WHO’S THE NEW SENIOR EDITOR OF NESTING NEWBIES MAGAZINE?
(Chorus of Angels)
ME!!!
But seriously, I’m very proud to announce that I have just been named Senior Editor of Nesting Newbies Magazine, in addition to being a contributing photographer.
Nesting Newbies Magazine is the brain-child of Lea McIntosh and Jodi Murphy and is aimed towards newlyweds who are just learning how to design their homes and entertain. But don’t under-estimate the content of this magazine. I’ve been told by several design pros and well-established foodies that they devoured our premier issue in one sitting and were left begging for more.
Well, design enthusiasts and foodies–buy your coffee beans this weekend and get ready for the next issue of Nesting Newbies Magazine, which is due out any day now!
LAMBERTVILLE HOUSE :: A CLASSIC HISTORIC VENUE IN MY HOMETOWN
I so enjoyed photographing the Lambertville House in my hometown of Lambertville, NJ. Being at the Lambertville House made me feel so warm and comfortable on this brisk winter day and I know your guests will feel the same when you invite them to join you in the 1812 Room.
The Lambertville House is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and among its guests, has been host to celebrities and dignitaries since 1812 (hence the 1812 Room). This classic boutique hotel is an exceptional place where ambiance, service and attention to detail come together to create an unforgettable event, be it social or corporate. The Lambertville House offers Corporate Day Meeting Packages (DMP) including several ammenities such as an on-site event planner, full-time meeting/banquet specialists, state of the art A/V equipment and gourmet catering services. The 1812 Room holds up to 90 people in rounds, 70 people in rounds with a dance floor, 45 people classroom-style and 25 in a U-shaped setup.
Which ever configuration you select, I can guarantee that your guests will have a top of the line experience from the moment they walk thru the door at the Lambertville House.
For Corporate and Event Sales, contact Alison Stickle, 609-397-0200 Ext 101.
For Meeting and Event Planning, contact Nicole Loudenslager, 609-397-0200 Ext 121.
ALLURE WEST STUDIOS CERTIFIED AS A PENNSYLVANIA WOMAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
Allure West Studios has been awarded certification as a Woman Business Enterprise by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities. Allure West Studios qualified for certification as a privately held Pennsylvania company with at least 51% ownership represented by a woman.
Natalie Napoleon Wi, Principal Photographer, founded Allure Photography (DBA Allure West Studios) in Washington, D.C. in 2001 and has gone on to open and operate studios in San Francisco, CA and Doylestown, PA since the company’s inception.
“I’m proud that Allure West Studios has achieved this certification and am looking forward to embarking on this new journey,” said Natalie Napoleon Wi, Principal Photographer, Allure West Studios.
The Minority and Woman Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) state certification program is designed to assist the growth and development of businesses owned and controlled by women and minorities. Its mission is to encourage and assist state agencies in their efforts to increase participation by minority and woman business enterprises on state contracts so as to facilitate the award of a fair share of such contracts to MBEs and WBEs. Certified companies are listed in the Directory of Certified Minority and Woman Business Enterprises which is used by state agencies, the federal government and major corporations. To view the Pennsylvania Minority and the Woman Business Enterprise Directory, visit http://www.dgsweb.state.pa.us/mbewbe/VendorSearch.aspx.
Allure Photography Certified Codes
82131501 :: Still film processing or reproduction
82131604 :: Studio photography services or still photographs
For more information, visit www.allurewest.com or call 267-247-5858.
MY FIRST ANNUAL CAIRNWOOD TRIM THE TREE EVENT
I had the pleasure of photographing Cairnwood’s Annual Trim the Tree Event yesterday and I couldn’t think of a better start to December! As much as I love California, I so enjoyed waking up to the crisp winter morning in Pennsylvania yesterday. The door on my frost covered car crackled when I opened it and I had to wait for the ice to melt off the windshield before I headed to Cairnwood. At Cairnwood, I was ensconced with warmness and cheer at this richly historic home. Joyous holiday music and the mouth-watering smells of freshly baked pastries, quiche and coffee catered by Peachtree & Ward intermingled throughout the house. As the guests arrived, some began their morning by decorating the tree while others participated in a holiday flower workshop led by Donna of Beautiful Blooms, where they could design their own creation using bright red oasis, white birch branches and red gerber daisies. Once the tree was decorated and the holiday arrangements were complete, guests sipped sipped coffee, chatted with friends and made labels for their Christmas presents. It was so lovely to see all of the generations in the community, including a family who once lived at Cairnwood, come together to decorate the tree and keep the history of Cairnwood alive. I left with a warm heart and a huge smile on my face, as I’m sure everyone else did as well. Thank you to the Cairnwood staff for all of the hard work they put into making the Trim the Tree Event so successful!
the venue | cairnwood estate
the caterer | peachtree & ward catering
the flowers | beautiful blooms
REGISTER NOW AND SAVE $20 :: INTRO TO DIGITAL POINT-AND-SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP :: DECEMBER 8, 2009
Are you tired of missing the must-have moments during the holidays?
Then this is the perfect class for you. My husband, Jung, teaches this two-hour session that will cover the basics of digital photography using a standard point-and-shoot camera. The class features techniques and tools to help improve your results. The class will also act as an overview of the different technologies that are used by different manufacturers and act as a buyer’s guide for future purposes. More advanced techniques such as the use of your camera in semi-automatic and manual modes will be covered.
Have a digital SLR? Register here for the December 10th class.
Follow me on Twitter for discount codes and the first person to respond to my “special” tweet wins a free class!
Where & When
Saxby’s Coffee Shop | Downstairs Conference Room
22 N. Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
Required Materials: digital camera, formatted memory card, plenty of charged batteries, owners manual, pen and paper
PREMIER ISSUE OF NESTING NEWBIES ONLINE MAGAZINE RELEASED
Take a minute to flip thru this sleekly designed digital magazine of which I am proud to say I am Photography Editor. See the articles I photographed above.
Nesting Newbies Magazine aims to inspire readers, making them feel comfortable about home-keeping their way. “Our goal is to celebrate home and show readers ways to cook, entertain, and decorate in affordable, fun and stylish ways,” says Jodi Murphy, Editor. In every issue, Chef Lea McIntosh shares her expertise and original recipes. Designers stage table settings and show readers how easy they are to recreate. Iconic nesters give their sage decorating advice and real home makeovers are covered in the Design Chronicles. Profiles of favorite foodie peeps, new products, resources and favorite bloggers round out the content. In the Fall 2009 premier issue, Barclay Butera is the Iconic Nester, Kathy Goodman, the foodie peep, and Shelly Amoroso’s transformation of a San Francisco basement garage into five separate living spaces is featured in the design chronicles.
the editor | jodi murphy
the creative director | lea mcintosh
the photo editor | natalie wi
the copy editor | betsy rose
CONTRIBUTORS
Kathy Goodman, Lea McIntosh, Jodi Murphy, Barclay Butera
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
Dean Birinyi (djbphoto.com), Steph Dewey (refleximaging.com), Michael Soo (soophotography.com), Natalie Wi (allurewest.com), Fu Wong (fcwongweddings.com), Jed Wormhoudt Photography
FRONT AND BACK COVERS
Michael Soo (soophotography.com)
SPECIAL THANKS
Special thanks to Christopher Peacock for the use of their San Francisco Showrom for the Thanksgiving to Go photo shoot.
Nesting Newbies Magazine is another creative endeavor by McIntosh & Murphy. For additional cooking, entertaining, and decorating ideas, go to
nestingnewbies.com
Follow Nesting Newbies on Facebook
ANNUAL CAIRNWOOD TRIM THE TREE EVENT
Please join me at the Cairnwood Estate in Bryn Athyn, PA on December 1, 2009 at 9 am while I photograph the Annual Cairnwood Trim the Tree Event! Enjoy a light breakfast and holiday decorating that will make the breathtaking Beaux Art Cairnwood Estate sparkle! Take home your own handmade holiday keepsake.
The Team:
the venue | cairnwood estate
the caterer | peachtree & ward catering
the flowers | beautiful blooms
VENTRESCA LTD., BUCKS COUNTY’S FINEST CLOTHING STORE FOR MEN
Ventresca Ltd., Bucks County's Finest Clothing Store for Men
Amanda Soler, Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce Deputy Executive Director of Operations and Editor of Who, What, Where, When (W4) asked me to photograph Ventresca Ltd., Bucks County’s finest clothing store for men, for an upcoming issue of W4.
As I photographed the store, I could see that Ventresca Ltd. deserved its national reputation built on the old fashion tenants of superior quality, service and value. As I watched co-owner, Frank Ventresca work with his customers, it was also evident that Ventresca Ltd.’s primary goal is to create the greatest shopping experience for each person that walks thru their doors.
Ventresca Ltd.’s top of the line selection in clothing and footwear ranges from classic to contemporary. All clothing is expertly fitted and Ventresca Ltd. offers complimentary tailoring by European trained tailors. Only the finest furnishings and accessories are available to complete your personal look.
Visit Ventresca Ltd., the Men’s Clothing store in Doylestown, for the ultimate dressing experience.
A WEDDING, BUCKS COUNTY FARMHOUSE STYLE
A Wedding, Bucks County Farmhouse Style
When I arrived at Nostalgia on a refreshingly crisp fall Saturday afternoon, the light shone through the trees and grandly illuminated the pristine house and meticulously kept grounds.
From the moment I stepped onto the property, I was greeted with warmth and kindness and felt as if I found a haven from the bumps and grinds of every day life. I first explored the outside accommodations Nostalgia offers and reveled in the rose-filled gardens surrounding the soothing sounds of the gentle running water of the pond, sheltered by towering established trees. I explored the gazebo which contains an intricate stained glass pattern housed in the roof and echoing the roses planted in the garden. I was delighted at the sight of the historical salt house embellished with simple window box overflowing with impatients. I walked up the path past the salt house and walked up the deck into the Grande Celebration Room, added to the original structure built in 1720 by Welsh immigrant, Simon Mathews, and was amazed by the wealth of space which can hold 100-250 guests without incident.
In the Grande Celebration room, guests dined on a buffet of homemade foods carefully planned by the bride, alongside Nostalgia owner and head chef, Gail Morosky.
As I looked around the room that evening, I saw smiles and heard laughter echoing throughout the old farmhouse all night long and knew it was no wonder that the Intelligencer newspaper had awarded Nostalgia with the prestigious Best of Buck 2009 seal.
Congratulations Nostalgia and Gail and Joe Morosky. And most importantly, congratulations Nostalgia brides.
FROM A MONTEREY WEDDING TO THE NESTING NEWBIES
Monterey Plaza Hotel Wedding Ceremony
Monterey Cannery Row
Monterey Plaza Wedding Reception
Jung and I photographed Wendy & Michael’s wedding at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. They are such a lovely couple and their infectious kindness and sincerity warm our hearts invariably.
As you saw in our previous post, Wendy and Michael graciously allowed us to film their engagement session to use as a promotional video for our studio, which our friend and colleague, David Ethridge of A Video Reflection artfully shot for us.
And now most recently, Wendy and Michael joined us on the set of the Nesting Newbies. Again, their personalities warmed the room and you will no doubt enjoy Newbisode #2.
Lea McIntosh, the host of Nesting Newbies, asked me to create a few layouts from Wendy and Michael’s wedding to be shown in the intro of Nesting Newbies Newbisode #2 and I remembered the complimentary disc I received from graphicauthority.com a few weeks back and decided to use it for these layouts. There are tons of graphical elements in each of the layouts and I really enjoyed taking the template and making it my own to showcase Michael & Wendy’s wedding uniquely.
See the templates and Wendy and Michael in action in our newly released Newbisode #2.
GO TO MONTEREY WITH NATALIE & JUNG TO SHOOT AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Join us in Monterey for Wendy & Michael’s engagement session in this fantastic documentary that our lovely friend, David Ethridge of A Video Reflection, graciously shot for us.
After the wedding, Wendy & Michael appeared on the set of our second episode of Nesting Newbies. Internet cooking show Nesting Newbies and its companion, The Lea Show, is a project of which we were honored to have been asked to participate by Chef Lea McIntosh.
SHAZAM! A SNEAK PEAK AT NESTING NEWBIES NEWBISODE 2
Sneak Peak into Nesting Newbies Newbisode #2
by Jodi Murphy
Nesting Newbies™, Newbisode 1, has launched and is already getting some buzz! Newbisode 2 isn’t far behind and the team outdid themselves as we all begin to get in the newbie groove. Chef Lea McIntosh is at her best when she’s teaching and in this Newbisode Michael and Wendy Mantilla ask her lots of questions (we like to call them Newbie Q’s). They are a lively couple and the set was full of fun and laughter as they learned how to cook Chef Lea’s Moroccan-style Seafood Stew over a Saffron Risotto. Michael kicked things up a notch when he used “SHAZAM!” – His own newbie twist on a famous exclamation while adding an ingredient to the pot. It was a hilarious and unexpected moment.
On the set in the Rutt of Los Altos kitchen, everything is laid out in preparation, including the plump Christopher Ranch Garlic cloves.
Teachable moments include how to use a professional knife, while James Burkart captured all the antics on film!
Michael and Wendy are creating something together in the kitchen and are confident they can do it on their own the next time and the seafood stew simmers for just a few more minutes before tasting.
Chef Lea uses a Calphalon stock pot and answers Wendy’s question about what kind of pots to use. Calphalon was so excited about the show’s concept and this unscripted Newbie Q, they became a sponsor! Chef Lea also taught Wendy and Michael how to use the leftover risotto in crab cakes. Everyone Allure West Studios › Edit Post — WordPresson the set enjoyed a taste when the segment was over – we were chirping about it for hours.
The Newbisode segues into a Mediterranean seaside table top designed by Jodi Murphy and David Braddy using items from Bloomingdale’s Stanford, fresh flowers, lemons and seashells proving once again that you can entertain in style without breaking the budget.
Vanessa Rockey, the show’s hair stylist brought make-up expert Julie Acosta and together they primped and prepared Chef Lea and Wendy to look their best under the harsh camera lights. Natalie Wi of Allure West Studios was on hand to document the happenings (she photographed all of these images) and take her stunning food shots. For more details, images, recipes…and soon the Newbisode…go to Nesting Newbies. Bon Appetweet ™ – JM
ISES WINE COUNTRY TOUR 2009
This year, for the Annual ISES Northern California Chapter’s Wine Country Tour, we went to Pine Ridge Winery located in the heart of Napa Valley and the infamous Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville.
Early that Tuesday morning of the tour, guests boarded two complimentary shuttles in San Francisco to promote car pooling. Once the shuttles were full, they began their scenic journey into the Wine Country.
Upon their arrival at Pine Ridge Winery, guests were welcomed into the cocktail hour on the lush green front lawn by soothing sounds of live guitar music. Towards the end of the cocktail hour, guests were invited to tour the grounds for a behind-the-scenes peak of the inner workings of Pine Ridge Winery As the tour worked its way into the barrel rooms and through the caves, guests were excited to see that they would be dining in the caves themselves. The tables were covered in a deep warm fabric and napkins were golden yellow to compliment the romantically uplit wine barrels and Chihuly glass sculptures.
Executive Chef Kevin Miller of Villagio’s off-site catering service began lunch with a butter lettuce salad with strawberries, skyhill chevre, candied hazlenuts, champagne vinagrette and a glass of the 2006 Pine Ridge Dijon Clones Chardonnay. The star of the show was the mouth-watering 5-star Coq Au Vin with wild mushrooms, roasted heirloom potatoes and red wine chicken jus as the main course which was beautifully paired with the 2005 Pine Ridge Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Between the Coq Au Vin and Artisan Cheese Plate featuring Pierre Robert, Montbriac, Fig, Almond Cake, Blackberry honey, complimented by the 2005 Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, guest speaker and foodie, GraceAnn Walden, entertained guests with stories of the adventures upon which she embarked throughout her career. I’m sure the laughter is still echoing in the caves.
Once lunch wrapped up, guests were transported to the Villagio Resort for desert. Here, guests sipped on wine from Chimney Rock, Chalk Hill, Castello di Amorosa and One Hope upon classic Napa Valley lounge furniture draped in fresh spring citrus colors.
To see more images from the trip, please visit “The Scene” at Allure West Studios.
The Team
the designer | morgan doan of events by morgan
the speaker | graceann walden
the rentals and linens | classic party rentals
the transportation | pure luxury transportation
the wineries | pine ridge winery & villagio inn & spa
the guitar | star sound productions
the audio and lighting | lux productions
the florals at pine ridge | michael daigian design
the florals at villagio | julie stevens design
the photographer | natalie wi of allure west studios
TREASURE CHEST BIRTHDAY CAKE
Bijan Bakery Pirate's Treasure Chest Cake
I was blown away yesterday when I saw my son’s Pirate Treasure Chest Cake at Bijan Bakery in Saratoga, CA. He was thrilled with the design and it tied in perfectly with his pirate-themed birthday party.
We work with Mitra and Bijan Bakery on both a professional and personal level. No matter the reason for the visit, Mitra and the rest of the staff go out of their way to make us feel like superstars. The entire process is utterly enjoyable, down to the last bite of cake.
When I was ready to place the order for my son’s birthday cake, I drove him to Bijan’s Saratoga location (they also have a gorgeous new location in downtown San Jose, pictured above) for a tasting. After several pieces of cake, he chose the smooth Chocolate Mousse cake (although he already knew that’s what he wanted before we even got there). The only request I had was that the cake match the theme of the party and gave Bijan’s creative power.
I had no idea what to expect when we arrived to pick up the cake, but I was obviously ecstatic about the result!
2nd QUARTER BAWN EVENT | GUILD HALL AT PIEDMONT COMMUNITY CHURCH
Click on the Image to See the Flash Slideshow
Click the image above to view the flash slideshow.
I am proud to say that I hold the privilege of photographing the 2nd Quarter BAWN Event at the majestic Guild Hall at Piedmont Community Church. The venue itself was breathtaking and once all the pros had done their work, the grounds were transformed into a magical wedding venue.
As a wedding photographer, I just love the different angles, perspectives and rooms that are all within a few steps of each other at Guild Hall. At Guild Hall, you have the luxury of convenience and the opportunity for each part of your wedding to look like it was shot at a different location.
So what is BAWN you ask? BAWN (The Bay Area Wedding Network) is a group of wedding and event professionals who wish to promote growth in the wedding industry through education, networking and building strong relationships among peers. BAWN events are for the benefit of the wedding and event industry and are produced by Marie Rios, Owner Creative Occasions and Gwen Helbush, President of Where to Start, Inc. Wedding & Event Management. BAWN events are intended to provide networking and educational opportunities, as well as, the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships between event professionals.
The Team
the photographer | natalie wi | allure west studios
the planners | marie rios | creative occasions // gwen helbush | where to start, inc. wedding & event management
the invitation | sabrina moyle | hello!lucky
the calligraphy | michele papineau | papineau calligraphy
the rentals | jennifer khan | blue water party rentals
the piano | frederick hodges | frederick hodges music productions
the band | benjamin wanicur | golden gate jazz trio
the videography | jonathan metcalf | metmedia creative digital video & multimedia
the chocolates | deirdre stewart | scharffen berger chocolate maker & dagoba organic chocolates
the service staff | susan sheinkopf | the party staff, inc.
the sound | michael peterson | weddings with michael peterson
the beverage service | madeleine amodeo | best beverage catering
the furnishings & floral design | selyca medford | blueprint studios, the studio collection
the lighting | megan woods | enhanced lighting & sound
the lunch & service | alicia slater | global gourmet catering
the venue | carol leslie special events | guild hall at piedmont community church
the staff | kristjan gavin | in good company meetings & events
the sanctuary florals | orna maymon | ornamento, llc
the centerpieces in guild hall | paige benjamin | passiflora designs
the centerpieces in the courtyard | constance shrecengost | sunshine flowers
the cake | judy chadwick | true confectionse cake | the display cake was a four-tier square cake finished in ivory fondant and decorated with white chocolate draping edged in copper luster dust and white chocolate roses edged in claret luster dust with dark chocolate leaves | cake was chocolate butter cake filled with Espresso Bavarian Cream and Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache
the education | shawn jackson, esq. | california business development center
NESTING NEWBIES™, A BEHIND THE SCENES PEAK AT A VERY TWEET SHOW & ITS “HOW TO” COMPANION
As told by Jodi Murphy
It’s time to tweet about two exciting project in the works – Nesting Newbies and The Lea Show. A team of very talented people have been working to produce two internet shows. Nesting Newbies is a cooking, entertaining and decorating show featuring Lea McIntosh who is using her culinary training to teach newlyweds and those newly out on their own how to cook great food and entertain in style…and on a budget.
We always say “Leave it to Lea” when we need to find great resources for, well, anything and we’re showcasing her discoveries in The Lea Show. Experts and interesting talents show Lea how to do what they do on each episode. Lea asks the questions and the audience learns great insights, tips and “how tos” right along with her.
On Sunday April 19th the team – James Burkart of Burkart Video, Lea McIntosh, Natalie Wi of Allure West Studios, David Braddy of Vine-agra, Vanessa Rockey, Pat Campbell and Betsy Rose (best crew ever!) and I – took over the Rutt of Los Altos showroom to re-film the first episode of Nesting Newbies and the second episode of The Lea Show.
Lea and Vanessa arrived bright and early to begin hair and make-up while Pat and Betsy started food prepping and setting up. Natalie Wi was there to photograph the day’s events, including all the behind the scenes pandemonium. I arrived with the items on loan from Bloomingdale’s Stanford so that we could create our featured “Bella Notte Bistro Chic” tabletop. I had challenged David Braddy, a florist extraordinaire, to come up with something magical. I was doing the “happy dance” when he arrived because he had woven curly willow together anchored by two urns to create an arch over the table with a lantern attached in the center. It was beautiful, easy to make, and inexpensive! Perfect, since the goal is to show “newbies” how to stylishly entertain without breaking their budgets.
Diane Phillips of DK Designs dropped by to deliver two of her floral creations for the set of The Lea Show. Diane was the first guest artisan featured on The Lea Show (soon to be aired) and it was great to have her beautiful work decorate this episode’s set.
We learned so much from the first taping of Nesting Newbies that we decided to redo it and asked our first newbies, Lacee and Tejas Naik to come back again. The energy was high and when it was time for “Quiet on the Set” we were all in awe of what we were seeing. The chemistry between Chef Lea and the newbies was fantastic and the interaction, inspirational. Lea invited the Newbies into the cooking process and I think we all learned something new. Personally, I discovered how to properly cut an onion and hold a knife properly…and I’m not a newbie!
Jonathan Murphy dropped by to meet everyone in person as he will be doing the voiceover opening for the shows.
Soon Jung Wi, Natalie’s husband arrived with their three adorable kids who were quickly called into “crew” duties while Jung prepared for his segment on The Lea Show. Jung and Natalie own Allure West Studios and Jung, a master photographer, also teaches people how to get the most out of their digital cameras. He busted so many “megapixel myths” and taught Lea (and us) what to look for when buying a digital camera. With so much valuable information, Lea invited him back for a future episode to teach her (and the audience) how to take better digital shots.
By the time we wrapped it was a long day but one that was fulfilling and fun! James is editing the shows, the opening illustrations are being created and soon we will launch the first episodes of Nesting Newbies and The Lea Show. Sweet! – JM
WHICH PEN?
So now that you have your beautiful new guest registry, you’re wondering which pen to use.
I suggest using an Extra Fine Point Sharpie, pictured in the foreground here and not to be confused with the Ultra Fine Point Sharpie, pictured in the background. The Extra Fine Point Sharpie will leave smooth lines and will not bleed through to the other side of the page.
Scatter a few extra on the table. I can guarantee that you’ll have a crowd over the book.
AN URBAN GUEST REGISTRY
I am addicted to Asuka Books right now. Here’s the latest. A guest registry I designed for Marilyn & Danny using images from our San Francisco Engagement Session. Our contributing author, Melissa Napoleon, penned a beautiful poem to compliment the pictures.
Marilyn and Danny will use their book as a guest registry at their wedding. They will be married on May 17th at the luxurious Hotel Valencia located in European-inspired Santana Row.
A STATELY COFFEE TABLE BOOK
Ever since Carolyn and Michael’s Asuka Coffee Table Book arrived the other day, I long to open it and turn the thick silky pages.
This is one of our custom designed coffee table books in which we use our images to illustrate a story told by the bride and groom.
Carolyn and Michael were married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. and held their reception at Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Virginia.
THE FILMING OF TWO INTERNET SHOWS, PHOTOGRAPHING FOR A COFFEE TABLE BOOK, TABLESCAPING, AND A LOS ALTOS POWER ANOMOLY…HOW WAS YOUR SATURDAY?
As told by Jodi Murphy
The Filming of Two Shows
Leave it to Lea McIntosh to bring a talented team together to each focus on and do what they do best. It begins at 7 AM when Lea and her faithful crew, Pat, Betsy & Aunt Lonni, arrive at the beautiful Rutt of Los Altos showroom to begin setting up a cooking segment for an exciting new internet show (to be announced soon!) aimed at newlyweds, almost weds and those who are living away from mom & dad’s for the very first time.
James Burkart of Burkart Videography shows up with his lovely wife, Amy, to set up cameras and lighting. Filming will take place in three separate areas of the Rutt showroom. Meanwhile, Vanessa Rockey – a rockin’ hair stylist from Updo Artistry/Hair by Ness starts taming Lea’s raven tresses, and Tiffany Chiang, DesignHer Image , gets Lea’s face camera ready. Lacee and Diane (more about them later) wait in the wings for their turns.
Natalie Wi – incredible photographer and co-owner of Allure West Studios – is snapping shots at every turn, documenting the day. She is collaborating with Lea on a future coffee table book. I arrive around 9:00 AM in Penelope (my MINI Cooper) filled to the brim with china, crystal, flatware, & linens I borrowed from Bloomingdale’s Stanford , along with seashells and tea lights for staging a fresh take on a Mediterranean seaside table setting. Just as I show up, David Braddy, floral designer , pulls up – thank heavens, because I need the help to unload. He’s made lovely arrangements for the kitchen set display and tablescape.
It’s a happy pandemonium inside, and you can just feel the creative energy everywhere. Carl Mindling, Lea’s on-air co-host for the cooking show, is working with Betsy to get everything prepped and ready to go. Lacee and Tejas Naik, newlyweds, are joining Lea and Carl on camera. They’re getting miked so they can ask questions while Lea and Carl demonstrate easy ways to cook and entertain. Amy Burkart, the director, is reviewing the script and making last minute notations.
Diane Phillips of DK Designs is setting up in another area. She’s arranging her custom clay floral pieces and laying out her tools to get ready for the filming of the “how to” show. She’s so organized! She’ll be teaching Lea how to create a dendrobium orchid favor box. Diane will be the premiere guest on Lea’s new show (to be announced soon!) featuring creative people & their work..
By 11 AM it’s LIGHTS! CAMERAS!…and NO action! We all hear ‘bleep’ just as the power goes out. I know what you’re thinking…we blew a fuse; but on this sunny Saturday morning there is an anomalous power outage in downtown Los Altos. There’s an estimate of TWO hours until it’s fixed…oh, and did I forget to mention that Lacee and Tejas have to leave for the airport by 12:30?
Well, as the rest of the gang try to figure out a Plan B, Natalie takes shots of the tablescape, and I take advantage of her downtime to do a kitchen vignette shot with sock monkey for Rutt of Los Altos…part of their new ad campaign Lea & I developed. It sounds like an odd idea, but it’s really getting a great reaction after the first ad we recently launched : )
Lea is about to release the newlyweds and send them on their way when – ‘bleep’ – power’s back on! Cooking segment begins, and even with several takes (it was the first time, you know), Lacee & Tejas get out the door at 12:30…okay it’s 12:38, but who noticed?
Diane and Lea are up now and the rest of us watched in awe at how adept Diane is at making flowers out of this unique soft clay. Lea was an impressive first-timer but it is clear that Diane is a master artist, especially when you see how she hand-crafts each flower one petal at a time. It was a great session!
After some pick up shots, a short segment describing the table setting, more photographs, lots of clean up, the day was a wrap at 6 PM. The two new shows will air on The Wedding Chat and soon Newbies will learn to nest and we’ll all learn insights into others’ creative pursuits…yes, Leave it to Lea – JM
ALLURE WEST STUDIOS PUBLISHED IN BRIDES NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
ALLURE WEST STUDIOS IN BRIDES NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Gabrielle Feuersinger of Cake Coquette and I are in the Spring/Summer 2009 Issue of Brides Northern California! See us on page 128.
CUSTOM DESIGNED COFFEE TABLE BOOK
Custom Designed Hard-Cover Coffee Table Book
Here are a few of my favorite pages from a hard-cover coffee table book that I designed for Carolyn Kearney and Mike Stone’s wedding.
I asked Carolyn and Mike to to send me some of their thoughts and feelings from their wedding day and I incorporated those quotes into an elegant coffee table book that supplements their feature wedding album.
On the day of the wedding, I met Carolyn in her hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, Arlington, Virginia and was absolutely floored at how beautiful she looked. She had her hair and nails done at Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door on Pentagon Row and was preparing to slip on an exquisitely feminine strapless Melissa Sweet at Kleinfeld A-Line, French Lace wedding dress.
Bella Figura’s Classic Calligraphy Eco-Friendly Wind-Powered Letterpress Invitations and delicate florals from Brookhill Florist fit perfectly with Carolyn’s historical D.C. style wedding.
Carolyn and Mike were married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Capitol Hill and after the ceremony, we closed off C Street at 3rd and took some surreal shots of Carolyn and Mike and their wedding party with the Capitol as their backdrop.
We headed over to Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Virginia for the reception. Here, Carolyn and Mike were led into the cocktail hour by a bagpiper and were introduced for the first time as husband and wife on the terrace overlooking the green.
After their indulging in their delectable Alexandria Pasty Shop wedding cake, Carolyn and Mike left through a gate of sparklers and paused for a romantic embrace before whisking away in their getaway car.
We photographed Carolyn’s brother’s wedding 5 years ago at the Ritz-Carlton at Tyson’s Corner, Virginia and since their wedding, are proud to say that the Kearneys have been part of our extended family. We love watching their family grow and are honored to be a part of it as it happens.
ALLURE WEST IN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE
ALLURE WEST STUDIOS IN SPECIAL EVENT MAGAZINE
I recently photographed Kristjan Gavin, President of In Good Company Meetings & Events, for his feature article in the February issue of Special Events Magazine titled Hospitality Starts Here.
In his article, Kristjan discusses the hospitality experience and challenges each of us to take a step back and reflect upon our own projections.
How many times have you stepped off an airplane and proclaimed that you will never fly that airline again because of the flight attendant’s terrible attitude? Or how many times have you gone out to eat and left a meager tip because you felt the service was subpar?
What we each have to come to realize is that change begins within ourselves. If we are not happy with a particular situation, the first finger pointed must be at ourselves. If you find yourself in what you feel to be a compromising situation, take a deep breath and ask yourself how you can carry yourself differently. The slightest change in your own attitude could make all the difference in how another person treats you in return.
So as a wise friend once told me, change comes from within.
ALLURE WEST IN TODAY’S BRIDE
TODAY'S BRIDE WINTER 2009
I’m proud to announce that we’re in the Winter 2009 issue of Today’s Bride. Images #3 and #4. Image #3 is a centerpiece designed by Spiral Hand Floral + Event Design and image #4 is a centerpiece designed by Hunt Littlefield. Both of these beautiful arrangements were featured at the 2008 ISES Gala at the City View Metreon in San Francisco for which I was the PR Co-Chair and Photography Co-Chair.
