This week we highlight entrepreneur Sandy Keller, owner of Advantage Bridal. Sandy is an inspiration to all of us here at Real Weddings Magazine! Not only does she run a very successful online retail business, she has also founded 2B Restored, a charity that helps uninsured women who cannot afford breast reconstruction after a cancer diagnosis. What an amazing lady! Take it away, Sandy…

AdvantageBridal.com

Tell us a little about your company?  Founded in 1992, we operated two bridal shops before moving to strictly online in 2004. We love being creative and designing unique items for our brides, including one-of-a-kind apparel items and personalized gifts only found on AdvantageBridal.com.

What sets you apart from your competition?  Our huge selection of more than 22,000 items on our site, plus thousands of personalized wedding invitations and gifts available on our partner sites. We offer many exclusive items that are only sold on our site and are not available elsewhere.

Where do you find inspiration?  Styles from the fashion industry both in the U.S. and abroad, and we receive many requests from our brides. We love making their dreams come true by creating new items upon request.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  Highly personalized service and the very best prices.

Do you have any hidden talents?  Yes, I can remember all of my former car license plates, phone numbers and other useless information!

What trend do you see coming for weddings this year?  More custom touches, with monograms and custom accessories.

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  Yes, site.advantagebridal.com/blog/

Do you Facebook?  Yes, facebook.com/AdvantageBridal

Can you share a funny/embarrassing/touching story about one of your clients (you don’t have to include their name)?  I once had an appointment with a bride, her sister and her mother so they could shop for some accessories. The bride had a headpiece and veil on, and was admiring herself in the mirror. Her sister asked about the significance of the veil over the bride’s face, and her mother replied, “It’s the symbol of virginity.” The bride quickly threw the veil back over her head and said, “Then I cannot wear it!” Her mother yelled, “What?” and the bride realized that she’d just revealed something of a very sensitive nature and turned beet red.

What’s your favorite local charity?  2B Restored, the charity I founded to help uninsured women who cannot afford breast reconstruction after a cancer diagnosis. Advantage Bridal carries a great line of pink ribbon apparel and accessories which help raise funds for my charity.

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  My children, husband and I love participating in Mustang cruises and shows.

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? Yes What is it?  Long, hot showers.

What are you most grateful for in life?  My husband, children and the rest of my family.

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  Photos and a video — I would splurge on those!

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Don’t sweat the small stuff. There’s no such thing as a stress-free perfect wedding. At the end of the day, you will be married and that is the prize…focus on that!

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  We are eager to hear from brides because we love helping them make their wedding dreams come true. Every bride is unique and her wedding is too. We appreciate the privilege of being a part of such an important occasion!

Find out more about Sandy Keller and her team at AdvantageBridal.com by visiting her Web site, Blog, and Facebook Page!

Photos courtesy of AdvantageBridal.com.

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This week we highlight the beautiful Fearon DeWeese of Fearon May Events and Engaged Now What?. Fearon is one busy girl! Not only does she run two great businesses, she’s the mastermind and coordinator behind the annual Lavish and Fabulous event! Take it away, Fearon…

Fearon May Events

Tell us a little about your company?  Fearon May Events is an event planning and wedding design company.

When did you establish your business?  May 2010 but I have been in the wedding industry for over 11 years.

What sets you apart from your competition?  We create weddings that are personal and designed to fit the bride and groom’s personality, interest and style.

Where do you find inspiration?  I love Pinterest and I also find inspiration, believe it or not, from wandering around Home Goods.

What trend do you see coming for weddings this year?  A big trend I see this year is creative menus. I think more brides and grooms are moving away from the traditional beef and chicken to food stations, tacos and hamburgers especially from food trucks. I also see a creativeness with desserts such as gourmet popsicles and pushup cake pops.

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  I blog with really important stuff, not so much everyday. You can read my blog here.

Do you Facebook?  Yes, you can ”like” me on Facebook here.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  I love Jack’s Urban Eats.

What’s your favorite local charity?  I am doing an event for 1st Touch Foundation & The Athlete’s Closet. It’s a great organization.

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  I love to get drinks with friends. I am a socialite and love to meet and mingle with other wedding professionals.

What are you most grateful for in life?  I am very grateful for a loving husband that is very supportive of everything that I do and is always there for me.

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Get a videographer!!!! The day goes by so fast and at the end of the day all you have left are your wedding pictures. Most couples don’t think of a videographer as something they HAVE to have and decide not to have it. Every bride and groom that I know who did not have a videographer regret it so much. Pictures are wonderful but they only capture a moment. Video you actually get to hear the words, music and experience of you wedding day. Here your father’s speech, watch your first dance, and relive the event of your life over and over. My husband and I watch our wedding video every year on our anniversary.

Find out more about Fearon DeWeese, her businesses and upcoming events by visiting her Web site, Blog, and Facebook Page!

Photos Credits in order of appearance: ”Spanish Eyes” photos courtesy of Eye Connoisseur Photography, “All you need is Love” photos courtesy of Carmen Salazar Photography, “Urban Cowboy” photos courtesy of Christopher Kight Photographers, “Heavy Metal” photos courtesy of XSiGHT Photography & Video, “Moulin Rouge” photos courtesy of Sharpe Photographers, “Havana Nights” and “Walk Down the Aisle” photos courtesy of Shoop’s Photography.

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This week we highlight the adventurous Loren Sperber of Villa Florentina. Loren grew up picking grapes at his family’s vineyard in Napa. He brought all his passion for life, family and nature right here to our own beloved Foothills! Loren says, “Come discover how here at Villa Florentina smiles come more easily, the wine flows more freely, and people again remember how to bathe in life itself.” Ok, count us in! Take it away Loren…

Villa Florentina

Tell us a little about your company?  Villa Florentina is a unique wedding venue and inn located in the beautiful wine country foothills of California. We provide our luxurious Villa, breathtaking views, and countless amenities to couples seeking the ultimate wedding experience.

When did you establish your business?  We opened our doors in late 2011 and are already making a splash with brides and their wedding planners.

What sets you apart from your competition?  There is a concept that I call “understated elegance” which defines Villa Florentina. Even though the venue is absolutely luxurious and stunning, it remains welcoming and unpretentious. You may feel that you are at an ancient villa in the hills above Florence, but never in a ballroom at the Bellagio!

Where do you find inspiration?  Two things continually inspire me. One is the power and grace of nature. The other is the power and grace of love.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  It was more a promise to myself, but it applies to all of my guests. I believe that an elegant and unforgettable wedding should be within reach for all of us. I promised myself that I would always work within my guests limitations to make their dreams come true.

Do you have any hidden talents?  I’m a six-time logrolling champion…no foolin’!

What trend do you see coming in 2012?  Feathered hair and terry cloth…with lots of polyester!

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  Blog? I hardly have time to sleep!

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  One that features locally sourced ingredients.

What’s your favorite local charity?  The American River Conservancy.

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  Any day paragliding or paddling the river is a good day in my book.

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  I thought you said you wanted “brief” answers…this one might take a while!

What are you most grateful for in life?  The love and support of my family and friends.

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?

1. Venue

2. Photographer

3. Lots of meditation

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Your day is going to be fabulous! Put your heads together to plan, then just relax and let it happen!

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  The best weddings I’ve witnessed are both rooted in tradition and free of the constraints of history. If we take the opportunity to create our own vision, it will be truly unique!

Find out more about Loren and Villa Florentina by visiting their Web site!

Photos courtesy of Villa Florentina.

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This week we highlight the amazing team of Hui and Wen at 555 Photography! These besties sure know how capture the individuality of each person they photograph. What an incredible talent! Take it away guys…

555 Photography

Tell us a little about your company?  555 Photography is Hui and Wen. We focus on providing beautiful wedding images that tell your unique story. 555 Photography was founded by best friends that just happened to share the same “555” street address in different cities.

When did you establish your business?  2009

What sets you apart from your competition?  Each client is unique. We spend time understanding our clients’ stories before the cameras start clicking. We make sure to get to know them so that we capture their special day in the most meaningful and memorable way.

Where do you find inspiration?  We get inspiration from our clients’ stories, from living in the beautiful bay area, from family and friends and from everyday life.

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  Yes, 555photography.com/blog

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Little Star Pizza

What’s your favorite local charity?  HandsOnBayArea.org

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  Walk around the city and take photos of all the interesting things that make San Francisco unique.

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  Law & Order rerun marathons!

What are you most grateful for in life?  Being able to use my passion for art to help clients capture their memories.

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  Definitely photography! The photos are going to last a lifetime.

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Make sure you have fun! It is your day after all.

Find out more about 555 Photography, and Hui and Wen by visiting their Web site, Blog, and Facebook Page!

Photos courtesy of 555 Photography.

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This week we highlight the super talented Diana Miller from Diana Miller Photography. Not only has Diana been taking beautiful photographs in the greater Sacramento area for years, she also been sharing her knowledge by offering very popular photography classes and writing informational articles! Way to go, Diana!

Diana Miller Photography

Tell us a little about your company?  Diana’s passion for photography began as a child in after receiving her first camera at age 10. By the time her first roll of BW film was developed, she had already decided she would become a photographer. After studying photography in high school and accepted to the Art Institute in Pittsburgh, fate brought her into a medical career.

Initially working as an EMT/Firefighter, Diana went on to become a registered nurse (R.N.). After moving to CA and working night shifts in the NICU, Diana took day classes at Sacramento City College studying photography, as well as practicing her technique with friends. She finally opened her doors for business in 1993 and became a full-time photographer. Now in her 18th year of business, Diana is in high demand for her portraiture, weddings and political event photography.

What sets you apart from your competition?  Being an R.N. for 14 years taught me before each job to make a plan, then have a back up plan, be flexible, go with the flow and be fast on your feet when nothing is going according to plan! I am very comfortable working with people and putting them at ease in front of the camera. Two comments I hear a lot from brides is that I brought out so much emotion in their pictures, and that they didn’t even remember us taking most of the photos! We are experienced and know what we are doing. We want to get the pictures you want quickly and get you to your guests so you can enjoy the most special day of your life.

Diana is the past president of the Professional Photographers in Sacramento Valley and was also named “Wedding photographer of the Year”. She has written many articles and teaches classes on photography and was featured in Rangefinder Magazine.

Where do you find inspiration?  Watching the light and how people interact. I love watching people, watching how the ambient light changes the mood and location of where we are, and being inspired by both.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  To treat everyone the way I would like to be treated, to give them the best possible service and experience with their wedding photography.

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  Yes, dianamiller.com/blog

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Silver Sake and Miso. Two brothers own them so it’s a tie!

What’s your favorite local charity?  Women’s Empowerment. I do volunteer photography for them several times a year.

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  Hang out in midtown, visit the Crocker, go bike riding.

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  Salt and vinegar chips.

What are you most grateful for in life?  My family.

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  The photography! I got married very young and didn’t put much thought into my photographer. He was very difficult to work with and hardly got any good photos of our wedding. I still regret it after 26 years of marriage!

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  The food is eaten, the cake is gone, the flowers are dead, the dress is packed away. What memories do you have from one of the most important days of your life? What do you have to pass on to your children and grandchildren?

Find out more about Diana Miller by visiting her Web site, Blog, and Facebook Page!

Photos courtesy of Diana Miller Photography.

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This week we highlight the husband and wife team of Cael and Deana Kuhlman from Reel to Real Video. If you haven’t thought about hiring a videographer for your wedding, take it from us… it’s a must!  Just about every real wedding couple we feature who didn’t hire a videographer, regret it!  Take it away guys!

Reel to Real Video

Tell us a little about your company?  We’re a husband and wife videography team that specializes in capturing every moment of a wedding day.

When did you establish your business?  2002 after our own wedding.

What sets you apart from your competition?  We strive to be our clients’ eyes and ears for the day. We don’t want to miss a moment. That way our clients can sit down after their wedding and experience their wedding day as their guests did.

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  Yes, we post photos of our clients as well as clips from their weddings and tips reeltorealvideo.com/blog

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  We have a weakness for chocolate fountains at weddings. A chocolate dipped crème puff hits the spot after a long day of shooting!

What are you most grateful for in life?  We are so fortunate to be doing what we love and sharing in other people’s love for a living! There’s nothing better than spending your weekends surrounded by happy people in love.

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  Making sure my guests were entertained! Ten years ago when we got married, there weren’t fun things like photo booths, and candy/cookie/desert bars weren’t as mainstream.

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  It’s tempting to “hire” friends but you really need to hire professional vendors. We made that mistake with our own wedding!

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  Not hiring a videographer is one of the biggest regrets that couples have after their wedding. The day goes by so fast and so much of it they aren’t even there to see. In the age of YouTube and Facebook, it’s surprising that couples don’t hire a videographer.

Find out more about Cael and Deana Kuhlman from Reel to Real Video by visiting their Web site, Blog, and Facebook Page!

Photos courtesy of Reel to Real Video.

Do you have the new Real Weddings Magazine iPhone and iPad App?

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This week we highlight the lovely Amrit Dhillon-Bains from Anaïs Event Planning & Design. Amrit’s attention to detail and colorful creative talents will blow you away! Take it away Amrit!

Anaïs Event Planning

Tell us a little about your company?  We are a boutique special events company that specializes in planning and designing Southeast Asian weddings and celebrations.

What sets you apart from your competition?  My acerbic wit! No really, I believe our close focus on the individual personalities of the couple sets us apart.

Where do you find inspiration?  Everywhere! Although, the most magical inspirations come from our fabulous clients and their personal love stories!

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  It’s the same today – attention to detail you won’t find anywhere else.

Do you have any hidden talents?  Well, you see, I’m a speed reader. I was born with a rare genetic condition that allows me to excel at reading (and auto-correct atrocious spelling and poor grammar in my mind while doing so)! On rare occasions, I’ve carried this over to live conversations. Yes, results were tragic at best.

What trend do you see coming for weddings in the next year?  Couples are booking their vendors early. A blessing really, since cultural weddings come with an average guest count of 400+. The sooner you begin planning – the better in control you are!

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  Yes, at www.anaisevents.com/blog

Do you Facebook?  Oh yes, a little too frequently I must admit but if we don’t, we get requests for new content. We’ve been kept on our toes. www.facebook.com/anaisevents

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Paesanos

What’s your favorite local charity?  Anything I can help with!

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  BJ’s chocolate chip ‘pizookie.’ Yum!

What are you most grateful for in life?  Every minute.

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  Photography. Instead of letting the wallet decide, I would listen to the heart!

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  A wedding is a party, not a performance. If at the end of the day you’re married to the one you love, then everything went perfectly. This wisdom is courtesy of Pinterest by the way, a site that will change your life.

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  Remember to take a moment every now and then to breathe, laugh and enjoy each other as you plan your BIG day. It’ll all be over very soon but those memories will stay golden!

Find out more about Amrit and Anaïs Event Planning & Design by visiting her Web site, Blog, and Facebook Page!

Photos courtesy of Anaïs Event Planning & Design and their respective photographer.

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This week we highlight sweetheart Sandi Stewart from The Library Galleria a.k.a the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria. Sandi is an absolute pleasure to work with and we think all of our Real Weddings brides would feel the same way. Take it away Sandi!

The Library Galleria aka the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria

Tell us about your company:  The Library Galleria is part of the Central Public Library facility at 828 I Street in downtown Sacramento. The Galleria complex includes the Galleria, a stunning 5,400-square foot five-story atrium that accommodates up to 350 for a banquet. An additional 150 can be seated on the adjoining Balcony, making the Galleria one of the largest wedding venues in Sacramento.

The complex also features two 1,600-square foot meeting rooms suitable for bridal parties to prepare for the event or provide a kids’ room should one be needed. Brides can choose from seven of Sacramento’s top caterers for their dining pleasure. The Galleria staff provides highly personalized service so every event is unique. The Galleria’s dramatic art and décor assure that the wedding photographs are striking and memorable.

When did you establish your company?  When the Central Library facility was rennovated in 1992, significant meeting space was added to allow for all-staff meetings, lectures by authors and other library programs. But entrepreneurial spirits expanded the original concept and came up with the idea of renting out the space for events to not only bring more people into the library but also generate revenue to support public programming, book acquisition, and literacy projects. And so, one of Sacramento’s premier event venues was created and is now host to hundreds of weddings, receptions, proms, corporate parties and more.

What sets you apart from the competition? The artistic elements in the room and its height and configuration really set the Galleria apart, allowing free play for a bride’s imagination. Whether you’re thinking of a spring time in Paris theme and want a two-story Eiffel tower as part of your décor or you want to delight your guests with a mini-Cirque du Soleil, the room’s design enhances your personal vision. You can also go with a library theme and feature your favorite author (Ask to see photos of our Willie Wonka wedding reception!)

The room features many artistic elements such as three giant wheels of glass in the ceiling, each panel a prism refracting the light, each wheel representing one of Sacramento’s rivers. The beautiful terrazzo floor is inlaid with brass elements continuing the river theme. And the balconies are trimmed with oak, iron railings and sculpture. You don’t need a lot of decorating dollars to have absolutely gorgeous and unique photos of your event. And, by holding your wedding and/or wedding reception at the Galleria, you support the library and its literacy and book acquisition programs. You can dance, drink, and do good works all at the same time!

Where do you find inspiration?  From Real Weddings Magazine, of course, and from various other industry, art and theatrical publications with great photos of memorable events.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  We promised a beautiful venue, top quality catering and outstanding service to create memorable events…and we think we’ve held true to that commitment.

Do you have any hidden talents?  The ability to wear more and more hats! Flexibility and good humor are essential for anyone in the events business!

What trend do you see coming in 2012?  Frugality is essential in a tough economy, but brides will utilize every bit of their ingenuity to create their dream wedding.

Photo by Christopher Kight Photographers

Photo by Christopher Kight Photographers

Photo by Christopher Kight Photographers

Photo by Christopher Kight Photographers

Photo by Christopher Kight Photographers

Do you regularly blog?  Nah, I’m charging through life, swapping hats, solving problems and looking forward to the next event!

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Naturally, my favorite restaurants are run by the Galleria’s outstanding caterers, Culinary Specialists (Mulvaney’s), Fat’s, Griselda’s and Il Fornaio, although our other caterers who don’t run restaurants are outstanding as well: All Seasons All Reasons, Beth Sogaard Catering and Classique Catering.

What’s your favorite local charity?  The Sacramento Public Library Foundation, of course.

What is your favorite thing to do locally?  I love good music and dancing so I frequent some of the local blues dives.

Do you have a secret vice or indulgence?  I don’t think this is a secret, but I love to read mysteries by Janet Evanovich. When I ride light rail, you should see the expressions of fellow passengers who hear me laughing out loud reading her books.

What are you most grateful for in life?  I am grateful for my son, who has turned into a tremendous young man, volunteering to serve his country in the military, learning to be an EMT and save people’s lives. He’s so focused on his family, his country, his unit and becoming the best person he can be!

If you were to plan your own wedding or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  The most important thing about your wedding is marrying the right person. Everything after that is just a piece of cake.

What advice would give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Following up on the previous answer: Marry the right person. Think about this major life decision a lot, not just about the hormones.

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  Once you’re engaged to the right person, try to enjoy planning, producing, and attending your wedding! It’s a great party! It’ll hone your investigating and negotiating skills as you find out what’s important to you, your fiancé, and your families to create what we all hope will be a once in a lifetime, most memorable event!

Find out more about Sandi Stewart and The Library Galleria by visiting their Web site!

Photos courtesy of The Library Galleria and Christopher Kight Photographers.

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This week we highlight our friends at Sienna New American Grill.  Sienna is an amazing restaurant with a one-of-kind ambiance that’s perfect for any special occasion.  We absolutely love celebrating there (and just going for some fab cocktails and food)!  Take it away Mark and Karoline!

Sienna New American Grill

Tell us a little about your company?  Sienna is a 9,500 sq ft upscale-casual eatery, bar and restaurant perfectly suited to host your next function. The cuisine is New American prepared from scratch by Executive Chef Jon Nelson & Executive Sous Chef Jarrod Hnzidil.

Our inviting space features four beautiful fireplaces, a Chef’s Table for 10 within the 3,600 sq ft kitchen, private dining with full audio and visual capabilities, a wood fired pizza oven, a large white marble bar top and the best outdoor dining in the region!

When did you establish your business?  Sienna was founded by owners Mark & Karoline Platt and opened for business February, 2010.

What sets you apart from your competition?  Sienna is a destination location with close proximity to the Sacramento area. Designed to look like a California Tuscan Villa (think stone, carpets and stunning grand patios),

Sienna will sweep you away with its wine country feel. With eight different private dining options to cater events up to 150 guests. The menu is innovative and delicious with simple elegance to lavish rare delicacies.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  We set out to create a special and unique dining experience, yet keep the affordable component. Sienna has many different facets and was designed to be a restaurant you could visit several times a month without breaking the budget, yet offer exceptional, fresh cuisine.

Do you Facebook?  Yes, you can visit our page at Sienna Restaurant here.

Find out more about Sienna New American Grill by visiting their Web site and Facebook Page!

Photos courtesy of Sienna New American Grill.

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This week we highlight spunky Anna Hernandez from Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases. Anna is passionate about weddings and loves adding that unforgettable special moment for couples on their wedding day.  If you haven’t seen her doves in action, you’re missing out!  They’re absolutely breathtaking!  Take it away Anna!

Photo by Jensen Photo Booth

Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases

Tell us a little about your company?  Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases provides the traditional release of white doves representing love, peace, fidelity, luck and prosperity. They are specially trained to fly home quickly and safely and are not harmed in any way.

We also offer unique items of decor and special touches including antique bird cages, swan topiaries and the prettiest little Flower Girl/Ring Bearer Wagon in town. I was going to SCREAM if I saw one more Radio Flyer spray-painted white!

When did you establish your business?  After witnessing a dove release for the first time at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles (I burst into tears, I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen!) and after years of research (read: procrastination) Whitebird hatched in 1991.

What sets you apart from your competition?  I’ve seen dove release companies come and go really fast over the past 20 years. Even low prices couldn’t keep them in the game. My brides have told me I sound like I really know what I’m talking about, they can tell I love what I do and that I really care not only about their wedding, but about the birds, as well. I AM more than “just The Dove Lady.” I like to help with referrals and suggestions based on my 20 years of weddings and special events. I want all my brides to have a pretty wedding!

Where do you find inspiration?  From the birds themselves. It’s so amazing that they can find their way home from hundreds of miles. They are excellent parents and both husband and wife (they really do mate for life) take equal responsibility for incubating the eggs and feeding their babies. They’re like little miracles of nature.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  I promised that I would bring the most beautiful, unique, memorable, romantic and symbolic touch to their wedding with an emphasis on creating a personal experience for each. I absolutely encourage the couples’ creativity and custom releases are our specialty.

Do you have any hidden talents?  Ask anybody about Oh! Babette’s 24Kt. Caramels. I love to cook and bake, especially. A co-worker even trusted me to make her wedding cake (a success, but never again!). I’ve won ribbons for my African violets (truth: two ribbons at one show, but still!). And I’ve managed to keep a Japanese Reeves turtle alive for 26 years! Her name is Frank.

What trend do you see coming for weddings in the next year?  I don’t know nuttin’ ’bout no trends. I tell my brides to do what they want without regard to what’s fashionable. If she likes puce and alstroemeria, I say, fire it up! I’ll avert my eyes.

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  I started “Notes From Anna” on my website (whitebird.com) in 2003 before I’d even heard of weblogs. It was basically for my own amusement/therapy and a way of sporadically documenting things I’d seen at weddings: both the good and the not so much. I offer helpful hints from a PPOO’s point of view (Picky Person’s Opinion/Observation), as well as just plain ol’ getting stuff off my chest. There’s even a killer chocolate pudding recipe.

Do you Facebook?  Oh, dear. It’s a verb? (sigh) Yes. I was dragged kicking and screaming almost a year ago. I would like to be able to spend more time on my Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases page (“Like” us?), and resurrect “Notes…” in an abbreviated form, this time with pix. But, my Anna Lisa Hernandez page gets most of the action (“Friend” me?). Alas, “like” and “friend” are now also verbs. Oy.

Photo by Sharpe Photographers

Photo by Pach/Phillips Photography

Photo by XSiGHT Photography & Video

Photo by The Dove Lady

Photo by Andrea’s Images Photography

Can you share a funny/embarrassing/touching story about one of your clients (you don’t have to include their name)?  There was a couple who was very religious and wanted the doves released when they kissed for the first time. I kinda got the vibe that this really COULD be their first kiss!! I am totally from The School of Timing Is Everything, so with the whole “very religious/first kiss” thing in my brain, I had my finger on the trigger…waiting for THE MOMENT. Then they kissed — a little, teeny, tiny peck, just as I had expected, and the doves took flight. Then the groom grabbed his bride and laid one on her that made ME blush! I would have liked to do that one over, but it was sweet and charming and passionate and spontaneous, and I just hope her family thought so, too.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Right now it’s Taylor’s Kitchen. A bit on the spendy side, but most of their appetizers are a full meal! You’ll see nary a baseball cap or t-shirt in there! Arrive early enough to browse the gourmet grocery next door.

What’s your favorite local charity?  I wish I had time to dedicate myself to and actively participate in a particular cause. But over the last 20 years, local communities seem to be pretty happy with my donations of $$$ and services for such events as the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall Opening, Playground Dedication at Loaves & Fishes, B.T. Collins Center (WEAVE) dedication, Victims March on the Capitol, Habitat for Humanity Home Dedications, numerous 24-Hour Relays, Sharing Parents Memorials, Firefighters’ Annual Memorials at City Cemetery, Sacramento Heart Walks, and Walks to Defeat ALS, Leukemia, Cancer, to name a few.

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  I like to take family and out-of-towners on the Hornblower Sunday Brunch Cruise. It covers ALL the bases. You’ve got your Sacramento River, your quality time, your meal time, your accolades for thinking up something cool and different, and, hellooooo! bottomless mimosas! Then you can attack the Old Sac shops primed with the aforementioned adult beverages while they wear off. Shopping is always better with a little, um, let’s call it inspiration.

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  I like to share my vices and indulgences, so no secrets. Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts at 12th and F. Carissa Jones and her staff will put anything you see in her darling display case in a box. Just point, they put it in the box. Point, box. As much as you want! My mom and I got a box full and we sat in the car and chowed like no one was watching! I hope no one was watching.

What are you most grateful for in life?  My husband. He’s the nicest, kindest, most decent, talented human being I’ve ever known. I have an interesting life, loyal friends and a successful business, but without him, there would be a lot less love, laughter and light. Those corny sayings: completes me, be a better person, soul mate, blah, blah, blah (sorry) are all true with him.

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  Oh, the flowers! How does anybody choose a floral designer? There’s so much talent in Sacramento. And once you’ve chosen your designer, how do you narrow down your flower choices even among what’s in season? Mine was easy — I had 30 minutes to put a bouquet together (white freesias, white tulips, cosmos buds and variegated pittosporum). The cake would be very important, too. I never got one, but I have a plan that might come to fruition for our 10th anniversary next year.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Don’t be in a hurry to get married! Give your love a chance to mature. If you’ve chosen well, that blazing fire will mellow into glowing embers that will keep you warm the rest of your life. (That’s so good, I must have stolen it.)

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?   YES!! “Two words: Hire Professionals*! You’re on the right track picking up a copy of Real Weddings Magazine, so I’m not worried about YOU. But, to your sisters out there — your fiance’s personal assistant cannot be trusted to photograph your wedding. Your sister’s boyfriend cannot get your party started equipped only with an iPod and really big speakers. Cousin Jess doesn’t even really know how to work his new-fangled video camera, much less understand the anatomy of a wedding celebration. True stories. And I got a million of ‘em. I don’t want to scare anyone, but hiring professionals is like an insurance policy. You can’t say you weren’t warned.” *be sure two of them are a videographer and a wedding coordinator…there are NO do-overs!

Find out more about Anna and Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases by visiting her Web site, Blog and Facebook Page!

Photos courtesy of Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases.

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