Hey there! Well this is a bit overdue from my September wedding, but the past 8 months (almost) have been crazy crazy busy and I am just now finally having time to finish up my reviews and post them on here! I think I did a review on just about everyone I worked with throughout the process, but I could possibly be forgetting one or two (hopefully not!). Some of them are LONG in detail but I wanted to include every little detail about the company to the best of my ability. Feel free to message me with any comments or questions, or if you need even more detail...let me know
I hope this is able to help some of you in your wedding planning!
The Old Tappan Manor (Old Tappan, NJ) – This venue was recommended to me by a friend. The second I looked at it online, I knew it was going to be in my top 3 places. I loved it! After researching different prices and options from 17 different venues (YES 17!) this was the place we decided to hold our September wedding at. I was working with Alex from the beginning and he was wonderful! They did everything they said they would do, they allowed me to come in at least a dozen times before the wedding to confirm details and do a walk through, and he answered all of my calls and emails. The food was amazing and the venue was beautiful! I received SO many compliments from my guests on the venue from their recent renovations and the food to the service of the staff. We LOVED our wedding at The Old Tappan Manor and I would highly recommend!
Lauren Paige Associates (Wedding Planner - Middletown, NY) - I originally contacted Lauren for full planning services. After doing some research, I realized it wasn’t within my budget (Now I realize it would have been worth every penny!) So I ended up hiring her as my DOC. From day one she was amazing! From follow up emails to the detailed questions-she brought up things that even I didn’t think about! I sent her pictures of my vision & asked her what she would recommend. I met with her several times-she even met me to help pick out items for my reception! (And when I realized I didn’t buy enough candles just days before my wedding, she went on her own time to pick up some more!) She came to the rehearsal at the church (over an hour away from her office!) She showed up at my house at 9 am the day of & was there with me until the very last second nearly 15 hours later! I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have her there. When the DJ didn’t have the right equipment with him - when I needed to change my shoes in the middle of taking pictures - even something as small as going back to the suite just to get my chapstick in the middle of the reception…she was there! My wedding had A LOT going on & she was able to handle it ALL! She set EVERYTHING up exactly as I had pictured & it looked beautiful! She made sure all the “odds & ends” were taken care of & every last detail was worked out. At the end of the night she packed everything up & delivered it to the hotel. She even made sure I put the top tier of my cake in the refrigerator! I definitely think Lauren went above & beyond her “day of” duties to make sure I had the most amazing wedding! *Note-I hired Lauren as my DAY OF coordinator. On my wedding day, I had a breach of contract from my DJ. Lauren took it upon herself to write an email to the DJ expressing my disappointment in their services - well after her duties came to an end! I came home from my honeymoon to find a refund from my DJ. She didn’t have to go that extra mile, but she did & for that I am forever grateful!
Photography by Alfonso – Photographer and videographer (White Plains, NY) I feel like I cannot give a full review of them since I haven’t received my wedding video or my album yet (partially my fault!) Alfonso did our engagement session and we loved his creativity and added extras that he put into his work which made our pictures come out amazing. We spoke with him before the wedding to go over all of the final details (there was a large span of time from the engagement shoot to our actual wedding). He came with himself and three other people, he showed up on time and ready to work. I received my wedding proofs (on a disk and the actual proofs) within a month of my wedding. All I had to go was go through all two thousand or so pictures and give him the pictures I wanted for our thank you cards as well as the album choices. That is where my downfall came in; I took a very long time to actually get back to him. I didn’t give him our thank you card choices and song choices for our wedding video until about 4 or 5 months later. They are still working on my video and album and I have not seen the finished product as of yet! I will be sure to comment on the final product once I receive everything. Other than that, I really have nothing bad to say about them. They usually answered my calls or emails within a day’s time, he was easy to work with and always accommodating.
Pearl River Florist (Pearl River, NY) The florist was recommended to us by several different people and I wanted someone that was close to our venue that can produce what I was looking for in our budget, but I have to say…I didn’t LOVE their work. We worked with Stephanie from the beginning and while she was SO helpful and did what she could to provide what I wanted, it still came out to be different than what I was looking for. Unfortunately, it took my wedding day to realize that. I brought in as many pictures as I could to express and show my vision to her. She made two samples of our centerpieces, the first one I didn’t care for, so she made another which came out just perfect. I then asked her if she can produce a sample of the bouquet, to which she stated she doesn’t do samples of bouquets. Fair enough – that’s her policy. I figured I brought in enough pictures to show exactly what I wanted. But when the flowers came to my house, I was so disappointed. Not only was my bouquet WAY smaller than what I had wanted, so were my bridesmaids. It was nothing what I had in my mind or what I expressed. While they were the right flowers, they were A LOT smaller than I expected. Not a huge ordeal, but then I started to examine what I was actually paying for…the satin that was supposed to be wrapped on the bouquets was only wrapped a few inches down and all of the stems were coming out from the bottom in all different directions. It looked like the ribbon was sloppily thrown on there and pinned. It didn’t look neat and put together at all! Again, not what I expected. We had the bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres for the pictures but the flowers were half dead by the time we reached the reception. The flowers were delivered on time and looking fresh when they arrived, but they didn’t last any longer than flowers I could have picked up at the greenery section at the food store. Walking into my reception with half dead flowers wasn’t my idea of a beautiful picture. While they had great customer service and she was always there to answer my questions, I have to say I am disappointed in their product.
NJ Limo Bus and Limousine (Fairfield, NJ) I started looking for limo’s 5 months before my wedding date. To my dismay, one apparently needed to look at least 8-10 months before. I needed an SUV limo AND a 2-3 person car limo for my wedding. The SUV limo had to be able to fit up to 16 people comfortably. I wanted to get both cars from the same company so that I didn’t have to worry about having two separate contracts and contacting two different companies etc…I looked high and low for a company that had nice, clean cars that were big enough and available for my date. I could not find them anywhere! Finally, someone recommended NJ Limo Bus to us. They were about an hour away from where I had to be picked up but I took the trip to go see them. I loved them! From the second I walked in the door, they were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They answered all of my questions and calmed all of my worries. They let me see the exact limo I would be getting for my wedding, however, the car they were planning on giving me for my date was already booked. The owner went out of his way to make calls to other companies he had agreements/arrangements with to get me a car. He took care of all the minor and major details with the other company so I didn’t have to worry about a thing! I filled out all the needed paperwork and kept in touch with them as required until my wedding date. The cars showed up on time, very clean and fully stocked. The drivers were AWESOME and even gave us 45 minutes that we went over our booking time. They were sociable, played great music for my bridal party and best of all…kept me calm in getting to and from all of the places! I would highly recommend this company!
LCG Cigars (La Casa Grande Cigars) (Bronx, NY) – This company was so easy to work with! They came recommend by my wedding planner as well another couple. They also did a wedding that we went to several months before ours. They came on time to set up; they had a cigar roller as well as an assistant (?). Everything was done professionally, they were dressed as requested and everyone LOVED them! They made sure they said hello to my husband and I at the wedding and give us all of the extra cigars from the night. Every time I called to confirm the details or ask questions, they were extremely helpful and we were able to process all of the paperwork over the phone and through email. They are a great company and I would highly recommend if you are looking for a cigar roller for your event!
Bijou Bridal (Paramus, NJ) (Purchase of Bridal Gown) – I went to at least 5 – 7 bridal salons to search for the perfect wedding dress and I loved not only this store and their selection of dresses but their customer service. I didn’t feel rushed when trying on dresses, I came back nearly three times trying on the same dress and I was never overwhelmed when working with them. All of the women that I worked with were wonderful and made me feel super comfortable. The girls that answer the phones were always able to answer my questions and help when needed. When I finally found the dress they did alterations until the day BEFORE my wedding in order to get it right and perfect for my day! The seamstress was wonderful and went above and beyond to make the dress just right! I would totally recommend shopping for your dress at this store!
Bliss Bridal (Formerly Bella Couture) (Newburgh, NY) (Purchase of bridesmaid dresses)I know two people that purchased their bridal gowns from this store but in my search of one they didn’t seem to have what I was looking for but I ended up purchasing my bridesmaids and MOB dresses from them. They were wonderful! I worked with Keri (one of the owners) from the beginning and she was always so incredibly helpful and knowledgeable! I was a super picky bride, had a million questions, wanted to see and feel the fabric of everything, I made a million appointments with them and they still treated me as if I just walked in the door! It was great getting to work with them and getting to know their staff, they are all amazing. Once I finally chose my bridesmaid dresses they ordered me samples of the colors and helped me make a final decision. They did all the alterations on site and the seamstress was great! She even did my flower girl dresses for us that we purchased from another store! I love love love them and would totally recommend shopping there for your bridal needs.
Color Makeup Studios (Pearl River, NY) – Christine was the third makeup trail I went to for my wedding day makeup. After making appointments with three companies, I didn’t think I was going to find someone that can produce the look I was going for. She listened, looked at the pictures I brought in and did exactly that! She was great! I LOVED my makeup on the trail date and loved it even more on the day of my wedding! She drove to my parent’s house to do my makeup and all of my bridesmaid’s makeup on the morning of my wedding and she did a wonderful job! She kept in touch with me until the day of the wedding (I booked her months in advance) and showed up on time and ready to get started! She literally made me cry when she finished my makeup on my wedding day. It was exactly what I had pictured in my mind and she was able to create “that look” for me. She was fairly priced and did the best job! I would definitely recommend!
Hair Design by Danielle (Bullville, NY) – I was looking for someone that would travel to where I was getting ready and be able to do hair for myself and my bridesmaids. A lot of salons wouldn’t close their doors on a Saturday to go off location to do hair. Danielle was amazing! She was recommended by my wedding planner. I had two hair trials with her and I loved her work! The way she made my girls look on the day of my wedding was stunning! She was fairly priced and she did an amazing job! She came to my house at 7am to start on everyone’s hair and didn’t leave until I was practically ready to walk out the door. She postponed all of her morning appointments for me and I will forever be a customer of hers!
Homestyle Desserts Bakery (Peekskill, NY) – This was the bakery that was in our contract with our venue and I don’t think I would have gone elsewhere! They were wonderful and the cake was delicious. I brought in a picture of what I wanted and they made EXACTLY that! It came out beautiful! We did a cake tasting right at the bakery, we tasted everything they had to offer and they gave us pastries and coffee to take home with us! They were great and we got so many rave reviews from our guests on the cake!
Always Invited Events Invitations, Programs, Menus, Escort Cards Etc… (Monroe, NY) - I happened to come across this company on several different wedding sites so I wanted to see what they were about. I am extremely picky yet still indecisive and Ilene had the patience of an angel! She was wonderful. When we made our first appointment we were there for nearly two hours and I still didn’t find what I was looking for in her dozens of catalogs, books and samples. I needed to go home and clear my head. I knew what I wanted in my mind but I couldn’t seem to find it on paper. I came back to her for a second appointment and explained to her exactly what I was looking for and we created it out of a few different samples. She gave me price quotes on a few different styles and designs until we finally found what I was looking for and still was able to create something that fit our budget. She ended up making my church programs, menus and place card seating’s as well as all of my invitations. They came out beautiful and I got so many compliments!
The PhotoBooth Lounge (CT) – PROS & CONS. I wanted an actual photo lounge more than a booth and this is exactly what they had. When I saw their set up on their website I knew I wanted to book them. While they were on the expensive side it was worth every penny! We had photo props (that I supplied myself) and used the photo strips for our guest book at the wedding. All of our guests LOVED the photo booth and are still raving about how much fun they had! While they were a great addition to our wedding day, the communication with the company was a little difficult. I seemed to only be able to reach them through email and even then it took them some time to get back to me. I sent a few emails asking them about the design on the photo strip and he didn’t get back to me until days before my wedding (which seemed to be the busiest time and the last thing I wanted to do). After the wedding was over I was supposed to get a link to a website where my pictures can be viewed and purchased for any quest that wanted additional copies as well as a CD with all of my pictures to keep for myself. About a month went by before I realized he never sent me anything. I contacted him through email about both and never heard back. I sent him another email three weeks later and he finally responded. He included the link to the website and said my CD would be on its way. It is now 7 months after my wedding date and I JUST NOW received the CD of pictures. This was after NUMEROUS emails, voicemails, and Facebook messages. I loved the lounge, it was very modern and went with the décor and theme of my wedding, the booth was super clean and easy to use but the communication is very poor on the company’s part. They are rated very highly in CT but I have to say I am slightly disappointed in the operational end of their business.
DJ Serg Entertainment (White Plains, NY) - HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE! STAY AWAY! During our appointments, we stressed all of the details we wanted to be included in our day of package. Our number one concern was that we wanted DJ Serg himself to be our DJ (which was duly noted in our contract), we wanted the best package, specific songs to be played and not to be played and a MC that was going to get our crowd pumped up and ready to dance. I didn’t think that was asking for too much. Well, we got nothing that we requested or paid for! I was advised several days before my wedding by the same person that recommended him that he didn’t think he was going to be the DJ at our reception. In a panic, I called my wedding planner to make sure she confirmed all details with every vendor as per our contracts. She specifically called DJ Serg again to ensure that he was in fact going to be there. They reassured her that he will be there - even on the morning of my wedding! To my dismay, he was not. I received nothing but a no call, no show from what I thought was a reputable company. While this was just one detail I specifically requested that was not fulfilled, there were many others to follow. When we sat down with DJ Serg, the picture he showed us of our package, along with a video of what our day would be like, was not what we received. We paid for the platinum package - we were told we would have FOUR plasma screen’s up on display, we would have two DJ’s AND one MC, and a laser and light show. We received TWO plasma screens instead of four, two people (which I am assuming one was the DJ and one was supposed to be the MC – which he did a poor job at showing and didn’t even introduce himself), and there was no laser light show. To my understanding, the two people that came to my wedding representing DJ Serg were actually contracted out! I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard this! HE CONTRACTED OUT MY WEDDING! I also sent an updated sheet of music that I wanted the DJ to play. He was never given the updated sheet by the manager and only had the original sheet that I sent over weeks before. (This defeats the purpose anyway, because not even half of the songs I requested were played!) He actually played the wrong song during our “cake cutting”, realized halfway through, then attempted to correct his mistake and started to play the right song but then announced his mistake to the crowd! I was so embarrassed! The DJ did not take ANY requests from quests at our wedding…I even went up to him myself to request a song (that didn’t end up getting played!) Can you imagine the Bride herself requests a song that even she couldn’t get played at her own wedding?! I paid for THREE vendor meals at the reception, when only two came. So now, not only was I extremely unhappy with the services I received, I literally lost MORE money by paying for someone’s meal that didn’t even show up! What was supposed to be the MC didn’t interact with the crowd or guests AT ALL during the entire night! He barely spoke two words during the event and took nearly a 45 minute dinner break creating such a lull in the room. Overall, I was saddened by the entire situation. This was nothing what we expected. Choosing our DJ was one of the most important things that we thought would contribute to a great reception, something we had planned so well for, yet was one of my biggest disappointments. I am appalled at the utter lack of professionalism that the company displayed and I think it is safe to say, I would not use nor would I ever recommended this company to anyone. I sent them an email soon after returning from my honeymoon and expressed all of my frustrations to them directly. I received an email back saying they would review my contract further and have someone follow up with me in regards to all of my concerns, along with her telling me to read the fine print! Really?! I did read the fine print and that was in NO WAY “the best DJ services” or an equal DJ in representation to what DJ Serg would have brought to my reception. To simply contract out my wedding with not even a phone call of warning is merely unacceptable and completely unprofessional. If I would have known this could have happened from the beginning, I would have NEVER gone with their company. It was guaranteed and I was reassured time and time again that he would be there – even on the morning of my wedding (the company had to of known by this point that they were going to be sending someone else). Well GUESS WHAT?! After their “manager” told me someone would be following up with me…I NEVER HEARD BACK FROM THEM! I emailed them YET AGAIN and didn’t hear back. I finally sent a THIRD email and still never got a response! I would have hoped that they would have reviewed my emails and my thoughts with a higher respect than before and take into strong consideration the treatment we received on one of the biggest days of our lives. Overall, it was an extreme fail of the general services and a huge disappointment on my wedding day!
Vacations by Stacy Travel Agent (NY/NJ) – We used Stacy to book our honeymoon. We told her what we were looking for and what we wanted to spend, things we definitely wanted to have on our honeymoon and things we didn’t really care for. She did all of the leg work and came up with some great choices. She booked everything for us and took care of all the little details. She literally just told us where we had to be and what time. She booked all of our excursions for us before we even got there so we didn’t have to worry about planning our day on the honeymoon. She came to our house each time we had to meet with her, emailed me all of the documents I would need and even gave us a little carry-on bag filled with all the little necessities for traveling! I would highly recommend her for any of your traveling needs!
Other companies we used along the way for smaller wedding details: (If you would like a review of any of the below companies, please feel free to message me or comment below)
Designs by Elizabeth – custom table numbers (Etsy)
The Stone House Oven – custom cookie favors (Etsy)
Men’s Wearhouse – tuxedos for the groom, groomsman, father of the bride and groom
Wedding Paper Divas – save the date and rehearsal dinner invitations (online)
Nina – held engagement party (Middletown, NY)
Mansion Ridge – held bridal shower (Monroe, NY)
Il Fresco – held rehearsal dinner (Orangeburg, NY)
St. Paul’s Church – ceremony (Congers, NY)
Bourghol Brothers Jewelers – rings and groomsman gifts (Congers, NY)
The Park Ridge Marriott – wedding night accommodations and post wedding breakfast (Park Ridge, NJ)