NYC Bridal Market – Fall 2014 Recap: The Fashion, The Parties

Enjoy some highlights from our whirlwind trip last week to Bridal Fashion Week in NYC where we got up close and personal with collections from top designers!  We enjoyed a few exciting runway shows, appointments for private viewings at The London, a cocktail party thrown by designer Reem Acra and a breakfast with BHLDN.  The week culminated with the huge, annual parties thrown by Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot Magazine.  This year, MSW celebrated with a Platinum Party at The Pierre Hotel (a special location change from their usual office venue), celebrating their 2oth anniversary!  The Knot was of course at the ever-fabulous New York Public Library.  It was so fun seeing a lot of our DC friends and of course, meeting new ones!

All photos from my iPhone6+ unless otherwise noted.

 

THE FASHION

CLAIRE PETTIBONE- The Refectory at the Highline Hotel was the perfect venue choice to debut the new Gothic Angel collection…

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A closer look post-show…IMG_8239 IMG_8240 IMG_8243 IMG_8249

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Gorgeous laser cut programs and hand painted giftboxes were on each seat at the show.  The giftboxes featured snacks from nibblr (genius!  perfect for a show-hopping gal on the go!) a lavender sachet from Bow & Arrow (they did all the amazing floral for Claire’s show) which I kept tucked under my pillow in the hotel room for sweet dreams, a gold gilded chocolate cupcake, and some great beauty products.IMG_8252

 

INES DI SANTO

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First of all, how fun is this wallpaper in the ladies powder room at the Academy Mansion?

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We love these “business in the front, party in the back” gowns!IMG_8328 IMG_8333 IMG_8335 IMG_8337 IMG_8338 IMG_8339 IMG_8353

REEM ACRA

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Behind the Scenes image by @theknot

 

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As if the dresses weren’t stunning enough, how about that floral backdrop by Preston Bailey?

 

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

Our favorite pastel confections from ML’s “jewelry box” themed show…

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VIEWINGS AT THE LONDON HOTEL:

 

Samuelle CoutureIMG_8439 IMG_8440 IMG_8441

 

Emmy London ShoesIMG_8447

Enchanted Atelier by Liv Hart

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Sareh NouriIMG_8465 IMG_8466 IMG_8487 IMG_8491 IMG_8493 IMG_8495

 

Cocktail Party for Reem Acra at the Flatiron Room:IMG_8531

Here I am with the Queen of Cakes, Sylvia Weinstock.

 

Breakfast with BHLDN:

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LOUNGE DESIGN FOR THE KNOT:

The Knot enlisted our help to design a fun, eye-catching lounge space for them at The Couture Show at The Metropolitan Pavillion over the 3 day exhibit during bridal market.  Take a peek at the finished product – will post more later!  We incorporated bright and cheery colors, a little chinoiserie – and of course The Knot’s signature blue!

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TOP OF THE ROCK/RAINBOW ROOM:

We were honored to get a private tour of the prestigious Top of the Rock/Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center from Jenny Robertson.  Jenny used to work in DC at The Willard Hotel and then The Smithsonian, and she assisted us this past summer with a large wedding.  Jenny now is part of the team at this iconic NYC venue which just reopened after a 5 year, $55 million renovation.  Can you imagine this being your view every day??  The calendar for next year’s events is already filling up fast…IMG_8556

 

View from the cocktail hour space.
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Just doesn’t get any better than this!IMG_8561

The original crystal chandelier is a landmarked feature and was refurbished during the reno.IMG_8568

Beautiful crystal balastrades and hanging crystal curtains add a bit of sparkle without obstruction the million dollar view.  The dance floor is also orginal and landmarked, and rotates! It takes 5 minutes for 1 full rotation.

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The bar is open to the public during the evenings, so come grab an aperitif and soak in the view!  For weddings, this space is cleared out and serves as ceremony room with a stunning backdrop.

 

Jenny also manages 620 Loft & Garden, which is one of the most unique spaces in the city.  St. Patrick’s Cathedral serves as the backdrop…one of my favorite venues in NY!  The rooftop boasts a beautiful garden and reflecting pool and views of 5th Ave. below.IMG_8581

From inside the loft, you can look down and see the action on the rink in Rockefeller Center!IMG_8582

 

THE PARTIES

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Escalator selfie – en route to the parties!IMG_8689

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Lovebirds topiary by David Stark DesignIMG_8609

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The Knot Gala at NYPL – huge props to Jes Gordon for putting together the gala this year!

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DC Friends: Abby Jiu Photography and Jeanatte Tavares of District Wedding Blog

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Groovy DJ

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The Knot Girls digging into the passed candy trays – sweet tooth, anyone? #partystaminaIMG_8653

Gorg cake from Cake Alchemy and neat flower backdrop by Jes GordonIMG_8655

Macaron Art by Cake AlchemyIMG_8660 IMG_8663

Hanging salads in mini terrariums in the “Living Forest of Love” – waitstaff on hand to clip down your choice of flavor!  So neat!

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With my date :-*

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DC ladies in Times Square at midnight in search of a midnight snack!

 

See official coverage of The Knot Gala here and more of Martha Stewart Party here and here.

 

 

next one

Midnight in the Garden – Styling for The Knot Winter 2014

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