And the Award for Birthday Party of the Year Goes To...

 Photo: Matthew Richmond

 Photo: Matthew Richmond

  Photo: Matthew Richmond

 Photo: Matthew Richmond

 

  Photo: Matthew Richmond

  Photo: Matthew Richmond

  Photo: Matthew Richmond

We have to admit we have some insanely-talented friends. This birthday-party-to-end-all-birthday-parties was planned and "produced" by Lori and Matthew Richmond, a Brooklyn-based mom-and-dad dynamic duo who spend their days as creative types, and moonlight as party planning ingenues for their two sons, Cooper and Holden.


It being Oscar Night, the cuteness and downright genius in the party they pulled off for Holden's first birthday deserves a standing ovation. No doubt, you will agree.


So, how did Lori & Matthew pull this altogether? Here's what she had to dish:  


THEIR INSPIRATION. . .


"Holden has always been a ladies man and super-flirty baby, the kind of kid that literally charms women wherever he goes. His Nonna (my mother) has also called him her 'Hollywood Hunk' from the day he was born! So naturally we thought of Hollywood leading men, and went with the movie star theme. Also, since his birthday is at Oscar time made perfect sense. . .Who else does this kind of thing besides crazy designer parents? Rather than sleeping at night when our kids were sleeping, we do stuff like this!!!"


HER CAST. . .
Cake: Betty Bakery in Brooklyn. She has done cakes for us in the past. We gave her the art we created for the Evite and discussed the design with her prior to them making it.

Decor: We got some stuff from Party City but Matthew and I created the movie posters ourselves. We photoshopped for a few nights, and used an online digital printer to do the actual printing - they were big - 24x36". 


Catering:  My mom provided all the food since the venue was her house :-)

. . .Want an movie-themed party for your next birthday, milestone, bar/bat mitzvah, corporate event?  Email Lori & Matthew at us@loriandmatthew.com with inquiries!


As for us, we're chilling watching Hollywood's biggest party of the year...oh, and we're wearing a Splendid Cardigan, tank and skinny jeans--thanks for asking, Ryan Seacrest!

Love on the Run: Eloping in New York City

Okay, it's not too far of a leap to say that I am a sucker for a good love story. So when my friend--and uber-talented photographer--Sarah Sloboda told me that she's been asked by tons of couples to shoot images of their elopements around town, I jumped at the opportunity to share these images with you. I've asked Sarah to share her thoughts--and favorite NYC locations for capturing a kiss on film-- below. 

Whether you're planning nuptials for 200 or 2, these City Hall fete's are just awe-inspiring. Truly love-in-motion...

**all images courtesy of  Sarah Sloboda Photography

In her own words:  

"The awesome thing about photographing two people eloping is the profound connection I get to make with my clients.  As sometimes the only witness to their nuptials, respecting the gravity of the moments of that day becomes solely my responsibility.  Capturing the archives of their history as a couple is always an honor I take very seriously - and at a small wedding with few distractions, the emotions of the day are often the most prominent feature....

....I am deeply enamored with New York City, so I love shooting everything from a busy street corner with taxis passing by, to funky downtown alleyways.  In terms of iconic locations, I recommend the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Station, the Flatiron Building, Central Park, and more esoterically iconic but still NYC, Crosby Street in SoHo.  I also love the view from the Top of the Rock, and would love to shoot a couple at Ellis Island and/or with the Statue of Liberty.  How fun would it be to take a ferry ride after you elope?!....

....My photography philosophy is entwined with my life philosophy - each moment is fleeting, and perhaps its significance will only truly be known with reflection.  I obsessively try to be alert to the significance I am witnessing in the moment and do my best to record its essence for the split second it exists.  It's never perfect - and neither are our memories, so I hope my work keeps it real."

I mean, Sarah's right.  Thanks for keeping it real, Sarah. Really romantic.

PS: Sarah does full-on weddings and amazing photography of children, too. You can read the stories behind these lovely images and check out more of her photography at www.slobodaweddings.blogspot.com.