From New York to Atlantic City

Whether we’re in Atlantic City, New York or right here in Philly, spending time with my girlfriends is one of my absolute favorite activities! I wish I could do it more often.
The last few months have been quite busy especially with three weddings coming up in the next month, but 'Fashion Frenzy' happened before the onset of bridal showers and bachelorette parties! During Valentine’s Day weekend, a few of my girlies and I took a mini-vacation up to the Big Apple to attend a Fashion Week show at the Waldorf Astoria. This jaunt was definitely something I’m glad we did (and was so pumped for since its inception) because it was ultimately so much fun! After our quick ride – due to Erin’s speedy driving – we arrived at the parking lot adjacent to the San Carlos Hotel, where we spent the night. From the moment we parked, we should have known the weekend would be memorable. After telling the parking attendant we were going to attempt to check in early, and asking if we could come back to the car to retrieve our bags, Erin and Marlena headed to check in. Not even ten minutes later when we walked the 100 feet or so back to the parking lot for our bags, the parking attendant had already moved the car. And, albeit not in a close location. Instead, he parked on the fourth floor.
When he originally wanted to take only one person with him to gather the surplus of bags, Erin knew better. She wouldn’t be able to carry our load herself so she took Marlena along as Veronica and I waited at the bottom of the metal stairs wondering if there was an elevator available. To break it to you lightly, there was not and this was before we realized the car was parked on the top floor. With all eight bags in tow, the parking attendant only offered to carry one and that wasn’t even until the last flight, Erin and Marlena struggled down the steps, but looked like movie stars nonetheless.
Back in our room, we proceeded to dress up for the Fashion Show at the Waldorf down the street. We chatted about what we were wearing, what shoes looked best and how we were going to do our hair as well as how nice the hotel was, which was a great choice (thanks to Erin)! After placing finishing touches on our outfits, we headed to the Waldorf for the show. I must say we fit in nicely and did not stick out, like we thought we would.
When taking our seats in the third row, we were excited for the show to begin even though we didn't know the designer. Walid Atallah was the elegant gown designer, whose final piece was a $1.2 million bridal gown.

Runway shots including the bridal gown finale and interior lighting on the walls of the Waldorf.

Inside the Waldorf before the show - we needed a group shot.  

Before the show, we had some extra time to briefly tour Manhattan, where we encountered a Cookie Monster looking for some change.

After the show, we headed to Pescatore for dinner and Branch Nightclub to end the night on a high note.  

GINA'S BACHELORETTE PARTY

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - APRIL 24, 2010

On April 24, 2010, we headed down to Atlantic City for Gina’s Bachelorette Party festivities. Erin - Gina’s maid of honor - planned our evening along with her bridesmaids to a T. We enjoyed dinner at Mia in Caesars with some of Gina and Mike's family. Pineapple upside down shots in our hotel room followed dinner. We even soaked up some extra girl time before heading to a show and then out at Dusk for some drinks and dancing. By the end of the night, many of us were walking barefoot, which I think is a sign of a fun evening! Instead of going into detail, the photos below give a sneak peek into the weekend's fun events....Congratulations Gina and Mike! I'm so excited for your wedding and for the beginning of your new life together...countdown to less than two weeks! Woohoo!

The Bridal Party in front of Mia before the start of the night...

Gina and her mom!

The Bride-to-Be!

 

Kris, Me and Mar....Me and the Bride in the hotel room before heading out!

After dinner, we headed to the next festivity of the night in Atlantic City...let's just say, it was an interesting part of the night and a memorable one!

At our table.....

Maid of Honor, Erin, Gina along with bridesmaids Marlena and Veronica

We thought the place was a little sketchy at first...hence the faces!

But we warmed up to the venue....

Toasting to a wonderful evening celebrating Gina's last nights of singlehood!

Our Verde Champagne and elegant container.

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

The night continued to Dusk, where I have a few pictures of random people...just a snippet are below (thanks to Veronica, Erin and Shannon for some of the photos below too)...

"I live for the nights I can't remember with the friends I'll never forget!"

Random guys...who seemed to be enjoying themselves all over the dance floor. 

A couple photos toward the end of the night before we ended up at The Pier.

I CANNOT wait until next time.

"A friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself." - JM

My girlfriends and I (no matter the occasion) are always ourselves with each other. I love them all and spending time with them whenever possible...more events and memories are sure to come!