Susan G Komen: Pink Martini Night

So...Little known fact about me. I'm a philanthropist...through and through. Since my pre-teen years I have always been into helping those who deserve help and fighting my all for those who need fought for. Whether I donated every weekend as a teen to the "Challenger League of Virginia", my college years to my beloved sorority Alpha Phi and Cardiac Care for Women or my absolute love of "SAVING THE TATA's"...and the Susan G Komen Foundation. These charities pull at my "heart strings" as Oprah would say.

I had the absolute honor of co-chairing the 3rd Annual "Pink Martini Night" at Kincaids in Norfolk with a committee of about 20 of the most amazing women you will ever meet. Here is the background...A phenomenal woman by the name of Kim Ripley Adams started this event after her own battle with breast cancer...3 years later and about $80,000.00 this event is thriving. This year's Martini night was more important than ever. After another bought of cancer Kim lost her fight mere weeks before the event...leaving behind a beautiful daughter and husband. As a mother myself I have vowed to never stop fighting for what Kim believed in. All of the women on my committee, including my great friend and co-chair Robin were friends and supporters to Kim throughout her entire battle. I never had the honor of meeting Kim, but I feel tied to her through the Komen foundation in spirit and I am honored to try to keep her legacy living.

The 2008 Pink Martini Night got great media coverage, sold out 500 tickets and raised approximately $40,000.00. Our committee is already coming up with how to make next years event even bigger and even better.

It is not often that I get to work with my husband but he did take some amazing pictures (as always). If you would like to check out more pictures from the entire event go to:
1). http://www.jameschristiansonphotography.com/
2). go to the client proofing section
3). login: pink martini
4). password: norfolk

Tell us what you think...and become a philanthropist. No matter how busy you are, there is something that everyone believes in.My best "mommy friend" Stephanie selling our balloons...our fastest money maker of the night.
Beautiful flowers donated by "Fluttering Flowers."

My Mom, My Stephanie and Myself.
The Committee and MC Keri Furey
Of course we served...Pink Martini's...

Cool Engagement Video

While looking at different Virginia photographer websites I came across an awesome new "hip" product...Engagement Picture Videos. The basic premise is the photographer makes a video of a clients engagement or wedding day shoot into an actual "story"... the viewer can watch the day with a "movie type feel"...there of course are some video shots mixed in with (in this case) a great looking couple at the beach in Yorktown. The beautiful couple also happens to be an Antonia Christianson Events love story...JJ and Stephanie.

This particular video was created by an Lynchburg Photographer named Jeremiah Guelzo with Stone Blue Productions.

Brett & Jenna

I had the pleasure of coordinating the beach wedding ceremony and reception for a great couple...Brett & Jenna. I met Jenna months back and have enjoyed the planning process with her...Brett was away serving our country during most of the planning so it was great to put a face to the loving stories. The service was held on the beach at Dam Neck with the reception at Shifting Sands. I had the ability to work with my good friend Danny Gray with Astro DJ's who kept our guests moving all night (as always), Don Page Videography, Christine Bruggerman with Delhaven Studios, Incredible Edibles for a Yummy Cake and of course my always amazing assistant Kelly. Below are some pictures from Christine...Keep checking back for a slide show of more images soon.

My Beautiful Assistant Kelly and I...

Video Blog: Episode 2

Check out our video blog...Episode 2.

Leah & Tom Part 2

Let me first say...Thank You Keith Cephus for these amazing pictures! I first met Leah through my good friend Ashley Neronski from All The Rage, Virginia Beach, where Leah purchased this beautiful Maggie Sottero wedding gown. We had about 6 months to plan this great event at the Chrysler and thank goodness Mia Byrd, Event Coordinator at the museum, had a sunday date available. Without the help of all our vendors this wedding would not have ran as beautifully as it did. Gloria from Cuisine & Co helped create the menu, my friend Danny Gray from Astro DJ's kept the guests moving all night, Char from Char's Floral Design created the flowers, Stephanie from Sweet Dreams by Stephanie created the delicious cake and Vince Zentner, harpist, played both the service and cocktail hour which was an absolute hit! And of course...the night could not have been finished off any better than with a grand exit from Rich owner/driver of the Unique Car Service...I would also like to say a special THANK YOU to Glenn with Premier Limo.

Kelly and I had a blast orchestrating this great day and I can not wait to hear all about the honeymoon trip to Hawaii! I miss you already Leah!

Leah's Bridal

My client Leah is absolutely phenomenal and my pal Keith Cephus did an amazing job capturing her beauty. Keep an eye out for pictures from their great Chrysler wedding to come shortly.