The shoot was part of an inspiring workshop called Collaborate and Create that was put on by the super talented Carla Ten Eyck of Carla Ten Eyck Photography and Candice Coppola of Jubilee Events. This workshop was unique, as it paired a photographer and an event coordinator to stage the shoot, with the Ocean House as the backdrop as they prepared for their grand opening, just days after we left. Pretty cool, especially as I got to work directly with Candice.

So off I headed to Watch Hill in May. It is special to see a venue that is certain to become a preferred destination for brides and grooms once the word gets out of what a spectacular resort they have “re”-crafted.

Having never done an editorial shoot before, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I had taken Carla’s incredible workshops in Hartford, CT, and was eager to showcase the skills I had garnered. The team included Tony Palmieri of Datura, a Modern Garden; Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the Shore; Dana Bartone of Dana Bartone & Co; and Nichole Trembley Michel of Coral Pheasant and of course, expert guidance from Carla and Candice. I felt like I’d been selected for the All-Star team.

First off, here are some behind the scenes shots that shows all the effort and collaboration necessary for a successful shoot.

Here’s Beth getting the dress ready, Tony hard at work creating another floral masterpiece, and Candice, Nichole, and Diana of Jubilee Events getting the table all set. The table was just magnificent, and the colors were incredible. They just popped right before your eyes!

While most of the team was working outside on the table, Dana did her magic on the beautiful Amanda Craig, and Dapper Dan was hard at work mastering the art of tying the Vinyard Vines Bow Tie. Practice makes perfect.

Well, almost… Note the direction of the horses! Second attempt… perfection. Looking great Dan!

No wonder Carla calls you Dapper Dan!

So now that the prep is done, here are some of my favorite images of the magnificent table that Candice, Tony and team put together. It was spectacular.

I love the colors of the flowers and the way the color of the chairs popped.

Here I shot the table from a different perspective, with the Ocean House porch in the background, and Carla surveys the table looking for another interesting shot.

Candice snags a moment to enjoy the Ocean House view…

The masterful Tony created the most incredible chandelier, which you saw in my opening shot. Here’s Tony and fellow workshop participant Danny Kash giving a helping hand to hold the chandelier in place.

Amanda and Dan having some fun, flirting around the table.

The old fashioned Coke bottles seemed to fit the mood of this shoot. What do you think?

Here are a few more detail shots from the day… Tony’s beautiful bouquet…

…Nichole’s elegant paper work….

… and beautiful cakes from ToriaDolce Fine Desserts and Wedding Cakes.

It was fun to be able to photograph Amanda’s new engagement ring from Dan! Nice when life imitates art~

Loved these Hey Lady shoes…

… and here’s one of my favorite shots from the day!

Dana provides some quick touching-up.

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A new twist on reading… or flirting… or, well you decide!

Hey Beth, interested in second shooting?

OK, back to Amanda & Dan…

Wow! Isn’t Amanda just stunning!

What a gorgeous bouquet Tony!

Amanda and Dan you are a great couple and so much fun to work with. Congratulations on your engagement!

Thank you everyone for an amazing experience that I will never forget!

Planning & Design: Jubilee Events / Photography: Carla Ten Eyck & Crane Song Photography / Floral Design: Datura: A Modern Garden / Fashion Styling & Accessories: The White Dress by the Shore / Gown: Amy Kuschel / Jewels: Coral Pheasant / Cake: ToriaDolce Fine Desserts & Wedding Cakes / Scones: Victorian House Scones / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Ring Bowl: Paloma’s Nest / Shoes: Hey Lady / Seersucker Suit: J.Crew / Bow Tie: Vineyard Vines / Beauty: Dana Bartone

So here is the amazing setting for the ceremony. Isn’t it spectacular!!! Look at those Cherry trees just laden with blossoms. Desiree and Josh certainly timed things perfectly. Just breathtaking! It reminded me of the cherry blossom trees where I grew up in Mamaroneck, NY. I always loved it when they were in bloom. It is hard not to smile when you see mother nature’s display.

I spent some time with Josh at the grove while Kim photographed Desiree getting ready. I just love this shot of Josh I snapped in between greeting their guests. Certainly doesn’t look at all nervous.

Just before the ceremony, Josh took a few minutes to himself to walk in the groove. With all the snow on the ground as I write this, it is particularly nice to think back to this moment.

Here comes the bride. I love this shot of Desiree and her mom and the walk down. Desiree had not seen the set-up until this moment. That look of wonder is priceless. Josh has a great look of wonder too as he admires Desiree coming down the aisle.

You would never know from this next shot that there are all those people behind Desiree and Josh. They really enjoyed every moment of their ceremony and each other.

They even turned around to face their guests to savor their ceremony with their guests and family.

Desiree was a such beautiful bride. Her enthusiasm was infectious!

Another moment between Desiree and Josh where you might almost think they were all alone under a spectacular tree.

Now this was a kiss! You could just feel the passion and the joy!

The newly married couple grabbed a couple of minutes to themselves after the ceremony. These were two of my favorite shots.

OK, so I just never got tired of seeing Desiree’s excitement as she marveled at the breathtaking cherry blossoms.

The reception was held at The Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and here is my favorite shot from cocktails outside.

The tulips were absolutely gorgeous! I love the colors! Here in Fairfield County, Connecticut we rarely get to see tulips like this, as they are a delicacy for the wild deer that live all around us.

Just before heading inside, here’s Josh and his mom catching a beautiful moment together.

They brought the cherry blossom theme inside. Look at these beautiful place cards. What was really unique is that they included blossom seed paper that the guests could plant. The paper was embedded with a handful of annual and perennial wildflower seeds. Isn’t that cool!

Their first dance… Desiree and Josh looked so comfortable together, you could just feel the love.

The Palm House is just spectacular all lit up at night. What an incredible venue!

Tracey Reynolds, of Bridal Bouquet Design did a beautiful job with the bouquets. I loved how they used them here at Desiree and Josh’s table. The lighting was so dramatic!

The spectacular cake by Ana Parzych perfectly showcased the cherry blossom theme.

All the best Desiree and Josh! You are a great couple. Thanks Kim, it was great fun shooting with you!

The event was hosted by Tony Aitoro at Aitoro Appliances in Norwalk and paired three local chefs with three donors: Pietro Scotti of DaPietro’s Restaurant in Westport with Sous Chef Carol Fedele; Michael Marchetti of Columbus Park Trattoria in Stamford with Sous Chef Frank Mercede; and Stephen Maronian of Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes in Greenwich with Pastry Partner Katy Cleare.

Guests had a great time schmoozing and enjoying a glass of wine, while the teams were hard at work, preparing for the cook off!

Judges for the event were Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia, Lorraine Haave and Peter Romano, and the winner is…

… Michael Marchetti of Columbus Park Trattoria and his Sous Chef, Frank Mercede; with Runner-up Pietro Scotti of DaPietro’s and his Sous Chef, Carol Fedele! Of course, I think everyone agreed that the real winner was the Amercian Cancer Society. It was a great turnout for great cause, and everyone (including David) had a great time supporting it!

Everyone we met was so nice, and showed such pride in their work. Attention to detail took on a whole new meaning! We also got a peek at the Inaugural Albums they were making. Breathtaking images — sorry, no photos, you’ll just have to take our word for this one. I’m sure the White House will be pleased to know they use the same album company we do (LOL).

What a great facility and a great team! We love their flush mounted albums, and seeing how each hand-made album is put together was just amazing.

Thank you, Bobby and the whole Leather Craftsmen crew. Hope to visit again soon.

So, its 2011 and my #1 New Year’s Resolution is …

… to find my Blog; reacquaint myself with it; and actually write things in it!!!

Let me know how I do, OK?

The last six weeks have been extremely busy, but I will attempt to catch up on some of the exciting happenings.

On Saturday, May 8th, I had my first opportunity to wear my new JCREW dress out in public. In fact, this was the night they had outfitted me for. My husband, David, along with the rest of our temple’s singing ensemble known as “Ruach” (means spirit) were being honored at Temple Sinai’s Starry Starry Night.

So, not only did I enjoy showing off my new look and getting a lot of fun reactions when people recognized the dress, but I was also photographing the event for the temple bulletin.

To see a few more pictures from this event, click here:

Tell us what you think! Please click here to leave a comment:

I went straight to the studio door, and Nicole told me that the audience waits out in the plaza. I explained that I was the mom for the makeover, and then she brought me straight downstairs to a conference room. I saw Kitt on a monitor as we went down a long hallway — I think it was the run-through, but no time to stop. Straight to hair and makeup!

Hair & Makeup (Again!): First, Eunice “re-” did my makeup. Fabulous! Then Roman blew out my hair. He made my hair look beautiful.

I was told my family had arrived and was waiting elsewhere. Apparently, when they brought David and Maya into hair & makeup, they tried to put some powder and lip gloss on Maya who informed them “not too much.”

Shortly before air-time, I was told to get the dress, belt and shoes on. Then mic’s. Then just waiting. Seemed like forever, but probably just a few minutes!

First I tried to remember how to breathe, and then I tired to savor all aspects of the day. In fact, the whole week of this once in a lifetime opportunity. It was going by so quickly and I wanted to remember as much as I possibly could!

Meanwhile, Maya was posing for pictures with Katrina Szish & Joel Warren on the set!

The Early Show Live!

I was told I would be behind a screen and then I would walk around and step onto a small platform. Then they said I would be sent to the couch.

I heard the start of the two minute video intro. I realized I shouldn’t listen to it — I didn’t want to cry and ruin my beautiful makeup.

Showtime!? I walked out from behind the screen and onto the platform. I saw a women waving her arms and figured that was the sign to go to the couch(?).

When I got to the couch, I started to sit down next to Maya, but then David, with beautiful flowers in hand, told me to sit next to Maggie Rodriguez.

Once I was on the couch, Maggie asked me some questions. I was too nervous and unsure what to do or where to look, so I just looked at Joel Warren, figuring that was safe.

The whole thing went by so quickly!

Once it was over we sat on the couch for a few more minutes talking to Maggie, Joel and Katrina.

Relaxing after the show: We stayed on the set for another minute, then they led us out of the studio. We said our goodbyes to Joel, Eunice and Roman. Then they removed our mics and we went downstairs to get a bite to eat and change clothes.

Harry Smith stopped in and just kept saying how “I rocked it.” He was very nice. Maggie Rodriguez also joined us and gave Maya a very cute bear (which she named Maggie, of course).

Kitt then took this shot for us to remember it all by…

… and James Swift (CBS, wardrobe) took this picture of me with Kitt,

and then one last picture of me and my new look!

WOW!!! What an amazing experience! Do we really have to leave?

As we left, we took a picture outside the studio. While there, a woman passed saying we had done great and that she had seen us that morning! Pretty wild!

So, now what? Right then my iPhone fried, so David took it to the Apple Store right there while Maya and I went into FAO Schwarz for her first time! Once my iphone was fixed (incl. the TTY setting!), the three of us explored FAO Schwarz.

Al Bass took great care of us. He took us to the big piano, where of course, we took more pictures. Al had also seen us that morning on the show and told us he was hoping we would stop by the store. Maya had a great time on the piano and in general at the store.

We said goodbye to Al and FAO Schwarz, and took a parting picture with Al and the store greeter.

Next we checked out of the hotel and met Liz Todrin to see her new coop apartment in the city, and took this shot of Liz, her roommate Uzma Syed, and Maya.

She was nice enough to pick up sandwiches for us to eat in the car as we rushed back to Stamford for Maya’s Beauty and the Beast rehearsal at school. While she was at school David took some more pictures of me while the makeup and hair still was in place. I love this one which will be my new facebook and twitter shot.

To finish of this amazing day and week, David and I enjoyed an evening out in Stamford. Even though we were tired I wanted to go out while my hair and makeup still looked so amazing.

It was truly a wonderful dream!

Thank You, CBS and everyone from The Early Show Team.

Thank You, Joel Warren & Edward Tricomi.

Thank You, Katrina Szish & J. Crew Collection.

Lastly, a very special Thank You to Liz Todrin for submitting my name in the first place. Without you, this whole wonderful experience would never have happened!

Kitt Grant, Producer of The Early Show met me in front of The Plaza to bring me up to The Warren Tricomi Salon on the second floor.

The nervousness and excitement was a bit overwhelming, but after Kitt introduced me to Joel Warren and Edward Tricomi, some of my anxiety dissipated.

HAIR COLOR: I was a bit stunned by the sheer size of the salon, with no empty seats in the house! Joel Warren brought me right up to his chair in the color area. After a few before pictures we got down to analyzing our starting point. Having only had a quarter head of highlights three weeks before there was plenty of room for improvement, and since I arrived with my natural frizzy hair, it was easy for Joel to see what was needed to be done.

Joel started out applying a lot of highlights. Then his assistant Kristina Noto applied the hair color while the highlights were in! How cool that they could do two processes at once. What a time saver! When they had me at the sink for shampooing and rinsing I was treated to an awesome French Manicure. Then it was time for an organic, high-tech anti-frizz treatment that Joel talked about on the broadcast. He told me this would really cut the time to blow dry my hair, as I had explained that it usually took me 30-45 minutes. After spraying in the treatment it was blown dry and then flat ironed.

HAIR CUT: Next was a hair cut by Edward Tricomi. He also evaluated what to do with my existing cut. Once he made up his mind, it was off to the races so to speak. Edward is super fast when he cuts your hair. Quite amazing! I am not sure I could cut a piece of paper with his speed and accuracy, no less a head of hair. I will definitely stay behind the camera taking photographs! He ended up deciding to keep my hair long, but took a lot of the bulk out. To me it looked sassy and fun. I was told it was a cut I could maintain on my own after my day of glamour was done.

MAKEUP: Eunice Martinez was up next for transforming me with her skillful hands and eyes with makeup. She also worked very fast. Who knew individual bunches of eyelashes could be applied so quickly! What skill and a steady hand!

PEDICURE: Last stop was at the pedicure station! What a nice way to end an amazing day at the Warren Tricomi Salon! One of the funniest things was when Kit Grant and Katrina Szish came back to the pedicure area looking for me and turned around to leave without recognizing me. They took a double take and realized it was me and then squealed with delight and praise on the transformation.

I was so excited by my new look!!!

Then they asked me to take off the makeup and put my hair in a ponytail!!!

What???

Well, Kitt explained that since my husband, David and daughter, Maya were coming into the city to stay with me at the hotel before my appearance on The Early Show, this was the only way to keep everything a complete surprise. No worries, they would redo everything in the morning.

Shortly after Kit and Katrina left, my niece Liz Todrin met me at the salon. It was great reliving the day by telling her about the whole experience. We then met David and Maya at the hotel before heading out to dinner. After settling into the Hemsley Park Lane, we headed out to dinner. We walked around 56th street and found a great sushi restaurant, Ise. While we were eating the yummy sushi we got the email from Tracy Schloss, our awesome web designer, that our site was now live! What timing!

Now back to the hotel to get ready for The Early Show in the morning… … and get some sleep?

What a spectacular day!

The funny thing was when they saw my Boda camera bag they asked if they could use my Nikon D3s instead of their point and shoot for the before pictures.

Megan and Andrea from JCREW kept bringing me tons of outfits, shoes and accessories to try.  We were also joined by Katrina Szish, a wonderful stylist with a ton of style to spare.

Here is a before picture.  Can’t show you more.  You will have to tune in on Thursday, May 6th to CBS The Early Show from 7 to 9 AM (segment most likely around 8:30) to see how it all turns out.

Back to Reality
Time to head back home to Stamford, Connecticut.  As soon as I got there, I had to run to Maya’s school to take a cast picture and finish head shots for the Fifth Grade Musical at Northeast School.  Lot’s of exciting stuff happening all at once!

Wednesday I will be picked up by a car to go to the Plaza for hair and makeup.  CAN’T WAIT!   What an amazing opportunity!!!  I truly wish everyone could have the week I am having.  I am very lucky!