The Bach Launches First Bachelorette Party Planning Site

Posted on November 1, 2013 by intern

Bachelorette parties are one of the most exciting and fun pre-wedding events, but planning them can be a daunting task. Until now, that is! We’re pleased to announce the launch of The Bach, the first online platform for planning bachelorette parties!

The Bach is free and helps users discover best bachelorette party venues and activities in the top 75 destinations in North America, build an itinerary, create invitations and coordinate with a group of guests – all on one user-friendly website. According to the recent The New York Times article, bachelorette parties are becoming more elaborate, so the launch of The Bach is particularly timely!

Having helped plan more than a dozen bachelorette parties, I know how parties that should be fun can instead cause a lot of stress. We wanted The Bach to be a comprehensive resource to help women plan anything from a simple bar night to an elaborate bachelorette weekend in an unfamiliar city with several out of town guests – Joanne Barken, founder and CEO of The Bach.

The Bach features a list of vetted restaurants, bars, spas, party buses, activities, and adult venues in a variety of price points and atmospheres in the top 75 destinations in North America.

A user planning a bachelorette party in Austin, for example, can find the perfect dinner spot in her desired price range and vibe among a dozen recommended, well reviewed local restaurants guaranteed to welcome a group of her size. She can then build an itinerary, request feedback from other guests, send out electronic invitations and monitor the responses.

The Bach blog offers tons of bachelorette party planning tips, real bachelorette photos and contests.

We’re very excited to work with The Bach on helping them change the way American women plan their bachelorette parties!

Bridal Market Fall 2013 Recap: the Shows, the Parties, the Fun

Posted on October 16, 2013 by intern

This past week has been busy with tons of Fall 2013 Bridal Market events. I got to see the latest gown collections on the runways, spend time with our clients and make new friends in the bridal industry!

After unveiling Della Giovanna‘s Fall 2014 Collection with our own fashion show, I got to take a back seat at some great bridal market shows. Our first was at Theia Couture where I really loved these wedding pants.

I got to rock out with Joanne Barken, CEO of The Bach, at the gala hosted by the wonderful nonprofit organization, Wish Upon a Wedding.

Wedding capes were a big trend at the shows we saw, including this sheer beauty from Alfred Angelo. Another trend was florals and, of course, the queen of floral Claire Pettibone did not disappoint:

Our next show was by Watters, whose bridesmaid dresses are carried on Weddington Way. After the show, The Knot TV interviewed Weddington Way‘s CEO Ilana Stern about the trends.

Next, we headed to the New York International Bridal Week held at Pier 94, where Kirribilla debuted its adorable Little White Dress collection.

Bridal market goes on around the clock, so at night we attended the fun Inspire Smart Success Magazine Party with our clients from The Bach, Nadia D. Photography and Della Giovanna.

The culmination of Bridal Market week was the incredible galas hosted on the last night by Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot magazines. For my appearance, I chose this gorgeous Fiore dress by Kirribilla, morganite earrings by Yael Designs and a stylish handbag by Ita Collection:

We started off the night with drinks at the Gallow Green and we even had a mini photo shoot styled by Nadia D Photography:

Founders of The Bach, Star Talent, Della Giovanna and Nadia D Photography with Sasha Vasilyuk of I Do PR

The 12th Annual Martha Stewart Weddings Bridal Fashion Week Party called “Starry Night” took place in the magazine’s offices, which were transformed into a lavish lounge with live entertainment, ice cream sandwiches, photo booths and other delights.

Sasha with Ilana Stern from Weddington Way, Phoebe Davison from Kirribilla, Vanessa from Weddington Way and Nadia of Nadia D. Photography

We spotted a few brilliant bridal bloggers! Elizabeth Muhmood Kane of Bridal Musings, Anne Chertoff and Jessica Bishop from The Budget Savvy Bride posed for a pic.

Jacqueline Courtney from Nearly Newly Wed and Thea Bloch-Neal from Hushed Commotion looked great in their headbands.

We then hopped over across town to The Knot Wedding Gala at the New York Public Library:

And of course I got to dance with two of The Knot‘s gorgeous editors, Sam and Heather.

Nadia D. Photography and Sasha Vasilyuk

It was a great night and a perfect way to end bridal market!

Della Giovanna Launches Inaugural Collection at W Hotel

Posted on October 11, 2013 by intern

We’re very excited to share that Tuesday night, our newest client bridal couture designer Della Giovanna launched the inaugural collection of edgy, fashion-forward wedding dresses for Fall 2014!

Founded by New York fashion designer Michelle Della Giovanna, the collection combines the glamour of a traditional wedding gown with the latest trends of today’s fashion runways. As part of Bridal Market Week, where editors attend several dozen shows, we wanted to wow our guests, which is exactly why we held the fashion show and launch party at the Extreme WOW Suite on the 57th floor of W New York – Times Square:

Guests were welcomed not only with the stunning view of the city, but also with bubbly and unique canolis and seasonal pumpkin panna cotta from Pasticceria Bruno:

The innovative bridal collection was inspired by Michelle Della Giovanna’s fashion design background and caters to the modern bride who wants a statement-making wedding gown that reflects her contemporary sense of style.

Here’s me (on left) with Michelle Della Giovanna in front of the fab Extreme Wow Suite graffiti wall:

To showcase Della Giovanna’s unique aesthetic, we chose to open the fashion show with a stunning performance by an electric violin-wielding bride from Star Talent Inc:

Della Giovanna’s Fall 2014 Collection features gowns, corset tops and skirts in a variety of silhouettes in silk and cotton, embellished with elements of white leather, metal studs and python skin.

Made locally in New York City, Della Giovanna’s debut collection includes a range of silhouettes from the flattering fit-and-flare to sleek mermaid to knee-length pencil skirts as well as corseted tops offering a variety of necklines. The tops and skirts can be mixed and matched, giving each bride an opportunity to create a unique look for her special day.

While many brides find the gown of their dreams among the current designers, I saw room to create designs for brides with a different, edgier aesthetic,” said Michelle Della Giovanna.

The unique collection, available on www.della-giovanna.com, is already getting the attention of top bridal magazines, including Brides, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Inside Weddings, Bridal Guide and Weddings by Ritz Carlton. Check out Bride’s photos from the show!

It was a great night and after the guests left, we got to decompress in the Wow Suite’s cool swing chairs – never thought I’d be swinging above Times Square!

We are so glad that our fave NYC wedding photographer Lux Photos, was there to capture every minute of the night! Thank you to everyone who came and made last night such a success!

The Peninsula New York Turned 25 and We Got to Go!

Posted on October 1, 2013 by intern

This week, I got to go to accompany our wedding music client Michael Taylor, CEO of Star Talent Inc., to The Peninsula New York’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration. This was one heck of a party – with caviar, champagne, 5 different bands, a dance performance over a pool and a slew of celebrities to spot! And since The Peninsula is one of New York’s premier 5-star wedding venues, I got to meet several prominent wedding vendors as well.

The Peninsula New York

As I arrived, I was greeted by this Chinese dragon that immediately put me in the mood to party – after all, The Peninsula is a Chinese company that was first founded in Hong Kong more than 80 years ago:

The party began in the hotel lobby, which was converted into a bar. And to showcase the newly opened restaurant, Clement, they had the Chef de Cuisine Brandon Kida’s regionally inspired seasonal dishes and desserts.

Of course, given that I’m Russian, I went straight for the Petrossian caviar bar… Yum!!

While one party raged in the hotel lobby, another two were simultaneously taking place on the hotel’s rooftop terrace. Salon de Ning, which is normally an open terrace, was tented to create an intimate retro lounge with Asian specialties including sushi and dim sum and featuring Prohibition-era music and dancing.

Meanwhile, The Sun Terrance, a wrap-around balcony with amazing views that can accommodate smaller weddings, featured Latin music with a lively Cuban-inspired cocktail bar. The Peninsula even transformed its pool on the 21st floor by covering it and turning it into a dance floor! Since the hotel doesn’t have a ballroom, I think they should keep the dance floor as an option for weddings in the future.

Speaking of weddings… I met some amazing wedding vendors at the party, including prominent New York wedding photographer David Hechler, Annie Lee, a great wedding designer with Daughter of Design and David Beahm who created this amazing flower obelisk:

In addition to the beautiful décor and delicious treats, I spotted a few celebs: fashion icon Oscar De La Renta, tennis player John McEnroe and the gorgeous Naomi Campbell. I even rode the elevator with Greyton Carter, the publisher of Vanity Fair!

I certainly couldn’t complain. Especially when upon exiting I was greeted with this dessert display:

The Peninsula New York sure knows how to throw one heck of a party. And I’m one lucky girl who gets to go.

Summertime in New York City

Posted on August 7, 2013 by intern

Summer is such an exciting time in New York City! It seems as though everything is better with warm weather, endless days, and new places to explore. Now that I Do PR is based out of New York, we get to enjoy welcoming our clients and colleagues from around the country (and abroad) to enjoy this perfect time of year exploring everything this city has to offer.

Here are some highlights of Summer 2013:

Kirribilla hosted a summer trunk show at KEP Designs on the Upper East Side. We were so excited to see Kirribilla’s cofounder Phoebe Davison. We had an awesome time browsing her fun, flirty, and fabulous dresses!

At the Trunk Show, Phoebe Davison rocked the adorable Sydney Dress. Her cheery personality and passion for design reminded us why we love her (and her dresses) so much!

(From left to right) Sasha Vasilyuk, CEO of I Do PR; Kirribilla mannequin; our super summer intern Meredith; and account manager Michelle Shelorke outside KEP Designs.

Yael Designs was also in town this summer for the JA New York Trade Show:

We met with the jewelry editor of Inside Weddings to browse the Serendipity Collection of emerald slices on display at JA New York. And of course, I couldn’t resist trying on a few pieces:

Another highlight of this July was getting to know our newest client – edgy bridal gown designer, Della Giovanna.

I took the Fashion Editor of Martha Stewart Weddings to DUMBO to preview Della Giovanna’s new Fall 2014 collection. I love her unique, fashion-forward wedding dresses and have been very excited to receive positive feedback from some of the biggest names in bridal fashion.

Speaking of bridal fashion, another highlight of the summer was finally meeting my PR colleague from Watters, in town from Dallas for an exciting editorial shoot. After a busy week, we met up at the Hudson Hotel’s summer lounge for a much needed Friday happy hour. Can’t wait to see Watters’ fashion show during October Bridal Week!

Finally, I was excited to spend some time with Nadia of Nadia D Photography who has just relocated her business from Georgia to New York. For a proper NYC greeting, I took her to a concert at the Lincoln Center and dinner at my favorite Upper West Side haunt, Ronda Cafe:

This summer wouldn’t have been nearly as great without my busy schedule filled with client outings. Looking forward to exploring more of the city with our clients and colleagues with New York Bridal Week just around the corner!

Nadia D Photography Featured in Bridal Guide

Posted on July 26, 2013 by intern

The Fall 2013 issue of Bridal Guide Magazine is out and we are especially excited about the four-page spread that the editors put together of Jenna and Rodderick’s old English love story-themed wedding, beautifully photographed by Nadia D Photography. Nadia’s photographs of the romantic, fairy-tale wedding at the Barnsley Gardens Historic Ruins in Georgia have further enhanced her reputation as a creative, innovative and skillful photographer. Thanks to her editorial style and creative approach, the couple can now look back on their wedding night as their favorite old English love story.

Nadia D Photography featured in Bridal Guide Magazine

Great work Nadia D Photography. Readers of Bridal Guide are sure to be awe-struck by these inspiring images!

Engagement 101 Features Nadia D Photography and Choco Studio

Posted on July 17, 2013 by intern

Engagement 101 Magazine’s Fall 2013 issue is finally out! We are excited to announce that two of our clients, Nadia D Photography and Choco Studio, are featured in the new issue!

Let’s take a look at both features in Engagement 101 Magazine:

The image above features Nadia D Photography. Nadia incorporated a race car into the photo shoot, as this was a driving force of attraction between the two individuals. This technique and creativity allowed Nadia to truly capitalize on the personality and interests of the couple, allowing her to create stunning, editorial-inspired images. The unique engagement story of the couple combined with Nadia’s captivating images is sure to attract the attention of those reading the new Fall 2013 issue.

Choco Studio’s feature in the Fall 2013 is shown above. The photographs by Choco Studio capture the obvious connection between the newly engaged couple. These images will undoubtedly catch the eye of Engagement 101 Magazine readers!

Indian Weddings by Nadia D Photography Get Recognition

Posted on June 26, 2013 by intern

Although Nadia D Photography has captured a variety of luxury and destination weddings, Nadia has built a well-recognized reputation among Indian couples in particular. Her understanding of Indian wedding fashion, food and traditions that are often stretched over several days has resulted not only in becoming a highly sought-after photographer, but also in gaining attention from numerous bridal magazines and blogs. Editors recognize Nadia D for her creativity and expertise in camerawork that allows her to truly capture the beauty and vibrancy of an Indian wedding.

While many business owners are afraid of working with a niche clientele, Nadia D is a great example of how finding an interesting niche can become a great way to become recognized.

Take a look at the press coverage Nadia D has recently received for her exceptional photography of Indian weddings:

The photo above features Nadia D Photography in The Knot. Nadia D artistically captured the vivid colors that characterized this Jewish-Indian Wedding. With her strong background in Indian wedding photography, Nadia D successfully reflected the magic and tradition of the evening.

Above are more stunning photographs by Nadia D Photography featured in The Knot.

The image above shoes a Glamour feature of Nadia D Photography. This traditional Indian wedding demanded the skill of Nadia D to creatively capture the opulence, romance and cultural traditions of this wedding.

The images above highlight Nadia D’s editorial style, as her images of real weddings are both striking and momentous.

The WeddingWire feature above captures the unique beauty and tradition of an Indian wedding. Nadia D’s knowledge and fascination with various Indian traditions such as henna and baraat enhance her ability to capture the defining details of a multi-day wedding in this culture.

We are looking forward to watching the growth in popularity of Nadia D Photography. Keep your eyes open, as Nadia D is currently shooting the cover for South Asian Bride magazine to be out next month!

Weddington Way in The New York Times

Posted on June 13, 2013 by intern

If you haven’t already heard all the talk about Weddington Way, then their recent feature in The New York Times is sure to have caught your eye!

The article, published in the Sunday’s Style section, reveals how bridesmaids dresses are no longer the awkwardly shaped, cheaply designed, and odd-colored dresses that most envision when they think of the typical bridesmaid. The article highlights how Weddington Way has transformed bridesmaid dress shopping in a way that benefits both the bride and the bridal party. The site offers a social experience for bridesmaid dress shopping, with features including a powerful color search tool and group shopping capability that help a group of women to have a better shopping experience.

Ilana Stern, founder and CEO of Weddington Way, is planning her own nuptials later this year and will be dressing up 11 bridesmaids in dresses designed by Watters. The New York Times article featured a gorgeous photo of Ilana with some of her bridesmaids, including two members of the Weddington Way team.

All the girls are wearing dresses in different shades of coral with varying cuts, which is something that can be done with ease thanks to Weddington Way’s innovative approach to bridesmaid dress shopping!

The New York Times also featured a fun video that illustrates how simple it is to navigate Weddington Way’s website. To complete the package, the newspaper created an interactive feature asking brides to submit photos of their bridal party with unique dresses.

We’re very excited to have worked with The New York Times’ writer Bee Shapiro, editorial and photography team to create this feature! We’re looking forward to seeing more of I Do PR clients in the NYT.

Crazy for Kirribilla’s Little White Dresses

Posted on June 5, 2013 by intern

Earlier this year, we announced the partnership between dress designer Kirribilla and bridal party fashion retailer Weddington Way as they launched a little white dress collection. While Weddington Way had been carrying top designers for bridesmaid dresses, the launch of the LWD collection allowed them to offer something for brides who are looking for romantic little white dresses for rehearsal dinners, outdoor receptions, destination weddings and other bridal events.

We showed the collection in New York and it has received tremendous positive response from various bridal publications. Kirribilla’s little white dresses represent the beauty and elegance that brides wish to portray throughout every step of their bridal experience.

Here are some of the wonderful editorial coverage we have received:

Featured above is the Dahlia dress from Kirribilla’s Little White Dress collection. This stunning silk dupioni party dress, which has layered ruffle sleeves and side-tucked skirt, caught the eye of Junebug Weddings!

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons featured all dresses from the new collection, which makes an ideal option for destination brides. This strapless metallic cocktail dress with playful piped ribbon detailing was a particular favorite of the editors.

In the photo above, Brides features a Kirribillia little white dress in Kelly Green! Although these dresses were originally designed for the bride, thanks to the partnership with Weddington Way, the dresses all come in other colors for bridesmaids.

It was love at first sight for Glamour! The Cecile dress featured above, along with others in the I Do Collection, were praised by Glamour as wedding-worthy commodities for the bride-to-be!

According to our friends at Project Wedding, Kirribilla’s lace LWD paired with cool accessories is the perfect way for a bride to create a city-chic, fun look after the vows have been exchanged.

We’re excited to see all the editorial attention for this collaboration between our two wedding fashion clients and expect the collection to do very well with brides and bridesmaids!

I Do PR

wedding public relations firm

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