Couture Bridal Market October 2010, Days 3 & 4

Well, as we headed into Sunday we were quite exhausted!  A record number of visits and fabulous parties will do that to you.  Actually, we were so fatigued that we decided to stay in and eat a wonderful meal at the hotel restaurant that evening, then head back to the suite.  Party animals!!!

Monday barged in with a roar, as our visits with the media and our buyers was non-stop.  I just LOVE seeing all our old friends and meeting new clients!

That evening, again running late (which is a very good thing indeed, yet why oh why does this working thingy have to put such a damper on our party life?)  we headed out to a party hosted by the amazing Martha Stewart.  What a wonderful touch to be serenaded as we entered!

 The fun began as we entered and saw such a festive and fun atmosphere!  A DJ was rocking the house, and stations were at the perimeter of the large room full of adventure.  Of course, the bar was central so...off we went! (Imagine that).  Tiny, fun treats were delivered by hand, including mini milkshakes in shooter glasses, tiny apple pies, bite sized ice cream cones, and an endless supply of other goodies.

Enjoy some of our photos below!

Entrance to the Martha Stewart party

Ronnie outside the entrance

Cheryl can't pass up a signature cocktail!

Ronnie with the Glitter lady.

Cheryl "getting her glitter on"

Now time for the false eyelashes!

Cheryl's turn at the eyelashes.  Whew-this involves trust!

The Pipe Cleaner Lady is awesome!

Our pipe cleaner rings

Just a few shots in the Smilebooth!

The mugshot from NYPD...lol

There were so many other activities, including manicures by Essie, calligraphy, candy bar, ice cream station, whew...I just can't name them all!

We headed back to the suite, to rest before breaking down the showroom all day Tuesday and flying home to our wonderful families.  What a fabulous trip we had!!!

Couture Bridal Market October 2010, Day 2

Well, after very few hours of sleep, Ronnie and I hit it running.  Literally, as we couldn't quite finish setting up, and our first appointment began at 9 am!

However, we did manage to turn the suite at the Essex House into a showroom.  Here are some pics to prove it!

Part of the showroom with veils and jewelry (and Ronnie!)

Some beaded bridal belts, headpieces, veils and jewelry

Veil lined hallway towards the foyer and our private area

After our appointments ended later that evening, we visited the fabulous abode of gown designer Matthew Christopher, where he and the amazingly talented Lindsie Jones of Haute Bride hosted an intimate soiree.  The only bummer part (yet not, as we were thrilled with all of our guests in the showroom!) was that our appointments ran into the evening and we had to arrive at the party so late!  The food was yummy, the guests wonderful, and one of the best parts was that I was finally able to try Devotion Vodka!

Cheryl and Lindsie

Cheryl and Ronnie on the patio-Devotion Vodka cocktails in hand!

Couture Bridal Market October 2010, Day 1

Well, we're still recuperating from the whirlwind NYC Couture Bridal Market last month!  We had a phenomenal market, and had the most fun ever.

However...things got off to a very rough start!  We arrived at RDU airport early, and were going through security (and getting full body scans!) as I received a text message from Delta, saying that our flight had been delayed for about 1.5 hours.  Ok, not cool, but whatever.  As we got to our gate, the time had changed yet again to after 11 am-around the time we planned to be on the ground at JFK.

Then it got better-they cancelled the flight.  What???  We had a booked schedule every day and night, and it takes us 7-8 hours to set up!  I began a mini-meltdown immediately.  As we waited in line, and on terminal hold with Delta to reschedule simultaneously, I finally got through to a representative.  OK, there was a flight on American landing around 1:30 or so.  Cool.  On hold again-wait, somehow we just got "unconfirmed" from that flight.  Huh?  The best they could do was have us leave at 4:30, fly to Memphis (?), and arrive at JFK at 11:45 pm.  As I was trying to confirm this I reached the "live" attendant in line who said he could have us arrive by around 7 pm, direct flight to LaGuardia.  Oh, and here's a $7 voucher for food.

So....we bided our time with a wonderful manicure and a very small cocktail. (It was medicinal, ok?)

Trust me-these are all Ronnie's.  Would I lie to you?  lol

 Well, after another delay, we finally got into NYC via a very bumpy ride and a very small plane.  We arrived at the Essex House around 8:30-9:00 pm and began changing to go to Grace Ormonde's party at The Plaza Hotel.  Our wonderful doorman hailed a cab, and off we went.  2 blocks later the cab stopped at The Plaza!  Ahhh....tourists.  We had no idea!  $8 please.

The Grace Ormonde party was absolutely exquisite, and the food amazing.  We had a fabulous time, received our signed 10+ lb. copy of "being in love never goes out of style," by Ms. Ormonde.  Then we WALKED back to the hotel, to begin setting up the suite as our showroom at 11 pm!

Here are some photos for you to enjoy (and drool over, if you weren't there!)

Ronnie at the entrance:

Entering the party:

The first room...

 

and the second.

Nothing less than exquisite from Grace Ormonde!

First stop was one of the bars (imagine that!) then on to the amazing feast, including an incredible sushi presentation and the most amazing carving station.

Lovely ice sculptures at one of the bars.

An amazing feast indeed.

Incredible sushi presentations

Ronnie and I enjoyed a photo op!

 

And a wonderful end to the evening as Ronnie was whisked off her feet on the dance floor (or was it the reverse?)