Moma Party in the Garden 2012

The rain stopped just in time for everyone to enjoy the outside tented Moma Party in the Garden for cocktails before they headed into the museum for dinner. The space looked amazing. The very talented David Monn had recreated a french formal garden with a modern flair bringing the garden inside.
There was white astro turf on the ground and large topiaries on tables.
Cartier was the sponsor for the event. They came up with an idea to ask people to instagram the event and to tag the photos #pitg2012. This meant that the guests took part in creating an instillation that appeared on the garden wall.

To view all the photos please click on this link Moma Party in the Garden

Rebecca and Brad

Rebecca and Brad were married at Capitale. I had never shot there before.
The old Bank building on the Bowery is an amazing space for taking photos.
Rebecca looked beautiful. Her dress was by Monique L'Huillier.
Brad has an identical twin brother but luckily he chose to wear a midnight blue tux cause they were hard to tell apart. Take a look at his brother giving a speech and you will see what I mean.

The Eighth Annual Notable Occasion at Carnegie Hall

Last night was The Eighth Annual Notable Occasion at Carnegie Hall,  a Private Performance for the Carnegie Hall Notables and guests.
I do not often get nervous at work but last night was an exception. I arrived early and headed to the stage where I thought I was taking a photo of 6 people. It turns out I was to photograph the orchestra, many of whom spoke no english with the Bulgari Family who were underwriting the event.
With only 5 minutes and unable to move the chairs on stage or make adjustments to the lighting I somehow managed to get everyone into position. Thanks heavens for the Canon 5D Mark3. My new camera is so great in low light situations and no one could guess my stage fright!
I then went to the foyer to photograph the guests arriving.
I loved the program. It was light and lyrical and everyone had a smile on their face at the end.
They then headed over to Remi for Dinner.

To view all the photos please click on this link Carnegie Hall Notables

In memory of Mary Kennedy

You were always a bright star. I remember the first time we met. I sat between you and Kerry Kennedy at dinner. It was 1984. I was modeling for Ford Models and you were studying in Boston. We shared travel  stories and exchanged addresses and for a while we saw each other when ever you were in NY
Dinners and dancing and late nights in the city and then I didn't see you for a while. Next thing I knew you were marring Bobby.
You made everyone feel special.
I received those famous valentines day cards that you were known for.
Our lives went in different directions occasionally crossing at one event or another.
And there you were always walking towards me from across the room at the Food Allergy Initiative Galas.
With a smile that shone brightly and with grace and poise. I will miss you. 

The Surprise Engagement

It was right in the middle of every thing. I was busy taking photos of the guests arriving for the ballet when I heard the crowd cheer. I spun around and saw a couple kiss and I knew right away he had just proposed. I took a photo and ran over to congratulate them. She was laughing and shaking and he was as happy as could be. I was at the right place at the right time.

The America Ballet Theater Opening night at Lincoln Center

Last night was The America Ballet Theater Opening night at Lincoln Center.
The weather was looking like the rain would come at any moment and so I headed up town with my umbrella and my fingers crossed that it would hold and luck me it did not start to sprinkle till the last person had headed inside.
Always a fashionable crowd, there were also many people filling the plaza to watch as the guests arrived.
I was very happy to see Lady Sheila Lyall Grant. I met her last week in her home when I shot the dinner for Great Dixter. She looked very elegant in a navy ball gown. Julia Koch arrived late and flew across the plaza like a while butterfly, her feet hardly touching the ground. Gillian Miniter and her Husband stopped to say hello. She invited me to join her table tomorrow at the Harvest Lunch and so I am looking forward to seeing everyone again very soon.

To view all the photos please click on this link ABT Gala

The Studio Museum in Harlem Spring Lunch 2012

On Friday, May 11th, 2012 I ran up town at 11 to get to the The Studio Museum in Harlem's  sixth annual Spring Luncheon at the Mandarin Oriental New York.
This year the spring lunch was in honor of Debra L. Lee who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET.
What an impressive room of women and yes there were a few brave men. Thelma Golden spent the entire time making sure everyone was meeting everyone. It was like a big fun party.

To view all the photos please click on this link The Studio Museum in Harlem

NY City Ballet Gala at Lincoln Center

Thursday night was the NY City Ballet at Lincoln Center. It was beautiful weather and a pleasure to be out on the red carpet as the guests arrived. Although I did not stay for the evening I did run up stairs to catch a photo of all the tables that were ready to be put in place once the guests had gone in to the auditorium to see the Ballet.
To view all the photos please click on this link NY City Ballet Gala

China Institute Gala NYC

Tonight China Institute presented the Blue Cloud Award to Chen Feng, Chairman of HNA Group and David Henry Hwang, Tony Award-winning playwright and librettist.
This was followed by a special performance by China Institute’s internationally acclaimed Musician of the Year, Wu Tong.
The Event was held at Cipriani 42nd St.
It was fun to see so many women in red
To view all the photos please click on this link China Institute Gala

Ailey at the Apollo

Last night I jumped in a taxi and headed up to Harlem to that landmark that is so exciting to visit, The Apollo Theater.

It was Ailey at the Apollo honoring Leslie and Tom Maheras. Leslie was overcome with emotion as she thanked everyone for attending.
Toni Braxton, the honorary Chair rushed passed me being pulled by her publicist in the hall way, so I didn't get to photograph her until she was on stage.
It was great to see David Monn who was a co-chair along side Lynne & Anthony Carvette and Almaz & Marc Strachan.
There were 6 dances performed. One of the pieces included children from the summer program. They won my heart as they took to the stage.
After the show everyone moved into the tent which of course had been designed by David Monn. It was fabulous. It did not take long for the dance floor to fill.
To view all the photos please click on this link Alvin at the Apollo

Hope Funds for Cancer Research

Last night Hope Funds Program Event at the Pratt House in NY.

After a dinner for the Trustees there was a panel discussion.
Guests were invited to attend a very informative evening followed by dessert.
It was a time for old and new friends to gather and to hear what the experts in Cancer research had to say about funding and the importance of grants.

To view all the photos please click on this link Hope Funds for Cancer Research

The Met On Stage Dinner

Sunday night was one of my most favorite nights of the year. It was the Met Opera Dinner on Stage. The event that started at 7 with cocktails on the grand Tier was followed by dinner on the stage.

To view all the photos please click on this link The Met On Stage

On Saturday Night I was invited to photogrph an Ambassadorial Dinner to benefit Great Dixter House and Gardens, one of England's most treasured historic gardens and estates.

The evening was hosted by Sir Mark Lyall Grant, and his wife, Lady Sheila Lyall Grant. Sir Mark is the Permanent British Ambassador to the United Nations.

It was a small group of Anglophiles and garden enthusiasts who met for the evening.

After cocktails there was a slide presentation with an amusing and witty commentary by Aaron Bertelsen followed by dinner in the dining room.

To view all the photos please click on this link Great Dixter House

The Soldiers Sailors Marines Airmen and Coast Guard Club of NY 3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Brunch

Today was the The Soldiers Sailors Marines Airmen and Coast Guard Club of NY 3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Brunch held at Harry's Cafe and Steak.

Hosted by the Junior Committee, the ladies showed up in an array of hats while many of the men came in seersucker suits and bow ties.

There was a bit of confusion as to the tying of some of the gents ties so I lent my hand. I have developed quite a few skills as a wedding photographer and you just never know when they will come in handy.

To view all the photos please click on this link SSMAC Brunch

2012 Harry Edmonds Awards Gala for International House

Last night the 2012 Harry Edmonds Gala for International House was held at the St Regis Hotel in NYC, raising more than $430,000.

International House was conceived by the late YMCA official Harry Edmonds following a chance encounter with a lonely Chinese graduate student in 1909. The philanthropy of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and the Cleveland H. Dodge family led to its construction at 500 Riverside Drive in 1924.

Described as a mini United Nations, "I-House" attracts graduate students from around the world, bringing them all together where they meet, experience cross-cultural exchange and leadership training, and form friendships that last a life time.

James Gorman, the Chairman & CEO of Morgan Stanley who resided at I-House while attending Columbia Business School, was honored along with Stanley M. Rumbough Jr., a Life Trustee of I-House, and the Lee Foundation of Singapore.

Former US Federal Reserve Chair Paul A. Volcker, who presented the award to Gorman, was himself acknowledged for his 14 years of service as Chairman of International House.

After the awards presentation everyone took to the dance floor and some of the students showed off their moves.



To view all the photos please click on this link International House 2012