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Ann Johnson, Chairwoman for the NYBG Conservatory Ball and me
Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
The
New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Ball was one of the most opulent and coveted
society events of the season.
With
ticket prices starting at $1,500, the evening brought out the crème de la crème
of New York and Greenwich, Connecticut society.
The theme of the Ball was "An evening in the Italian Renaissance Garden of Padua" which was inspired by Europe's first botanical garden that was created in 1545 at the University of Padua, in the Venetian Republic. It was a breathtaking sight that could only be rivaled by the guest’s extravagant gowns
and jewels.
A total of $1.5
million was raised that evening to benefit NYBG’s
plant research, conservation and education.
The New York Botanical Garden is a museum of plants,
an educational institution, and a scientific research organization. Founded in
1891 & now a National Historic Landmark, it is one of the greatest
botanical gardens in the world.
Visit nybg.org to learn more about the gardens.
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
I was
lucky to receive a very last minute invitation to cover the Ball for my blog.
When I say last minute, I mean day of the Ball. I knew it was one of those once
in a lifetime opportunities that I couldn't possibly miss. There were just
three things standing in my way…
1. Fancy gown
2. A photographer
3. A ride down from Manhattan up to to the Gardens in the
Bronx
I
decided to tackle each obstacle in order of importance. The first was of course
the gown. My friends at THEIA, the evening wear collection inspired by the Greek Goddess of light were kind enough to let me run down to their
gorgeous showroom in Manhattan. It didn’t take long for me to spot a stunning turquoise tulle ball gown.
It was truly love at first sight and I knew it was the perfect dress for the
Ball. I thanked the THEIA team profusely for the last minute favor and rushed off
to get ready for the Ball.
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
With
obstacle one out of the way, the next thing standing in my way was a
photographer to capture every beautiful moment of the Ball. After receiving a
few “it’s too late to go” responses I heard back from Robert Benimoff, an amazing NYC
based photographer and videographer. Like my photographer in shining armor he
shot every single one of these incredible photographs at the Ball.
Finally,
the last obstacle was a means of getting down to the Bronx. I called every
possible car service to no avail as it was too last minute to book a car within
an hour’s notice. With obstacle one and two out of the way there was no way I
was going to let not having a ride keep me from going to the Ball. My only
feasible option of getting to the Bronx was hailing a taxi. An unsightly
obstacle four in the form of a rain storm appeared and threatened to end a fairy tale night that never had a chance to begin. As any New Yorker would
know, getting cab during rush hour in the rain is nearly impossible. Luckily, I
thrive in impossible situations so I quickly walked across the street to a
nearby hotel and begged for the doorman to hail me a cab. Who can possibly say
no to a girl in a THEIA ball gown?! 10 minutes later a free cab came to a
sudden halt in front of me and I was whisked off to the Bronx for the
Conservatory Ball.
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
Upon
arrival Trumpeters greeted every entering car as if each guest was one of the
royals. Valets rushed over and put an umbrella over my head as they escorted
me inside the Perrenial Garden for the cocktails and hors d' oeuvres portion of
the Ball. Every entering guest was personally greeted by the Ball’s co-chairs,
Gillian Miniter, Patti Fast, Cosby George and Ann Johnson.
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
I had
a chance to mix and mingle with the evening’s elite, including Milly fashion
designer Michelle Smith who wore a beautiful yellow dress with blue flowers
from her collection.
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
Socialite
and philanthropist, Jean Shafiroff was the belle of the Ball with her lovely
pink flower adorned gown. I went over to compliment her on
brilliant choice and was not the least bit surprised to hear that Zang Toi was
the masterful designer behind her incredible look. Bravo!
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
Trumpeters
once again sounded their horns to mark the closing of the cocktail portion of
the evening and let guests known that it was time to enter the Conservatory
tent for dinner and dancing.
The New York Botanical Gardens Ball was a fairy tale experience that I will never forget. Thank you again to the New
York Botanical Garden for extending the invitation for me to cover the event and
to THEIA for giving me the opportunity to be a modern day Cinderella in your magnificent
gown.
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
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| Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff |
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