by Tina Swithin

In San Luis Obispo County, we aren't only known for our stunning central coast wedding venues, we are also known for our talented wedding professionals.  At Central Coast Wedding Professionals, we love when our members are recognized and properly spotlighted for the award winning work that they do on a daily basis.  While we already know that they are amazing, it’s nice to see them be recognized by their peers and by the wedding industry as a whole.

We would like to take a moment and shine the CCWP Spotlight on Brittany App of App Photography for a huge accomplishment.  One of Brittany's photographs was recently published in the May Issue of PDN (Photo District News).  I spoke to Brittany yesterday who explained, "I've been waiting and working my entire professional career for this.  This exciting news comes just a few months after being published in an article in Photographer's Forum Magazine, another leading magazine in the photography world".

PDN holds an annual wedding photography contest called "Top Knots : The New School of Wedding Photography Contest".  Brittany was selected as a PDN Top Knots Finalist in the "Candids Category" for 2012.  The finalists images are then printed in the magazine as well.  This sounds like a photographer's dream come true!

On behalf of Central Coast Wedding Professionals, we congratulate Brittany for this amazing award!
Brittany App of App's Photography
(805) 704-3996
brittany@appsphotography.com
PO Box 3304
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403

To find Brittany App of App's Photography and other fabulous CCWP Wedding Photographers, click here.

By Melissa Fitzpatrick

There is a Central Coast wedding venue with picturesque views of the vineyards that I am particularly fond of in San Luis Obispo, California.  Edna Valley Vineyards gives new meaning to “panoramic views” from almost every angle—indoors and outdoors. It is a spectacular place for a wedding and one that your guests will never forget.

As a photographer, the grounds at Edna Valley Vineyard are a dream come true. It can best be described as a “sophisticated gem in a wonderfully rural setting”. Perfectly manicured lawns and flowers only enhance the stunning vineyard views with the local mountains serving as a backdrop.

I was honored to be asked to photograph the wedding of Jason and Libby who were married at the magnificent Edna Valley Vineyards and Winery. Their ceremony was overlooking the beautiful vineyards and rolling hills which was the perfect setting on an absolutely perfect day.

There is an additional component which only adds to this top-notch Central Coast wedding location. The staff at Edna Valley Vineyards is dedicated to ensuring that the wedding day is flawless from start to finish. Tina Hoppe is experienced and extremely professional to work with and she is always approachable and available for the bride, groom and vendors. She and her staff make certain that things are seamless so that you can enjoy your day and your guests.

Edna Valley Vineyard Couple: Jason and Libby

Other vendors who worked to make this day special for Jason and Libby are:
Bridal Makeup and Hair.com
The Cakery
Kramer Entertainment
Fitzpatrick Studios

Bio: Artistry & Photojournalism are the foundation of the award winning Fitzpatrick Studios.  Since 2002, Melissa (the artist and lead visionary photographer) and Martin (the photojournalist) have combined their talents to cover all aspects of a wedding day. You'll find that exquisite attention to every detail is the hallmark of their work.

by Jane, Bella Castle Photography

One of Bella Castle Photography's favorite Central Coast wedding venues is the amazing Hummingbird House located in Templeton, California.

This private vineyard estate is nestled on the scenic hills between Templeton and Paso Robles, in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. If you are seeking a uniquely beautiful and private setting for your wedding, the Hummingbird House is for you.

Here you will find expansive lawns and a beautifully landscaped pond, lined with willow, sycamore, and redwood trees which form a stunning backdrop for the wedding of your dreams.

The breathtaking waterfalls, fountains, and resident swans add elegance and grace to your special day. A boutique vineyard flows in well-tended rows along the driveway and provides a romantic background for wedding photographs.

The Mona Lisa Barn has spectacular ambient light and this property offers unique backdrops at every angle.

At Bella Castle Photography, we affectionately refer to the Hummingbird House as an 'Art Venue' owing to the fact of we having created many of our most striking signature photographs for our “Bella Couples” here.

Our minds automatically go into creative overdrive when we step foot onto this property filled with such beautiful imagery.  We absolutely love the Hummingbird House and feel confident that you will also.

Feel the Passion of Bella Castle Photography!  www.bellacastlephotography.com

Bella Castle Photography
560 Baywood Way
Los Osos, Ca 93402
805-528-0262

Bio: For over a decade, Al and Jane of Bella Castle Photography have been creating memories that last a lifetime.  Al brings forth an extensive photography background with a strong artistic style while Jane delivers the photojournalist and passionate approach to their team.  Together they capture images that allow their clients to reminisce on their special day and the emotions that were present.

Hey all! We'd like you to get to know one of our fabulous members: Rhonda Johnson with Bridal Makeup and Hair.com! She's a super cool sista who is amazingly talented!!! We love having her as part of our CCWP family!

Thanks for chatting with us Rhonda!!! Now, I invite you all to witness some of her handiwork:

Photo by Peer Johnson

Photo by Ely Roberts

Photo by Geoff Captain

Photo by Ashley Blake

Photo by Allyson Magda

Photo by Peer Johnson

Mark Padgett Event Design is a long-time CCWP member- and Mark is also the ONLY male coordinator that we have! He's got a great laugh, great style, and a sharp sense of humor- you're going to love getting to know him.....Enjoy! 

1. How long have you owned and operated your business? 

I did my very first wedding in September of 1999. Mark Padgett Event Design was born the following year. We are coming up to our 12th birthday! 

2. How long have you been a member of CCWP? 

A member since 1995, served on the board for seven years and was the president for two. 

3. What services does your business provide? 

We offer complete and one of a kind services in wedding design, planning, coordination and consulting. 

4. What do you think sets YOU apart from other coordinators?  

Well for sure the fact that I'm a guy! : ) The industry is predominately women and I think just seeing my name makes me stand out. My specialty is design. My designs are very comprehensive, certainly the colors, textures, layout, look and feel of the wedding are important, but we also help them find an ideal setting for who they are and the vendors that best suit their desires and personal style. We also help with the menu-making sure it fits the client, the surroundings and who is attending, We help them to choose music that will underscore the day brilliantly and tell their guests who they are. We help them find the bridesmaid's dresses, the guys suits and ties, even the bridal gown if she wants us to. We have our eye on the big picture and it's all about having everything balanced. 

5. What is your approach/style/philosophy when it comes to wedding coordination?
Our lives are made of moments, some we retain and others slip away, most often when the moments are moving too fast or when we have too many other things on our mind. We make sure that the bride, groom and their families are free to enjoy the moment, that each moment has beauty, substance, flavor, fun and for heaven's sake good lighting!  Then the memory lasts. 

7. What are your favorite wedding looks/trends/color combos, etc.?
That would be a 40 Blog entry challenge. I am currently embracing the trend of fewer staid traditions. The large formal cake has given way to dessert bars, candy or "carb" stations, or just layer cakes on vintage pedestals. No garter toss, thank you very much, and most of my clients are presenting their bouquet to a dear aunt rather then throwing it. Barbaric thing really, catching a bouquet, and in high heels?! I am loving the trend of elements being authentic, not whitewashed or manufactured. A small tea tin for a vase, a fruit crate at the dessert table, a barn wall as a backdrop, real furniture instead of linen on rental tables.  I also love that the emphasis is on throwing the most fun, laid back and gorgeous party ever! Comfort food as appetizers, late night offerings of mac and cheese or goodies for the car ride back to the Hotel. Love that not only are brides letting her bridesmaids pick a style that best fits her body, often she is letting them choose the dress completely (within the palette of course!) As far as colors go the trend is not to be trendy! Palettes are all over the place.  I like the bride to choose colors that she really loves, not what is popular, but that are her favorite colors.  Grey is still holding as the new black. With orange or yellow or purple or pink, Blues are huge, faded vintage palettes, fuschia is making a bit of a comeback and greens are in. 

"Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to express my philosophy and design inspirations. I hope all of the CCWP readers enjoy the post and pictures that I have shared!" 

A fabulous dessert table! 

Mark and one of his beautiful brides! 

A chic barn wedding....how amazing is this?! 

Photo Credits go to Mike Larson, Cameron Ingalls, Colleen Rosenthal, Julie Wilson and Jeff Newsom 

Paul & Linda from Fig Leaf Productions have been capturing beautiful weddings on video for 15 years! They are a treasured member of the Central Coast Wedding Professionals! Learn more about their style and view some of their work!

Photo by Allyson Magda Photography

 
How long have you been in business?
Fig Leaf: We've been shooting video professionally for almost 15 years.

How long have you been in the CCWP?
Fig Leaf: We joined CCWP in 1998.
 
What is your style & method?
Fig Leaf: Our shooting style is a melding of cinematic and documentary. We try to give our couples a complete overview of what really went on while they were busy getting married. Our shooting method is to melt into the background as much as possible. We figure our couples want to watch the video of their wedding day as it really happened.
The wedding day, especially the lead up to the ceremony, has everyone on edge. Our goal is to diffuse the nervous energy and put people at ease which means we don't put the bride and groom or their guests on the spot. We hate having a camera shoved in our face so we figure other people do to. We are available for those that want to say something on the video but we don't force it.

What is your favorite moment to capture at a wedding?
Fig Leaf: Some of our favorite moments to capture take place immediately after the ceremony is over when the bride and groom and their bridal party/family are all crying together, laughing and hugging. It's all about relief, joy and happiness. Some of the best things are said during this time.

What can a bride & groom do to make YOUR job easier?
 Fig Leaf: Don't wear a strapless gown and leave your nose at home. Honestly, in all the years we've been shooting, those two items are the bane of our existence. It is a rare strapless gown that fits so well that the bride or bridesmaid is not messing with it all night. Put a gal in a strapless gown and then watch her spend the rest of the night tugging and adjusting. Some great video moments have been caught on the dance floor when a strapless gown experiences mechanical failure and well...you can imagine the rest. (yes, we edit those moments out) Noses! You'd be amazed by how much action a nose gets: touching, rubbing, scratching. We'll be shooting a lovely moment and then sure enough..THE NOSE requires touching. Who knew?!

Is there a particular story or moment from a recent wedding that is especially funny, sweet, or emotional that you'd like to share?
Fig Leaf: Okay THAT is a tough question. So many weddings...sooo many amazing moments. Recently we did experience a very tender moment: we were shooting a father daughter dance that was especially emotional for everyone. The song was one we had never heard before but it seemed to fit the bride perfectly. The bride and her dad were hugging and laughing and crying as they danced around the floor. All of the guests were in a tight ring around them doing the same. It was only after that we learned the father had written the song himself about his daughter's childhood and the joy of being her father. He had sung the lyrics and played guitar in a recording studio just for her wedding day. It was a surprise gift for his girl! Not a dry eye in the house (including the videographers).

Enjoy some sample weddings below:

Kristin & Shaun short highlights from Fig Leaf on Vimeo.

Bianca & Andrew from Fig Leaf on Vimeo.

Lindsey & Wes from Fig Leaf on Vimeo.

Get to know one of our CCWP members a little better by reading our interview with Kim & Co. owner, Kim Brown- and see samples of their work below!

Who are the main stylists for Kim & Co. and their specialties?

Kim: Our main stylist for weddings would be myself, Holly Emerson, Shelley , and Toni Pistone. We all specialize in up do's & make-up for the bride & bridal party. Sabrina specializes in Esthetics's , waxing, & make-up. We try to have clients start a skin care regime early, so that they have the best skin possible for their wedding day.

Are there any products you use for hair and make up that you think make a big difference for bridal beauty?

Kim: 99% of brides say their hair wont hold a curl. We have the tools and special products to solve that. Our favorite is Kenra Platinum Hot Iron Spray & Aquage Beyond Body- they hold all day. For make-up we love Glo Mineral Make-up- it is a professional line , we have our tricks of layering so that the bridal party's make up will last all day. 

 How long have you been in business?

 Kim: I have had my Salon for 13 years in march and have been doing hair for 22 years, my staff have been in the business for 7-35 years.
 How long have you been in the CCWP?

Kim: 12 1/2 years
 
What is your favorite moment during the pre-wedding preparations?

Kim: When the bride see's the finished product and loves it!!
 
What can a bride & groom do to make YOUR job easier?

Kim: Be on time! Confirm the time the photographer needs their to be camera ready so that we don't have to rearrange the schedule at the last minute- we usually have another bridal party scheduled so moving times around can cause some issues. Don't drink too much the night before- we can hide a lot, but a hangover & dark puffy eyes  are much harder to conceal- but we have done it!
What qualities set your salon apart from the competition?

Kim: We have a large staff to accommodate just about any party size for hair & make-up, and we also travel to the wedding site, we offer spa parties , massage, nails & toes the day before the wedding.  They can bring in lunch and drinks if they like, we also offer Couples massage - very nice!

 Is there a particular story or moment from a recent wedding that is especially funny, sweet, or emotional that you'd like to share? 

 I have so many memories it is hard to pick, but what I really love to see is  bridal parties that you can really feel the love the whole wedding party has for the bride; they are more concerned with her comfort and happiness then for themselves- I love to see that! Also when a mother and daughter (Bride ) have a real connection and respect for each other- I love to see mothers and daughters getting along like best friends!

Visit the Kim & Co. website today to find out more! Thanks Kim & Co.- keep up the great work!