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HELP!!!

I never realized what went into planning a wedding....any sugguestions on who or who not to use... I'm still looking for a DJ, Florist, Photographer, Videographer, and a reception facility

19 Comments

pink and red rose bouquet - Michelle
Posted: 10/8/2007

Can anyone help me? I'm looking for an old bridal planning guide that featured bright pink and red roses. I don't remember where I saw it, but I need it for my flowers! Please help!

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Venders to use - Cat
Posted: 9/15/2007

If you are from Syracuse area use
Bella Bakery for cake
Creative Florist for flowers
University Sheraton or Lake Shore yacht club for reception
Bach for phot

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WHOOPS- FORGOT THE CEREMONY- HARP MUSIC - CHRISTI (SLOMA) CARROLL
Posted: 9/7/2007

Knowing we both detested organ music and knew there was not a whole lot of options around this area we searched for a harpist to play at our ceremony. We were recommended to a woman from out of town (Geneseo) who ended up playing for our ceremony and did a wonderful job.SHe drove from there to whitesboro and was on time and looked wonderful. ALl she needed was a chair with a straight back. The priest also thought she was wonderful.

Her name is Barbara Dechario. her web site is www.barbaraharp.com

We had our ceremony in a local Catholic church and they have rules for their music, but Barbara knew what was not wanted and came up with beautiful ideas for the songs during all parts of the ceremony.

She was wonderful and we got compliments the whole evening about how beautiful she played. I did not reemember hearing her at the church but tht was because I was concentrating on my husband to be and the bridl party but seeng a video afterwards that a relative took of the ceremony, I could not believe what a wonderful job she did.

She is trustworthy and kind and will work with you with whatever you desire. She also has some beautiful suggestions and I suggest highly that you listen to her because she knows what she is doing and does a fantastic job playing that beautiful harp.

Please check out her website and if you want something different and out of the ordinary, you will go with her. She also had a group of musicians she plays with if you wanted more music.

She also plays at receptions and can believe that she makes the whole thing so wonderful

Barbara Dechario will be a wonderful, unique addition to your wedding and you will be pleased. I promise.

Best wishes.
Christi and Kevin Carroll

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Finally the end of our posts - Christi (Sloma) Carroll
Posted: 9/6/2007

All of the following people and businesses are professional and they all did a wonderful job for me and my husband when we got married in July. We did have one glitch that day and you will see that at the very end.

Video Expressions ( 315-655-2013 or email to lawrence@videoexpressionscny.com )

Photographer was Tammy Brockett (owner) from Creative Approach Photography ( 315-839-5558 )

Our DJ was Steve Kelley (AKA Ted Bilodeau ) from Twist and Shout Productions.( (315) 657-3431 tbilodeau@twcny.rr.com

Our bakery is here in Utica and we used FLORENTINES PASTRY SHOP IN UTICA.( 315-724-8032 )

RADISSON HOTEL here in Utica.( 315-266-1458 Nicole.Trificana@radisson.com )

Our Makeup was done by Sharon Staffiero ( sstaffie@twcny.rr.com 315-687-7068 )

Kathy Ross master hair designer at BOUTIQUE ON JAMES ( 315-463-0975 )

If we were ever to marry again (which I informed him that death would certainly come first lol) I would use the above people without a seconds hesitation. There was nothing I can say that would deter anyone from using any of these great professionals. They really make a difference in making your wedding an ordinary one into an extra-ordinary one. They all did a beautiful job and made my day the happiest day of my life. I would not hesitate to use them again if I am ever in need for any of them.

These people made our day a day we will remember with a smile for the rest of our lives!!!

PLEASE TELL ANY OF THE ABOVE THAT CHRISTI (SLOMA) AND KEVIN CARROLL (JULY 14TH, 2007) FROM UTICA

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Our big wedding Boo boo.--- LIMO - CHRISTI (SLOMA) CARROLL
Posted: 9/6/2007

We hired ANTHONY'S LIMO from Rome to be our wedding party Limo driver.

Anthony's Limo was nice but the service from him was so bad I cannot find anything good to say about him. He was very loud and obnoxious from the moment he picked us up. He got lost going to an area church which we had talked about months before hand. He drove the limo badly and drove over curbs and had to back up and move a number of times because he misjudged the distance. His Champagne is awful and the glasses in his limo are not that great(three glasses were chipped) He tried to talk us out of going to the place we wanted to go to for the photos after the wedding because it was up a large hill and he did not want to drive it. He told me that it was not a good place to go and I would be sorry. He was again lost on the way and then insisted on another 250 dollars or he would not drive the bridal party back where he was supposed to drop them off. It was his fault about the extra time and yet he wanted more money.
If you want a limo driver with class, please go elsewhere, even the Flower girl (four years old) commented on his horrible driving. I paid an enormous amount for his services and then had to deal with his rudeness and his awful driving. The insistence on the extra money was the last straw. the other professionals at the wedding made comments about his awful behavior. It was a huge mistake. He was not ready when we came out of the ceremony and instead was sitting in the limo reading a paper. This put us back another 10 minutes. It was a large BLACK SMUDGE on our wedding day.We do not recommend that you use him even if he is a the last driver available. Your wedding party would be better off taking a bus. (WE ARE NOT JOKING)

CHRISTI AND KEVIN CARROLL

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WE RECOMMEND THE BEST-HAIR STYLIST - CHRISTI (SLOMA) CARROLL
Posted: 9/6/2007

I would like to recommend the following for anyone who wants their wedding to go as well as they planned.

Our Hair was done by Kathy Ross master hair designer at BOUTIQUE ON JAMES ( 315-463-0975 ) She arrived at the hotel the morning of the wedding and did the hair of my flower girl and 3 of my bridesmaids. They all looked gorgeous without needing a consult. All four had updo's and all had hairpieces which she worked well with. She worked quickly and was great with my 4 year old niece.(who did not really want her hair curled) Kathy was referred to me by Sharon (see above) and may come with her to your home of wherever you are getting ready. She knows how to do updo's half up/half down and does a beautiful job and brings all her own tools. Kathy knows hair!!!!

I hope I could help some of you and good luck on your special day, remember, get the very best people as you cannot scrimp on money or professionals because you will NEVER get to redo this day and it is so important that you and your husband have the best time of your lives that day, KATHY will do that for you.

PLEASE TELL ANY OF THE ABOVE THAT CHRISTI (SLOMA) AND KEVIN CARROLL (JULY 14TH, 2007) FROM UTICA REFERRED THEM,IF YOU NEED A VOCAL TESTIMONIAL THE ABOVE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS HAVE MY PERSMISSION TO GIVE OUT OUR PHONE NUMBERS FOR REFERRALS.

OUR BEST WISHES
CHRISTI AND KEVIN CARROLL

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WE RECOMMEND THE BEST- MAKEUP - CHRISTI (SLOMA) CARROLL
Posted: 9/6/2007

I would like to recommend the following for anyone who wants their wedding to go as well as they planned.
Our Makeup was done by Sharon Staffiero ( sstaffie@twcny.rr.com 315-687-7068 )Who is a professional make-up artist. Sharon is wonderful and will make up the whole party for you in the room at the hotel, She is from Syracuse and will come to you the day of the wedding and does a beautiful job with the makeup. It was hot day in july and everyones makeup looked and stayed wonderfully. She is sweet and kind and professional and she is very patient with the bride (I was a bit of a wreck that morning) Sharon came back after the wedding ceremony and photos and did a retouch on me and whomever else needed it for the evening reception and they all looked wonderful. Sharon has an eye for highlighting the best aspects of everyone's faces and works well where ever she is set up. Sharon will make your wedding party beautiful without looking like they have heavy makeup on. Sharon is a gem and we all loved her!!!!


I hope I could help some of you and good luck on your special day, remember, get the very best people as you cannot scrimp on money or professionals because you will NEVER get to redo this day and it is so important that you and your husband have the best time of your lives that day, These people will do that for you.

OUR BEST WISHES
CHRISTI AND KEVIN CARROLL

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WE RECOMMEND THE BEST- BAKERY-CAKE - CHRISTI (SLOMA) CARROLL
Posted: 9/6/2007

I would like to recommend the following for anyone who wants their wedding to go as well as they planned.

Our bakery is here in Utica and we used FLORENTINES PASTRY SHOP IN UTICA.( 315-724-8032 ) They did a beautiful job on the Rum cake we ordered and did all that we asked, even waited for us to decide on a setting for the cake and did not push us. The cake was beautiful and tasted delicious. I could not have asked for any more from them. The guests were very pleased with the taste of the cake and so were we.

These people made our day a day we will remember with a smile for the rest of our lives!!!

I hope I could help some of you and good luck on your special day, remember, get the very best people as you cannot scrimp on money or professionals because you will NEVER get to redo this day and it is so important that you and your husband have the best time of your lives that day, These people will do that for you.

PLEASE TELL ANY OF THE ABOVE THAT CHRISTI (SLOMA) AND KEVIN CARROLL (JULY 14TH, 2007) FROM UTICA REFERRED THEM,IF YOU NEED A VOCAL TESTIMONIAL THE ABOVE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS HAVE MY PERSMISSION TO GIVE OUT OUR PHONE NUMBERS FOR REFERRALS.

ALL OUR BEST
CHRISTI AND KEVIN CARROLL

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WE RECOMMEND THE BEST- VENUE FOR RECEPTION - CHRISTI (SLOMA) CARROLL
Posted: 9/6/2007

I would like to recommend the following for anyone who wants their wedding to go as well as they planned.

Our reception was held at the RADISSON HOTEL here in Utica.( 315-266-1458 Nicole.Trificana@radisson.com ) They were great with us and did everything we asked down to decorating the table and putting the place cards out so we did not have to worry about them. The food was wonderful and 5 hours of the top shelf bar was great and worth the cost. All the guests loved the setting of the Grande ballroom and the way it was lit by the candelabras. Nicole Trificana is the person we worked with and all we had to do was give her out check And then drop the things off two days prior to the wedding. Everything was set out as we asked and it saved us from a lot of time needed to decorate. The Radisson also blocks off groups of rooms for the guests. We (the bride and groom) got ready at the Radisson before going to the church and they assisted us and our guests with every little need we had including a snack in our room (bridal suite) the night of our wedding as most of the time the couple does not have time to eat. We were very grateful with all her suggestions and the service was wonderful. We were told numerous times by our guests that, that it was the most elegant wedding they had ever been to and they still are talking abut it almost 2 months later. That is what you call a stellar endorsement!
I hope I could help some of you and good luck on your special day, remember, get the very best people as you cannot scrimp on money or professionals because you will NEVER get to redo this day and it is so important that you and your husband have the best time of your lives that day, These people will do that for you.
ALL OUR BEST
CHRISTI AND KEVIN CARROLL

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WE RECOMMEND THE BEST- DJ SERVICES
Posted: 9/6/2007

I would like to recommend the following for anyone who wants their wedding to go as well as they planned.

Our DJ was Steve Kelley (AKA Ted Bilodeau ) from Twist and Shout Productions.( (315) 657-3431 tbilodeau@twcny.rr.com ) He was GREAT, SUPERB, WONDERFUL, KIND, TOLERANT, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PATIENT!!! Ted knows what he is doing! He took his time with us and let us send him our music choices and played exactly what we asked him to play. We had a do not play list and he did as we asked for certain songs even though some of them were requested by guests. He is professional and has a beautiful voice and introduces the wedding party with tact. He is not rude or loud and has a list of songs in his library that will floor you. He also has done so many weddings that he has many suggestions and makes it easy for you to remember to do everything down to picking a song for the cutting of the cake.
Steve dresses nicely and accommodates every whim the couple has and is very easy to contact for information or questions. He sets up early and starts on time. Ted (Steve) is the best DJ I have seen and heard and we heard nothing but compliments from all of our guests about his music and the way he handled everything so smoothly. Twist and Shout productions is a professional DJ service that will not let you down, Grab him early or you will lose out on this excellent service.every one of our guests commented on how great Ted was the night of the reception and we agree! We loved you Ted!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

Your wedding is a special day and you only get one shot at making it beautiful.

BEST WISHES
CHRISTI AND KEVIN CARROLL

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We recommend only the best- PHOTOGRAPHY - Christi (Sloma) Carroll
Posted: 9/6/2007

I would like to recommend the following for anyone who wants their wedding to go as well as they planned.
All of the following people and businesses are professional and they all did a wonderful job for me and my husband when we got married in July
Our photographer was Tammy Brockett (owner) from Creative Approach Photography ( 315-839-5558 )She is wonderful and takes the most beautiful photos of everything, Even the little things like photos of the gowns and favors. She makes the most out of every shot and if you let her do what she is good at, she will make sure your wedding album is one you will proudly show for years to come. Tammy stayed with the wedding party from noon till midnight and took 12 hours of the most wonderful beautiful pictures that we had ever seen. Let Tammy do what she is good at and you will notice that her eye for certain places and positions is wonderful. We could not have asked for anymore than she gave us. Tammy is wonderful and so easy to work with. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR HER VISION AND PROFESSIONALISM!!!!!!!
I hope I could help some of you and good luck on your special day, remember, get the very best people as you cannot scrimp on money or professionals because you will NEVER get to redo this day and it is so important that you and your husband have the best time of your lives that day, These people will do that for you.
PLEASE TELL ANY OF THE ABOVE THAT CHRISTI (SLOMA) AND KEVIN CARROLL (JULY 14TH, 2007) FROM UTICA REFERRED THEM,IF YOU NEED A VOCAL TESTIMONIAL THE ABOVE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS HAVE MY PERSMISSION TO GIVE OUT OUR PHONE NUMBERS FOR REFERRALS.

ALL OUR BEST
CHRISTI AND KEVIN CARROLL

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We recommend only the best! VIDEOGRAPHY - Christi (Sloma) Carroll
Posted: 9/6/2007

I would like to recommend the following for anyone who wants their wedding to go as well as they planned.
All of the following people and businesses are professional and they all did a wonderful job for me and my husband when we got married in July.
We used Video Expressions ( 315-655-2013 or email to lawrence@videoexpressionscny.com ) for our video. Larry and Beth Wright are very committed and professional and know what they are doing when they tape your wedding and reception. Give complete trust over to Larry as he has an eye for beauty and finding the things that are extraordinary. We went with the full package including the same day edit and are pleased so far. Our wedding video is a long way off but we think it will be well worth the wait.

\These people made our day a day we will remember with a smile for the rest of our lives!!!

I hope I could help some of you and good luck on your special day, remember, get the very best people as you cannot scrimp on money or professionals because you will NEVER get to redo this day and it is so important that you and your husband have the best time of your lives that day, These people will do that for you.

PLEASE TELL ANY OF THE ABOVE THAT CHRISTI (SLOMA) AND KEVIN CARROLL (JULY 14TH, 2007) FROM UTICA REFERRED THEM,IF YOU NEED A VOCAL TESTIMONIAL THE ABOVE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS HAVE MY PERSMISSION TO GIVE OUT OUR PHONE NUMBERS FOR REFERRALS.

OUR BEST TO YOU FOR A WONDERFUL WEDDING DAY.
Christi and Kevin Carroll

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Videographer
Posted: 9/6/2007

I have 3 friends who have used Video Expressions and all had awesome wedding videos, including a short edited video of the wedding that was shown during the reception. I was blown away by what I saw. I already have them booked for my wedding in 2008. It is a Husband/wife team who I feel really cares about their brides/grooms and giving their personal best to every video. Good luck in your search.

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Videographer
Posted: 9/2/2007

Be careful when it comes to your videographer. Make sure that your contract protects you and not just the videographer. We had difficulty with Video Expressions. Apparently one of their cameras broke during our ceremony and I wasn't willing to recreate our vows. You would think that we wouldn't be expected to pay the full amount since we had already paid three quarters, but it was a struggle.

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What worked for me..
Posted: 6/27/2007

My best peice of advice is set up apointments with two or three of each vendor and conduct interviews with all of them. You then get a good idea of pricing, personalities, and overall what is out there. You will also get good advice from the vendors you interview, even when you don't book with them.

Have fun!!!

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You might want to try .. - Linda
Posted: 6/26/2007

If you are still having difficulty finding everything you need for your wedding, whether it's for services, or shopping .. .. try The Bridal Connection. We do planning, decorating, and one-stop shopping .. making your life easier and less stressed .. and we can save you money, too. In business for almost 7 years; catering and banquet planning services for over 20 years. We DO know what we're doing. Call Linda at 437-0030.

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Here is who I am using
Posted: 6/26/2007

DJ- Whirlin
Limo- S & S Limousine
Video- Video Expressions
Flowers- Chris's Flowers
Reception- Sheraton
Dresses- New York Bride
And I have been very pleased with them

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DJ-who not to use
Posted: 6/13/2007

Whatever you do, do not use Elegance and Company DJ Service, the co-owners name is AJ and he is absolutely horrible. You can take a look at my post about him and definitely post here again if you want me to give you NUMEROUS reasons. I used him at my wedding and wouldn't recommend him to anyone.

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My wedding
Posted: 5/29/2007

It was very hard to choose who to use but so far I am pleased with everyone I am using,

Photographer- Picture Infinity
Florist- Floral Gardens
DJ- Jammin Beats
Videographer- Video Expressions
Cake- Bella Bakery