November 6, 2010.  It was a shimmering, clear night; the air charged with a vibrant liveliness….

Stars were shining over and inside this year’s venue for the spectacular SHINE event.  Mercedes Benz of West Chester, PA was the gracious host for this critical fundraiser transforming its showroom into a stunning 5-star venue.  It was apparent that all those who contributed to the evening did so from their hearts; beginning with the Mercedes Benz valets to the fabulous Philadelphia caterer, Perfect Setting Catering, the floor-shaking band “Mr. Greengenes”, to the local businesses and individuals who kindly donated items for the silent auction… and of course to the open pocketbooks of everyone who participated.   The proceeds from SHINE are used to directly benefit patients and their families by offsetting the costs of cancer care and support services offered by the Cancer Program of The Chester County Hospital – a member of the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network.

The “Shining Star of the Evening”, Cathy Gabrielsen was recognized for her unique approach to helping those undergoing cancer treatment.  She knows the medical network all too well as she faced, endured and triumphed over her own cancer diagnosis several years ago.  At that time, her 2 toddlers and everyone in the family needed a hug.  But, those hugs were literally painful at times due to surgery, treatment, fatigue.  Cathy and her husband Scott vowed that once she was well, they would help other families and their children; ensuring that hugs and play was part of these family’s lives, no matter how ill the parent may feel.  Please see Cuddle My Kids for more information and maybe become a volunteer yourself.

On a personal note, I felt so honored to photograph this year’s SHINE event.  I was also asked and proud to donate a family portrait session.  My family has been directly impacted by this horrendous disease.  It is true that when one member of the family has cancer, the entire family experiences it.  We are extremely fortunate to have access to the services of The Chester County Hospital, The Cancer Program, and all the brilliant, caring staff who provide both medical expertise and a kind word, as needed!

SHINE started with a fundraiser in 1998 with Maria McCool, owner of The Calista Grand Salon and Day Spa, and her staff raising the first funds in this program.  Over years the event grow and the SHINE committee formed to manage all SHINE activities.

The 2010 SHINE Committee…

Watch in HD the video slideshow with silent auction and raffle items …

Click here to view the embedded video.

The “Shining Star of the Evening”, Cathy Gabrielsen …

Watch in HD the video slideshow with guests, gala honorees and dancing …

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click ‘ Continue Reading’  below for more (catering, band) …

For more SHINE event food photography, please click here.

On November 6th Perfect Setting Catering, Berwyn, PA, catered at the annual SHINE Gala benefiting The Cancer Program of The Chester County Hospital. To view the post with photography from the event, please click here.  The setting was very different here than at receptions and wedding venues that I am most familiar with.  The Mercedes-Benz dealership in West Chester is located in an elongated building that is different than most dealerships we see around.  It is very interesting architecturally and it was fun to photograph.  For the gala reception the dealership moved all the cars from the elongated showroom and the catering stations were setup on a series of tables along one side of the showroom with lots of room in between.  The order and presentation of everything was great, with many catering staff members available to serve everybody.

The ambient light was great for food photography.  One of my favorites, to photograph and to taste , was the Petit Filet of Beef, Sauteed-to-Order in Demi Glace.  One of the sides was a Chester County Mushroom Ragout.  Love our local Chester County Mushrooms!  Other side options included Gorgonzola Cheese, Creamed Leeks or Fried Shallots.

A beautiful day with a gorgeous bride and her groom. Angela and Joe were a wedding photographers dream – well organized, prepared and ready for their day. As was the weather.

The bride, groom, families and friends made September 11th a day of remembrance with this special event in their lives. They honored the day, their families and each other – as you can see in the photos.

The opportunity to work with these families, and Angela and Joe, became a special event in my life too.

The food – in a word: WOW! The Carlino’s staff understands food and prepared it for this event’s cocktail hour and desserts with love, creativity and passion. Equally excellent were the meals prepared by the Union League of Philadelphia.

My thanks to Joe Pulcinella who graciously second shot for me and captured some of these timeless wedding day images. Also, special thanks to my tall, wonderful son who was my personal assistant from the beginning to the end of this day and without his help and equally great camera images the day could not have worked as smoothly as it did.

Angela wore a pair of beautiful Manolo Blahnik’s.  The Manolo Blahnik brand increased greatly in popularity in the last few years thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker

Fashion & Services:

Florist: Flowers by Yukie

Wedding shoes: Manolo Blahnik Sedaraby d’Orsay pumps

Ballroom and reception catering by Union League of Philadelphia
Cocktail hour, wedding cake, and desserts by Carlino’s Market
Monogram cake toppers by Toppers with Glitz
Band – Jellyroll
Slideshow music by Leah West

Special dances:

First Dance: “Everything” by Michael Buble
Bride/Father Dance: “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
Groom/Mother Dance: “The Only Child” by Jackson Brown

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Signature Tiramisu, Carlino’s signature dessert.  A true Mascarpone custard, layered with cocoa, chocolate flakes, & espresso soaked lady fingers

Apple Bavarian & Honey Tuile, Lemon Brule Triangle with a Cranberry and Scarlet Orange Sauce

A Cream Filled Eclair -  one of Carlino’s popular delights!  Their own homemade Italian custard, which is a secret recipe passed down by Mama Carlino herself!

“Chocolate Trio”  White Chocolate Mousse layered with Kaluah Infused Ganache and Raspberry Coulis, a Rosette of Double Chocolate Mousse, & a slice of Carlino’s Chocolate Decadence Kaluah Cake