Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Vendor Spotlight with Jeremy Leffel | Photographer

Jeremy Leffel is one cool cat. Not to mention a killer photographer.
We had a mutual client in August 2009, and the wedding was truly melodic.

But, I was awe-struck when the images arrived. Jeremy has a gift, and it's creating exceptional photos.
What was even more amazing, is he just disappears into the crowd.
The ultimate photographer, who becomes one with the guests.

I recently asked him to share a bit about himself, his philosophy, and of course, some incredible images from Jess & Cory's wedding. 

Enjoy.




Tell us a little about yourself…

I am a photographer, 33, and married to my best friend. We have 3 highly gifted, incredibly attractive, nearly superhero kids. I love outside…I hike, bike, snowboard, and walk. A few faves: family night, Apple, Puma, gray, Subaru, movies & music, avocados, ice cream, Maker’s Mark.

What inspired you to start your business?
Our wedding (1998), Lynette Johnson (Seattle area photographer), and my first wedding shoot (Shawn and Michelle, 1999). I had done a lot of B/W work in college (art school at UW) and never thought about weddings. Shawn and Michelle asked me to snap some B/W with my Nikon FG and I loved it…I also loved that her parents had hired another guy shooting formal stuff  Work kept coming, so I picked up a business license, a second camera, and an accountant.

What advice can you share for all of the couples getting married this year?
The best weddings I have been to are created by couples and designers who find the balance of celebrating the marriage and being the hosts of a great party. It can be elaborate or simple, small or huge, but it is always a good time if the guests are a priority.

What special items/services do you offer/create for weddings?
I keep it simple by providing an edited disc and making custom books. I have some other canvas and hand-made products in the works for 2010/2011.

What’s unique about your work?
I work really hard to come up with unique compositions and ways of using light in every situation…I try to keep editing simple and natural, and I edit a little further for interesting color and black & white for prints and albums. I think that comes from a lot of film years and wanting the images to still look amazing in 50 years.



Where are you located? What areas do you cover?
I grew up in Edmonds, live in Tacoma, and mostly shoot between Olympia and Vancouver, BC. I find myself east of the mountains occasionally, and out of state a couple times each year…Arizona during a cold November was a highlight this year.


Where can we see  your work, and book your service?
http://www.jeremyleffel.com/ my goal for this year is to create a better blog and journal regularly  check back on that…I need blog accountability.


How long have you been in business?
Full-time since 2000.


What price ranges do your services fall into?
I try really hard to work with people who really want to work with me. My standard rates are $3K-$4K.


What do you bring to the industry that sets you apart?
Right now there are a million photographers…I think couples choose to work with me because of my love for people and my experience. I love to hang out with people and happen to know how to use a camera pretty well. I think my way of working with clients and constant progression and consistency with the camera has kept me going on referrals since I started. I like to think that my experience (ability to problem solve difficult lighting/weather), aesthetic, and business simplicity are assets that are unique in photography right now.

Where can clients contact you?
http://www.jeremyleffel.com/ or 206-307-7511

 
If you're interested in Jeremy Leffel for the 2010 season, get on it! This guy books up fast.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Paperpalooza | Part Deux | Jan. 23rd in Seattle



Bit of a paper nut? Well then - this is the event for you.


3 of Seattle's top invitation designers are sharing the love. Join RealCardStudio, Ephemera Press, and Brown Sugar Design this Saturday!


Here's the 411...
What? Fine decorative papers, papercrafting tools, ribbon, scrapbooking supplies, metallic papers, envelopes, pocketfolds, embellishments and much more — all AT or BELOW WHOLESALE PRICES!
When? Saturday, January 23 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where? Real Card Studio, 117 First Avenue North in Seattle
Enter from the alley between 1st Avenue and Queen Anne Avenue North

Preview Hour! The first 20 people to email info@bsdstudio.com will receive an invitation to our EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW HOUR from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM! Get first pick of all the goodies! Coffee and yummy treats will be served. (Hurry, there are only a few spots left!)

Monday, December 21, 2009

Event Planning Bootcamp ::eBook coming in 2010

Did you miss out on the Event Planning Bootcamp workshops this past Summer + Fall?


Well, stay tuned!
I'm excited to announce that you'll be able to acquire all of the insider information in an eBook format, soon to be released in 2010.
You'll be able to review the content at your own pace, and create an Individual Action Plan to take the wedding industry by storm!


Topic include:


· How to determine if event planning is a good fit
· Day in the life of an event planner
· Key ingredients of a successful services business
· Determining your unique selling position
· Developing a targeted customer base
· Defining your niche
· Elements of a killer marketing plan

Monday, November 30, 2009

Winter Chic Boutique :: Dec. 3rd :: Spa Scotta

Nosh. Nibble. Shop. Celebrate.

Support local artists & indie crafters with conscious purchasing this holiday season.

Come out to Spa Scotta this Thursday, December 3rd, from 6 - 8:30pm.

Enjoy shopping with local vendors:

Katie Kay {accessories for you + your home}

{custom aprons + home accents}

Starjuice Aromatherapy {scrubs, snifters, body creams}


Margeaux + Violette {fashionable accessories inspired by french culture}


Plus, you can directly support Bahia Street {www.bahiastreet.org}

An incredible organization that directly assists Afro-Brazilian girls that live in economically-impoverished shanty towns.
It provides high quality educational opportunities for these young girls.

A % of total vendor sales will be donated to this incredible organization, as will a % of Spa Scotta retail + gift certificate sales generated during the event.


Spa Scotta is located in the:

Northcut Landing West Building, across from University Village
4915 25th Avenue NE
Suite 103W
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 522 - 5800

Plenty of complimentary parking below the building.

Friday, November 27, 2009

New Wedding Traditions to Love

There's a few new ideas that seem to be popping up here + there.

And we are loving them!
Traditions are always magical, but a personalized version of it, that fits a couple perfectly, is always the way to go.

Here's the 3 we noticed this past wedding season {and absolutely LOVE}.

1} Gift Exchange before the Ceremony

This is between the Bride + Groom, and is usually carried out by the Maid of Honor and Best Man, or designated helpers. The idea is, the Bride + Groom will open up the gifts before they see each other for the first time.

Personal Faves?
* The Handwritten Note
* A picture from the past
* Ticket stub from a concert

Best one we've seen?
A can of Root Beer. It was the Bride's favorite pop, and the Groom knew that having it would calm her nerves. It totally worked.

2} Photo Session - After The Wedding
These are the pictures you'll put up ALL over your house. Guaranteed.

The idea is this: Get all gussied up once again, but forget the make-up, hair do, glitzy jewelry, or perfectly coiffed hair. Just jump back into your dress, and your man back into his wedding day attire.

Seek out a completely different locale than your actual wedding ceremony + reception.

Example: You were married at a church, and had a ballroom reception.

Post Wedding Day Photo Session? Head downtown, go to the zoo, or a park.

Your photos will be Real. Raw. Romantic.

Neither of you will have any stress left, just the feelings of pure marital bliss.

3} Family Tree Guestbook

Newlyweds always want something personal + unique to take from their wedding, and put up on the wall.

This couldn't get any better. Your family literally leaves their thumbprint behind, at the end of a designated branch. They'll then sign below it, and voila!

Check out Lovliday on Etsy.
Great product. Prices start at $25!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Queen Anne Artists Trunk Show :: 11.21.09

Don't miss this Annual Show!
Featuring over 25+ Local Artisans + their handcrafted creations...




Go2Girl Design is thrilled to be part of this show!

When: November 21st, 2009 11am - 4pm
Where: Queen Anne Community Center : 1901 First Ave W

Sponsored by Sweet Pea Cottage : PreSchool of the Arts

Further details + inquiries : http://www.qatrunkshow.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009

$10K Wedding Budget Challenge: Seattle


Here's a great article on planning a $10K Wedding in Seattle.

I 'faux planned' this for The Knot Wedding Planner challenge.
Though, all the Vendors & prices are very, very real!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Eager to enter the Wedding Industry? Time to tackle the Business Plan!

Michelle Loretta of Sage Wedding Pros, has put together a fantastic 2 day workshop, featuring multiple Wedding Industry Experts. All here in Seattle!



When: November 6-7, 2009 ~ 9:00am-4:30pm each day

Where: Hotel Andra ~ 2000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle WA 98121

How: Purchase tickets HERE

Why: Because…

• You have never written your business plan but know you should.
• You have a business plan that is covered in cobwebs (or maybe just a little out of date).
• You want an easy approach to writing your business plan.
• You find “strength in numbers” and value business collaboration.
• You are gearing up for a successful 2010 and want to have a PLAN!

What: Some of the things you will do…

• Define or refine your mission statement, company objectives, and goals for your business.
• Create a marketing plan, operational plan, and financial plan for your business.
• Expand your business mind and broaden your professional horizon.
• Get your questions answered by wedding pros who have years of experience in the industry.
• Network with other business savvy wedding professionals at a special Friday event.

Cost:

Early Bird: $299 through September 30
Regular Pricing
: $349 after October 1

Cost includes all workshop materials including The Simple Plan ™ workbook.
Tom Douglas Catering will provide breakfast and lunch on both days.

Hotel Accommodations:

Hotel Andra ~ 2000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle WA 98121


Rates good through October 14:
- $142 Ändra Rooms with 2 Queen Beds or 1 Queen Bed
- $151 Ändra Suites with 2 Queen Beds, 1 Queen Bed or 1 King Bed
- $168 Ändra Lux Suites with 1 King Bed

When making a reservation please use “Sage Wedding Pros” as a referral
Reservations can be made by phoning 877.448.8600 or 206.448.8600

Friday, September 18, 2009

Worried You Might Hate the Ring He Chooses?

The truth is, most modern woman really do want to have a say in picking out their own jewelry, especially a piece as significant as the engagement ring.

Really, what’s worse….


Ruining a surprise, that results in choking back your horror at the thought of wearing that ring for the rest of your life?


Or, having to tell your boyfriend, that while sentimental + worth thousands of dollars, it’s not going on your finger until exchanged for something that fits your style?

It’s a bridal dilemma, but a real solution starts with going online, and getting a general idea of what you like.

You can visit a diamond site together as a couple, like Abazias.com, and review styles, shapes, and sizes of different engagement rings using the virtual ring builder.

With over 150,000 diamonds in stock, there’s plenty to choose from. There’s also no guarantee that the exact virtual ring is going to land on your finger. See? Still an element of surprise!

Choice = Surprise

With so much selection to choose from, your beau can still put one together that fits his budget, your taste, and have the final creation be a surprise.

Do you know when he ordered the ring? When and if he’ll really propose?
Let him keep you guessing! By giving him some general ideas, he can put together his own game plan.

It will let him make the proposal special, and unveil the ring at just the right time. Odds are, it will steal your breath away.

The real thing is always better than a virtual image, no matter how good the ring builder happens to be.


Oh, and Congratulations!!