Owner Jerry Scotto’s philosophy is that the guests always come first at Westbury Manor.
(Photo courtesy of Westbury Manor)
From the moment you set foot inside Westbury Manor, you are considered part of their family. With five acres of manicured gardens and cuisine from around the world (literally!) Westbury Manor, a BOLI Preferred Venue, has it all.
A Home Rich With History
The Westbury Manor property dates back to the 1880s. At first an estate, it was sold several times over the next hundred years. Jerry Scotto took ownership of Westbury Manor in 2005, but his history with the Manor goes back to the 1980s when he worked there as a teenager. “I actually got married in 1989 at the Westbury Manor on a Thursday night, when it was unfashionable to get married on a weeknight,” says Scotto.
Growing up in the restaurant business, Scotto says family always came first. He’s incorporated family recipes from his great uncle and grandmother into dishes at Westbury Manor. “For me, it’s always been like a family meal,” he says. “When people come here, they’re coming to my home. I’m their host, and I want them to have the best food and the best time.” Scotto says his dedicated staff has been with him for more than 15 years, and they welcome every couple with open arms, whether you have your wedding there or not. “We are just appreciative of the opportunity they are offering us to potentially share in their special day,” he says.
And Scotto loves interacting with couples as they plan their wedding. In fact, he makes himself available to all couples all the way through to their wedding day. “I try to pop in to each wedding at the Manor,” he says. “I’m at my happiest when I see how happy couples and their guests are on their wedding day.”
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Picture Perfect Grounds
The service isn’t the only thing that’s exceptional at Westbury Manor. The property features five acres of gardens that are perfect for a ceremony or an outdoor cocktail hour. It’s home to thousands of flowers and evergreens, tucked in between flowing ponds, waterfalls, a bridge and a gazebo. Don’t be surprised if you see a wandering Peacock as you take photos among twinkling lights throughout the garden. And in the warmer months, you might even consider setting up a Viennese hour among the stars.
You won’t feel like you have to rush to take full advantage of the beautiful outdoor space at Westbury Manor. “We are a one wedding at a time venue,” says Scotto. “And we let couples arrive early to take as many photos as they like before their ceremony or reception. We want them to be able to enjoy their wedding, and not feel rushed while taking photos during the day.”
If the weather isn’t cooperating on your wedding day, there are plenty of options inside for beautiful photos. Westbury Manor features cozy fireplaces and live floral arrangements throughout the year, as well as a grand piano in the Polo Lounge and elegant furniture. As a bonus, there is an onsite photo studio with different backdrops that you could use.
(Photo courtesy of Westbury Manor)
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Gourmet Cuisine
Your guests will not leave hungry on your wedding day. From the 40 selections of cocktail hour stations to the seven dinner entrees to choose from, there are delicious options that are sure to satisfy every palate. “Our menu is 10 pages long,” says Scotto. “We work with each couple to curate the perfect menu for their wedding day with cuisine from all over the world.” The cocktail hour stations could include Asian food with an oriental wok or General Tso’s chicken, the Italian stations with different dishes from northern or southern Italy, the fajita station and even a barbecue station. “The barbecue ribs are a big favorite,” says Scotto. “It always brings a smile to my face when I see empty plates during the cocktail hour. That means they’re loving the food.”
Some dinner options include melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon and a grilled pork chop or the sophisticated duck a l’ orange. Make sure to tell your guests to leave room for dessert. You get to choose from several options like a homemade brownie with ice cream to individually baked cheesecakes that accompany a custom-designed wedding cake.
For those with dietary restrictions, there are vegetarian and gluten-free options. They also offer kosher meals through a third-party vendor, and can recommend kosher catering if needed.
(Photo courtesy of Westbury Manor)
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Something For Every Bride
The Westbury Manor works with brides with all different budgets – they offer a package that includes a florist, photographer and a DJ, with the option to add on transportation.
Scotto urges all brides not to get overwhelmed with the planning process. “There are so many options and decisions that brides need to make for their wedding,” he says. “I always tell them to separate their planning into two categories – the essentials and the extras.” The essentials being the gown, tuxedo, transportation, entertainment, flowers and, of course, the venue. “The extras can get overwhelming for brides,” he says. “I always tell couples that if something isn’t there on your wedding day, it won’t necessarily be missed.”
If you get overwhelmed, Scotto says it’s great that brides are able to connect with other brides in the Brides of Long Island Facebook group. “I think that’s such a great resource for brides in regard to planning and trends,” he says. “I love that brides can speak with other brides so they know they’re not alone in the planning process.”
Ultimately, Scotto and the team at Westbury Manor can’t wait to welcome you with open arms into their home to share in your special day.
(Photo courtesy of Westbury Manor)