Bridal Fun Back in the Bay

What better way to escape chilly NYC than with a trip back to sunny San Francisco?

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On our recent trip to San Francisco, we met some amazing bridal vendors, attended a few memorable events and of course enjoyed some fantastic views of the Bay!

We got to check out the new Potrero Hill digs of wedding planner extraordinaire Alicia K Designs:

Alicia K

It was great to meet Alicia in person and hear her inspiring story of business successes as she prepares to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her company later this year! As publicists, we especially appreciated the Media Wall she displays in the office. Nice, eh?

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We attended ISES event at The Regency Center with presentations by Kate Harrison, founder of Green Bride Guide, and Johanna Walsh, Eco-Events Planner at NY/SF firm Twirl Management. It was great to catch up with old friends and amazing San Francisco wedding vendors including Emily Dreblow of Soulflower Design Studio and Kathryn Kalabokes of Dream a Little Dream Events!

Selfies in Regency Bathroom

The Regency Ballroom is a grand wedding venue with a huge capacity. While it was too dark to take pictures inside, I snapped a selfie in the Regency’s Grand Bathroom 🙂

 

We also got invited to accompany a San Francisco Chronicle Style section reporter on a styled shoot featuring accomplished San Francisco men in J. Hilburn attire, photographed in the super hip South Park.

SF Chronicle Styling Shoot

 

But our favorite event in San Francisco – and the main reason for going all the way West (besides the endless winter….) was the Junior League of San Francisco 2014 Fashion Show, sponsored by Yael Designs. Known as one of San Francisco’s top socialite and fundraising events of the year, it’s one of the very few days to spot local women in gowns  – after all, San Francisco is more known for casual hoodies these days.

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Here’s our founder Sasha Vasilyuk in Yael Designs rubylite earrings and white Diane von Furstenberg dress:

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Yael Designs jewelry was paired with the new fashion line by San Francisco fashion designer and “Project Runway” contestant  Melissa Fleis:

Yael & Melissa fashion show

As we work with several San Francisco-based clients, it’s always such a pleasure to go back. Especially when it’s snowing outside.

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I Do PR Spring 2014 Internship

Hours: 16 hrs a week

Start date: Jan. 13, 2014

Duration: Spring 2014 semester with potential to be extended through summer

I Do PR is a full service public relations agency for the wedding industry, headquartered in New York City. We have an immediate opening for the Spring 2014 internship with the potential for the right candidate to be extended to Summer 2014.

We’re looking for a bright, creative, enthusiastic PR intern eager to learn in a hands-on, small agency environment. The ideal candidate will have previous PR internship or academic experience as well as passion for weddings, design, fashion and photography.

Duties

– PR: creating pitches and drafting press releases

– Writing: company blog posts and editorial guest blog posts for blogs
– Social Media: strategically managing Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram accounts
– Research: from editor contacts, potential clients, industry trends

– Images: collecting and processing press placement images for clients
– Creating and updating client placement reports

Qualifications

– Positive, can do attitude of a true go getter
– Stellar communication skills and perfect grammar
– Great attention to detail and a knack for staying organized
– Understanding of social media (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram)
– Experience with Photoshop or other image-processing software

– Passion for the bridal industry
Perks

Besides a rare opportunity to learn all the essential PR skills and get to know the bridal industry from the inside, the internship with I Do PR offers the following perks:

–          Flexible schedule and a mix of working from home and our Union Square office

–          Small monthly transportation stipend

–          Lunches and fun outings to trunk shows, fashion shows and other events

 

To apply, email us:

– Cover letter describing why you’re seeking a career in public relations and what makes you excited about the bridal industry

– 1-3 relevant writing samples (PR pitches, blog posts, academic papers)

– Links to your relevant LinkedIn, Twitter or Pinterest accounts

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Last week, I flew to San Francisco to visit several of our clients before the engagement season heats up. The city, which is my hometown and the previous headquarters of I Do PR, greeted me in its full glory with amazing sunny skies and balmy temperatures (a welcome sight after a few freezing days in New York)

San Francisco

The main reason for my visit was to help celebrate the Grand Opening of Yael Designs new showroom in San Francisco’s Union Square, located across the street from boutiques by Alexander McQueen and Paul Smith, and inside the famed art gallery building at 49 Geary St.

Yael Designs San Francisco jewelry showroom

Before the party, I got to play with some new cocktail rings – working with a jewelry design brand definitely has its perks! 🙂

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Yael Designs grand opening party was part of First Thursdays – an open art gallery night at 49 Geary St. While several new collections were presented in cases, these two gorgeous ladies wore pieces from Yael Designs’ latest Serendipity Collection of emerald slice jewelry

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The evening festivities brougth out San Francisco’s jewelry and art patrons and it was a full house!

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But what was most incredible is that Yael Designs’ CEO Yehouda Saketkhou had his first daughter that morning!! While he deliberated on whether he can even make it to the grand opening, I was so happy his wife was gracious enough to let him leave her and the newborn baby to attend the event. Here we are with Yehouda on the best day of his life:

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San Francisco, where I Do PR was headquartered until 2012, is also home to some of our other clients. First, I made a stop at the new showroom of online bridal party fashion boutique Weddington Way just north of Union Square. The spacious showroom and rows upon rows of colorful, stylish bridesmaid dresses were hard to leave behind…

Weddington Way

But I had to rush off to the adorable Cafe de la Presse for lunch with Phoebe Davison, the founder of San Francisco-based dress designer Kirribilla. So glad I got to catch her just two weeks before she gets hitched this Xmas!

Kirribilla

I was great to visit my hometown of San Francisco and spend time with our clients!

I left my heart in San Francisco

New York Wedding Music Company Star Talent Joins I Do PR

We are very excited to welcome the premier New York music and entertainment company Star Talent Inc to I Do PR.

Star Talent Inc

Star Talent is a New York based music and entertainment production company that represents the industry’s top dance bands, DJs and customized ceremony ensembles. As a top choice for many celebrity weddings including the wedding of Paul McCartney and Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas and are the recommended music service at some of New York’s most prominent wedding venues including The Peninsula Hotel, Trump Soho Hotel, The W Hotels and The Ritz-Carlton.

We especially enjoy working with the man behind Star Talent, CEO Michael Taylor, who has built a reputation for the finest music service in the wedding industry. A professionally trained conductor, Michael has perfected the art of hosting one-of-a-kind events from intimate weddings to celebrity performances. He has produced thousands of entertainment performances nationwide ranging from New Year’s Eve galas at The Waldorf-Astoria, performances for three U.S. Presidents and private concerts by Tony Bennett, Sheryl Crow, Lionel Richie and many others of the world’s top stars.

“I have spent my professional career listening carefully to event planners, venue managers and brides and grooms, providing each with the finest level of musical talent that fits their individual needs,” said Michael Taylor.

We are very excited to see this talented company gain attention in major media outlets. Here are a few recent features:

Glamour featured first-dance song advice from CEO Michael Taylor:

Glamour features Star Talent

Star Talent’s All Stars Dance Band was featured in New York Weddings Magazine‘s Fall 2013 issue:

NY Weddings featured Star Talent

 

Black Bride featured top wedding songs by Star Talent’s Charles St. Paul Band:

Black Bride featured Star Talent

 

Star Talent’s electric violinist was the opening act for the Della Giovanna runway show, which was featured on Brides:

Brides featured Star Talent

 

We are very excited to be working with such a talented company and cannot wait for their upcoming events!

 

 

 

The Bach Launches First Bachelorette Party Planning Site

The Bach LogoBachelorette 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!

Bach homepage

 

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.

The Bach Invitiation

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

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!

Theia Couture Pant Suit

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.

Wish Upon a Wedding Gala

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.

Alfred Angelo

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:

Claire Pettibone Fall 2014 Collection

 

 

Ilana Stern, CEO of Weddington Way, at Watters

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.Kirribilla

 

Bridal Market

Bridal market goes on around the clock, so at night we attended the fun Inspire Smart Success Magazine Party with our clients from The BachNadia 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:

The Knot Wedding Gala

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

Martha Stewart Weddings Party

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.

Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2013 party

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

 

Martha Stewart Wedding Gala

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.

 

Martha Stewart Weddings Party

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:

The Knot Wedding Gala

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

The Knot Wedding Gala 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

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:

Della Giovanna Launch View from W Hotel

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:

Cannolis

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:

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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:

 Star Talent Violinist at Della Giovanna Show

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.

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Della Giovanna Fashion Show

Della Giovanna Fashion Show

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.

Della Giovanna Fashion Show

Della Giovanna Fashion Show

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.

Della Giovanna Fashion Show

Della Giovanna Fashion Show

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!

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Della Giovanna Fashion 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!

Michelle Della Giovanna

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!

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  25th 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:

25th Anniversary Celebration at The Peninsula NY

25th Anniversary Celebration at Peninsula NY

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!!

Caviar at the 25th Anniversary of the Peninsula NY

 

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.

Entertainment at the 25th Anniversary of The Peninsula NY

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:

David Beahm Design flower obelisk at The Peninsula New York

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:

Food at the 25th Anniversary of The Peninsula NY

 

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

We’re Hiring!

I Do PR is looking for a bright, motivated and highly organized Public Relations Account Coordinator to join our team in New York City! This part-time position is ideal for someone looking to get their hands dirty at a boutique agency, work with creative clients and learn more about the riveting and quickly changing bridal industry. If you’re looking to develop deep, lasting relationships, this position will allow you to work closely with the principal as well as meet amazingly talented editors. Plus, you’ll get to brag that your job consists of looking at pretty wedding pictures all day! For the right candidate, this position has an opportunity to become full-time within several months.

Duties will include:

–          Manage day-to-day client activities, including research, evaluation and implementation of strategic pitching, paying careful attention to deadlines and client records.

–          Create effective, well-written pitches that are tailored to specific publications

–          Follow up with editors and clients to insure smooth, timely communication

–          Answer editor requests with immediacy and accuracy by sending images or shipping samples when necessary

–          Track resulting coverage, collect and process placement images

–          Ghostwrite and edit clients’ quotes, bio and guest blog posts

–          Send thank you emails to editors

–          Monitor and promote clients’ social media

–          Update clients’ monthly placement reports

–          Keep an up-to-date editor database

–          Occasional blogging and editing

We expect you to be ahead of the stories and trends by reading all bridal publications and other relevant media as well as interacting with editors through social media.

You have:

– Bachelor’s degree in communication, literature or marketing

– Previous internship or work experience in public relations

– Passion for the bridal industry

– Stellar communication skills: pleasant phone manner and perfect grammar

– Great attention to detail and a knack for staying organized

– Deep understanding and experience in social media (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest)

– Positive, can-do attitude of a true go-getter

– Experience with Photoshop or other image-processing software

– Drive to succeed

How to apply:

Before applying, please learn more about our company and clients for a better understanding of the focus of I Do PR. Please email us your resume, links to your relevant LinkedIn, Twitter or Pinterest accounts, and a cover letter where you explain why you believe you’ll succeed as a PR account coordinator and what makes you excited about working in the bridal industry.

This position offers flexible hours, competitive salary, and a mix of telecommuting and on site work in New York City.

I Do PR welcomes Weddingstar

This summer, we were very excited to welcome Weddingstar Inc. to the I Do PR team!  Weddingstar is one of the world’s leading designers of wedding favors, décor, cake toppers and invitations.

Based in Canada, Weddingstar has been providing brides worldwide with accessories that reflect their personal style.  From their specialty cake toppers to unique wishing wells, Weddingstar offers over 3000 items, making them a retail leader in the wedding industry.

With such a great variety of products, we have enjoyed working with U.S. bridal publications on spreading the word about Weddingstar. Here are some recent highlights:

In its Fall 2013 issue, The Knot chose the “A Promise Made” jewelry box as an editor’s must-have:

Weddingstar featured in The Knot

Superstar wedding planner David Tutera featured Weddingstar’s adorable cupcake jars on his blog, It’s a Brides Life:

David Tutera features Weddingstar

Wedding Wire included Weddingstar’s Mini Suitcase Wishing Well as one of the hottest wedding details from the 2013 National Stationery Show:

Wedding Wire featured Wedding Star

Four Seasons Magazine featured Weddingstar’s sand ceremony shadow box as a great beach wedding detail:

Four Seasons features Weddingstar

In their August/September 2013 Issue, The Wedding Connection featured Weddingstar’s vintage lace hand fans as a rustic wedding essential:

The Wedding Connection featured Weddingstar