Posts Tagged ‘Partner Profiles’

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

This week, we highlight Mark Triebwasser, President and CEO of Stage 1, Inc.! If you’ve got big ideas for your wedding, the team at Stage 1, Inc. will make it happen! Whatever you can dream up is fair game with their talents, experience and diverse inventory of equipment. Take it away, Mark…

Stage 1, Inc.

Tell us a little about your company?  Stage 1, Inc. is a theatrical lighting and staging contractor company that provides theatrical and event equipment for the entertainment and wedding industries. Our divisions are Lighting, Rigging and Staging and our services are Rentals, System Integration, Service and Labor. We are based in Folsom and we service all of California and Nevada.

When did you establish your business?  February 2004

What sets you apart from your competition?  Stage 1, Inc. is setting a new standard for others to follow with its current, innovative, cutting edge, elaborate and elegant lighting design concepts. From masterminding custom built stages over bodies of water to rigging theatrical equipment in places others wouldn’t think of or try to do, Stage 1, Inc. is the market’s fastest growing Theatrical Contractor Company.

In the last eight years our hallmarks have proven that our “Think Outside the Box” process gives our clients the most unique, passionate, elegant and breath taking design concepts ever seen in the area. Anybody can put up a couple of lights on a wall and a couple pattern lights on a dance floor and say they do lighting, along with the plethora of other services they offer. But by specializing and offering only three trades that strictly revolve around entertainment lighting systems; this insures the highest quality of work that’s provided to our clients, along with our resources and talents not being spread too thin, and on trades we don’t know best. Stage 1 is solely a lighting, rigging and staging contractor company for the entertainment industry. It’s what we do every day, it’s the ONLY thing we do, and it’s what we always have done. And, we are dang good at it too.

We know the importance of customer service, professionally maintained equipment, safety and after hours support. That is why that is all embedded into our vision and our mission statement. Stage 1 will always deliver more than what we promise and treat each client like you are our only client. Our slogan says it all, “Large Company Service, Small Business Feel,” and that is what separates us from the competition.

Where do you find inspiration?  From many different various applications and things. One thing I learned from commanding an entire military school when I was 18 years old is that you don’t share command. If I told you where I find all my inspiration then that’s like me telling how we stay ahead of the competition.

What trend do you see coming for weddings this year?  We are getting more and more calls for clear stages being built over pools. The stage gets used as the dance floor for the entire wedding and clients can have the water whatever color they want. This is a very innovative idea that is becoming more and more popular for both weddings on private properties and at regular wedding venues that have pools.

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site?  We just launched our new web site on July 1st and there is a blog feature that our CMO will be doing monthly posts on equipment reviews, upcoming and current projects, industry news, company press and newly added equipment in our rental inventory… topics like that. Visit our blog at stage1sac.com/about-s1/blog

Do you Facebook? Twitter? Pinterest? Google+?  Yes! Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/stage1sac

What’s your favorite comment/compliment that one of your clients has given you?  It’s pretty much the same comment/compliment that we get from just about all our clients — they come up and say I now finally realize what your slogan really means…“Large Company Service, Small Business Feel.” They also comment on how they were glad they chose an actual lighting/staging contractor company and that they truly can see and experience how that was the right decision. Because we have such a large, diverse inventory of equipment and because we are only providing one service and not two or three others, it allows us to be extremely innovative and creative in really making our clients vision and dream become a reality.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?  Sienna in El Dorado Hills and Paul Martin’s American Bistro in Roseville… best happy hour cocktails/appetizers for a great price and it goes until 7 p.m.!

What’s your favorite local charity?  Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. Learn more at sierratrails.org.

What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?  Wine tasting in Napa Valley.

Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it?  Sea salt chocolate and red wine.

Do you have any hidden talents?  If I told you they wouldn’t be hidden anymore now would they?!

If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you?  The food, the entertainment and the overall atmosphere and ambiance. People will always remember the food, and if they have had a good time or not.

What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today?  You have to have lighting at your wedding. It’s like that last splash of paint you need to complete your masterpiece. Without it, it won’t be fully complete! There is a reason why all of the top and famous wedding coordinators in the entire country are all using lighting at their weddings and events. And there is a reason why they are using actual lighting companies to facilitate it all.

Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides?  Check out our all new Web site: stage1sac.com.

Find out more about Mark and his team at Stage 1, Inc. by visiting their Web site, blog and Facebook page!

Photos courtesy of Stage 1, Inc.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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 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.

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!