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On May 30, 2015 our newest addition was baptized in Oyster Bay and we choose to celebrate this rite of passage at Soundview Caterers, in Bayville, New York, as this is truly a venue for all seasons to host the event of a lifetime! Upon arriving at SC, I entered one of the coziest, warm and elegant foyers. Michael, the owner, was awaiting my arrival. I immediately noticed the extensive and gorgeous renovations Michael had orchestrated. After speaking for a few minutes we moved toward the ballroom, where the double doors were closed. When Michael opened the first door, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing: the sheer, unadulterated elegance of the décor coupled with one of the most breathtaking views of the Long Island sound from the floor-to-ceiling windows inspired chills. The chandeliers – 3 of them – sparkle from the natural light adorning the room, and glimmer in the “show lights” built into the lighting system. The dance floor is large and centered in the room to allow guests on both sides to enjoy the party. And the rest of the place did not disappoint! All of the renovations and updates have put SC on the map as one of the most elegant and detail oriented catering halls on Long Island. Michael and I sat down and looked over some of the catering packages available at SC, and perhaps one of the most enlightening aspects of working with SC is knowing EXACTLY you will be paying per person! Please read that again: SC Caterers gives you a per-person price that includes ALL taxes, gratuities, etc. At SC, if Michael tells you that based on your selections it is $85.00 per person, then all you have to do is tally up the total number of people coming, multiple that by $85.00, and you have a firm, final cost based on that number. The entire process between booking and partying was seamless. Aldiana and Michael were both so involved in each step, and thankfully, made themselves available to me since I live in PA. Aldiana called me with friendly reminders and offered her opinions on several different things. She knows what she is talking about. When I met with Michael on finalizing the food selections, he told me he could make anything I wanted, as he was going to be the chef for the party. Their sample menu that they showed me sounded so delicious, I didn’t make any changes. The party itself was amazing! The room was set up more beautifully than I imagined and my guests were treated to the most delicious food by the most accommodating and well-presented staff. The entire TEAM of waiters, waitresses and bartenders not only looked clean and professional, they were kind and considerate of everyone they encountered, including each other. Aldiana was the most gracious of hosts, ensuring that everyone was well taken care of and there was no request they didn’t meet. The staff at SC is phenomenal.
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My finance and I began looking at restaurants and catering facilities on the water. We made 4 appointments so that we could compare and select the one that represented us best. This is our second marriage and we are in our 50's so we wanted something very special. We wanted a great view, beautiful setting, good food ( we are foodies), and a caterer that was friendly and listening to our needs. Well we visited Soundview first because I found both Michael and Jaimie to be friendly and quick to return my calls to set up an appointment. Most other facilities made me feel like I was just another reception, but not Michael. It was our first visit and our last. We knew as we left that this place was exactly what we want. After leaving I called the other facilities and cancelled our appointments. I then called Michael back to set up an appointment and sign the contract. Soundview was recently rebuilt and Michael as the owner looks to the place as if it is his child. The details are gorgeous starting from the entrance and right down to even the bathrooms. He and Jaimie made us feel welcome again and took us around the outside where our ceremony will be (right on the water) and into the area for the cocktail hour, and finally into the reception room. As we walked Michael gave us his thoughts on our options and each one was better than the next. He is catering to our wants and thoroughly understands our needs. The selections for the cocktail hour and main courses are fabulous. But best of all, Michael only hosts one event a day, so no one is rushed or finding the place messy from a previous event. Soundview also has an excellent selection of vendors for entertainment, flowers, photography, etc. When I called a few and mentioned that our wedding is at Soundview each person was friendly as Michael. Our wedding is not until next year but I felt that I needed to express my satisfaction. No that is not accurate, because I am not just satisfied I am thrilled to be working with Michael and his staff on such an important day. I know that I will have no worries that day and what can be better than that....other than taking the hand of my wife and celebrating with our families.
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I don't even know where to begin. Like another reviewer, Soundview was the first venue we saw after getting engaged and we knew immediately after meeting Michael and touring the gorgeous brand new facility that this was the place we wanted to get married. Michael and his staff were so gracious and made us feel so special. They answered every question, email, and phone call and their opinions and advice were instrumental in making our day what it was, perfect! They really went out of their way to make us feel like our day was their day as well. My husband and I were married there just a couple of days ago and we are still on cloud nine. We couldn't have imagined a more perfect day and it was made even more perfect by the warm and wonderful staff at Soundview. Our families and friends are already saying it was the best wedding they've ever been to! We were lucky to have a gorgeous day but with a view like that, even rain would have been beautiful. The picturesque waterfront view is truly incredible. The facility itself is all brand new and each and every detail was carefully picked out and made perfect by Michael. When we first toured Soundview it was unfinished but as Michael described his vision and plans for this beautiful place we knew we had to be a part of it. Their recommendations for vendors were spot on as well and each one we talked to spoke more and more highly of Michael. They were all wonderful to work with and made our special day go seamlessly. Now, the food! My husband was unable to attend the food tasting so I brought our moms. My mom did not stop talking about the crab cakes for MONTHS! When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING, was absolutely delicious and presented so beautifully. There was something for everyone and it was all amazing. I really could go on forever, there aren't enough positive adjectives to describe how happy we are that we trusted Soundview with the most important day of our lives! They made us feel like family and were so excited WITH us on our special day! I've not planned many weddings but I know that is rare and something very special. I would recommend them to anyone and wholeheartedly encourage everyone to see this magical place!
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Our reception at Soundview was absolutely amazing. Everything was coordinated perfectly and the food was fantastic..the guests are still talking about how delicious everything was! Michael and Aldiana were very easy to work with, communicated regularly and were extremely flexible with the planning and activities we requested. Our guests loved the beautiful ambiance and everyone had an amazing time. Thank you so much for making a lasting memory which we will cherish forever!!
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Our wedding was held and hosted by Soundview Caters on Sept 5th, 2015. Michael and his staff, mostly family, transformed an otherwise ordinary Saturday evening into a magical, fairy-tale spectacular for the ages. From the beauty of venue itself, to the pre-ceremony drinks and lemonade, to the Game-of-Thrones-like cocktail smorgasbord, to the bridal attendant and suite, to the actual seated dinner, and finally to the after-reception White Castle sliders, Gelato bar and Hot Dog cart, Soundview pull no punches and delivered all components with a quality and professionalism that made 97% of our guest say “This is the best wedding I have ever been to.” The Set-up: Michael and his staff were very flexible and accommodating as my bride and I went through the venue and food selection process. The staff provided one-on-one appointments where they dedicated time to walk us around the venue (several different times) and discuss menu options. Soundview was very open to providing and even swapping out food items to fit our gastro-needs. Michael and the Soundview staff are experts in this business and were able to enhance our wedding by providing additional non-venue suggestions. When discussing the cocktail hour, the Maître D’, Aldiana, suggested that we do a first look at the Arboretum so that we could actually spend more time with our guest and my cheese selection during that time!!! Michael and his staff were very responsive to my bride’s inquiries and concerns once we booked the venue. As we live in Manhattan, they even allowed her to ship several last minute items to Soundview directly to them for safe keeping. The Big Day: The most amazing part of it all was everything that was talked about, agreed upon and promised was delivered. Full stop. There was not one hiccup, not one. And because of the attention to detail, the follow through, the personal bride and groom attention, we were both able to enjoy our wedding ceremony, cocktail, and reception without once consciously thinking about venue and/or catering events. We were carted back to the outdoor ceremony location from the hall to finish our last photos without hesitation. All of the cocktail hour food selections were waiting in the bridal suite as we arrived post ceremony. My glass of my favorite single-malt scotch was never empty and I never once went to the bar. We tasted all of the food choices without ever asking. Soundview Caters – I fully understand where the Soundview part of the name originated from. As anyone can see from their photos, the outdoor ceremony venue is adjacent to the Long Island Sound, and provide break taking views for sunset weddings, like mine. But it wasn’t until my actual wedding day did I fully realize the “Carters” part of the name. At first glance, one might only think of the act of providing food and beverages to large parties.