Manny Hernandez Speaks at Miami Book Fair

Celebrity photographer and SocialMiami columnist Manny Hernandez made an appearance at the Miami Book Fair for the release of his second hardcover containing thick, glossy pages, “CANDIDS Miami2.” The series, which will include three releases from Wynwood Books, documents Miami and the beaches in the 1990s. This edition contains a photo of Melania Knauss before she took the last name Trump. In this shot, the future First Lady of the United States is at Bar Room in 1999 for the issue of Ocean Drive magazine party in which she appears on the cover. Hernandez says he recalls seeing her in the corner and handing her the a copy of the magazine for the shot. There’s one of Golden Girls actress Estelle Getty, who Hernandez surprisingly discovered was celebrating a birthday at the Miami Shores Country Club in 1997. Hernandez says he recalls giving her a knife to cut the cake in the photograph, which she jokingly held as a dagger. In the photo of Monica Lewinksy for her book signing at Books & Books in 1999, humor writer Dave Barry is looking on. Hernandez told his book fair audience he sent the photo to Barry, who responded with an immediate phone call and a request to use it in his fictious presidential campaign. Also in CANDIDS: O.J. Simpson with mariachis, Jennifer Lopez dancing at the Fountainbleau in 1998, RuPaul at the Delano Hotel in 1999, Margaret Thatcher at the Mami Beach Convention Center in 1993, Jay-Z performing at MTV Spring Break, Steven Tyler at Jimmy’z at the Forge in 1998 and more. Each person buying a book that day received a photo of Prince — who Herandez declares his, “favorite artist of all time” — performing at the Miami Arena in 1997.

Hernandez has been a renowned photographer for over 30 years. In addition to his work with SocialMiami, his photos frequently land in the likes of the Miami Herald, Ocean Drive, People, Vanity Fair, Newsweek, Vogue, The London Mirror, and countless other publications. CNN aired his photos when Prince died while VH1 and dozens of documentaries have relied on Hernandez’ work to create for their own viewers a strong celebrity impact.

Click Here to Get Your Copy of CANDIDSMiami2 

Give Miami Day

Give Miami Day, an online campaign run by The Miami Foundation to promote community giving, raised a whopping $34 million for local charity organizations this year. Organizations with the mission of supporting everything from animals to inclusion plus children, health, economic development and more participated in the city’s largest, collective outreach program. The Million Dollar Match component for all non-profits has an anonymous donor matching the first $25 of every unique individual gift that comes in, until each nonprofit has earned $1000. Plus, there are prizes thoughtout the day categories including The Night Owl Price ($1500 to the organization getting the most donations between 12 and 1:30 a.m.) The Lunch Time Special Prize ($1,000 to the organization that “orders up” the most unique gifts between 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.) and The First Gift Prize ($1,000 to the organization that receives the first gift on Give Miami Day.)

No.3 London Dry Gin Debuts in Miami

Celebrating its U.S. debut, No. 3 London Dry Gin hosted an exclusive, invitation-only unveiling party at the The Sacred Space Miami.  guests enjoyed an interactive experience designed to highlight the spirit’s botanical heritage. The immersive brand experience welcomed world renowned mixologists including Julio Cabrera, Andy Cabrera, Jeremias Barn and Christian Delpech, with the legendary Alessandro Palazzi showcasing his craft.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more exquisite debut of No.3 London Dry Gin in Miami,” said JP Calabria, No. 3 Miami Brand Ambassador. “The energy, vibrancy and discerning culture of Miami is the perfect location to offer an intimate exploration of the gin’s nuances. We are now well positioned to establish No.3 as the premier gin brand in Miami and beyond.”