The Couple: Mandy and Scott Martinez

Editor’s Note:  If this gorgeous bride looks familiar at all, it’s because she was our real bride model for our bridesmaid fashion feature at the Sacramento Zoo in the current issue of Real Weddings Magazine!

 Wedding Date:  September 6, 2009

Photography by Sarah Maren Photography

Tell us a little about you and your beloved: My husband always swore he would never meet his wife at a bar, boy was he wrong! We love living an active lifestyle, and are total partners in crime. We appreciate the good, the bad and everything in between, and challenge each other to keep life interesting. I was bored until I met Scott, he is my spice!

What was the most amazing part of your day? My dad loves his vintage hot rods, and what’s not to love about a suped up 1937 Ford Cabriolet Coupe with flames down the sides? That was my “horse and carriage” to the aisle. I am sort of a daddy’s girl and that moment sitting there waiting to drive up with my dad, we had a heart to heart that was priceless. He walked me down the aisle to “Every Little Thing She Does (Is Magic)” by The Police and when we pulled up everyone started cheering. I mean standing ovation and screaming! Then I saw my groom, it was just incredible, it moved my core.

What else would you like to share about your big day? Our wedding had a classic vintage theme with bright colors and a crystal chandelier at the reception site. Just one for impact, not too much. I think you can make the statement you want and set the mood within your budget by reasoning “less is more” because really, it is!

Ceremony and Reception Site: David Girard Vineyards

Photographer: Sarah Maren Photography

Cake:  Divine Desserts

Flowers: Olivia Rose

Favors: Antique brass bells

Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal from The Bridal Box

Bridesmaid Dresses:Dessy from The Bridal Box

Hair:  Christina Hamilton (Bridesmaid)

Makeup:  Annie Limmond (Bridesmaid)

Invitations: Carlson Craft, Papyrus

DJ/Entertainment:Gary McCallister

Honeymoon location: Dominican Republic

Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out?  My caterer, Bocca Catering… yummy!

First Dance Song: “By My Side” by Ben Harper

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Sit back and enjoy the ride! Everyone says “don’t stress” but of course you are going to. Just try to let others help that want to help, you aren’t Superwoman. And make sure you pick a theme for your wedding, it makes ALL your other decisions easier; if it doesn’t fit the theme, it goes.

 Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? Not really, I loved it all!

Photos courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography.

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

Hey all you gorgeous Real Weddings Magazine brides!

Have you ever wanted to be on the cover of a magazine?

Well, here’s your chance!

Each issue of Real WeddingsMagazine features real local-area brides on its cover!

Hundreds of real brides enter, and ultimately three are chosen. Those three real brides get to participate in a day-long photo shoot where they get the chance to vogue it up in front of the camera.

All three of our real bride models will appear on one of our Real Weddings Magazine covers (like the Summer 2010 cover featured above with our cover brides Nicole, Sarah and Jillian) and then ultimately, one of our real bride models will be chosen as our cover model winner and appear on the cover of Real Weddings Magazine on her own (like the Fall 2010 cover featured below with our cover model winner Sarah).

So if you’re a local bride or a local just-married (cannot be married before January 1, 2010) and you’ve got cover aspirations, then you need to enter! Hurry, the deadline to get your entry in is August 15th, so get movin’ toots!

Need an entry form? Click here to download it now!

If you’re going to enter…one word of advice, show us your personality on the answers to the questions — we love working with brides who have a lot of spunk, personality, humor and who are just darned cool girls. Be sure that your answers really reflect who you are! Oh, and don’t forget to include photos that really show your personality coming through as well!

Also, be sure to read all of the rules to make sure that you’re eligible to enter and are game to participate!

We cannot wait to see your entries so get them in soon!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Cover photos by True Love Photo, © Real Weddings Magazine. For additional cover model shoot photos and details, please see magazine.

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

This week, we highlight the very gracious and talented Jan Straub from By the Gate Flowers – one of Jan’s gorgeous bridal bouquets appears on the current issue of Real Weddings Magazine — it’s the one that Jillian (far right) is holding! Love it! 

Take it away Miss Jan!

By The Gate Flowers

What sets you apart from your competition?   By The Gate Flowers is the 2009 Mountain Democrat Readers’ Choice award winner(editor’s note: and a perennial favorite in our Style Magazines’ Readers’ Choice Awards!). Artistic design,attention to details, and response to customers is foremost in mind. Designing flowers is an art form, similar to painting. A blank canvas transforms the beauty of nature and life. A wedding is truly the sustenance of life, adorned by the beauty of living nature.

If you weren’t in the wedding industry, what would you be doing? Painting nature and flowers.

Photo by Love at First Click, © Real Weddings Magazine.

Photo by True Love Photo, © Real Weddings Magazine.

 Photo by True Love Photo, © Real Weddings Magazine. 

Jan’s thoughts:  Is there anything more exciting or joyous than a future bride planning her perfect wedding? That’s why I love my job, feeling confident that I will have a happy bride and groom who will have received more than imagined in flowers without worrying that it will all come together.

My relationship with the bride is personal, attentive, and open. I’m not satisfied until my mind’s eye matches the bride’s. No matter the vision, theme, budget or style, the flowers will be a work of art beyond what is expected. My bride’s are relaxed and can attend to other details, knowing that I will bring to life a perfect floral wedding event.

What is the best advice that you can give to brides and grooms getting married today? Planning your wedding is suppose to be fun; live it up. Fun is free!

Find out more about Jan and her team at By the Gate Flowers for yourself. Call them at 530-622-7834.

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Perfectly perched on humming Ocean Avenue, visitors get shopping and restaurants right at their doorstep and the beautiful SoCal beaches are just across PCH. It’s an ideal summer retreat for the couple in search of surf, sunshine and social time.

Recommended Resort:  Hotel Shangri-La. Built in 1939, the modern, deco structure long drew Hollywood’s elite, providing them a seaside retreat to hide away from the masses. The gorgeous, streamline white structure has been lovingly preserved, and interior designer Marc Smith has given the inside an big upgrade, bringing back some of the ’30s glamour and mixing in some modern touches. Rooms are sleek, some boasting kitchens and Pacific views. The Dining Room, also overlooking the ocean and Palisades Park, serves up fresh fare with ingredients from the local Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.

Check In:  1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica. 877-999-1301, shangrila-hotel.com.

Check Out:  For the month of August, take advantage of their Romantic Santa Monica Vacation package. This great deal includes two nights in a two-bedroom, Luxury Ocean View Suite, with an oversized ocean-view soaking tub, a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne, bath products by Fresh, a bouquet of flowers, chocolates and breakfast in bed each day!

Don’t Miss:  The pool scene. The Courtyard boasts the only 100 percent solar heated swimming pool in Los Angeles. DJ parties are held every Thursday through Sunday, attracting a good-looking, social crowd for dancing and cocktails through the evening. During the day, lounge back in one of their plush chairs, sip a cocktail and enjoy the amazing view. Life is good.

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 Hotel Shangri-La.

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

As a bride, you should be extra prepared!

Real Weddings Magazine has always encouraged brides to create a custom “wedding day emergency kit” for all of the unexpected challenges that could possibly arise on your wedding day. In the pages of Real Weddings Magazine, we have suggested the following items:

Well, we just added more to the list! Braza products are an essential addition to your wedding day emergency kit. Braza has thought of EVERYTHING… and I mean EVERYTHING!

The Braza product line includes a wide range of sweet little “helpers” to assist us girls with everyday fashion emergencies. Fashion dilemmas don’t stand a chance with Braza’s convenient, comfortable and discreet fixes.

Braza even has taken the guesswork out of creating your own emergency kit and offers complete kits for all sorts of different situations. They even have a “Bridesmaid’s Diva Kit” that would make a great bridesmaid gift (one that your besties can actually use after the wedding).

Even if you end up problem-free on your wedding day, these products will never go to waste. I keep a fashion emergency kit in my car and it has definitely come in handy. You never know when you might need some flash adhesive tape (or as my hubby calls it, “tata tape”)!

According to Braza’s company slogan, no need to worry about a thing, “Problem Solved!”

Check out all of Braza incredible products at www.brazabra.com

Blog Post by Aimee Carroll, resident Girl Tested, Bride Approved Columnist.

Photos courtesy of www.brazabra.com

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

To bring you up to speed…recently, the Sacramento chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) held its second annual tabletop design contest hosted at Sun City Roseville’s Timber Creek Ballroom.

Like last year’s event, these amazingly talented wedding professionals put their creative hats on and came up with some exceptionally interesting and unique tablescapes. Once again, we’re honored to showcase these professionals’ designs in the pages (print and online here!) of Real Weddings Magazine!

This week, we feature: First Place: Romantic Category – Designer: America’s Party Rentals with Contributors: Visual Impact Design  and  Sweet Cakes By Rebecca… enjoy!

Special thanks to Andrea’s Images Photography (andreasimages.com) and Siegel’s Portrait Design (siegelsportraits.com) for their gorgeous photos featured here!

Photo by Andrea’s Images Photography.

Photo by Andrea’s Images Photography.

Photo by Andrea’s Images Photography.

Photo by Andrea’s Images Photography.

Photo by Siegel’s Portrait Design.

Photo by Siegel’s Portrait Design.

Photo by Siegel’s Portrait Design.

Photo by Siegel’s Portrait Design.

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

We’ve discovered a few dreamy dresses from designer Forever Yours sure to make hearts flutter. Regal and ravishing, these gorgeous gowns could make any bride feel like royalty. Trumpets sound…let the procession begin:

This strapless satin gown with an A-line silhouette features a scalloped neckline with beaded and embroidered lace on the bodice. A drop waist dramatically segues into a beautiful pick-up skirt decorated with scattered appliqués. Shown in Ivory.

Taffeta and tulle complement this full A-line silhouette with 72-inch train. Strapless and two pieces, the back laces up on a bodice with an exquisite beaded floral design. The tulle underskirt also features beading and elegant embroidery. Shown in Bridal Light Ivory.

A splash of color highlights this satin and strapless trumpet number. A gathered neckline in a color of your choosing matches a back bow and buttons that run the length of the 72-inch train. Adorable!

All three of these Forever Yours dresses can be found at The Bridal Box, 8546 Madison Avenue in Fair Oaks. 916-961-1500 or www.thebridalbox.net

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Forever Yours.

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

The Couple: Tom Lata & Bethany Perez

Wedding Date: October 10, 2009

Photography by Lisa Richmond Photography

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:  Tom is currently studying to become a nurse anesthetist at Samuel Merritt University and has been involved in health care in different functions for 18 years. While Bethany has remained a physical therapist at a major hospital in Sacramento for just over five years. We initially met at work and quickly became friends as we both shared many commonalities. We had our first date in May of 2007, progressing quickly as met each other’s respective extended families by July. On February 2nd, 2008, Bethany had a night of surprises waiting for her which started with a lovely dinner and a stay within a suite at the W hotel in San Francisco, planned by Tom. After dinner, they arrived at their room to hear Bethany’s favorite song permeating through the suite door. As Tom opened the door for Bethany votive candles illuminated the suite with a path of rose pedals leading in, awaiting Bethany’s arrival. He then handed her a ring and asked for her hand in marriage. To Bethany’s delight, Tom had advised her Dad of his plans and obtained his blessing previously. The very next morning, Tom’s parents aware of the plans, surprised them with a Champagne brunch to celebrate the special occasion!

What was the most amazing part of your day?  Tom said: Seeing my beautiful Bethany walk down the aisle with her Dad gazing at her. Bethany says: Those brief moments together between the ceremony and the photographs immediately after we were married. We were both glowing and grinning ear to ear with the excitement of our union. It was a very intimate moment…

What else would you like to share about your big day? We selected our wedding date because it was Bethany’s grandparents anniversary and the Birthday of her niece Tristan, our flower girl  . We feel fortunate that our families united together with our union.

Ceremony Site & Reception Venue:  Monte Verde Inn

Photographer:  Lisa Richmond Photography

Videographer:  Artistic Imagery

Cake:  Monte Verde Inn

Flowers:  O’Shays Flowers

Favors:  White chocolate dipped licorice made at home!

Wedding Dress:  Casablanca 1900 in Champagne purchased at Bella Donna Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses:  David’s Bridal

Hair & Makeup:  Denise Viertel at Article

Invitations:  Handmade

DJ/Entertainment:  SJ’s Disc Jockey

Honeymoon location:  Tokyo, Japan

Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out?  Weddingaccents.com for my ivory mantilla veil.

First Dance Song:  “Come away with me” by Nora Jones

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?  Relax and enjoy this time together. The planning can be just as much fun as the wedding itself! Try not to get to focused on the details, after all this should be one of the happiest times in your life. Your wedding will come and go before you know it!

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?  Honestly, no. We truly enjoyed both preparing for our special day and experiencing the big day with all our friends and family. We couldn’t have wished for more!

Visit Real Weddings Magazine * Visit Style Media Group * Contact Real Weddings Sacramento Magazine

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

This week, we highlight the exceptionally gorgeous and crazy talented Raquel Siders from Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy. We’ve had the privilege of working with Raquel, Arrvada and Jenifer from Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy on several of our photo shoots, and they’re truly gifted artists. They always seem to know exactly what we’re wanting for our shoots – we think they’re mind-readers!  They’re also just pretty damn cool chicks! 

Here’s a little bit more about Raquel! 

Image Provocateur & VIP-CAT Academy

Tell us a little about your company?  Image Provocateur is the Bridal and Hair Specialists needed for every perfect wedding. Our brides receive full hair, makeup, false lashes and our unique three step water proofing system on location. Our Artists are specially trained to achieve the perfect look every time. 

When did you establish your business? VIP-CAT was launched in 2004, specializing in Bridal Hair & Makeup on Location. In 2007 VIP-CAT expanded into Image Provocateur a full-service Salon, keeping our main focus on our brides. 

What sets you apart from your competition?  All of our Makeup Artists are trained by myself, using my Copywrited Curriculum and the skills and techniques I have developed and implemented into VIP-CAT Academy. We are always striving to be the best, as perfection is our standard while staying on top of current styles and trends. 

Where do you find inspiration?  I have loved makeup and beauty since I can remember! As a young child I fell in love with makeup and art –  that love blossomed into working with brides and getting a chance to share their day and help make it special. 

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers? That we would bring out their inner beauty and create the flawless, perfect look they always wanted for their wedding day. And since our makeup and hair lasts up to 12 hours, they would not have to worry about anything but walking down the aisle. Let our professional makeup artists and hair specialists ease your mind. You have worried about everything else… leave your hair and makeup to us. 

Do you have any hidden talents?I have taken my creativity in makeup and I have started designing clothing. This year will see the launch of my clothing line, Black Cat Threads. This line is made from provocatively refurbished rock t’s and lingerie. It’s the way I am going green, with an edge! 

Hair and Make-up for Real Weddings Cover Model Sarah by Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy. Dress from Diamond Bridal Gallery. Photo by True Love Photo. On location at The Citizen Hotel.

Hair and Make-up for Real Weddings Cover Model Sarah by Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy. Dress from Miosa. Photo by True Love Photo. On location at The Citizen Hotel.

 Hair and Make-up for Real Weddings Cover Model Sarah by Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy. Dress from Dreamnette Bridal. Flowers by Camino Flower Shop. Photo by True Love Photo. On location at The Citizen Hotel. 

Do you regularly blog? What’s your blog site?  Yes, our blog is updated every few days and can be viewed at: http://arrvadaimageprov.blogspot.com/ 

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Wasabi on Greenback in Citrus Heights. I love their Fair Oaks Roll and the Lion King. 

What’s your favorite local charity?  I strongly support WEAVE. As a woman and a mother of a young woman, women escaping a violent environment hits close to home, and you can’t go wrong in supporting your gender and community. 

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  Well I have two. One, thrift store hunting for cool rock t’s & lingerie to convert into dresses for my clothing line. Two, heading out to Folsom at Negro Bar to be chased by the crazy ducks! 

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  My secret indulgence isn’t too secret! I love wedding cake! Probably the real reason I got into the bridal industry! Love me some frosting! 

What are you most grateful for in life?  My family, especially my beautiful daughter Laurren and the chance to do what I love every day. 

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Remember, this is a special day, enjoy it. It doesn’t matter if the sun isn’t shining, or the birds aren’t singing. What matters is you are going to have amazing hair and makeup and no one is going to look at anyone else! Enjoy your moment, you deserve to look like the Diva you are. 

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  You are all beautiful and I am privileged to be able to work with so many of you on your special day. 

Find out more about Raquel and her team at Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy for yourself. Call them at 916-474-5578. Also, check out their profile on Real Weddings Magazine! 

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

And, lucky for us, Portland’s only a hop skip and a jump from the Sacramento region…easily accessible by air or road trip. One of our favorite hotels in Portland, Hotel Monaco, puts you right in the middle of the actions, with a terrific downtown location that’s close to many of the city’s best spots.

Recommended Resort:  Hotel Monaco. The 1912 building that hosts the hotel has quite a storied past, having once been home to both Lipman Department Store and retailer Frederick & Nelson before its recent hotel incarnations. 1n 1996, Kimpton Hotels took over and renamed the 221-room property, welcoming Hotel Monaco to Portland’s thriving downtown scene. Designer Michael Booth of Babey-Moulton in San Francisco preserved the original high ceilings and picture windows in the lobby and made some additions to better resemble the structures retail roots. This loving restoration adds to the charm guest enjoy when visiting this historic venue.

Check In:  506 SW Washington at 5th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. 888-207-2201, www.monaco-portland.com

Check Out:  The Red Start Tavern and Roast House. Here you’ll find amazing American cuisine that has all of Portland buzzing. Wood accents make up the setting and wood fire ovens serve up the flavors, with specialties like orange glazed baby back rib and garlic and red wine hanger steak. Yum. If you love Bourbon, try one of their tasting flights and sample from one of the most extensive Bourbon walls in Oregon.

Don’t Miss:  In-Suite Spa Services. Bring relaxation right to your room with one of their delightful in-suite spa treatments. Highlights from the menu include an Aroma Journey Massage, Spirulina Body Wrap and Anti-Oxidant Vitamin C Facial. Oh, and did I mention that Hotel Monaco is pet friendly? So make sure Rover gets some VIP treatment as well!

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 Hotel Monaco.

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!