Spotlight On - Sharpe Photographers

Sharpe Photographers

Sharpe Photographers is one of the largest and most well-known studios in Northern California. They are members of the Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley, Professional Photographers of America, The National Association of Catering Executives, Better Business Bureau, The Roseville Chamber of Commerce, Fuji’s Pro Network, Kodak’s Promise of Excellence as well as Wedding and Portrait Photographers International.

Sharpe Photographers is a professional studio and location photography company based in Roseville, CA. The studio is designed to cater to clients who reside locally or internationally. Sharpe offers a truly accessible service and has successfully completed assignments across the United States, Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico, and Europe. Sharpe offers a range of photographic work spanning from wedding to corporate, portrait to boudoir, senior to fashion...whatever your individual or group needs.

Sharpe Photographers has been photographing in Northern California for over 20 years. With their years of training, Sharpe understands the importance of capturing the essence of each individual. Sharpe Photographers will bring out the best in you, your family and your friends. Capturing the essence of people and business is the heart of Sharpe Photographers. It's their commitment, quality, and their clients’ satisfaction that has led to Sharpe’s reputation as one of the finest photographic houses in the Sacramento Valley. Sharpe Photographers is best known for a playful and unique edge, with a blend of raw, creative vision. Together, they can create a portrait that tells your story for a lifetime!

* Check out the Spotlight On with Real Weddings Magazine. Sharpe Photographers shot the cover.

site: www.sharpephotographers.com
email: sharpephotographers@gmail.com
phone: 916.772.3934
address: 309 Washington Blvd., Roseville (by appt. only)

Spotlight On - Real Weddings Magazine

Real Weddings - Sacramento to the Sierra

Real Weddings, formerly known as, Sierrastyle Weddings Magazine is dedicated to offering brides and grooms a world class publication that presents the very best in the wedding industry. Real Weddings Magazine is the region's definitive guide for wedding specialists to showcase their products and services in an elegant coffee table size publication with a sleek and sophisticated design. Real Weddings has the largest newsstand and retail distribution of any area wedding publication, reaching the most brides and grooms in Sacramento and the Foothill region. The latest issue of Real Weddings hits stands this week and offers a glimpse into 22 real weddings with half showcasing work by an assortment of dynamite vendors.

Say "I Do" to this beautiful new magazine!

site: www.realweddingsmag.com
email: info@sierrastyle.com
phone: 916.988.9888

* This cover and inside spread from the cover contest was shot by a dynamite photography team, Sharpe Photographers!

Spotlight On - Bella Donna Bridal Salon

Bella Donna Bridal Salon is a Sacramento based salon offering an array of stunning sample dresses for you and your bridesmaids. Bella Donna’s knowledgeable staff wants to get to know you and assist in making sure that you find a dress that fits your needs, vision, and expectations for your wedding. They listen to your story and learn about the details of your special day. Bring your ideas, your magazine clippings, and your imagination. They will discuss with your vision of the perfect wedding gown – then they will find it. Bring your mother, your sister, your bridesmaids – everyone will be comfortable in their relaxed, intimate salon. You will be shown to your very own fitting room, complete with mirror, pedestal and a seating area for your guests. Visit Bella Donna Bridal Salon and be prepared to be pampered.

site: www.belladonnabride.com
address: 2663 Town & Country Place, Sacramento
email: info@belladonnabride.com
phone: 916.481.5065

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Spotlight On Interview - Luxury Limousines of Sacramento

We were able to ask Ozzie with Luxury Limousines of Sacramento a few questions about his experience working with Luxx Limo and about what sets Luxury Limousines apart. Check it out! Be sure to check out their blog too, How We Roll to get to know them better and learn some things about transportation that you may not know!Our most popular car rented is… Our 15 passenger Hummer however, our new Party Bus is catching on quick!

My first job was… Driving Bill Murray and Sandy Jenkins co-owners at the time (no pressure).

The farthest we’ve traveled for a wedding party was… We often travel as far as Lake Tahoe for wedding receptions.

Driving a large vehicle is… A lot of fun and also a lot of responsibility.

The oddest request we’ve had… Probably going to a specific store at a shopping mall to purchase a specific model digital camera for some clients while they were at dinner.

The best thing about driving for weddings is… You get to help make this a special day and they will remember this day for the rest of their lives.

My favorite car is… Our 28 passenger Party Bus!

Our largest rental request was… We had a rental that lasted for a whole week about
10 – 12 hours per day.

My most unique customer was… A client out of N.Y. that stayed in Napa at Auberge De Soleil for several days along with his entire entourage. He was very specific on what he expected and made it very clear to me prior to the trip that he would not allow anything less than perfection, needless to say I received a very generous tip at the end of his stay.

The biggest trend in transportation right now is... A big focus is the green movement, and Luxury Limousines is proud to be one of only five Limousine companies in the nation to be selected into the EPA’s Climate Leader Program. We have teamed up with Green Ride Global the world’s leading transportation environmental consulting firm. In addition we offer Hybrid SUV’s to ensure your ride with us is always green.

Something people may not know about our services… We offer all inclusive rates, so the price you are quoted is the price you pay with no hidden fees or added surcharges.

The one thing you can never control as a driver is… Traffic, we always plan alternate routes and use state of the art navigation systems in all of our vehicles.

My first car was… Our first car was our 2005 Lincoln stretch, this vehicle is still in use and recently had the upholstery replaced and looks as good as our new vehicles.

The most extravagant service we offer is… We provide Champagne toast, red carpet treatment, as well as decorating the interior of the vehicle to match your wedding colors. We pride ourselves on our service and paying attention to details to make your big day special.

On my days off… I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends and family and just relaxing.

Spotlight On - MR DJ Service

As seen in Sacramento Magazine's “SUCCESS STORIES"
Voted "Best Wedding Entertainment" -KCRA Voter's Poll

MR DJ Service has been creating “Extraordinary Weddings” since 1989. They always treat each client with the very best in personal service and know how to make your wedding day as entertaining as possible. They have the skills to turn your dreams into reality, and the personality to entertain your guests in a style and manner that will exceed your expectations. MR DJ Service has talented DJs that will be able to not only list out several unique and creative ideas, but can also help you to develop ideas that will fit your wedding perfectly. By choosing MR DJ Service you will be taking the first step towards creating memories that will last a lifetime. If what you are looking for is the very best entertainment to represent you on your wedding day then MR DJ Service is the right choice for you.
Call today and begin designing your “Extraordinary Wedding."

site: www.mrdjservice.com
blog: www.mrdjservice.com/blog
address: by appointment only
email: mike.r@mrdjservice.com
phone: 916.988.6979

Spotlight On - Pfeiffer Event Planning

Pfeiffer Event Planning
Kendra Pfeiffer-Wershing is the proprietor of Pfeiffer Event Planning. She has 15 years of industry experience and started Pfeiffer Event Planning in 1995. Kendra received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Strategic Management and Marketing. She strengthened her education by taking the Professional Development Program and becoming a Professional Bridal Consultant™ through the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). During her training she worked under several wedding and event planners to gain experience and knowledge. During her career she has designed hundreds of weddings and has become a leader in the industry. More than staying up to date, she is a trendsetter. She has been published and quoted in bridal magazines, newspapers and web sites. She continues to educate herself and others by attending, participating and speaking at bridal shows and conventions. Each wedding is a learning experience and she treasures each opportunity.Pfeiffer Event Planning provides professional coordinating for amazing weddings, parties and special events. They help to make your special day a perfect reflection of your style and taste, while minimizing your stress in planning. Pfeiffer’s team spends time to find out what you envision your day to be; no dream too vast, every detail vital, to make it uniquely yours. They strive to match you with vendors that will exceed your expectations while working within your budget. Pfeiffer Event Planning will not make any decisions for you; they will only help you to make informed decisions. With training and experience Pfeiffer’s team will offer you information based on your dreams and expectations. Pfeiffer Event Planning will be there to answer all your questions and make sure your wedding day is all that you have ever imagined! At Pfeiffer Event Planning, confidentiality is paramount. They are careful to protect all of the details surrounding this most personal of ceremonies and have no problem signing an agreement stating this.Pfeiffer Event Planning will not accept any referral fees from recommended vendors.

site: www.sacramentoweddingplanner.com
office: 1913 Capitol Avenue, Ste. B, Sacramento 95811
phone: 916.607.6024
email: kendra@sacramentoweddingplanner.com

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography
Floral designs by Blooms by Martha Andrews

Spotlight On Interview - Stephanie J Designs

We were able to steal a few minutes with Stephanie of Stephanie J Designs and ask her a few questions. Check out her answers and get to know more about her and her dynamite invitation company! If I had to choose another profession, I would be… I gravitate towards cake design & photography. I enjoy baking and experimenting with creative flavor combinations. I'm the go-to-girl for cakes when it comes to a family event or birthday bash. I'm self-learning photography as I capture images of my stationery work. I love how changing position or focus can capture a sparkle you could have missed. I have immense admiration and respect for the cake decorators and photographers I have the pleasure of working with.

My favorite style of invitation is… Anything that is outside the old standard of a 5x5 white square panel, a pearlized border and black thermography ... BORING! (Note: 13 years ago that boring 5x5 white panel was my wedding invitation!) To get my attention It's got to be unique and captivating. An invitation that sets the tone, defines a glimpse of the event & reflective of the couple themselves.

I got started in this business… Five years ago I left my big corporate job as a project/design/web manager to start planning a family and to launch a business. The single driving force behind leaving my job was when it came time to plan for the birth of my son, I knew there was no way I was working 70 hours a week for someone else. Although, the transition to custom stationery wasn't a smooth one - I went back and forth for months deciding on a single direction - custom stationery or painting murals - both of which I did on the side while working my full-time job. Once I was off doing both for a couple months (sort of testing the waters), I decided my natural ability is clearly design. I did one bridal show and was hooked! I love what I do and am inspired everyday by the creative ideas of my clients - couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Regarding lettering on invitations, I prefer… I am a font fanatic! I love to mix up scripts and serif/sans serif fonts. I'm stretching myself out of my design comfort zone and trying to work with three font combinations - it can be tricky but if done right you end up with a look that is smart & sophisticated! I try to stay away from all script invitations (normally I only recommend it for hand calligraphy invitations) - for the most part because I think they are extremely difficult to read. What's the point of having a fabulous invitation if your guests have to work at figuring out what the heck says?

The most invitations I’ve ever created for one event… 500. Oh, that was a crazy few weeks. They were a pretty complicated design too. Pocket fold, multiple layers, ribbon, and crystals (totaling 3000 overall!). Yikes.

The biggest trend in wedding invitations right now… Big, Bold, and the more Bling ... the better.

The event type that I get the most requests for invitations… Without a doubt, weddings. Weddings account for more than 90% of my business. The other 10% is comprised of social events, milestones (birthdays, etc.) and corporate business (logos, collateral, etc.).

The top accessory to use with invitations… Your voice, your personality. Not your moms or your in-laws. Yours - as a couple. It doesn't matter what color it is, or what embellishments you put on it - if it doesn't reflect you and your special day it's not yours.

My biggest piece of advice to couples choosing invites… You're only limited by your imagination. Be creative and adventurous with your stationery - go beyond what is expected. Give your guests a wow factor and set them up for an event they can't wait to be a part of. Use design elements that you've already selected to guide the design of your stationery - so that when you're left with a scrapbook or memory box of your big day all together it's one cohesive look.

Today I bought… Black, magenta & cyan toner, black & magenta image drums for the printer, paper order for August deliveries, Luzianne tea for making iced tea when I work today, beach towels for Friday swim days at my Mom's house, tents & goodies for our family backyard camp out on Saturday, a Dalmatian PEZ dispenser for my son (Wyatt) and a movie (The Other Boleyn Girl) to watch while working on artwork today.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Spotlight On Interview - Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals

We had the privilege of asking Lacey, with Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals, a few questions to get to know more about her and Celebrations. Here's your chance to find out some things you may not have known about Lacey or Celebrations!The biggest trend in rentals right now… The biggest trend by far is lounge furniture. You can add lounge furniture in different colors with fun throw pillows and coffee tables.

The one most rented item is… Chivari chairs.

Something I’ve learned about the industry working here is… You have to be open minded. Everyone has a different vision that you have to bring to life.

The most unique wedding we’ve set up was… All of the weddings we’ve set up have their own unique qualities. I personally love the ones that are under our tents.

My wedding was or will be… My wedding was everything I had imagined and more. From the tent to the linens and decor, it was truly a dream come true. (see pic above)

The oddest request we’ve had… We once had a request for a mechanical bull.

Chivari or wedding chair? I would have to say chivari.

My favorite outdoor activity is… I love to hike with my dogs.

Something people may not know about our services… We offer many custom services, such as swaging, lighting and tenting.

Our most popular specialty linen rental is… Overlays are always a popular chose, and Celebrations has a huge selection of specialty overlays to fit everyone’s needs.

The one item most returned damaged… Glassware.

My best characteristic is… My ability to keep it light hearted and simple. Often when people come to us they are a bit overwhelmed by details. I feel it’s our job to show them how easy renting items for their events can be.

The most extravagant service we offer is… Custom swagging and custom made chandeliers.

My favorite color is…Green is by far my favorite color.

Photo courtesy of Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals

Spotlight On - Allison Stahl Photography

Allison Stahl's eight years of wedding photography experience shine through all of her amazing images. Allison's style is artistic, patient and fun! Her vision is to capture your favorite moments in life. weddings. pregnancy. babies. families. & give them lasting presence. unobtrusively & artistically. Her clients and peers alike enjoy her friendly, approachable, playful demeanor.

"William and I want to thank you for the most amazing wedding photos! They were EVERYTHING that we hoped for and imagined. You truly captured all of the love that surrounded us that day. EVERY SINGLE photo you took was perfection. You captured every moment that made our wedding day the happiest day of our lives. Thank you so much for recognizing those special moments! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
-William and Breanna

"We received the pictures and we love them all! They have already brought back some great memories. Thank you for all your hard wok and for helping make the day so very special for Krystal and Cody."
- Jackie (mother of the bride)
"Thanks again for doing such a wonderful job. The pictures are beautiful~~my grandma thinks we look like "movie stars"!"-Diana & Tim

website: www.allisonstahl.com
blog: www.allisonstahl.blogspot.com
address: Roseville, CA (by appt. only)
phone: 916.521.0747
email: info@allisonstahl.com

Spotlight On - Music on the Move DJs

Music on the Move has a steadfast philosophy that is very different...
-Take Responsibility to assure your event will be extraordinary
- Create "WOW" into your wedding reception
- Go above and beyond your expectations

When Music on the Move meets with you and begins the planning process, you can be assured that you are meeting with the actual team attending the day of your wedding, reception or celebration. Your DJ and MC are there to help you with an entire catalogue of tasks for your big day. Music on the Move is a team that works together to make sure that your music fits your personality and event, adjusts volume level at the necessary times, and works together with your vendors to make sure that your day is flawless.

“We really enjoyed meeting Doug. He understood what we wanted. We went to three other weddings around the time of ours. I wish we were able to recommend Music on the Move. All I can say is that people seemed to have much more fun at our reception. A fun party at our wedding was the most important part to me - well, besides our vows. Dara really knew how to talk to my dad. She gave him some really great ideas for the toast and made him feel special. Doug MC'd a great party. I just loved Doug and Kevin (guitar player) sitting on the steps singing Stairway to Heaven. I was deeply moved and will never forget it ... the moment was priceless."
- John and Ann Schmidt

"You did an awesome job with the timing and organizing of our wedding day. Our introductions of the wedding party and the bride and groom were unbelievable. My daddy-daughter dance with my personal message in it was incredible. Absolutely incredible. The whole organization of our wedding was very well done. Music on the Move did an outstanding job giving us the perfect introduction and beginning of the rest of our lives."
- Scott and Dana Veneble

"Thank you seems so insufficient a word for all that you did for the kids to create a beautiful, special occasion. I personally want to thank you for sharing your wonderful talent. You are a great MC, and made Ryan and Sarah (Stever) feel so special, as well as their families. I know hours of work went into all the special moments that happened. You helped to make memories for a lifetime. So... from the bottom of my heart-Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You're Wonderful."
-Patti Stever

"You were everything we thought you would be and more. You far exceeded our expectations and we will always remember you for that. Our families and friends made comment after comment about how fabulous and professional you were. The special touches you added were priceless and you more than once had everyone in tears. It has been 3 weeks since our wedding day and we still have people calling to tell us what an amazing time they had dancing. The music was perfect and so were the two of you! Thank you so much for being such great people and friends!"
- Love, John and Jackie Mayo

website: www.musiconthemovedjs.com
address: 1913 Capitol Avenue, Ste. B, Sacramento 95811 (by appt. only)
phone: 916. 91.3738
email: info@musiconthemovedjs.com

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Spotlight On Interview - Ruth's Chris Steak House

We had the privilege of asking Jan with Ruth's Chris Steak House, a few questions to get to know her better. Here's your chance to find out about Jan, behind the scenes at Ruth's Chris!

My favorite item from our menu is... Filet

My first job was… Lifeguard

The most important thing to ensure a successful rehearsal dinner is… to rely on our expertise to do the planning.

The one item I can’t live without… Pasta

The last movie I watched was… Sex In The City

The most elaborate group we’ve hosted is… The Raiders Football Team

Our way of giving back is… We participate in approximately 15 to 20 Charity events every year.

When I go to dinner at someone’s house, I like to bring… Wine

The most unique food request we’ve had is… Complete Vegetarian Menu (we are a steak house)!

My goal for this year is… To survive the gas crisis

Something people may not know about our location is… We have complimentary Valet Parking

My favorite dessert is… Crème Brulee

Our most popular bottle of wine is… Rombauer Chardonnay & Silver Oak Cabernet

For a dinner reservation, call before… 1 week out

We can accommodate… 15 to 100 guests

Spotlight On Interview- Sheffield Multimedia

We were able to ask Phill, of Sheffield Multimedia, and ask him a few questions to get to know him better. We wanted to share what we learned about Phill with all of you.
The 3 things I can’t work a wedding without…
- A game plan. I require a minimum of 60 minutes with my clients before the wedding to talk about their vision for a perfect video. Knowing whether or not a clients likes something classic and traditional or fun and contemporary is key going in to each customized production.
- Knowing the other vendors and giving them/getting from them a heads up. Having a team-player mentality going into an event really raises the quality level and makes for a more pleasant experience. I’ve made some great friends by just giving them a call/e-mail before the event and introducing myself.
- My magic equipment bag: cameras, adapters, tapes, batteries cords, Advil, muscle relaxers, and the master itinerary.

The site/blog I visit most frequently… Engadget.com. It is a constantly updated technology blog that deals with things from mobile video delivery, to high definition trends and fancy new toys to buy.

My favorite movie is…The Shawshank Redemption, nuff said!

The first cinematic masterpiece I ever shot… In my last semester in college, I filmed a parody of MTV’s the Real World, using friends and fellow students. It was shown to an audience of 50 peers and so well received that I knew video was my future.

If I made a documentary it would be about… I get such a kick out of green energy, I’d like to explore some new exciting trends on technologies like solar, tidal, wind, and hydroelectric renewable energy.

My best feature or trait is… I am always on the hunt for some new and exciting footage. I never leave an event saying that “I wish I got more footage.” I am constantly on the go, and always want to keep shooting, keep striving for new and dynamic shots. Also, I am tall! I can see over crowds of people to get my shots :)

If I wasn’t a videographer, I would be… My grandmother was a wedding photographer in the 1920’s, my mom a landscape painter, so I cannot escape my creative destiny! I would probably be a graphic designer or marketing go-to guy.

The wedding I enjoyed most last year… Every wedding has its charm, and I remember each bride and groom vividly. My most recent memory was that of my New Years Eve wedding. It was perhaps the most atomically decorated, tricked out, staffed, coordinated, and shot wedding than I’ve ever seen.

The place I go to learn about ways to advance my business… I learn a lot from industry leaders in similar fields to my own. I’ve attended seminars on filmmaking, photography, lighting, and even how to mix music together as a DJ would. Using a composite of all this knowledge, I am able to up the ante on wedding video.

I can’t get through my day without… Tea. Currently my passion is white blueberry tea; on slow days I prefer a hearty black tea, and for mellowing out time its green tea.

My favorite producer is…I am a big fan of the Wachowski brothers, they have a way of incorporating asian visual elements with western flair and grit to tell their message.

The YouTube video I never get tired of… Right now it is Pork & Beans by Weezer…all your internet celebs, all in once place!

I usually sleep… 10 p.m. till 5:30 a.m. I am one of the 7 people in the world who are true morning people That gives me a few hours to make a daily checklist and crank out some work before the phone starts to ring and before it gets to be one thousand degrees outside.

I prefer to capture… Candid, happy moments…as unobtrusively and naturally as possible.

My goal for this year is… To constantly improve my production quality, and have clients say, “Is this all I paid for my finished video? I would have paid you double!”

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Spotlight On - Stephanie J Designs

Stephanie J Designs

Stephanie J Designs is an invitationerie that handles custom invitations, stationary & graphic design. Stephanie's creativity is off the charts fantastic and has lent itself to help create some amazing custom work, including invitations for Dynamite Weddings!

Stephanie's playful attitude and contagious laugh will keep you motivated as you work together to create the design and look you want for your day. Her background in graphic design gives her the innovative edge to stand apart and starting Stephanie J Designs in 2003 was a great outlet for such talent.

Check out her new website and blog that launched this month. She offers trends in stationary and invitations as well as real wedding examples of how her custom designs fit or set the theme.

site: www.stephaniejdesigns.com
blog: www.stephaniejdesigns.blogspot.com
address: Lincoln, CA
email: stephanie@stephaniejdesigns.com
phone: 916.257.1641

*Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Spotlight On Interview- Allison Stahl Photography

We asked some questions of Allison from Allison Stahl Photography, a Dynamite Vendor to find out more about her. This is what we learned about Allison. Enjoy!!

If I could only choose one camera and lens, it would be…My canon 5D and the 70-200 lens….you can capture those candid shots without interfering in the moment, and it’s beautiful glass…nice and sharp!

Nothing is more beautiful to me than…My boy.

My photography mentor is…The great group of friends I have here in the photography community….Sharon Hoyt, Carmen Salazar, Penny Sylvia, Rose Hyc, Carlos Rivera, we share, we learn, and we grow!

This year I will…Get on a schedule and start exercising!

The item I don’t leave home without, besides my camera…Cell phone, of course!

If I was not a photographer, I would be… A designer, clothing or interior.

My next greatest passion is… Oh, that’s hard….how do I place an order on so many important things? If we’re talking somewhat frivolous then, decorating & cooking. If the more important things it would be God and family.

If I could live anywhere it would be...Santa Barbara, Ca

My favorite treat is…Swiss Fondue, sourdough French bread and a glass of wine.

The first time I held a camera… I was hooked….I loved how time could be captured and preserved.

My favorite thing to shoot…Weddings and little kids.

My best feature or trait is…My patience.

My favorite time of day (or season) is… Early morning for getting work done….sunset for having a party and fall is my favorite season….love the mild warm weather and the beauty of the leaves turning! Best month to be married in my opinion!

My biggest purchase last year was…Lots of new digital equipment.

The blog I visit most, besides my own…Too many…Design Aglow, Pink Ink Studios, Pay it Forward, B School, Jasmine Star, and so on and so on!!

Spotlight On Interview - Flourish

We were able to ask some questions of Shannon with Flourish, a Dynamite Vendor, to get to know her better. We wanted to share her answers with you all. Enjoy!I also like to create… paper crafts. I make a mean birthday card! I also have fun, when I can find the time, scrapbooking my family photos. I enjoy the textures and colors of the different papers and embellishments.

My first job ever was…a Soda Jerk for a fifties themed diner. I would go home after a long shift smelling like ice cream and soda. The restaurant gave out free Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum. That summer I got 7 cavities!

The biggest wedding I ever designed for… was an Indian wedding just this past March. There was 750 guests at the ceremony and 550 guests at the reception. It was overwhelming! The colors of the fabric and flowers we used were so beautiful. The bride and groom were gracious and totally appreciative of every wedding professional’s hard work.

My favorite flower is… Peonies. My husband and I had our wedding in May so I could carry peonies down the aisle. They are an amazing flower. In the bud stage they are the shape and size of a ping pong ball. When they burst into bloom they are a multi-petal heady scented floral extravaganza! Sarah Bernhardt and Red Charm are my favorite varieties of peonies.

The easiest item to incorporate into floral designs… beads, baubles and gems. Sparkly jewelry inspired items are so much fun to put into the bridal bouquet. I also love to personalize the bouquet by adding a piece of fabric from the bride’s dress.

Gardening at my house is… Almost non- existent. We have a huge yard and it is mostly empty. I am not great at growing plants. Most people think, because of what I do, I should be a great gardener. Not so! I have a tendency to forget to water my plants. Currently, I am growing some plants I can use for my designs. So far I have four different scented geraniums, hydrangeas, Lambs Ear and Needlepoint ivy growing pretty well. I am also growing tomatoes for the first time! Those are for eating, not designing.

When bringing a housewarming gift I usually bring… a plant or flowers. They can warm up even the most barren of places. You can put a gorgeous orchid on a moving box and suddenly it feels like home.

When I go to the wholesale market… I am always looking for something new and different. Most of my brides trust me to choose accent flowers that match their theme and give their designs something no one has ever seen before.

My first wedding was… about 20 years ago. The bride was my ex-boyfriend’s girlfriend’s step- sister. The bride had heard, through the grape vine, that I worked at a flower shop. Little did she know I was just a glorified bucket scrubber. I worked so hard on that wedding! I really didn’t know what I was doing so I caused myself a lot of double work. Everything went well in the end but I really sweated that event.

When I buy flowers for my home, I buy… flowers that make me happy. Sometimes it is a bunch of tulips that have a ruffled edge to their petals. I will grab a couple of bunches of tuberose because I can’t resist their fragrance. I love to pick-up some happy looking gerbera daisies during the gloomy season. In the fall who can say no to dinner plate sized dahlias and branches of colorful leaves?

If I wasn’t a florist, I would be… a photographer. I am in such awe of my photographer friends’ talent for capturing the little moments that make an event so special. I just bought my first “real” camera and I am loving it. When I catch a great action shot it is such a rush! I recently went along with one of my photographer friends to help shoot a wedding and I had a blast. About 30 of my images actually made the cut and went into the bride’s proof album.

Two items necessary for any floral design are…creativity and water.

My favorite movie is… “Singin’ in the Rain” I love this movie. Gene Kelly was an amazingly talented and gifted dancer. Debbie Reynolds was so cute and funny in this movie. I need to go watch it again!

If I could donate more time, I would… work more at my children’s school. My kids love it when I volunteer in their classes. Teachers need all the help they can get.

Something overrated in floral design concepts…is the DIY wedding flowers trend. Designing your own wedding flowers is a HUGE undertaking even for the most ambitious bride. I don’t think brides have a clear concept of how much time and effort goes into planning and executing wedding flowers. There are so many things to worry about on the wedding day, the bride and her family shouldn’t have to worry about the flowers too. Leave (ha!) the flowers to the professionals.

Photo courtesy of True Love Photo

Spotlight On Interview- Blooms by Martha Andrews

We had the opportunity to sit down with Martha Andrews of Blooms, a Dynamite Vendor, and ask her a few questions to get to know her better. Here's what we learned about Martha. Enjoy!

I also like to create… Desserts.

My first job ever was… yard duty for elementary school, I was 14.

The biggest wedding I ever designed for… A million dollar+ wedding with 2 ceremonies in one day with 800 people attending both the bride changed 5 times and there were 3 complete flower change outs, all new arrangements and colors during the day.

My favorite flower is… Depends on the day.

The easiest item to incorporate into floral designs… rhinestones and feathers.

Gardening at my house is… lots of flower beds, an acre of lawn and so behind it’s not even funny

When bringing a housewarming gift I usually bring… wine.

When I go to the wholesale market… It takes me forever because I change my order all around to make sure I get what looks best, I also add whatever fun stuff happens to be in that day. I know I’m a pain but I try to bring homemade cookies to take the edge off for the staff.

My first wedding was… when I was 7 helping my mom who was a wedding coordinator. I ironed table cloths, polished the sterling silver, etc…

When I buy flowers for my home, I buy… I don’t, I use whatever is leftover.

If I wasn’t a florist, I would be… a midwife.

Two items necessary for any floral design are… a knife and floral glue.

My favorite movie is… Love Actually.

If I could donate more time, I would… Build more houses in Mexico.

Something overrated in floral design concepts… trumpet vases.

Something people may be surprised to find out is...I have been married 24 years, I was a child bride J I am the mother of 7 children, all mine and my husbands, yes we know what causes that, we like it, we call ourselves passionate protestants (that’s to answer the endless times people have asked if we are catholic or Mormon)

My biggest fear...The first 20 years as a wedding designer I would have the same dream the week before an event, I’m not exaggerating. I would wake up and it would be Sunday and I would realize I had a wedding to deliver. So I would race to the wholesaler, that was closed, break in and find the only flowers they had were straw flowers. I would grab them get to the church just in time to shove a handful of the strawflowers in the bridesmaid’s hands as they started down the aisle. I haven’t had the dream for 5 years!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Spotlight On Interview - A Day to Remember

We were able to sit down with Lora Ward of A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants, a Dynamite Vendor, and ask her some questions to get to know her better. Here's what we learned about Lora. Enjoy! The one item of clothing I can’t live without…for relaxation – a slightly tattered “moo-moo.” I hate anything around my waist when I wish to be comfortable. For professional needs – a pair of black pants with pockets (I can’t work a wedding without pockets).

My first job was…babysitting (age 10). The first “real paying” job was as a legal secretary for a law office.

If I wasn’t a planner, I would be…It’s hard to imagine not being an “alpha female” but after all these many years, I long to sit in a lush, beautifully landscaped garden, and mindlessly flip magazine pages (naturally a wedding magazine!).

My top favorite item to incorporate into event design...emotion (includes laughter, happy tears, sentimentality, anticipation and even awkward embarrassment.)

The CD currently playing in my car is…a collection of funk, disco and old school – the 70’s were my formative dancin’ years!

The most extravagant wedding I ever planned was…I have enjoyed coordinating many wonderful weddings, however, one of the more beautiful and a bit on the “extravagant” side was one held on a hillside above the Pacific Ocean, at the beautiful Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, CA. All guests wore white, the groom entered the ceremony riding a beautiful white horse, the bride enjoyed two wedding gowns, white doves were released, the guests dined on a 6 course dinner in a stunning theatrically lighted room, the wedding cake was taller than the groom, and the evening’s entertainment was a famous Flamenco guitarist flown in for the reception.

Tea or coffee? Wine or Beer? Plain or Peanut? Never coffee… unless it has Amaretto, whipped cream and chocolate slivers on top! Cold crisp Chardonnay. Mounds over Almond Joy.

If I could plan a wedding anywhere in the world it would be….if I could take a great group of Sacramento vendors with me, I would coordinate anywhere… the difficulty is creating a fabulous team in other cities (teamwork is essential). I love mountains and forests and am particularly fond of The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

If I could plan any famous person’s wedding, it would be…hummm, Martha Stewart isn’t married? That could be an interesting challenge. I wonder if she would bring in magazine pictures to show me her inspiration?

My business goal for this year is…to grind through and keep my head above water during this economic downturn.

My food weakness is…bread, potatoes, pasta.

My biggest pet peeve is…Porta potties (sorry, but I do hate them!)
The website or blog that I visit most often, besides my own, is…Dynamite Weddings, of course! Generally, I’m too busy to stare at the computer unless I’m pumping out work for my clients.

My next vacation will be… a fall foliage tour of the New England states – to include covered bridges, white clapboard churches, and old cemeteries. When can I leave?

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists