Vendors Unveiled: Tania Sones Photography

We are so lucky to have such amazing talent in Connecticut, and one of the categories that we constantly find incredible wedding professionals is in photography. This week's featured vendor is a perfect example of this.

Name: Tania Sones

Website: http://www.taniasonesphotography.com/

Blog: http://www.taniasonesphotographyblog.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

I am based out of central Connecticut, but have traveled along the east coast for events. I love to travel anywhere- send me to Hawaii if you must!

How long have you been in business?

4.5 years

What drew you to photography as a profession?

I traveled around the world years ago (as a consultant for a large company) and remember shooting a sunset in Washington, DC- with a beautiful oak tree in the background right across from the White House. Once those photos were developed (back in "film" days), I remember looking at that photo and just thinking that this is something I loved doing! Then, with the birth of my first son (years later)-- it sealed the deal. I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do!

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?

The photographer that you hire is the person that you trust to capture your moments as you've imagined. You need to feel comfortable with that person, and feel right away it will be a good relationship- it truly is a partnership. I set expectations with my clients so that they understand my style and my personality that would provide them the type of photos I deliver. This way, we develop a solid foundation, and they feel comfortable with me and the way I would be capturing their story. When I came up with the three words for my business logo, it needed to capture exactly what my clients would receive: Photos that were Simple. Elegant. Beautiful.

What do you love most about your job?

Besides being a mom, there's nothing else I want to do in life. (Hopefully that says it all!)

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Ambitious

Comment for a Cause: 3rd Quarter Recap

Wow, the 4th quarter snuck up on us so fast, we didn’t even have a chance to post our 3rd quarter recap in time! Less than three months left in the year – crazy! Admittedly, we did not blog as aggressively as we should have in 3rd quarter, so naturally our comment numbers are a little lower than in the first half of the year - only 8 (yikes!).

Since this is mostly our fault, we're going to up the amount to match our lowest donation to date, which was $20.00 in the 1st quarter. This will be donated to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Our featured charity for 4th quarter will be the American Cancer Society.

Vendors Unveiled: The Cake Boutique

The wedding cake provides you with a great opportunity to have the entire feeling of the event expressed in one single detail. So many elements of the cake come together to really display the personality of the bride and groom... the color, the design, the flavor and the shape. Today, we have an interview with one of Connecticut's premiere cake designers, The Cake Boutique in Wilton. Their creations are always beautiful and delicious. Take a moment to read about his imaginative and talented company!

Name: The Cake Boutique

Website: http://www.thecakeboutiquect.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

We are located in Wilton, CT. We serve Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester Counties. We also serve New York City.

How long have you been in business?

5 years

What drew you to cake design as a profession?
Ever since we were children, we loved watching our mom bake cakes. We always helped her and our passion for cake decorating evolved. After college, we decided to go to The French Culinary Institute in NYC and we received our pastry degrees and have been making cakes ever since!

What do you feel sets you apart as a cake designer?

We are down to earth and we really listen to our customers. Also, our cakes taste extraordinarily delicious!

What do you love most about your job?

Making a beautiful and delicious product and making our customers happy.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Passionate.

[image credit: Red Loft Studios]

Vendors Unveiled: Heartbeat Dance Band

A few years ago, we had the immense pleasure of meeting Barbara LaValle of Heartbeat Dance Band. We were instantly impressed by this band's spirit, energy and talent. You can tell that the band is having fun... and that translates to the wedding guests!

Name: Heartbeat Dance Band

Website: http://www.heartbeatdanceband.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

NY Metro Area

How long have you been in business?

20 years

What drew you to providing event music as a profession?

I’ve been involved in music all my life...it is my passion. What do you feel sets you apart as an event band? We have 6 great singers in our band; all very different enabling us to cover all styles of music authentically.

What do you love most about your job?

Working with my brides & grooms to make their day a dream come true!

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Integrity

Vendors Unveiled: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library

Nothing is better than feeling completely beautiful and it is never more important to have that wonderful feeling than on your wedding day. I truly believe that the sign of an excellent makeup artist is one who will enhance the natural and internal beauty of the bride. And this week's Vendor Unveiled has an immense talent to succeed in making each bride look like the best version of herself.Name: Jennie Fresa

Website: http://www.jenniefresa.com/

Blog: http://jenniefresa.blogspot.com/

Where are you located and what geographical areas do you service?

The Beauty Library, where I meet brides for consultations and trials, is located in Clinton CT but I travel on-location for weddings world wide.

How long have you been in business?

I have been doing makeup for over 10 years but I started my own business 3 years ago!

What drew you to makeup artistry as a profession?

I absolutely LOVE helping women feel good about their appearances. Makeup is an art but it's also about a feeling. We should all embrace our unique qualities and know how to enhance our best features. "Teaching" women makeup is my favorite!

What do you feel sets you apart as a makeup artist?

I believe that the "beauty experience" should be just as memorable as choosing the right gown for your wedding. We create an experience that you won't forget! The Beauty Library is a charming, cozy place where brides can feel comfortable and special! We don't transform women for their wedding day. We create a custom look that suits the style of their venue and their personality. It's all about being the best version of yourself.

What do you love most about your job!

I love hearing about ALL of the wedding details! I was recently married myself, so I am relating to brides on a whole new level now! My brides are my friends. Often, our relationship goes well past the wedding day!

If you had to describe yourself in one word what would it be?
Spirited

[image credit: Leslie Dumke Studio]

Vendors Unveiled: Mike Connolly

This week would like to introduce you to one of Connecticut's premier disc jockeys. Even Jessica used Mike Connolly's company for her own wedding in 2005. I was a guest at that party... and I can tell you that they do an incredible job!

Name: Mike Connolly

Website: www.mikeconnolly.com

Blog: http://mikeconnolly.wordpress.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
We are in Southington and service all of Connecticut, Central Mass. and RI.

How long have you been in business?
Next year will be my 20th year in business.

What drew you to DJing as a profession?
The love of music and the inability to play it myself. When I first saw how much music can influence the mood of a wedding, I was hooked.

What do you feel sets you apart as a DJ?
I’ve been known for my non-cheesey yet very personal approach to weddings. While there is a market for the interactive style, Most brides appreciate a great, well organized party without all the cheese.

What do you love most about your job?
I get to see the best of people on one of their most important days. If you think about it, My job is party!

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Loyal

Vendors Unveiled: Dirt

I know that it has been awhile since we posted an edition of Vendors Unveiled, but ... we're back! And we would love to use this time to introduce you to Ann of Dirt. We have had the pleasure of working with Ann in the past and are truly mesmerized by her stunning floral creations. Enjoy getting to know this incredibly talented woman!

Name: Ann Robertson of Dirt

Website: http://www.dirtfloral.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
We have a studio in Greenwich, CT but have done events up and down the East Coast from North Carolina to Cape Cod, so far. . .

How long have you been in business?
My love of flowers started when everyone's did, handing dandelion bouquets to my Mom. Only she must've appreciated them more than most, because I wanted to keep doing that everyday. After studying floral design at Parsons School of Design in NYC, I opened a creative floral studio called Dirt in October of 2003. Now we make bouquets with just about anything except dandelions.

What drew you to floral design as a profession?
Color, texture and the ability to work everyday with such a beautiful part of this earth.

What do you feel sets you apart as a floral designer?
Creativity. It comes from not being lazy and falling back on tired old rules of floral design. From thinking differently about each event and how to make it special.

What do you love most about your job?
Hearing the Ooohs and Aaahs as guests enter a room you've designed.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Free-thinking