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.

Moma Spring Gala

Happily the weatherman has been very unreliable the past few days. The forecast was for rain and it did in fact sprinkle yet once the guests began to arrive the clouds held firm. Moma was transformed into an elegant and chic setting for this years spring Gala. There were lucite tables and chairs mixed with leather couches and low tables. The guests ate family style and there was an ease and comfort to the evening. After dinner Estelle the hot and sexy British R&B singer took to the stage in the garden where I was trampled by her fans as I squeezed myself away from the stage after getting the photos I needed. Turns out I spotted Kayne West earlier in the night and was one of the only people to get his photo. Yes sometimes luck is on my side!

The Best ever Baklava

I can never take a trip out to Brooklyn without visiting the Oriental Pastry & Grocery Co. Located at 170 Atlantic Ave. This little store has lots of exotic things to tickle my senses. In the back on the right hand side is a display case containing lots of different pastries. I have tried them all but my favorite is the pistachio Baklava. Last time I was in the shop the shop keeper corrected me on how I eat this flaky sticky delight. I have always started at the top and peeled of the layers of phyllo until I reach the nutty middle and them end with the gooey sweet bottom layer that has soaked up all the honey and syrup. He instructed me to bite down through all the layers to experience all the textures and flavors together. I did as I was told and then took the other 3 pieces home to pull the sweet treats apart layer by layer.

Lela New York

So welcome to my new world. I started blogging and twittering as a way to showcase my work but along the way I have started to get inspired and to meet other bloggers and twitteres. A few weeks ago I met Maria Cerff from Lela New York. She found me on twitter and after a few quick messages we decided to have coffee. New to the wedding world Maria has fresh ideas and is using the internet as a way to very successfully brand and market herself and it was inspiring to talk to her
Maria who is an artist found herself creating invitations for her friends. Soon it became obvious to her that it was more than just a hobby and so she created Lela New York.
Today I went to see her new office on Lexington Ave. It is as hip and cool as she is. For appointments her number is 212.802.1438 or visit her on the web at www.lelanewyork.com