Sacramento Wedding Network's 1st Business Expo - It's a Hit!

The Sacramento Wedding Network was the brainchild of Kisty Rose. Not quite finding the environment she wanted for the wedding industry professionals...she decided to make her own. And so Sacramento Wedding Network was born. It's only a few months old...but that didn't let Miss Kisty stop her from organizing a very successful Business Expo for us wedding professionals. I was so honored to host it at my studio and am so excited for Kisty on the success of her event. If you are a wedding or event specialist...you should definitely join the network and keep your ears to the ground for more fabulous events from Kisty and the network!

Here are a few photos from the day's events. And many thanks to Kevin of Do an Event - who was able to put together a fabulous event for us!

The talented Carlos Rivera...being as studious as ever!

Esther of Esther's Floral Design won my services from the raffle expo. Can't wait to see what ideas she has for me!

Rachel Gularte of Bridal Showcase - giving us the low down on bridal fair do's and don'ts and how to select the best one for your business.

And...we were able to give a little money to my favorite charity - Generation Fate - to help buy gifts for foster children this holiday season. It gives me the warm fuzzies knowing we helped just a little. Thank you to all the vendors and guests who helped make this event so sucessful. I hope everyone walked away with valuable information and tools and new relationships!

Cheers to success!

Global Entrepreneur Week {Aura}

This week has been crazy busy...but that seems to be the norm these days for me. Tonight I made my way over to Aura (a yummy new restaurant nestled between Centro's and Harlows on J) to photograph the Global Entrepreneur Week's panel on the state of the music industry in Sacramento. I convinced Brian that this was probably something he wouldn't want to miss...so he joined me on my shoot. The panel consisted of local blues legend - Mick Martin, hip hop artist - Crazy Ballhead, Dig Music CEO - Marty DeAnda, Editor and Publisher of Alive and Kicking Magazine - Jerry Perry and Brian Fischer of Midtown Monthly and Co-Owner of MidtownGrid.com moderated the event.

It was a fascinating discussion on the state of music in this community and how as a community we can come together to elevate the importance of musicians and artists in our town. Most of the discussion centered around educating children and giving them an outlet to discover, experiment and make a living with music. I was completely enthralled with the entire conversation and wish there were more ears in the room taking it all in. This was only the first of many conversations on the topic...and I'm excited to see where it all leads. Here are a few pics from the event.

Lindsey Cook enchanting us with her beautiful lyrics and voice before the panel discussion. If you see here playing around town - stop what your doin and go check her out. You won't be disappointed...I promise.


Jerry Perry


Crazy Ballhead

Marty DeAnda and Jerry Perry

Fabulous attendees...including the super duper Rebecca Johnson!

And Ricardo Robles...the mastermind behind the Sacramento GEW.

Tomorrow is another great panel discussion on the arts hosted at Kristel Durand's studio downtown at 500 N Street from 1-3pm. Admission is free.

The topic is Making a Living as an Artist -- Local artists paint a realistic picture of the risk taking, passion and determination involved in making a creative living.

Top 3 Reasons to Attend:
1. Learn how to maintain your creativity and make money
2. Find resources (grants, fundraising, free publicity, pro-bono assistance) to build the business side of your art
3. Learn to balance art, business and family

**And a big thanks goes to Monica Lynn who was pulled off an excellent job of coordinating this entire week's event. If you need an eventer coordinator/designer...this woman is fabulous! And we have a little something in the works that I hope to be able share soon with you all...oh so exciting...I can hardly standit!

Ciao

I need to know her! {Jessica Chapman}

That's exactly what Jessica said when we first discussed her session ideas. She was really after a shot that said..."Wow...I need to know this woman!" And not just from a male point-of-view... "I'm cute so you should get to know me" standpoint - but rather a fabulous female entrepreneur standpoint of "Wow...she really seems like someone I should know." Jessica Chapman is owner of Room to Breathe and is quite the blossoming entrepreneur. She has lived the corporate life that sent her travelling around the world on business and now she owns her own successful business here and makes all the decisions herself. She is definitely another woman to be reckoned with in the business world and has new projects up her sleeve. This is one of my favorite shots from our session.

World....meet Jessica Chapman!

Custom birth announcement

Here's an 'oh so cute' announcement for an 'oh so cute' baby! What a lovely way to spread the news. If you are expecting or know someone who is...I have a wonderful new portrait program called The Sweet Pea Collections that will capture your baby from the belly through the 1st year. Email me for details at carmen@carmensalazarphotography.com or call the studio at 916-747-3293

Carmen Salazar Senior 2009 {Paige}

It's official....I have total hair ENVY!!! And not too mention the gorgeous blue eyes she's got!!! Miss Paige is 1 part sporty + 2 parts spice...and then some! We had so much fun hitting the downtown streets. Mother nature kept playing rain games with us...but we won and came away with the most beautiful images. Congrats Paige...you look so beautiful and I can't wait for you to see the rest!

It can't be all about the bride...can it?!

I found this article in my blog feed today from an east coast coordinator. She commented on the options for the gentlemen when it comes to looking fabulous without showing up the bride. I absolutely love the idea of grooms that stray from the "black tux" norm for their wedding day. As you can see below...these gentlemen are looking pretty damn sexy...yet understated.

Come on boys...show me something different at the alter!

Holiday Portraits {The Genshlea Family}

So the holidays are here and in full force! I've been designing custom cards for families and here's one of my latest...super cute huh!? It helps to have cute kids though! The Genshlea family (the parents...not the kids!) own Sacramento's first urban winery, Revolution Winery. They have a wonderful selection of wine and do everything (crush, ferment, bottle and taste!) out of their midtown location. If you haven't stopped by...this is definitely a little midtown gem not to be missed. The winery is hosting a holiday bazaar on December 13th featuring local artistic talent - and I'll be there snapping holiday portraits as well! This would be a great time to buy your holiday gifts for those that want something unique and creative! Contact the winery to purchase your tickets - 444-7711. And if you know any artists that should be showcasing their art at this event...please have them contact Gina at the winery as well.

Ciao!

Sacramento Wedding Network...You're Invited!

This month has been crazy busy and it doesn't seem like there's any end in sight! This week I am excited to be a part of a wonderful event for Wedding and Event Professionals like myself. The Sacramento Wedding Network is having their 1st business expo and I am so delighted to be hosting it for them at my studio. For any photographers and other wedding professionals out there...this will be a great event that can help you with the unseen side of business. In the short time that I've been in business I've learned that you need more than just talent and creativity to run a successful business. The expo is this Thursday, November 20th from 11-4pm with registration and a pre-mixer at 10am. Tickets are $20 in advance and $35 at the door...so buy your tickets in advance at the Sacramento Wedding Network site. Proceeds go to a wonderful charity - Generation Fate - and will help buy holiday gifts for local foster children. Hope to see you there! Click on the image below for Expo details and the Symposium line-up.

These boots are made for...

Flying! I decided to be a little adventurous and book a last minute workshop with Vicky and Jed Taufer of V Gallery. I have always been impressed with their business savvy and I am so excited to spend the next 2 days learning the ins and outs of this power duo. I will share more tomorrow from our first day at their studio...I am so stinkin excited...I can hardly stand it!

I will be back to Sacramento on Wednesday - so if anyone needs to reach me...I may be slow to returning calls. Thanks for your understanding.

Wilson Vineyard, Clarksburg Wedding {Mike & Jennifer}

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect fall day or a more perfect couple. Jennifer was stunning in her gorgeous gown and Mike was looking pretty sophisticated in his beautiful chocolate suit. The decorations tied in the fall theme and the Wilson Vineyards was the perfect backdrop for a most wonderful event. Their family and friends filled the room with love and laughter - it was by far a most splendid occasion. Thank you Jenn and Mike for your creativity, trust and wonderful spirits. I truly had a wonderful time being part of your day.

Catering: All Seasons All Reasons

Venue: Wilson Vineyards

DJ: In the Mix 916

Gown: House of Fashion

All DJ's should look this good! {In the Mix 916}

Lately I have been working with some wonderfully talented women business owners...and it is completely rockin my world to see some fabulous and successful female entrepreneurs. Kisty Rose is without a doubt...an up and coming diversely talented business woman to be reckoned with. Not only do we share a birthday...(September 16th...if anyone cares to mark their calendars...late gifts are accepted!)...but we share a desire to see other women thrive and grow as business women. She and her husband, Justin, own In The Mix 916, she also has her own web solutions company...and we just launched the new Sacramento Wedding Network. I was honored and thrilled when she asked me to photograph her new headshot for her upcoming ventures. I think she's shhhhmokin' hot...how bout you!?

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas!

Could this family be any cuter! I just had to share the design I put together for their holiday card this year. I can't believe it's that time of year already!!! It's not too late for a holiday session...call the studio for details if you still want to squeeze a session in!

Midtown Sacramento Engagement Session {Shannon & Mike}

Oh what fun we had on a lovely autumn Sunday. Shannon and Mike are a wonderfully creative couple. She's a photographer-in-the-making and he is a graphic designer - and these two are so cool that even their dog Beary White has his own blog! I'm a horrible doggie-mama by comparison! Shannon and Mike did their homework and filled out their 'love reports' for me so that I could craft an engagement session that was all their own. Here is a sneak peek at some of the photo magic we made! I hope you enjoy! And a special thanks to Shannon's brother, Nick, who was the dog sitter/lens holder for the day...you were awesome!