Southern Wedding

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Last Saturday I attended a friend’s wedding reception in Lafayette, Louisiana. Both the bride and groom are from the deep south and I was excited to partake in their unique rituals and style of entertaining. The event was held at a Cajun heritage center. As we approached the venue, the first thing we noticed was the LOUD live music! My friends didn’t just have a band; they had a 10 piece brass ensemble performing all evening. The music and entertainment were amazing and really set the tone for the evening. The cuisine was entirely local and featured red beans and rice, gumbo, catfish, and other traditional Louisiana fare.
My absolute favorite part of the evening was the second line. A second line is a simple dance where you grab a napkin or handkerchief and dance around in a line waving the napkin in the air. This tradition is popular in New Orleans at weddings, balls, Mardi Gras events, and even jazz funerals. The bride and groom lead the procession (it really looked more like a parade) around the ballroom and out into the street. The bride carried a “southern belle” style umbrella and all the guests trailed behind the couple. It is a unique way to end a wedding on a high note and I’m sure I will remember it for years.

by Laura Miller

It's all about the details

To contact us Click HERE
Before I became an event planner and I attended lots of events,
from Weddings to Bar Mitzvahs and I never used to pay attention to the details,
everything just looked pretty and I was just enjoying the festivities. This past weekend I attended a friend’s wedding and I noticed a lot of things that I never would have noticed before. The linens were not covering the table legs and they were wrinkled. The flower centerpieces were clearly too small for the table size and most importantly the room lacked in ambient lighting. I said to myself with my new trained eye, that this is not acceptable to me; the bride clearly did not get top notch décor service and lighting. I wish I would have known ahead of time, I definitely would have made a difference.

Ladies that is why planners are so important to hire, because they know how to bring your wedding space to the ultimate level of perfection. This is clearly one of the most important days of your life; do not leave it to chance.

Since the day I woke up and started planning events, I have learned to train my eye to a whole new world of details. It’s the small details in making an event that will stand out with a flawless presentation.

A good planner looks at the space, the placement and of course the design, but most importantly that special little detail that will make you stand out from the rest. Whether it’s your chair placement; the linen length is perfect or just making sure your centerpieces
are perfectly symmetrical with the tables. Finally the room cannot talk to you until you have the proper lighting in place.

Please call us here at Gala and let us be your experts in designing your room and just
kick back and relax and leave the details to us!

by Rosie Goulette

Fall '09 Open House

To contact us Click HERE
As folks return home from summer vacations, our industry gears up for the rapidly-approaching fall season. Summers are an opportunity for us to regroup, reorganize and recharge our batteries, because when Labor Day passes, Gala is full steam ahead. This year, even with all its difficulties and unusual economy-related phenomena, is no different.
To kick off our fall season, we have redecorated our showroom – actually, we’ve decorated our entire warehouse! Gala is opening its doors on Tuesday to several industry guests and we’ve dusted off and have on display bunches and bunches of our themed décor and decorations. Last week was quite a week (it had to be one of the hottest and most humid of the summer) as our whole team sweated through our work clothes pulling together several vignettes to showcase several of our fantastic bars, tables, drape, and assorted other décor elements. We now have a Holiday Bay in the floral area, a Wedding Feature near our Pepsi machine and a Mack Truck Bar in our conference room. It’s been quite a transformation.
Check back with us to see some pictures of our setup. Or, if you are in the area on Tuesday, stop in to check out the selection of décor that is on display.

Fashion's Night Out

To contact us Click HERE

When asked how we should help stimulate our economy you might answer with more jobs, tax cuts or increased aid to struggling localities. Well, how about with events?

Fashion's Night Out is a worldwide event that strives to boost the global economy through the fashion industry. U.S. and International editors of Vogue coordinated celebrations in their respective fashion capitals in hopes to aid customers lacking confidence in the fashion and retail industries. On September 10th, over 700 retailers and designers across the five boroughs of New York City participated in the event. Neither tickets nor invitations were required to attend any of the Fashion's Night Out activities. Retailers implemented creative ideas in order to promote the fun in shopping once again. For example, shops in Brooklyn surprised customers with a pop-up block party and cook-off. Celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Blake Lively, and Victoria Beckham made guest appearances at stores throughout Manhattan. In addition to encouraging retail shopping, proceeds from Fashion's Night Out t-shirt and tote bag sales went to a charity benefiting a 9/11 rehabilitation project.

Hopefully worldwide events like Fashion’s Night Out will become a means of breaking out of our current economic recession, while having a lot of fun at the same time!

by Jessica Marzelli

It's SNO big deal!

To contact us Click HERE


It’s beginning to feel a bit like spring but it was just a few weeks ago we were buried up to our knees in snow! The weekend of February 6, 2010 is not one anyone at Gala will soon forget. With record breaking amounts of snow, closed roads, freezing temperatures and some fabulous vendors we all survived the ‘snowpocalypse’ of 2010 and our bride and groom JoAnn and Daniel were still able to have their wedding. Knowing early in the week what Mother Nature might have in store, we set off for Annapolis not knowing quite what to expect except that the show must go on!
Despite the harsh reality check we all awoke to on Saturday morning JoAnn and Daniel proved to everyone that there was nothing that could stand in the way of their wedding. We were having a wedding, minus about 300 guests. What we faced that weekend is truly a testament to who we are in this business and what we can do when faced with adversity- even if a tree falls through the roof of the tent! When you have a team of exceptional vendors who all are truly invested in making this the best event possible-regardless of the conditions. We definitely gave this couple an experience they will never forget.
Special thanks to all of the vendors who helped us all keep everything together-
Blue Sky Films, Occasions Caterers, MBK and Associates, Frost Lighting, and Crow Entertainment DJs.


*Special thanks to Blue Sky films for the above video.

Bubbles!!

To contact us Click HERE

Our newest, coolest decor item here at Gala Events is our light-up bubble tubes. We currently have 2, 6' tall x 4' wide machines, but we can custom design these for you at different heights and different colors (water and case colors). You can also have custom signage on these if you want. Stop by our Special Events Design Center today in Rockville, MD to see them in person!

It's all about the details

To contact us Click HERE
Before I became an event planner and I attended lots of events,
from Weddings to Bar Mitzvahs and I never used to pay attention to the details,
everything just looked pretty and I was just enjoying the festivities. This past weekend I attended a friend’s wedding and I noticed a lot of things that I never would have noticed before. The linens were not covering the table legs and they were wrinkled. The flower centerpieces were clearly too small for the table size and most importantly the room lacked in ambient lighting. I said to myself with my new trained eye, that this is not acceptable to me; the bride clearly did not get top notch décor service and lighting. I wish I would have known ahead of time, I definitely would have made a difference.

Ladies that is why planners are so important to hire, because they know how to bring your wedding space to the ultimate level of perfection. This is clearly one of the most important days of your life; do not leave it to chance.

Since the day I woke up and started planning events, I have learned to train my eye to a whole new world of details. It’s the small details in making an event that will stand out with a flawless presentation.

A good planner looks at the space, the placement and of course the design, but most importantly that special little detail that will make you stand out from the rest. Whether it’s your chair placement; the linen length is perfect or just making sure your centerpieces
are perfectly symmetrical with the tables. Finally the room cannot talk to you until you have the proper lighting in place.

Please call us here at Gala and let us be your experts in designing your room and just
kick back and relax and leave the details to us!

by Rosie Goulette

Fall '09 Open House

To contact us Click HERE
As folks return home from summer vacations, our industry gears up for the rapidly-approaching fall season. Summers are an opportunity for us to regroup, reorganize and recharge our batteries, because when Labor Day passes, Gala is full steam ahead. This year, even with all its difficulties and unusual economy-related phenomena, is no different.
To kick off our fall season, we have redecorated our showroom – actually, we’ve decorated our entire warehouse! Gala is opening its doors on Tuesday to several industry guests and we’ve dusted off and have on display bunches and bunches of our themed décor and decorations. Last week was quite a week (it had to be one of the hottest and most humid of the summer) as our whole team sweated through our work clothes pulling together several vignettes to showcase several of our fantastic bars, tables, drape, and assorted other décor elements. We now have a Holiday Bay in the floral area, a Wedding Feature near our Pepsi machine and a Mack Truck Bar in our conference room. It’s been quite a transformation.
Check back with us to see some pictures of our setup. Or, if you are in the area on Tuesday, stop in to check out the selection of décor that is on display.

Fashion's Night Out

To contact us Click HERE

When asked how we should help stimulate our economy you might answer with more jobs, tax cuts or increased aid to struggling localities. Well, how about with events?

Fashion's Night Out is a worldwide event that strives to boost the global economy through the fashion industry. U.S. and International editors of Vogue coordinated celebrations in their respective fashion capitals in hopes to aid customers lacking confidence in the fashion and retail industries. On September 10th, over 700 retailers and designers across the five boroughs of New York City participated in the event. Neither tickets nor invitations were required to attend any of the Fashion's Night Out activities. Retailers implemented creative ideas in order to promote the fun in shopping once again. For example, shops in Brooklyn surprised customers with a pop-up block party and cook-off. Celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Blake Lively, and Victoria Beckham made guest appearances at stores throughout Manhattan. In addition to encouraging retail shopping, proceeds from Fashion's Night Out t-shirt and tote bag sales went to a charity benefiting a 9/11 rehabilitation project.

Hopefully worldwide events like Fashion’s Night Out will become a means of breaking out of our current economic recession, while having a lot of fun at the same time!

by Jessica Marzelli

It's SNO big deal!

To contact us Click HERE


It’s beginning to feel a bit like spring but it was just a few weeks ago we were buried up to our knees in snow! The weekend of February 6, 2010 is not one anyone at Gala will soon forget. With record breaking amounts of snow, closed roads, freezing temperatures and some fabulous vendors we all survived the ‘snowpocalypse’ of 2010 and our bride and groom JoAnn and Daniel were still able to have their wedding. Knowing early in the week what Mother Nature might have in store, we set off for Annapolis not knowing quite what to expect except that the show must go on!
Despite the harsh reality check we all awoke to on Saturday morning JoAnn and Daniel proved to everyone that there was nothing that could stand in the way of their wedding. We were having a wedding, minus about 300 guests. What we faced that weekend is truly a testament to who we are in this business and what we can do when faced with adversity- even if a tree falls through the roof of the tent! When you have a team of exceptional vendors who all are truly invested in making this the best event possible-regardless of the conditions. We definitely gave this couple an experience they will never forget.
Special thanks to all of the vendors who helped us all keep everything together-
Blue Sky Films, Occasions Caterers, MBK and Associates, Frost Lighting, and Crow Entertainment DJs.


*Special thanks to Blue Sky films for the above video.

It's SNO big deal!

To contact us Click HERE


It’s beginning to feel a bit like spring but it was just a few weeks ago we were buried up to our knees in snow! The weekend of February 6, 2010 is not one anyone at Gala will soon forget. With record breaking amounts of snow, closed roads, freezing temperatures and some fabulous vendors we all survived the ‘snowpocalypse’ of 2010 and our bride and groom JoAnn and Daniel were still able to have their wedding. Knowing early in the week what Mother Nature might have in store, we set off for Annapolis not knowing quite what to expect except that the show must go on!
Despite the harsh reality check we all awoke to on Saturday morning JoAnn and Daniel proved to everyone that there was nothing that could stand in the way of their wedding. We were having a wedding, minus about 300 guests. What we faced that weekend is truly a testament to who we are in this business and what we can do when faced with adversity- even if a tree falls through the roof of the tent! When you have a team of exceptional vendors who all are truly invested in making this the best event possible-regardless of the conditions. We definitely gave this couple an experience they will never forget.
Special thanks to all of the vendors who helped us all keep everything together-
Blue Sky Films, Occasions Caterers, MBK and Associates, Frost Lighting, and Crow Entertainment DJs.


*Special thanks to Blue Sky films for the above video.

Two Megabuildings Downtown in Pipeline for Gould

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On the edge of Mount Vernon Square, where some of the last vacant lots in the downtown core still exist, plans for more office buildings are heating up.  One developer with a stake in the zone is Gould Property Company.  Gould has plans to build two oversized office buildings - a 380,000 s.f. office building at 600 Massachusetts Avenue and a 620,000 s.f. office building at 900 New York Avenue.  While both await tenants before construction will begin, sources say designs are done and waiting on the right tenant.

Gould Property's 600 Mass Ave. - Rendering courtesy CORE

Gould's "Z"-shaped parcel - nearly half the block at the corner of 6th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, was designed by Core Architecture + Design, also architect on the completed Gould project Market Square North.  The building's plan calls for 10 floors with ground floor retail.  In 2006, the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) first gave approval to the developer's concept to move two row houses it owns, 621 and 623 Eye Street, built in 1852, next to a cluster of other row houses on the southeast corner of the lot.  It also approved Gould's plans to demolish a row house at 627 Eye St. to make way for the building, and demolition has already taken place.  After the HPRB put its stamp on the demolition, a Mayor's Agent gave a final necessary nod to the plan in 2007.

Gould Property's 600 Mass Ave. - Rendering courtesy CORE

The design has also passed the Chinatown design review process necessary for buildings in the neighborhood.  "It is a very unique building because it is unlike most of Washington, DC where you basically feel like it is a box," Ron Ngiam, senior project designer with CORE, told DCMud.  With the site shaped like a "Z", architects also worked to meet the challenge of designing a building to fit a unique site.  The zoning of the site prevented a boxy, full, 10-floor building, so architects created a series of terraces.  "We were able to carve quite a bit of light and air into the building and produced a whole series of green roofs," Ngiam said.

"Instead of filling in the property with a box, we were able to do something architecturally interesting." Ngiam also said the building's setback on Eye St. respects the scale of that streetscape.  "We are quite excited about the project," he told DCMud.

600 Mass Ave. - Eye St. Frontage - Rendering courtesy CORE

The 600 Mass Ave project is not the only building in the pipeline for Gould.  The developer is also behind plans to develop a portion of the old Convention Center Site at 900 New York Ave.  The building is part of an $850 million dollar mixed-use CityCenterDC which started construction last year.  Hines and Archstone are developing most of the CityCenterDC master plan, which calls for condos, office buildings, apartments, and retail, replacing the 10 acres that were left empty after demolition of the old convention center in 2004.

For CityCenterDC, Gould is planning a 12-story building designed by Pickard Chilton Architects.  The design includes a center atrium that reaches the full height of the building's 12 floors.  The atrium is covered with a "unique free standing" glass roof supported by v-shaped columns.  Renderings also call for lushly planted rooftop terraces, nine-foot ceilings, and ground floor retail.

900 New York Ave. - Rendering Pickard Chilton website

Gould, run by real estate scion Kingdon Gould, obtained the site from the city in exchange for a parcel it owned 9th Street NW, which the city needed to make room for a 1,175 room Marriott Marquis through a 99-year lease agreement.
Gould is also behind plans with Vornado Realty for a massive redevelopment of Rosslyn Plaza that would replace six buildings with four new ones to include hundreds of new residential units, as well as hotel space. 

900 New York Ave. - Rendering Pickard Chilton website

At both 900 New York Avenue and 600 Massachusetts Avenue, the developer has the approvals needed to start, according to the Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID).  Now all the projects need are good tenants.

Morning Real Estate Fix

To contact us Click HERE
Reports show housing market continues to improve (Examiner)  A snapshot of the Maryland market by county...

...But a new ULI report says things are looking less promising in the commercial sector (Commercial Property Executive) In its most recent semi-annual survey of the next 3 years, economists and analysts are downgrading their expectations for the commercial real estate market to predict a smaller bounce than previously hoped for.

Homebuying: fall is the new spring (NASDAQ) While practical considerations may motivate spring purchases, the fall comes with its own psychological reasons for people to move up.

Investors continue to look to DC as the hottest apartment market (Apartment Finance)  With its high performing buildings, the DC area continues to lead in attracting investors of multi-family housing with its low vacancy rates and high rent growth.

Greysteel names Director of multi-tenant retail division  - Gil Neuman joins the multi-family seller to head the multi-family retail division.

Skyland demolition finally underway (Washington Examiner) The infamous eminent domain case aroused passions on all sides as developers and the city worked to build a large mixed-use project at the site.

It's All Gone Pete Tong

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I recently got around to posting a few more galleries on my site and wanted to share with you this collection from a night with Pete Tong at Glow.

For those not familiar with Tong, his work transcends many years of dance music artists and styles. As a DJ, Pete has graced the decks of the best clubs and festivals worldwide. As a producer he's assembled the music for many different soundtracks and was the inspiration behind the hit film "It's All Gone Pete Tong."

Pete's success as a broadcaster, clubland DJ and music industry maven is his ability to create a balance between credibility and commerciality and is not afraid to drop the hits on the decks. "People forget it's entertainment," Pete explains. "I wouldn't be doing this if I couldn't champion new music, but a mix is the key. And it's supposed to be fun."

I was pretty excited to see Pete for the first time because he's a name I've become familiar with through the BBC-One essential mixes. I can't even begin to tell you how many DJ mixes I've listened to with the BBC (Radio)-One call sign announced. You almost begin to expect to hear it while listening to any dance music mix.

I wish I could say I was as excited about the images I captured from the evening. I like some of the color in these shots, but I was very disappointed with the clarity and sharpness of the photos. I've been over-thinking my nightlife photography, trying to use different techniques to pull out more color and style in my shots. What's happened is that I'm getting vibrant the color but losing some of the crisp and clean, noise-free shots I've captured on recent outings.

The following are some of the better images from the gallery. To be perfectly honest with you, the best shot came during the opening DJ set. I had everything set correctly and just got a little happy with my exposure settings throughout the night. I really can't wait to get back out and continue to refine my nightlife style and try to correct some of my mistakes in these shots. In the meantime, enjoy these photos and please let me know what you think.

What's Your Point of View?

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Have you ever gone into a bar or club and had just a horrible night, only to return a few months later and have a completely different experience? Or what if your original experience wasn't terrible, but it wasn't worth another visit for...oh, a few months. Well this is what happened to me this past week in DC.

If you recall from early last summer, I checked out the newly opened W Hotel and POV Lounge. My experience wasn't horrible. But there were some bumps and bruises from that visit and I frankly haven't had any real reason to return. Granted, Dan K. and I have made stops in the W Hotel lobby for a drink or two. But it wasn't until last Thursday that we returned to the rooftop terrace and lounge of this swanky DC hotel. My impressions have changed.

The first notable element of change is that the obnoxious lines trying to gain entry to the elevator upstairs are gone. This was a Thursday night, so it's possible you could find a line on Friday or Saturday night. But remember, it was a Wednesday night when I encountered close to 50 people dressed to impress waiting for their chance to experience the ultimate DC point of view. The next element of improvement was a staff prepared for anything. We were escorted upstairs, taken to the terrace, offered a place to sit and even offered drinks before I could take off my coat. This was a major change from the first week where POV couldn't decide if they wanted to be a velvet rope club or a tapas restaurant. Clearly, POV has accepted its role as a smooth character on the DC lounge circuit and the composed attitude reflects that.

Another stand-out element from last Thursday was one of the best Bailey's and coffee I've ever had. Dan K. asked me, "how could they mess that up?" I replied..."simple, bad coffee." This particular drink is made with a very smooth bean and brewed at what had to be the perfect temperature. I know it was late, but I ordered two.

POV has also added great music. DJ 2-Tone was spinning a groovy down-tempo hip hop that fit perfectly with the lounge mood. Honestly folks, sitting there sipping my coffee with soulful hip-hop feeding my ears while the Washington Monument stood brightly out the window next to me was a nocturnal dream come true. It was like taking a vacation from the usual high-energy K Street rat race and finding yourself at a rooftop oasis surrounded by history. Is there a better setting for this stuff or what?

The two photos in this post reflect what I saw that night. They reflect what POV has become since opening and what POV was destined to be. They reflect a beautiful rooftop lounge in a beautiful hotel with the best point of view in our city.

Photos by Doug Van Sant

Vintage Stamps

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The first real impression your guests will have of your wedding will be from your invitation, most likely. Why not set the mood before they even open the envelope? Let’s face it; in this global age where most communication is done through cyberspace or satellites, it is a treat to get ‘real’ old-fashioned mail. And if that mail is pleasing to the eye from the outside, it will make your friends and family that much more interested in what is on the inside. Set the stage, reflect your personality, or simply make it pretty. Vintage stamps can be used to lay the foundation and to beautify those many envelopes your guests will be receiving. It may take some time, but vintage stamps that haven’t been cancelled can be found and purchased and then a beautiful combination of those stamps can be used to amount to the correct postage for your invitations. Do you love camping, or did you meet your fiancé when you were backpacking? Maybe some wildlife stamps would start to tell your story. Are you having a beautiful garden wedding in the spring or summer? Vintage flowers and garden scenes can grace your lovely invitations. Or maybe you want to reflect the adventurer in you…did you meet your special someone abroad, or do you have dreams of traveling the world with him? Whatever you want your message to be, vintage stamps may add just the right touch. And, yes, it is all in the details!

by Julie Pike

For Once, Be a Wall Flower!

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Nothing says dull like four plain white walls in your bedroom. It can be difficult coming up with a creative solution for a boring room--decorations and artwork can really rack up the bills. So, what can you do? One fun idea is wall decals. My mother recently came to stay with me in my DC apartment, and was appalled when she walked into my bedroom and saw the blandness emanating from my four white walls. The next day, I came home from work and my room had been totally transformed into a bright and inspired place. It was welcoming, cozy, and suddenly colorful--all this for about 30 dollars! She had enhanced my room with splashes of color around my mirror, behind my bed, and even put a few bonus decals in my bathroom. They came in many different patterns, from florals to damasks, and everything in between. And the best part is--once you can finally afford to splurge on posh artwork, the decals peel right off, leaving the paint intact!

by Jessica Marzelli

Themes

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Theme (noun) - a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc., as in a work of art.

I often am asked by prospective clients as they plan the decorative elements of their event whether a theme is necessary. My response is generally that, while not “necessary”, it is something that helps turn a run-of-the-mill party into an event - at least from a visual perspective. At a properly decorated party, one’s eye should dance over the individual decorative elements and be marveled by the array of related designs. A theme helps achieve that kind of effect.

A theme should be relevant to the party and once one has been chosen, the individual elements involved in the party become cohesive and unified. This cohesiveness makes for a visually pleasing room or event space and enjoyment among partygoers as guests discover more and more elements that are designed using the theme in mind. It is fun to see ordinary event elements like bars, buffets and entrances creatively tied into the theme of the event.

Colors can be used as a motif. Different colored fabric, ribbons, paper, linens, chargers and more can be used to reinforce that type of motif throughout the event space. This usually results in a sophisticated look, uncomplicated by theme-y kinds of images and representations.

For most parties, however, a theme provides an overarching concept that makes planning and designing the individual elements much easier. It helps bring an event vision to life and give guests an atmosphere in which to enjoy themselves. And that’s the idea, right?

by Noah Steurer

Fashion's Night Out

To contact us Click HERE

When asked how we should help stimulate our economy you might answer with more jobs, tax cuts or increased aid to struggling localities. Well, how about with events?

Fashion's Night Out is a worldwide event that strives to boost the global economy through the fashion industry. U.S. and International editors of Vogue coordinated celebrations in their respective fashion capitals in hopes to aid customers lacking confidence in the fashion and retail industries. On September 10th, over 700 retailers and designers across the five boroughs of New York City participated in the event. Neither tickets nor invitations were required to attend any of the Fashion's Night Out activities. Retailers implemented creative ideas in order to promote the fun in shopping once again. For example, shops in Brooklyn surprised customers with a pop-up block party and cook-off. Celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Blake Lively, and Victoria Beckham made guest appearances at stores throughout Manhattan. In addition to encouraging retail shopping, proceeds from Fashion's Night Out t-shirt and tote bag sales went to a charity benefiting a 9/11 rehabilitation project.

Hopefully worldwide events like Fashion’s Night Out will become a means of breaking out of our current economic recession, while having a lot of fun at the same time!

by Jessica Marzelli

It's SNO big deal!

To contact us Click HERE


It’s beginning to feel a bit like spring but it was just a few weeks ago we were buried up to our knees in snow! The weekend of February 6, 2010 is not one anyone at Gala will soon forget. With record breaking amounts of snow, closed roads, freezing temperatures and some fabulous vendors we all survived the ‘snowpocalypse’ of 2010 and our bride and groom JoAnn and Daniel were still able to have their wedding. Knowing early in the week what Mother Nature might have in store, we set off for Annapolis not knowing quite what to expect except that the show must go on!
Despite the harsh reality check we all awoke to on Saturday morning JoAnn and Daniel proved to everyone that there was nothing that could stand in the way of their wedding. We were having a wedding, minus about 300 guests. What we faced that weekend is truly a testament to who we are in this business and what we can do when faced with adversity- even if a tree falls through the roof of the tent! When you have a team of exceptional vendors who all are truly invested in making this the best event possible-regardless of the conditions. We definitely gave this couple an experience they will never forget.
Special thanks to all of the vendors who helped us all keep everything together-
Blue Sky Films, Occasions Caterers, MBK and Associates, Frost Lighting, and Crow Entertainment DJs.


*Special thanks to Blue Sky films for the above video.

Coming Up on The Wendy "How U Doin'? Williams Show

To contact us Click HERE

Monday September 24

Reality TV.
It’s the day after the explosive season finale of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and Melissa Gorga is only talking with Wendy!

Plus, one of Wendy’s favorite reality TV couples, Tamar and Vince, stop by to tell us about their new WE tv reality show, “Tamar & Vince.”

Cameras roll as the newlyweds try to set up their new home and train an unruly dog while Tamar records her new solo album.

Then, don’t miss our Emmy red carpet recap with fashion expert Katrina Szish.  

Tuesday September 25

Bigger is Better.
From “Mob Wives,” the loveable Angela “Big Ang” Raiola tells us about her recent engagement to her…HUSBAND! Plus, “Big Ang” dishes on her new book, “Bigger is Better: Real-Life Wisdom From the No-Drama Mama.”

Then, new music sensation Elle Varner performs a song off her debut album, Perfectly Imperfect.  

Wednesday September 26

Guys with Kids.
The hilarious Anthony Anderson tells us about starring in Jimmy Fallon’s new sitcom, “Guys with Kids” on NBC.

Then, kid chef Eliana de Las Casas from New Orleans teaches Wendy how to make her mouthwatering jambalaya.

Plus, Wendy puts on her bathing suit and swim cap and hits the pool for a race with Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin that you have to see to believe!  

Thursday September 27

How to Dress!
Wendy dishes on the latest Hot Topics.

Then, InStyle magazine’s Subira Shaw shows us some must-have work wear fashions!

Plus, Chloe Melas from HollywoodLife.com gives us the inside scoop on the latest Hot Topics.  

Friday September 28

Slam Dunk!
Friend to the show Rosie Perez stops by to talk about her new movie, “Won’t Back Down.”
Then, NY Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire tells us about his new children’s book,
“STAT: Standing Tall and Talented #2: Double Team.”

Plus, Bahar Takhtehchian reveals Shape magazine’s 9th Annual Beauty Award Winners

Screenwriting Master's Classes at Howard University

To contact us Click HERE

OBS on Tour in Partnership w/  Howard University’s College of Arts & Sciences, Student Affairs Presents Screenwriting Master's Classes
*** SEPTEMBER 28^th, 29^th, & 30^th, 2012 ***
“ANATOMY OF A PILOT”, “CREATE THE BLOCKBUSTER FEATURE”, & "IN THE WRITERS ROOM" are coming to HOWARD UNIVERSITY!!!
Join "OBS On Tour" for this exciting event. Stay tuned to find out how to reserve YOUR seat in the room soon!
THREE GREAT WORKSHOPS! Option 1: Anatomy of A Pilot w/Kellie Griffin (Creator of “Reed Between the Lines”) Option 2: Create Your Blockbuster Movie w/OBS Screenwriting Experts Rene N. Rawls (Tribeca Alum, Nelson Mandela Grant Recipient, & Cosby Fellow) & Tracy Grant (Lincoln Heights). Option 3: In The Writers' Room w/Stacey Evans Morgan & Bentley Kyle Evans
Option 1: A comprehensive workshop that will provide you with the tools and resources that you must have in order to get that story from inside of you to out on the page. Pilot class takes you through the process of creating and writing a pilot script from beginning to premise statement, outline first draft. You develop a viable series concept, create unique and memorable characters with an original execution, write the pilot script, explore the possible markets for it, and are encouraged to be as fresh and original as possible. Your series can be a comedy or drama; single camera, multiple camera, or animation; designed for traditional media or the latest new media or any combination thereof-the choice is yours.
Option 2: The Feature Film workshop will guide you to launch and make significant headway on new & completed film projects that need polish. The goal is to develop a strong premise that sustains your entire script, create and refine the story outline, and outline Act I.
Option 3: Join the sister/brother duo, writers/producers Stacey Evans Morgan (The Parkers, One on One, Image Awards, Love that Girl, Family Time) and Bentley Kyle Evans (Martin, A Thin Line Between Love & Hate, Creator of The Jamie Foxx Show, Love that Girl and Family Time) “IN THE WRITER’S ROOM” for an exciting, informative weekend workshop designed to give aspiring television writers a true, “room” experience, how to market and sell a show in the new paradigm of television, knowledge on how to write and develop a situation comedy series, and learn the business of "THE BUSINESS".
Opens w/ OBS Meeting, Track Overview, & Reception Friday, Sept. 28, 2012 - 6:30 p.m. - 9:30p.m. Classes Sat, Sept. 29, 2012 - 9:00a.m. - 6:00p.m. & Sun, Sept 30, 2012 - 9:00a.m. - 6:00p.m. $150 for entire weekend* *Howard University Students - Scholarships Available LOCATION: HOWARD UNIVERSITY - BLACKBURN CENTER  
2400 6TH Street, NW, Washington, DC 20059
MORE INFO & REGISTER: http://obsontourdc2012.eventbrite.com

Media Piracy & Culture: A Discussion of Empirical Research

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  You are invited to attend a public discussion of Media Piracy and Culture: A Discussion of Empirical Research at American University Washington College of Law   4801 Massachusetts Ave NW, Room 400 September 27, 11:30am-1:30pm Lunch provided for all registered attendees https://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/cle_form.cfm   Live Webcast: http://www.wcl.american.edu/pijip/go/events/sep-27-media-piracy-ip-and-emerging-economies     DESCRIPTION Joe Karaganis, a researcher at Columbia University’s American Assembly, and Bodó Balázs, Budapest University of Technology and Economics and Fellow at Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society, will discuss their ongoing research on culture and media piracy in the U.S. and Europe. Karaganis will discuss a recent comparative study, "Copy Culture in the US and Germany," which maps digital media practices and attitudes toward copyright enforcement in the two countries. Balázs will discuss his ongoing research on the complex system of rules and governance mechanisms in piratical P2P file-sharing “darknets,” including communal enforcement of intellectual property –like regimes within such communities.