Archive for the ‘Partner Profiles’ Category

Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!

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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Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!

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.

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

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!

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.

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

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!

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.

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

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!

This week we highlight sweetie-pie Jodie Fisher from Fisher Photography. We love that Jodie wears her heart on her sleeve and sees the world through her camera lens. Her passion and sensitivity shines through her photos! Take it away Jodie!

Fisher Photography

Tell us a little about your company?  Fisher Photography started in 2005 on the East Coast and is now located in Placerville, CA.

When did you establish your business?  2005

What sets you apart from your competition?  I think what sets me apart from my competition is that I am Jodie Fisher (the woman behind the camera), a true heart and soul. May sound super corny! Actually, it does,but I wear my heart on the outside of my body. Does that explain it?

Where do you find inspiration?  I find inspiration everywhere. It seems as I look upon everyday things that occur, I am looking through my camera lens even when my camera is not with me. That must seem odd to the non-photographer, however, to me, it is just how I see life. I view the light in my surroundings often. I search for textures and buildings. Driving is my main inspiration. There is so much to find just by driving around and scouting out locations. Magazines are another source of inspiration for me. My children are a huge inspiration as well. They keep my mind young, vibrant and full of ideas.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  My promise then and now is always customer service, of course. I remember a bride phoning me crying because her mother-in-law had just passed away a month after the wedding, and she was trying to copy pictures at one of those Kodak machines in some one hour location for the funeral. I calmed her down, spoke to the manager and then faxed my ID and business information right away so she could scan those precious last images captured of her mother-in-law for the funeral. It is always about giving your clients your whole self.

What trend do you see coming for weddings?  I see unique weddings happening more and more. Themes seem to be where weddings are heading. Traditional seems to be taken over by the latest trend and theme.

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  I do blog. Just started recently because I know people are interested in the recent happenings of my business. The address is jodie-fisher.blogspot.com

Do you Facebook?  I do Facebook A LOT and have actually booked weddings, portraits and events from Facebook. It is such a great networking tool. facebook.com/FisherPhotography

Can you share a funny/embarrassing/touching story about one of your clients?  When I first started my business, I will never forget this one particular wedding!! It was September 17, 2005. All was great through the day. The weather was perfect! The ceremony was beautiful! The reception was a huge party through dinner and then BAM…Hurricane Rita hit the New Jersey Coast.

It was unreal. The storm was loud…pouring rain, thunder and lighting. The party went on at the yacht club until…all power was lost. The DJ just stood there and was stunned. The yacht club did not have backup power. The only lights were the emergency lights by the doorways. No power = no air conditioning either. The bride just sat down, put her head in her hands and then looked up at me and said, “Are you going to leave now?” I wanted to cry for her. I looked at her and said, “Why would I do that?” Most of her guests left. The few that remained circled around her and her new husband and started singing. They sang “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks.

Even telling this story now, I still get choked up. It was the most special day of her life, and the weather made it interesting to say the least. I remember how the best man was on his cell phone calling for a generator at every local business who supplied them. He finally found one, and the party was restarted once it was powered up for the DJ. It only powered the music but that was all that was needed for one amazing reception after the storm.

The love of the family and friends that remained to celebrate the union of Julie and Jim was something I will never forget. I photographed her sister’s wedding a year and a half later. It was so great to see most of the same family and friends. It was an honor to be selected yet again.

What’s your favorite local restaurant? What’s your favorite local charity?  I have many local charities that I give back to. I believe in giving back. I have recently been accepted as a photographer for Wish Upon A Wedding. On my Web site in the about me will tell you more about the charities I have worked with.

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  I really love to go hiking with my family. California has so many amazing hikes to explore.

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  I indulge in eating out far too much.

What are you most grateful for in life?  I am so grateful for my family and my friends. Okay…who doesn’t say that? It is so true though. I am grateful for the pictures I have of my friends and family who I have lost. When I look back at those pictures, It gives them back to me in a way. The pictures help me remember their crazy smile or funky what-were-they-thinking hair ‘do! The photos give me a sense of peace.

I am so grateful to have professional images of the people I cherish. The down side? I am not in most of the pictures because I am the one behind the camera. Someone told me I should buy a pocket point and shoot camera for family functions so that I can be in some of the pics, too. No one ever knows how to use my camera when it is passed over. I will take that advice!

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  If I could plan my wedding day over? I joke about this with my husband often. Too funny that this question is brought up. I would have booked a different photographer. Seriously! I only have a hundred and thirty 5×5 prints still in a proof album AND…the pictures are boring!!

I tell my husband all of the time, “Let’s go to Vegas and renew our vows! Let’s take some fun pictures at a drive through wedding chapel with you dressed as Elvis and me as some starlet. Let’s have fun in life!” He laughs with me and just says, “How about Kauai?” I’ll take that too! A romantic beach wedding with the sunset? Sounds so wonderful! Someday!

The point? I wish my wedding pictures were different. Thirteen years ago? Traditional was in.

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today? I am not going to say the typical photographer response about make sure you hire the right photographer. That is clearly evident. What I will say? This pertains to after the big day: Just be happy. Enjoy life! Enjoy each other. Rub his stinky feet after his long day of work. Just hold your nose:) Tell her she is beautiful even when the baby spits up on her or her hair is messy and her clothes have snot and finger paint on them from the children.

Remember to still make time for each other as the years go by. Life is about all that happens: the good, the bad and the down right crazy. If you roll with it, your marriage will overcome anything.

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  I am honored to be an advertising vendor in Real Weddings Magazine. I am honored to have the chance to reach out to so many brides and grooms to give them a look into the heart of Fisher Photography. I look forward to discussing the most important day of your lives.

Find out more about Jodie Fisher and Fisher Photography by visiting her Web site, Blog and Facebook Page!

Photos courtesy of Fisher Photography.

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

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!