Bayview Catering on the Water Venue — Attraction in Town of Hempstead

This is from the POV of a videographer/vendor. Wedding planners/coordinators, Videographers, Photographers be aware.

TL/TR: Photo and video - pack light and don’t try to eat out of turn. Request for an escort to remain with you if you get roof access. Prepare for a possible power outage and small downtime with your music. End times seem to be hard and rushed and you’ll be reminded of it a few times.

June 10, 2023 - I filmed my good friend’s wedding reception at this venue. I attended the walkthrough with the couple a few weeks prior to the event, which was friendly and helpful. There were no other bookings for June 10th at the time so there was a comfort coming from the manager that there would be no rush at the end of the event (5pm). On the day of, once arriving I asked where I can put my equipment during the reception. As a videographer, I have a few additional items we usually store in a pretty safe place at venues. I was told to leave my equipment in their outdoor area because no one would be coming - there were other parties there that arrived later that day. I ended up storing my equipment on the patio where the reception was taking place. If I had known there was no secure area to store my equipment, I would have packed lighter. We were granted access to the rooftop for photos. Beautiful view- but then the photographer, videographers, bride and groom were locked out there for 10 minutes with the sun beating down on us. We requested help to one of the workers but had to resort to calling the venue to remind them we were on the roof. I don’t think this was intentional at all. The power went out on the outlets the dj was using. It was not a very energy hungry set up but it happened. The venue was quick to respond and we had music back within 10 minutes. The groom came up to his vendors and told us to please go get some food. We did and it wasn’t before the last table was called up to eat. So the wedding coordinator in charge came up to us and took our plates away and in no polite way said that we have to wait until the last table is called. This I found extremely embarrassing and unprofessional. Once we got closer to 5 pm- the coordinator started to give warning to the bride and groom about the end time. It killed a lot of the energy for the couple and everyone began to get ready for exiting before 5 bc of it.

It’s a beautiful venue but it wasn’t a good experience for us. Had I been a guest instead of filming their day- I may not have been as disappointed. But to work an event here and not seemingly have support from the venue was...

Very upset with this place and when it comes to booking with this lady Maggie. I tried to book my baby shower, my first child and I wanted to make it very special for my family and my closest friend at this place. I called on February 4th and then again the 6th was going over prices and brunch, lunch menu over the phone to let them know I was coming to pick up a brunch package and personally look at the rooms available. When I arrived to look at their rooms, this lady Maggie said she won’t hold any space unless you have a deposit right there of $1500 to book the day, which I ended up doing as per her words, went home and came back the same day to leave my check as per Maggie said only cash or checks for $1500 Saturday February 10th. Before I went home to get my deposit, that lady Maggie, my husband and I sat down in the office went over the available dates and she said she didn’t have any weekends availability for April including the 27th which was my first option, but has open and available April 28th. Which then we agree to take. When I went back to this place with my deposit, she said it was already booked by someone that has NOT given the $1500 dollars deposit and they were coming today with the deposit, which I thought that was really messed up from her part, we spoke about the available days when she specifically said and repeated herself she won’t hold the day without the deposit, she checked two computers to make sure the day was available and that she has the 28th available but she did the opposite with someone that didn’t leave a deposit of $1500. My husband upset about her false statement said “ok let’s wait to see if these people will end up showing up with the deposit and if not we book our day,” Maggie then switched her story and said “well they might come today or tomorrow with their deposit,” I just think the management or booking people of this place should make sure that they tell everyone the same story and the truth when it comes to booking without a deposit as per Maggie’s words. I could’ve done the same. People if you’re booking this place, make sure you arrive to this place with your checkbook or deposit ready something most people don’t use these days, because their credit card can’t be accepted at this place according to Maggie’s another lie because there’s extra “fees” and charges, so book your day right away because Maggie’s words and actions unfortunately don’t match. Very disappointing. She’s not honest and she definitely ruined my baby...

I just had my mothers retirement party at Bayview and I wish I could leave more than 5 stars because they deserve 10. The venue is absolutely stunning. We had approximately 55 guests in the Veranda room that has large windows that face the water. The bar is conveniently placed, and the room is aesthetically pleasing even before the decorations. The staff make this place what it is because they're professionalism and amount of care and positive energy that they give you is by far the best I've ever experienced in over 2 decades of planning events. They walk you through every detail so you don't miss a beat. The communication from the during the entire time to prepare from this 100%. They are an actual team, so that even if the main person that you are working with is not there, the team picks up right where they left off which means this team. unlike other places communicate with each other. The menu options where amazing! The amount of food and quality was amazing. They have an occasion cake that is also included where you are sent to the bakery for a taste testing which is amazing! They give you a list with vendors that are familiar with the venue to help fill in the gaps which is extremely helpful. We used Cindy from Five Star Events for the photo booth that they recommended which was an absolute hit!!! Best photo booth on the market guarantee it! You will get the list on your initial visit. I can't say enough about the staff. Lauren was the main person that helped to coordinate the event and she was such a pleasure to work with. Jillian the head server and her entire team were on point, didn't miss a beat, and even took care of last minute emergencies and were able to accommodate some last minute changes. Every single time they pick up the phone, the energy on the other end of the phone is so positive and uplifting, it made it really easy. Hosting any event is usually supposed to be somewhat stressful, but this entire team took the stress off and allowed even the host to sit back and enjoy the event. Donna the owner is everything and more that I wrote above and she's done a phenomenal job finding staff that match her energy, kindness, and professionalism. This is leadership at it's best, and it filters down to the entire It's been 24 hours and I have already gotten 3 texts asking me about the venue from our guests that attended my event. I can't wait to book...