Great Professionals

Over the last few weeks, we've had the pleasure of working with some terrific professionals at some wonderful wedidngs. Here is our July hit parade:

Venue
Elisheva Basseri (catering manager), Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay, 650-712-7678
Kelly Savukinas (catering manager), Lodge at Pebble Beach, 831-647-7481
Emilie Rekart (director of catering), Fairmont, 415-772-5409
Elsie McAteer (senior event manager), City Hall, 415-554-6068

EventPlanner
Jubilee Lau, www.jubileelauevents.com
Carol Leslie, Carol Leslie Special Events, 510-654-5125

Caterer
Anna Williams, www.danmccall.com

Beauty
Nellie Muganda, www.nejacosmetics.com
Jim Avila, (image and style consultant) www.jimavila.com

Photographer
Wendy Maclaurin Richardson, www.wmrphoto.com
Michelle Walker, www.michellewalker.com
Kevin Chin, www.kevinchin.com

Florist
Michael Ritz, www.churchstreetflowers.com
Shawna Futagaki, www.flowerdivas.com
Susan Groves, www.infullbloom.com

Music
Larry Lynch and the Mob (terrific band--the crowd was jumping), larrylynchandthemob.com
Masa Moriyasu (quartet + terrific trumpeter for a dramatic entrance), www.lakeshoremusic.net/
Rich Amooi (DJ), www.heymrdj.com
Carl Mindling (DJ), wwwreachcarl.com
Vic Pelayo (DJ), www.e3music.com

Caterer
Last week, I went to one of the most fabulous tastings I've ever attended, hosted by Componere Fine Catering, www.componerefinecatering.com. Ethan and Tisa Mantle have an impressive pedigree, but they are also so sweet and down to earth. The result of their carefully combining tastes and textures, and artistically displaying each of 6 courses leads to an incredibly blissful experience. They are definitely the 'under the radar' caterer in the Bay Area. We will be looking to them for innovation in the future, and to join the 2-3 elite caterers who astonish their clients every time.

Cake
Sam Godfrey, (national reputation, and well deserved; try the chocolate snickers cake--oh my!), www.perfectendings.com
Susan Morgan (beautiful designs that taste terrific), www.elegantcheesecake.com

Officiant
Heron Freed Toor, (beautiful sentiments that are heartfelt), www.worksofheart.com

What You Get For the Money

Check out the Fall 2006 issue of Brides.Com Northern California. On page 124, you will see yours truly quoted on what kind of videography you can expect in the Bay Area at various prices.

$500-800 The Basics. Up to four hours of ceremony and reception coverage with one camera and simple editing.
$1500 Fuller coverage of the day, including bride's preparation.
$2500 8 hours+ of documentaion with 2 cameras at the ceremony, plus more creative editing.
$3500 Two cameras throughout the day and cinematic-style editing.
$5000-7500+ High definition exquisite 45-minute fully edited wedding movie.