Ramsey Country Club - A+
There are not enough words to describe the amazing job that Michael and his team did. After going to two other venues, the minute I walked into Ramsey I felt at home. Michael was always so easy going, prepared, welcoming, and anytime I needed to get in contact with him, I always got a response within a day. Ramsey is a smaller venue that only holds one event at a time and their max is 200 people, so it usually flies under the radar on TK. I loved the intimacy, layout, and the golf course is gorgeous. The day of, since we had an hour gap, some guests arrived early. Michael told me not to worry about it and he would take care of them, which he did flawlessly. He, or either of his assistants were always there whenever I needed something. Ramsey CC was an absolute pleasure to work with.
Patrick Sweeney Photography - A (no album review yet) and videography (no review yet)
I first met Patrick when he shot my cousin's wedding in April. He's fun, energetic, and takes some really beautiful pictures. I decided to book him for photography and videography. He was always responsive and throughout the process and helpful with some other vendor recommendations. We took our Epics only a few weeks before the wedding, but based on how great they turned out, we knew we'd love our wedding pictures. He has a great mix of formals and candid shots. Day of we had two photographers and two videographers. Unfortunately for some reason DH didn't realize the photographer would be taking pictures when she got there and none of the guys were ready. Stacey the second shooter was really patient and luckily got some pictures in. Looking back there were a few pictures I had missed, but I blame myself for not giving Patrick a list of a few must-have shots. Overall Patrick did a great job at the wedding.
Danny C Entertainment - A+
I have been to quiet a few weddings over the past few years, and never loved a DJ. My sister's was too corny, my cousin's was too techno, and the others were just average. I took to TK in the summer to try and find a DJ. Heather and Jaime both recommended Danny C. We met for the first time in August and immediately asked where to sign. Danny is so knowledgeable, professional, and really knows his music. He called and e-mailed me a few times in the week leading up to make sure everything was ok and I didn't need anything. Danny even made a cd of all of our favorite country songs which he played during cocktail hour. All night long the floor was PACKED and our friends and family barely sat. The greatest thing was that Danny C, Patrick, and Michael have all worked together before, so I didn't have to worry about a thing all night. At one point during "Don't Stop Believin" Danny pulled DH and I up on the DJ stage. We felt like absolute rock stars and it made our night! Danny C is by far one of the best in the business.
Yumilla at Saddle Brook Metropolitan Plant and Flower Exchange - A-
Yumilla was at times hard to get a hold of since there are multiple offices and she would at times be in appointments. When we did meet, she was always so sweet and flexible with everything she did. We were able to take home mock-ups of my bouquet and the centerpieces. Day of, the flowers arrived right on time. My bouquet had green crystals in it and my MOH's was supposed to have clear ones. I guess there was a mixup since my sister's had green ones also. It was not a huge deal and the delivery man offered to have a new one sent over but it was not that big of a deal. I felt like my bouquet got a bit brownish towards the middle of the night but it wasn't noticeable to others. The centerpieces looked wonderful and it's a week later and the one we have in our house still looks great!
Max's party bus (part of America's best Limos) - A
My cousin had also used Max's party bus so we decided to go with them too. We went with a 24 passenger bus that was spacious and very clean. The day before I was supposed to get a confirmation call which came a bit late in the day, but nonetheless they did confirm. The day of I started freaking out about the guys getting picked up too late and called in the morning to see if they could come 15 minutes early. Max was really accommodating and actually came 15 minutes before the time I had asked for. Max and his assistant were great throughout the day, from checking the church's capacity, to making sure my train was good, they really did an outstanding job.
Le Gateau Suisse- A+
This bakery doesn't get mentioned all too often on here because he is located in NY right by the Palisades Mall. Rolf is the recommended bakery of Ramsey and it is clear why Micahel continues to use him. Rolf has a tasting where you sit down and go through pictures and ideas of what you want your cake to look like. From there a few months later, I picked up our sample cake, which is a 7x7 cake which Rolf decorates in a bunch of different ways. He does half fondant, half butter cream, and then all different designs so you can pick the one you like best. Also included with Rolf's cake is an anniversary cake, so this way you can eat the top of your cake at the wedding and it helps with cost. I also ordered a grooms cake which was a simple 12" round cake, which Rolf still decorated amazingly, and I fell over when he told me the cost ($40!!) you can't beat that! Rolf then amazed one more time with a birthday cake that my mom ordered for me. Rolf was incredibly reasonably and an awesome guy to work with! Oh and the cake tasted AMAZING! He's known for his chocolate and white chocolate moose filling. DH's cake was chocolate cake with cannoli filling.
Leave it to ME - invitations - A+
This company is run by my future sister-in-law who was also one of my BMs. Liz did all of the paper for our wedding, from the Engagement invites, save the dates, shower invites, wedding invites, programs, favor tags, etc. Her quality is outstanding as is her creativity. I may be biased since she's family, but she really does amazing work.
Sculptures Salon in Totowa (Frank and Emily) - A-
One of my bridesmaids recommended Frank and Emily to come to the house day-of for hair. At first they were a bit reluctant to come to the house since they are primarily salon stylists, but we did work something out eventually. Frank and Emily arrived early to get set up for myself and 5 other bridesmaids. My hair turned out amazing and held really well all night as did the other girls'. Frank and Emily are also very reasonable even with the travel fees.
Make-up by Elise - A +
Elise is a friend of one of my bridesmaids, but regardless is an absolute professional. For my trial, I said I wanted smokey eye, she asked if I was sure and I said yes. Well, I ended up looking like I was going to the pole that night lol. I knew I should have trusted her judgement, but Elise was really great about starting over with what she thought would look great, and it did! Day of - Elise was on-time and made my three other girls look like models!
Brielle's boutique - B
dress, alterations, and BM dresses
Finding my dress was a great experience, I worked with two great girls and the owner Claribel, who offered me 30% off the sample, which was a brand new dress that was discontinued. Throughout the year the two girls I worked with disappeared and were replaced with immature high school age girls that had no idea what was going on. The only time I got answers was when the owner was there. My girls' dresses were also from Brielle's and besides one girl's measurements and credit card information getting lost, everything went well. Though to be honest, the brand of the dress, Eden bridesmaid was not the best quality, pretty much on par with david's bridal. Claribel did amazing work with my alterations since it had straps that had to be taken off and the back had to be reconstructed.
John Escobar - bagpiper A
I spoke to John twice before the wedding. He was priced average amongst other pipers and he really set the atmosphere for the wedding.