Sarah and Roy

Last Sunday Sarah and Roy decided to get married close to home in Brooklyn. Francesca from Francesca Events helped organize the day which started with getting ready at the Marriot and then a bus ride to Frankie's 457 where the couple was married in the Garden. Due to the weather 2 tents were put up and the guests stood as the couple said their vows. Next came the brunch which was served family style on long tables. After that the guests danced in the stables and then helped themselves to desserts after the cake was cut. I loved the flowers that were designed by Jennifer Bayly who works for Frankie's 457 and has her own design company called The Orangerie. When the cake was cut wax lips and mustaches were handed out After an amazingly dry afternoon each guest left with a small bottle of Frankie's famous Olive Oil. The see more photos please go to the slide show area at the right and click on Sarah and Roy

The Mermaid Parade Coney Island

I had a very busy weekend with a party in Connecticut on Saturday night and a wedding in Brooklyn on Sunday but it was the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island on Saturday and I didn't want to miss it. What are we going to do with all this rain! As usual it was pouring when I woke up so I got out my big umbrella and headed for the subway. I had planned everything down to the last minute so was lucky that for once the trains came quickly. I love Coney Island. It is not Manhattan. It is colourful and crowded and I always want to take photos when I am there. I feel like I am in a time warp and I pretend I am Diane Arbus. People are not afraid of my camera in Coney Island. They come to see and be seen. I am a little more adventurous and that always feels good.

Souls and Soles

My favorite moments are those that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Sometimes it is a flower in Central Park, a delicious ripe peach, a perfect summer day or a sign on a wall. No sooner had I read the quote by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, I looked down and saw the most amazing sight. It was as if peoples soles were talking! Were these shoes really made for walking? I have my doubts.

Bradley Cooper at the Whitney Art Party Smiled at me!

Last night The Whitney Art Party was held at Skylight in partnership with BCBGMAXAZRIA.
The Space looked great thanks to Van Wyck & Van Wyck. The guests happily drank specialty Cocktails by Belvedere Vodka & 10 Cane Rum. I have never seen such a group of long legged party goers and the shoes were amazing.
That will be tomorrow's post.
Also I am still laughing to myself over the film The Hangover so imagine my thrill when Bradley Cooper walked in the door and smiled at me. He deserves the biggest photo for having given me the best laughs of the year!
If you haven't seen the movie it is too funny and not to be missed

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.