Who’s Wedding Is It Anyway? Monica & Lawrence at the New York Public Library
Monica and Lawrence’s wedding reception was held at the New York Public Library on 8-8-08, the night the world watched in awe as Beijing presented the most spectacular Opening Ceremonies in Olympic History.
With the help of renowned wedding coordinator, James Tramondo, Monica and Lawrence presented a wedding reception that would have won a Gold Medal if “The Wow Factor” was an Olympic Sport.
The event highlights included human tables in the round, a hip hop piano player, singing waiters, an 8 course meal, and a magnificent cake that required its own security detail.
The event was featured on the popular television show from The Style Network, “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” The episode was aptly titled, “Million Dollar Nuptials”.
Lawrence owns OUO Corporation, a company like mine that provides entertainment and event production for social and corporate events. The highest compliment an entertainer can get in this industry is when a fellow industry veteran chooses you to play a significant role in their personal event.
I was honored to get the call and to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Encore Gallery:
Erika and Michael Head to Palm Beach, Florida
Erika and Michael’s ceremony and reception was held at Frenchman’s Creek, an exclusive country club in Palm Beach, Florida.
Erika had worked for my company as she was going through law school. I was delighted when she came to me and said, “I’ve seen you do enough events, I want to you to do my wedding when I get married.” I was so happy for her (almost like a proud parent) and, of course, I was honored. (Erika flew her whole team down for her special day. Everybody from the florist, to the entertainment to the stylist and wedding planner).
Michael, a talented photographer, is also a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. He fell in love with the tribute band, Boccigalupe and the Bad Boys, over the years and arranged to have them make the trip down from Jersey to perform at the wedding.
Not only was the facility and scenery of Frenchman’s Creek five stars, the service and hospitality was top-notch as well. The credit goes to the Catering Manager, Doug Foote, one of the most accommodating and professional gentlemen I’ve ever worked with.
The highlight of the night was when Erika’s dad came up on stage to do a set with the band. Michael, who purchased a new guitar that morning just for the occasion, also came up and joined the jam session to the delight of their guests.
Special thanks to Leigh, from Leigh Kinne Photography for allowing us to share her gorgeous reception photos on this journal entry.
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Fairytale Setting: Castle on the Shore
Jaime and Mark’s ceremony and reception was held at the Inn at Erlowest, a timeless castle located in Lake George, New York.
This excerpt from their website describes it perfectly…
Entering this magnificent turn-of-the-century Queen Anne stone castle conjures up thoughts of guests mingling after a day on the lake, of parties with candlelight and crystal and laughter, of the elegance of a time gone by. Happily, the spirit of that time lives on – at The Inn at Erlowest. Located on beautiful and historic Lake George, in the heart of the majestic Adirondack Mountains, Erlowest recalls an era when people escaped from the cities to enjoy mountain air and pristine beauty while luxuriating in elegance and sophistication.
Jaimie and Mark are big fans of the Jersey Shore and one of its most popular rock bands, The Nerds. We teamed up with Jim Garcia and the boys for the reception as well as a string trio for the ceremony. It was a combination that made for an unforgettable wedding day.
The highlight of the night came after the cake cutting. Jaime and Mark made arrangements for a spectacular fireworks display to take place on the lake while all of their guests enjoyed Viennese-styled dessert stations out on the terrace. The view from the castle was incredible.
If you want to make your wedding reception memorable, in a good way, consider adding a great band, finding a romantic castle, and inviting 200 of the most fun loving family members and friends you have. It worked for Jaime and Mark.
On a side note, kudos to the Nerds for their “show must go on” attitude. Their equipment truck broke down on the way from the shore and had to have a tow truck take them all the way to the Inn. They still made it on time and rocked the house with their famous high-energy sets without missing a beat.
