Time to Celebrate

Wishing you all a really wonderful new year and may all your craziest wishes come true in 2011.xoxox

Balmoral

My favorite place to swim when I don't want to brave the waves is only 5 minutes away from where I am staying. Balmoral Beach is 20 minutes from down town Sydney but it is a world away. Sydney harbour has several beaches that are scattered along the shore. Unlike the coastal beaches where the waves range from 1 to 10 feet the water is calm and ideal for swimming. And yes there are several little restaurants and coffee bars to visit. My favorite is Awaba at the bottom of Awaba Road

Merry Christmas

There are a few things that National Geographic forgot to tell us about reindeer

Ingrid and Jeff Gordon

I ran into Ingrid and Jeff Gordon again last week at a private dinner held by Cartier. As always the stunning couple lit up the room as they entered. I first photographed Jeff at Jimmy and Chandra Johnson's wedding a few years ago in St Barths.
Here is a link to Jeffs personal album on his web site where he posted a few of my photos. Jeff Gordon Link
Best wishes to you all.

Ana and AJ at The Eden Rock Hotel. St Barths

Here are a few of the party photos from last week at the Botanical Garden. Now I am trying to make it easy for you all to order and down load the photos quickly so take a look and let me know what you think.
To see all the photos you can visit my web link at Julie Skarratt Photography

The Food Allergy Initiative Gala

Last night was the 13th Annual Food Allergy Initiative and with the hard work of Sharyn Mann the event raised over 4.5 million dollars. My niece suffers from food allergies and so this is a cause close to my heart. Thanks to everyone who attended and to those who donated and to those who are volunteering to take part in the new clinical trials.
In the crowd I spotted Jeff Gordon and his gorgeous wife, Julia Koch who always looks stunning, Mary Richardson Kennedy and her beautiful daughter Kyra.

Unicef Gala 2010

Last night I got to photograph the Unicef Gala at Cipriani. As always it was a beautiful event that raised over 2 million Dollars. To see all the photos you can visit Unicef Link

Robert Greenidge releases a Christmas CD

Earlier this year when I was on the road with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers I was asked to take a photo of Robert the Steele drum player for his new cd. Given exactly 2 minutes and 3 seconds I ran on stage as one of the roadies set up a ladder for me. With out time to think I climbed up and took 3 photos, well maybe 4 and with that it was done. So if you are looking for a new holiday record this is a must. It is called A Coral Reefer Christmas by Robert Greenidge. The CD is out and is in the usual places like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, Sam's Club and can also be ordered from Margaritaville.com and MailboatRecords.com

Robyn and Ross getting married in St Barths

Last weekend I had the best time possible. Robyn and Ross were so relaxed about their wedding at the Eden Rock Hotel on St Baths. They had left all the planning details up to Karine Bensa , from D&K Events. After making all the decisions needed a few months ago the couple was totally relaxed and so the weekend was a lot of fun.
The night before the wedding there was a dinner on the top terrace of the hotel. Ross supplied every one with fake mustaches and it set the tone for the next 48 hours. One of the things that made me laugh was the multi caked display that had different cake toppers on each cake. Yes it was a little warm and the butter cream was a little soft. Take a look at the bottom photo. The topper had a little help from Robyn. And best dance move of the night goes to the guest who tossed Robyn not once but twice in the air. To see the slide show please click this link Slideshow
Eden Rock Hotel

Jimmy Buffett Sings For Change

It was an amazing concert in July at Gulf Shores Alabama. I am happy to see one of my photos in print in this months Charleston Magazine. It is always a blast hanging out with Jimmy.

Barbara Carroll The Woman of Jazz

Behind every photo there is a story and often times many people to thank.
Firstly Lisa Schiff who introduced me to Barbara 10 years ago when she hired me to take publicity shots for Barbara.
Next I have to thanks Kim Hick. I knew I needed a gown worthy of the woman and so I emailed Kim and tracked her down in Paris where she was showing her line of extraordinary handmade couture designs. She agreed to let me borrow one for the photo shoot. Many thanks to Thelma my trusted second shooter and when needed my assistant extrodinare who is always calm and collected and keeps me organised and finally to Barbara who is such an inspiration as mother, jazz pianist, cabaret artist and so much more. I will see you at the Algonquin. xox

Michelle and Michael

When Alexis Clark called to tell me her friend Michelle was getting married on 10.10.10 I was happy to hear they were celebrating m in Brooklyn near to their new home.
With the church service at 2 pm it gave us lots of time to go to the Brooklyn Bridge to take some photos.
It was a perfect day and it seemed like every one had the same idea to visit the bridge however Michelle and Michael were the only newly weds to make the hike.
Michelle who is the Senior Fashion Director at Harper's Bazaar looked radiant in her Vera Wang gown. I had had a sneak peak at the dress at her final fitting at Saks 5th Ave the week before the wedding. The wedding planner on this event was amazing. Kelly from www.eventsrock.com not only made sure that the flowers and cars and guests were all in the right place, he later became the DJ that rocked the house.
To see the slide show you can click this link Slideshow

Abby and Peter

When ever James Abel from James Abel Events calls I stop what ever I am doing and pull out my date book and hope that I am available to meet his brides and that was just how it was when he called to tell me about Abby and Peter.
We met and I could see why James was so excited. The couple were thrilled about their plans which included the Essex House on Central Park South. This lead to the conversation about would we have time to go to Central Park after the wedding for a few photos.
Luckily with James help we were able to make the time and I took the two newly weds up to the Conservatory Garden, a place that neither of them had ever visited.
It was a beautiful day and it was fun to get a few quiet moments before heading back to the Hotel.
The rooms looked beautiful. The guests were already happily tasting the mini hamburgers and milk shakes.
After the cocktails everyone went into the main ballroom for dinner and dancing. To see the slide show you can click this link Slideshow

Cartier introduces its new iconic Love Collection

Last week I ran over to The Lion, that new hip restaurant in the West Village where Cartier was having a dinner for digital media to introduce new styles in Cartier's iconic Love collection for this year. The evening was hosted by Cartier International Director of Image, Style & Heritage, Pierre Rainero, who was in from Paris for a nano second. The jewelry was displayed cleverly to mix with all the artwork and yet it stood out on its own. As always the symbols were there on every level as the displays represented how Love links people together and strengthens ties. Dark and sexy this new hot spot was the perfect location to show off the new collection.

Annie and Nick's Wedding

Annie and Nick were blessed with more than just great weather as they got married a few weeks ago. The couple were surrounded by their family and friends. The wedding took place at the Church of our Saviour followed by the reception at Glenmore Country Club. Beth Hyder who is the director of Catering at the club made sure every last detail was taken care of. The food was delicious and the guests danced until late.
To see the slide show you can click this link Slideshow

The Studio Museum in Harlem Gala

I confess. I have a favorite event that happens every October, The Studio Museum in Harlem's annual Fall Gala and this year it was even better than ever as they honored Pamela Fiori for her work at Town & Country. Always the best dressed women and men, year after year, they refuse to sit for long as they table hop and then dance until the band can play no more. Held at Cipriani Wall Street, the event was run by the fantastic Melissa Feldman from MF Productions.

To see all the photos you can visit my website at Julie Skarratt Photography and click on View your Event

Ravinia 2010 in Town & Country Magazine

Maggie and Charlie get married

Maggie and Charlie are the best dancers I know. When they told me about their wedding Charlie forgot to mention that he would throw Maggie over his shoulder on the first dance and that I better be ready. It was a beautiful day and we did the family photos before the ceremony which meant there was lots more time to party. To see the slide show you can click this link Slideshow

Town & Country Magazine November Weddings page

Here is the photo that ran from Emily and Joe's wedding

Golden Children

Last night Golden Children held its first fund raiser and so when Bill Tansey called me to tell me about it I was thrilled to be a part of the night by taking photos. Elizabeth Ross Johnson, the founder of the organisation has set up a program for orphans in Cambodia where they are loved, housed, inspired and educated. Any one who knows Bill has heard his stories and seen his photos as he has assisted Elizabeth and is very involved with the project. The party was held in the beautiful space belonging to Levy Lighting who made a custom fish pond that was interactive. There were fish swimming on the floor, This amazing projection was so life like. It was inspired by a ritual where the children release fish into the river as a sign of freedom. Glorious Foods catered the event with an asian flair. To learn more about the organization please visit them at www.goldenchildren.org

Town & Country Magazine November Hope Fund for Cancer Research

New York City Ballet

This year the New York City Ballet Gala gave me a seat to watch the ballet. I was mesmerized by the first piece that was inspired by Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth. Firstly the duo was shown on a screen and then the danes came on stage and had me riveted to my seat. After the performance the dinner and dancing followed. Sarah Jessica Parker was beautiful as always and somehow managed to survive the crush of photographers.
To see all the photos you can visit my website at Julie Skarratt Photography and click on View your Event

The World Monuments Fund Gala

Last night the World Monuments Fund held its annual Gala at the Plaza Hotel. This year they gave the Hadrian Award to Ratan N. Tata and the Tata family in recognition of their leadership in the restoration and protection of India's cultural heritage. Having made several trips to India for both work and pleasure I have certainly been the beneficiary as a tourist, of all the hard work that has gone into preserving places of interest. The Tata family has also converted old palaces into hotels some of which I have been lucky enough to have stayed in including the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur and the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur.
To see all the photos you can visit my website at Julie Skarratt Photography and click on View your Event

Christina and Adrian get married

I met Christina a few years ago. She works at the Metropolitan Opera so we would always see each other at the Gala's. One year she arrived in the most beautiful ball gown and I asked if she would come to my studio and allow me to take her portrait. She brought her parents with her and since then we have been great friends. When she told me she had met a guy who lived in Japan I was amazed. They had met while he was home on leave. She was smitten and the 2 of them found a way to fall in love across an ocean.
It is rare that I get to be a guest at a wedding. I had the best time. Of course I could not leave my cameras at home. Her are the photos that I took. Thanks Christina. I really had a great day and was so happy when they threw you both in the air that I was able to catch it for you. To see the slideshow please click this link Slideshow

The Hispanic Society Gala

This year the Hispanic Society held their annual Gala at 583 Park Ave. The place was buzzing when I got there as everyone was excited and waiting for the arrival of Infanta Cristina, Duchess of Palma de Mallorca. The event was organised by MF Productions. Melissa Feldman was there to oversee every last detail. The lighting was done by Frost Lighting, flowers by In Bloom and the music was the Bob Harwick Band. At the end of the night when I went upstairs I met the chef John, who had prepared the delicious food. He had come to take a peek at the festivities. To see all the photos you can visit my website at Julie Skarratt Photography and click on View your Event

Spelman's Blue Gala

When I got an email a few months ago from Dwight Johnson asking me if I would be available to photograph the Blue Gala I said yes having no idea what the Blue Gala was. Dwight is one of the most amazing people I know and so when he calls I jump!
As it turned out it was an amazing star studded night that raised over 2 million dollars for women's scholarships at Spelman College with the hard work of many lead by Latanya Richardson and her husband, Samuel L Jackson. It seems that when Latanya calls people jump high as well. To see all the photos you can visit my website at Julie Skarratt Photography and click on View your Event

The Metropolitan Opera September 2010 Gala

Last night was the opening of the Met's new production of Das Rheingold.
Ann Ziff, who gave the Met $30 Million dollars this year, has along with her family underwritten the production. It was a star studded night inside. The rain didn't stop the plaza filling up with people who came to watch the opera on the large out door screen. After the show the guests entered into the tent that David Stark had decorated to resemble the stage at the end of the night.

Ok so I am so busy I can not even blog. Wow! Let me catch my breath. The New York Philharmonic was on Tuesday and the photos are coming soon I promise, but until then here is a photo that ran in the Playbill that night. I was, as always, so happy to see one of my photos in print. Opening night was amazing and the concert had everyone wanting to hear more from Wynton.

New Yorker's for Children Gala 2010

Last night was the beginning of the Fall Gala Season and to start it out was the New Yorker's for Children Event at Cipriani 42nd st. It was so fun to see everyone after such a great summer. The rest of the photos will be up on my website at www.julieskarratt.com in a few days. Check back soon.
Best wishes always

Here is a little story I photographed for Town & Country's latest Weddings Issue.

Talya and Joey got married!

How do you organise a wedding and make sure your best friends will be in NY. If you work as a journalist for W you do it on Sunday Night during Fashion Week when you know people will be in town and that is exactly what Talya and Joey must have been thinking. They wanted a very simple wedding in their favorite local restaurant. Talya got ready at The Bowery Hotel just a few blocks away from home and then I ran over to the apartment were Joey's mom was feeding him chicken soup. It was pouring with rain. I dashed back to the hotel then as soon as Talya was dressed I ran to The Mermaid Inn at 96 2nd Ave. Yes there was a lot of splashing up and down the streets of the east village.
By the time the car bringing Talya had done the circle of one way streets I was ready and waiting. The guests were overflowing the little front room and everyone was really excited. For a second I thought Talya was going to melt when she saw the crowd that she had to walk through without being seen but somehow she turned herself invisible and made it to the back room where her sister pinned on her veil.
The ceremony was beautiful. Their good friend Brooke married them under a Chuppah that Talya's mother had made from a cloth that had been given to her by her mother. We all squished around them as they said their vows.
Cocktails followed and the guests laughed and joked and everyone had a camera and took millions of photos. Dinner was in the back room. I had the fish tacos and let me tell you they were yummy. Instead on a cake Talya wanted to honor her father by serving his favorite thing. Apple Pie and mint chip ice cream. What a combination.
Then it was back to the bar area where everyone danced until well after 1 o'clock. So happy days to the 2 of you and thanks for letting me come and photograph.

Markree Castle Ireland

I had the best time in Ireland last weekend. When I wasn't working with my 3 Cannon cameras strung around my neck I was running around with my iPhone. Small and light weight I never get tired taking photos with it. This is Markree Castle just outside of Sligo. it was a perfect location for a wedding.

The Apollo Theater Gala

What a night to see and be seen. The stars were out and about at the Apollo.

September Town & Country Magazine

So here it is the new Town & Country Party section edited by the fabulous Alexis Clark who never seems to sleep and always looks gorgeous. I want to know your secret Alexis? I was so happy when you asked me to photograph my friend Preston Bailey for your pages. He and I have traveled to far off and exotic locations where his amazing team has created events that I have been lucky enough to capture.

My Journey in Brazil

Far away from the big cities,
I find myself
siting quietly
watching the world
as it ambles by.
No big camera to weigh me down,
just an iPhone without cell service.

August Party Pages for Town and Country

It is always a pleasure photographing the BCRF Gala at the Warldorf Astoria Hotel. Evelyn Lauder has lead this amazing charity with such enthusiasm and grace. Every year all her friends come out to support her very hard work, and yes she has quite an extraordinary list of friends.
Gillian Minitier was all smiles at the Central Park Conservancy lunch. She just sent me a card to tell me that 1000 tulips had been planted in Central Park in recognition of my work in photographing the lunch. Many thanks Gillian.