Time 100 Gala: Amy Poehler, Mark Wahlberg & Chris Colfer

Last night I attended the 2011 Time 100 Gala in New York City to celebrate Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. Unbelievable...the whole evening was spectacular. The performances by Bruno Mars and Sting were the best I've ever heard {videos coming soon}, and the speeches and toasts by the inspirational honorees were thought-provoking, funny and touching.

Gracious celebrities, artists and honorees happily posed for photographs with me during the cocktail hour before the dinner. I have so many photos to share from the evening, I'll share them over the next few days {savoring the experience!}

One of my favorite photos from the Time 100 Gala was with Mark Wahlberg. He gives off a quiet and sweet yet confident energy. He was kind, courteous and approachable. When I introduced myself, he shook my hand with his left hand because he had an injury on his right hand. I immediately thought of "The Fighter." When I look at this photo of Mr. Wahlberg, I see a positive and sincere man. Congratulations, Mr. Wahlberg, on your much deserved Time 100 award.

Amy Poehler was a hit at the gala. She just sparkles, I tell you!  I was lucky enough to get one photograph with her {with my iPhone}. When she arrived she spent a lot of time posing for photographs with various honorees and guests. I told her I was a huge fan and I'm sure I said something strange, but she was sweet enough to take a photo with me. Then she was off to find her "date" who she had abandoned during all of the publicity photos.

One of the highlights of the dinner was Amy Poehler's speech, which I captured on video - thank goodness! She gave a hilarious and touching toast dedicated to the two nannies of her two young sons. She's a superstar and it's obvious in this video of her toast.

Glee star, Chris Colfer is also on Time 100 list and I feel very lucky to have had this moment with him. He arrived just before the dinner started and had very little time for photographs. I didn't get a chance to say much, except that I was thrilled to meet him and offered him a heartfelt congratulations. I honestly don't remember what he said. I was mesmerized by his smile, youthful glow and his overall presence in the room. 

Chris Colfer watching NJ Governor, Chris Christie, give a toast.

I have much more to share with you later today and through the rest of the week. I normally don't share so many photographs of myself, but I think this experience justifies the over indulgence. I hope you enjoyed it! 

Doesn't my husband look so handsome in his tux?

The cocktail reception came with an amazing view of Central Park and the city.