Real Weddings Partner Profile: Justin Buettner Photography
Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!
This week, we have feature one of the nicest guys we know, Justin Buettner of Justin Buettner Photography. Whenever we send Justin an email, he responds practically the minute we hit the “send” button! We LOVE that! So take it away Justin! (Plus we love him because he filmed a short film in our offices!)
Justin Buettner Photography
Specialty? Wedding Photography
When did you establish your business? 2004
What sets you apart from your competition? Aside from my own style, I do not have hourly restrictions, and I give the copyright and negatives to the bride and groom.
Where do you find inspiration? A love for the visual arts and an interest in people. I love being a wedding photographer because each event is unique.
When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers? Customer Service. Even if people are not booking me but have questions in photography in general, I always take the time to help any way I can.
Do you have any hidden talents? No, most are out in the open.
What color(s) gives you the most joy? Vibrant colors.
What song is the soundtrack to your business day (or at least to how you feel right now)? ”Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride”
What is your favorite flower? Venus Fly Traps, they’re crazy looking.
Do you regularly blog? What’s your blog site? I post on my Facebook page, is that blogging? Justin’s Facebook Page
Where is your favorite place to travel? I have always wanted to visit Australia.
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Any pizza or sandwich shop.
If you weren’t in the wedding industry, what would you be doing? Making movies.
What three things are you most grateful for in life? My family, friends and good health.
If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what element would be most important to you? Music and pictures.
What is the best advice you can give to brides and grooms getting married today? Accept any help you can get. Remember it’s a celebration, don’t forget to have fun!
Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides? It is easy to get bogged down on the details when planning a wedding, just don’t forget the big picture because that is what is important. If you do this everything will work out, I promise.
Photos courtesy of Justin Buettner Photography.
To find out more about Justin Buettner Photography, visit Justin Buettner Photography online.
Be sure to check out his recent Inspiration Board on our blog and some of his other featured real weddings from Real Weddings Magazine:
Rosemarie & Alexander – from our Winter/Spring 2010 Issue
Holly & Jeff – from our Summer/Fall 2009 Issue
Lacey & Cayleb – from our Summer/Fall 2009 Issue
Veronica & Joshua – from our Winter/Spring 2009 Issue
And more at Real Weddings Magazine’s Web site!
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Mini-Moon Monday: Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa
This recommendation comes from a good friend of mine who is also a sommelier, or “goddess of the grape” as I sometimes call her. This girl knows her vino and certainly visits her fare share of wineries on both professional and pleasurable travels.
Recommended Resort: Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos is one of her favorites, and lucky for us, close enough for a romantic Mini-Moon in the heart of Central California’s wine country.
Check In: Fess Parker Wine Country Inn and Spa, 800-841-1104, fessparker.com
Check Out: If you already gathered, Davy Crockett himself is proprietor of the property. Actor Fess Parker purchased the 714 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara Country in 1989, originally with the intention of planting a small vineyard. As his daughter Ashley explains, “Fess is from Texas, so he can’t do anything small,” so the small vineyard grew to a full functioning winery and followed with the addition of the inn and spa.
Mrs. Parker personally designed each of the guest rooms at the inn with “wine country elegance,” some bearing appropriate names such as the Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett Suite. Amenities include guest parking, breakfast for two, a wine tasting for two at BIN 2860 International Wine Shop, a tasting at the Fess Parker Winery & Epiphany Cellars and turndown service.
Don’t Miss: In celebration of the Vintners’ Festival happening the weekend of April 17, the inn will offer a special package that includes all the aforementioned amenities and deluxe accommodations with a fireplace, plus two tickets to the Festival, event transportation and a box lunches from Panino.
The Champagne Spa offers a tranquil poolside setting and a list of wonderfully relaxing treatments from massage to skincare. A new addition, Petros Restaurant, has earned many accolades at its Southern California location, and now opens doors inside the Inn. Featuring the California-Hellenic cuisine, Petros brings you the best of Greece with the freshest Mediterranean ingredients.
Want more honeymoon ideas? Check out our other Mini-Moon and Honeymoon Blog Posts!
Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa.
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You’re Invited…Diamond Bridal Gallery’s Open House
Come celebrate the winners of Diamond Bridal Gallery’s “Bride of the Year” contest!
Here’s the scoop on this elegant exclusive in-store bridal event:
Event: Diamond Bridal Gallery’s Open House
Where: Diamond Bridal Gallery at 6963 Douglas Blvd. in Granite Bay
When: this Thursday, March 11
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Cost: FREE!
Not only will we be celebrating the winners, but you can mingle with industry experts to help you plan your big day. Not to mention you’ll have the chance to see some of the gorgeous gowns that Diamond Bridal Gallery has!
And, we’ll be there handing out complimentary copies of the newest issue of Real Weddings Magazine! See you there!
Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.
Photos courtesy of Diamond Bridal Gallery.
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Save the Date…A Decadent Affair at Wine & Roses
You’re invited to this very special event…this enchanted evening gives brides and grooms an intimate look at the hotel’s beautiful grounds, its event facilities and a chance to visit with the finest wedding service providers in the area. Champagne, hors d’ oeuvres and specialized desserts will be served.
Here’s the 411 on the event:
Event: A Decadent Affair, presented by Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
When: Sunday, March 21, 2010
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Wine & Roses Hotel Restaurant & Spa at 2505 W. Turner Road in Lodi
Cost: $45 per person pre-registered, $55 per person at the door. Tax not included.
RSVP: rsvp@winerose.com or 209-371-6162
For more information, log on to Wine & Rose’s Web site.
Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.
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Expert Tips: Finding the Right Make-up Artist
There is nothing like having your own personal hair and make-up team (just ask our cover model finalists!), and for your wedding day, we think it’s one of the essentials so that you can picture perfect.
We recently asked hair and make-up pro Raquel Siders from Image Provocateur and VIP-Cat Make-up Academy (she was on the hair and make-up team for this issue’s Real Weddings Magazine cover model winner Kimmi — pictures featured here),to offer up some advice on finding the right make-up artist for your big day! Here’s her advice:
“If you are planning on hiring a professional make-up artist on your wedding day, find an artist you are comfortable with, one who listens to your needs and one who offers constructive advice. Look at portfolios if available and do a trial run so you can see how you will look on your wedding day.
At the time of the trial run try and have your hair done in the way you’ll be wearing it on your wedding day as different hairstyles influence the way your make-up should be done.
When you decide on the lipstick, lip pencil and perhaps gloss and powder you will be wearing the day of your wedding, ask the make-up artist if it is possible to purchase those particular products for the day of your wedding as touch ups in those particular areas will be required.
If you have a particular color you want to wear on your lips, bring it to the trial run and see if it works with the overall look.
Some make-up artists will ask the bride and the bridal party to bring their own mascara. This is for sanitary reasons only! It is always a good idea to take this precaution.
Make sure when doing your trial run to view make-up in different lights if that is possible because on your wedding day, you’ll be having photos taken in multiple areas. It is ideal to apply make-up in a room with natural light.
And finally, if you feel comfortable with your make-up at the end of your trial run, you should try to book the artist immediately because if you are marrying during a busy season your make-up artist probably won’t be able to hold the date without a commitment.”
Thanks Raquel!
Stay tuned to Real Weddings Magazine for more guest bloggers with expert tips!
For more information on Raquel and her team at Image Provocateur and VIP-Cat Make-up Academy, visit their Blog, Web site or call them at 916-474-5578.
Real Weddings Magazine Winter/Spring 2010 Cover Model Finalist photo shoot photography by Jodi Yorston Photography. For additional credits on dresses and flowers, please see page 60.
Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
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