Spotlight: C. Marie Photography

I like to post spotlights every now and then of different vendors that I think my blog readers might be able to use, or at least find interesting. I have yet to spotlight another photographer... until now :)

Some of you may remember Crystal from past blog posts. She's showed up a few times on my blog... every time looking more beautiful than ever. She has also come along on a couple of shoots with me and been a big help in several aspects of my business. She is always excited to see my latest shoots, and even keeps me company many times when I edit. She has taken an interest in photography, and has since started her very own blog!



I am so proud of this girl. At 18 years old she is already finding her voice, and pursuing her passions and following her dreams. If I had had her determination and passion at 18 years old, I can only imagine where I'd be now! I know she is going to do great and go very far in her life.

Here are a few of her recent shots. You can check out her blog here for even more! She has only started it recently, but I'm sure she'll be updating it regularly! (and extra points for you if you leave her a comment! Cuz you know that's the best part of blogging!)

Spotlight: Carter and Cook Event Co.

I still remember my Freshman year of college (or was it Sophomore?) and the Spanish class that I had a love/hate relationship with. I love Spanish, and I am even now trying so so hard to learn it, but the class was early in the morning, a lot of work, and in a different language. Go figure. I also remember a pretty blond girl who sat behind me. I was totally intrigued with her and she was always so sweet and friendly.

Ashlyn is now doing amazing things in the wedding industry, and I knew I wanted to do a spotlight on her and her buisiness partner, Heather. Here is a little more about their growing business.



Describe what it is your company does.
Carter & Cook is a boutique event coordination and design company. We specialize in weddings and all types of events, big and small.

above photo by Josh Newton Photography

How long have you been in this business?
We have both been in the event planning business for years. Everything from corporate events, weddings, non-profit – you name it, we’ve done it.

above photo by Sean Walker Photography

How did you get started?
We were both working at a corporate event planning company in San Diego where we planned large scale events all over the world. But because we love the creativity in smaller events and getting to know our clients on a personal level, we decided to partner up and pursue a lifelong dream, we both have had and started C&C together.
It was a spring morning carpooling to work, and decided to give it a shot! We started Carter & Cook a year and a half ago and haven’t looked back since.

Above Photo by Micah Dahlberg Photography

What is your favorite part of what you do?
We love designing weddings. The best part is meeting with a couple and learning about who they are. We truly get a feel for the style and type of wedding they’re looking for. We love using the unique attributes about each couple and finding creative ways to display it through all areas of their most very special day.

Above Photo by Micah Dahlberg Photography

What is your favorite project that you've worked on?
It is so hard to choose, but one of our favorite weddings this past spring was Lisa and Derren’s vintage inspired wedding. The couple, the family, the location and theme made it a true joy to be a part of!
Also, we recently did a photo shoot with some incredible vendors. It was so much fun to design two tablescapes, both with unique creativity and some fun elements! We would love to design shoots like this all day long. It’s an “all out” wedding table, but on a very mini level. Stay tuned for more details and the photoshoot.

Are you working on anything new and exciting?
Growing our business! If that’s not new and exciting, I don’t know what is. J We’re working on some new marketing pieces and getting ready to start advertising. It’s really exciting to see where it will take us, and watch our company grow to new levels. We also have an upcoming opportunity this fall to design a photo shoot for a new San Diego venue. These are just so much fun to do, as it is up to us to fully create and transform the space into an incredible looking event!

above photo by Josh Newton Photography

How can we get in touch with you if we want to use your services?
Feel free to give us a call or send us an email! You surely can’t miss us on our website, blog, twitter and a Facebook fan page. (You can find their contact information below)

Anything else you want to add?
We absolutely love what we do. We are so blessed by the incredible clients and vendors we have the privilege of working with in this industry. It is a joy to leave each and every meeting, walk through and consultation thinking, “I love my job”. Honestly, I just never thought it was possible to do what you love so much that it doesn’t ever feel like work.

above photo by Stephanie Fay Photography

Here is Ashlyn and Heather's contact info:
Website: http://www.carterandcookeventco.com/
Blog: http://www.carterandcookeventco.blogspot.com/
Phone#: 619.846.6231
email: info@carterandcookeventco.com

If you are planning a wedding, or any other type of event, check them out! They are not only incredibly talented, but so humble, genuine and kind. Check out their website and blog... and find out more about them and what they do!

Sweet and Saucy Shop

Several weeks ago, I did a spotlight on my friend Melody of Sweet and Saucy. She is an amazing baker and creative artist and I am constantly blown away by her work. If you are getting married in the near future, you MUST check her out!

She recently opened a brand new shop in Long Beach, and yesterday I headed out to get some pictures for her. There will be many coming soon, but here is a sneak peak:






I know this is going to be a hard one to edit because every time I look at the pictures my mouth waters!!! I highly recommend her lollipops... they're like chocolate covered cake on a stick and they're AMAZING! So are the red velvet cream cheese cupcakes. Mmmmmm!

Thanks Melody for letting me stop by!

Spot Light: Melody of Sweet and Saucy

One of the things I love about what I do is all of the OTHER talented people who are also in the industry. And that doesn't just include photographers. I have met a lot of amazingly creative people who do things other than take pictures, and I think they are SO wonderful that you should all meet them too!

I've decided to add a new portion of my blog that will spotlight other vendors. Maybe some of you who are planning a wedding or event... or even just having pictures taken... will be able to use some of these fabulous people I am so lucky to call friends! I will make sure to give you all of their info so you can check them out!

I am starting with my friend Melody (we actually went to high school together!) who owns her own AMAZING baking company called "Sweet and Saucy". The name alone makes you want to know more right? Well since you insist...

above photo by RyelJ Photography

How long have you been in this business?
About 2 years


How did you get started?
I was actually going to be an elementary school teacher and almost finished all four years of college and taught in a couple schools, but then realized that it wasn't a job I could stcick with for the rest of my life. Once I realized that making desserts could be a career I stopped pursing a teaching career and heading to pastry school at the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena. Once I graduated, I worked at Zov's Bakery & Bistro in Newport Beach and Tustin for a little less than a year. I enjoyed working there but realized that if I was going to my this a real career I had to go out on my own and that is just what I did. I am so thankful I made that decision and really thank all the people along the way that helped make my dream come true!

What is your favorite part of what you do?
I love being my own boss! I love having creative freedom and meeting other individuals in the industry that are creative too and love their job...collaborating is the best!

above photo by Amy Squires

What is your favorite project you've worked on?
I have recently started doing a lot of photo shoots with people in the wedding industry and have an absolute blast coming up with a design and watching it come to life.

above photo by RyelJ Photography

Are you working on anything new and exciting?
Right now I am working on finishing up with construction on my dessert studio that will be in Long Beach, CA. This has been a long time coming and I am so excited that it is finally almost finished. We should be up and running sometime in June!


How can we get in touch with you if we want to use your services?
The best way to contact me is through email or phone. I have a contact form on my website that helps us know what you are looking for and then we are able to get back to you within 24 hours.


Here's Melody's contact info:
Website:www.sweetandsaucyshop.com

Blog: www.mysweetandsaucy.com
Phone: 562.397.9190
email: melody@sweetandsaucyshop.com

And here are a few more photos of her beautiful work. You can see a lot more on her website (which you HAVE to check out... it's amazing!) and on her blog you can even see how she does it! Make sure you check her out.

above photo by Garbrial Ryan Photography

above photo by RyelJ Photography

above photo by RyelJ Photography