Who won the coveted 2025 Brides of Long Island Diamond Award? Find out below!
BOLI Preferred Vendors are the best in the business, but only a select few are crowned with the annual Diamond Award. You cast your votes and now the results are in — here are your 2025 Brides of Long Island Diamond Award winners!
Venue
Hair & Makeup Artist
Image courtesy of Victoria Elizabeth Official
Photography & Videography
DJ
Officiant
Fun Extras
Image courtesy of Love and Leashes
Showers, Rehearsals, & Bachelorette Locations
Bridal Salon
Transportation
Content Creation
Decor Rentals & Accessories
Image courtesy of Pew Bow Rentals
Catering & Food Trucks
Hotel Blocks
Wedding Planners & Coordinators
Photo Booth
Bridal Beauty Prep
Wedding Cakes & Baked Goods
Alterations & Cleaning
Bridal Alterations Studio by Kirstyn
Image courtesy of Bridal Alterations Studio by Kirstyn
Invitations & Stationery
Red Letter Day Invitations & Design
Dance Lessons
Jewelers
Bands & Musicians
Florists
With All My Heart Florals Design Studio
Image courtesy of With All My Heart Floral Design Studio
Menswear
Honeymoon Specialist
Boudoir Photography
These wedding transportation companies are sure to make sure you show up in style on your wedding day.
From unique and antique to traditional, these Long Island wedding transportation companies have everything you’ll be looking for on your wedding day. Whether you’re looking to make a statement when you arrive, or you just need transportation to get you to and from your ceremony and venue, you’ll be in good hands with any of our favorite Long Island wedding transportation companies.
(Photo courtesy of Azure Limousine & Transportation)
Azure Limousine & Transportation
This expert team prides itself on outstanding service. From its upscale pristine fleet to its 1947 Rolls Royce, there’s something for every bride at Azure. Check out their vehicles at their indoor showroom in St. James. You’ll be treated like a queen from the moment you arrive until they drop you off at the end of your wedding day.
(Photo courtesy of All Star Limousine)
All Star Limousine
With over 40 years experience, they have one of the largest and most modern luxury fleets of limousines and party buses. Their goal is to exceed your transportation expectations.
MORE: The Best Long Island Wedding Planners
(Photo courtesy of M&V Limousines Ltd.)
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 or antique trolleys. There is really something for every bride’s transportation needs with M&V, where they strive to make your day extra special.
(Photo courtesy of Mark of Elegance Limousine Service)
Mark of Elegance Limousine Service
At Mark of Elegance, they have over 35 years experience of 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: The Best Long Island Florists
(Photo courtesy of Coachman Luxury Transport)
Coachman Luxury Transport
Coachman Luxury Transport has vehicles to match any bride’s needs. Their shuttles are great options for guest transportation, and they pride themselves on offering seamless service to make sure your wedding day is as perfect as possible.
(Photo courtesy of The Classic Car Group)
The Classic Car Group
Whether you’re looking to make a grand entrance or add a touch of vintage charm to your wedding day, the collection of classic cars offered by the Classic Car Group are sure to please. They strive to create a truly unforgettable experience.
(Photo courtesy of Sir Oliver Limousine)
Sir Oliver Limousine
Expect to be treated like royalty at Sir Oliver Limousine. From your first call to your return home, Sir Oliver prides itself on beautiful and clean 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 excellent and reliable transportation on your special day.
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 a king and queen on your wedding day. And don’t forget your guests! All of these Long Island wedding transportation companies pride themselves on excellent service to shuttle your guests to and from your wedding venues – in a safe and timely manner.
In Brides of Long Island’s “Am I a Bridezilla?” the BOLI team weighs in on an anonymous submission asking that dreaded question. What do you think?
Dear BOLI,
Did you see the news story about the couple who charged their guests a fee to come to her wedding? They got a lot of hate for it and everyone thought it was so awful of them to do?
Well I think it’s a great idea, and I want to do it myself.
I haven’t discussed it with my fiancé but I am dead set on doing a cover charge once guests arrive at the venue. We are pulling out all the stops for this wedding and going way over budget, but I know it will be worth it. It will be REALLY worth it for my guests. Even the most basic nightclubs charge a cover, why shouldn’t I when I’m throwing an insane party that no one will ever forget???
I’m not going to chance someone coming to my wedding, enjoying all of the things I’ve paid for, and walking out the door without giving us a good gift. I know it happens, but I’m seriously not going to deal with that. The $200 I’m charging isn’t going to come close to covering everything, so it’s not like I’m going to make a profit here or anything. But like I said, I’m not chancing a freeloader.
I told my maid of honor about my plans and she thinks I’m a bridezilla. She’s telling me lots of people won’t come if they have to pay to get in. Aren’t they paying anyway, with a gift? That’s basically what this is! A “gift insurance policy.” So am I bridezilla?
Signed,
Cover charge bride
Dear cover charge bride,
Yep. You’re a bridezilla.
There’s several things to dissect here, but let’s start at the beginning: you haven’t discussed any of this with your fiancé. For as much as you’re “dead set” on the idea of charging your guests, they may be just as dead set against it. Before you make any final decisions, the two of you MUST be on the same page. It’s both of your weddings.
As far as your budget goes, it’s entirely possible to have a beautiful day without going way over your budget or “pulling out all the stops.” Your wedding is way more than just an “insane party,” so I’d recommend taking a step back from planning to think about what getting married means to you. That may connect you to what’s really important here (spoiler alert — it’s not the party and it’s not the money. It’s joining your life with a person you love).
Your wedding isn’t a nightclub, your guests aren’t patrons, and those who celebrate without a gift aren’t freeloaders — they are your friends and family, and you have absolutely no idea what their financial situation looks like. Yes it is proper etiquette to give a monetary gift, and yes it’s rude to attend a wedding empty handed. But in all honesty, charging a cover for a party you’re throwing for yourself is just as gauche (no matter how unforgettable your wedding may be). If you’re “not going to deal” with the fact that someone may not bring a gift, then don’t invite anyone and just get married at the courthouse. That’s the only way to ensure that no one attends sans check.
Besides, a $200 cover charge may deter your guests who would have gifted you more than that amount. Guests that might have given $250, $300, or more might consider the cover fee their gift and keep the rest for themselves. Also, your maid of honor is right — implementing a cover charge will probably turn a lot of your guests away completely, and you may end up getting even less money in total than you would have without the entrance fee.
It’s your wedding and you (and your fiancé) get to make the final decisions, but I would strongly recommend reevaluating things. Perhaps you want to pull back on some expenses so that you don’t feel a “gift insurance policy” is needed. No one is forcing you to throw an over-the-top affair, and all the lavish details won’t be what makes your day memorable. What will is the love between you and your spouse, and the joy your loved ones feel coming together to celebrate a new chapter in your life.
Wondering if YOU’RE a Bridezilla? Email your questions to jennifer@bridesofli.com
The late Michael Jackson’s daughter, 26, said “yes” to boyfriend Justin Long
Image by Paris Jackson, Instagram
Love never felt so good for Paris Jackson and Justin Long! The daughter of the late King of Pop announced her engagement to the music producer in a Instagram post on December 6 — Long’s birthday.
Photo by Paris Jackson, Instagram
“Doing life with you these last years has been an indescribable whirlwind,” Jackson stated in the post’s caption. “I couldn’t dream of anyone more perfect for me to do it all with.” The singer shared a picture of her music producer fiancé on one knee, tucked in a carousel of images.
Jackson and Long were first linked 2022, when he was included in a picture with Jackson and her bandmates Michael O’Grady, Nick Diiorio and Ryan Rice.
The two celebrated their engagement with a trip to Paris, where Jackson shared selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower and — of course — a close-up of the ring.
Image by Paris Jackson, Instagram
The ring features a portrait-cut lab-grown stone and is sustainably sourced, a nod to Jackson’s activism. But it comes with quite a high pedigree: it was designed by Jean Dousset, the great-great grandson of Cartier founder Louis Cartier. Dousset told Page Six that it took a month to create Jackson’s new bling, and that he incorporated the number 7, which holds significance to Jackson, into the ring’s design.
Jackson fans first spotting the ring during her appearance at Paris Fashion Week in September 2024, so it’s unclear when the pair first got engaged. Wedding plans are also unknown, but one thing is for certain — their love is Unbreakable!
In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Emma talks about how she transformed The Barn at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, into a cozy, farmhouse rustic wedding of her dreams.
(Photo courtesy of @nicolerochelleweddings)
A night out as a third wheel with friends led to a real-life match for Emma and Scott in 2021. Three years later, they were planning their wedding in just nine months at The Barn at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a BOLI Preferred Vendor.
A Third Wheel Night to Remember
One cold night in January, Emma decided to meet her friends at a bar in Huntington. Her friends got there first and started talking to another couple and Scott, who was a third wheeling it as well. “When Scott got up to use the restroom, my friend immediately asked the other couple if he was single,” Emma explains. “When she found out he was, she immediately texted me to hurry up, she had found the perfect guy for me.” When Emma got there, she and Scott hit it off.
In February 2024 on a trip to Puerto Rico, Scott proposed. “He had the ring in his carry-on, and put a Post-It note on it that said ‘engagement ring, please be discreet,’” says Emma. “But he didn’t have to worry because I had TSA Precheck!” Exhausted from traveling, Emma says she found the ring under her pillow, and they were able to spend the rest of their trip celebrating their engagement.
(Photo courtesy of @nicolerochelleweddings)
MORE: 5 Reasons to Have a Short Engagement
A Short Engagement
Emma and Scott knew they wanted a short engagement, so after a few weeks of basking in that newly engaged glow, they started looking for venues. “We had about nine months to plan,” says Emma. However, she believes that having that short window made it easier to narrow down venues as only a few of the places she called even had available dates. “I also didn’t have a chance to overthink things, which really helped me make decisions quicker.”
For Emma, the venue was the most important vendor. She wanted a venue that offered one wedding at a time, that was unique and had space to easily accommodate up to 200 people. “We loved The Barn – especially because it was Lessing’s,” says Emma. “I loved that it was a traditional wedding venue that we could make our own.”
Once they booked The Barn for their Dec. 6, 2024 wedding, they started booking the rest of their vendors. “After the venue, photography was most important to us,” explains Emma. “I really wanted someone who would be able to capture the moody, winter vibe I was looking for.” Ultimately, she found a photographer – Nicole Rochelle Photography – who had shot another wedding at The Barn. “It was so great that she had been there before, as she knew the layout and landscape of the venue.”
(Photo courtesy of @nicolerochelleweddings)
A DIY Feel
As Emma mentioned, she loved The Barn because she was able to really make the open space her own. To create the rustic vibe she was looking for, she used farmhouse tables from Magnif-A-Tent to compliment the round tables provided by The Barn. In addition, she also rented vintage furniture for a ‘lounge’ feel. “Emily from The Barn really helped me bring my vision to life,” Emma says. “Every time there was a wedding that had something unique she thought I would like, she would let me come a few hours before the events to view the setup.” And in keeping with the vintage theme, Emma found an antique sewing box which she turned into her card box.
In addition to the rustic, vintage vibe, Emma leaned into the winter feel. She added string lights to bring that warm winter wonderland vibe to The Barn. “And I loved my flowers! Jacqueline at Hometown Flower Co. was amazing to work with,” she says. “I told her the type of flower didn’t matter to me – as long as it wasn’t winter white. I trusted her vision.” The end result was different types of centerpieces such as candelabras and small vases. “Her vision was stunning.”
(Photo courtesy of @nicolerochelleweddings)
MORE: 10 Unique Entertainment Options for Your Cocktail Hour
A Ceremony Surprise
Emma’s brother was the officiant for their ceremony. Ahead of the wedding, he asked her if there were any specific things she wanted. “I told him I didn’t care, as long as Scott and I were legally married at the end of it,” she says. “It was so great having him officiate, as the ceremony was funny and sentimental.” He even surprised her with a singer at the end! Emma says the singer was planted in the audience and got up and serenaded them. “It was such a nice, sweet surprise!” Another great thing about the ceremony, Emma says, was having their dog, Levi, walk down the aisle!
During the reception, Emma says she surprised her mother with a special dance after Scott danced with his mother. “We danced to one of her favorite songs, which was really nice,” she says.
And for their cake – Carvel’s Fudgie the Whale! Scott and Emma aren’t big fans of wedding cake, so they decided to get a traditional ice cream cake instead. “Scott pulled up to the venue with over 20 Fudgie the Whale cakes in his truck,” says Emma. “But it was so good and everyone loved it!”
(Photo courtesy of @nicolerochelleweddings)
Make Lists
When it came to planning, Emma says the BOLI Facebook page was super helpful. “I learned about things I didn’t know about – like hand canceling our invitations!” she says. “And all of the reviews really helped us choose our vendors.” She even found the bride who was getting married at The Barn the day after her, so they were able to message each other about different ideas and décor.
Now that she’s married and enjoying her newlywed bliss, Emma wants other brides to know that keeping checklists really helped her on the day of her wedding. “Having my bag packed the night before and keeping a checklist of what needed to go to the venue was super helpful,” she says. And if you don’t have a wedding planner, she suggests assigning a point person to take care of little things the day of, so that you don’t need to worry about them.
(Photo courtesy of @nicolerochelleweddings)
Make your checklists on Ring Leader!
Vendors:
Venue: The Barn at Old Bethpage, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: NicoleRochelleWeddings @nicolerochelleweddings
DJ: 74 Events
Florist: Hometown Flower Co.
Hair: Beautiful People Salon in Merrick; hairby.Rhiannon
Makeup: Letsgetprettybeautiful
Dress: Max Bridal in Syosset, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Cake: Carvel
Suit: The House of Bruar
Farmhouse Table Rentals: Magnif-A-Tent
Vintage Furniture Rentals: Early Bird Vintage
Lighting: Ambient Events
(Photo courtesy of @nicolerochelleweddings)
A Jack and Jill shower is a great way to include your fiancé and other male relatives.
A wedding is a celebration of you and your partner’s love. So, why wouldn’t you want to celebrate all events leading up to your wedding day with your fiancé? While a traditional bridal shower includes all of the strong females in your life, a “Jack and Jill” shower is a coed and can include not just your fiancé, but other important male relatives and friends. So the question is, should you plan a Jack and Jill shower? Here are a few things to consider.
Engagement Party vs. Jack and Jill Shower
Yes, engagement parties are a great way to celebrate your recent engagement surrounded by your loved ones – both male and female. So why have a Jack and Jill shower too? Showers are traditionally a way to help out couples prepare for marriage, as guests give gifts they can use to build their home. An engagement party can be more relaxed with less focus on gifts and more focus on celebrating the couple.
Think About Your Guest List
Traditionally, the guest list for your bridal shower would include close female relatives and friends who are on your wedding guest list. And while it shouldn’t be your full wedding invite list, it probably shouldn’t include guests who aren’t invited to the wedding. For a Jack and Jill shower, you might want to include your father, future father-in-law, brothers, grandfathers and, of course, your future spouse. Remember, just like a traditional shower, the number of guests should be smaller than your engagement party and wedding.
MORE: 15 Unique Bridal Shower Ideas
Timing of the Shower
Just as with a traditional shower, you’ll want to consider throwing it about one to three months before your wedding. You’ll also want to consider other events such as the bachelor and/or bachelorette parties. If you have a lot of out of town guests, consider having the parties closer together. But if guests are all local, consider spacing the parties out so guests can comfortably attend everything.
Who Throws a Jack and Jill Shower?
Again, traditionally, the maid of honor or bride’s mother would throw a bridal shower. But now that times have changed and coed showers are more common, others can pitch in and help plan. In fact, if your Jack and Jill shower is the first among your family and friends, it would be beneficial to help plan things yourself and set your expectations.
MORE: What to Expect When Moving in With Your Fiancé
What Happens at a Jack and Jill Shower?
Honestly, anything you want! You can keep the shower casual, where your close family and friends can mingle and get to know each other before the wedding. Or keep it more traditional, play some fun games and have some laughs. Should you open gifts in front of everyone? That’s completely up to you. More recently, some brides have skipped opening gifts, while others had a blast sharing their gifts with their loved ones.
MORE: Best Shower/Rehearsal/Bachelorette Locations for Long Island Weddings
Ultimately, you and your spouse need to decide what’s best for you – like you would with other aspects of wedding planning. If your spouse loves the idea of you having a traditional shower and would rather just show up at the end to help bring your gifts home, then a traditional bridal shower would be the way to go. But if you both love the idea of being showered together, then a Jack and Jill shower would be the perfect option. As long as you both agree, the day will be perfect.
The Estate at Three Village Inn is nestled in one of Long Island’s most scenic and historic villages.
Image by Park Ave Studios, courtesy of The Estate at Three Village Inn
There’s a wealth of beautiful spaces on Long Island that provide backdrops to magnificent weddings. However, it’s not often you find a picturesque locale that feels truly intimate, as if you’re celebrating in an enchanted hamlet tucked away from the hustle and bustle of suburbia.
The Estate at Three Village Inn, a BOLI Preferred Venue, provides just that – a warm, hospitable, and private setting with the beauty and professionalism you’d expect from a Lessing’s property.
Image by Capture by Alex, courtesy of The Estate at Three Village Inn
“He built the area to be a community-based village.” – The Estate at Three Village Inn
The walls of The Estate at Three Village Inn carry a rich history. “The building itself was actually built back in 1751 by Richard Hallock-,” said Tom Wright, The Estate at Three Village Inn’s Director of Sales. “Around 1835 Jonas Smith purchased the estate – as in the ‘Smithtown’ Smiths” who used the home and property as a shipping hub.”
The home’s next owners should also sound familiar to Brides of Long Island. “In 1929 , Frank and Jennie Melville purchased the home, renovating it into a Women’s exchange where residents could offer home products for sale to boost the local economy during the depression. They later expanded it into a restaurant and Inn.”
“Together with his father’s assistance, Ward and Frank Melville built the area to be more of a community-based village, a Federal-style center,” Tom continued. “The Lessing’s family began operating the Inn and restaurant in 2006.”
Image by Duet Photography, courtesy of The Estate at Three Village Inn
“For beautiful sunset photos, you can step right onto the beach.” – The Estate at Three Village Inn
Brides that choose The Estate at Three Village Inn are treated to a plethora of spaces, both indoor and outdoor for photo opportunities . “Our three rooms that are used for events are named after the Three Villages – Old Field, Stony Brook, and Setauket,” Tom explained. “Old Field and Stony Brook are our cocktail rooms that attach to the main ballroom, which is the Setauket/Harborside that can accommodate up to 175 guests.”
You’ll also find another BOLI Preferred Vendor on the property. “Mirabelle at The Three Village Inn is our restaurant on-site, which we utilize for rehearsal dinners, showers, and smaller events from 15 to 50 in addition to lunch and dinner service Wednesday through Sunday,” said Tom.
Image by Park Ave Studios, courtesy of The Estate at Three Village Inn
“In front of the Inn, the outdoor space can be used for ceremonies,” Tom described. “Also, just across the street is Stony Brook Harbor. For beautiful sunset photos, you can step right onto the beach.”
The Estate at Three Village Inn also boasts a 21 room on-site hotel, for your guest’s convenience.
Image by Capture by Alex, courtesy of The Estate at Three Village Inn
“When people arrive in the village, they’re amazed that the area offers so much.” – The Estate at Three Village Inn
If you’re looking for a venue that’s off the beaten path, Estate at Three Village Inn will check all of your boxes. “People that travel 25A typically are heading east into Port Jefferson,” Tom detailed. “So this is a hidden gem. When people arrive in the village, they’re amazed that the area offers so much. Even some who live in the area are surprised at all the village has to offer. It’s literally a little community built into this village right on the water.”
“That’s what sets us apart,” Tom added. “We’re not sitting on a main thoroughfare. It’s a quiet, setback kind of facility.”
Image by Park Ave Studios, courtesy of The Estate at Three Village Inn
“The food is definitely a mainstay for us.” – The Estate at Three Village Inn
Not only will you experience the Estate’s beautiful property, you’ll also be treated to world-class cuisine. “The food is definitely a mainstay for us, and because of the restaurant’s cuisine and reputation, a lot of menu ideas stem from there,” Tom said. “You’ll see cross-sections of popular cocktail items like chickpea fries and Tavern sliders, that cross over into catering.”
Of course, The Estate at Three Village Inn understands the importance of creative presentation. “This past Summer we offered the option for couples to serve their guests beverages prior to their ceremony. This was presented in a beautifully-decorated adult tricycle, serving craft beers and adult signature cocktails. This is something a little bit out of the ordinary that sparks interest.”
Image courtesy of The Estate at Three Village Inn
“Couples embrace the things that interest them, and they want the guests to share that experience with them.” – The Estate at Three Village Inn
Tom has seen an abundance of unique weddings over the years. “Couples embrace the things that interest them, and they want the guests to share that experience with them.”
Among the most memorable of his career was a day that included interactive centerpieces. “They were actually dancers,” he described. “They were dressed in costumes that were covered in flowers, so you thought they were just centerpieces on the table. Then, the music changed, the lights changed, and then they came ‘to life’ stepping off the tables and onto the dance floor. They became part of the party as well.”
He also remembered a groom’s skillful entrance. “He was a mountain biker, so he came in riding on his mountain bike and did their first dance on the back wheel. He was able to do spins with the bride in the center of the dance floor.”
Image by Capture by Alex, courtesy of The Estate at Three Village Inn
“Attending showcases is your best bet.” – The Estate at Three Village Inn
If you’re in the thick of planning and want to truly experience your venue, Tom suggests checking out venue showcases. “Attending showcases is your best bet. We tend to showcase not just the traditional aspects of what we do within a wedding reception, but that ‘splash,’ that ‘over and above,’ the things that are going to enhance the overall experience. Plus we also highlight the foods we offer, so the showcases get you involved with the vendors and lets you taste some of our Chef’s creations.”
He also advised exploring all-inclusive packages. “Most of our couples lean towards a ‘complete wedding package’ that includes a DJ, photography, limousine, and floral displays,” he said. “It avoids the hassle of shopping around.”
Even if you do have your heart set on a specific vendor, The Estate at Three Village Inn will work with you to create your preferred experience. The Estate at Three Village Inn is the perfect place for your charming and intimate day!
Image by Park Ave Studios, courtesy of The Estate at Three Village Inn
Before you start planning your dream wedding, it’s important to figure out your budget.
As you and your future spouse start thinking about your wedding plans, you’ll want to sit down and make a budget. By figuring out ahead of time what’s important to both of you, and how much you’re both willing to spend, you can avoid potential disagreements as you start booking vendors.
Making a wedding budget may seem daunting, but here are a few things to consider that will help get you started.
Check Your Funds
Take a look at both you and your partner’s funds. Whether you have joint accounts already or separate accounts, take inventory and figure out a number that you’re comfortable spending. Even if either of your parents are helping to pay for the wedding, it’s important to determine a number that you could spend if needed.
MORE: 15 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Gown
Figure Out Who Will Be Contributing
Any conversation about money can be difficult. However, it’s important to have a clear understanding of who might be contributing to help pay for your wedding, and just how much. This will make it easier to make a wedding budget.
Share What’s Important
Once you have a wedding budget in place, have a conversation about what’s important to each of you. Perhaps you want to spend more on a photographer, while your partner wants to splurge on a DJ. Figure out what is important, and how much you’re comfortable spending from your budget accordingly. You can even take it a step further and break down how much you’d like to spend on each vendor.
MORE: How to stick to your wedding budget
Put Together Your Guest List
The venue will most likely be the biggest expense, so it’s important to keep that in mind when making a wedding budget. A good way to gauge a potential number is to put together your guest list. Once you have that guest count, you can go into venue tours with an idea of what fits into your budget.
Download Ring Leader
Once you have your budget, you’ll need a way to keep yourself on track. A great way to do that is to download Ring Leader. Within Ring Leader, you can manage all of your appointments and payments, get reminders when payments are due, and easily see how much you are spending. Some other cool features include communicating not just with vendors, but with guests too!
MORE: How Ring Leader Completely Transforms Your Wedding Planning
Research, Research, Research
Do your research. When you have your budget, narrow your search to vendors that stay within your financial limits. Rely on the Brides of Long Island and Ring Leader to get honest feedback about vendors that fit your budget. Also research different ways to save – perhaps your dream venue is slightly cheaper during the off season. Research discounts too – if you or your partner are military or law enforcement, some vendors offer a discount. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
What Happens If You Go Over
It might happen, and that’s OK. As you make a wedding budget, discuss with your partner what would happen if you spend over that amount. If you can, set aside some funds just for situations like this. It might even be worthwhile to have a budget range when it comes to vendors that are most important to you – for example, you may prefer to spend $5,000 on a photographer but would be willing to spend $8,000. If the final number falls within that range, you’re still coming out ahead (or maybe that’s bride math).
However you want to make your wedding budget, don’t put it off. Have these money conversations before you start making appointments (and possibly fall in love with a vendor or venue that’s outside your budget). The earlier you solidify numbers, the easier it will be to decide which vendors will make your dream wedding a reality!
Two hundred guests attended the elegant affair on Dec. 14, 2024.
(Image by Reem Photography via People)
Yvette Nicole Brown and Anthony Davis said ‘I Do’ in an elegant wedding at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles last month, according to People.
The day was full of special moments, including a live performance from Grammy and Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. There was also a surprise guest – Brown’s father, who has Alzheimer’s disease, was able to attend thanks to Davis.
MORE: My Dad Didn’t Walk Me Down The Aisle
Since her father couldn’t walk her down the aisle, Brown’s brother filled the important role. During the ceremony, Davis managed to pull off the emotional surprise as he arrived with Brown’s father. He explained he arranged for the surprise through her father’s care facility.
Yvette Nicole Brown and Anthony Davis with her father. (Image by Reem Photography via People)
According to People, Brown wore a mermaid-style gown designed by Ines Di Santo, featuring sheer sleeves and lace accents. Brown says she spotted the dress as she was leaving her fitting at the bridal salon. “I saw it peeking out of the rack, and it was absolutely the dress,” Brown says.
MORE: What you feel when you find THE dress
Following a cocktail hour with signature drinks, the newlyweds, and their 200 guests – including many of Brown’s Community co-stars, enjoyed a dinner menu featuring sea bass and short rib. Later in the reception, Davis and Brown did a quick change for more relaxed looks. Davis wore a white suit and sneakers, while Brown wore a white Arlinda McIntosh dress and jacket with embellished sneakers. Much easier to dance in.
(Image by Reem Photography via People)
The pair are now focusing on their future. “I want to be with this man for 30 years … continuing to love him and to put him first and be his best friend,” says Brown.
Yvette Nicole Brown and Anthony Davis with some Community co-stars. (Image by Reem Photography via People)
In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Amanda about her romantic wedding at the Old Field Club.
(Photo courtesy of Courtney Hotis)
Amanda and Luke had their first date on a beach, so it seemed only fitting for the pair to get married at a venue overlooking the water. And three years after their first date, they celebrated their wedding at Old Field Club, a BOLI Preferred Venue, as they danced the night away with their friends and family.
Bonding on the Beach
Amanda and Luke met on a dating app. While that’s common for many brides, Amanda says it was unlike her. “It was totally out of character to meet someone on a dating app,” she explains. “But it turned out to be our story.” Their first date was on the beach during sunset in the summer of 2021. They both love the beach, and would often take walks on the beach while they were dating.
Fast forward to April of 2023, and Luke wanted to take a walk on the beach one foggy morning. “I thought it was a little weird with the poor weather, but we went out anyway,” she says. “And that’s when he proposed.”
(Photo courtesy of Courtney Hotis)
MORE: Getting Married Before the Wedding? Here’s Why it Can Make Sense.
Love at First Venue
Amanda and Luke legally married shortly after their engagement, then started planning their reception for Nov. 9, 2024. “Getting married first took some of the pressure off of us throughout the planning,” she says.
After they confirmed their date with their pastor, Roger Blackmore, they set out to find the perfect venue. It didn’t take long, as once they toured Old Field Club, they fell in love. “We actually canceled all other venue tours,” Amanda says. “We just fell in love with the outside ceremony space overlooking the water and the beautiful ballroom. Since we love the beach, the water view spoke to us.”
With the venue and pastor in place, Amanda and Luke wanted to make sure their DJ would keep the dance floor full the whole night. Absolute Entertainment, a BOLI preferred vendor, did just that. “When we met with Terrence, we were there for a long time – but in a good way,” Amanda explains. “He was so amazing and listened to all of our requests. We wanted music from the 90s and early 2000s, and he and Vincenzo delivered. There were people who danced that I didn’t think would!”
While they didn’t have any trouble booking their vendors, Amanda says two weeks before their wedding, Carlos, who they had been working with at Old Field Club, left. “We had developed such a great rapport with him, he knew everything we wanted for our wedding day, so we were so nervous working with someone new so close to our date,” Amanda says. “At the end of the day, everything was flawless, and Carlos’ replacement, Russ, was wonderful to work with.”
(Photo courtesy of Courtney Hotis)
MORE: 6 Things to Consider When Making Your Wedding Day Timeline
A Timeless and Romantic Day
Amanda wanted their wedding day to feel timeless and romantic. However, she didn’t want to order real flowers. Instead she ordered fake bouquets, which were so beautiful that some people thought they were real. For their centerpieces, Amanda ordered candles and some greenery. To execute her vision, Amanda worked with Lavender Events, and she was thrilled with how everything turned out. “When I walked into the ballroom, it was better than I ever could have imagined,” says Amanda. “From the long-tapered candles to the seeded eucalyptus, it was whimsical and magical.”
Though they were legally married, Amanda says Pastor Roger did a great job centering their ceremony around their faith in a beautiful way. “Our ceremony was so special to me,” Amanda says. “He put his own personal touches on it because it knows us so well.”
Besides the ceremony, another special moment for Luke and Amanda was their first dance. “Luke’s sister choreographed our first dance for us,” she says. “It was nice to have the dance choreographed, but it was even more special because she taught it to us.”
While all of their vendors were fantastic, Amanda says their photographer, Courtney Hotis, went above and beyond. “We used her for our engagement photos, and we couldn’t wait to work with her on our wedding day,” Amanda says. “She created the perfect timeline that day and even helped with my mom’s dress malfunction. She was truly a rockstar that day.”
(Photo courtesy of Courtney Hotis)
MORE: Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff and Other Wedding Mishaps
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Amanda credits her diligent research on the Brides of Long Island Facebook page for her ability to secure the wonderful vendors who made her day fantastic. “I would keep one tab open on the Facebook page, and another tab to research the vendors I’d read about,” she says. “It was such a great resource to get people’s real experiences working with these vendors. Without it, I would have been lost.”
Now that the day is behind them and they can focus on beginning this next chapter together, Amanda admits that everything she stressed about during the planning process wasn’t such a big deal. “Everything is not a crisis – though it feels like that in the moment, for sure,” she says. “But looking back, I laugh as I think about how I stressed out about the stamps on my invitations. So, don’t sweat the small stuff!”
(Photo courtesy of Courtney Hotis)
Vendors:
Venue: The Old Field Club, a BOLI preferred vendor
Photographer: Courtney Hotis
Videography: White Diamond
DJ: Absolute Entertainment, a BOLI preferred vendor
Florist: Lings Moments (artificial)
Hair: Hair by Vickk
Makeup: Makeup by Maria
Officiant: Genesis Church – Roger Blackmore
Dress: Blu Rayne Bridal Boutique, a BOLI preferred vendor
Cake: Frank and Son’s Bakery
Tuxedos: Rico’s Clothing, a BOLI preferred vendor