tiff940's reviews

La Rosa Cubana came during the Venetian hour to provide guest with cigars rolled on the spot. They also came with plenty of pre-rolled cigars for guest who didn’t want to wait. They offer several packages and I found their prices to be the most reasonable in the New York City/Long Island area.

While the reception was on Long Island (where Stephen is from) it was important to me that we also incorporate my background in our day too. The Abyssinian Baptist Church was the perfect place. Not only am I a member of the church but it is also a historical staple in Harlem. Harlem holds much history for my family and Abyssinian holds much history for African Americans in the world. For almost one full year Stephen and I had premarital counseling sessions with Reverend Violet Dease, the assistant pastor and our ceremony officiant. Our church also provided us with a coordinator, security, organist, and soloist. I couldn’t have asked for a better ceremony location.

Leonard’s was an easy choice to make when picking a reception venue. The grand entrance, staircase, and chandeliers were just what I was looking for. The décor is anything but subtle and neither are we. The food is more than your can ever eat and it is delicious. Not to mention that our reception site choices were limited because of the size of our party (370). Leonard’s was one of the few places who could accommodate us comfortably and that were used to hosting weddings of that size. Guest were wowed and well taken care of. They are still talking about the food.

I hired Pampered Bride Weddings/Jenny Orsini about 15 months before the wedding. I was full of ideas but not sure if I could bring them all together being a full time student at the time. Jenny and I clicked immediately. I previously saw some of her successful events on Styles “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” and was confident in her work. We had several meetings throughout the year and countless emails and phone calls. Of course she helped me with all of the major things including the menu, locations, flowers and photographers but it was also all of the little details that gave the wedding the wow factor it had. From special lighting to our monogram theme the décor was wonderful thanks to PBWs.

After my first photographer went bankrupt Pampered Bride Weddings highly recommended Jasmine Photo for both photographer and videographer services. After meeting with Vito Kwan (head photographer) and seeing samples of his work I booked them. We had two photographer and two videographers which covered the entire day including both Stephen and I getting ready at our family homes. I was given my proofs within a few weeks. With over 1500 pictures wonderful pictures taken it was very hard to pick the album photos!

Mia is truly a talented person. After hearing raves about her on a bridal forum I decided to book a trail. She only focuses on bridal hair and makeup. My trail came out wonderful and I was very pleased with the outcome. She airbrushed my makeup on which gave it the natural look and feel that I was looking for. What I also loved about Mia was her ability to work with all types of hair and skin types as opposed to only knowing how to do one. This was important because my bridesmaids all had different types of hair. On wedding day she came bright and early with her assistant and got to work. They did several of my bridesmaid’s hair and makeup as well as my mothers and of course mine. My makeup was flawless and lasted all day. I heard just as many comments about my hair and makeup as I did about the dress. Bridal Lounge was one of my favorite vendors.

I hired Flower Michele for the reception centerpieces. I worked with John who was able to get exactly what I wanted right away. We did a mixture of both high and low centerpiece for both esteics and budget purposes. They were a mix of calla lily and orchards. The lush centerpieces were beautiful and John even added cocktail table rose petals, powder room flowers, and the seating card table arrangement. Flower Michele was professional and wonderful to work with. I highly recommend them

After searching around for quite some time I decided to go with Royalty Limo because of their prices and huge inventory. I went in they took me around their giant showroom. They allowed me to sit in every limo until I finally found the ones I wanted. I choose a Mercedes Benz 10 passenger stretch, a Chrysler 300 10 passenger stretch, and a 1967 Rolls Royce for Stephen and I. They were on time, very helpful, and professional.

Raphael was great! People were on the dance floors as soon as the reception started! He got the crowd going and played a wide range of music for all ages. He was able to incorporate what the young people wanted to hear but made it family friendly for all. He also had top of the line equipment.

Pampered Bride Weddings suggested that I do a steel drum band for the cocktail hour. With Stephen coming from a Jamaican family we thought it would be a great way to incorporate his heritage into the night and having great entertainment. Jenny Orsini already had a relationship with the company so it was easy to book them. They were professional and a wonderful addition to the day.