Six Degrees of Martha Stewart

What will you remember most about your wedding?

“I haven’t even put my pictures in an album and my wedding was years ago,” said one woman at last Thursday’s bridal event at the magnificent Metropolitan Club. “It’s not too late!” insisted Darcy Miller, Editorial Director and Senior Vice President of Martha Stewart Weddings.

Darcy was standing behind the most beautifully crafted table (not surprising) and was sharing her personal wedding scrapbook from 8 years ago. It was huge and thorough, packed with e-mails, cards, photos, memorabilia and much more. But brides should take comfort in knowing each page was not designed and laid out perfectly. Instead, it was a wonderfully eclectic collection and a collaborative keepsake of her wedding, the planning and the entire process in general. Darcy encourages brides to save and scrap everything. She had all the congratulation e-mails people sent her when she got engaged, newspaper clippings, napkins, Post-its, matchbooks, itineraries, invitations and rehearsal information. My favorite: she had taken a photo of her fiancé and her parents “discussing” the very important matter of who was going to sit at what table and next to whom. In the scrapbook, next to this photo Darcy includes the actual seating chart from her reception.

I confess to having the scrapbooking gene. I love it, and while I haven’t made a lot of books, I am very happy Darcy is putting her stamp of approval on an art/craft so many Americans enjoy.

Save your stuff now, so you can make a scrapbook you and your family will savor for years. Looking for a little guidance? Darcy has created Our Wedding Scrapbook for you. It’s built like an old-fashioned baby book. This is a great template for the busy bride who welcomes a little inspiration and structure.

April Showers

Bring May Flowers





Feeling Naughty or Nice?

Either way the women of Mélangerie, the amazing graphic design duo, will do their part to make your next event a reality. They designed the invites, the signage, "naughty & nice" favors, and the fortune guest book for this New York Fantasy Bridal Shower. Attending the pink and black event at the Morgan Hotel was again just one of the lovely perks of my job.

I came across Elana and Julie's original genealogy chart on an Australian wedding blog. What is a genealogy chart? Mélangerie says:

Wedding genealogies are customized charts, similar to a family tree, that detail the relationships of the bride and groom to all of their wedding guests. Great for the cocktail hour and receptions, these charts fill guests in on who’s a friend from childhood, a neighbor, a family member, and more. Wedding Genealogy charts also serve as a lovely piece of wedding memorabilia.

They are Brooklyn based, so we met and had an inspiring conversation as they showed me many of their past designs. Their invitations, programs, welcome gifts and ideas in general are clean, original and uniquely personal. I love their work. Don't plan a party without them, they are as nice as they are smart and talented. I think genealogy charts will become a lasting wedding tradition much like tossing the garter.

Here are photos from last Sunday's shower:










Thanks to Always a Bridesmaid for their hospitality,
Jessy from Fleurs for the beautiful flowers and Mark Joseph Cakes for the delicious cake.



Photo Credit: Karen Mordechai Photography

164 days and counting...

I love the originality of this save the date! I keep telling people about it, so when Mr. Boddington’s Studio had their design on display at the Metropolitan Club last week, I decided it was time to stop talking and start writing, but this New York Magazine article really says it best.





Here is the couple's equally as original wedding program:
Congratulations and Best Wishes Erica & Sam!

Meet me at the Metropolitan Club

The Perfect Cocktail Party

I attended a perfect cocktail party last week, which inspired this post. I like making lists. I enjoy reading lists.

Here is my list of ingredients for a successful cocktail party:

1. Invitation. A thorough and informative request of you company is the first impression. While design is important and appreciated, details are key. This party was more elegant than most and the invitation subtly suggested this. I was happy to have this information, so I could dress appropriately.

2. A desirable address. A good neighborhood, or a great destination sets the stage for an interesting evening. The party was on West 14th Street in the Meatpacking District, around the corner from the busy Gaslight Lounge.

3. A gracious and welcoming hostess. Gabriella and Rachel could not have been lovelier. Thank you ladies!

4. Great weather. It was a beautiful spring evening, the trees were starting to bloom, the restaurants had their sidewalk cafe tables out and windows open.

5. An appropriate venue. It should have a great vibe, be aesthetically pleasing, easy to find and accommodating. Gabriella’s studio fit this criteria and them some. Her gorgeous loft was a magnificent backdrop for this fete.

6. FOOD! It must taste good. If it is presented in an interesting, creative and attractive way, excellent. Ideally it is edible in one bite and not messy. Consider quantities, availability and variety when planning the menu. Attractive, attentive servers don’t hurt either. Peter Callahan and his team at Callahan Catering did an amazing job of delivering. I am going to get off topic for one more list of the mini foods served because it’s food and this food is worth going off topic for:

*Mini blueberry pancakes
*Mini grilled cheese sandwiches
*Mini soft pretzels with mustard and Mini steins of beer to match
*Mini hot dogs, Mini burgers, Mini cones of French fries,
*Mini edible spoons of caviar with Mini shots of vodka,
*Mini stuffed pitas
*Mini nutter flutter cones
*Mini chocolate orange cigars
*Mini limoncello popsicles

7. Cocktails. Free flowing. Moet provided excellent bubbly.

8. Intriguing guest list. There was a wonderful balance of people I know and people I want to know. I met Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart Weddings, Ron Ben Israel and Rebecca Crumley of the The Knot.

9. Entertainment. There was variety, volume and vibe. Elan Artists are amazing. We were treated to powerful vocals, an excellent band and awesome dancing.

10. Wingman (or wingwoman in my case).
Bring someone like minded and social who compliments your personality. Make sure they are confident enough to be left on their own and willing to initiate conversations of their own, if the circumstances or company implies it. Samuelle, you are an amazing dress designer and a divine cocktail companion!













(Photo Credit: Allan Zepeda for Mel Barlow Photography)

Handwriting Analysis

Q: Do you know what your handwriting says about you?

A: Most people do not, especially in our generation of g-chat, facebook instant messages, tweets, texts, e-mail and bbm. You may not even recognized the handwriting of someone you love.

Weddings are an opportunities to celebrate, acknowledge and connect with those closest to you.

I've discovered an excellent an original idea to introduce at your next event.
Now you can incorporate an analysis of your family and friends’ handwriting into your pre-wedding activities, in a heartfelt way.

It can be:
• a personal and intelligent way to acknowledge the ladies at your bridal luncheon or shower.
• an excellent way for your and your fiance’s families to get to know each other at the rehearsal dinner.
• an amazing alternative to standard place cards when dressing a table.
• an original way to thank your wedding party for participating in your day.
• a great start to a thoughtful and sincere scrapbook.

Adorn this idea with:
• a magnified glass
• a beautiful pen
• personalized stationery
• an engraved journal
• a book
• or simply a (handwritten, of course) love letter

How does this work?
Simply request a one page sample of the individual's handwriting in the event invitation. Provide the paper, a self addressed stamped envelope and give them a choice of a few topics to write about in case they need some encouragement or inspiration.

For example:
• advice on how to have a long and happy marriage
• story of how we met
• love letter
• favorite memory

These samples are used to generate thorough and wildly accurate handwriting profiles. This confidential analysis describes the many important motivational traits that handwriting samples show are a significant part of individual's personality.Particular attention is focused on the characteristics which most influence the relationships with others.

The reports are divided into the following categories:

Communication
Stress Level
Thinking Patterns
Imagination
Goal
Achievement
Emotional Structure


Here are some highlights from my handwriting analysis:

"You tend mostly to be balanced in stressful situations" "You enjoy searching for answers and are resourceful in gathering your own information" "vivid, active imagination" "ability to come up with original innovative ideas" "You are probably happiest when you can work in creative way and you will likely achieve rather spectacular results if you can deal with the practicalities of bringing your ideas to fruition."

Interested? Check out Graphology Consulting or Contact Sheila Kurtz at 212.799.9296

Skip Lunch, Fight Hunger

Over 260,000 New Yorkers rely on City Harvest for their next meal each week. Please join me on May 6, as I Skip Lunch to Fight Hunger.

You are cordially evited

Forty years ago, my parents invited some guests to their wedding dinner and others to only the reception after dinner as an attempt to include people and stay within their budget. In return they got sympathy cards from two guests who did not agree with this approach.

This week a client received an evite to crash a friend's wedding.

The evite read:

"As we both have large families... we weren't able to invite you to the wedding.... but you can come and "crash" the wedding around 9:30pm. In fact, we encourage it! By then, the bar will be a cash bar and the older generation will be on their way home to go to sleep! We would love for you to join the new Mr. & Mrs. XXXX!"

In this economy, it's much more acceptable to not invite 300 people to your wedding. Controlling your guest list is the best way to manage your budget. Your casual friends and colleagues understand. They are though sometimes the people you spend most of your waking hours with, they are often privy to the wedding planning details or perhaps you have become fond of someone new just recently. Crashing might be the route to go. Personally, I love this idea and think it's great from both perspectives. Chances are, if we work together, I may not want to spend my entire Saturday with people from work, or eating chicken and making small talk with your aunt Estelle. I would though love to come by later for a cocktail and wedding cake. I want to dance with your cute cousin from London, meet your crazy college roommate, see you in your dress and check out the flowers you've been agonizing over for months.

What are your thoughts?

Get Married in New York

Last week I had the pleasure of working with photographer Christopher Duggan, owner and lead photographer of Threshold Visions, thanks to a new collaboration with Get Married in New York. This company arranges for couples from the United Kingdom to get married in New York.

Having planned very traditional and elaborate affairs, I admit I was very skeptical of the simplicity of this structure. I was told these ceremonies are commonly only the couple and maybe a few guests, a basic bouquet, one hour of photography (if at all) and often nothing else. After a quick ceremony in Manhattan, the couple and any guests usually go to a pub.(A PUB!?) My mind was quickly changed when I saw how lovely and appropriate the quaint ceremony was. It suited the couple and their immediate family perfectly. Vows were exchanged at Bow Bridge in Central Park on one of New York’s first spring days. Kim Kirkley performed the service and Christopher did an excellent job of documenting the day, as park goers looked on and erupted in applause once the vows were complete.

Cheers to the happy couple and thanks Christopher for sharing your photos!

Baskets & Bunnies, Ham with the Fam

Happy Easter to all!

I haven’t spent Easter with my family in years, but was in town briefly this weekend meeting with clients who are getting married in the fall. I made my first ham. Far less interesting, in comparison to the holiday turkey I adore. Other than peeling potatoes, I love every aspect of hosting Thanksgiving. (except doing dishes, of course) I am not a ham fan, I have decided Easter would be an easy holiday for me to outsource, in the future. Easter colors are beautiful, I like the tradition of coloring eggs, perhaps in the future I'll opt to prepare brunch vs. dinner. Or I'll exercise chef’s choice and stuff a bird and make the turkey!

Question: Where were the small crunchy-coated milk chocolate eggs by Cadbury this year? I did not conduct a thorough search, but I did certainly scan the candy isle on each trip to the store this season and nada! My wallet and waistline are grateful.... I guess.

Last year, I spent Easter with good friends and the sweet bunnies pictured here.

Dress for Success

Thanks to InStyle Magazine and Pronovias for hosting a lovely evening of beautiful dresses and great designs. Michelle Rago and Shiraz were also on hand to share their floral and culinary expertise.

The Good Knife=A Good Night

Good is an understatement. The Good Knife is a gourmet catering company who generously hosted an Underground Supper Club recently. This casually elegant, exclusive gatherings of 30 event professionals featured five courses with wine pairings from Long Island's Wolffer Estate in a hush hush Manhattan location. I was in excellent company, greeted with champagne and chose a perfect table of like-minded foodies and industry colleagues to dine and chat with. The food was organic, thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented and delicious, not just good. Thanks to owner Andrea Lennon and her partner and chef, Deborah Gorman for a superb evening.

A bit from their website:

All Dressed in White

Wedding dress shopping with two brides today, was successful times two!

First stop: Nicole Miller in Soho. This bride is planning an ocean front ceremony in Montauk this fall. The dress selected was purchased off the rack and is the perfect choice for this creative urbanite.

Next: I took a more traditional bride to The Bridal Garden, where gowns and veils are donated by couture and top designers, stores and some individuals. This non for profit bridal boutique benefits education for New York City children. Oh, and... the garden sells the designer gowns for 75% off their original prices. This was my first visit, I was optimistic and not disappointed. It's a great concept, and I saw many brides leave happy. The dresses ranged from funky, to original to traditional. This bride's summer reception is at an elegant country club on Long Island and her Pronovias dress matches the venue very well.

Both New York brides have excellent taste, but very different styles and weddings planned. There are though, many common threads of consideration when wedding dress shopping:

*Mother Approval
*Color (White or Cream)
*Comfort
*Price
*Age & Venue Appropriateness
*Fit
*Figure Flattering

Two beautiful dresses were purchased today. They both compliment each brides' personality, style, wedding, body and venue.


Sorry, no pictures today, like their fiancés you will have to wait and see.

Room with a view...

and a designer with a vision came together.

The same men cooked for me two nights in a row, it's not often you will read those words written by me. Thanks to the culinary pair from Tip Of The Tongue Catering, I have been very well fed.

I recently met Astrid Mueller, a designer and illustrator from Switzerland. She is living in New York, her company is Champagne Promises. Looking for an invitation that is creative, thoughtful and original? Astrid’s beautiful wedding designs capture each couple’s unique story, visualize their loving relationship, and create a timeless keepsake.

She invited me to an event tonight at Ramscale. This artistic downtown loft space with an outdoor terrace and spectacular views, is Manhattan at it's finest. Be sure to check out the bathroom! This venue has a unique collaboration with an art gallery in the building. The client can review their collection of art and choose the pieces they want on their walls during their event. Love the art? Register for a piece and your guests can purchase it for you.

Thanks for the carrot cupcakes, connections and conversation!

Elegant. Resourceful. Inspiring.

New York Magazine hosted their annual and excellent wedding event last evening. It was not only a feast for the eyes, with beautiful dresses, original table designs and creative invitations but the food offered was scrumptious.

Mac and Cheese & Milkshakes! Bite size crunchy cones were stuffed with cheesy pasta and guests had their choice of topping it with pancetta, truffle oil or diced peppers. The miniature vanilla milkshakes were paired with an espresso brownie. Delicious! Thanks to Mary Giuliani and her team for providing these treats!

Happy to spend time with some of my industry favorites (Leslie & Eyal, Ana Dolan, Yura and Elana & Julie) and interested in meeting vendors whose work I am not as familiar with (Mr. Boddington’s Studio and Gabriella), I was delighted to see an old friend from my days at The Penn Club of New York, Mr. Bud Maltin.

I am still smiling from the scallops served by Thalassa.