East Village Engagement Shoot

There is nothing more effective or fun than an engagement shoot to allow a photographer to establish rapport with a couple before their Big Day.  This is where their personality as a couple really shines through.  No time pressure, just the couple, the photographer and assistant – and sometimes, a furry-haired companion.

Alicia and Eric had a picture perfect day for their shoot in the East Village with our photographer David Nicolas.  David enjoyed himself so much that he stayed up late processing the job after a full day of shooting the couple, so he could see how awesome the shots looked. Read the rest of this entry »

Green Screen Photography is a Perfect Fit for a Fit Pregnancy Magazine Event

The savvy marketing team at Fit Pregnancy recently asked us to provide green screen photography for a major event they co-sponsored with Big City Moms.com, called The Biggest Baby Shower.  Hundreds of Manhattan moms gathered at The Metropolitan Pavilion to test out, touch, feel and get educated on everything they might possibly need for their growing families.

To cap it all off, the event got a big PR shout-out by Pix 11 News anchor Frances Rivera, who covered the event, then announced her own pregnancy on air when she filed her report. Her Fit Pregnancy “cover photo” was featured on the news segment – along with a shot of our fabulous photographer, Jen DelCastillo!

Click here if you would like to check out the news segment.

Event Focus Friday with Adam Sloyer from Sequence Events

This week’s Event Focus Friday spotlights Adam Sloyer who, as the top man at Sequence Events, is certainly detail-oriented in all he does. Sequence is an events agency specializing in production, strategic planning and design. It provides the resources of a global agency with the personalized service and individual attention of a boutique. Their mission is to bring back the emphasis on the individual experience, both in terms of working with clients and the attendees at their events. Adam’s extensive background in restaurant management and business gives him great experience in detailed event management.  Today, Adam shares his thoughts on the world of events.

Where did the inspiration for your business come from?

I had been working in events for [a] decade and had been fortunate to work at some very different types of agencies.  Over time I saw a clear picture of what I thought made each unique, and eventually got to a point where I felt I could create a company that combined the best of all worlds.

What’s your “secret sauce” for success as an entrepreneur?

I don’t think it’s much of a secret, but we are very focused on client service.  I learned long ago that while happy clients and successful events usually go hand in hand, the former is always more important.  I come from a hospitality background so service is very much in my blood, and it’s a big part of our culture at Sequence.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Well my family has roots in the restaurant business, and I was initially in the business before making the transition to events, so I’d probably say something to do with restaurants.  Or I’d be on the PGA tour.  One or the other.

Read the rest of this entry »

Wedding Wednesday Wisdom: Pretty Paper Talk with Jessica Paulen-Glick

It’s a family affair at Judy Paulen Designs, where Jessica, under the tutelage of her mother Judy, helms the firm’s first retail boutique.  Located inside of Bloomingdale’s in New York City, the shop offers custom invitations and a broad selection of stationery designs for discerning brides, engaged couples, and party hosts.  Jessica’s personable style and natural creative knack have helped propel the nearly 40-year-old business into the 21st century, as they continue to work with some of the most beautiful, prestigious venues for their distinctively elegant clientele.  Jessica spoke with us briefly about how the industry has evolved and what inspires her work.

What’s a “can’t miss” event in your industry?

The National Stationery Show… and it’s coming right up!  It is THE place to see what’s new and what the next trends will be.  I always leave there feeling so inspired, trying to figure out which idea to focus on and make happen.  It’s also so much fun to see all of our friends from around the country.  I am counting down the days!

How has the industry changed since you started?

I grew up in this industry (my mother used to have her office in our house). Eight years ago I officially joined the family business that my mother built.  Since then the stationery industry has become so much more exciting. [Back then] a bride had to dig pretty deep to find an invitation that was unlike any other she had seen before.  Today there are so many wonderful options and styles available to her and it’s a joy to be able to offer such a great selection to our customers.  I give so much credit to our designers for bringing high design and intricate printing and production processes to the retail environment where any bride can access it and afford it.

Read the rest of this entry »

A “Do-Good” Friday Event Focus with Liz Glover Wilson

Non-profit organizations are always searching for help and support from their local communities. This week’s Event Focus Friday interview comes from Liz Glover Wilson, who founded Elizabeth Rose Consulting, LLC in 2003. The company’s mission is to support non-profits in achieving their goals to have a positive impact on our communities by managing special events, volunteer coordination and fundraising. They have successfully produced events for dozens of organizations who are truly making a difference in our society and for our environment.

Since I was a child, charity work was always a big part of my life. Over the course of my career, which was primarily as Corporate Events Planner, I found myself always drawn to fundraising events and the environment. After nearly 14 years, it felt natural to take the leap and bring all I learned along the way to the fundraising world. Now my boutique company brings a blend of event and fundraising services to support non-profit organizations. We support anywhere from 4 to eight clients annually.

Wedding Wednesday Wisdom with Bernadette Coveney Smith

Although it’s still a hot-button topic in many debates, same sex marriage is currently legal in six U.S. states, and also Washington, DC. LGBT weddings and commitment ceremonies  are on the rise and have created a boon in the event planning industry.  Our Wedding Wednesday Wisdom today comes from a pioneer in the field: Bernadette Coveney Smith founded 14 Stories, a wedding planning agency whose mission is to ensure that all LGBT couples have the most positive, supportive experience while planning their wedding. Her firm is committed to producing gorgeous, meaningful and fabulous legal weddings with a holistic approach which guarantees that couples also receive resources to build and protect their family. Bernadette shares some of her industry insights with us.

Where did the idea for your business come from? 

I am in the business of planning weddings for same-sex couples and started my company eight years ago, when the law changed in Massachusetts to allow same-sex marriage.  I was living in Boston and saw an opportunity to run a business and be an advocate for LGBT couples planning weddings in a very traditional, bride-focused industry.

In your experience, what’s often the most forgotten element of wedding planning?

Hands down, the guest experience.  It’s not just about decorating a room, but it’s tightly controlling the experience that happens there.  If guests are waiting too long for a cocktail, they remember that much more than what the centerpieces looked like. Read the rest of this entry »

Event Business Bible Founder David Adler Shares Secrets of Success for Event Focus Friday

Anyone worth their salt in the event industry will confirm that if you’ve never consulted BizBash in your research while budgeting, planning or reviewing an event, you are not really in this industry. BizBash Magazine is literally the trade “bible” used by event gurus internationally, with regionally-specific versions now available in nine markets, including Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago and Las Vegas. In addition, BizBash Media encompasses a wealth of information sources easily accessed through websites, publications, newsletters, tradeshows and other events. And the man at the helm of this inspirational empire, CEO and founder David Adler took a few moments to share with us musings about his journey, in this edition of Event Focus Friday.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

I was the VP of Corporate Communications at PRIMEDIA which owned New York, Soap Opera Digest and 300 other magazines. We were spending millions on events.  At one party, the 50th anniversary of Seventeen Magazine, I was planning the event with famed event designer Robert Isabel.  I was trying to cut the budget by cutting out $25K in palm trees and decided that there had to be a better way.  That was why I started BizBash.

How has the economy affected your industry?

[It's] made us more innovative.

All other conditions equal, do you prefer outdoor or indoor events? Why?

Outdoor.  [I] love things like [I experience with a favorite organization] Outward Bound: hiking and water [activities].

What’s your “secret sauce” for success as an entrepreneur?

Manage serendipity.  Rub elbows with people you like and who you want to be around and the best things will happen.  [Also], trusting in the powers of “let’s.” Let’s do this; let’s try that, let’s experiment.

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self, based on where you are now?

Learn programming.

Name three inspirations: 1 person, 1 place, 1 thing.

Hillary Clinton. Maine. iPad.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Using my creative skills to help in public service.

When you aren’t doing this, what are you doing?

Helping at the State Department, using the platform to make fundamental change.

Biz Tools: Mac or PC?

Mac, all the way.

When it comes to themes, what’s your favorite decade and why?

Now; I feel that I can be myself totally.

Vacation Destination:  city, country or beach?

All of the above.

Share a secret.

I love trash TV!

Founded in 2000, BizBash is the leading trade media for the event industry.  The company exists to inspire effective special events and meetings by offering insightful editorial, sharing the latest ideas and strategies, providing essential tools and resources, and fostering community via their various communications platforms of websites, publications, newsletters, trade shows and more. CEO and founder, David Adler has received numerous accolades in his storied career, including recognition as Industry Professional of the Year (2006) by the FBAA, and as one of the 25 Most Influential Leaders, named by Meeting News Magazine, in 2004. Learn more about the BizBash Media empire at: www.bizbash.com

Wedding Wednesday with one of our new photographers Kari Otero

A memorable photo should make you feel something.

I would describe my style as: Fun, Thoughtful, Emotive, Colorful, Romantic.

I love how mobile photography has become.  I define that in two ways: first, instantly sharing photos worldwide, communication is more visual than ever and the ability to tell stories with your still images is priceless.  Secondly, people seem to be moving more in front of the lens, taking chances and letting photographers be their guide.

When the stress levels rise, the Californian in me kicks in. I breath, diffuse and smile.

I have to credit NY event planner Debra Morris of Eventsful, Inc. for opening many doors for me when I was first starting out…one of my first event jobs was at La Grenouille.  I learned two things that night: having a person that believes in your talent and is willing to give you a chance in the beginning is priceless and knowing how to adjust to a room lit entirely in red is monumental.

I love both black and white and color photography, but I was told early on in my career that I “have an eye for color.” I’m drawn towards color and love when I find colors that pop or add to the overall image.  Some images demand to live in black and white; I usually have little to say about it.

One bit of advice I would give is to be the best communicator possible. Both the photographer and client can reach new heights if the lines of communication are open. I love when a client trusts me enough to be in a slightly uncomfortable place, new sides of themselves are often revealed.

The 3 things I enjoy photographing most are: People, people, and people…the possibilities are endless!

I love to travel and explore new people and places with my camera so my idea of a dream assignment is being flown anywhere on the planet to do what I love.

People really inspire me, I love building a portrait concept around what a person does for a living, where they feel most relaxed or a favorite article of clothing. The result is a collaboration that is creative, connected and satisfying.

My next birthday is a big one so I’m headed out West to celebrate with lots of champagne, my dream menu, and all people I love.

More about Kari:

“My father taught me to always reach for the stars, my mom was rarely without her camera.”  Kari finds joy in documenting people’s lives and loves moving through a crowded room of strangers stealing priceless moments. A hopeless romantic, she takes pride in seeing the little things from an angle you might not have considered. Kari specializes in portrait, wedding and event photography.  A native of California, she is a graduate of Hunter College in New York and currently works as a freelance photographer, based in Brooklyn. Her narrative style photography is greatly influenced by her experience working in dance, theatre and events. Her artistic vision focuses on her desire to continue to develop her unique style, creating one-of-a-kind portraits.  To view her web gallery, click here