Sep
23
Last night, Dave and I hopped down to New York to join our friends from David Tutera Inc in celebrating the premiere of Season 2 of My Fair Wedding along with the launch of David’s new line of wedding dresses, David Tutera by Faviana. We had such a great time. We were invited because Dave photographed one of the episodes from this season. It was an absolute treat to be a guest for this affair, rather than working it. Of course, that also meant we only allowed ourselves to bring a little point and shoot camera.
The event got kicked off with a performance by Nuttin But Stringz. This rock violinist duo totally captivated me. I love their music and their performance- they are clearly influenced by world music, classical, rock and hip hop. Check out their sound on their website and check out their moves below.
Then we were treated to a fashion show of David’s new line of wedding gowns. So different sitting in the seats rather than the press area, like we have when we were shooting for Lucire magazine. I could see just enough to develop some strong favorites. The concept behind the gowns is that they are all inspired by red carpet dresses worn by celebrities, refashioned into something glamorous for your wedding day. There is definitely something for everyone in this line, both in terms of style and body type.
My favorites? Let me begin with Eva. This dress starts off full-length with gorgeous tafetta roses directing the eye along a woman’s curves. The lowest part of the skirt can be removed to reveal a short party dress with an assymetrical hemline. A little surprise when the bride returns for the party. A fun, flirty, vivacious dress. I also really liked Charlize and Fergie, another dress that turns into a cocktail dress- totally wearable.
Gwenyth, below, was simply stunning. I loved the color imbued in this dress- champagne, ivory, gold, crystals reflecting the light- along with the lines and the empire shape. Beautiful, simple, elegant.
And another favorite was Olivia. It actually reminded me of something from the movie Titanic. Really soft with antique touches. And you have to love the cap sleeves bejewelled at the edges. So pretty.
They concluded with the grand finale dress- the Platinum Gown. This dress was dripping with 33 carats of diamonds, white keshi pearls and more than 145 carats of aqua marine. The dress was pretty, but honestly I liked the other styles better. I guess that’s a good thing because the Platinum Gown retails for over a half million dollars. Wow!
The last walk…
With David and Faviana- the model in the back is wearing the Platinum Dress…
One more note about the fashion show, Dave and I were totally laughing because we recognized all of the music. I don’t know a lot about music artists and I am not really up on what’s popular, so this is definitely a rare thing for me. (Dave actually does know this stuff- he is way more hip than I am.) But these songs were all the fun songs we hear at weddings. So of course, I knew them and they were totally appropriate.
After the fashion show, David (Tutera) introduced the premiere of Season 2 of My Fair Wedding.
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode with Quiana and Michael’s wedding. Quiana is so lovely, offers up surprises at every corner. And you can see how much she appreciated this opportunity. Totally fun moments from the viewing, which unfortunately I am pretty sure won’t happen in your living room, they shot butterfly confetti out at us when David revealed the ceremony space and the reception space to Quiana and Michael. Such fun!
I am so excited to see the episode that Dave photographed, now. It must be really different to watch the event unfold on the day, almost like slow motion, versus the edited version where everything happens in a whirlwind.
Okay and just to give you a sense of what Gotham Hall looked like last night. Love the lighting design.
A few young girls who had to get in on the runway action.
Dave photographed David Tutera’s decor from a wedding at Gotham Hall earlier this year and we always love seeing a space used in different ways. Set up for the fashion show was definitely different.
After diving into the dessert bar upstairs- yum!, we had to see what it felt like to be on the other side of the camera and stand in the lights. Aren’t we glam!
Thank you to David, Liz, Ashley, Nora and Nicole- you guys put together another amazing event- no surprise there- and we had a really great time celebrating with you. Congrats!
Jun
10
Sara and Mike are just about the funniest couple alive. Seriously, they have the best sense of humors (or is it senses of humor?). We couldn’t wait for their wedding, because we knew we would be laughing and smiling all day long.
Here’s my favorite humorous moment from the bedecken. Sara’s checking out Mike to make sure he’s the right guy. Turns out he is.
What I didn’t count on, was the tears they would bring to my eyes.
During their ketubah signing ceremony, the Rabbi allowed for them to share some thoughts with each other. They were so tender and honest with each other.
And the way Mike looks at Sara simply melts my heart.
Here Mike is ensuring that Sara is indeed Sara. When I look at this image, I somehow make the same expression that Sara does. I can’t help it. Quivery happiness all over.
Alas, I have gotten ahead of myself. So allow me to take a step back.
I have known Mike for several years; we met while performing in a comedy improv group- Blue Blanket Improv- in California. Mike has since moved on and even started his own- Chicken Scratch Improv. And Dave knew Mike from their swing dancing days. We met Sara (and puppy Oscar) last fall and were instantly enamored. Mike and Sara are absolutely perfect together, and perfect parents for Oscar. When they chose us to photograph their wedding at Kennolyn near Santa Cruz, we started counting down the days.
We started off – me with Sara as she and her bridesmaids were getting ready and Dave with the handsome groom…
and his Entourage,
which included his adorable nephew. Precious missing teeth!
The guys have it a lot easier. Here, the women getting ready…Sara almost in her dress.
And a nod to Sara’s fabulous shoulders and back. She is a triathelete and spends tons of time in the pool. The pay-off is clear.
Just before the boys joined the girls for the ketubah signing, Sara and her beautiful little flower girl compared dresses.
Mike arrives. And Sara welcomes him in.
The Rabbi in the background. Flower girl, apparently, not so interested in that.
Then we head over for the ceremony under the huppah.
And Sara walks down the aisle with her mom…
I can’t wait to share more and there will definitely be lots, lots more. Of course, more from the reception, but I will also be sharing about the flowers. They were amazing! Bouquets and bouttonieres galore by Laughin’ Gal Floral. Definitely check back soon!
