The Busy Girls Network Expo Event - Marriott Teaneck, NJ by Angelica Criscuolo Photography

"Busy Girls" from all walks of life in the Northern New Jersey and New York metro area gathered yesterday at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, New Jersey to participate in The Busy Girls Expo event. Entrepreneurs and many professionals in the financial field, photography (yours truly!), public relations and catering/cake business and so much more filled the ballroom as each guest and vendor chatted and learned from one another to build their respective network and referral contact. I met so many wonderful women ready to help one another that it was truly empowering and encouraging! Of course we cannot forget the men who also attended to help, assist, and support the event.

Speaker for the event was Andrea Gross, a Lifestyle Coach, shared her personal story and gave an inspirational speech to the guests. In addition to Ms. Gross, additional businesses who took part in the event, and those that attended the event, include (in no particular order): AART Event Planning, Almond Eyes Makeup Artistry, Ambient DJ Service, ‎Angelica Criscuolo Photography, Arbonne - Victoria Berner, Alan Boom Video Productions, Bergen County Womens Professional Network, Card Party - Send out Cards (Jill Clarvit), Creative Custom Card boxes, Dreamers Joy Events & Design, EH Social Event, Elegant Creations Events & Wedding Planners llc,  Hallak Cleaners Bridal, Hope Spring Photography by Dasha Wright and Robert Jacobs, Jemage Image Consulting, Lexus of Englewood, LilShopaholick, MCrescimbeni Artistry, Miller & Co, Mimi's Fushion of Flavor, NJAWBO, Pink Jewels, PR for Small Business, Primerica, Reina's Cakes and Catering Co., Royal Photobooth, RSVP to me, ELITE, Scentsy - Lucinda Faragher, Stacy Gemma Traveling Boutique, Stella & Dot Independant Stylist, Teaneck Marriott At Glenpointe, The Busy Girls, The Hudson Cakery, Vibrant Coach - Verena Visser Aibel, Tinkles Baby Gifts, Wells Fargo Financial Advisor - Miri Upton, Worship Luxury, and so much more!!!!

I was very fortunate to meet so many wonderful individuals and let them know more about me, my style of photography and show them my work. Plus, if you didn't get a chance to take note, my FALL Special to save 20% on a single one hour session is available to anyone who "likes" my Facebook page and books by November 11, 2011!!!

Thanks to Karina Alvela and Marni Gold for setting up the event! Everyone definitely had a great time!

xoxo Angelica

 

Ng Family Session - Planting Fields Arboretum - by Angelica Criscuolo Photography

Meet the Ng Family!!! We went to Planting Fields Arboretum, which was definitely a great location to take family pictures in Long Island. The place was beautiful and the Ng's enjoyed the surroundings, creating a perfect backdrop and relaxing atmosphere to take these pictures. Such a loving family and Justin and Jaiden are lucky to have amazing parents such as Tina and Steve.  

9/11...We Remember - New York State of Mind - by Angelica Criscuolo Photography

9/11....We Remember. This past weekend was a whirlwind of memorials and dedications. One commercial created by State Farm "Empire State of Mind" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WozKutSbz8Y) really pulled some strings...not just because the commercial was made well, but because the Firehouse showcased in the commercial was the same Engine 205 Ladder 118 I visited earlier this year. Let me just say that these firemen were all very down to earth individuals who all had stories to say about that fateful day. Walking into the station, you can almost feel the presence of those that walked through the same hallways checking equipment, sliding down the pole when the alarm rings, or putting on over a hundred pound worth of gear...that's correct...A Fireperson has over a hundred pounds worth of gear at some point, not including carrying a person (if need be) through a roaring fire in a burning building. These men literally will put their lives on the line and talking to them and sharing their stories is just mind blowing. One cannot grasp what they do until you see how they live in a station first-hand. Here's a few photos from the station. They are by the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO and you can never miss their firehouse with their famous mural on their door. They are also a fun bunch since while one of them, Danny, was demonstrating his equipment in front of the truck, one of the lieutenants climbed on top of the truck with a bucket of water and poured it all on the uknowing fireman...and I was next to him! Good thing I looked up on time...I don't think my camera would have survived :-).

Kardashian Kollection SEARS launch - Leibovitz Studio - by Angelica Criscuolo Photography

Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian along with their mom and successful manager Kris Jenner were in Chelsea yesterday, Tuesday September 6, 2011 to launch their new clothing line in over 700+ SEARS department stores. The fashion icons came dressed in their creations and were very impressed with the design created by Celadon & Celery Events and LDC (Lex Liang Design Corporation) for the event. Guests arrived even with the pouring rain, but the weather did not halt the occasion. Ben Zion from Baked by Melissa was at the event personally providing the baked goodies from the famous mini cupcake store and the Kardashian sisters were more than happy to have a few bites of the scrumptious treats.

Ben Zion, Partner and owner of Baked By Melissa designed this arrangement for the Kardashian Kollection launch event. He was my favorite man of the night especially since he loved to give us all the cupcakes and we were more than happy to oblige. Thank you Ben!A gorgeous arrangement created by Celadon & Celery Events

As previously mentioned, the Kardashians enjoyed the treats created by Baked by Melissa! So happy I was able to take home a few :-).

Me and Kaye at the launch party... a little time off from shooting :-)

Kim's ring is gorgeous!!!! Just look at it! Owners of Celadon & Celery Events, Ivie Joy Agustin-Gonzales and Bess Wyrick posing in front of their creation.

LOVESTRUCK by Vera Wang {Celadon & Celery Events} by Angelica Criscuolo Photography

Once again, the talented team from Celadon & Celery created a classy look for a very important client, Vera Wang! The talented designer launched her fragrance, Lovestruck, in NYC last week at The Jimmy located on the rooftop of The James Hotel in SoHo. The gorgeous designs and arrangements were carefully created by Celadon and Celery Events team including Ivie Joy Agustin-Gonzales of CC Events and Bess Wyrick owner of CC events. The event looked amazing and definitely made everyone swoon and feel 'lovestruck' :-). From Vera Wang's blog, Lovestruck is "all about being overwhelemed, inexplicably, hopelessly in love....a new definition of Romeo & Juliet..."

Photo of Leighton Meester (the face of Lovestruck) from Gossip Girl taken by Just Jared and Vera Wang above taken by the talented Sarah Jay Weiss.

Andrea & Michael - NYC Rooftop Wedding - Ramscale by Angelica Criscuolo Photography & CC Events

Congratulations to Andrea & Michael! They were married overlooking the Hudson River on the Ramscale Terrace in NYC this past Memorial weekend (it was a busy weekend for this photographer!). The wedding was very intimate with friends and family flying in from Florida and Texas. The Bride was beautiful and Michael had a smile when Andrea walked down the aisle . For the reception, Bess Wyrick and her team from Celadon and Celery created an outdoor space indoors with a huge canopy of vines and flowers hanging above complete with gorgeous crystal chandeliers. The ceremony space was designed with a custom chuppah addorned with silk fabric, roses, and vines, and candles were lit everywhere. What a romantic sight to see! Congratulations to the amazing couple!

 

Evan Glover's New Born Session by Angelica Criscuolo Photography

Evan is such a cutie! Proud parents Karen and John are very blessed to have him in their home. He was such a great trooper during his session! Enjoy!

Evan Glover's New Born Session TEASER!!! by Angelica Criscuolo Photography

Had to share a picture of baby Evan striking a pose...enjoy!

Swati & Jeremy's - Engagement Session by Angelica Criscuolo Photography

Finally able to share some more pictures from Swati and Jeremy's engagement shoot! Such a loving couple and I'm so glad and honored to have been able to capture these pictures!

Swati & Jeremy's Engagement Session - SNEAK PEAK! by Angelica Criscuolo Photography

So I had to post a sneak peak of Swati and Jeremy's E-Session. We were in Central Park and started with the Bethesda Fountain area...I can't wait to finish these pictures! It was a fun session and both Swati and Jeremy were such naturals and very in-love that it really showed in the pictures. Stay tuned! Congratulations to the newly engaged couple! :-)

Leah & David - Rouge Tomate {New York Wedding}

What a gorgeous reception Leah and David had at Rouge Tomate in NYC Memorial weekend! Celadon & Celery Events designed the venue and everything looked amazing. The unique design along with the main centerpiece truly pulled together the entire event space and once again C&C created a memorable masterpice! The bride and groom loved how all the details turned out and it was a great surprise after their outdoor ceremony in Central Park. Also, Rouge Tomate's event space is a perfect location for NYC brides to have an elegant, chic, fun and intimate reception. Everyone definitely had a blast (and if you're wondering how Rouge Tomate's menu taste, do not hesitate to stop by since the menu and drinks are exquisite)! Congratulations to the happy couple!

Joan & Melissa Rivers hosts AFSP's Annual Gala

On May 11, 2011, celebrity personalities Joan and Melissa Rivers hosted the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's annual benefit dinner and gala. Attendees came together for the Lifesavers Dinner from different backgrounds ranging from politics, science, media, entertainments and business. Each individual has been dedicated to raising the public awareness about suicide and support for the AFSP's research, education and advocacy programs. Joan and Melissa started the evening with their story of how this issue affected them directly after Joan's husband committed suicide and how mother and daughter dealt with the aftermath of such a tragic event. They continue to help others and are great supporters of AFSP with Joan being a founding member. The evening's gala was designed by Celadon & Celery and everyone was mesmerized of how the Jazz at Lincoln Center's Allen Room was transformed to a beautiful dining hall complete with cherry blossoms and creative center pieces. Bess Wyrick was on site ensuring every piece was in place for such a special occasion and once again C&C Events did an excellent job.

Headshots - "L"

Shot an indoor shoot using continuous lights in a studio setting. Enjoyed it tremendously and had a great model to work with. Wished we were on location with the equipment!

Cherry Blossom Festival - Brooklyn Botanic Garden

What a way to start the month of May! Attended the last day of the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival, which is the end of the month long Hanami celebration of the Japanese cultural tradition of enjoying each moment of the cherry blossom season. The last day of the festival was packed, and rightly so with all the cherry blossoms in bloom. Many dressed for the occasion, and others came as they were ready to picnic and lounge by the orchards. Below are some moments from the event. Enjoy!

Exploring Dumbo

This past weekend I had the chance to learn from one of the most respected photographers in the industry, Joe DiMaggio. He may not be the well known baseball player, but he is the well known photographer whose work have graced the pages of Sports Illustrated, Life and Time Magazines just to name a few! Time Magazine chose his 1981 Cooney-Holmes fight as picture of the year. Deciding to do one of his workshops was one of the best decisions I've made since it was a very good experience learning from one of the best. I'm actually giddy with excitement that Mr. DiMaggio posted some work on his blog site: JOE DIMAGGIO IN THIS CORNER. You can also see some other works from other talented photographers who attended the workshop. Being part of a group of individuals who were all very creative and loved photography was also worthwhile. No one looked at you odd when you're with 15 others with DSLRs hanging around their necks and taking shots of buildings, people, the ground and sky in all angles! Mr. DiMaggio took us through the Brooklyn bridge, stressing that you should always walk, stop, and look back and see the different angles, look at how different the angles and horizons are after just walking 15 feet. He also stressed that not everything has to look sharp! He also stated do not be afraid to raise your ISO! Get that shot, that moment, and you'll be amazed at how wonderful it can be even if it is not as sharp or more grainy than you would have liked. He also mentioned whatever he speaks of are a matter of opinion. Well, his opinion, in my opinion, does count.

After shooting pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge, getting sceneries, motion, angles and more, we headed to Gleason's Gym where many of the best boxers have trained. We were also warned not to touch anything and then touch our face...Duly noted! Gleason's is not your modern day gym so do not expect a NYSC feel to the place. This training gym is worn, used, and the facility is filled with experienced trainers and legends looking for the next champion. After Gleason's we headed to the home of Engine 205 and Ladder 118. Thanks again to everyone at Engine 205/Ladder 118 for allowing us freedom to access the firehouse and capture everything! They were all very cooperative and patient with our questions. Just seeing the hundreds of pounds of gear a single Fireman or woman must carry is definitely an eye opener when seen in person and not just on TV. The jacket and pants they wear are about 50 pounds, plus additional gear consisting of oxygen tank, mask, axes, pulling hoses, plus a body to carry if it ever came to that. That's on top of the person's weight! Very humbling indeed and we all walked away thankful for the experience, and thankful to each of them for doing what they do. After seeing the home of these brave Firemen, we were off to the pier overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. A natural scene in this area are newlyweds and we saw one such couple who were happy to have our workshop take pictures freely. We then ended the day at the East River Park...of course along the way we stopped at Jacques Torres Chocolate factory for some much loved hot chocolate (some got the Wicked drink while the rest including yours truly tried the Classic).

All in all a very good day and a very fun experience. Thanks again to my fellow classmates and for Joe DiMaggio for sharing their experience, knowledge, and providing advice and hopefully we'll meet again at the next workshop! Below are some more shots from the day.