Sacramento Bride and Groom Magazine

Tips From the Pros

Beautiful Bridal Eyes		Getting to Know You

Personality Counts!		The Blink Trick

Take Your Time		Keep Vendors Informed

The Itinerant Bridal Gown		Show Your Style

Practice Makes Perfect		Don’t Be Afraid to Smile!

Consider Your Set-Up		Getting Good Coverage

Personalize Your Day		Add A Little Humor

Beat the Heat		Avoid Floral Stress

Dancing Feet		Finding the Perfect Hairstyle

Stay Stress-Free		Choosing the Right Bakery


		BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL EYES Elana Chambliss Facia Bella

It’s been said that the eyes are the window to the soul; so it’s no surprise that brides want theirs to be perfect on wedding day. When it comes to your bridal makeup, what eye shadow colors are best? Elana Chambliss of Facia Bella has a unique tip for a winning look: “For inspiration, I always look at the bridal bouquet. Not only will it enhance the eye color, but coordinating colors with the bouquet creates a beautiful bride every time.” < BACK TO TOP

		PERSONALITY COUNTS! Eric Leas Acti-Video Productions

Think about personality when choosing your videographer, recommends Eric Leas of Acti-Video Productions. Why is personality part of the equation? “Your videographer will be working closely with you on one of the most important days of your life,” Eric explains. “His or her people skills will be just as important as camera techniques and production skills. If you’re not comfortable with a videographer during your interview process, you certainly won’t be comfortable with him focusing a lens on you an hour before the ceremony starts.” < BACK TO TOP

		TAKE YOUR TIME Emilia Borz Bouquet Florist

Though your planning checklist is sure to be long, Emilia Borz of Bouquet Florist urges brides not to put off selecting a florist until the last minute. “Although I highly recommend choosing an experienced florist referred by someone you know, and whose beautiful work you have seen, I believe it is important for the bride and groom to take time and schedule consultations with at least three reputable florists,” explains Emilia. “Have a list of questions about the flowers you have chosen, such as are they available on your wedding day, will they stay strong throughout the day, and can they be replaced with similar ones to better fit your budget? Consulting several vendors will give you more confidence when it comes time to make your floral choices.” < BACK TO TOP

		THE ITINERANT BRIDAL GOWN Claudine Kenney Bridal Perfections

When traveling to your destination wedding, how should you transport your gown? Claudine Kenney of Bridal Perfections offers the following advice for jet-setting brides: “When flying, never check any wedding items. Your pre-pressed gown should be securely hung on a sturdy hanger, packed in a plastic bag, and then placed in the zipper bridal bag to be used as your carry-on.” To find an appropriate spot on board, Claudine recommends letting airline personnel know that you are traveling with your dress upon checking in and politely asking if your gown can be hung in first class. If you must stow it in the overhead compartment, lay it across the tops of other travel bags – not alongside, as these shift during take-off and landing. Most importantly, Claudine reminds brides to keep a positive attitude. “Don’t expect special treatment but share your joy and all will share with you!” < BACK TO TOP

		PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Carlos Rivera Carlos Rivera Photography

Carlos Rivera of Carlos Rivera Photography has noticed that many brides are disappointed upon viewing their wedding album to find that their wedding party didn’t smile for photographs. Carlos recommends practicing with your wedding party to see how they react to the camera. “The wedding party needs to feel comfortable with the photographer,” he says. “A great idea is to have the wedding party join you at your engagement session. This will allow them to meet the photographer and squeeze in a few photos of each wedding party couple. Afterwards, review the images and coach anyone that looks uncomfortable in front of the camera; this takes a bit a ‘Chutzpah’, but it’s worth it!” If that doesn’t work, Carlos has one last tongue-in-cheek idea: “Warn them that they must smile or the photographer’s fee is coming out of their pocket!” < BACK TO TOP

		CONSIDER YOUR SET-UP Liza Kilgariff The Golden Gourmet Catering

Most brides have a vision of how they want their special day to look; but in making these plans, Liza Kilgariff of The Golden Gourmet Catering notes that brides often forget to consider the logistics and costs that may be required to bring their vision to life. “It’s especially true for outdoor settings, which often require a lot of time and effort to set up,” says Liza. “If your catering staff is required to assemble tables and chairs or ceremony sites, expect to compensate them for this time.” To get idea of the charges, consider the layout of your venue. “If your setup crew is covering an acre or more, trekking back and forth will certainly rack up some time. A responsible caterer will discuss these potential charges up front, but will most likely not be able to put an exact figure on them until the event is completed.” < BACK TO TOP

		PERSONALIZE YOUR DAY Jenny Giallanza Sun City Roseville’s Timber Creek Ballroom

Want your wedding to be personal? Communicating with your caterer is the key, says Jenny Giallanza of Sun City Roseville’s Timber Creek Ballroom. “Many catering companies have standard menus they put together to give clients an idea of their services. However, most are more than happy to create custom menus to suit the tastes and needs of the couple. Don’t be afraid to ask for menu suggestions.” To help your caterer create something that’s right for you, Jenny suggests spending time together so that your caterer can learn your preferences and personality. “Be yourself,” says Jenny. “Your distinctive personality should be the highlight of the wedding. Let your caterer do things that highlight who you two are as a couple.” < BACK TO TOP

		BEAT THE HEAT Angie Zimmermans Heavenly Flowers and Events

Flowers add charm and elegance to any event, but they must be treated carefully to retain their beauty all day. “The biggest factor that will negatively affect any flower is exposure to extreme heat,” says Angie Zimmerman of Heavenly Flowers and Events. To avoid any pitfalls, Angie suggests that brides share a list of their favorite flowers with their florist. Then, let the florist advise you on how your choices will hold up given the season, weather, etc. Flexibility is the key to stunning floral design. “Give your florist a chance to recommend other flowers with a similar texture, size and color that may hold up better.” < BACK TO TOP

		DANCING FEET Kendra Pfeiffer-Wershing Pfeiffer Event Planning

Got tired tootsies? Kendra Pfeiffer-Wershing of Pfeiffer Event Planning has a fabulously fun idea for those dancing feet! “Buy a bunch of inexpensive traditional rubber flip-flops in colors that compliment your wedding. Personalize and decorate them with pens, rhinestones, feathers, etc. and put them out by the dance floor for the ladies to slip into when their feet can no longer handle the stilettos.” To get them created easily and quickly, Kendra suggests decorating the flip-flops as a fun bridal shower activity. < BACK TO TOP

		STAY STRESS-FREE Nicholas Nizich Nicholas Nizich Photo-graphy

Nicholas Nizich of Nicholas Nizich Photo-graphy has the secret to looking great in your photographs: “From my experience in Hollywood, any bride can look like a ‘star’ if she is stress-free. Too many brides work on their wedding day as their own coordinator. Have attendants who pamper you. You shouldn’t worry who is carrying your train, why the flowers are late and who is gathering groups together for the photographer.” Staying relaxed and comfortable will not only make your day more enjoyable, it will help your images look natural and beautiful. < BACK TO TOP

		GETTING TO KNOW YOU David Van Enger Music in Motion

To avoid any wedding day disappointments or confusion, David Van Enger of Music in Motion recommends that brides know specifically who will handle their event. “While many companies feature multiple employees and service staff, they should all allow you the opportunity to choose someone you like,” says David. When you find the right individual, get a guarantee in writing that they will be the person handling your event. “I can’t tell you the number of times someone has said to me ‘I wish I would have known you when I got married. I hired so and so and somebody else showed up!’” < BACK TO TOP

		THE BLINK TRICK Joy Ximenez A Moment of Joy Photography

If you’re worried about blinking in all of your pictures, Joy Ximenez of A Moment of Joy Photography knows a great tip. “Ask your photographer to do a ‘one, two, three’ count for you. But here’s the tip: When your photographer says the number two, BLINK! This way you will be blinking before the picture is taken.” Yet, while the method is foolproof for adults, Joy notes that it can confuse children. Simply asking kids to smile and look at the photographer should do the trick. < BACK TO TOP

		KEEP VENDORS INFORMED Melissa Reid Luxury Limousines of Sacramento

Melissa Reid of Luxury Limousines of Sacramento reminds brides that vendors can provide better service if they have the right information. She suggests giving your chauffeur a complete itinerary of the day, including both the information that directly pertains to him (such as pick-up and drop-off times, locations, and a list of passengers) and the contact information of the other vendors. “This way, if there are any delays or changes, the chauffeur won’t be left out of the loop,” says Melissa. She also recommends selecting a limousine company that is a member of a reputable wedding organization. “This indicates a significant source of their business is weddings, which means they’ll be familiar with a bridal party’s specific needs.” < BACK TO TOP

		SHOW YOUR STYLE Christopher Knight Christopher Knight Photography

From artistic or casual, to posed or spontaneous, everyone has a unique taste in photography. How do you ensure your photographer captures yours? “Rather than assume that your photographer only has one style, realize that most professionals can shoot to please YOUR tastes,” says Christopher Knight of Christopher Knight Photography. “The best way to communicate your preferences to your photographer is to collect wedding photographs. When you see a shot you really like, clip it and put it in your planning binder. Then, at your planning session prior to your wedding, show them to the photographer. This way the photographer has a really fresh idea of what you like, just prior to the wedding.” < BACK TO TOP

		DON’T BE AFRAID TO SMILE! Janelle Erath Nellie Photography

Too many brides and grooms get stuck with awkward, pinched expressions in their wedding photographs because they were uncomfortable with their smile. Janelle Erath of Nellie Photography reminds her brides that concerns, such as gaps or teeth discoloration, can often be corrected with editing by a skilled photographer. “Your wedding day should be one of the happiest and most beautiful days of your life, and you want it to be recorded that way. If smiling is a concern to you, make sure to discuss the issue with your photographer. He or she can then assure you of what can specifically be done to rectify the situation in your photographs.” < BACK TO TOP

		GETTING GOOD COVERAGE Lezlie Sterling Lezlie Sterling Wedding Photojournalism

To make sure that no moment is missed, Lezlie Sterling of Lezlie Sterling Wedding Photojournalism recommends that brides consider a photojournalist to document their wedding day. Lezlie suggests calling your local newspaper’s photography department to see if any of their photojournalists shoot weddings. Many of them also have their own websites, so you can check out their work. “Newspaper photojournalists are especially skilled at anticipating moments and putting themselves in the right place at the right time,” explains Lezlie. “They are able to move through the crowd, unnoticed, capturing those unexpected moments < BACK TO TOP

		ADD A LITTLE HUMOR Kiya Sakaris A New Beginning

“Humor is one of the most important characteristics that a marriage should consist of”, says Kiya Sakaris of A New Beginning. “Instead of complaining or lecturing to one another about why and how something must be accomplished, it is much more relevant and pleasant when one gets the point across with a little extra added humor. It becomes easier for the other to accept the issue and it helps the complication to become resolved without resentment or dread. The person may eventually begin to laugh at themselves and be more willing to change their habits when approached in a loving, amusing manner. If one truly wants to change others actions or attributes, whether it be within a marriage, on the job, or with children or relatives, it is best to hold a comical disposition full of wit to charm those negative traits right out the door.” < BACK TO TOP

		AVOID FLORAL STRESS Cathy Brooks Visual Impact Design

For brides feeling overwhelmed by the process of choosing flowers for their wedding, Cathy Brooks from Visual Impact Design has a great tip. “Most brides have never ordered the quantity of flowers needed for a wedding…A good florist should take you through the steps and guide you in the direction of theme and budget. Remember, everyone has a budget. Don’t be afraid to share this with your Florist. It really is a helpful element in the process of creating your personalized floral décor.” Cathy also encourages her brides to relax and have fun. “It is hard work,” Cathy says. “But nothing worthwhile is easy!” < BACK TO TOP

		FINDING THE PERFECT HAIRSTYLE Tina Abbay Hair by Design

“Your bridal hairstyle is probably the most important style you’re going to choose for quite a while, so it makes sense to invest in a little research and have a consultation well in advance before the big day”, says Tina Abbay of Hair by Design. “It is recommended to schedule your consultation at a minimum of three to six months prior to your wedding. This will allow plenty of time to ensure that your hair is in its best shape and color, and to create the perfect hairstyle for you. Also, planning ahead will ensure that your chosen hairstylist is available on your wedding day. During the consultation it is important to bring any headpieces that you may plan on using to embellish your hair like a tiara, veil, traditional head piece, hair clip, rhinestones, etc., and a picture of your wedding dress to make sure that the piece(s) will not only incorporate nicely with the desired style, but also balance of your overall look.” < BACK TO TOP

		CHOOSING THE RIGHT BAKERY Christian Podsiadlo I Do Cakes

Choosing the right baker or caterer for your special occasion is an important decision. Christian Podsiadlo or I Do Cakes recommends selecting the right chef should be about more than just price alone. “Honesty, personality, reliability and taste along with your comfort level with this person is valuable. This is what you will remember long after the event. Trust your instincts. A beautiful wedding can be arranged on any budget and a realistic plan is deciding what is more important to you.” < BACK TO TOP

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