Posts Tagged ‘Partner Profiles’

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

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! 

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

This week, we highlight the incomparable Sarah Maren Whitehead from Sarah Maren Photography. We’ve been fortunate to work with this amazingly talented woman and her team on several occasions, and she always makes it seem more like a day of fun, than a day of work and that, in and of itself, is a gift! 

And, congrats to Sarah and her wonderful husband Dustin on the arrival of their newest little one, Ben. He joins big sister Lauren in the Whitehead household!  The little guy arrived just last week! We cannot wait to see photos of little baby Ben!

Want to know more about Lauren and Ben’s mommy? Read on…

Sarah Maren Photography

Specialty:  Weddings and Portraits with style

When did you establish your business? Shot my first wedding at 18 in 1997, went full time in 2005.

What sets you apart from your competition?  I have REALLY cute hair… really… it’s taken almost 30 years to find the right hairstyle… and now I have! It makes me a better photographer!

Where do you find inspiration?  Everywhere! I actually find more inspiration from art forms other than photography. Having a degree in Art History, I’ve had to look at A LOT of art over the years and I find so much energy and inspiration from the art that is out there. I’m also deeply inspired by my couples and their own personal love stories. I’ve never had two that were exactly the same, which is why we’ve never photographed one couple like another. It’s different and beautiful in a new way every time.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  To be there as a witness. That to me is the most important part of my job, to witness something so profound as two people merging their lives in front of their family and friends. The images we create with our clients become their memories, and that has always had a very profound effect on the way I photograph a wedding.

Do you have any hidden talents?  I LOVE to cook! My family are often guinea pigs, but hearing my three year old say, “Mama! You make the best dinners ever!” makes me feel like a good mom. :)

What color(s) gives you the most joy?  Pinks and purples are the colors I tend to personally gravitate toward… they just speak to me.

What song is the soundtrack to your business day (or at least to how you feel right now)?  “Don’t Stop Thinkin’ About Tomorrow” by Fleetwood Mac. Seriously, sometimes it is REALLY easy to get caught up on everything that is happening AT THIS SECOND, but tomorrow is another day and you have to keep focused on the good stuff, not the rubbish.

Cake, Cupcakes or Cookies?  Cupcakes for sure! I mean, I have a TATTOO of a cupcake on my foot for the love!

Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn or Twitter?  Facebook and Twitter. I have accounts for Myspace and Linkedin, I just never use them. I prefer the ease of FB and Twitter. :)

What is your favorite flower?  I love dahlias and gladiolas.

Do you regularly blog? What’s your blog site?  My website (sarahmaren.com) IS a blog! To me it makes more sense as a photographer to show my clients what we JUST shot instead of something we shot months or years ago. My photography evolves all the time, and I love having my clients participate in that evolution as it’s happening.

Where is your favorite place to travel?  My sister and I went to NYC for the first time last year for a shoot and I LOVED IT! I honestly miss a city I spent 3 nights in. But there is just something so magic about New York. I can’t wait to get back.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  We adore Crush 29 in Roseville. Their mushroom risotto is something I have dreams about!

What’s your favorite local charity?  We are big supporters of the arts programs in our local schools. We do everything we can to support an ongoing art education for children. I mean, where would I be if I hadn’t had access to a camera and teachers who were excited about my drive to create images?

If you weren’t in the wedding industry, what would you be doing?  I would probably be a fine art photographer or teacher of some kind. When I was in college the whole goal I had for myself was to teach Intro to Art classes at Jr. College. I think it’s something I still might end up doing someday.

What three things are you most grateful for in life?  My wonderful, amazing and so handsome husband Dustin, our wonderful little family we have made, and the ability to do what I love EVERY SINGLE DAY!

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what element would be most important to you? Obviously, it would be the photography. We didn’t have the best experience with our wedding photographer and it totally changed the way I work a wedding, the product I deliver to my client and the experience I want them to have. I want our clients to feel like their friends Sarah and Dustin are coming to their wedding, not their photographers who don’t care about them.

What is the best advice you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Spend your money where it MATTERS! No one will have that favor you put on their plates in 10 years, but they will have that picture of you on your wedding day.

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  Remember to HAVE FUN on your wedding day! Surround yourself with vendors you love, and really take your wedding in. I remember standing in the middle of our wedding and thinking WOW! We did this! This is our wedding. Make sure you have a moment where you can just take it all in!

Find out more about Sarah for yourself. Call her at 916-335-4358 or visit her Web site at sarahmaren.com. Also, check out her profile on Real Weddings Magazine!

And, be sure to check out her featured real weddings on our web site and in the most recent issue of Real Weddings Magazine!

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

This week, we thought it would be appropriate to highlight one of our vendors from our Real Weddings Magazine cover model fashion photo shoot that we just mentioned in yesterday’s blog. And, it’s the exceptionally talented (and just downright super-cool!) floral designer, Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas from Flourish. Take it away Miss Shannon!

Flourish

Tell us a little about your company?  We are a special event floral design company based out of Sacramento.

When did you establish your business?  I started Flourish in 1999, but I have been designing in flowers for 21 years.

What sets you apart from your competition?  Flourish is known for detailed and artistic floral designs. We pride ourselves on incorporating the personality of the client in to their event so it reflects them in a unique way.

Where do you find inspiration?  I find inspiration everywhere. I love to shop so I am always looking at the latest fashions, scents and colors. I find a lot of inspiration from nature. The way a tree’s branches are balanced, the color shading of a blossom and the seasons all inspire me.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  Fresh, eye catching and “wow” worthy designs is what we make happen for our fabulous clients. I want every single one of my clients to feel like their event was unique and artistically executed. But most importantly, I made a vow to only use the highest quality flowers in our designs.

Do you have any hidden talents?  I can wiggle my ears. Does that count?

What trend do you see coming in 2010?  In wedding floral–the up and coming flowers are Amaryllis, garden roses and seasonal textural elements. The flowers still holding their popularity are peonies, dahlias and tulips. Flowers falling out of favor are callas and stephanotis. The color purple is super hot too!

Do you regularly blog? What’s your blog site?  Why yes I do! I try to blog at least three times a week. www.flourishdesigns.com/blog-new/

Dress from The Bridal Box.

Dress from Diamond Bridal Gallery.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Mulvaney’s is so yummy! I love the local and fresh foods and flavors they use when creating their menus. My less high brow favorite is In-n-Out Burger. I am originally from SoCal. Down there In-n-Out is a staple.

What’s your favorite local charity?  My children’s school and Wish Upon a Wedding.

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  I love to go on day-trips. I think we are incredibly lucky living here in Sacramento. We are an hour and a half from Lake Tahoe’s fresh mountain air, an hour from the world class Napa Valley and their amazing wine and an two hours from some of the most beautiful beach and coast line on earth. Well, if my husband is driving we can be on the beach in an hour and 15 minutes.

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  I wish I had never discovered it. Lindt’s dark chocolate with a touch of sea salt. It is the best! I love the combo of sweet with a little salt (just like my personality).

What are you most grateful for in life?  My family. I am blessed with an amazing family filled with smart, funny and loving people.

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  Photography! I had a friend photograph our wedding (I know- gasp!). He had the best of intentions and tried really hard for us. Unfortunately he didn’t have the knowledge a professional wedding photographer possesses. How to get those great shots quickly, how to keep the day’s schedule on track and a million other little things that make the wedding day go smooth and give you the memories you will cherish.

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Make the wedding about the marriage. The marriage of two lives, two families and two futures. And try not to take it all too seriously.

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  I just launched a wedding blog focused on the Northern and Central California wedding scene. I am excited to share all the insider info I have accumulated over the last 21 years. The blog features lots of down to earth inspiration and gorgeous inspiration images. Check us out at Fancy Pants Weddings.

Find out more about Shannon and Flourish for yourself. Call her at 916-212-5179 or visit her Web site at flourishdesigns.com. And, check out her profile on Real Weddings Magazine!

All photos by True Love Photo, copyright Real Weddings Magazine.

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

This week, we have feature just all-around-great-guy Eric Leas from Acti-Video. Take it away Eric!

Acti-Video Productions

Specialty?  Helping clients to keepsake their “AMAZING MEMORIES”

When did you establish your business?  Established in 1997, but I have been filming “Stuff” since the ’80s (Whoa!)

What sets you apart from your competition?  What Competition????? :)

Where do you find inspiration?  My family, movies, T.V., The Internet…It all can have a part in some of the things I have done and will do.

Do you have any hidden talents? You can ask several other vendors who might know…I Sing. I would have LOVED to audition for American Idol, but the age limits were a factor by the time it came into being.

What song is the soundtrack to your business day (or at least to how you feel right now)? “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You” Marvin Gaye- Because that is what I am editing to right now. :)

Cake, Cupcakes or Cookies? Chocolate Chip “Home-made” Cookies!

Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn or Twitter? Ugh! I’ll say Facebook…for now…I have no doubt that in a couple years it will be something else though.

What’s your favorite local restaurant? La Provence in Roseville — that’s where I was married.

What’s your favorite local charity? Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, www.myotonic.com

If you weren’t in the wedding industry, what would you be doing? Musician, Singer, Song Writer…Rock Star!

What three things are you most grateful for in life? My wife, my son and my friends!

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what element would be most important to you? VIDEOGRAPHY of course and the venue

What is the best advice you can give to brides and grooms getting married today? Hire Professionals Vendors, Including your VIDEOGRAPHERS. You don’t want to end up like so many couples do, regretting their decision, after the event to fore go or have a “Friend” help out to cut costs.

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides? Share the love, share the peace and share the happiness! :)

Find out more about Eric and Acti-Video Productions for yourself. Call him at 916-788-1690 or visit their Web site at acti-video.com.

Photo and video courtesy of Eric Leas, Acti-Video.

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

This week, we have feature Kevin & Kami Arnold from Arnolds for Awards.  (And they’re not just for awards you know! Have you seen the cool stuff that they have? If you’re in need of favors or gifts for your attendants, Arnolds for Awards can help!)  Take it away guys!

Arnolds for Awards

Tell us a little about your company?  We are a family owned and operated business located in the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains.

When did you establish your business?  1970

What sets you apart from your competition?  Arnolds for Awards prides itself on providing the best customer service. We realize every project has a deadline and while a lot of them seem to have unrealistic timelines, we do whatever we can to meet and hopefully exceed all expectations the client may have.

Where do you find inspiration?  We find inspiration from our clients on a daily basis. Everyone that walks through our door is coming in for a positive reason. Whether they are rewarding someone for doing something well, beginning a new chapter of their life or welcoming a new life to their family.

When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers?  Provide a superior product at a reasonable price and deliver on time.

Do you have any hidden talents?  Arnolds for Awards has many hidden talents;  ee can personalize just about anything…from a stainless steel flask to the most delicate crystal flute in our facility. We also offer the large quantity creative event favors for weddings, retirements and anniversary party attendees for any budget and theme.

What trend do you see coming in 2010?  On a business level, I see the trend of streamlining being an overall theme. Business owners are developing their marketing plans and sticking to them.  As for weddings, I think the theme is going to be “biggest bang for your buck.” For years this industry has been about indulgence and while a wedding day is still one of the most important days of the couple lives together, it will also be one of realistic means. Brides and grooms are very well educated when it comes to wedding plans and I think, just like a small business owners facing the challenging economy, they may approach their event as a “Need versus a Want” mentality. Couples are going to be more streamlined and methodical about the planning and expenses for their special day.

Do you regularly blog? What’s your blog site?  We don’t regularly blog, but we would like to.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Café Luna in Placerville. It is quaint and friendly and the menu changes monthly. Café Luna offers a great value to the customers. Wino Wednesday is the best.

What’s your favorite local charity or charities?  Marshall Foundation, El Dorado County Western Slope Boys and Girls Club and Rubicon Trail Foundation

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  Jeeping and camping in the Sierra during the summer. We are very lucky to have such a beautiful place right in our back yard.

What are you most grateful for in life?  Health and Happiness. As we get older, it becomes more apparent that health and true happiness are things that we never put too much thought into. Then again, maybe it is wisdom that is something that we should be most grateful for…

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  In retrospect, if I were to do it all over again, the most important element would be the people attending the wedding. I would make sure that the most important people in my life were there. Next on the list would be thanking those that participated; attendants, family, and those other individual that made the special day “Our Day.”

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  Breathe. This day does not define who you are. Be realistic and open to alternatives should any last minute changes need to be made.

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  Your wedding day should be enjoyable to you especially as well as your guests, don’t get so caught up in the details. If something doesn’t go exactly the way you had pictured in your mind, don’t let it ruin your special day.

Find out more about Arnolds for Awards for yourself. Visit them at 3971 Durock Road in Shingle Springs, or call them at 530-677-0623 or visit their Web site at arnoldsawards.com.

Photo of Kevin and Kami by Dante Fontana, copyright Style Media Group.

Product photos courtesy of Arnolds for Awards.

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