his wife and loved them!! they were the only photographers that actually seemed like real people. plus i loved their photos. good luck!
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  • allie326allie326 member
    Fourth Anniversary 10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hey Girls-

    Thanks for the quick replies...I really appreciate all of them! As for Monmouth University- we live in Old Bridge- the church we're getting married at is in Matawan (5 minutes from my house) and Monmouth is only about 20 minutes away.  The Venetian is 45 minutes from my house- so it isn't competely out of the way- but we would be going south to then go north... 

    Thanks for the suggestions- I'm going to check out the people you mentioned and hopefully I'll find someone soon! =]
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  • DandT1206DandT1206 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    if you have the budget for videography, then check out Avanti in Staten Island. The work is unbelievable:  http://www.avantimediagroup.com/
    They were a little more than we wanted to spend, but since you said videography is important to you, then this might be worth checking out.
    BTW... we used Visual Image for photo and video.  They were good, but nothing exceptional.

    Also, since you have a huge bridal party, you might want to look into the Hummer Killer.  The only one in the area comes from Brooklyn -  Amex Limo http://www.amexlimo.com/hummer-killer.html
    We used that and loved it.  Great "wow" factor.

    If you have any questions, let me know.
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  • misschristinecmisschristinec
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Welcome and Congratulations!  Sounds like you are right in line where you are supposed to be.

    Videography was really important to me as well.  I didn't want a standard videographer I wanted  cinematographer... I chose Greg Lassik from http://www.Endlesswaveproductions.com check out his films.  He's awesome!  They are based in Belmar, NJ so it wouldn't be too rough to go to their office. 
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  • mbcdefgmbcdefg member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Photographer: http://www.mattraineyweddings.com/

    Photobooth: http://www.mastersoffunent.com/

    Limo: http://www.joeslimo.com/

    Florist: AW Flowers, Kearny (no website)

    We didn't hire a videographer.

    I have full reviews of these vendors in my bio, along with some professional photos.

    Hope this helps!
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  • Laurms15Laurms15 member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Videp: We have loved Michael Simmons Video so far. Great to work with!! We just got married and cant wait to see ours.

    Photo: My friends were pretty unhappy w/ John Agnello and I would have to agree the photos weren;t that great. We used John Arcara and he is amazing. He works w/ Michael Simmons a lot. I alo love Angela Pilat (used her for b-pics) and I like Josh Lynn a lot and Anne Constance.

    Limos: First Class Limo we LOVED them. We had one big limo for the BP and one smaller car the Bently for me and my dad and me and DH (see my siggy pics that was the car) and we used a party bus to go from the hotel to reception and back for the guests.

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  • Jaytee501Jaytee501
    1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Florist: Connie Riemer!

    Not only did she do an outstanding job but her son was married not too long ago at The Venetian.
     
    She's done many weddings there  (I know many florists in the area have but familiarity with the venue/knowing who runs it is a plus, i found, for vendors & the bride & groom)

    She uses office space at the Jason Craig suites at Wilshire grand Hotel in W. Orange (opposite The Manor) but is independently contracted by a bride/groom.

    973-850-7920 is her cell & the easiest way to reach her (she says this herself)

    973-445-0036 is Jason Craig's #; a receptionist may be able to book something for you. I'd talk to Connie personally, though, so you get a feel for her personality.

    Good luck with all of your vendors!
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  • tracey0916tracey0916 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    Welcome!  I am using Marquis Florals by Kim and I LOVE her.  This is actually my second wedding and she is my only repeat vendor.  Works way within your budget, suggests things to save you money and her work is absolutely gorgeous.  Plus she's a sweetheart of a person to deal with.

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  • Reilly626Reilly626 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I rec. Santos Limo, Santos Florist and JF Photography.... good luck and congrats!
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  • NJMom050911NJMom050911
    1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011

    Welcome and Congratulations!

    I highly recommend Josh Lynn for photography, he also provides photobooths www.joshlynn.com I've had a great experience with him thus far and his work is simply amazing.

    For flowers check out Metropolitan Plant and Flower Exchange in Saddle Brook

    Happy Planning!

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  • jrgoogrljrgoogrl
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Welcome and congrats!

    I second Josh Lynn! He's amazing! www.joshlynn.com and he also owns NJ Photo booths http://www.njphotobooths.com/

    For flowers, I'm using Lisa from A Touch of Elegance in Randolph http://www.njweddingflorist.com/

    For video, I highly recommend Rob from Villanovisions http://villanovisions.com/

    Good luck and happy planning! =)
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  • smw42smw42 member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I highly recommend Santos Limo and Avenue Florists in Elizabeth. We're using Visual Image for videogaphy and Tatiana Breslow for photography. Also, for hair & makeup I recommend Michelle Lo Conte and/or Gina Bronzo
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  • felicia220felicia220 member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Congrats!

    I am using Stephen from Divine Studios 


    He does amazing work and is by far the best vendor we have worked with.  I keep calling him my "wedding planner" because he basically crated my entire timeline.  He is based out of Brooklyn but travels, no problem.  He also has a videographer that works with him, that is also amazing!

    Good Luck and Congrats!
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  • akmackayakmackay
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    As far as a location for pictures, don't listen to any photographe rbut the one you book. I wouldn't go all the way South to Monmouth if you don't have any connection there. Go where you want to go!
    *~allie~*

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  • mariaNryan mariaNryan
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    we are using creative image for photography and they do videography as well....
    flowers we are using debbie designs :)

    welcome and congrads on your engagment!!!! finding a photographer was the hardest part for me as well as frustrating because my fiancee didnt have interest in this area
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  • Lola MinnieLola Minnie member
    1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    hello & congrats!

    I also was married at the Venetian and went to Lambert's Castle to take photos. I didn't think it was a wedding factory at all.  There was one other couple there that was coming as we were almost done. I am so thankful I heard about there because the photos from Lambert's Castle came out fabulous. Plus it was a quick drive so we had extra time to take photos before our cocktail hour at the Venetian.
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  • kle0113kle0113 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_newbie-need?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:b8cf9084-d98d-4eed-a216-b3972fc292e8Post:9dd58eb5-a192-473f-b8d6-978d8d0267f4">Re: Newbie- need some help!</a>:
    [QUOTE]Videp: We have loved Michael Simmons Video so far. Great to work with!! We just got married and cant wait to see ours. Photo: My friends were pretty unhappy w/ John Agnello and I would have to agree the photos weren;t that great. We used John Arcara and he is amazing. He works w/ Michael Simmons a lot. I alo love Angela Pilat (used her for b-pics) and I like Josh Lynn a lot and Anne Constance. Limos: First Class Limo we LOVED them. We had one big limo for the BP and one smaller car the Bently for me and my dad and me and DH (see my siggy pics that was the car) and we used a party bus to go from the hotel to reception and back for the guests.
    Posted by Laurms15[/QUOTE]

    Ditto on Michael, John and First Class.  I do not have one bad thing to say about any of them.  For First Class we only used the shuttle and the driver fully stocked it for us with out us even asking. 

    John is an amazing photographer and is always thinking outstide the box.

    I also love my video from Michael.  He was there all night and got some great shots. 
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  • RebeccaW2010RebeccaW2010 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Haha Reilly-I am using JF Photography too! NICE!!

    Photo/Video: JF Photography for photos & they have video within their company as well. 

    Florist-Michaels Florist in Bloomfield-NJ.  I also went to see FlowerZone in Westfield, NJ and they were very good too!

    Limo-D & G Limo
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  • kwilkinson14kwilkinson14
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011

    I am using Jason Rhee Photography. A couple of other girls on the knot  have used him and he has received good reviews from them. My FI and I met him and really liked what we saw. We also did meet with CLB Photography. They were great to meet and their work was good. But in the end FI and I liked Jason and he fit into our budget better. As far as the other two I'm searching for myself. GL!

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  • AliandDan2010AliandDan2010
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    photographer: John Arcara

    video: Michael Simons

    limo: Action Limo

    florist: Michael's Florist
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  • pciresa1pciresa1
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Try American Photographers they have really cool music videos
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