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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Light of Life - Thyroid Cancer Benefit Luncheon

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph a luncheon for thyroid cancer awareness. Present were doctors, patients and friends - all of whom (in one way or another) have been affected by this disease.

This event came to be because of the personal experiences of Lisa Purcell. Lisa, is a survivor and wanted to take a negative and turn it into a positive. One day, she was reading a national ad about a 21 year old girl who survived thyroid cancer. Lisa was inspired by the the girl's ordeal and decided to contact the founder of Light of Life, Joan Shey, to see what she could do here in her community to raise awareness and Joan Shey knew exactly what to! A bit later in October of 2009, Lisa called upon Pamela D'Orsi Ryan to offer her skills. She jumped on board and she stepped right up to the plate to assist in organizing the event and she didn't miss a single detail. The color of the day was purple (as that is the foundation's ribbon color) and every accent "tied" everything together ... from the stunning floral arrangements right down to the waiters' purple ties!

The music was spun by one of our Friendors, Anthony Crezcenzi of Anthony Crocenzi Entertainment - who did a fantastic job, as per usual! All the local vendors involved were integral in making this event the wonderful success that it was by offering their time and amazing skills. Many of those local vendors also helped to sponsor the event.

Patrice Wood of Channel 10 News in Rhode Island was the opening/closing speaker. She worked with Lisa at the station, so this was also quite personal for her as well.

Lisa wanted to share her experience with the attendees so, she decided to tell her story through the media of video, as this is her livelihood and her creative outlet. The presentation was not only moving and heart touching but also an enlightening experience.

Lisa, who is the current President of the Light of Life Foundation - Rhode Island Chapter, formed the committee back in March of 2009. The committee consists of: Paula Montgomery, Betty-Jo Cugini, Mona Bootmann, Cathy Calenda, Joanne Carlino, Martha Murray and Sue Rudis. All the proceeds of this event will be benefitting the Light of Life Fellowship program. Lisa is grateful to all those who helped in the event but is proud of all the hard work the committee did in making it all come together and making it a reality.

The committee also put on a Fashion Show - literally! Many of the committee members as well as several local people who are either thyroid cancer survivors or suffering from thyroid issues themselves were all models for a day and, boy, did they own that runway! They were showcasing a new line of clothing which was specially designed for the event by ETCetera Clothing Studio.

Another highlight of the day was learning that the inspiration, that amazing young lady who is now in her 30's and still just as amazing, was sitting right there in the audience! She came up from Manhattan for the day to attend the event.

The American Cancer Society of Rhode Island endorsed the event and the corporate sponsor was H. Carr and Sons, Inc.

I am grateful to have been a part of it and encourage all of you to take their advice! Check Your Neck!

For more information, please visit: checkyourneck.com
The very recognizable "Purple Ties" were provided by Carl Anthony Tuxedo.
The linens were supplied by Rentals Unlimited.
The beautiful floral arrangements were created by Pamela D'Orsi Ryan 0f PDR Events.
The chairs were supplied by J&R Rentals and the
chocolates were courtesy of Rhode Island Rock Confections.
Touchstone Crystal's Jewelry Showcase.
Lisa (center/front) stands with the committee of the
Light of Life Foundation - Rhode Island Chapter
Patrice Wood of Channel 10 News shares how Lisa's experience affected
her and how important it is to have a simple check of the neck.
Lisa thanking all those who came out to support her awareness efforts.
Lisa watching her personal story along with the audience.
Lisa reading from the article about the little girl who inspired her and created
the spark that prompted her to get involved with the Light of Life Foundation.
Joan Shey, founder of the Light of Life Foundation, speaks to the guests.
Patrice Wood, Lisa's colleague at Channel 10 News, makes her
closing remarks to the audience while Lisa and Joan look on.
Monica of ETCetera Clothing Studio announced the Fashion Show.
Committee members of the Light of Life Foundation
- Rhode Island Chapter modeled the clothing line.
Lisa (below) workin' the runway!
Special thanks to everyone at the Light of Life Foundation
for inviting us to be a part of such a terrific cause!

Monday, January 11, 2010

La Bella Bridal Show 2010 THIS PAST WEEKEND!!!


The LaBella Bride Show was a smashing success this past weekend!  I'd like to send out a big thank you to all the wonderful brides who stopped by and said hello!

Check out our display booth!  It was lovely and I want to thank the two great "Friendors" who helped make its elegance possible.  Linens and chairs provided by Rentals Unlimited and the florals were designed by Twigs.  Kudos to both for all your great work!


Sara has such style she coordinates with her chairs and table linens!  hehe
And, last but CERTAINLY NOT least, a HUGE "Thank You" to LaBella Bride!
As always, it's wonderful to be a part of your showcases.

For further details, you can visit the LaBella Bride Blogazine!


Get ready for the 2010 Newport Wedding Showcase at The Hotel Viking on January 10, 2010!
FREE TICKETS!!!

We will be attending the event, so please come look for our booth, stop by and say hello!!! We have complimentary tickets to this event to offer you, so please inquire within and we'll be more than happy to provide you with a pair! 401/398-2922


PREMIERE WEDDING SHOWCASE DETAILS:
Sunday January 10, 2010 11am-5:30pm
  • Bridal Salon - with Wedding Professional Booths and Seminars
  • Several Opportunities to Participate in Mini-Workshops Hosted by Key Wedding Professionals (Priority Seating)
  • Invitation to Saturday night’s free appetizer party to networking one on one with wedding professionals and/or you can book yourself a getaway package or just an overnight room!
  • La Bella Bride Event Bag
  • Special Prize Giveaways!!!
  • Couples Lounge
  • Fashion Soiree / Show

Rentals Unlimited



31-45  T o s c a  D r i v e
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: 781.341.1600
Fax: 781.341.8840


Rentals Unlimited is THE source for ALL of your needs.  Here, you can find just about anything you could possibly need for your event!  They have table linens, place settings, tables and chairs, tents, function and catering equipment and more!  They serve the Boston, Cape Cod, Newport and Providence areas and have two showrooms where you can view the limitless possibilities - one in Boston, MA and the other Newport, RI.  Stop by and stretch your imagination!


When we attended the La Bella Bride Show on 1/10/10, Rentals Unlimited provided our table linens and chairs and did a beautiful job!




Thursday, January 7, 2010

Grace Ormonde Wedding Style - New England Issue

In the winter of early 2009, Chuck Wansley After Hours chose us to photograph him for his ad in the 2009 Grace Ormonde Wedding Style - New England Issue.


Thanks, Chuck - kudos to you!!!

Southern New England Weddings

Southern New England Weddings
30 Bradford Street, Suite 3
Bristol, Rhode Island  02809 
Voice: 401-396-9888    Fax: 401-396-9890
http://www.southernneweddings.com
info@southernNEweddings.com

From the cake to the video ... this publication is THE top resource to guide you through planning your wedding anywhere in southern New England.  Wherever your day is going to take place, this informative publication will help you to make the best choices to suit your needs and your style.  When you plan a wedding in southern New England (including Rhode Island, Newport, Boston, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Connecticut or eastern Massachusetts) ... Southern New England Weddings Magazine needs to be on the top of your "need to pick-this-up" list!!!


Click here to see our past published work in Southern New England Wedding Magazine.


The PINK Pages


Here's our recent ad that was recently
featured in the Pink Pages:

Check out are Partners Shots that we offer

Newport Wedding Show Coming in February!

101 Malbone Road Newport
Rhode Island, 02840
401/849-3300 x286

Whether you are recently engaged or just need a few final details to complete your wedding planning, The Newport Bridal Show is the bridal event you won't want to miss!

Newport Bridal Show is offering Weekend Specials to Brides-To-Be! After you pre-register for the Saturday, February 20, 2010 Newport Bridal Show, plan your fun-filled and romantic weekend getaway!

To pre-register online, please visit: http://www.newportweddingexpo.com/

When planning your weekend accommodations, we recommend you check out the following specials, offered exclusively for Newport Bridal Show brides-to-be and their companions:
  • $99 Bridal Show Weekend Special
  • Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa - $99 a night!
  • The Chanler at Cliff Walk - $259 a night! (2 night minimum required)
Exclusively for Registered Newport Bridal Show Attendees!

Bridal Show Hours: 11:30am - 4:30pm
Registration Begins: 11:00am
Fashion Shows: 12:30 at Rosecliff & 2:30pm at OceanCliff
Admission Price: $10 per person in advance / $15 per person at the door.

Erika and Matt - Make it BIG TIME in NYC!

We LOVE when we get feedback from our couples!  We recently received an e-mail from Erika and Matt after they took a New Year trip to the Big Apple.  As they were strolling the city, they found a copy of the latest issue of LaBella Bride's magazine at one of the news agent's stand.  Here they are showing off their feature!

Come get the latest copy of LaBella Bride's Magazine at the LaBella Bride Show this weekend!
Click here for more information:  LaBella Bride Show

Newport Wedding Magazine Feature

Check out our feature in Newport Wedding Magazine!

Here, Colleen and Ike's big day was featured.
Colleen and Ike are great people and we had a
WONDERFUL time sharing in their wedding festivities!

We're also going to be attending Newport Wedding Magazine's Bridal Show
Saturday, February 20, 2010.

We have been featured on Newport Wedding's website in a feature slideshow!
Check it out:

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Anthony Crocenzi Entertainment

Anthony Crocenzi Entertainment
http://www.anthonycrocenzientertainment.com/
crocenzi@aol.com

Anthony is one of our recommended DJ's. We recently worked with Anthony at Melissa and Erik's wedding at OceanCliff. It happened to be Anthony's birthday and the good people at OceanCliff made a cake for him.


Heavy D. of Escort Limousine


Escort Limousine, Inc
590 Killingly Street
Johnston, RI 02919
1/800-718-LIMO

http://escortlimori.com
Escort Limousine is the top of the line in limousine services. Offering a wide array of sleek transportation choices in their enormous fleet. You can arrive to your event on wheels that are styled anywhere from their the "White ElegantÈ" to their "Club Hummer". They got what it takes to match your personality and accommodate the size of your party ... vehicles that hold up to 22 passengers!

"Heavy D." is highly recommending by us! We've worked with him on several occasions and the brides, grooms and their parties always love him. He's fun, accommodating and is super-service oriented. He'll definitely take care of you ... tell him, "Sara sent ya"!

Here's Heavy D with Angela and Scott with their wedding party.
Always the gentleman, keeping the rain off the ladies!

This has become a running gag now. It never fails, the bride needs
to put down the bouquet and it inevitably ends up in Heavy D's hands.

Isn't he just PURRRRDY??? (As featured on Bethany and Ryan's day.)

The show-stopper! Actually, he stops traffic too ... just ask Melissa and Eric!

Har-Har-Hard at Work!

Here's Bobby from Main Event with
Bethany and Ryan! As you can see,
we are all diligent and do our best to
keep the "fun" out of FUNction. harharhar

Everybody just loves Bobby ... even the brides!

Here's our gal, Sara ... photographing Bethany and Ryan.
Notice Sara gets to wear a jacket (... kinda chilly that day).
Bethany was a real trooper at the Temple to Music at
Roger Williams Park Zoo BY THE LAKE!
Uhmmm, can we say "BREEZY"??? Poor thing.

Here's our handy-dandy assistant, Kelly,
battling the breeze. Ocean winds and a large "wing"
can often present complications but Kelly manages
to keep her feet planted firmly on the ground ...
(like any good assistant would)!

Okay, planted on the step-ladder.
Geesh ... talk about semantics!

Friday, January 1, 2010

Parteeeeee with SZP

Here are Sara (Photographer) and Fran (Studio Manager/Photographer) after the Southern New England Wedding Christmas party for the launched of 2010 Southern New England Wedding Magazine.

WE are looking forward to a WONDERFUL 2010 wedding season!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
Love,
Sara Zarrella Photography