Sun Moon Stars Girl )-(

Welcome to my little place to vent…

This is a hard process. At the beginning I was overwhelemed because I didn’t know what to ask, and had no idea what to use for a comparison. After seeing ten places, the obvious flaws and features have begun to show, and now I almost feel like going to see anything else is a waste of time.

Favorites:
*The Wilshire Grand Hotel in West Orange
*The Somerset Hills Hotel in Warren

Probably off the list are:
*The Grand Summit Hotel in Summit
The Atrium Country Club in West Orange

Still haven’t seen:
The Forge in Woodbridge
Hilton Woodbridge in Iselin
The Crystal Plaza in Livingston

Off the list are:
The Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge
Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange
The Victorian Manor in Edison
The Imperial on Easton in Somerset
The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset
The Sheraton at Woodbridge Place in Iselin

Wow! I was SO happy I was able to go to a bridal show while I was IN New Jersey so I could get some local vendor info. It was an experience, although probably a LOT smaller than shows I could have gone to in Boston and California. All I really wanted to do was get some local vendor info, and possibly some discounts for attending the show. I didn’t really care about the DJ Presentation, but glad I saw it. I don’t need the flashing lights, surround sound, and video screens. The wedding is supposed to be about me and Kris getting married, NOT the glitz of the entertainment!

And since I’ve picked my gown, the bridal fashion show at the end wasn’t that helpful, although we did see a couple of bridesmaid dresses, and a few MOB/MOG dresses that would be nice, so my mom got a couple ideas. They didn’t show nearly enough dresses in my opinion, but how much can you really do at a small show with only four models? Oh well.

Anyway, I DID get some great info as I was hoping to do. I also did get some discounts for being there. Now I can go back to Cali armed with brochures to look through with Kris!

7) The Wilshire Grand Hotel is my absolute favorite place so far! I loved the luxury of the place. My favorite part was the “side area” of the ballroom, which is a few stairs up to the right, and basically a small intimate area, where people can go talk, but not leave the room.

Again, it was totally inclusive, with the best honeymoon room I’ve seem so far. I know it seems silly, but the bathrooms are really important to me. Kris has been teasing me, because I’m sending him pictures of all these places, and there’s always at least a couple of the bathrooms. “There’s the toilet again.” LOL

8) The Highlawn Pavilion has a beautiful view of New York City, which I’m sure all my guests, whether from New Jersey, New England, or California, would enjoy. It also has the prettiest ground I’ve seen so far, and would definately be “The Place” if I was having a ceremony on-site and outdoors.

However, the room is shaped very weirdly (like a “T”), I guess so all your guests can enjoy the view of NYC, along the windows, so it would be hard to get from the corners to the dance floor. But there’s these ugly wood-paneled dividers that aren’t hidden, and the room had a strange “burning” smell to it. Plus, the cocktail hour would be IN the same room, unlike every other place we’ve been to.

Yes, it’s all inclusive, WITH THE EXCEPTION of an overnight room for the bride and groom. Additionally, the room is a bit small, better suited to a smaller crowd, with a maximum capacity at just what we think our guest list will be - and at that size it would definately be crowded.

9) The Palace is just that - a palace. I barely took any pictures, except for the entrance, both because my camera ran out of memory, but also because their minumun guarentee and price was a lot higher than we expected. I’m not going to talk too much about the place, because we decided right away that it was just too much. For their price, which was more than every other place we’ve seen, it was NOT all-inclusive, and you would pay extra for things you get everywhere else, like an ice sculpture. I’m defiantely not saying I NEED an ice sculpture, but if it’s already included, and for less money, then what the hell! The room was also set up weird, with two different height ceilings, making for an obvious awkward look. So the last thing I’ll say is that the original email I got was that the pricing would be what she said it was, then I got a later email that said it would be significantly less, and that the date was available. It turned out that the orginal quote was the true price. Now, if they had been honest with their numbers (especially because they checked the date!!!), we wouldn’t have wasted our time and theirs going out there. Definately NOT worth the extra $$$ in my opinion.

10) The Sheraton at Woodbridge Place was our last stop of the evening. We didn’t actually go for an appointment, but for a bridal show. Once again, all inclusive, but this time a bit too large for us. We got some information, and it was a reasonable price, but decided against making an appointment. See next post for the bridal show.

Since Laura was a bit difficult the other day, and because I wanted to see some of the Dessy Collection dresses in person, Jerilyn and I made plans to go try on some dresses at a bridal shop in Bloomfield, close to her, and my mother and Aunt Paula came out with us. We were able to find almost every seperate or dress at this shop, and get a good idea of what the dresses would actually look like on us. They are also all made from about 3 different types of material, and with a mix (like the stuff at David’s) it would look weird.

Jerilyn found her favorite, which is 2003. Ultimately, the lead decision will be Laura’s, so she found a dress of each material that she would be happy with. Hopefully Laura will get some time to go try on some dresses either in Delaware or on her Christmas break, that way Valerie and Jerilyn can also make a decision.

6) The Atrium was pretty nice, although now I definately understand what Linda and Valerie were trying to explain about how it seemed to have a bit of ’70s decor. There was a lovely rounded area, where the cocktail hour would commence, with mirror-covered tables. The downside was the leather-covered rounded bar, the ultimate in ’70s styling.

There was also a nice rounded staircase, which would be perfect for some pictures, but stairs are a problem too, as I mentioned earlier. Now, there is an elevator, but there’s still stairs down into the ballroom, which had a somewhat strange shape as well. Additionally, there’s a lack of bathrooms, which would prove to be a problem for the ladies, AND there’s no hotel close by. The hotel does have a shuttle, but is pretty far away, in a town like 20 minutes away.

Of course the pricing was great, totally inclusive, as with every other place we have been. My mom was quite pleased, although I’m not totally convinced.

This morning started off great. I met with Father John Paladino, St. Bart’s pastor. He’s very nice, as I mentioned on Saturday. Things are much more relaxed in the Catholic church then they used to be. We still have to go through pre-Cana, but we can do it with a church in California. The wedding planning information tells you to check about things like making sure your dress is appropriate - you might have to have your shoulders covered - and asking if your honor attendants must be Catholic (not a problem). None of these things are a problem - you can have whomever you want do the readings, even someone who is Jewish! The only restriction there is that they do the first reading, from the Old Testament.

I’m not sure if he kept looking at me funny because he thought I was asking weird questions, or if it was because his eye was bothering him. I’m hoping it was the latter, because I was feeling like an idiot. We made an appointment for him to meet with both me and Kris, so we can fill out the FOCCUS Inventory - which we knew we would have to do, in addition to pre-Cana. There’s a few more pieces of paperwork we’ll have to fill out in the meantime, but there’s nothing really too stressful about getting married in a Catholic church that we have to worry about nowadays. Yay!

*going out to lunch with Linda - so I’ll post more later…

My father came along today to the two places we had appointments for. That was really nice, because he got to see some of the things we will be talking about all week, and the whole spiel we’ve been going through.

4) The Victorian Manor - was very easy to get to - a nice direct route to the parkway and down to Route 1 in Woodbridge/Edison. The place was lovely, and I would highly recommend it to someone who was seeking a renassaince, old-fashioned, or victorian-themed wedding. It was huge. The rooms were so-so, and this was probably my least favorite so far. There was a “dank” type smell that I can only describe as “Smells like Disney…” Like, you remember waiting in line for the ride for “Pirates of the Carribbean,” or INSIDE “The Haunted Mansion.” Dank…

Cons: Big, obviously they would probably have more than one event going on at the same time. Not a hotel (although pretty close to one). Dank - that’s all I gotta say.

Pros: As with every other place so far, everything’s included from the ice sculpture to the Vienesse Dessert Table. Also included are the centerpieces and a complimentary room for the bride and groom. Going back to the cons, the hotel associated with the site is reasonably priced - but may book quickly, as the hotel itself is another reception site we are considering. Price - even with the tax and service charge, this is by far the least expensive place so far. And all the suggested vendors give huge discounts - plus they are all mostly located within in the shopping plaza behind the Victorian Manor, and would probably be reliable. If not - all someone has to do is go run across a fairly small parking lot to remind the DJ to get his ass in gear and get over to the reception!

5) The Olde Mill Inn - in Basking Ridge
The route we took between these two reception sites was easy, but the ride back home was a little too complicated.
Additionally, the room that is available for the evening is very small, TOO small, and has such a low ceiling I’m afraid Kris, most of his family, and a bunch of our friends would hit their heads and pass out - either walking around, or going down the stairs. In addition, there are two stairs between the dance floor and the dining tables - and I don’t want ‘Aunt Lucy’s replacement hip surgery’ coming as a result of my wedding reception.

The other room we saw in the main building was MUCH nicer, but MUCH larger also - probably too large. It’s also not available for the evening, and I really think Kris and I do not want our soiree to begin at 12. That would mean the ceremony would have to be…at like 9? Then what the heck time would I have to get up? Ok, not that I wouldn’t be up anyway, I’ll probably be too excited to sleep - but why FORCE myself into having to get up then.

So…a bit too expensive too. And although it’s great - all the bells and whistles, even a reasonably-priced hotel, I don’t think we’re even going to seriously consider it because our date/time is not available. So, that’s where I’ll leave this - and I’ll come back if we decide later this week to revisit this possability.

3) The Somerset Hills Hotel - which is ironically not in Somerset at all, but on the border between Warren and Basking Ridge. It was a nice direct route to and from Scotch Plains and the church. The place was being set up for a Bat Mitzvah, so it was a little different from the wedding set-up, but it was still nice to see everything together.

Apparently all the places here basically include the works: again, premium liquor, the ice sculpture, several entree choices, room complimentary for bride and groom, and they’re giving a fair discount for the month of August. Again, it is a hotel, and the rooms are a bit more reasonsable, with breakfast included.

I’ve only seen 3 places so far, so it’s hard to rank them, but I think this will definately end up amoung my top 3.

*snuck in at the end…
We had plenty of time to get back and still be able to attend Mass at St. Bart’s. The pastor came upstairs to the choir loft where we were sitting for communion, and afterwards I was able to introduce myself to him. He was VERY nice. We just chatted for about two minutes, but it seems like talking and working with him on my wedding will be a very pleasent experience. Yay!

Also, I was able to invite my friend Erica over for dinner. We had a lovely discussion about our beliefs and experiences, and I was thrilled when she said she would honor me with a reading at my wedding.

Today started off dreary - rain on the way to David’s Bridal, and my sister being cranky. I had scheduled the appointment mostly to check out some bridesmaid dresses while I knew my sister would actually be home from college, but also so my sister, mom, and cousin could all get excited about seeing me in wedding dresses.

I’m just going to come right out and say it - my sister’s mood just ruined the whole experience. I’m going to ask that anyone who reads this refrain from commenting on WHY she was in such a bad mood, because that’s for her to figure out and talk to me about. I know she’s got a lot going on right now, and that my engagement was as much a surprise to her as it was to me. Hopefully this will be a passing moment, and something we can work through together. Especially since she is my sister, and my Maid of Honor!

The rest of being at David’s was so-so anyway. Jerilyn (my cousin) was really excited, and I’m glad she was. The bridesmaid dresses, however, were a bit weird. David’s doesn’t have as much choice as The Dessy Group, and the seperates looked weird because they’re not all made from the same type of fabric. The Dessy Group, however, as long as it’s the same type of fabric, whether it’s a dress or seperate, as long as everything is ordered together, will be cut from the same bolt of fabric and made all together.

Later in the day I finally got in touch with the last girl who I wanted to ask to be a bridesmaid. So I can officially post that Kris and I have chosen our wedding party. My Maid of Honor is going to be my sister, Laura, and my bridesmaids will be my cousin Jerilyn, and my friend Valerie. I also have a bridesman, my friend from forever Ray, who will stand with the groomsmen, and for all intensive purposes IS one, but technically has a different title. Kris’s brothers, Korey and Kalan, will be his Best Man and groomsman, respectively, and my cousins Jeffrey and Anthony will serve as ushers.

I’m going to give the choice of shoes up to the girls - ALL silver, or ALL dyed. Either will look nice, as long as (and this is my only requirement) that they buy the dyeables from the same place, and get them all dyed at the same place. I was in a wedding three years ago where all four of the bridesmaids ended up with different shades of purple, mine being the closest to the dress color. Although that was funny for the four of us, it’s not something I want happening at my wedding.

Additionally, I don’t care what dresses or choice of seperates each girl chooses, as long as it is a style that looks good on her, and all the dresses can be made from the same type of fabric. I’d like for them all to be tea-length, and I was hoping they would all go the “seperates” route and be able to get the same skirt, but at this point I’m willing to be a bit more flexible. Good for the three of them I guess!

Today Mom and I got out to see two possible reception sites. Well, techincally we only saw one, as the first one is still under construction (the Imperia on Easton). Anyway, here’s my overall views. They’re still kinda preliminary, as they were both seen today…

1) Imperia on Easton - Although we could not see the actual site, they had very realistic images, in addition to the artistic sketches they had sent me in the mail. I got to see everything they’ve picked out - and took pics of (will get posted soon, sorry!) - the carpet samples, the drape fabric samples, the tile, the marble, the mahogany for the bars, etc. We saw the tableware and china, as well as the chairs (got to sit in it, it’s really comfy!). Since we didn’t see the place, we have no idea how long it will take to get there - and since it is not done, of course that could be a problem.

It included everything - premium liquor, several entree choices, ice sculpture, valet, maitre’d. They had great pricing because they consider August an “off” month, and the place is brand new. There’s a hotel VERY close by (like across the street), with a shuttle going between the hotel and the reception site all night. They included tax AND service charges in their price, as well as flower centerpieces for the table. The room for bride and groom is included, and breakfast comes with the hotel rooms.

2) The Grand Summit Hotel - the place was great. We got to see all the rooms, including the regular guest room, a junior suite, and a bridal hotel suite. Then we saw the hotel’s resturant/pub, as well as the ballroom, and the front area (Atrium/room with a fountain) where the cocktail hour would be.

Again, it included almost everything - premium liquor, several entree choices, ice sculpture, valet, maitre’d. They also consider August an “off” month, and the place is being remodeled a bit as well. It IS a hotel, although the rooms may be slightly pricy, but there’s a shuttle to Newark airport and a full hot breakfast is included. They included tax and candle for the table in the pricing, and a bit flexible with it as well. The executive suite for bride and groom is included.

Off to David’s with my sister and cousin and then a reception site in Somerset tomorrow!