Photographer's Pic
02-15-12 Photograph
Photographer: Daniel Krieger
Where to find him: danielkrieger.com
Event: Jasmine and George’s Wedding
Article by: Daniel Krieger
Daniel is hands down one of our favorite photographer’s that come through the Foundry! He’s hip, in demand, and best of all, knows how to tell a good story through his lens. Time Out New York voted him Top wedding photographers in New York City! We can’t wait to see what he does next! Here’s a Victorian steampunk wedding he recently blogged about…
“What a special, unique wedding this was. When Jasmine and George came to me they told me about their Victorian, steampunk themed idea for a wedding, I tried to visualize it as we met but it wasn't until the day their wedding came I really got to see all the creativity and effort that they both put into this amazing wedding. From her seriously awesome hot pink hair and shoes to that stunning dress and the handmade timepiece lapels this wedding was just so kick-ass!
The Foundry in Long Island City provided a wonderful backdrop for their vision and from the DJ to the ceremony it was just one big awesome success.”
For more of Daniel’s brilliant pics of this wedding, check out the rest of the article here.
8 Questions with Christine Viola
01-06-12 Interviews
Who: Christine Viola
Craft: Event Planner/Designer
Lives: NYC
Where to Find Her: exquisiteaffairsproductions.com
Why We Think She’s Cool: Because she knows exactly what to do if your dress catches on fire!
Interview by: José
Christine Viola is one of our personal favorites at The Foundry. She brings an energy and passion that’s unique to her own style, and all the events that her and her amazing team have produced at The Foundry has been nothing short of amazing. Not to mention, she was extremely supportive and helpful with helping me organize my first D.O.C. (Day-of Coordinator) gig at The Foundry back in August. She’s honest, brilliant, knows her craft, and we love her for it!
Foundry: So I guess the first obvious question would be, "How did you become an event planner/designer?"
Christine Viola: It's all a blur, really...there may have been alcohol involved. But in all seriousness, it all started right around the time I was planning my own wedding in 2005/2006. I was climbing the corporate ladder in finance and really loved my 9-5 but constantly craved more. I wanted the freedom and reward that all business owners desire and have; I wanted to make my own hours; I wanted to pick and choose my clients; and most importantly, I wanted to complete a job with the sense that I'd just changed something or someone in this world we live in.
On the recommendation of a few friends who said, "You're always planning everything for us. Why not event planning?," I toyed with the idea for many months (while planning my own wedding), since it meant that I would have to say farewell to almost ten years of building my resume up in the world of finance. After my wedding in April 2006, a friend of mine, Sylvia, asked me to coordinate her wedding. Since I didn't have that much experience beyond my own wedding, I researched everything and anything wedding related. Sylvia's wedding came and went without any hitches, and I enjoyed every single minute of planning it. I loved negotiating with vendors, setting up timelines, confirming where everyone should be and and when, and then seeing it all come together flawlessly. Sylvia's wedding led to three other friends' weddings that year, and EAP was born.
I started the business officially in June 2006, and by December I had already booked 12 events for the 2007 season. Those weddings grew to double within the year, and that meant adding staff. In came Tara and Laurie, and without them (also fellow 2006 brides) EAP would not be the success that it is today.
C: EAP Inc. offers Wedding Planning, Day of Coordination, and a variety of creative services including custom designed invitations and stationery. Imagine being able to just wake up to the wedding of your dreams and not worry about the ins and outs of what makes your wedding so beautiful. Our staff is dedicated to making your wedding day all yours and not about those stressful details that we will handle with the utmost care and devotion.
What EAP really strives for is to become a necessity rather than a luxury to brides. There's always been an aura around wedding planners, and that you had to have a hefty budget to afford one. Well, we want EAP to be as important to a bride as having a photographer to document her day. We want to keep our rates as affordable and competitive as possible, so that whatever the budget, a bride can come to us saying, "I have to have you" rather than "I wish I could afford to have you."
F: You have a lot of kick-ass packages. What's your most popular?
C: We offer four levels of service: Full & Partial Planning, Day of Coordination and Decor. While we certainly book our fair share of each one, our most popular has to be our Day of Coordination, Something Blue package. It includes just about everything a bride needs leading up to and on the day of the wedding. It's also the package that's included in both our full and partial planning packages because it ties the day together perfectly.
F: What's the craziest request you've gotten?
C: To plan a New Year's Eve wedding in Times Square with an anticipated guestlist of 450 people (98% from outside of USA). I declined.
F: You're known for your honesty. Can you tell me a time when you've had to steer a bride straight?
C: Honesty is the best policy! I'm hired to help clients plan the wedding of their dreams, and that includes the good/bad/ugly and everything else that comes with it. I've never had to steer a bride straight per se, but if there's something that I just don't think will work (logistically, creatively, etc.), I will be honest and say the reasons why I don't think it'll work. It's all about compromising and coming to a decision together that's going to work best for the overall event.
An example of this was when a bride really, really wanted to use alternating tablecloth colors. I felt it didn't look as mature and refined as it could, and explained to her why. The compromise was that we agreed on one color for the tablecloths, but brought in the other color she wanted through the chair cushions and napkins. The bride and I were both really happy with the overall look in the end, and that's what matters. She even thanked me after the wedding for steering her in the right direction.
C: With my hubby...or sometimes with Tara if Tara and I are working together that evening. We don't discuss how the wedding went until the following day, enjoy a glass of wine, and my phone/email gets turned off! It's leaving work at work and not bringing home the events of the day with you.
F: I love me some Tara by the way. I’m gonna have to grab a glass of wine with her soon. K, let me try to throw you off. Pretend I was a bride on the day of..."Christine, my dress just caught on fire in the dressing room after I foolishly lit up a cigarette in the bride's room! The wedding is in three hours!! What do I do?
C: You know better than to mention wedding and fire with me, right (referencing my December 17 wedding at NYAC, where there actually WAS A FIRE)????
To answer your question...I'd get you out of that dress, hand you a glass of champagne, and immediately leave the room to see what I could salvage of the dress (because we all know I don't carry around a perfectly fitted dress in my emergency kit). If I were able to salvage some of the dress, albeit a shorter one, or less fluffy, then we would work it! If it were completely destroyed, I would call up my friends at a local salon and see what I could get within two hours..and hopefully it would work out.
I'm nervous even answering this question right now...just watch that happen! Oh, and that "guest" that lit up the cigarette - well, let's just say they're in a cab on their way far, far away from the wedding.
F: K, last question. What's your favorite part on the day of the wedding? (Pre-wedding, ceremony, reception, etc.)
C: That single minute that the bride has all by herself right before she walks down the aisle. Even if the couple has already had a "reveal" for pictures prior to the ceremony, that moment is really something special. I usually encourage that time (right before the ceremony) for the bride to be alone and give her that minute to collect her thoughts, anticipate what's about to happen, and sometimes take a quick glance at herself and take it all in. Emotions are always running at high-speed at that point, from nervousness to excitement to pure joy. To be there and watch someone go through it as I did years ago...well, it's just my absolute favorite part of the wedding day.
F: BONUS QUESTION: What do you hope for in the new year? Did you make any sort of New Year's resolution?
C: What I'm striving for in 2012 is to just continue what we have been doing, but better! Continue the one on one relations we have with clients and vendors. To continue learning more, educating ourselves to what's bigger and better out there and most importantly, to rock out amazing weddings!
Check out one of Christine’s Portfolio! Stay tuned for more down the road...
Happy Holidays!
12-23-11
We at The Foundry wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
Photographer's Pic
12-12-11 Photograph
Photographer: Brooke Fitts
Where to find her: brookelynphotography.com
Event: Hannah and Ian’s Wedding
BONUS PIC
Where to find her: brookelynphotography.com
Event: Hannah and Ian’s Wedding
BONUS PIC
Press - Lauren Sozmen
11-29-11 Press
Who: Lauren Sozmen
Owner of: Loli Events
Article by: Weschestermagazine.com
Here at The Foundry, we LOVE us some Lauren Sozmen! Her and her team have been at The Foundry on more occasions than we can count, and she never disappoints! Read this great article by Marisa Lascala at Westchester Magazine…
How does a couple know if there's a need to hire a wedding planner?
The first thing couples should have is a feel for the type of location they want to get married in. If the location is more all-inclusive, like a hotel or a country club, they might not have as much of a need for full-service planning; they might just want someone for the day of. Otherwise, couples have to look at their lifestyle: how much time they have and how much stress they're under. Finding all the vendors, figuring out if they're legit, looking through the contracts, trying to find the best deal—planning a wedding can be like another full-time job. Hiring a planner can take away all that stress. And often couples make back the planner's fee because planners have leverage with vendors.
How far in advance should you hire a planner?
For full-service planning, a year is the maximum. More often, I'd say six to nine months is better. For day-of coordination, it's more like three months.
What duties can you reasonably expect a full-service planner to perform?
At first, a planner helps with booking all of the big vendors: the venue, ceremony location, florist, band, photographer. They go through the process of choosing the vendors and looking at the contracts. Once those are signed, then it's the fun step, the little details like place cards, invites, photo booths, and everything that makes the wedding personal to the couple. The last main responsibility is setting a day-of timeline, so all the vendors are on the same page and the event goes smoothly.
What's outside of the planner's purview?
A big one is the seating arrangement. I don't know if Aunt Susie can't handle sitting next to Uncle Bill. Also, once the event is over, the job is usually over. I've had brides call three months after the wedding and say, 'Can you get me a refund because I wasn't happy with this vendor?' and that's not something we do.
Once a couple decides they want to hire a planner, what's the best way to start searching?
A party planner's website really gives you insight into what he or she does and the overall feel of their types of events. But the best way is referrals and word-of-mouth.
You're ready to sign a contract. What should you look out for?
What happens if the planner gets sick or something happens the day of the wedding? Also, what's the cancellation policy if the wedding gets called off? No one wants to think about it, but you never know. It's also smart to ask if the planner makes any commission from the vendors. Certain planners end up making money twice, because they charge the couple and then they get a percentage back for bringing business to the vendor. I think that's unethical.
How can A couple make sure that a planner fits into the budget?
Look for someone who charges a flat rate. That's huge. You'll pay more if you have to pay a percentage of your overall wedding budget, and even more if you go by an hourly rate, because planners are always going to put in more hours.
What's the biggest mistake people make when planning a wedding?
The best way to really have the wedding you envision is by cutting your guest list. Do you think that person really cares about seeing you get married, or if you're inviting her because you have to or because someone will get mad if you don't? At the end of the day, each guest might cost an extra two hundred dollars. If you have five of those, that's a thousand dollars right there.
What is day-of coordination and how do you know if that's the best option?
Day-of coordination is for couples who have planned the whole wedding and feel confident about it, and just want to enjoy themselves on the day of the wedding. The planner acts as the point person on that day. In my opinion, it's a great investment just to have peace of mind.
Photographer's Pic
11-07-11 Photograph
Photographer: Tory Williams
Where to find her: torywilliams.com
Event: Adam and Eleni’s Wedding (10.14.11)
Torry’s thought on this photo: "Weddings at The Foundry are a photographer's dream—everywhere you look there's a beautiful image. Heading outside for portraits I noticed the bride and groom's silhouettes coming through the door. Luckily I brought my wireless flash to recreate what were seeing, and a couple seconds later we had the best image of the night."
Where to find her: torywilliams.com
Event: Adam and Eleni’s Wedding (10.14.11)
Torry’s thought on this photo: "Weddings at The Foundry are a photographer's dream—everywhere you look there's a beautiful image. Heading outside for portraits I noticed the bride and groom's silhouettes coming through the door. Luckily I brought my wireless flash to recreate what were seeing, and a couple seconds later we had the best image of the night."
The Greenhouse Grows!
09-25-11 Photograph
Photograph by: José
Where: The Greenhouse
We at The Foundry are thrilled that the ivy continues to grow beautifully in The Greenhouse! When Julie, Allison, or myself give tours to perspective couples, it’s one of the highlights they seem to love the second they step inside…
Where: The Greenhouse
We at The Foundry are thrilled that the ivy continues to grow beautifully in The Greenhouse! When Julie, Allison, or myself give tours to perspective couples, it’s one of the highlights they seem to love the second they step inside…
Couple of the Month
09-12-11 Couple of the Month
Couple: Christina & Steve
Married: August 27, 2011
Photos by: Michael Gross
Like we mentioned last week, come rain or shine or in this case--Hurricane Irene couldn’t stop Christina and Steve from having their special day on August 27th. Naturally, we had to choose them as September’s Couple of The Month!
How did you meet?
We met 8 years ago when we were introduced by Christina's sister, Stephanie, and her boyfriend (now husband), Rich. Steph warned Steve that Chrissy was "off limits", and that's the way it stayed...until a 4th of July party a year later. We spent the whole night talking and watching fireworks on the Hudson River!
What was going through your head when you realized Hurricane Irene was going to rain on your parade?
When we found out that Hurricane Irene was going to pay us a visit, we were worried about having to postpone the wedding because we were so close to the evacuation zone and there was the threat of bridge and tunnel closures. The classical guitarist we had booked could not make it, and many of our out-of-town guests wrote us with their regrets. However, we decided that a little wind and water couldn't spoil our special day, so what started as a wedding with dinner under a tent became a purely indoor wedding scheduled to start 2 hours earlier. Months of planning had to be re-worked the night before, but we had amazing support from our families, friends, and vendors, whose positive attitudes and hard work helped us pull it off!
How did everything turn out the day of?
What's next for you guys?
Our honeymoon to Costa Rica had to be canceled because of airport closures, so we decided to spend some time in Manhattan, mostly eating. We went to some of our favorite restaurants, we tried some new ones, and we relived our first date at Corner Bistro. We even saw a Broadway show. Costa Rica will have to wait for another day.
What advice would you give to the next couple who's confronted by the wrath of Mother Nature?
We would tell them to stay positive and focus on what is important, because together they can make it through anything. A little foul weather could force some changes to their plans, but it can't stop a determined couple from having the wedding of their dreams. After all, they say rain on your wedding day brings luck, so it can't get much better than a hurricane!
Video Montage: Kalle & Jesse
09-12-11 Video
Couple: Kalle & Jesse
Married: August 27, 2011
Video by: Joseph Minasi
Kalle & Jesse Highlight Montage from Joseph Minasi on Vimeo.
We're Featured in a Bing Promo with Swizz Beatz!
09-02-11 Press
How cool is it to get featured in a Bing commercial?? A bride who got married a few years ago called up Allison and asked if The Foundry can be used… uh, yeah!! We just passed it around the office and are totally psyched about it!
Check it out…
Check it out…
What Hurricane?
08-31-11 Events
Bride & Groom: : Christina Soohoo & Stephen Lin
When: August 27th, 2011
Photograph by: Gustavo Campos
Article by: DJ Dave from expresswaymusic.com
Come rain or shine or in this case--Hurricane Irene couldn’t stop Christina and Steve from having their special day on Saturday night. Stay tuned, as The Foundry has chosen them as September’s Couple of The Month! In the meantime, here is a great piece by DJ Dave…
The news of Hurricane Irene didn’t keep Christina and Steve from getting married and celebrating on Saturday night at the Beautiful Wedding and Event space The Foundry In Long Island City. In addition to the Marriage ceremony there was a beautiful Chinese Tea Ceremony where newlyweds are “officially” introduced to each other’s family and tea is served as a way for newlyweds to show respect and appreciation to their parents and elders. DJ Dave explained the meaning and significance of the Tea Ceremony to guests.
There was a montage played throughout the wedding on the large Screen. Here is a photo of the best man giving his toast during dinner in the main space.
After dinner(and photos by Mike Gross) guests returned to the Greenhouse space for Introductions, first dance, parent dances , the anniversary dance and cake cutting. Here is a photo of the bride and groom’s first dance which they practiced with a dance instructor prior to the wedding. The first dance song was “The way I am“ by Ingrid Michaelson.
The wedding was catered and conducted by Real Food Catering NYC. Yen, Gary and their smiling staff simply made this wedding happen with 1st rate food and planning!
Usually DJ Dave would set up in the Foundry’s main space but because of the pending hurricane some logistical changes needed to be made and he set up in the New Greenhouse space..it worked out perfectly. Here is DJ Dave at some point during the party.
The Foundry is a favorite venue of Expressway Music (as well of Many NYC Planners and Brides and Grooms). Aesthetically it is a one of kind space. Their staff, run by owner Allison Du Val is first rate…helpful and accommodating.
Many, many thanks to bride and groom Christina and Steven, Yen and Gary from Real Food Catering and Allison and her staff from the Foundry. We wish Christina and Steven a great honeymoon in Costa Rica!!!
Jose's First D.O.C. Gig
08-10-11 Decor
Event: Wedding at The Foundry
Bride & Groom: Priyanka Batra and Chris Leary
When: August 6, 2011
Article by: Jose
After being at The Foundry for nine months, I've learned a lot and have been able to accomplish a few things: from rebuilding the website to giving tours to hosting weddings on the weekends; from serving as Julie's right-hand gal in the office to managing this blog. But at the end of the day I did get certified as an event planner, and it was time to step it up a notch. After Allison and Julie gave me their blessings, it was time to jump in and offer a couple our very own in-house Day-Of Coordinator service.
I met with Priyanka and Chris a few months back to go over the various ways I would serve as their D.O.C: everything from recommending the right vendors to having access to my cell 24 hours/day two weeks prior to their event. If you're waiting for any juicy "Bridezilla" details, I'll tell you right away that Priyanka could not have been a better bride, and Chris could not have been a better groom.
After a few more meetings, creating a timeline as tight as a mason jar, and a couple of changes to their floor plan - August 6th had arrived! I got my first phone call that went a little something like this:
Priyanka: "Hey Jose. Morning. I've got a problem and hope you can help. Somehow we've misplaced the veil. We were hoping maybe my mom put it in one of the bags we gave you last night.”
Me (sweat already dripping down my forehead in my air-conditioned living room): Giving a relaxed sound to my voice, I said, "Let me call Julie at The Foundry to double-check, but I only remember there being favors, fans, and a guest book. Let me see what I can find out.”
I arrive at the Bridal Suite with a veil in one hand and my wedding emergency kit in the other (more on the kit later). Priyanka and Chris were just finishing a delicious breakfast when I arrived. They were extremely grateful, and they both seemed newly relaxed. All I needed now was to make sure everything went according to the timeline I set up. But for the moment, my job was to keep our couple calm.
I enjoyed a nice chat with Chris' mom about a book she was reading, laughed with Priyanka about her late night, and helped Chris with his cufflink. Gave some friendly advice about the rest of the day, answered the hotel door, and ordered a fruit and cheese platter for lunch. Before I knew it...
12:00: Hair - Meg from The Parlour Brooklyn - on time!
1:00: Boutonnière and Bouquet Ashley from Saipua - on time!
1:15: Makeup Jessa from Blades Natural Beauty - on time!
2:00: Photographers and Videographer - Jesse and Whit Chamberlain from
Our Labor of Love and Geoff Boothy - on time!
SWEET! That was great! Now time for me to Zip my way across the 59th Street Bridge...
I have to admit I was nervous about what I would walk into. With Diner NYC catering at The Foundry for the first time, this could've gone one of two ways, but when I walked in, everything seemed under control. Veteran florist Sarah Ryhansen from Saipua and her crew were working their magic, A cool futuristic Smile Booth nicknamed HAL was being set up, Ovenly showed up with the cake, and Sarah Gaskins from Diner was running a tight ship.
Now if only the rain can hold out! My Weather Bug app kept telling me that it was about to begin at 5:00...
Every 15 minutes I was asked, "Jose, what should we do? I think it's going to rain." I've always been a bit of a risk taker, so I chose to hold out. I overheard a staff member who was placing favors on the chairs outside, "This is crazy, it's totally going to rain.” I had an opportunity then to tell Ms. Debbie Downer that she was the only one that was raining on this parade, but instead, I thought it would be more productive to hand her more favors...
4:00: Jackie arrives (My kick-ass Hostess with the Mostess for the night)
4:30: Guests arrive (a bit early, but manageable)
4:45: Bride and groom arrive (a bit late, but expected)
5:15: Wind picks up and catches hold of floral arrangements, which tumble over for a third time...
Before Sarah R. decides to sadly nix the gorgeous altar arrangements for safety reasons, she comes up with the brilliant idea to have a brother from each party take their position along side the urns, placing their foot discreetly, assuring nothing tips during the ceremony.
5:35: Ceremony begins (Clouds picking up)
5:50: Priyanka and Chris are pronounced Husband and Wife!
5:55: Trumpet player comes out New Orleans-style leading guests into The Greenhouse for cocktails.
6:00: Rain begins and no one gets wet!! TAKE THAT, DEBBIE DOWNER!!
After Jessy Carolina and The Hot Mess rocked it out live in The Greenhouse, it was time for dinner! Diner NYC pulled it off brilliantly - from their timing to the guest's last delicious bite! For dessert, I thought it would be symbolic to end where it all began by going back out into The Courtyard, but it was too wet, too muggy, and just not pretty. I made a last-minute decision to have the cake-cutting and dessert buffet back in The Greenhouse, which worked out much better than expected!
First: Priyanka somehow cut her arm - first aid with all supplies - done!
Second: Chris saw I had men's deodorant - raise up your arms, mister!
Third: Priyanka's mom forgot to get some tissues - take some extras and cry away!
Fourth: Priyanka's spaghetti strap snapped! Sewing kit with ivory thread? BAM - got that too! Now go out there and bust a move!
Last hour was spent with EVERY guest shakin' what their mama gave them! Not one guest stopped until the last song. Well done, DJ Crumbcake!
1:30 am: Jackie and I lock up The Foundry
2:30 am: Arrived back home, where my day started.
So what do I think of my first DOC gig at The Foundry? It was work, but I loved the adrenaline and loved solving whatever issues came up. All vendors I worked with were fantastic! Priyanka and Chris exited The Foundry to live happily ever after. The only question i had at the end of the night was, Who's next?
Thanks to: Allison for letting me go for it and Julie for having my back the day of!
Special Thanks: Sarah G, Sarah R, Deana, Asheley, Jesse and Whit, Meg, Jessa, Erin and Agatha, Jay Sanford, Geoff, and DJ Colleen Crumbcake for making this day rock!
Extra BIG Thanks to: Yen from Real Food for guiding me through a cohesive floor plan, Christine Viola from Exquisite Affairs for helping me tighten up that timeline!
Couple of The Month
08-08-11 Couple of the Month
Couple: Michelle & Matthew
Married: August 6, 208
After last week’s “Dinner for Two Please!”, a post about a husband who surprised his wife by bringing her back to The Foundry, people wondered who this couple was! So naturally, we made them our Couple of The Month, and had them answer some of your burning questions…
How did you meet? We met the first day of college at Rutgers University . We were paired up in an icebreaker game as "Bert and Ernie." We hit it off right away and got to know each other throughout our first year at college. We started dating a few months later.
What's life been like since? Life has been great! We live in Manhattan with our dog and have spent the last three years enjoying all that the city has to offer. We have had a chance to do some traveling, relaxing and enjoying being newlyweds.
Matthew, what made you decide to surprise Michelle the way that you did? My original plan was to shut down Times Square and have the dinner in the middle of the street while the Naked Cowboy serenaded us. For some reason, City Hall refused, and I couldn't get the permit.
Michelle, what was your reaction to Matthew's surprising you at The Foundry? Stunned! I was so touched and immediately started crying. It was fun to be back at The Foundry, and I couldn't believe that Matt had made such a special night for me. I'm a very lucky girl.
What's next for you guys? We are very excited to be expecting our first child in January. The fun begins!.
Dinner For Two Please!
08-05-11 Events
Event: Anniversary Dinner for Two
Where: The Foundry
When: August 1st, 2011
Article by: Jose
We at The Foundry love it when something happens that hasn’t been done before. A couple of weeks ago, we got a call from Matthew Aronowitz, a husband who got married to his wife at The Foundry August 1st, 2008. He asked if The Foundry was being occupied on Monday, August 1st of this year, and if not, he was hoping to surprise his wife with an anniversary dinner. He let us know that he’s already got a chef, and that all he needed was the place. Allison and Julie can attest that they’ve seen some pretty amazing things over the years, but this was a first for The Foundry in the 10 years of doing events!
Not only did we have this date open, but the three of us were more than happy to pitch in! In addition to setting up the table, we laid out a trail of candles leading up to the back where they would have their romantic dinner for two. We used floral arrangements from the night before and lit up the alcoves, creating a backdrop that we hoped would bring back a bit of nostalgia from the last time they were here.
At last, everything was in place--candles were lit, chefs were sautéing something tasty, and Julie hit play on their song, Billy Joel’s “Just The Way You Are”. 6:00 PM exactly--in walks Michelle…
As you can imagine, Michelle was overcome by emotion when she realized what her husband had surprised her with. After a long moment, they then walked to the back, danced and held each other before taking their seat. After a perfect dinner, they topped off their evening by visiting The Foundry Terrace.
And us? Glad you asked! Well, of course we couldn’t help ourselves from creeping around the corner a couple of times to see how it was going. Without fail, the three of us had our own emotionally pathetic moment - it was a complete love fest! We kept asking, “Who DOES that?”. Well, apparently he goes by the name of Matthew Aronowitz.
Congratulations Michelle and Matthew! Clearly, your marriage continues to be filled with all the right ingredients!
6 Questions for DJ Colleen Crumbcake
07-20-11 Interviews
Who: DJ Colleen Crumbcake
Lives: NYC
Where to Find Her: popshopdjs.com
Why We Think She’s Cool: Because Notorious BIG’s “Juicy” is in her top 10 Summer jams!
Interview by: José
Foundry: So I guess the first obvious question would be, "How did you become a DJ?"
DJ Colleen Crumbcake: I was always the kid making mix tapes for my friends. When I got to college, I DJ'd at my college's radio station and spun at some bars. Then I headed to Chicago, where I continued DJing at college/community radio stations and bars. Friends would ask me to spin at the occasional wedding and then pass my name onto their friends, but I was never interested in becoming a "wedding DJ."
I moved to New York City to work in TV production, which I did during the week. All of a sudden, I found myself spinning at more and more weddings and events. At that point I realized that I actually really enjoyed working at weddings as much as I enjoyed the party stuff--which was good, because someone posted my name on the IndieBride message board right around then, and it all snowballed. I started getting too much business, decided to quit my full-time job and open popshop! djs. The rest is history!
F: Where did you get your DJ name?
CC: I came up with a very long and silly DJ name when I first moved to New York City for working at bars. East Village Radio morphed my name and the DJ name together, and I decided it was easier and less confusing, but then it stuck in the wedding biz too. Now it's become my actual nickname to most of my friends, which is strange and sort of funny to me. It's actually served me well. People really remember it and seem to find it very cute. I've embraced it in my own way by getting a little tattoo of the word on my arm.
F: So I know you've DJ'd some of the best venues in NYC. How is The Foundry different from some of the others you've done?
CC: Well, the sound system is awesome here. I highly recommend that my clients take advantage of it, because it's a perfectly calibrated system for the space, and the sound levels are always perfect. That's rare, and it always sounds amazing. Besides that, The Foundry is one of the most unique spaces I've been in. It's beautiful but a little edgy (since it is a converted foundry and all), and I adore the staff here. You guys are so attentive and easy to work with. I always look forward to my events here.
F: Have you ever had a Bridezilla on your hands?
CC: Not really. I mean, we've had some brides and grooms that are super specific about what they want, but I can't really say that I've had a true Bridezilla/Groomzilla. Honestly, I used to work in client service in the TV production industry, and I've never dealt with anyone as bad as my old ad agency clients!
F: How do you unwind after each gig?
CC: Depending on how tired I am, sometimes I'll go dancing at one of my DJ friends' dance nights in the neighborhood or just go home, plow through some chocolate and pass out. It's all very glamorous!
F: Last question - can you try and list me ten of your favorite albums?
CC: Jose, this is the hardest question ever! How about my top ten
summer jams (in no particular order)?
1 Kim Fowley - Motorboat
2 Dirty Gold - California Sunrise
3 Washed Out - Feel it all Around
4 Destroyer - Kaputt
5 Jane's Addiction - Summertime Rolls
6 Notorious BIG - Juicy
7 Jacques Dutronc - Les Cactus
8 Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood - Summer Wine
9 B-52's - Legal Tender
10 Robyn - Konichiwa Bitches
Same-Sex Marriage in New York sets off Waves on Engagements
06-27-11 Events
Event: Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage
Where: New York
When: June 24, 2011
Article by: Jose Rolon
According to Yahoo News, waves of gay couples rushed on Saturday to make wedding plans that had been dreams for decades, as euphoria over New York's legalization of same-sex marriage promised to turn a traditional pride parade into an enormous roving engagement party.
In the minutes and hours after the law was passed and signed by Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo late on Friday, sparkling rings were offered and accepted and champagne corks flew to kick off wedding plans likely to add an estimated $284 million to the state's economy, according to a report by the Independent Democratic Conference.
The report estimated more than 21,000 gay and lesbian couples from New York would marry within the first three years and nearly 42,000 gay and lesbian couples from out of state would travel to New York for a "destination wedding."
We at The Foundry couldn’t be more excited! The Foundry has continued to support same-sex ceremonies for the past 10 years, including my very own. Five months before Allison and Julie hired me as the media/event coordinator, my husband and I legally got married in Massachusetts, but had our ceremony at The Foundry on May 15, 2010. Allison and Julie could not have been more accommodating with any concerns we might’ve had. After all, this was new territory for us, and we had to figure which things we enjoyed traditionally, and which things we didn’t. That turned out to be the beauty of The Foundry. It lends itself to create the ceremony you want.
Now couples won’t have to travel out of state to feel like their marriage is legitimate. Same-sex couples can have full legal rights in their own backyard. Regardless of your sexuality, The Foundry, in my opinion, is the best place for anyone to get married if you’re looking for something special and unique.
Friends keep asking if we’re going to have another wedding. Tim and I feel like we’ve already went through the process of choosing a kick-ass caterer (The Raging Skillet), picked our flowers (Verde Flowers), and created our invites (Pancakes and Franks). We’ve tasted our cupcakes (Tonnie’s Minis), posed for our photographer (Michael Rubottom), and danced the night away with DJ Gaza. Most importantly, we’ve already exchanged our vows and expressed our life long commitment to one another in front of our family and friends. Really, all that is left, is to head down to city hall on July 24th, make it legal according to the state of New York, and get myself back to work to help all couples make their dreams come true.
A Quote From One of Our Own
06-21-11 Press
Below is an article done by WNYC on Monday, June 21st where Jose was quoted regarding the gay marriage bill and the impact it will have on event spaces.
“For Wedding Planners, Same-Sex Marriage Could Be a Boom for Business”
As politicians in Albany wrangle over same-sex marriage, those in the business of nuptials are bracing a boom.
Wedding planners and events coordinators are keeping close watch on the closed-door Senate proceedings since legalizing same-sex marriage could add $210 million to New York state's economy, according to a 2007 report from New York City Comptroller William Thompson.
"We're really kind of on edge just hoping that this thing will pass through," said Jose Rolon, media events coordinator at The Foundry, a popular wedding venue in Long Island City. He said business would double if same-sex marriage were legal.
"I think once this becomes legal, I think the community will just jump on (the venue) because it's such a unique, interesting space," said Rolan, who had his own ceremony at the Foundry last year after his legal marriage to his husband in Boston.
Bernadette Coveney Smith, founder of gay wedding planning company Fourteen Stories, opened shop in 2004, when Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, and now, contingent on the bill passing in New York, she said she would open a New York office.
"The wedding industry is so straight and has been for years,” she said. "And so really, this is an emerging market. ... The first emerging market that's opening in the wedding industry for decades."
"I mean I think it’s just really going to blow up," Smith said. "Couples are really looking for someone who will be their advocate and hold their hand."
Lady Gaga at The Foundry
06-20-11 Press
How cool was it to have Lady Gaga come shoot a commercial for Google Chrome at The Foundry? There was a tight lid on the project so we weren’t able to share it with the public, but the commercial (below) has officially been released! We’ve also posted some screen shots of Gaga inside our new space - The Greenhouse! Last pic of her shoes, Allison took when no one was looking:-) What’s not to love about those bad boys?!
The 2nd Annual Valerie Benefit Fund
05-09-11 Events
Event: 2nd Annual Valerie Fund Benefit
Where: THE FOUNDRY 42-38 Ninth St., Long Island City, NY 11101
When: Friday May 13th, 8pm-2am
Music: D-Nice, Dao-Yi Chow, Kovas, Mick Boogie
Drinks: Belevedere, Heineken, Hennessey
Food: Anfora, Dell’Anima, L’Artusi
RSVP: valeriefundrsvp@gmail.com
The Valerie Fund's mission is to provide support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders. Come join us for a good cause! To RSVP: valeriefundrsvp@gmail.com.
ABOUT THE VALERIE FUND:
Our Mission: The Valerie Fund's mission is to provide support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders.
Our Beginning: The Valerie Fund is a not-for-profit organization established in 1976 in memory of nine-year-old Valerie Goldstein by her parents, Ed and Sue.
Our Impact: Families turn to The Valerie Fund because of the unique combination of medical care, counseling, and other services it provides. The Valerie Fund Children's Centers comprise the largest network of healthcare facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders in New Jersey, and one of the largest in the nation. We host over 25,000 patient visits each year.
Close to Home: Today there are seven Valerie Fund Children's Centers for Cancer and Blood Disorders located in major hospitals in New Jersey, New York, and the Philadelphia area providing caring, comprehensive, state-of-the-art outpatient health care to more than 4,000 children and their families each year. This network means that sick children are able to receive care close to their homes. Before The Valerie Fund, many children—such as Valerie Goldstein—had to travel long distances because the treatment they needed was available only at major medical facilities located in large cities.
The Whole Patient: At The Valerie Fund Centers, patients receive far more than treatment for their physical illnesses. Our philosophy is that to truly heal the children with whose care we are entrusted, we must treat them emotionally, socially, and developmentally, as well as medically.
The Entire Family: Childhood disease strikes not only the child, but the entire family. When a child is a patient at a Valerie Fund Center, a staff of social workers, counselors, psychologists, and child-life specialists enfold the child and the family in a blanket of ongoing, individualized care. We firmly believe this approach is the most effective way to fight childhood disease.
Where: THE FOUNDRY 42-38 Ninth St., Long Island City, NY 11101
When: Friday May 13th, 8pm-2am
Music: D-Nice, Dao-Yi Chow, Kovas, Mick Boogie
Drinks: Belevedere, Heineken, Hennessey
Food: Anfora, Dell’Anima, L’Artusi
RSVP: valeriefundrsvp@gmail.com
The Valerie Fund's mission is to provide support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders. Come join us for a good cause! To RSVP: valeriefundrsvp@gmail.com.
ABOUT THE VALERIE FUND:
Our Mission: The Valerie Fund's mission is to provide support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders.
Our Beginning: The Valerie Fund is a not-for-profit organization established in 1976 in memory of nine-year-old Valerie Goldstein by her parents, Ed and Sue.
Our Impact: Families turn to The Valerie Fund because of the unique combination of medical care, counseling, and other services it provides. The Valerie Fund Children's Centers comprise the largest network of healthcare facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders in New Jersey, and one of the largest in the nation. We host over 25,000 patient visits each year.
Close to Home: Today there are seven Valerie Fund Children's Centers for Cancer and Blood Disorders located in major hospitals in New Jersey, New York, and the Philadelphia area providing caring, comprehensive, state-of-the-art outpatient health care to more than 4,000 children and their families each year. This network means that sick children are able to receive care close to their homes. Before The Valerie Fund, many children—such as Valerie Goldstein—had to travel long distances because the treatment they needed was available only at major medical facilities located in large cities.
The Whole Patient: At The Valerie Fund Centers, patients receive far more than treatment for their physical illnesses. Our philosophy is that to truly heal the children with whose care we are entrusted, we must treat them emotionally, socially, and developmentally, as well as medically.
The Entire Family: Childhood disease strikes not only the child, but the entire family. When a child is a patient at a Valerie Fund Center, a staff of social workers, counselors, psychologists, and child-life specialists enfold the child and the family in a blanket of ongoing, individualized care. We firmly believe this approach is the most effective way to fight childhood disease.
21 Questions for Tim Du Val
04-04-11 Interviews
Who: Owner of The Foundry
Lives: Long Island City, New York
Why We Think He’s Cool: He will always have a bottle of Dom Perignon as a backup for anyone who needs it!
Interview by: José
On March 26th, The Foundry celebrated the 105th birthday since the building was completed and occupied by the Emil Calman & Company in 1906. Normally we like to interview folks who come through The Foundry as opposed to those who work at The Foundry. But given this current milestone, I knew I had to take advantage of this moment to interview the man who started it all. In this interview, Tim Du Val reveals his days of sleeping in a construction trailer with wife and business partner Dagny, how he truly feels about Allison running The Foundry, and more! Plus, find out the question I asked that could’ve gotten me fired...
Foundry: First questions: What were you and Dagny thinking 30 years ago when you found The Foundry?
Tim: Well, this was the jewel in the crown. We knew that. The basic structure was here and we knew it would cost a lot of money to fix it, but we wouldn’t have done it justice if we didn’t finish it properly in respect to the building. We actually waited from ’82 until ‘99 to start renovating.
READ MORE...