Rebecca and Barry

Last Sunday recovering from chasing my beautiful bride all over Glass Houses, I decided to go to the Barbeque Cook Out on 23rd St and to get myself some greasy yummy well deserved food. I arrived at 4 pm and can you imagine the smell of all those ribs being cooked. There was only one problem. There were lines that were miles long and it seemed as if every line I got in was terminated a minute later with the sad news that yes another stand was sold OUT!!! I thought about going to the movies. As I got to Rub BBQ on 23rd I could see a large crowd outside. I spotted Rebecca and her husband Barry. There they were in the window of Rub. Turns out their daughter Teri had had the same idea as me to go to the street fair but had bailed at the first sight of lines and had met her parents for a very late lunch. Barry handed me a rib which I happily ate and then I went inside and sat down to join them.

So I got my fix. Thanks Rebecca cause you are the BEST!

Jennifer and Brett tie the knot

Last Saturday the best plans were shot when the weather decided to pour just as Jennifer got into her dress. I had planed on a walk around the meat packing district with the couple before their wedding at the Glass Houses at 545 West 25th St but it was not to be! Somehow I convinced Jennifer to walk to the corner near Soho House , where she had gotten ready and we did get a photo without trashing the dress!
Dejaun Struad was given the challenge of creating a ceremony area that could be transformed into a lounge area while the guests were present and the amazing Peter Callahan managed to serve fantastic drinks and delicious food both hot and cold from a tiny kitchen. Instead of a sit down dinner the couple decided to have a cocktail party with passed plated dishes. Peter's food always delights the guests from his little salmon and caviar pigs to mini donuts and mini milk shakes with chocolate cookies. The DJ Ray Jarrell had everyone dancing straight from 8.30 to 1 am when the guests headed back to the Soho House for an after Party. Check for the slide show coming soon on the right of the blog.

Gabriella's New York Bridal Salon

It is not very often that you catch Gabriella sitting down. When ever I need a little wedding inspiration I drop by her store on West 14th St to take a look at her one of a kind vintage jewelry or to check out the latest in wedding hand bags, shoes and hair accessories. This little boutique hidden in the Meat Packing District carries a very cool collection of Wedding dresses created by up and coming designers. Today she had a new one designed exclusively for her by Angel Sanchez. To visit Gabrielle it is best to call to make an appointment but if you find yourself opposite the Apple Store just go ring the bell.
Gabriella New York Bridal Salon
400 W. 14th #2A
New York, NY 10014
212.206.1915
www.gabriellanewyork.com

Ariana's First Rice

Last weekend I headed out of the city for the celebration as Ariana ate her first rice. What a great excuse to get every one together and for the women to get out their saris. When Sonaly and Raul were married in India 2 years ago little did I know that I would get to be part of future festivities that always include amazing ritual and food. I love Sonaly's Mum. Not only is she very beautiful but she has to be the best cook that I know. I am sure that the rice pudding that little Ariana got to eat was extra delicious. After eating the rice Ariana was given the task of crawling over to a big tray that had several items on it. There was a book, some silver, a pen, some soil and a gold bangle. Sonaly was wishing for her daughter to pick the bangle as a sign that she would be blessed with more jewels in her life. The apple does not fall far from the tree and Ariana thrilled us all by going right to the bracelet. Later she was fed a full tasty meal that had lots of spicy dishes by her uncle. Her favorite was the sugary sweet that he gave her at the end.

Wildlife Conservation Society Gala At Central Park Zoo

This year’s gala celebrated the opening of the new Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard Exhibit and so lucky me I was able to get a private viewing and a chance to take a photo before the rest of NY runs to see these big beautiful cats. It was amazing. Even though the leopard was behind glass he saw me approach and watched as I moved from one end of the window to the other posing for my camera. There are 2 of them and promptly when the guests arrived they went and hid from view.
Allison Stern lead the well dressed ladies. Many of them were carrying jeweled bags by Judith Leiber in the shapes of animals. Sadly I didn't get to eat but the food looked delicious. Preston Bailey designed the decor although he was not there cause he is off on some tropical island this week!

The Apollo turns 75

Last night there was a little confusion when I arrived at the Apollo Theater as to where and what I could photograph. Luckily for me Alexis my amazing editor at Town & Country made a call and I was given a pass to avoid the crush in the pit where many of the photographers were waiting for the red carpet. I mostly stayed inside and caught the guests who came in the front door. Hosted by comedian, actor and radio personality Steve Harvey, the gala celebrated the induction of Quincy Jones and Patti LaBelle into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame. They were presented with their awards by Jamie Foxx and Mariah Carey. The audience was thrilled when Prince made a surprise visit to introduce Mariah.
Afterwards the guests headed into the tent designed by that amazing talent David Monn who was was looking fabulous himself in his multi colored blazer.

Alzheimer's Assiciation in Town & Country Magazine

The July Issue of Town & Country was in my mail box today. I am always excited to open it up and see if I have any party pages. On page 13 I found The Alzheimer's Association. I have been hired for several years to cover the event that always lights up the ballroom at the Waldorf-Astoria. Congratulations Princess Yasmin on another wonderful event and best thanks to Tony Manning who does the PR.

The Botanical Gardens Gala

Last night I raced to Grand Central to jump on the train to take me to the Bronx with all the commuters leaving the city, but I wasn't going home. I was going to smell the roses at the Botanical Gardens. After a relaxing 20 minutes surrounded by the flowers I headed over to the Gala where half of Manhattan had come to support the park. Sigourney Weaver arrived with her beautiful daughter and husband and both ladies had heads turning in their fabulous red dresses. After cocktails in the garden the guests walked through the glass house to the tent where they dinned on pasta followed by veal. I got to sit and chat to old and new friends and at 10.15pm I had to make a dash for the train. As I left the guests were hitting the dance floor. The evening was sponsored by Cartier.

Abby and Stephen throw a big and beautiful wedding at the St Regis

Wow what an amazing wedding I got to photograph on Saturday night. Abby Sonin and Stephen Davis had an incredible night surrounded by family and friends. The St Regis looked beautiful. Atlas did the flowers. John Barrett came to do the hair and Marsia Alexander from Chanel did the makeup. Meg Joyce from the catering Manager for the St Regis made sure every thing happened flawlessly.









After the ceremony the couple raced down stairs to do a portrait outside and then after some family photos they joined the guests on the second floor for cocktails. Dinner was on the roof and the Stingers made sure that every one took to the dance floor. At the end of the night the couple were happily exhausted and ready to jet off to Spain where they are now honey mooning.

HKI GALA

Last Thursday Helen Keller International had its 4th Annual Gala at 583 Park Ave honoring David Green who is an Ashoka Fellow and a leading social entrepreneur whose innovations in technology and distribution have helped make healthcare accessible and affordable in developing countries. The Humanitarian award went to Johnson and Johnson and the Legacy award to Christies. After cocktails downstairs and dinner upstairs there was a lively auction led by Christopher Burge. The night raised over $500,000. Last year I travelled to Vietnam with HKI to visit rural clinics. It was an eye opening experience.