“We’ve customized so many different weddings, and no two weddings are ever the same.” Essex Club offers versatility, affordability, and charm

Formerly known as the Brentwood Country Club, Essex Club can create your dream day on nearly any budget.

Image courtesy of Essex Club

It goes without saying that Long Island weddings can get very expensive, very quickly. While that may not be such an issue for some, for others it can mean choosing their dream day or settling for something in their budget.

Essex Club, a BOLI Preferred Venue, merges beauty, affordability, and professionalism in a perfect union. After completing floor-to-ceiling renovations and a name change shortly before the COVID pandemic, this Lessing’s property quickly became a popular and much-loved choice for many Brides of Long Island.  

Image courtesy of Essex Club

“We just wanted a fresh start.” – Essex Club

In 2019, the Lessing’s-owned Brentwood Country Club underwent major renovations and a name change in order to honor the town’s namesake – a suburban enclave called Brentwood, Essex in England. “We just wanted a fresh start,” said Jessica Dobbins, Essex Club’s general manager. “We completely renovated the whole building.” 

They unveiled the updated Essex Club in January 2020. Two months later, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the local wedding industry.

“With Covid, so many people had to postpone their weddings and needed a new place to go. When things opened up again, couples wanted small, intimate weddings and we were able to give that to them.”

Image courtesy of Essex Club

“You can customize as much as you want.” – Essex Club

The updates have transformed Essex Club into a totally versatile and customizable space. “You get the whole building to yourself, so you can customize as much as you want,” Jessica detailed.

“Our cocktail hour space has an enclosed tent with retractable walls,” she continued. “It’s year round no matter what the climate, so if it’s raining, snowing, or freezing cold, your cocktail hour won’t have to be moved inside.”

Image by Claudia V Ayala Photography, courtesy of Essex Club

That cocktail hour space is adjacent to a picturesque gazebo that can be used for your ceremony. “We do seasonal flowers from April until December. And even when the flowers aren’t in bloom, the trees are still all green. It’s a really nice view, and if there’s inclement weather, your ceremony can take place inside in front of our fireplace.”

When it comes time for the party, Essex Club will open their stunning ballroom that holds up to 215 people. “It overlooks the patio where the tent is, so it could be used as one continuous space. If your guests don’t want to be inside with the music, they’re more than welcome to hang out outside in the tent area. A lot of our couples will do after parties there, or add a cigar roller that can work outside.”

Image courtesy of Essex Club

“Everyone wants to do something different, and we can definitely do that for them here.” – Essex Club

Essex Club sets itself apart from a host of gorgeous Long Island venues for two reasons: affordability and customizability. “A lot of couples that come here may be paying for everything themselves or they’re already supporting a family, so they want to have a nice, affordable wedding,” Jessica said.

“We also do one event a day, so we can personalize your event ,” she added. “Everyone wants to do something different, and we can definitely do that for them here. We can customize everything from the time your ceremony starts to packages and decorations. Working directly with a couple, our team will tailor to your style and needs, because no two weddings are the same. It’s nice that we have that flexibility.”  

Image courtesy of Essex Club

“If they get a piece of pizza or hot pretzel when they’re on the way out, they’ll remember that the most.” – Essex Club

Of course, Essex Club offers the delectable cuisine that Long Islanders have always associated with the Lessing’s brand. 

“Our most popular menu option for cocktail hour is our Mulberry Street station, which includes eggplant rollatini, sausage and peppers, penne alla vodka, and garlic breadsticks,” Jessica described. “For dinner, it’s our braised short rib and the teriyaki glazed salmon.”

She also offered an alternative idea for wedding favors: a to-go station. “Unfortunately, half the guests always end up leaving the physical items here. But if they get a piece of pizza, a hot pretzel or White Castle when they’re on the way out, they’ll remember that the most.”

Image courtesy of Essex Club

“I like when people bring those customizations here to show their love story.” – Essex Club

Personally, Jessica enjoys when couples incorporate their ideas and inspirations into their wedding days. “I like when people bring those customizations here to show their love story,” she explained.

She went on to remember a special wedding from this past summer. “When you walked into the lobby, they had pictures of them when they were first dating. When you moved to the cocktail hour, it was the next chapter of their lives. Then in the ceremony space it was a timeline with pictures and memories of their relationship together, which was really unique. Each room had a different table explaining that chapter of their life, and I’ve never seen that done before.”

Image courtesy of Essex Club

“Make it about yourself.” – Essex Club

Jessica had a few words of advice for brides of Long Island. “Make it about yourself,” she suggested. “It’s not about what your family wants. This is your special day so you should do what you want to do. Add those personal touches or go crazy with decorations, get everything you want. Couples can really do that here.”

Image courtesy of Essex Club

Plan every moment of your ideal day at Essex Club, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Venue!

You want to show off your ring to everyone you know, near and far. But should you travel with your engagement ring?

It might be one of the most special (and most expensive) things you own — your engagement ring. You’ve been staring at it non-stop ever since it was slipped on your finger, so of course you’ll want to show it off to everyone you know!

Well, not so fast. You don’t want it to leave your finger, but you also don’t want anything to happen to it.

There are lots of mishaps that can happen while traveling, both in transit and at your destination. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide whether traveling with your engagement ring is worth it.

Damage

Damage is something to keep in mind not only if you’re planning on an active vacation, but also for the journey itself. If you’re recently engaged, you may not be used to wearing your ring yet. That can mean you unintentionally bump it against something or snag it somewhere.

You’ll also want to think about what you’ll be doing on your trip. If your itinerary includes scuba diving, parasailing, and rock climbing, you may not want your engagement ring along for the ride. If you have a super low-key vacation planned, you may not need to leave it behind. 

 

Image courtesy of Foxlight Studios

Loss

Remember that time you took your ring off to wash your hands, then couldn’t find it for 20 minutes? Yeah, you don’t EVER want to repeat that again.

If you’re at home, chances are your ring will reappear at some point. But if you’re out of town…well, we don’t even like to think about it. 

You know yourself. If you tend to lose track of things, it may be a good idea to leave your ring at home. If your ring stays on 24/7,  you won’t really have to worry about loss.

Theft

Unfortunately there are some not-so-nice people in the world, and in certain tourist destinations, a big shiny ring can make you a target for theft.

That’s not to say that theft can’t happen anywhere — it definitely can, even in your own neighborhood. Think about where you’re traveling and the general safety level there. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable walking around at night, leave your ring at home. If you’ve been to your destination a million times and it feels like a second home, you may choose to keep it on. 

Image courtesy of Captured by Christina Anne

Tips for traveling with your engagement ring

If you decide to jet off with your ring in tow, there are a few ways you can ensure it stays safe.

  • Wear it discreetly and strategically. Never wear your ring while swimming, hiking, surfing, or doing any activity where it could get damaged. If you’re in an area where you feel unsafe, turn your ring around so the stone doesn’t show or tuck it into your pocket. You can also choose to store your ring in a hotel safe.
  • Get your ring insured and inspected before your trip. If a prong is loose or a stone is missing you’ll want to address that before you take off. Insurance will cover you if the unthinkable happens!
  •  Purchase a fake engagement ring or a silicone band. Trust us — a lost $15 Amazon purchase won’t cause nearly as many tears as a lost engagement ring.

Traveling with your engagement ring is a personal decision. Weigh the pros and cons of both options, and do what feels right for you!

The BOLI preferred venues are great for any of your wedding celebrations.

There are so many restaurants and venues on Long Island that could host any of your wedding celebrations. But how can you tell which one will be the best for you? Well, look no further than some of the best shower, rehearsal and bachelorette locations for Long Island weddings. These Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendors will treat you with extra special care and make sure you have the best celebrations for your big day.

(Photo courtesy of ITA Kitchen)

ITA Kitchen
Bay Shore, East Moriches, Patchogue and Garden City
What does ITA stand for? Italian American! At any ITA location, they work with you to create a catering menu that is exactly what you’re looking for. They take pride in not just incredible food, but a wonderful experience.

(Photo courtesy of Post Office Cafe)

Post Office Café
Babylon
As part of the Lessing’s Hospitality Group, you know your event will be in good hands at Post Office Café. Thanks to their delicious fare and fun cocktails, this downtown Babylon venue could be the perfect place for your shower, rehearsal dinner or engagement party.

(Photo courtesy of Library Cafe)

Library Café
Farmingdale
Located in the heart of downtown Farmingdale, Library Café has a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere. Also part of the Lessing’s Hospitality Group, brides and grooms are treated with unique and personalized experiences.

(Photo courtesy of Sandbar)

Sandbar
Cold Spring Harbor
Craving seafood? Head to Sandbar in the heart of Cold Spring Harbor. It features a “polished coastal-casual” ambiance that creates a sleek backdrop for elaborate American cuisine. Seasonal ingredients are featured alongside year-round edibles that are perfect for any wedding event.

Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern
Stony Brook
Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern is located in the heart of Stony Brook, and is part of the Three Village Inn. Enjoy your shower or engagement party overlooking Stony Brook Harbor, tasting their French bistro cuisine and American comfort food.

(Photo courtesy of View)

View
Oakdale
View offers a refined yet relaxing setting with beautiful waterfront views and award-winning food. Host your intimate wedding event with a customized menu and breathtaking landscapes.

(Photo courtesy of Insignia)

Insignia
Smithtown
This steakhouse-turned-wedding venue can accommodate up to 300 guests. It offers indoor and outdoor spaces for any type of event, from rehearsal dinners to showers and more. Insignia combines the feel of a Hamptons-style mansion with an upscale Manhattan restaurant for a unique wedding vibe. Menus range from prime-aged steaks to fresh seafood and sushi.

(Photo courtesy of Opus Steakhouse)

Opus Steakhouse
Jericho
This re-imagined North Shore mansion can be yours for your wedding event! It offers dramatic spaces offering lush gardens, a suspended wine loft and an open kitchen. To say Opus is unique is an understatement, and it’s sure to wow your guests with its delicious menu and breathtaking views.

(Photo courtesy of Camp No Counselors)

Camp No Counselors
Go back to summer camp – but add some adult activities. Think DJ, live bands, foam parties and so much more! And it’s all inclusive – including the adult beverages. This is one weekend with your besties that you won’t forget.

MORE: Learn about Camp No Counselors

(Photo courtesy of Goldy’s Gems)

Goldy’s Gems
Bay Shore
This timeless Bay Shore bar offers a cozy bar atmosphere with a killer house cocktail list. Goldy’s Gems brings people together to celebrate anything and everything – it’s the perfect space for intimate celebrations, showers, bachelorette parties or an after party you’ll never forget.

(Photo courtesy of Brides of Long Island)

AR Workshop Patchogue
Patchogue
Why not get creative for your shower or bachelorette party? At AR Workshop in Patchogue, there is a broad selection of projects and designs to fit your décor style. Its relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to celebrate your upcoming nuptials.

MORE: Unique Bridal Shower or YOUR Long Island Bachelorette Party? Both – at AR Workshop Patchogue!

(Photo courtesy of Heather Jean Photography)

Heather Jean Photography
Heather is a full-time photographer, mom and caffeine enthusiast. And she can’t wait to capture your wedding events. Her experience shooting smaller weddings makes her the perfect photographer to capture all of your celebrations – showers, rehearsal dinners and more.

(Photo courtesy of One10)

One10
Melville
This restaurant space is designed in a modern, chic style, with plenty of natural light and warm wooden flooring. In addition to hosting wedding celebrations, it also operates as an Italian steakhouse that can host your wedding events.

(Photo courtesy of Rare650)

Rare650
Syosset
Rare, indeed. This modern restaurant offers a unique dining experience with several event spaces to choose from for your wedding festivities. From the main dining room with a floor-to-ceiling wine room to a conservatory offering a bright and airy space for guests, Rare650 is the perfect venue to customize your perfect shower or rehearsal dinner.

The Halston
Melville
The Halston features exciting cuisine, delicious wines and signature cocktails that are perfect for your shower, rehearsal dinner or any other wedding event. It features indoor and outdoor spaces for any time of year, with unique spots for photo opportunities.

(Photo courtesy of Blackstone Steakhouse)

Blackstone Steakhouse
Melville
The restaurant space offers a modern, chic style, with plenty of natural light and warm wooden flooring. Blackstone’s incredible décor sets the scene and mood for an unforgettable event, featuring warmly glowing chandeliers and fireplaces, as well as remarkable service.

(Photo courtesy of Coastal Creative Studios)

Coastal Creative Studios
Huntington Bay
Coastal Creative Studios can be yours for wedding day prep, as an inspiring backdrop for your wedding photos or even for other events such as your bridal shower. It features stunning views of Huntington Harbor and is conveniently located across from Harbor Club at Prime.

MORE: Elevate Your Wedding Day Preparations at Coastal Creative Studios

(Photo courtesy of Long Island Chef)

Long Island Chef
Stuart Allan is a private chef who travels all over Long Island bringing delicious food to you. He specializes in intimate dinner parties and works with you to create your own personal menu. Long Island Chef will create the perfect five-star dining experience for your shower, bachelorette party and more.

(Photo courtesy of The Sofo Spoon)

The Sofo Spoon
Islandia
The Sofo Spoon is a full-service private chef and event production company. Its team of chefs and hospitality professionals are passionate and are waiting to curate your vision for the perfect wedding event. Brides love their bachelorette weekend packages, bridal shower brunches and bridesmaid proposal dinners.

No matter what Long Island wedding event you’re looking to have – from your engagement party to your rehearsal dinner – these locations are sure to leave you smiling and satisfied.

Norman and his wife Jenna got married in Southern California weeks after the Olympics.

(Image by Allie Lindsey Photography, via The Knot)

Just weeks after the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, sprinter Michael Norman and his college sweetheart, Jenna Adams, tied the knot in Southern California.

According to The Knot, Norman and his new bride met at the University of Southern California. He ran track and field, and Adams played women’s volleyball. Mutual friends introduced the pair, who started dating in between their sophomore and junior years. Five years later, Norman proposed in November 2023 during a trip to Japan. Norman spent weeks planning the proposal, he told The Knot. “I flew to her parents’ house in San Francisco to ask for permission.” And because the Olympics were less than a year away, Adams said her mother started making a list of venues before she even said ‘yes.’

Adams told The Knot that she chose September 28, 2024 because it was after the Paris Olympics, during the one month of the year he takes off. “I knew in order for him to fully enjoy the wedding day, it had to be the month that he takes off right after the season, which in 2024 was September,” she explained.

The couple enlisted the help of Stefanie Muse, owner of Muse Luxury Weddings, to bring their ideas for a minimalist and modern celebration to life. Working closely with the newlyweds, they transformed the Alila Marea Beach Resort into a monochromatic oasis. Guests celebrated the couple throughout the weekend, starting with a kickoff party that Friday.

(Image by Allie Lindsey Photography, via The Knot)

MORE: XOXO: Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szohr Marries Former NHL Star Brad Richardson

The church ceremony was Saturday afternoon, where Adams walked down the aisle in a custom one-shoulder wedding dress. Adams told The Knot that before she walked down the aisle, she listened to a message that Norman recorded for her. “As I was listening to it, it was then I realized that I was marrying the person I love more than anything,” she said. “After, I was so excited that I didn’t have any nerves.” The couple skipped a first look, and went the traditional route of seeing each other for the first time at the altar.

As the pair took advantage of the golden hour glow along the coastal bluffs for photos, Adams surprised Norman with a “second” first look, where she transformed her wedding dress by removing the overskirt. For their first dance at their reception, they danced a choreographed routine to Kacy Musgraves’ cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Guests danced the night away to a band, and continued the party into the wee hours of the night with a DJ.

MORE: 5 Reasons Why You Should Choreograph Your First Dance

According to The Knot, the couple is focused on enjoying their newlywed life in California, and gearing up for the LA 2028 Olympics.

(Image by Allie Lindsey Photography, via The Knot)

Norman/Adams Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Venue: Alila Marea Beach Resort
Photographer: Allie Lindsey Photography
Planner: Muse Luxury Weddings
Videographer: SD Wedding Films
Florist: Organic Elements
Glam: Triplow Beauty
Rentals: Organic Elements, Concepts Event Design
Entertainment: Republic of Music
Transportation: San Diego Charter

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,

My wedding was two weeks ago and it was amazing! It was truly one of the best days of my life and I loved every minute of it.

Well…not every minute of it.

I had a very specific idea in mind for my centerpieces: five white peonies surrounded by baby’s breath and a white candle in the middle. Since peonies aren’t in season now, I had to pay a lot of money to get them.

During cocktail hour I walked into the main dining space to see how everything was set up, and my centerpieces were all wrong. Some had three peonies and a ton of baby’s breath, some had six peonies and barely any baby’s breath, some had no baby’s breath at all. They were a total mess.

I ended up freaking out on the maître d’ for allowing the florist to leave without taking care of their crappy work. He tried his best to arrange them more to my liking, but there weren’t enough flowers. I eventually calmed down and enjoyed the rest of my evening, but looking back on things now I’m even madder about it than I was at the time. I really went over budget to get my exact vision and it wasn’t met. 

I have a call in to the florist to discuss this. I told my now-husband about my reaction when I saw everything, and he said I was a bridezilla for losing my cool with the maître d’. He wants to make sure I don’t do the same when we call the florist. I don’t think I’m a bridezilla because it’s the venue’s job to make sure everything is perfect. Do you agree with him? Or am I a bridezilla?

Signed,

Peony Problem

Dear Peony Problem,

Yes, you’re a bridezilla.

No one would fault you for being upset about your centerpieces not coming out right, especially if you paid a lot of money for out-of-season flowers. We all want to get what we pay for, ESPECIALLY if we’re emptying our pockets to get it.

But your reaction towards the venue staff definitely pushed you into bridezilla territory. You said it’s “the venue’s job to make sure everything is perfect,” and that’s true up to a point. The venue can only control what’s in their territory (and their contract with you) — the food, the space, their staff, etc. The florist is the one that dropped the ball here, and your venue staff has absolutely no control over the florist’s work or the items they drop off. 

My guess is that the maître d’ was focused on his job, which was making sure the set up of the room was right and the rest of his staff was ready for your wedding. If you had a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, they would be the ones in charge of making sure all of your other vendors were performing their jobs appropriately. 

Most venue staff will also pay attention to other vendors as much as they can because they obviously want you to be happy. But at the end of the day, that’s not really their responsibility. And besides that, what options do you think the maître d’ had in this scenario? He worked with you to get the centerpieces as close to your liking as possible, but the fact remained that there weren’t enough flowers. He could have asked the florist to go back and bring more flowers, however since they were out of season it’s unlikely they had more to bring. He could have demanded that they take the centerpieces back and continue to work on them until they were right, but then you run the risk of having no centerpieces at all (or having them roll in mid-dinner). And again — since the flowers were out-of-season, it’s unlikely that they had more on hand to fill out their work. 

Do you have a right to be mad at the florist? Yes, absolutely. Before you talk to them, I would sit down with your husband and make notes about exactly what you want to say. If you have pictures to provide in comparison to your inspiration images or the florist’s mockups, that would be great. Try to keep heightened emotions out of the conversation as much as possible and stick to the facts: you didn’t get what you paid for.

I would also apologize to your maître d’. You can write an email or call, but take the time to express remorse. I’m sure this isn’t the first time he’s dealt with a situation like this, and I’m sure he’s understanding of the fact that tensions can run high on wedding days. Still, it’s worth it to reach out and apologize to him. 

Wondering if you’re a bridezilla? Email your anonymous questions to jennifer@bridesofli.com

 

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Tiana talks about planning her wedding in six months – and being the second bride ever at The Lannin.

When Tiana went out with a friend on a cold February night, she didn’t think she’d meet her future husband. Almost two years later, she and Anthony walked down the aisle in the winter wedding of her dreams.

A Chance Meeting

Like something out of a movie, Tiana and her friend were sitting at the bar at The Irish Poet in Wantagh. Anthony went to pay his tab, and they got to talking. “He ended the conversation with, ‘Can I take you out sometime?’” she recalled. “I figured if he had the nerve to put himself out there, I could at least go on one date.”

They started dating that February of 2022, and in May 2023, Anthony proposed during her father’s birthday dinner. “We were taking a group photo at the end of dinner, and I turned around and he was down on one knee,” she said.

Just Six Months to Plan

Tiana knew she wanted to get married the same year, so she started planning right after they got engaged. The first vendor she booked? Hair and makeup. “I was obsessed with makeup artist Glam by Gee,” she explained. “As soon as we got engaged, I contacted her right away to check her availability for December. And I also booked her partner for hair.” She chose December because it was the off season, and she figured she’d have luck with vendors being available – which they all were. “I was very lucky in that I was able to book all of the vendors I wanted.”

In fact, Tiana also knew right away she wanted to get married at The Lannin, a BOLI Preferred Venue. Its central location and recent renovations made it the perfect choice for her wedding. And, it turns out, she was only the second bride to have her reception there. “They had all their dates available, since they were just opening,” Tiana said.

Once her venue, and hair and makeup were booked, she made sure to reach out to Bravo Sound. “It’s a Greek band and Greek DJ that I grew up with,” Tiana said. “They played at my Sweet 16, as well as my brother’s wedding and sister’s wedding. They are like family to us, and they kept everyone on the dance floor all night.”

MORE: 5 Reasons to Have a Short Engagement

Standing Out On Her Wedding Day

Tiana wowed her guests with the unique offerings during cocktail hour, including hanging Tomahawk steaks and sushi that was hand rolled in front of them. “The Lannin was so accommodating with anything I asked for,” she said. “They truly went above and beyond to make our night special and unique.”

In addition to the amazing food, The Lannin was decorated for the holidays complete with garlands, baby’s breath, lights and a holiday tree. “I wasn’t sure if they would be decorated yet, but they were and it was just breathtaking and fit with my winter theme,” she said.

MORE: Customize the Luxury Wedding of Your Dreams at The Lannin

Adding to the winter theme, Tiana made sure the ballroom was transformed into an enchanted forest. Her centerpieces were natural, old brown birch branches in tall vases that almost hit the ceiling, with lights wrapped around them and hanging crystals. She also included a beautiful backdrop behind where she and Anthony sat. “This backdrop was so extravagant, it was the first thing people saw as they walked in,” she said. “It was gold-colored flowers etched on glass, with a white-flowered arch – it really felt like we were in that enchanted forest.”

Wanting to get her guests in on the fun, Tiana had an interactive seating chart. “It was a photo of us, and when people found their names, they’d peel off a sticker that revealed their table number on the back,” Tiana explained. “Once all of the names were peeled off, another photo of us was underneath. It was so unique and fun!” And as favors, guests got to take home personalized bottles of Pinot Noir that included Tiana and Anthony’s name and wedding date.

MORE: 9 Signature Drinks to Warm Up Your Guests

Booking Early Is Key

Tiana said she is proud to be part of the BOLI community. “I found it so helpful during planning – from reading reviews to hearing what other brides were going through,” Tiana said.

Now that she’s graduated, she’s happy to impart her knowledge to other brides. “Book everything early,” she said. “If you know what vendors you want, book them right away.”

And while it may seem hard, Tiana said it’s important to focus on what you and your future spouse want. “Everyone will have their opinion. But it’s your day.” Tiana says she was able to stay calm throughout the planning process, which she believes made her day go smoothly. “Everything that I had planned came to life, and it blew me out of the water. The day went so fast, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything was perfect.”

Vendors:
Venue: The Lannin, a BOLI preferred vendor
Photographer and Videographer: Miralli Photography, a BOLI preferred vendor
DJ and Band: Bravo Sound
Florist: A Floral Celebration
Hair: Themanewave
Makeup: Glambygee
Dresses: Blu Rayne Bridal Boutique, a BOLI preferred vendor
MOB and MOH Dresses: Bridal Reflections, a BOLI preferred vendor
Tuxedos: Esquire Tuxedos, a BOLI preferred vendor

Want to get everyone on the dance floor? Here are the 10 most requested songs to play at your reception!

Image courtesy of Absolute Entertainment

No matter what your musical preferences happen to be, there are few songs that are guaranteed to get ANYONE out of their seats! If you want a packed dance floor all night long, consider adding these 10 most requested songs to your playlist! 

Of course, this list may give you a few ideas for your “do not play” list too — that’s okay! Remember, it’s your wedding and you get to call the shots!

Image courtesy of Long Island Sound

1. “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire

A classic! Is there anything better than hearing those opening notes?

2. “I Want to Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

Whitney can inspire even those with two left feet to start dancing. 

3. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

“SO GOOD! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!” If you want an epic sing-along, this ear-worm needs to be on your list.

4. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

This is a popular song to close out the night! Play it after last call and there won’t be a single person left in their seats.

5. “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey

Another great closer! There’s nothing like the ’80s to bring out everyone’s best air guitar.

Image courtesy of Ello Entertainment

6. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon

The title says it all!

7. “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall & Oats

Not only is this song great for an entrance, but it will also inspire some great moves on the dance floor.

8. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

Another classic for the list! It’s classic for a reason — everyone loves it! 

9. “Shout” by the Isley Brothers

Is it really a wedding without hearing “Shout”? This song can be a bit polarizing, but there’s no denying it’s one of the most popular wedding songs there is.

10. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

A slow jam to close out our list. This romantic tune will get all the couples into each other’s arms.

Image courtesy of Gotham Events NYC

These fun trends for 2025 will make your wedding spectacular.

A new year brings some new and fun wedding ideas to incorporate into your big day! Here are eight trends for 2025 Long Island weddings.

Bright Colors

Choosing bold and bright colors will allow you to stand out from your bridal party. If bright bridesmaids dresses aren’t really your thing, remember that you can incorporate those pops of color with your floral arrangements or bouquets.

(Photo courtesy of Campbell’s Bakery)

Elaborate Cakes

Elaborate cakes are in for 2025! Whether you want a multi-tiered look or a super specialized design, you can include parts of your personality that will make your cake pop –  think bold colored icing, superheroes, sports teams, your favorite movie, or favorite hobbies. The possibilities are endless!

Wedding Content Creators

Wedding content creators were definitely in for 2024, and they are only getting more popular. Wedding content creators allow you to share your big day with the whole world instantly. Just give them ideas of what you want and they’ll do the rest.

MORE: The Best Long Island Wedding Content Creators

Even Shorter Ceremonies or Private Vows

While the ceremony is the most important part of your big day, many couples are shortening them to allow for longer cocktail hours and receptions. Shorter ceremonies are great for those who don’t necessarily like being the center of attention. In fact, many 2025 couples are choosing to say their vows privately. This could mean simply turning off that microphone in front of guests, or even saying them before the ceremony, perhaps at your first look.

MORE: I’m a Shy Bride – How Do I Handle Being the Center of Attention?

Hair Down

Let your hair down! In for 2025 weddings are long locks. Start saving some wavy, beachy hairstyle photos! Pro tip – ask your stylist about adding extensions to make your hair fuller on your wedding day.

Multi-Day Events

You may have already planned your rehearsal dinner or a post-wedding brunch the next day with your bridal party. But why not include more guests and make it a multi-day wedding celebration? This fun 2025 wedding trend keeps the party going for a few days, and allows you to spend time with loved ones in a more relaxed setting.

(Photo courtesy of Calling All Guests)

Audio Guestbooks

An audiobook can keep things interesting. It can be as simple as setting up a laptop or an iPad for people to record a message for you, or hiring a wedding pro that offers this service. Either way, it’s a great keepsake that you can listen to for years to come.

MORE: The Best Fun Extras for Your Wedding

(Photo courtesy of Jenn Kimmel Photography)

Interactive Food Stations

These fun food stations are a great way to make the dining experience engaging and memorable for guests.  Look into a sushi station where guests can watch a sushi chef hand roll the sushi rolls, or get your guests in on the action with a build-your-own taco bar or a cheese fondue bar. Keep the interactivity going during the reception with a drink mixer bar – like margaritas or Bellini’s – where guests can add tasty flavored mixers to their cocktails.

What wedding trends are you looking forward to in 2025? Remember – even if you don’t incorporate any of these ideas, that’s okay. The best trends are the ones that reflect your personal style. And that’s timeless. 

BOLI Preferred Venue The Vineyards at Aquebogue is nestled in Long Island’s picturesque North Fork region

Image courtesy of The Vineyards at Aquebogue

Deciding on a venue is one of the first and most important choices you’ll make as a newly-engaged bride.  Whether you’re looking for something chic and sophisticated or cozy and intimate, there’s no shortage of venues that can offer the exact vibe you’re after. 

However, there aren’t too many venues that have the capacity to create nearly any wedding style you could imagine – all within the same four walls. BOLI Preferred Venue The Vineyards at Aquebogue can do just that, while treating your guests to delicious local fare and providing the backdrop to breathtaking photos.

Image courtesy of The Vineyards at Aquebogue

“It’s so gorgeous, most brides don’t have to do anything extra to it.” – The Vineyards at Aquebogue

“We’re located out here on the beginning of the North Fork, with all of the farmstands and beautiful vineyards around the area,” said Kate Wiggins, sales director for The Vineyards at Aquebogue. “A lot of our couples’ guests take advantage of that on the weekend of the wedding. It’s a true ‘destination,’ but you’re not so far away that you can’t go home.” 

The two main reception spaces at The Vineyards are versatile and comfortable year-round. “Cocktail hour is on our beautiful covered deck area,” Kate described. “There’s greenery and string lights on the ceiling. It’s so gorgeous, most brides don’t have to do anything extra to it. In the summertime it’s open air, so guests can walk in and out. During the off-season months, it’s fully enclosed and heated.”

Image courtesy of The Vineyards at Aquebogue

“The ballroom is connected to the cocktail space, so you’re able to open up the sliding glass doors and guests can mingle in and out throughout your wedding,” she added. “What’s great is that if you want to do a cigar bar, extra dessert station, or any of those add-on options, you can use the cocktail patio as a continuation of your party throughout the night.” 

Your guests won’t be the only ones that can enjoy the serene surroundings. “We’re one wedding at a time, and couples are always impressed because everything they need is here,” Kate continued. “Brides have access to the bridal suite two hours before the wedding, which has a beautiful balcony that overlooks all of the vineyards. Couples love taking pictures up there.” 

Image courtesy of The Vineyards at Aqeubogue

“There are just so many spots for pictures.” –The Vineyards at Aquebogue

Speaking of pictures, The Vineyard’s abundant beauty leaves brides with a wealth of photo opportunities. “The property itself is absolutely stunning,” Kate described. “The gardens here are very well manicured, we have two different gazebos, a waterfall with a pond, a wooden dock, the vineyards and a trail in the woods that we carved out with bistro lights in the trees; there are just so many spots for pictures.”

There are also a few other locations – and props – on the grounds that can lend themselves to truly unique wedding day photos. “There’s a Christmas tree farm on the back of our property that a lot of our winter couples take pictures near,” she detailed. “We offer a golf cart that says ‘just married’ on the back, and a lot of times the sunset will happen in the middle of the wedding. So we’ll use the golf cart since our property is so big, do a five-minute photo shoot with the sunset over the vineyards, then take the couple back in. The golf cart itself is a really fun photo op.” 

Image courtesy of The Vineyards at Aquebogue

“We try to keep things local, so you feel like you’re getting the North Fork experience.” – The Vineyards at Aquebogue

Because the area is rich with local flavor and flare, The Vineyards at Aquebogue likes to keep their menu offerings close to home. “We try to keep things local, so you feel like you’re getting a true North Fork experience,” Kate explained. 

“As a standard part of our wedding menu, we offer a vineyard farm-to-table station which features bites and sliders, oyster chowder, and chicken salad,” she continued. “In the fall we’ll change the oyster chowder to butternut squash. We also include Backyard Brine pickles, North Fork chips, and horseradish from the local Schmidt’s farms.”

Of course, presentation is also important to The Vineyards at Aquebogue’s staff. “We have a chalkboard right above the station with a map of all the farms that we get everything from, next to artistic black and white photos of tractors and chickens. A lot of guests that come from out of town don’t know the area, so they can enjoy the local cuisine while at the venue, and grab a bag of North Fork chips to take home or enjoy during the night.”

Image courtesy of The Vineyards at Aquebogue

The delectable offerings don’t end at cocktail hour. “We have awesome short ribs, that’s one of our most popular entrees, and it comes over mushroom risotto. We also do a pesto shrimp with lobster risotto. Our chefs are really good at risotto!”

For brides that want something extra, The Vineyards at Aquebogue has several distinctive options. “Our Briermere Farms pie station has three different choices of pie with ice cream, fresh whipped cream, and berries on the side. We also offer a North Fork farmstand dessert bar with hot apple cider, local apple strudel, and ‘potato candy’ from 1760 Homestead Farm – it’s a coconut candy coated with dark chocolate.” 

“I like when people do something different.” –The Vineyards at Aquebogue

When asked about a recent memorable wedding, it was hard for Kate to pinpoint a specific event. “We obviously see so many weddings every year,” she explained. “I like when people do something different. Changing out the linens to their personalized color scheme or choosing extravagant floral arrangements both make a huge impact in the space. ”

She further detailed a trend that developed after the COVID pandemic. “One of the most popular things that couples started doing is decorating the ceiling in the ballroom. They’ll do heavy greenery which gives things a very romantic feel. I’ve also seen chiffon drapes hung from the ceiling, and those big installations always make such an impact in photos – the marquee letters, the sparkler towers, those over-the-top details that people remember.”

Image courtesy of The Vineyards at Aquebogue

“Think about yourself in that moment.” – The Vineyards at Aquebogue

Kate had some valuable words of advice for brides of Long Island. “There are so many beautiful venues on Long Island and it’s hard to choose sometimes. If there are certain details that are important to you and you’re stumped, think about yourself in that moment. The dress you’re wearing, the flowers you’re holding, the colors that your girls are in, on the center of the dance floor at your first dance. Are you a fairy tale princess in a ball gown at Bourne Mansion, or do you see yourself embracing your own beautiful style, surrounded by nature and the charm of a vineyard? Visualizing it this way can often help you decide.” 

When you’re shopping for anything big, you want to make sure you’ve made the right decision,” she followed. “It’s one of the biggest days of your life and you don’t want any regrets. You want to see all the options to make sure you’ve made the right decision.”

Whether you’re looking for something chic and sophisticated or cozy and intimate, The Vineyards at Aquebogue could be the perfect venue for your dream wedding.

These tips will help ease your stress as you celebrate your first winter holidays with your in-laws.

The winter holidays are fast approaching. You probably started making your shopping list, buying holiday decorations, and basking in that newlywed glow of spending your first holiday as an engaged or married couple. But all of that holiday cheer can also bring a lot of stress. If this is the first year you’re celebrating with your in-laws, we have you covered with some tips for your first winter holidays with your in-laws.

Know what topics to avoid

You probably know what topics you should avoid at the dinner table by now, but it’s always a good idea to check with your spouse ahead of time. This year could be a tense year to talk politics, so it may be best to steer clear of that subject. 

As you’re getting the lowdown from your spouse about their family, definitely ask if there are any chatty family members that may chew your ear off all night! By planning ahead of time with your spouse, you’ll be able to ease any tension and start building a good relationship with your in-laws.

While you’re hitting your spouse up for the cheat sheet on their family, come up with a code word or signal if you need help in an awkward conversation. Or even if it’s just time to go.

MORE: How to handle political differences with your in-laws

Be mindful of religious beliefs

Find out what sort of religious traditions their family observes. If you grew up Catholic and their family is Jewish, learn some of the traditions ahead of time. Find out if there are any foods they may not be able to eat during the holidays. If you’ll be celebrating at their home, find out what is appropriate to bring. And take the opportunity to learn more about their religion. Ask questions, and really listen to what they have to say. You’ll learn new traditions, which will make the following year’s celebrations easier. 

In addition to religious traditions, find out if there are any other holiday traditions they may have. Perhaps they have a Secret Santa every year. Find out how you can take part, and seek help from your spouse on gift-giving advice

Know their body language.

Follow your spouse’s lead! Are they huggers? Kiss on the cheek? Or maybe just a polite handshake? Let your spouse say hello or good-bye first to see how everyone is greeted. If you follow their lead, you can avoid any awkward moments with relatives you might be meeting for the first time.

Have some good topics planned ahead of time

Learn some good conversation starters. As mentioned above, find out some hot-button topics to avoid, such as politics or even a particular sports team that might get people riled up. See what you have in common with your in-laws and focus on those things to talk about.

MORE: How to Split the Holidays Between Your Family and Your In-Laws 

Bring a gift

If you’ll be a guest at your in-laws, offer to bring something. A dessert? An appetizer? Fruit? Perhaps just a holiday decoration they can use around their home. If you can cook or bake, consider something from scratch for extra brownie points. This blogger won over her in-laws by bringing her now-famous snickerdoodles to their first holiday celebration together. They are now a staple at every get-together.

Offer to help

And just as you would at any winter holiday celebration you attend, offer to help in some way. Either with set-up or clean-up. Offer your compliments up to the chef. And always say thank you for hosting!

If you’re hosting…

If you’re the host of your first winter holiday with your in-laws, find out ahead of time if there are any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Be sure to include dishes that all of their relatives will enjoy. And speaking of food, be sure to have enough! The worst thing during a big holiday would be to run out of food. Remember, you can always have your guests take home leftovers (especially if there are delicious homemade treats)!

Is this the first time your spouse’s mother isn’t hosting a winter holiday? Make her feel special. Include her in the planning. Ask her to bring her special dish that everyone raves about. And if you feel comfortable, ask her for the recipe so you can carry on the tradition.

And remember, with all the added stress, you and your spouse might be on edge. It’s important to keep any disagreements away from the guests.

MORE: How to Best Use the Winter Holidays for Wedding Planning

In the end, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. Be present during the winter holidays. Since it’s your first as an engaged or married couple, take the time to reflect on the year, and what your future holds. The winter holidays are a great time to honor and learn the traditions of each other’s families. And as the years go by, you can look back and incorporate those special moments into your new winter holiday traditions.