Thursday, April 30, 2009

We're on Fox News iMag Today!

We're so excited that Fox TV's iMag has posted amazing photos of our Bridesmaid's Sales Associate Kristen Carnie on their home page! How pretty she is and what great shots of our dresses and accessories!
Thread Libby dress, Tejani bangles and Bride's Head swarovski comb
Noelle Watters from Fox also interviewed one of the owners of Thread, Beth Blake -- for more Thread styles, here's her interview
Badgley Mischka tissue taffeta spaghetti strap cocktail dress, Tejani earrings
Amsale jersey dress and Bride's Head Revisited silk orchid with feather comb hairpiece
Thread duchesse satin dress with a black velvet belt, Tejani bangles and earrings
Amsale crinkle chiffon dress, Tejani bangles and necklace
Amsale crinkle chiffon one-shouldered dress
Lynn Lugo silk charmeuse dress, Bride's Head Revisited silk ribbon headband with
swarovski crystal comb
Amsale long jersey dress, Tejani earrings and Bride's Head Revisited French veil with feathers
Badgley Mischka chiffon charmeuse gown
Tejani bangles and earrings

It was all found at the Wedding Library!

Wedding Bee and the Metropolitan Club

I was delighted to finally meet Bee of Wedding Bee fame last Wednesday night at our bridal cocktail party at the Metropolitan Club. We chatted a bit about blogging and now I know why she is the Queen Bee in this area. She told me some of her secrets and I'm going to try to follow her directions! She posted great images of the event so I thought I'd share. We look forward to seeing you at our next one Bee.
A beautiful table at our party by Floralia.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Daily Candy Weddings

Periodically Daily Candy has postings on weddings. We know how popular they are because whenever we're listed we get lots of calls. The Daily Candy people have caught on and have started Daily Candy Weddings, just for us! Check it out.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

NY Times Vows

I am an avid reader of all things wedding, and regularly read the wedding stories in Vows Section of the New York Times. This week there was an amazing article of a couple who knew (and loved) each other for 20 years and finally sealed the deal. This story of almost unrequited love is sweet, but the fact that they dressed in their favorite candy wrappers and were married at Dylan's Candy Bar is too good not to share. Check it out.

And I love that our own Karen Cunningham took these images for the The New York Times.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Oscar How I Adore You

Photo Competition Favorites

Here are some of the photos that I fell in love with (and voted for) in the recent professional wedding photographer competition that I judged. For the magazine's finalists, check out their wedding issue or the PDN site.









Sunday, April 26, 2009

Follow the (201) Bride

Kaitlin is a customer of ours who's writing about her wedding planning experience on the New Jersey blog, 201 Bride. Check out what she has to say about searching for the perfect bridesmaid dresses. Here's a second post if you are interested in Kaitlin's progress...
PS This is the dress she picked from Thread.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Our Sugar Daddy

The lovely Julie Skarratt took these pictures at the Metropolitan Club party we held on Wednesday night. She must have had sugar on her mind as they are of our sweet king Ron Ben-Israel, his cakes and our Amsale bridesmaid models. Just noticed that photographer Karen Hill also was entranced by spun sugar -- check out her shots of Ron feeding our (admittedly thin) models.
Check out Julie's blog for her posting on our party.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Wedding Library Photographers

You may be in the middle of choosing vendors for your wedding, but I get to choose, review and pick photographers for the Wedding Library every day. I look at hundreds of portfolios, web sites, magazines, blogs and proof sheets, with the hope of finding one or two who will be a perfect fit for us. I think what I look for is probably pretty similar to what you might find important.
1. A terrific aesthetic. All is lost without it. I look for beautiful images. Emotive images. Ones I would like to hang on my wall. Ones that make me laugh or cry. Images that capture the spirit of the event, ones that make me feel like I was there (or want to be there).
2. Strong technical skills. I look for pictures that are well-framed, well lit, focused, strong. I look at proof sheets to see how many of the thousands taken are "album worthy". I look for strong black and white and color images. Any one can pick a handful of images from thousands and create a portfolio -- it's important that the images taken from a single wedding are all strong. And that they look good even when the bride is not a super model or the church is dark.
3. A nice person. Is this someone I would like to be around all day? Would I be comfortable in front of their camera? Brides don't realize that they'll spend more time with their photographer on the day of their wedding than they will spend with their groom.
4. Experience. Even if they shoot digital I like to know that they know how to use a variety of cameras, both film and digital. I like to know that they can work in natural light and dark spaces. I want them to understand weddings. The most precious moments can flash by in an instant and a photographer with experience can often anticipate this. I like photographers to be comfortable working with groups of any size, but who realize that after a certain number of guests, they need a second shooter.
5. Depth of service. I look for photographers who own their own equipment. I like my photographers to have reliable editing assistants, shooting assistants, printers, album makers. I look for them to be organized and timely in answering calls and requests. I like them to have thought through their pricing in a clear manner with all contingencies accounted for.
6. References and industry presence. There are a lot of new photographers in the wedding market; I like to know that they are being hired by clients who recommend them. I like to see that they attend industry events or are published by magazines. I think it's important for them to be invested in the industry as much as I am willing to invest in them.
7. Price should reflect their value. I work with a lot of photographers and brides see their work and price side-by-side. So if they're priced too high or too low, it is immediately reflected in the reactions of our clients (even those who claim not to be able to tell the difference)! Somehow, value is a universal language.
8. Fit with my clientele. Ahh, the intangible. Tastes have changed over the 9 years I've been working with photographers. Old fashioned studios have gone out of favor. Digital is the flavor of the moment. Detail shots, still-lifes, intense colors and photo shoots are in. Web sites are important. Customer service is all important.
All photos shown are from my choices as a 2009 Judge of the PDN Wedding Knots competition, a national competition of top wedding images.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Top Knots Wedding Photography

I'm a little exhausted from hosting our wedding event last night but just realized that the PDN Top Knots winners have been announced and are on line. I was a judge this year and was bowled over with the quality and originality of the work. Congratulations to Wedding Library member Karen Hill who won best in category and Karen Cunningham and Mel Barlow who were finalists. I know the competition was fierce! Check out the winners by clicking the image below. I will post my favorites soon (which differ a bit from the final winners and are worth viewing)!
2009 Photo District News Top Knots Competition Winners

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Tonight!

Don't forget to stop by for a glass of wine and to say hello.

When to Order Your Save the Date

We often quote norms based on our experience to brides. Answers to questions like "When should I send out my save the dates?" Our information is anecdotal and based on our experience in the New York market. Recently I've been following Wedding Industry Reports, a company that tracks this type of information for the wedding industry. Since their information is (hopefully) more scientific than ours, I will share their findings with you when it seems interesting.
For example, now you know that most brides order their save the dates 6-12 months before the wedding. (Remember, it takes at least 4 weeks from ordering to mailing....)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Air in Your Step

When the ladies from Cole Haan visited us last year to see what we'd think of a new line of bridal shoes with Nike Air technology, we couldn't think of a reason why comfortable bridal shoes could be a bad thing. Comfort and style with a great brand name? Hmmmm. To top it off, our friend Lisa at Ceci NY put her name on them. We're delighted that they're finally out. They can be purchased on line or at Saks. For on-line purchasers note that the shoe last (form) and sizing is the same as standard Cole Haan (Nike Air) pumps.
Image courtesy of New York Magazine and Cole Haan.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Telegrams

Telegrams are a superb way of sending wedding greetings. When we plan a wedding and telegrams are read at the reception I'm always impressed by the sender's initiative. I can't even get it together to send a postcard anymore. So when our stationery expert Linda let me know about this Internet-based telegram service that snail mails your telegram anywhere in the world, I was entranced. For less than $5 you can send an old-fashioned telegram to your favorite couple. Love it.
This is just the preview version from Telegramstop

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Metropolitan Club Event

On Wednesday, April 22 we'll be hosting a cocktail party at the Metropolitan Club from 5-8pm. Darcy Miller, Editorial Director, Martha Stewart Weddings is our fabulous guest of honor and will be joined by lifestyle expert Colin Cowie. They will be signing their books and answering questions from inquiring brides. I hope you will attend; to get you in the mood I thought I'd tell you a little about the Metropolitan Club.

The Main Dining Room set with banquet tables to form a giant X.
Considered the city's grandest palazzo, the Club was designed by McKim, Mead & White and built in 1893. It was organized by J.P. Morgan in protest over "stuffier" clubs that wouldn't allow him membership. The main architectural feature of the Club's interior is its great central hall with a grand staircase and massive fireplace. The Great Hall has impressive polished white marble walls and a terrific triple-height ceiling.

One of our favorite aspects of the Club is its flexibility with space. There are two beautiful ballrooms that seat over 200 guests each comfortably. There's also the Great Hall (mentioned above) which can hold a ceremony or cocktail hour. There's the Main Bar which is also great for cocktails and the Library, my favorite room. We've coordinated dozens of weddings at the Club, and every client has had the ability to choose a different layout. Now, the Penthouse Dining Room is also available for weekend events.

With a sponsor's support, you too can hold a private event here. Today's members include leaders of foreign countries, presidents of major corporations and former president Bill Clinton. Contact Declan Connolly, Director Special Events at 212.277.8502 for more information.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Metropolitan Club

We recently co-hosted a beautiful luncheon for 40 of our favorite wedding industry movers and shakers with our friends at the Metropolitan Club. The setting was their new, fabulous Penthouse dining room.

The Penthouse has recently become available for social events for sponsored guests and members. This new space is perfect for 80 guests with dinner and dancing, 120 for a luncheon or dinner and up to 275 guests for private parties. The space is only available on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Metropolitan Club graciously created a superb lunch with delectable lobster tails, fine wines and petit fours. The dining room was transformed by the floral creations of David Beahm, our Wedding Library member Floralies, DeJuan Stroud and Floralia. Elegant music was graciously provided by Wedding Libray members Elan Artists.
                                      Turnock and Arak created the event's 75 invitations, which also doubled as gifts.
Invitations were effervescent -- literally. Heather Arak and Susan Turnock of Gifts for the Good Life (GFTGL)wanted to make certain that no one would mistake their invites for junk mail. And from the immediate rsvps and raves about the engraved champagne splits I knew they succeeded. They were liked so much by a BizBash editor that she wrote about them! For more details on the invite, see the GFTGL blog entry about them. For more information on the Metropolitan Club, please contact Declan Connolly, Director of Special Events at 212.277.8502 or you can comment below.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Metropolitan Club Event Participants

Our bridal event at the Metropolitan Club has snowballed out of control! We have Colin Cowie, Darcy Miller, a surprise guest and all these amazing vendors on hand to show you a good time. Check it out! This Wednesday, April 22 at 1 East 60th Street (at Fifth Avenue). Please rsvp to ido@theweddinglibrary.com.

FROCKS
Wedding gowns by AMSALE
Informal modeling of AMSALE BRIDESMAIDs
Bridesmaids selections from the WEDDING LIBRARY

Hair accessories and veils BRIDE's HEAD REVISITED

DESIGN
An installation by FLORALIES
Centerpieces by FLORALIA

Cool ice sculpture by OKAMOTO STUDIO
Mood lighting by BENTLEY MEEKER LIGHTING & STAGING

PHOTOGRAPHY
Great Metropolitan Club shots by NATURAL EXPRESSIONS
Portfolios by TODD FRANCE
Images by STACEY ILYSE
Portfolios by MANTAS WRIGHT
A showcase by KAREN CUNNINGHAM
Images by JAYD GARDINA
Have your picture taken in a NYC PHOTO BOOTH

MOVING IMAGE
Video by Open Eye Media

JEWELS DRAPED BY
For the engagement and beyond DAVID YURMAN
Innovative fine jewelry rental ADORN BRIDES

LIBATIONS
Limited edition sipping by MOUNT GAY RUM

INVITATIONS
Letterpress by MR BODDINGTON's STUDIO
A world of stationery byWEDDING LIBRARY STATIONERY
Defender of the written word BERNARD MAISNER CALLIGRAPHY

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA
Fine Italian fun BRIC's LUGGAGE
Sweepstakes for a honeymoon BARBADOS TOURISM BOARD
Favors, accessories and bridal party gifts GIFTS FOR THE GOOD LIFE
A gelato tasting by L’ARTE DEL GELATO

TUNES
Groove on TOTAL ENTERTAINMENT

SUGAR DADDY
Sugar high by RON BEN-ISRAEL

Pour Wines

I am often reminded that for the newly engaged, getting married is like a crash course in weddings; there's a steep learning-curve, lots of facts and hopefully an A+ on the final. One of the many pieces you are suddenly expected to be in expert in is wine. You can always take the advice of your caterer, but this is one of the areas where a little knowledge can go a long way (and also proves to be useful long after the big day).

I've studied wine by drinking seriously for years. I know what I like and I often think that's enough. However, a clear, focused, realistic and fun education can help you make educated choices that are within budget, perfect for your cuisine, and can even reflect your love of a culture or region.
We've recently been working with Pour Wines, a retail store on Manhattan's upper west side and online. They've created an amazing Internet-based food and wine pairing tool where you can find suggestions based on actual food being served, cuisine or type of wine. The service suggests pairings, gives price and more options for deeper research. Pour's Certified Sommelier can provide more options or, in store, you can use the easy color-coding that provides educational information on the wine and detailed food pairing and preparation guides.
If your wine is already decided, how about these fun ideas by Pour:

A Wine Sommelier at your wedding. Rather than an open bar, have a Sommelier pour your selecctions and chat about them with your guests. Educational and fun. (If you eliminate the hard alcohol this is also a great way to save money.)

Gift Registry. Register for the favorite wines you've been learning about. A great way to start your own cellar.

Gifts for the Wedding Party. I love the idea of one or a few special bottles of wine as a gift for your favorite people. Pick one that matures in a year that they can drink on your anniversary!

Wine Class. You pick the location. Learn about wine in general, a specific region (where you are honeymooning?), or a varietal. Great for a bridal shower or a gift registry gift.Whatever you choose, have fun with the wine at your wedding and write down the vintage so you can share a glass with your partner in the years to come.