Mrs. October: How the Summer Soirée Helped This BOLI Plan Her Wedding

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Ashley talks about the vendor she had to have after attending the Brides of Long Island Summer Soirée.

A long‑distance love story turned into a true hometown celebration for BOLI Ashley and her husband John. Ashley leaned on the Brides of Long Island community to plan every detail of their August 15, 2025 wedding, right down to the confetti on the dance floor. 

Attending the Brides of Long Island Soirée helped her lock in the one vendor she knew she had to have, setting the tone for the rest of her planning journey.

Long Distance Love

Ashley and John’s story began on Bumble in April 2021, just as John was preparing to move back to Tampa for a year. “We were long distance for a little bit,” Ashley said. “But after a year, he moved back to Long Island and everything just fell into place.”

By June 2024, John was ready to propose. He brought Ashley to a beach near their home for a picnic, where he surprised her with a heartfelt proposal. Meanwhile, both families were secretly setting up a celebration back at the house. “When we got back, there was this huge surprise party with all our friends and family,” Ashley said. “It was really amazing.”

• MORE: Brides of Long Island’s Favorite Suffolk County Wedding Venues

A BOLI Soirée to Remember

Ashley and John actually began venue hunting before they were officially engaged, knowing they’d need a summer date that worked with John’s teaching schedule. 

“We started looking in April 2024 because we knew we were going to get engaged,” Ashley said. After touring a few locations, they fell hard for Watermill, a BOLI Preferred Venue, and booked their Summer 2025 date early. Ashley loved that Watermill was close to home in Smithtown, beautifully modern and didn’t require much extra décor. “The outside ceremony space already had all the flowers,” she said. “And they offered a healthcare discount, which was really nice.”

When it came to other vendors, Ashley relied heavily on Brides of Long Island and Instagram. She chose Studio 27, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, for photography because she liked their work at Watermill. But her DJ decision was made long before she had a date. “I went to the Brides of Long Island Soirée as a bridesmaid the year before, and I fell in love with Long Island Sound,” Ashley said. “I told my husband, ‘We’re booking them. They’re amazing.’” 

She even attended the next year’s Soirée two weeks before her wedding, where BOLI Preferred Vendor Long Island Sound ended the night with a burst of confetti. “I was like, oh my God, I need this for my life,” she said. She spent those final weeks making sure that same confetti moment happened on her dance floor.

• MORE: Meet the 2026 BOLI Summer Soirée Vendors!

Never Leave My Side

Ashley incorporated their dogs into the celebration with custom cocktail napkins and fun décor, and created a heartfelt display featuring wedding photos from married guests. “We called it ‘all the love before our wedding,’ and it was so nice seeing everyone’s pictures together.” 

Music was another major priority, and Ashley and John even choreographed their first dance to “The Ordinary” by Alex Warren. “We’re not dancers — especially my husband,” she said with a laugh. “We took one lesson in June, she recorded us, and then we practiced at home. It ended up being such a sweet moment, and our content creator captured all of it.”

Ashley’s favorite moment of the day was sharing vows in front of all their guests. “Not everyone feels comfortable doing that, but it was my absolute favorite part,” she said. She and John also made one rule for the entire night: they wouldn’t leave each other’s side. “We stuck to it for like 90 percent of the wedding, and it made such a difference,” she said. “The day goes so fast; I didn’t want there to be an hour where I didn’t see my husband.” The night ended with the dramatic confetti burst she’d been dreaming about since the Brides of Long Island Soirée. “It felt like a movie,” Ashley said.

• MORE: 5 Reasons Why You Should Choreograph Your First Dance

Exceptional Service

Ashley said every vendor she hired “was amazing,” but a few stood out in unforgettable ways. 

Long Island Sound delivered exactly what she hoped for, from the music to the confetti moment she’d dreamed about. “They followed everything we wanted. No surprises, just perfect,” she said. 

Ashley also loved working with BOLI Preferred Vendor Empire Content Creation, especially since she didn’t book a videographer. “Having all that raw footage is so nice to look back on,” she said. 

Alpha Lit, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, supplied marquee letters of their last name, which made Ashley and John’s dance floor entrance feel extra special. 

And she couldn’t say enough about the Watermill, from the staff to the food, everything was exceptional. Guests raved about the cocktail hour, the bridal attendants kept her calm and cared for. “It was a truly magical night,” she said.

Plan Early and Be Present

The Brides of Long Island community was one of Ashley’s most valuable planning tools, whether she was searching reviews or asking for recommendations. “I don’t know how brides did it before BOLI, it’s so helpful,” she said. The group even led her to the dance studio that choreographed her first dance. 

Her biggest advice is to start early and pace yourself. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” she said. “Get your vendors done as soon as you can and definitely utilize the Brides of Long Island page.” And when the big day finally arrives, she encourages brides to stay present. “The day goes so fast, but it will be one of the best days of your life. All the planning is worth it in the end.”

Vendors:
Venue: Watermill Caterers, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Studio 27 Photography, BOLI Preferred Vendor
DJ: Long Island Sound DJ Entertainment, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Florist: Feriani Floral Decorators
Hair: themanewave
Makeup: glambygee
Dress: North Fork Bridal Shoppe, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Alterations: Bridal Alterations by Kirstyn, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Cake: Campbell’s Bakery, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Tuxedos: Rico’s Clothing, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Content Creator: Empire Content Creation, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Letters: Alpha Lit Long Island, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Officiant: NY Officiants, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Transportation: M&V Limousines, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Hotel Block: Hyatt Regency Long Island, BOLI Preferred Vendor

The event boasts “good food, good drinks, talented local creatives, and a fresh look at what celebrating at Shands can feel like.”

Attending a bridal expo or showcase is an excellent way to make progress on your wedding planning checklist. But between the vendors vying for your attention and the couples making their way through the same space, sometimes these events can feel a bit overwhelming.

That “overwhelming” feeling is what inspired the team at Shands General & The State Room to break from tradition with their upcoming “Wedding Social” on Tuesday, October 6.

“It’s comfortable, it’s welcoming, and it’s a night out.” – Shands General & The State Room

Julian Rizzo, Shands General & The State Room’s Event Director and Partner, envisioned the Wedding Social as a departure from the typical showcase experience . “I’m seeing a lot of brides, especially on Long Island, not wanting something super traditional,” she said. “So I wanted to lean into how we actually go about that night.”

While brides will be able to meet with area professionals like BOLI Preferred Vendor Xtreme Entertainment, Clover and the Bees Florist, Courtney Hotis Photography, Early Bird Vintage, Karasmatic Day Spa  + Mane & Medi, the vibe of the evening will be relaxed, laid back, and friendly. 

“Rather than have tables set up with vendors that you have to go around and talk to, which always felt a little awkward, I wanted to create an approachable atmosphere, right from the beginning,” she detailed. “It’s comfortable, it’s welcoming, and it’s a night out. That’s something we really wanted to exude with this. There’s no pressure.”  

“There’s really so many different options.” – Shands General & The State Room

Once you check in and sip from your welcome beverage, you’ll be free to explore the versatile spaces of Shands General & The State Room. “Every area – and there are plenty – will feature something a little bit different,” Julian described. “The dining room will feel like a more formal, intimate rehearsal dinner or micro wedding. As you move throughout the downstairs, we’ll have music, and the whole bar will be available for guests who want to talk with our experienced team.”

“Heading upstairs will take you to The Loft and The State Room,” she continued. “We’ll have The Loft will be set up for a mock ceremony, and The State Room will be set up for a cocktail hour – jazzy, sexy, nothing too crazy, but with that speakeasy style that you don’t often find on the Island.”

“I find that with some showcases, you don’t really get to see what a venue looks like for these types of wedding events,” Julian added. “So this really puts you in a place where you can envision everything, with your own style of course. There’s really so many different options.”

“We don’t cut corners, and we make everything from scratch.” – Shands General & The State Room

What can brides of Long Island expect from their weddings at Shands General & The State Room? “We’re a restaurant first, of course,” said Julian, “and you want your guests leaving the night saying, ‘that was the best food I’ve ever had at a wedding.’”

“We don’t cut corners, and we make everything from scratch,” she continued. “That plays a really big part in our menu. We work with a lot of local farms, some not even 15 minutes away. We’re sourcing as close to the Island, if not on the Island, as possible. We bring in that local, seasonal feel, and that’s a big part of what excites our couples.”

If their standard menus don’t capture your interest, they’re more than willing to customize. “We go off-menu all the time,” she said. “We’ve had clients who had a special family meal and they really want to include it. We’ll practice it and get it to your liking. Customization is a big thing for us.” 

“Our beverage program is phenomenal,” she added. “There was a time where our Beverage Director, who’s also one of the partners, purchased vermouth for a bride and groom because it was something they really wanted. We didn’t carry it, but he got it here for them. We sent them home with the rest of the case.”

But perhaps the biggest draw to Shands General & The State Room is their experienced staff. “For the most part, everyone who works here has been here since we’ve opened, which is really rare for the restaurant industry,” Julian said. “They all have had their hand in events. I come from luxury wedding planning myself, so I know what couples are looking for, what they’re worried about, and all the little details that often cause stress. I try to make the process as seamless as possible and extend my services. So, if wedding planning is something they want to add on, they have the safety net of a venue coordinator and wedding planner in one.”

“We’re opening it up to other wedding events, too.” – Shands General & The State Room

Pop the Wedding Social in your calendar! The event will start at 6pm on Tuesday, October 6, but sticking with the chill atmosphere, Julian mentioned that guests can arrive at their leisure. Tickets are $10 per person and $15 per couple, and can be reserved here. 

“We’re also not keeping it to just weddings,” she said. “We’re opening it up to other wedding events, too. So if you want to bring your mom or friends because they’re planning your bridal shower, they’re welcome!”

And of course, they’ll be a few perks if you choose Shands General & The State Room for your big day. “We’ll have special incentives if you join us that night and end up booking,” Julian added.

SHANDS GENERAL & THE STATE ROOM’S WEDDING SOCIAL
Tuesday, October 6 at 6pm
Tickets: $10 per individual, $15 per couple
Reserve your tickets here.

Whether you are looking to give a gift to your future spouse or just want to feel your best, run to one of these boudoir photographers.

You’ve seen the rave reviews in the Brides of Long Island Facebook group, and you may have even toyed with the idea yourself: a boudoir photo shoot. Here are BOLI’s favorite Long Island boudoir photographers, each ready to create a beautiful, confidence‑boosting experience that celebrates you. And before you say you can’t — shift that mindset. The moment you step into one of these studios, you’ll feel supported, comfortable, and genuinely empowered. Many BOLIs walk out saying they feel like a completely new woman.

Maven Jade Photography
Shari at Maven Jade is a hidden gem, and her boudoir business thrives by word of mouth from all of her brides. Her studio in Plainview is the perfect playground with different settings to make you feel your best. And don’t forget to bring your custom playlist, because Shari can’t wait to belt out some 80s and 90s jams with you while working her magic.

• MORE: ‘Everybody Has Sexy in Them.’ And Shari at Maven Jade Is There to Bring it Out!

Seaweed & Diamonds
Kate, of Seaweed & Diamonds, can’t wait to work with her next supermodels – YOU! She is truly invested in all of her brides. In fact, after your boudoir shoot, you’ll have gained a new best friend. She is all about women empowerment and believes it’s important to build each other up and create a support system. And what better way to build you up than to photograph you in all your natural beauty!

• MORE: Be a Supermodel with Seaweed & Diamonds 

Alli Murphy Photography
Alli believes that in her boudoir studio, it’s not about how you look, but rather how you feel. And she will make sure you feel your best. Her studio is the perfect place for a sexy photo shoot that will leave your significant other’s jaw on the floor.

Anne-Marie Kristin Photography
Anne-Marie is here to make you fall in love with yourself all over again. She understands that boudoir shoots can be overwhelming, but Anne-Marie makes sure you’re comfortable and that you leave feeling confident and beautiful. And she hopes you carry that confidence all the way down the aisle.

Leslie Simmons Photography
Specializing in boudoir and couples boudoir photography, Leslie Simmons creates a comfortable and empowering environment for all her brides and couples. She knows just how to capture your vulnerability, beauty and strength with her lens. Her loft studio in Sayville is the perfect backdrop for any boudoir shoot.

erall photography
Erica has been a photographer for more than 20 years. When she began shooting boudoir photos, she immediately fell in love with it. She loves watching someone shift from feeling nervous to leaving empowered and proud. She focuses on storytelling and the art of suggestion with intention and thoughtful composition.

• MORE: How a Boudoir Shoot Changed My Life

So, what are you waiting for? Channel your inner goddess and call one of these amazingly talented boudoir photographers to create the perfect gift for your future spouse (but really, let’s face it – this gift is for you)!

This article is brought to you by Cristina Ashley Beauty, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendor!

It’s the first impression your guests will get! Here’s how to choose invitations for your Long Island wedding

There’s just something so magical about wedding invitations! The beautiful artwork and calligraphy, the ornate lettering, the thick envelope you get in the mail — they set the tone of your wedding months before the big day.

Choosing your invitations can seem like a big task, especially given all of the options you have. Do you splurge on the fancy stationery and wax envelope seal, or do you go digital and save yourself some money (and future frustration)? Do you do a combination of both? How do you find a vendor that can deliver exactly what you’re looking for?

Brides of Long Island is here to break down how to choose invitations for your Long Island wedding. 

• MORE: BOLI’s Favorite Long Island Invitations and Stationery Vendors

Search Brides of Long Island’s Preferred Vendors

Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendors are some of the most well-reviewed and well-respected wedding pros in the business! And our Preferred Invitation and Stationery Vendors are no exception.

These artists and designers take great pride in your vision, your tastes, and your unique love story. They understand that your invitations are a stylized “sneak peak” of what’s to come. Not only that, but your invitations have to convey a lot of information in a relatively small package. 

These professionals know exactly how to merge style with sustenance. They listen to you and your fiancé and create the kind of invites you’ll want to hold on to forever!

Start your search for invitation vendors here. 

Think about your guests

Now that digital invites have become more and more common, you may be faced with a decision: go digital, or stick with traditional paper?

If you find yourself struggling to decide, one of the biggest things to think about is your guest list demographics. Most brides will invite friends and family that span a wide range of ages and experiences. One of the downfalls of digital invites is the technical aspect — some older adults in your family may not be familiar with QR codes or have trouble typing in long website addresses in order to RSVP.

On the other hand, some of your younger guests may find it much easier to pop onto their phone and check a box rather than keep track of a paper RSVP card, find a stamp, find a mailbox, and remember to do all of those things before a certain date. 

As with all things wedding-related, there’s no right or wrong answer. But it does give you something to think about as you weigh the pros and cons.

Read reviews on BOLI’s Brides-Only Facebook group

It’s where Brides of Long Island was born: our brides-only Facebook group! This private group is one of the best resources to read real, honest reviews of our area’s most talked about wedding professionals. You’ll hear about the experiences of brides just like you, and learn about the vendors that truly made their days magical.

All you need to join our brides-only group is a Facebook profile! Once you’re in, you’ll have a wealth of information at your fingertips. Just search for “invitations” and start your research!

Scroll social media

Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are all good resources for some invitation research. Not only can you gather inspiration for your own invites, but you can scope out vendors doing the work that resonates with you and your fiancé.

Start following some of your favorite vendors to get an idea of their specialties, styles, and how they work!

Ask friends

There’s nothing like a personal recommendation! If you still have your friend’s recent invite hanging on your fridge because it’s just too gorgeous to throw away, ask about them. Who was the designer? Where did they purchase them? Would they recommend them for your invites? You’ll get first-hand intel you can trust.

Again, that’s another reason why the BOLI brides-only Facebook group is so valuable. Think of having almost 30,000 friends who can give you their recs! 

Use a search engine or chat bot

Honestly, a search engine or AI chat bot is probably the last resource to use when looking for an invitation vendor. Businesses can pay money to land at the top of your Google searches, and their placement has nothing to do with the quality of their work OR their real-life reviews. And as easy as ChatGPT is, it can be wrong quite often — it may give you the name of a “top rated” invitation vendor…that’s been out of business for a decade. 

Still, Google and AI are still ways of finding invitation vendors, both on a local and national level. Just be sure to do your due diligence with any information you find. 

These Long Island wedding transportation companies will make sure you show up in style.

From unique and antique to sleek and traditional, these Long Island wedding transportation companies offer everything you’ll need to get to your big day in style. Whether you want to make a grand entrance or simply need a reliable ride between your ceremony and venue, you’ll be in great hands with any of BOLI’s favorite Long Island Wedding transportation companies.

Azure Limousine & Transportation
This expert team prides itself on outstanding service. From their upscale pristine fleet to their 1947 Rolls Royce, Azure has something for every bride. Check out their vehicles at their indoor showroom in St. James. 

All Star Limousine
With over 40 years experience, All Star Limousine has one of the largest and most modern luxury fleets of limousines and party buses. Their goal is to exceed your transportation expectations.

• MORE: BOLI’s Favorite Wedding Planners

M&V Limousines Ltd.
Founded 30 years ago with one white Rolls Royce, M&V Limousine Ltd. now offers antiques, exotic cars, limos, party and shuttle buses, and antique trolleys. They have something for every bride’s transportation needs with M&V, where they strive to make your day extra special.

Mark of Elegance Limousine Service
Mark of Elegance has over 35 years experience in anticipating – and meeting – the needs of all of their brides. They only offer wedding transportation services, so you won’t be disappointed with their fleet of luxury vehicles.

• MORE: BOLI’s Favorite Long Island Florists

Coachman Luxury Transport
Coachman Luxury Transport has vehicles for every bride. Their shuttles are a great option for guest transportation, and they pride themselves on offering seamless service so your wedding day is as perfect as possible.

Sir Oliver Limousine
Expect to be treated like royalty at Sir Oliver Limousine. From your first call to your return home, Sir Oliver offers clean, beautiful vehicles as well as impeccable and timely service. Once you book with Sir Oliver, you can sit back and relax knowing that you’ll have reliable transportation on your special day.

The Caddy Daddy
If you’re looking to rent a classic Cadillac for your engagement or wedding photos, Justin at The Caddy Daddy is your guy. He rents out his 1955 Cadillac for brides and grooms, bringing their vision to life with something classic, bold and unforgettable. His caddy isn’t just a prop, it’s an experience.

• MORE: How Ring Leader Completely Transforms Your Wedding Planning

No matter what Long Island wedding transportation company you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be treated like royalty on your wedding day. 

And don’t forget your guests! All of these Long Island wedding transportation companies can shuttle your guests to and from your wedding venues – in a safe and timely manner.

Flowers add beauty and personality to your wedding. Here’s what to expect when hiring a Long Island florist.

You may be one of the brides of Long Island who can name each flower they want in a centerpiece. Or, you may be the kind that never even thought about flowers until someone mentioned bouquets. Either way, it’s likely that you’ll want to hire a florist to supply a few buds and blooms for your big day.

So what should you expect when meeting with a Long Island florist for the first time? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your search.

• MORE: BOLI’s Favorite Long Island Wedding Florists

 

When should you hire a florist?

As you probably know by now, Long Island wedding vendors can book up fast — especially if they’re established and popular. 

Still, you’ll need to have at least a ballpark figure of your wedding day numbers. You don’t want to purchase centerpieces for 13 tables but only need 9 when the day comes! 

Once you’ve booked your venue and made your guest list, start searching for your florist. A good rule of thumb is around 8-10 months before the big day, so that your florist has time to put everything together. 

 

The consultation

Like most vendors, you’ll want to meet one-on-one with your potential florist to discuss your vision, and most importantly, your budget. After you’ve done a bit of research and pinpoint the florist you want to work with, you’ll schedule a consult with them to nail down the details. 

You won’t necessarily need to know the difference between peonies and petunias when you meet with a florist, but you should have at least a general idea of what you want — whether that’s specific colors or specific shapes and silhouettes.

You should also have an idea of what exactly you’ll need. 12 grand bridesmaids bouquets that cascade to the floor, or 12 single flowers to stay understated and delicate? 10 centerpieces for each table that tower to the ceiling, or something that’s more low profile? 

Most importantly, have an idea of your budget. What you can reasonably spend will determine a lot about your bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnières, and other floral arrangements.   

Managing expectations

BOLI Preferred Vendors are some of the best Long Island florists in the business! But even the best florist can’t change the seasons or bring the costs of rare flowers down. 

If you have a super specific vision of your bridal bouquet, your chuppah flowers, or any other floral element of your day, keep this in mind — not all flowers are in season all year long.

For example, if you picture big, beautiful sunflowers in your centerpieces, but you chose a February wedding date, you’ll need to prepare for one of two scenarios: either your sunflowers are going to cost big bucks, or you’ll need to give up the sunflowers completely and go with another in-season choice. 

Budget is another big topic. As with most things surrounding weddings, flowers aren’t exactly cheap. There are ways to achieve a certain looks without completely breaking the bank, but the reality is a cascade or waterfall bouquet is going to be more expensive than a small, hand-tied bouquet.

Your wedding day

Several weeks or days before your wedding, your florist will reach out to you and confirm plans. They’ll solidify the entirety of your order, from bouquets to boutonnières and everything in between. They’ll also discuss what time they plan on dropping everything off at your venue, and if it’s in your contract, what time they’ll return to pick items back up. 

Before that discussion happens, decide who your “florist point person” will be — a bridesmaid, your future mother-in-law, or a wedding planner are all great options. That person will be in charge of remaining in contact with your florist when they’re in route, and meeting them at the venue to ensure your flowers look their best. 

• MORE: Learn more about BOLI’s favorite Long Island florists 

A wedding officiant shapes the tone, story and flow of your ceremony, and understanding their process helps couples start the day with clarity and confidence.

A wedding ceremony may last only a short time, but the work that goes into creating it is anything but small. Professional wedding officiants spend hours getting to know couples, learning their story and crafting words that feel personal, intentional and true to who they are. They also manage cues, timing, nerves and legal responsibilities — all before the reception even begins.

To help couples understand what really happens behind the scenes, we spoke with Joe Iadanza, of BOLI Preferred Vendor Long Island Wedding Officiants, who shared how officiants blend storytelling, preparation and coordination to create ceremonies that feel effortless in the moment and unforgettable in memory.

Personalized Storytelling

A meaningful ceremony doesn’t happen by accident, it’s crafted through care, curiosity and a deep understanding of the couple. “What I want couples to know is that I really do care about them and want to shine a light on what’s beautiful about them,” says Joe. 

After learning their story, he blends those details with the experience of officiating more than a thousand weddings, shaping a moment that feels authentic not only to the couple, but to everyone gathered to support them. The goal is to create a ceremony that reflects who they are, honors the people they love and sets the tone for the rest of the day.

• MORE: BOLI’s Favorite Long Island Wedding Officiants

Getting to Know You

Before any ceremony can feel truly personal, an officiant needs to understand who the couple is at their core — their values, their humor, their history and the way they move through the world together. 

“It’s important to make sure the ceremony feels like the couple,” says Joe. “Ultimately, it needs to represent who each person is in the relationship and all of the things they value and hope and dream.” 

His process begins with a short introductory call so couples can get a sense of his style, followed by a formal interview where he spends about an hour walking through ceremony structure, preferred language, faith representation and the journey they’ve shared. Joe approaches these conversations with what he calls “openness and unconditional love,” adding, “I want them to feel as comfortable as possible so I can hear the real truths of their love story.” 

Instead of questionnaires, he relies on real conversation — watching their reactions, listening closely and noticing the small human details that reveal what’s special about them. “I’m not looking for perfection. I want it to be human,” he says. 

From there, he builds a draft that weaves together sacredness, humor, storytelling and tradition, always searching for the thread that ties everything together. Once the draft is complete, the process becomes fully collaborative, with no limit on revisions. “It’s not done until everyone loves it,” Joe says, because the ceremony should feel unmistakably, authentically theirs.

• MORE: 14 Questions to Ask When Hiring an Officiant

Behind the Scenes Magic

Long before the ceremony begins, officiants are quietly managing details couples rarely see — adjusting for weather, coordinating with vendors and making sure every moment unfolds smoothly. Joe explains that flexibility is essential: “Just this weekend there was a strong possibility of rain right at ceremony time. I can easily pivot locations and adjust the ceremony so that if the rain starts, I know how to wrap things up without panicking or losing the beauty of the moment.” 

He’s often helping physically, too. “Last weekend we moved inside, then outside again in the span of a half hour — and I wasn’t just watching. I was out there moving chairs with the staff, DJs and photographers because we want to make the moment as perfect as humanly possible.” 

Once he arrives, Joe sets up his own PA and mic, checks in with the maître d’, DJ, musicians and photo/video teams, and reviews cues and timing so everyone is aligned. During the ceremony, he instinctively adjusts the couple’s position for better lighting, shifts out of the photographer’s shot, steadies a nervous bride, ensures the best man has the rings and handles unexpected moments (even fainting guests on a 100‑degree day!) As Joe puts it, “A couple’s uncle or best friend isn’t going to know what to do with all of that. But we do, because we love it and we do it every day.”

The Legal Stuff

When it comes to the legal side of a wedding, officiants carry responsibilities couples often don’t realize. Joe explains, “First and foremost, it’s the officiant’s job to be legal in what they do.” Online ordinations have never been recognized on Long Island, so couples should confirm their officiant is properly ordained or has obtained a single‑use permit from Town Hall. 

Beyond performing a legally binding ceremony, officiants execute the marriage license, ensure all signatures and witnesses are correct and return it to the same town or city hall where it was issued — often with extra care. Joe says his team sends licenses back via certified mail with tracking and provides couples with scans and follow‑up information so they can begin any name or status changes. Requirements for obtaining the license vary: New York City needs only an ID, while the rest of New York State requires a birth or naturalization certificate, plus certified translations if documents are in another language. Couples who have been previously married or widowed may need additional paperwork. Licenses are valid for 60 days and must be present at the ceremony unless the couple is already legally married. A professional officiant ensures every step is handled correctly so couples never have to worry about the fine print.

• MORE: What to Expect When Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

A wedding ceremony is the emotional heart of the day, and the officiant is the person who brings that moment to life through storytelling, preparation, coordination and legal expertise. Joe’s approach shows how much care goes into making a ceremony feel personal, seamless and grounded. When couples understand the depth of that work, they can relax into the moment, trust the process and fully experience the joy of beginning their marriage surrounded by the people who love them.

 

Being a Bride of Long Island is free! But there are ways to get the most out of your membership, like joining the BOLI Premium Membership program

Here at Brides of Long Island, we welcome all brides into our community. Joining our group has been and always will be free! All that’s required is an active Facebook profile and a “yes” to your future fiancé.

For brides that want to take it a step further — and who want to save big bucks on their wedding days — Brides of Long Island is proud to offer our Premium Membership program! Just like our Facebook group, BOLI Premium Membership is available for anyone who’s engaged and planning a wedding on Long Island.

• MORE: These are BOLI’s favorite Long Island wedding pros

What is BOLI Premium Membership?

For a small, one-time fee of $69, BOLI Premium Members are entitled to tons of exclusive discounts, insider perks, and giveaways! This includes 20% off tickets and early bird access to BOLI’s annual Summer Soirée, amazing promotions from our Preferred Vendors, and heavy discounts from Long Island’s best wedding professionals.

What kind of discounts can I get as a BOLI Premium Member?

There are discounts for almost every single vendor category on our roster — from Bridal Beauty Prep and Photography to Venues and Invitations. Here are just a few of the discounts you’ll find!

• 10% off services at 4 Ever Young Cosmetic Injectables
• $100 off booking session fee! (Normally $450) and 10% discount on collection of your choice with Anne-Marie Kristin Photography 
• $250 towards any new booking with Silverfox Studios
• 10% off total services with Genie Artistry
• $500 credit towards your wedding at The Crescent Beach Club

And that just scratches the surface!

When should I become a BOLI Premium Member?

You can become a BOLI Premium Member at any point before your wedding! But the absolute best time to join is at the beginning of your wedding planning process. That way you can scan all of the available offers, meet with vendors that catch your eye, and save tons in your wedding budget before the big day.

How do I redeem a BOLI Premium Membership offer?

Redeeming a BOLI Premium Membership offer is simple! Once you join, you’ll be mailed a Premium Membership card. When you meet with a vendor and are ready to book, present your BOLI Premium Membership card. Your vendor will also have an active list of all Premium Members, so if you forget your card, they can look up your information on our site.

Are there any restrictions to BOLI Premium Membership?

There are a few things to keep in mind about our BOLI Premium Membership offers:

• They can’t be combined with any other offer or discount.
• Any offer must be used by your wedding date.
• Offers are limited to one use per membership.
• Offers are non-transferable (meaning you can’t gift it to your bestie who’s also getting married).
• They’re non-refundable.
• They’re available for new bookings only and can’t be applied to any existing contracts.
• Offers are subject to vendor availability. 

How do I become a BOLI Premium Member?

Becoming a BOLI Premium Member is the easiest part of wedding planning (trust us on that one!) Just click here, scroll down, and tap “Become a Premium BOLI.”

Yep, that’s it! You’re well on your way to getting your dream wedding day with some room in the budget for extras. 

• MORE: Ring Leader makes wedding planning easy

“Getting Ready” spaces are growing in popularity. Should you consider one for your wedding day?

Your married friends may tell you that your morning will feel like a whirlwind. When you think about it, it makes sense: you’ll be surrounded by your bridal party, your hair and makeup team, your photographers, all rushing around to get glammed and prepare for your big day.

But Brides of Long Island wants to let you in on a little secret. It doesn’t have to feel that way. 

More and more brides are turning to “getting ready” spaces for their wedding morning preparations. These dedicated locations are created especially for brides-to-be, their friends, their families, and their vendor teams. Unlike cramped hotel suites with limited resources, or bridal suites that you may not be able to access until later in the day, getting ready spaces give you plenty of room — and plenty of time — to relax and celebrate those precious hours before your “I do’s.”

• MORE: Check out BOLI’s favorite Getting Ready Locations!

Why Getting Ready spaces are growing in popularity

We tapped some of BOLI’s Preferred Vendors in our newest vendor category — Getting Ready Locations — for their thoughts on why getting ready spaces have become so popular. 

“Many brides are realizing that the morning of the wedding should be just as special as the rest of the day,” said Linda from The Beauty Lounge LI.

“A get-ready space gives the bride something that’s sometimes hard to find on a wedding morning: time,” said Rachel with Racine Salon & Spa, Top Floor. “Time to sit down, have something to eat, laugh with her friends, take pictures and actually enjoy what’s happening.”

“Brides can spend six to eight hours getting ready before the ceremony, surrounded by their closest friends and family, so they’re putting more thought into choosing a space where they can actually enjoy that time together,” echoed Melanie with Coastal Creative Studios. “It’s also an added bonus if the space is aesthetic since so many of the candid and meaningful moments of the day are photographed there.”

“Getting ready has become an important part of the wedding-day experience,” said Victoria with The House of Makeup. “Brides want a beautiful, comfortable space where they can relax, spend time with their bridal party, and enjoy the excitement of the morning. A dedicated space also creates a much more polished setting for those special getting-ready photos!”

Why should you consider a getting ready space?

In addition to more time and a great backdrop for photos, a getting ready space can help you stay calm and on schedule. “The right getting ready space can help the entire wedding day run more smoothly,” Melanie explained. “Whenever possible, photographers try to complete the majority of portraits before the ceremony, including the first look, couple, wedding party and family photos. Once the ceremony ends, everything moves very quickly into cocktail hour and the reception.”

“A dedicated getting-ready space allows the bride to start her day feeling relaxed, organized, and pampered. It gives the beauty team plenty of room to work, and keeps the bridal party together,” said Victoria. “It creates a calm environment before the excitement of the ceremony begins!” 

“There’s something very special about having the entire bridal party together in one place,” added Rachel. “Nobody is running from room to room looking for a curling iron or trying to figure out where they’re supposed to be.”

Linda from The Beauty Lounge agreed. “Brides should consider a getting ready space so that the mood is set for the day,” she said.

What can you expect when booking a getting ready space?

Consider your getting ready space your home-away-from-home (at least for those first few hours)! “A dedicated getting ready space becomes your home base for the first half of the wedding day,” said Melanie. “Your wedding party, family, hair and makeup team, photographer and videographer all have room to comfortably settle in and work, while you get to enjoy breakfast, music and time together without feeling crowded or rushed. We want those first several hours to feel like part of the celebration, not just the time you spend waiting for the wedding to begin.”

“Brides can expect to bring their dress and bridal party dresses to the getting ready space to get ready in,” said Linda. “They can expect an atmosphere dedicated to the morning of the wedding.” 

Rachel echoed the sentiment. “It’s a private space where your wedding party can settle in and make themselves at home,” she said.

“Brides can expect a comfortable, organized, and fun environment where they can enjoy time with their favorite people while getting professionally glammed,” added Victoria.”

What BOLI’s Preferred getting ready locations offer

As you might expect, BOLI’s favorite getting ready spaces offer comfort, convenience, beautiful surroundings, and top notch professionals ready to make your wedding morning magical. 

“We want brides to bring in breakfast or lunch, put on their music, have their photographer come upstairs and make the space their own,” said Rachel. “For me, Top Floor is really about taking the chaos out of getting ready without taking away the fun. We take care of the beauty and the details so the bride can be present for the morning.”

“The House of Makeup’s Sayville studio provides a private, elevated space for brides and their bridal parties to get ready and enjoy professional hair and makeup services,” explained Victoria. “Our studio is decorated bright, chic, and romantic for Bridal mornings. We are right off of Main Street just steps from coffees, pastries, and more so the morning feels very intentional! Private studio rentals are available, and we also offer touch-up services to keep the bride looking her best throughout the celebration!”

“At Coastal Creative Studios, we designed the space around both the experience of the wedding morning and everything that needs to happen during it,” said Melanie. “We have two private suites, dedicated hair and makeup stations, a kitchen, lounge areas and plenty of room for the wedding party, family and vendors. For photos, we have beautiful natural light inside, a private garden outside and Huntington Harbor directly across the street, so couples can get a variety of indoor and outdoor portraits without having to travel to another location.”

“The Beauty Lounge LI offers perfect lighting, set-up stations for hair and makeup services, a bridal attendant who serves and cleans up after everyone, and steaming for all dresses for the bridal party and the bride,” said Linda. “The bridal attendant sets up all detail shot items for the bride and helps her get dressed. We personalize everyone’s names on their champagne glasses. A beautifully decorated space meant to feel luxurious and very bridal. The morning of the wedding will be just as important as the rest of the day.”

Ready to book your getting ready space? Check out BOLI’s favorite locations here!

Opus Steakhouse is elevating the wedding experience with a brand‑new bridal suite and the option to host evening weddings by reserving the entire restaurant. Their October 4 showcase gives brides an exclusive first look.

If you’ve ever dreamed of an intimate, one‑of‑a‑kind wedding venue, Opus Steakhouse, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, should be at the top of your list. With its brand‑new bridal suite and the ability to rent the entire restaurant for your celebration, Opus is redefining what a restaurant‑based wedding can look like.

Located in the heart of Jericho, Opus Steakhouse is the vision of owner Anthony Scotto, who transformed a historic mansion into a stunning blend of modern luxury and timeless architectural charm. “When I renovated this property, I wanted it to feel unlike anything else on Long Island,” Scotto says. “A place where couples could celebrate in a space that feels both grand and deeply personal.” The result is a venue that offers dramatic interiors, a lush garden and a warm, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for your wedding day.

A New Era of Wedding Flexibility

When Opus first began hosting weddings, couples were limited to daytime celebrations because the restaurant opened for dinner service each evening. “We did host smaller weddings at night using our air wall to divide the dining room,” explains Vicki Colacicco, director of marketing. “But the restaurant remained open, so larger evening weddings weren’t possible.”

That’s all changed.

“Couples asked, and we listened,” Colacicco says. “We now offer full‑restaurant buyouts, giving brides and grooms the ability to take over the entire space for their wedding.” This new option allows couples to arrive earlier in the day, get ready onsite, take photos throughout the property and celebrate on a timeline that feels natural and relaxed.

Scotto adds, “Weddings deserve breathing room. When couples rent the full restaurant, they get Opus at its best — every room, every garden, every detail dedicated entirely to them.”

A Bridal Suite Designed for Comfort and Celebration

One of the most exciting additions is Opus Steakhouse’s new bridal suite — a spacious, serene retreat designed for getting ready, relaxing and enjoying quiet moments before the celebration begins. With elegant furnishings, natural light and thoughtful amenities, it’s the perfect place to start your day.

From the suite, couples can move seamlessly into Opus’s ceremony garden, a tranquil outdoor space ideal for exchanging vows. Inside, the dining room transforms into a lively reception setting, complete with floor‑to‑ceiling glass doors that open to the gardens for an effortless indoor‑outdoor flow.

A Culinary Experience Your Guests Will Remember
Food is at the heart of every celebration at Opus Steakhouse. Couples can expect a menu filled with signature steakhouse and seafood dishes from Scotto’s acclaimed restaurants. Whether you choose an elegant plated dinner or a curated cocktail‑hour menu featuring options like a sushi bar, your guests will enjoy a dining experience they’ll rave about long after the wedding day.

Tour the Bridal Suite at the October 4 Wedding Showcase
Brides can be among the first to explore the new bridal suite at Opus Steakhouse’s wedding showcase on October 4. It’s the perfect opportunity to tour the property, sample menu favorites, meet the team and learn more about how you can make the entire restaurant yours for the day. Click here to learn more and register for the showcase.

Scotto also owns several other BOLI Preferred Venues, including Blackstone Steakhouse, Insignia, Rare650, One10 and The Halston.