November 13, 2007

Tania & George; November 10; The W Union Square, NYC


The W Hotel in Union Square proved to be the perfect backdrop for the NYC wedding of George and Tania last Saturday. The couple, who had met on an elevator two years earlier while on business in the Republic of Georgia, enjoyed a brisk Fall day with family and friends in NYC.

Tania looked stunning in her gown in the bridal suite at The W when I arrived. Sheila, from Sarah Merrians Photography, was taking her through an assortment of poses in the suite. We then headed to the second floor, for photos and video on the grand staircase with her parents and bridesmaids.

Tim Alan Studios videographer, Adam, was waiting with George and the groomsmen at Saint Vartan Armenian Cathedral on 34th and 2nd. The traditional Armenian Wedding ceremony included the crowning of George and Tania along with the customary rings and vows. Tania stole a kiss before leaving- apparently NOT a tradition- before stealing off to a backroom to sign the marriage license. Upon exiting the church, the couple was showered with raucous cheers flower petals from their guests who had lined the steps and walkway.

It was back to Union Square in the waiting shuttle buses for a night of revelry that included an intimate cocktail hour, a greeting line for the couple as guests entered the reception, festive Armenian dancing and 3 toasts....

November 09, 2007

Alyssa & Greg; November 3: The New York Botanical Gardens, The Bronx, NYC



I have worked with Alyssa the last two years on corporate events for Fitness and More Magazines in her job as Group Special Events Director. It wasn't until about two months ago, when we were discussing two upcoming events, that Alyssa slipped in that she was also getting married....

Last Saturday at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, Alyssa and Greg exchanged vows amongst their closest friends at an outdoor ceremony in the woods of the Botanical Gardens. If you didn't know any better, you would have thought you were in the woods of Vermont, not the heart of NYC!

The weather was a bit cold as Novembers tend to be, but strategically placed heat lamps for the ceremony and and a tent for cocktail hour kept everyone warm.

The reception was held upstairs at the Snuff Mill where the couple enjoyed an evening of dancing- highlighted by Alyssa's brother, Jordan- whose creative moves on the dance floor kept both the guests and his sister entertained throughout!

BizBash, ISES Video & The Mystery Bride


Yesterday I attended the BizBash Expo at Pier 94 which is a tradeshow designed for professionals in the event industry to meet and connect.

I assisted ISES (International Special Events Society) by creating a video of their October meeting for them to show at their booth. (Shot by Avenue 5 Films, Tim Alan Studios Corporate Video Site) It was a two-minute recap of all-things ISES from the meeting that played on loop throughout the tradeshow. I also had the honor of being the first person at the tradeshow to sign up as a new member of the ISES New York Metro Chapter!

The highlight of my day, though, was running into a bride from almost two years ago who I had lost contact with before I could deliver her video. Although she had paid in full, she fell off the map soon after the wedding, with all numbers and e-mails I had obsolete.

When she approached me at cocktail hour, I thought I was seeing things: was this just a mirage? I had often speculated as to what had happened to her and even worried about her and her husband. Fortunately it was just life and the craziness it sometimes brings. We exchanged cards- she is now a corporate event planner- and she vowed not to disappear again!

November 08, 2007

Tim Alan films Knot Wedding Industry Party



Tim Alan Studios was asked to participate as a sponsoring vendor at last night's Knot Market party at Slate on west 21st street. Many of the top talent in the wedding business in NYC gathered at Slate to network, eat good food, enjoy the open bar and listen to great music. Tim Alan videographer, Adam, discretely captured the action throughout the evening while I mingled with old friends and new acquaintances from all parts of the industry.

Other sponsoring vendors included music from Signature Events, photography from Barnaby Draper, cakes from Michelle Doll Cakes, and planning by Christine Paul Events.

A write-up and photo spread of the party will be in the issue of the Knot that hits newstands in January. A video highlight will appear in this blog and on the Knot.com, so stay tuned!

November 02, 2007

Lindsey & Jim; October 27: St. Ignatius & The Central Park Boathouse, NYC


Lindsey and Jim had to wonder if early showers would wash away their wedding day, but were happy to see the sun come out in force later in the afternoon.

The couple got ready at the Marriott on 92nd and First Avenue before taking a limo and shuttle bus to St. Ignatius Loyola on 84th & Park. The ceremony was performed by the groom's hometown priest, Father Joe from Long Island, who added plenty of personal anecdotes and humor.

After the ceremony, the couple had ample time before cocktail hour so they took the opportunity to get photos by Photography By Verdi and video from Tim Alan Studios on NYC streets, in Central Park and near the Central Park Boathouse, where the reception would be held.

The reception at the Boathouse started out with cocktail hour overlooking the lake and the park before the guests moved inside for highlights that included a cigar roller, entertainment by Elite Music, and a candy bar with an assortment of delectable treats.

In addition to a few humorous and poignant toasts and lots of dancing, one of the main highlights had to be Father Joe joining the band to sing two songs, one of which is used along with the video recap below!