Launch Party Photos!

Ohhhh Parris Whittingham – how I love thee!!!

Parris sent over so many photos from the party – I barely know where to start!  But…I will first start with how wonderful Parris is!  He is an amazingly connected photographer in New York City and in my heart, a cutie patootie (but that is another post for my other blog!).  He bent over backwards to really help me with our launch party and introduced me to Alex and the folks over at City Winery as well as the amazing Marlaina Stone! (Oh and by the way – I was introduced to Parris by Carolyn Gerin – the  fab author of the Anti-Bride Guide!…Thanks babe!)  There were a bunch of other things that he did for me…like helping me find a place to eat after the party, along with a whole slew of behind the scenes “craziness”!  The party would not have been the same without him – trust me!

I think I can honestly say that this was the best trip I have ever had to NYC.  Not just because of the launch party – but for every little second from hanging out with my aunt in the Bronx to the fundraiser for Haiti the night before the launch party at the City Winery.  I had passed right by the City Winery while I was in NYC in October and had no idea what was inside this amazing edifice!  They host all sorts of parties and wedding receptions at this facility.  It is quite a remarkable venue.  They not only have an amazing restaurant and bar, but they actually make the wine – right there!!! Alex took me for the dime tour and showed me where they made the wine, which is actually the perfect setting for a cocktail hour! I fell in love instantly.  They bring all the grapes in from the West Coast but use local water and, of course, a few of their own ingredients! How perfectly green to have a locally made wine served at your wedding that is made in the very spot where you are having your wedding.  New York and New Jersey wedding planners need to take note!

While I enjoyed the fundraiser for Haiti with several local and international bands,  I was able to spend some quality time with some of my friends from the West Coast (who flew in just for the party) and a few New Yorkers!  Parris, Alex, Carolyn, the wonderful (and our guest blogger) Emily Anderson and the incomparable Candace Lapin of Para Ti Novia.  We all shared the most ridiculous dessert that seemed similar to dipping churros in an espresso cup filled with the most sinful chocolate and a dollop of marshmallow on the side!  (Yeah – we ordered it twice – so what!?)

The building is just gorgeous!  Not to be missed if you live in New York City – but anytime you visit!  Alex was amazingly generous and sponsored the Eco-Beautiful Weddings Launch Party with 4 cases of wine.  So many guests complimented the bold taste of the wine.  Truly exceptional!

(yes that is my freakin’ Blackberry in my hand)

I had on some unusual party diggs that I just don’t think people were expecting!  Yes – I wore a black jumpsuit!!!  Then…I had the privilege and honor to wear “Mary” from the Marlaina Stone jewelry Collection!  Here is a close-up from their website (click on it so you can see her entire collection):

Then – me – CHEEZIN’ it (which I believe this photo below was taken by Robin‘s camera) as I am so in love with this piece of artwork (no..literally)!

This beautiful necklace was taken out of the Avedon Exhibit from the Detroit Institute of Art just for little ole’ me!!!  Seriously folks – I cried when I got the email that they would let me wear this for the night of our launch party.  Marlaina Stone’s work is not only eco-friendly, but amazing enough to be displayed as art!  Many thanks to the whole team at Marlaina Stone and especially to Marlaina for making me feel like a princess for the day!

I have many more photos to post and more amazing vendors to talk about in regards to the launch party!

Stay Tuned!

~Katie Martin