Tying A Bow Tie

Just a little reminder, if you don't know how to tie your bow tie, bring instructions with you to the wedding.

Click to enlarge the image above and print!

PDN' Top Knots Top Wedding Photographers

Over the years I've had the honor of being a judge for the annual PDN's Wedding Photography contest.  PDN is a great photography magazine geared to professionals.  As a judge I've loved shuffling through thousands of images (when they were actual prints) and even more files (when they became digital). Being introduced to photographers from all over the world and seeing what competitors' submit as their "best" image (from what must amount to hundreds of thousands of choices) is exhilarating -- it sharpens my sense of what "great" wedding photography is all about.  I've often known many of the winners and even planned the events that have won -- making the experience even more personal.  This year I was introduced to a lot of new work, with a strong international focus.

If you are looking for a wedding photographer I encourage you to check out this year's winners -- it will help you focus on what you're looking for in a photographer, and gauge the talent you're considering.

 

For those of you who are simply interested in the business of wedding photography, pick up the May issue of PDN -- it's great stuff.

Ambassadors View

Last week I was honored to be invited to host the inauguration party for the launch of the Ambassador's River View at the United Nations.  This brand new party space holds over 400 guests for a sit-down dinner and dance and boasts an incredible outdoor terrace with a tremendous view of the East River.  Never mind the mind-blowing cool-factor of holding an event at the UN.  And the amazing preferred vendors on site including Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging and my friend Sylvia Weinstock's cakes.

For all of you who have these requirements on your wedding checklist, this venue's for you:

1. Iconic New York (worldwide) landmark venue, oh, conceived by Le Corbusier
2. Profoundly meaningful and important international institution
3. Best views in Manhattan
4. Large enough for all your best friends (and more)
5. Outdoor space
6. Prestigious preferred vendors
7. Convenient mid-town location
8. Blank slate tent to let your imagination soar
9. Great staff who are ready to accommodate you
10.  Comes with a tour of the General Assembly (where else can you get that?!)

To learn more about the venue, click here.

The invitation, I love the line drawing of the UN

Sylvia Weinstock's cake version of the UN

I got to hold the ribbon at the ribbon cutting -- next time I want to get my hands on those giant scissors!

The tent view from the Terrace

The tent view at night with the Manhattan skyline in the background

Sylvia's cake was being passed at the event. Yum!

You don't see him often, but here's Sylvia's wonderful husband, Ben.

A gazillion-dollar view

Inside the tent you can create magic!

With my chef friend Hideko Colton, fun!

Hear Me Today on Martha Stewart Radio

How to start? Planning your wedding is a bit like building a house -- you need a strong foundation. Today I'll be providing tips on how to get started, choosing a venue, and things to think about when picking a caterer, a cake, flowers and more. With experience planning hundreds of luxurious weddings, I have a few sure-fire tips to having the wedding of your dreams. Tune in to Martha Stewart Living Radio today at 5pm -- I'll be there with tips I'll share to help get you started on the right path.

Today,  on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius XM 110, 5-6pm

Amsale Spring Trunk Show

Amsale's Spring Trunk Show at the Wedding Library is from April 28th to May 5th.  Space is filling up fast so make your appointment soon at ido@theweddinglibrary.com or call us at 212-327-0100.

Etsy's New Wedding Site

Wow, I've been neglecting my blog for so long that they've changed the entire interface for access! But I'm back, despite how technology is trying to thwart me.

What prompted me to get my act together?  An invitation from Etsy to preview their newly formatted Wedding Store, in bricks and mortar!  Etsy beautifully curated hundreds of their favorite wedding items to share with their industry, press and brides in a specially created pop-up store front.  As I learned, old fashioned shopping/viewing tickets sold out instantly, but you can find all their special items at etsy.com any old time.  And as of Saturday at 2pm,  view the new Weddings Marketplace, where you'll find wedding style curated by theme, how-to demonstrations, planning advice and loads of favorite etsy products.

The window of the West Village, Horatio Street Pop-Up

A charming paper bouquet

Each item has it's etsy source tagged to it

Love a highly designed ring pillow :)

To qualify for etsy, items must be made by the seller, or be vintage -- what a great combination!

I didn't realize how strong etsy is on attire

Etsy is also one of the few sites that doesn't neglect stylish items for the boys...

I think these hand-made shoes are the bomb.

Charming -- also fun as a table number

Etsy will also be adding registry -- now that's smart!

Stationery ideas abound at Etsy

Photo Session in our Raffle!

I'm having a love affair with NYC and want it photographed! By Sofia Negron. Just have to submit my own love story and photo to Sofia. But not if you get there first!

Over 100 Vendors at the Wedding Party

Click to see the list bigger but we are well over 100 of your favorite wedding peeps! Promise!

Wedding Library Raffle Prize with Merci NY

Every year the Wedding Party has intense raffle prizes, but this one is a scene stealer. A lucky Wedding Party bride and her guest will indulge in a luxurious day of high-fashion fun with Jackeline Weppner of Merci NY and Claudia Hanlin (that's me)! There'll be tea at the Pierre, a private driver to travel in style, up to four super-VIP salon visits, gifts and much, much more.

All you have to do is visit the Merci NY and Wedding Library booth at the Wedding Party or email style@mercinewyork.com with your wedding date, brief description of your wedding style, and why you would like to win our prize! Easy, no? Buy your ticket at the link on the right, and you'll be on your way to chic bridal style.

Elan Artists Showcase

Our friends at Elan Artists are presenting a live dance band showcase this Thursday, January 12 at 7pm. Hearing your potential band live is the best way to experience them. The schedule looks like this:
6:30pm Carte Blanche, 7:00pm Hudson Project, 7:20pm The Elements, 7:40pm The Edge, 8:00pm Rhythm Collective.

It's all at The Hudson Hotel, 536 West 58th Street. RSVP to rsvpnyc@elanartists.com

Taylor Creative Modern Furniture

A lounge, a bar, specialty furniture: my go-to company is always Taylor Creative. And since they are such a great partner of ours, and will be showing off their amazing goods at the Wedding Party, I thought I'd share their new campaign with you. Check out their site, it will have you coming back for more!

Super Sweet Wedding Party Give-Away

We love our vendors, and especially Jen Huang for offering an Engagement Shoot prize to Wedding Party attendees. Enter right away -- (click on the image to enlarge).

Hurrah for the Wedding Party 2012!

Amsale Trunk Show

Sooo pretty. It's booking up, so make your appointment now at ido@theweddinglibrary.com

Here It From Me! Wedding Party 2012

Wedding Party 2012 from Well Spun Wedding Films on Vimeo.