Welcome to the boards!!!!!!
I will say this much. You will get 20+ suggestions on what to get and why and where..... Then you get into the INTERNET or LDS debate on where to buy. To cut to the chase. Most people will recommend FIRST to rent some different types of equipment and styles before you buy. This way you find what YOU LIKE and not some random person on the board tells you. But all will agree..... When you go to purchase, buy everything at one shot if you can. This way you can usually get a better price and bring down the dealer on prices. Worst case you ask for free air fills or something. They want your business!!
One other thing to post is what kind of diving are you doing most. Warm water, cold water. Are you looking at getting into wreck diving, photo's, etc...... If you give some more thought into what you can tell us you will be doing most likely after being certified, you will give us a better way to point you as far as equipment is concerned.
Good LUCK and happy diving!!!!!!!!!!!!!