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Business & Tech

LIW To Host Biggest Bridal Extravaganza

Three vendors give their take on working in Garden City, and what guests can expect at the March 3 event.

Liweddings.com is a valuable resource for engaged couples. The Web site includes many tools, such as information and reviews about hundreds of vendors, a budget calculator, guest list organizer, active chat boards and more.

For anyone planning a wedding in Garden City, the site has information about vendors located in town and vendors who frequently work in the area.

Bonaventure Tuxedo, the Garden City menswear shop, will be appearing at the LIW Bridal Extravaganza on March 3. One of LIW's biggest events of the year gives attendees the opportunity to meet and greet with over 80 different vendors at the Huntington Hilton.

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All men in attendance are eligible to win a flat screen TV, while the ladies hold onto tickets to win a 6 days/5 nights all-inclusive vacation to Almond Morgan Bay in St. Lucia, courtesy of Almond Beach Resorts.

This year's event will play host to some of Long Island's top DJs, photographers, day of coordinators, limo companies, hotels and so much more. Three vendors filled me on how they can contribute to a Garden City wedding and what attendees can expect to find at their event tables.

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Selecting the best entertainment is crucial because guests will always remember it.

Phil Vollaro, owner of After Hours Entertainment says, "We have been around for 13 years, and we have performed at many venues. The Garden City Hotel and Stewart Manor Country Club are my two favorite places."

The Garden City Hotel is the spot for a classy and trendy affair. If you are looking for a serene and peaceful country club location, the Stewart Manor Country Club is the place to get married. After Hours likes working at both because of their great food, professional staff and unique location.

"Be sure to stop at our table and meet myself and all of my friendly staff. You will see how down-to-earth we are, why so many brides love hanging out with us, and why we love what we do. We will be handing out our prices and packages, along with DVD videos of our performances and more. We offer a high energy party band, dj's, mc's, lighting, event decor, live musicians, strings, steel drums and much more. So see you at the show and congrats to all future brides and happy planning," Vollaro said.

After the wedding day is over, newlyweds want to see beautiful photos of the day. Amanda Picone of Amanda Picone Photography weighs in on the process.

"Make sure that you love the style! Look at the photographer's Web site. Do you want a lot of posed photos or do you prefer a more casual fly-on-the-wall style? You'll be spending all day with your photographer, so having complimentary personalities is a must! Find out exactly what is included and look at sample wedding albums. Remember, your photos will last forever, so you do not want to settle," Picone said. 

She added, "I shot a Garden City Hotel wedding in July, with plenty of gorgeous flowers in bloom! We walked around the corner to a park that has gardens and a lovely gazebo for some great shots. The bridal suite provided a wonderful backdrop for prep shots and the balcony and elevator lobby helped me to create gorgeous bridal portraits."

Picone said brides, and grooms, should definitely make it a point to stop by her booth at the Bridal Extravaganza: "My booth promises to be something unique, stylish and fun with some amazing surprises. My goal is to give everyone a preview of what it's like to work with me, a highly personalized experience that feels like working with a friend."

And of course, no wedding day is complete without an officiant to make the ceremony beautiful and memorable.

Reverend Deb Viola of Ceremonies of the Heart says, "LI Weddings Bridal Extravaganza is a wonderful opportunity for vendors and brides to connect in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Many of the vendors will be giving away services and prizes. Couples who stop by our booth will be able to get information and talk with us about creating the perfect ceremony that expresses their love, beliefs and their relationship. We will also be raffling off a free custom ceremony."

Rev. Deb said the Garden City Gazebo is a beautiful outdoor location where she's performed many ceremonies, along with The Garden City Hotel.

"All of their ceremony locations are wonderful and the staff is a pleasure to work with. I have also done many ceremonies at the beautiful homes in Garden City. Many of the homes have amazing backyards and gardens that serve as a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony," she added.

The LIW Bridal Extravaganza takes place March 3 from 6-9:30p.m. Free registration is available to LIW members at http://www.libridalextravaganza.com or a $5 admission fee can be paid at the door.

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