I came across this photograph shot by Jessica Claire (@jessicaclaire) and had to pause. I could go on and on about the setting, the table, the chairs, the flowers, the pine tree… but I won’t. Everything just works. This is a photograph worth pausing for.
Grace Ormonde
Earlier today I had a rather painful (but I was told necessary) experience at my dentist; root canal is not my thing. I returned to my office and had a number of things to review. I found this image from Leanne Pedersen Photographers to be particularly soothing.
This week passed so quickly. Between spending two days in New York and putting the final touches on an exciting project I have been working on, I have had very little time to write this week.
I spent yesterday in New York doing a bit of shopping and attending an event at the LVMH Tower for the unveiling of Dom Perignon’s “Dom Perignon Wedding.” The thirteen bottle Vintage 2000 collection is meant to add a special touch to the wedding day. One of the 13 bottles comes in a keepsake white box and is personalized with the couple’s name and wedding date on a beautiful silver label. The presentation is stunning. The only time Dom Perignon has personalized something like this before was for the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Lunch was beautifully created by chef Daniel Boulud of Feast & Fete in The Magic Room. My good friend and talented event designer Jeff Leatham created a delightful atmosphere with his signature style floral design. Colin Cowie was our host and coordinated the decor. I was happy to see some old friends and make some new ones. Sylvia Weinstock, Reem Acra, Georgina Chapman, Keren Craig, Raul Avila, Marcy Blum, Laurent Boidevezi, Peter Davis, Mark Ingram, Katie Lee, Darcy Miller, Nicole Miller, David Monn, Cathy Riva and Antony Todd were some of the guests.
Where, you might ask, is the Dom Perignon Wedding collection available? In New York, only by special order at Crush Wine & Spirits. Elsewhere, visit www.crushwineco.com
Who doesn’t like receiving gifts? Especially from people we love. Regardless of how valuable or how simple or inexpensive a gift may be, it is the thought that excites and pleases me the most.
I was looking at a submission of a destination wedding in France shot by Punam Bean Photography and this was one of the photos; the groom’s gift to the bride. I love the crinkled wrapping paper, the beautiful clutch, the hand written note that is partly blurry yet “love you” just jumps out. Shot in black & white along with the style of this clutch and the hand written note, this photograph exudes romance, nostalgia and alludes to a bygone era. Thank you for sharing this photograph @punambean.
Grace Ormonde
In the past month I can’t count how many times the following exchange took place: “Have you seen Avatar?”, “No, I haven’t seen it yet” I would reply. After a while, I felt as if I was living under a rock. Last night I decided to crawl out from under my “no, I haven’t seen Avatar” rock.
I was told I had to see it in 3D on an IMAX screen. Popcorn in hand, I found myself in my IMAX seat, smack in the center, eagerly anticipating the Avatar phenomenon to begin. And what a phenomenon it is!
This is not an attempt to write a movie review for Avatar. I can only say that I enjoyed the movie immensely; I found it to be visually amazing.
What I want to share with you is an observation. In my opinion, the creators of Avatar have set a new standard for how we can expect movies of this genre to be made. Be it because of technology, creativity, inspiration or whatever other reason or combination of reasons, every so often, every industry experiences benchmark breakthroughs. The key is to recognize the need for improvement in whatever we do and to identify and put into use ways to achieve those improvements, constantly raising the bar and setting ourselves apart.
If anything, Avatar has inspired me to strive to be better at what I do, personally and professionally.
Grace Ormonde
PS. These photographs are from a wedding I featured in the 2000 issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style. (Yes, I have been doing this magazine that long- in fact, even longer and it feels like I only started yesterday.)
The bride and groom were Rhode Island School of Design graduates and the wedding took place at the New York Botanical Gardens. Their invitations included a request for guests to celebrate nature by coming to the wedding dressed as bug, bird or gnu.
Bridesmaids were dressed as butterflies, groomsmen as lizards, the minister as a cardinal of the church. The bride’s dress was transformed into pea hen wear while the groom wore a cloak covered in peacock feathers. The bride’s stepfather walked her down the aisle dressed in formal skunk attire.
This wedding was so much fun and the only one of its kind ever submitted. It was shot by Jasper-Sky Photographers.
In my neighborhood there is a little cobbler shop owned by a sweet man in his 70’s – Mr. Abet. Every now and then, when the heels of a favorite pair of shoes are worn or some major malfunction happens to a pair I simply cannot part with, I will stop in and leave them in his expert care.
Mr. Abet is a true craftsman. You would be amazed at some of the repairs he has made.
I must have been in his shop dozens of times, yet, today, I noticed a sign hanging behind his working counter that I had never noticed before. Its message struck me and I wanted to share it with you.
It reads: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after low pricing is forgotten.”
For those who set their standards high, let this message be a reminder and an inspiration.
Grace Ormonde
P.S. This photograph was submitted by Liza Gershman Photography (@photosafari22). Thank you Liza.
I came across this photograph from @catherine_hall and immediately paused.
What an absolute sense of tranquility and peacefulness this little baby exudes. And the bride looks so relaxed – tenderly cradling this precious little boy.
Do you think at this particular moment she is worrying about all the details that have consumed her leading up to her wedding day?
Pause, notice and appreciate,
Grace Ormonde
Despite the frigid weather here in New England, today started out with a cozy feeling. The sun is shining bright and the days are getting longer by the minute as each new day unfolds. Although still early, the anticipation of spring is starting to set in.
I came across this photo from @genehiga and along with a cozy feeling, it reminded me of relaxing afternoon strolls in warmer weather with a light breeze, just enough to lift and sway a delicate veil.
If winter is here, can spring be far behind?
Grace Ormonde
A fairly subjective (and perhaps controversial) question: What makes a good photograph? For me, it is its ability to evoke a feeling, a thought, an emotion. I find that certain photographs have an energy that is contagious. Detail shots are often overlooked; I see far fewer detail shots submitted than I do other photographs. Yet, a detail shot can be so expressive and so captivating.
This photograph from @ardenphoto is a detail shot I absolutely love; the position of the hands, the henna, the intricate fabric, tell a story. The lighting, the sharp foreground, the out of focus background create a mood.
What story do you see in this photograph?
Happy Friday.
Grace Ormonde
Not that long ago, I was in Las Vegas for an editorial photo shoot. There is always a feeling of “grand” when in Vegas and everything is larger than life; sparkly, bright, abundant, simply amazing.
It is no secret that I love good food; and if it is, I am letting the cat out of the bag- I love good food. Vegas is, among other things, a foodie’s playground. One evening I had dinner at Bartolotta Restaurant at The Wynn. I just wanted to share, unless you are allergic to shellfish, you must try their shrimp. Simply yummy!
I can’t wait to get back to Vegas. Perhaps in early March?
Bon Appetit.
Grace Ormonde
P.S. Today is Mr. Wynn’s birthday. Happy birthday Mr. Wynn.
