Getting to know your vendors....Arte de Vie

Doug and CheyAnne "have a tradition of always taking [their] portrait together when [they] travel, and [they] absolutely had to do it for [their] wedding!"

Wow! I think I met that couple that truly embodies the terms partner and in love and complimentary. Wow! They are just wow! I met Doug through Facebook when I was living in DC. I was still thinking about and working on photography when I saw the PUG Group on Facebook and contacted him. He was so friendly and still is. Now, as a coordinator, I can't wait for the day I get to work with them (which could be sooner rather than later considering one of my brides already booked them!)!

Both photojournalists by trade and romantics at heart, Doug is a tad bit more serious and leans more toward the artistic side. Doug went to Western Kentucky University and then spent years shooting assignments for the Associated Press, The Washington Post, The New York Times and many other publications. His experience and education mean Doug knows how to capture the moments that matter. He's trained for it. He will document your day as the events and the memories unfold.

CheyAnne is more contemporary, spontaneous and has a softer and more carefree side. She received a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University in photojournalism in 2005, spent a year at LSU (Geaux Tigers!), and then took a job in New Orleans at a prestigious portrait studio, where she worked for two years. Between her bubbly personality, educational background and professional portrait experience, she's able to combine true photojournalism with classic portraiture.

Together, I really think they're an awesome pair and compliment each others styles perfectly!

Arte de Vie is a product of both of them. They fell in love while in school for photojournalism at Western Kentucky University. Then, for a while they both had their own businesses (Bradfield Photography and Artisan Style). Finally, over a period of about two to three years they joined forces by not only getting engaged but also by creating Arte de Vie and then getting married (you can see more of their personalities in their wedding trailer by Studio Vieux Carre).

They are a picture of a successful working team and a married couple.

CheyAnne and Doug are very proud of how much their business has grown without any real business experience. To them photography is more than a hobby. Yes, it's something they enjoy, but it's their business. If they could recommend one thing to aspiring photographers, it would be to take the time to master the skills of photography and THEN take the time to learn business skills. Also, don't be afraid to work with others and source out what you cannot do by yourself. Doug and CheyAnne both recognize how much Titus does for them in getting information out, second shooting and just helping when needed.

They are also very proud to hear people actually talk about Arte de Vie. To them, it is a very proud moment when they overhear people say or do the following:

• gasp in reference to having "Arte de Vie" or 
• say that they are "awesome" or 
• say that "Arte de Vie needs to be booked early" or 
• that they are "they hardest working photographers." 

They take pride in their work and the results of their work and what you think of their work.

In the future, overall as business, CheyAnne and Doug just want to improve on what they already do. They want to provide a higher level of customer service, which will probably mean hiring someone in office to handle customer service, so CheyAnne and Doug can focus on photography aspect. They want to further develop their skills so you get better products. It's all about what CheyAnne says: they want to "keep elevating the name. Keep it classy....timeless." They're not high quantity....recognize them for the quality.

To couples getting married and going through the planning process, from a photographer's perspective and as a previous groom Doug says the following:

• Choosing your photographer: As far as photography, narrow it down to the top 2-3 photographers you like and then DIVE DEEP into their websites. So you have a full comprehension of how the photographer captures the entire event, not just portraits. Then talk with the photographer so you can get to know your photographer and if your personalities mesh. 
• Videographer: They also highly recommend videography! Certain things don't translate the same between photography and video. There is sound and movement that a photo just can't capture. 
• Finally, get a coordinator. Even if it's just week of they highly recommend getting one. Your coordinator will make sure everyone is showing up at the right time to the right place. All those little details you don't need to worry about on your day. They recommend getting one because they want you to have a good wedding day and two so you're not stressed and are relaxed in the pictures. 

Tips from the experts regarding your photoshoots:

• Engagement session: try to choose a location that has personal meaning because if it has meaning, then you're going to be more comfortable and enjoy the pictures more. Also, make sure your outfits match....style wise. If you're going to be formal, make sure you're both formal. If you're going to be country, make sure you're both country. By themselves they may be great, but individually they may not mesh well in the photographs.
• Bridal shoot: have a smaller version of your bouquet so your hands aren't empty all the time. Eat before the session. Don't get hung up on staying clean....they do a fabulous job of keeping the dress clean. For your hair and make-up, use the same person you're going to use on your wedding day so you can both be on the same page...this is your trial run. 
• Wedding day: organization is KEY. Your photographer has a timeline and knows how long it will take to do your pictures throughout the day. If you're organizing your own day, talk to your photographer about this timeline; if you have a coordinator, ensure the coordinator has talked with your photographer about the timeline. Communication is key (again). Finally, don't send your photographer a Pinterest board with 50 pictures you "want." The list means they miss YOUR moments and it stifles their creativity. 

Not only did CheyAnne and Doug have tips for brides and other photographers, they also had a little tip for me (or for others helping with the wedding). When the bride is in the back of the church....after they've made their way from the car etc.....once we fluff the dress, we need to step away from the bride and her father/escort. Let go of the dress and let the photographer capture the moments happening without us in it. Let them have their moment together. Let the picture happen. I can do that. Thanks y'all!

CheyAnne and Doug are not only professionals, but they are truly warm people. This shows in not only their personalities but in their work. Contact Arte de Vie to set up an appointment to discuss your big day!

It's Your Time Events is an event and wedding planning and design firm. For more information regarding It's Your Time Events you can email Erin@ItsYourTimeEvents.com, Like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter. 

Getting to know your vendors: Catherine Guidry Photography

I first met Cat Guidry working Amanda and Chris's lovely wedding in Houma. At first sight some people might say she is tiny. But I never noticed how tiny she was because her personality is shining and her work ethic abounds! There is nothing tiny about this woman. 

She was fun, energetic, outgoing and oh so flexible. See, my emails were going to her junk mail and therefore she didn't the wedding timelines (lesson learned, call the vendors if they're not responding). She quickly picked up and kept going and working with everything!

But Catherine didn't always know she wanted to be a photographer. In school Catherine, or Cat, first started out studying architecture (which can significantly help photographers see lines and how objects in a photo work together. For Cat, it allowed her to create images that are unique and modern.). But she quickly developed an interest in photographing weddings. She shot her first wedding in November 2008 and by the time she finished her masters in Architecture she knew she found her passion in life. She's been doing it full time ever since!

Cat fell in love with life. She fell in love with capturing love and the small moments that exist in life. She's able to use her creativity to stop time and capture the emotions and memories behind it. These moments will be cherished for a lifetime!

She has chosen to focus her business around weddings. They are filled with love and sometimes sorrow and memories of those who have passed. Being a photographer allows her to see people in all stages of life...allows her to see their vulnerable side. Being a photographer allows Cat to do something special for someone else on one of the most important days of his/her life. It is because of this dedication and time and effort and emotion that Cat only takes on 25 weddings per year. She wants to make sure to give each client the attention they deserve. She goes the extra mile!

When you're hot, she'll fan you. Photo by Amelia. 

Cat's business has grown and she is proud of this (and rightfully so). She says, "I am most proud of the progress my business has made. I feel thankful to have a permanent second shooter and friend, Amelia Marcell. I am blessed to have such wonderful clients, and I am thankful to be able to enjoy work day in and day out…as each day brings something new." And while she's very happy with where she is and how far she's come, Cat is excited for what the future will bring!

While Cat is extremely easy to work with and outgoing, she says the number one thing you can do to help your photographer is to talk to them. Communication is key (again). Ask questions and voice your concerns ahead of time so on your day you are both on the same page. Cat wants you to have fun and enjoy the day and be stress free so anything you can do ahead of time really helps!

Catherine Guidry Photography starts at $3500 and is based on the number of clients she works with, quality of the images and experience she provides. The best way to contact Cat is through her website www.catherineguidry.com. 

Both Cat and I thank you for getting this far in the blog and we both love connecting with others. You can also find Catherine Guidry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/catherineguidrypage. 

Getting to know your vendors - Galvez Restaurant

I'm going to preface this by saying, I'm not a food critique. I am just me, and these are my opinions and thoughts on a nice visit I had getting to know one NOLA Vendor. 

Most people don't realize or know that Louisiana has a short but very strong Spanish history. People focus so much on our French and Creole background that our Spanish background gets lost. I mean, come on we have Spanish moss (is that Spanish?). But you can also see our Spanish heritage throughout the Quarter which has many buildings from Spanish era construction. And you can find, down Dutch Alley (where they have the bronze statues I love so much) a restaurant which touches on our Spanish heritage - Galvez Restaurant.

Galvez Restaurant on the river not only captures Louisiana's Spanish, French, and Creole heritage in the food it produces, but it also showcases great views of the river and city. 

Chef Laura Cedillo and Events Coordinator Tara Cartner welcomed me with open arms and a LOT of food. Originally from Ecuador, Chef Laura hails from NY restaurants. She buys all her food fresh and LOCAL. These two make a great pair!

Now, be prepared, I'm going to admit something here...Born and raised in NOLA and I'm a picky eater. I have never eaten ANY of these things before, including paella. But when the chef is cooking for YOU and you're an event coordinator who is supposed to be able to tell others about real experiences, I had to do it. And I have to say I liked it all. I ate muscles and scallops and shrimp and paella....and it was good. Nothing was overpowering or too spicy. It was all good and I savored all of it. And Chef Laura assures me they are very flexible and can do many more dishes including traditional NOLA dishes.

Just a little about the food:

Gambas al Ajillo- Gulf shrimp with toasted and roasted garlic, Spanish Chorizo cooked in white wine, chicken stock and oregano

Almejas o Mejillones a la Mariner - mussels and clams. Mussels are the Mejillones, and the clams are the Almejas. Cooked in white wine, sofrito, choriozo with fresh oregano

I wanted to take the bread and soup up all of the sauce!

Olives Bernardo- Named for our name sake, Bernardo de Galvez, these are Spanish green olives stuffed with Valdeon blue cheese wrapped in Serrano ham. One of my favorites

Vieras al Albariño- This was the scallops dish. 3 scallops seared and placed on top a garlic potato cake with asparagus, and topped with Albarino Buerre blanc, fried serrano ham, sauteed mushrooms and mint and pea pesto.

And the Paella Valenciana- Aborio rice flavored with saffron with chicken, fish, shrimp, mussels, Andouille sausage, Spanish Chorizo, green peas and hericot vers with roaste red peppers, served with house made jalepeno sauce.

Galvez Restaurant is located in the French Market. Dutch Alley and other areas of the French Market can be rented for events (which I am so excited to learn about!). Picture an event where you have rented out Dutch Ally with it's garden lights strung and Galvez Restaurant is catering. You can throw your bouquet from the balcony of Galvez and dance the night away with easy access to the Quarter and so much more. Tara has even been known to go down to Cafe du Monde to get beignets for passed desserts! I'm thinking I need to have an event in Dutch Alley with Galvez Restaurant!!!

This blog was done by It's Your Time Events in an effort to become more of a resource to brides and others looking to have events in New Orleans. If you are interested in having It's Your Time Events plan your big day (or any other event), please email erin@itsyourtimeevents.com or call us at 985-234-9757. 

New Orleans Wedding: Lorey and Joel

I've known my very first bride since we were in middle school. We were both over achievers and participated in a lot of school and personal activities together. This is why Lorey says she hired me...because she knew how I was in school. We both went to school here in Louisiana and then both moved away. She went to New York and I went to DC. Then, as Lorey says, "Joel put a ring on it" in April 2012, I started It's Your Time Events in December 2012, and they were married March 23, 2013.

Lorey hired It's Your Time Events for a Day Of coordination. She and her friend Amanda came up with a lovely elegant vintage garden style wedding that came together wonderfully! Lorey's wedding was absolutely beautiful and she was stunning! 

Lorey and Joel were married at the New Orleans Opera Guild on Prytania. Sam Gregory captured the Guild perfectly in this photo! It is truly a gorgeous old time New Orleans home and provided the perfect area for Lorey's garden wedding!

We watched the weather all week leading up to the Lorey and Joel's big day. While Lorey had a tent on hold she really did not want to use it...turns out we needed it. It showered off and on from the beginning of the day, but the showers stopped for the brides big entrance and the tent was gorgeous with the garden lights. 

Event Rentals provided and set up the clear tent with garden lights. They also provided the linens, tables, and chairs. It's Your Time Events set the chairs up in a semi-circle which turned out great and looked very intimate as Lorey stood at the front surrounded by her closest family and friends. 

I have to say, that as Lorey finally reached the "altar" area, I did tear up. She is my old friend and she is my first bride. She was the picture of grace and beauty in her long lace gown. I was extremely happy for her and happy I could make this day happen the way it did!

 Kim Starr Wise did the flowers which turned out so pretty.

The day may have started with showers and clouds but there was no stopping this wedding or the fun to be had. The showers stopped for the bride and groom and they were happily married!

I absolutely loved this sitting area set up in front of the Guild. Lucky for us the rain stopped and LSU tent was removed :) So glad we could do that for our bride!

After the ceremony, the area was cleared and "flipped" to a dinner setting. Lorey and Joel took family and wedding party photos out front while inside the guests were treated to jazz music by the Joe Simons band and a cocktail hour. At this time guests were also invited to pick up their table cards. After cocktail hour and a bit of mingling with the bride and groom, La Maison Creole provided a sit down dinner and stellar services!

Even though the rain stopped, there were still remnants left over. The dance was wet, but that did not stop this couple from having their first dance. The groom rallied his groomsmen and I rallied my people to find as many napkins as we could and we dried the floor. There will be dancing!

I'd say the elegant garden themed wedding came together beautifully!

The bride threw her bouquet from the balcony and I have to say it was an awesome catch by her sister!

While this may have been It's Your Time Events' first real event as a business, it would not have happened without some awesome support from a dear friend and some great vendors! Thank you Lorey and Joel for taking a chance on an old friend and her new business. Thank you to her very awesome wedding party (both bridesmaids and groomsmen) for being flexible and helping when needed. And thank you Sam, Kim and company for being great vendors to work with!

If you are interested in having It's Your Time Events plan your big day (or any other event), please email erin@itsyourtimeevents.com or call us at 985-234-9757. 

Thank you to all of the wonderful vendors who helped pull Lorey and Joel's wedding together:

Wedding Coordination: It's Your Time Events

Flowers: Kim Starr Wise

Photography: Sam Gregory Photography

Rentals: Event Rentals

Seeing things from a different perspective and learning from others

This post is long overdue.

When I started It's Your Time Events, I made a decision (and personal goal) to work with and learn from as many vendors as I possible so I could learn as much as possible. Knowing what vendors need and want can only help in making sure all of my events go smoothly from beginning to end, and ensures both my clients and the vendors I work with are happy in the end.

The first wedding I got to see from a different perspective was with Studio Vieux Carre for a wedding planned by Jennie Keller - Weddings in the City by Jennie Keller. Terry asked me to help in getting from one location to the other and with miscellaneous items along the way. It was a big night because they were a "same day edit."

Because it was a same day edit, Studio Vieux Carre worked like a well oiled machine that night. The week before Terry sent out a timeline with details outlining where we were all supposed to be and what we were all doing. I was supposed to get Terry from location to location (on time). I was a little nervous because I was working with THE Studio Vieux Carre and THE Terry Taravella! And I was also a little nervous because I knew this was a big event when Terry told me it was taking place at Club XLIV in Champion Square! 

We started by leaving the Hyatt and heading to Immaculate Conception. Turns out, there was a monster truck show that night too (so glad I was a little early and saw Jennie outside so I could park in front of the Hyatt). Lesson learned: know the other events happening around your locations so you can plan accordingly. The streets were a MESS that night! But Jennie handled the limos and parking spectacularly and I was able to get out and to Immaculate Conception on time and ready to support Terry and team!

We left Immaculate for Champion Square where I basically dropped Terry off in the street because of how busy the street were that night. I ran to catch up and right into the Second Line into the square! It was truly a sight to behold!  (you can see more of the reception sites on Brandon O'Neal Photography Blog)

I caught up with Terry and team and had one mission: gather cards for Joe to download and begin editing. Joe, Terry, Jeana, and Gary started the "event" by shooting the bride and groom getting ready, moving to the ceremony and then continuing onto the reception. During the reception, they continued to shoot while simultaneously one of them began downloading and editing. At this point, for a same day edit and for the Studio Vieux Carre team, it's important for the editor to be able to focus on the editing and not shooting. It's important for the editor to be able to focus. So I did what I could by running back and forth for Terry, Jeana and Gary and getting Joe drinks occasionally. It wasn't much but they said they appreciated it so I'll take that :)

Watching them, as a part of the videography team, I was able to see the videographer and photographer blend in with the crowd and how they are dedicated to capturing everything from big moments to the smallest of details. I was also able to see how they move with their audience and clients. (I especially loved how Brandon, the photographer, moved with people while they were dancing. He didn't ask them to stop or hold that pose. He moved with them...rocking back and forth.) It was seamless.

Being a part of this team showed me how all the pieces come together for one ultimate goal - the happiness of the client. Jennie Keller was the leader, or maestro, who took the lead, answered questions, and made sure participants, photographers, videographers, and behind the scenes vendors all knew what was going on and when it would happen so they could do what they needed to do. And Studio Vieux Carre's "same day edit" was their solo which they executed flawlessly. There were so many pieces and parts moving. All of these vendors worked together to make sure Emily and Ron were happy in the end. And I was honored to be there for it and to help in any way possible! Thank you Studio Vieux Carre!

Getting to know your vendors - Fat Cat Flowers

I first met Diane Mouton of Fat Cat Flowers when I was researching florists for my wedding. She made me feel so at ease and welcome into her shop and like I was her number one priority. 

Since then and after our interview, I believe I've grown to know Diane and her business fairly well. When describing her several words come to mind: personal, enthusiastic, engaged, professional yet completely free and owns her creativity.

Born and raised in Vermont, Diane came to New Orleans when she was 16 years old to attend Tulane. She fell in love with New Orleans! She describes it as, "the perfect blend of big and small and it has such a close knit and rich community....It's almost European." She never looked back.

While at Tulane, surprisingly Diane studied accounting which is the exact opposite of being a florist. But, like Diane says, to run a good business you have to make money. And you have to be able to pay good staff. And her business background has served her well (I know who I'm going to for business advice in the future).

Diane graduated and went to work in the hospitality industry in catering and at the Marriott and in restaurants which gave her the customer service foundation she believes is key to her success. And I have to agree. I think she has a great combination of professionalism, business experience, and customer service skills that truly sets her apart from others.

Yes, I wondered how she got from accounting and catering to being a full time florist. As most of you know, accounting can be stressful, so she needed a change. She thought about starting a restaurant, but that would involve a lot monetarily. So she looked herself and at what she really liked doing in life. Flowers. She loved flowers. She worked at several flower shops around the city to get a feel for how they functioned. In 2005 she started Fat Cat Flowers in her basement, and moved into her current studio several years later.

To ensure there is great design, great value, great reliability in every single event she does, Diane attends shows, uses the internet and goes to Market every year. She sees the trends before they get here and is able to show them to her clients. The trend right now is to be more eclectic but keep it cohesive. She wants it to be a true reflection of the client.

This is why when Diane begins the planning process, it's all about getting to know the client and pulling the entire picture together to ensure everything gels. She wants to know about your theme, your colors and yes, she wants to know about your dress because the bouquet is an accessory, and everything flows out from there. She wants you to use Pinterest to try to find your style so she can have a visual to pull from. And for some clients, the process is more detailed and involves more meetings, and for other clients, it's about Diane being creative. It's definitely a balance and a skill in adjusting. But Diane's main goal is that she genuinely wants people to come into the shop and know without a doubt she can recreate their dream and KNOW that she's going to show up on time. And that really is her mantra - be personal and be reliable and be creative.

Don't be afraid to talk about your budget with Diane! We know this can be a painful or sticky subject Be prepared to talk about what you want so she can work within it. In the end she wants you, the client, to be happy. (HINT: Using in-season flowers also costs less and makes a great show.)

Because of the need to keep things personal, Fat Cat Flowers does limit the amount of weddings they book each year. So book early! Diane recognizes you need to book the venue, band, and photographer first because they book fast in New Orleans, but if you want Fat Cat, you should book at least 6months in advance. Of course there are highly competitive months: for example, October books extremely fast, so book them at least a year in advance.

In addition to doing weddings, Fat Cat also does corporate events for the following: Brennan's restaurants, August Catering, City Park, Pat O's. Fat Cat has solid relationships with many people. In addition, she continues relationships with clients, so she also does other personal events in their lives like births, anniversaries, and even funerals.

Wrapping things up, Diane would tell clients, she wants them to remember to slow down and enjoy the day. "Just relax."

This blog was done by It's Your Time Events in an effort to become more of a resource to brides and others looking to have events in New Orleans. If you are interested in having It's Your Time Events plan your big day (or any other event), please email erin@itsyourtimeevents.com or call us at 985-234-9757. 

Getting to Know Your Vendors - Makeup by Meggan LLC

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with Meggan Dupre Ory of Makeup by Meggan during the Roques-Robichaux wedding. All of the ladies from Amanda and Chris's big day were absolutely beautiful!  Meggan was also the first vendor to respond to my wanting to do these vendor spotlights. She was so friendly, beautiful inside and out, and the session was so relaxing!

We started the session talking about each other. I loved that Meggan wanted to get to know me too! Getting to know your vendors is so important. If you can't communicate with or work with one of them, it can definitely make the entire process more stressful than it needs to be. It is so good to know I can definitely work with Meggan!

She began working with makeup while studying psychology. She started working for MAC when she was only 19 years old and had absolutely no idea what she was doing. Clearly they saw something in her work because they hired her and she has worked off and on with them over the years. It is through MAC that she went through much of her training. And to better herself, Meggan also went through training at Aveda for Esthetics.

From MAC, Stacy Marks helped get her to where she is today. "With the help of Stacy Marks...the first bride I ever did make up on was one of his bride models. He invited me over, I did her make up, and that was the first time I'd ever done make up on a bride per say. And that's how I got started, and he was like, 'You should do it.'" He helped and inspired her to get where she is today. Nice job Stacy Marks for noticing this gem!

While she recognizes some items and products might be better than others, Meggan doesn't put all her eggs in one basket though. "As far as brands go, I don't believe one brand has it all. So I pull from whatever brand has the texture I'm looking for."

But, she does have some fav tools:

1. Inglot - Meggan describes this as the following: You know how if you have black eye liner on, a few hours later it can build up in the tear duct area? It can get really messy and nasty looking. Well on your wedding day you don't want that. Inglot looks like tar. And it's not sold anywhere in the US (to our knowledge). This product does not move. 
2. Eve Pearl - the mother of the bride often worries about wrinkles. A lot of times make up can accentuate those areas. Eve Pearl covers it all really well, is "emollient and moisturizing," and Meggan uses it on all her "mature" ladies.
3. Fast Response Eye Cream - Meggan puts this on everyone because this de-puffs the eye really well. 
4. Beauty blender - one of the best inventions ever for makeup! Meggan uses it to apply foundation. 

And if you opened her bag, you might be surprised to find one of her favorite items is a pallet, so she can mix colors! She's a true artist!

Being a true artist, Meggan knows technique is important. A lot of times when brides are looking for a makeup artist, they are looking for someone who can do a better job than they are able to do. To truly be better than the average person or makeup artists you need technique. It's so important to know what is popular for this season and to be able to adjust for who she is working with at the moment. MAC and Bare Essentials trained Meggan in the true techniques makeup artists use, which can set her apart from other makeup artists. And Meggan continues to better herself by following trends and continuing to work with MAC. Every fall, spring, summer and winter she goes through training and watches a lot of youtube and researches through magazines as well. 

And while Meggan doesn't give out much advice, because it's more about guiding and asking questions to discover what clients really want, Meggan does have one tip to give clients - take care of your skin.  She highly recommends, if you're going to have a major event, like getting married, go get a few facials to prep for your big day. Get your skin looking as healthy as possible because that is how much better your makeup will look in the end. 

Makeup By Meggan was real in January 2013! And since then she's been doing weddings, proms formals, ect. Her website will be up shortly but you can find her on facebook. Most recently Meggan's makeup was featured on the cover of and throughout nola wedding guide's Summer Issue. This is by far her proudest moment - having her make up on the cover of a magazine (which is pretty awesome!).

 

More than that, though, it's important to Meggan her clients feel more beautiful and more self confident when they look in the mirror. To do that, is truly a success in her book.  

Meggan has her set rates, seen below. 

This blog was done by It's Your Time Events in an effort to become more of a resource to brides and others looking to have events in New Orleans. If you are interested in having It's Your Time Events plan your big day (or any other event), please email erin@itsyourtimeevents.com or call us at 985-234-9757.