Vendor Spotlight: CMV Productions, Inc.

Today I am featuring Atlanta videographer CMV Productions, Inc. Co-owner Keith Piasecki has stopped by today for an interview about CMV Productions and wedding videography.

Lemiga: What do you enjoy most about your job?

CMV Productions: I really enjoy giving the couples something they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Putting together every video knowing the couple and their families will watch this video for years truly gets me excited about each wedding. I want my couples to feel like they have a friend behind the camera to capture their special day.

Lemiga: Why did you start your company?

CMV Productions: I was working for another Atlanta-area wedding video company and nearly all the couples booking that company requested me to shoot their wedding, so at that point I knew I could start my own company and build from the reputation I had earned. For me, shooting wedding videos started as a creative outlet and a way to make some extra money, but has blossomed into a second full time job. I still hold a full time position with CNN. We recently added a second crew to our company so we can now shoot two weddings per day. I was able to hire a talented pool of friends and fellow video professionals ensuring each video is top quality. I really enjoy producing wedding videos and if it ever stops being fun then it will be time to close the doors on my company.

Lemiga: What has been the highlight of your career to date?

CMV Productions: My wedding career highlight would be winning “Best Videographer” in the Best of Atlantabridal.com two years in a row (2006 & 2007). The award is based on reviews posted on the Atlantabridal.com site by my clients. If my clients are not amazed by the quality of their video and don’t feel compelled to write a positive review then I feel like I have not done the best job I could have done on that wedding.

Lemiga: How do you describe your style of videography?

CMV Productions: We do a news documentary style. We capture all the moments exactly as they happen without being in the way. In fact, after we say hello at the start of each shoot the wedding party and guests shouldn't notice us much at all. The less we’re seen the better we’re doing our job.

Lemiga: One piece of advice for Brides-to-be?

CMV Productions: Speak loudly when saying your vows. We do mic the groom for the ceremonies, but if you whisper your vows it will be hard to hear on the video. Also, at the reception stand near the person giving toasts so we can capture your reaction on the video as well as the person giving the toast.

Thanks Keith for stopping by! Jessica with the CMV Productions team was the videographer for the wedding I did this past weekend. She was unobtrusive throughout the entire day and so pleasant to deal with - ideal for any wedding. I can't wait to see the final footage!

CMV Productions, Inc. is a participating vendor at my Open House Soiree on August 24th at the Solarium. Register for the Soiree at http://lemiga.eventbrite.com/. And be sure to stop by and meet Keith and ask your wedding videography questions.

My Weekend

This weekend I coordinated a beautiful wedding at the Association of Black Cardiologists. All the details came together so nicely and I can't wait to show you the pictures! 2 hours before the bride was to have her make-up done, the make-up artist she hired was MIA. I called make-up artist extraordinaire Scoobie West and he filled in at the last minute. I just want to give a BIG thanks to Scoobie who not only saved the day but was so warm and accommodating and of course made the bride look breathtaking. Thanks Scoobie - I can't wait to work with you again!

Also over the weekend I received an email from Alltop letting me know that this blog has been added to their wedding section. Alltop is sort of like a "digital magazine rack" of the Internet. They display feeds from various blogs that pertain to a certain topic. I am very excited for this blog to be added to their wedding section! I have lots to share with you this coming week and hope you enjoy it all!

Lingere Theme Bachelorette Party

Following the shopping theme bridal shower the girls shopped at Lenox Mall for a few hours and then headed over to Twelve Hotel at Atlantic Station for the bachelorette party.

The bachelorette party was a drastic contrast from the "ladies" bridal shower luncheon. Here is the original inspiration board I designed for the party

Sources: Center lantern from World Market, Clockwise from top left - Flowers from Stem Parties, Zebra tile from World Market, next 3 are Social Couture, Zebra Cupcakes, Flowers from Stem Parties Shoes from Nordstrom, Bustier cookies from Sugarplum Visions, Cosmopolitan from i-stock photo, Napkins from Social Couture

And here are the pictures from the party (thanks again to Photography by R. Harrington for the photos)I used a wire form bustier with a pink feather boa for the cupcake tower topper. The cupcakes are from Sugarplum Visions and they did a fantastic job with these pink bustier and zebra stripe cupcakes to go with the theme.
Flower arrangements included hot pink carnations in black blume boxes that I covered with sheer zebra print fabricand hot pink roses in sleek black vases.On the table I placed cards from the Girls Night Box of QuestionsWhich as you can see from this question made for interesting dinner conversation with the girls!Party favors were black tank tops with sexy sayings, sexy pink lip gloss, and a mini bottle of Cocktails by Jenn CosmopolitanThe gift bags were tied with pink ribbon and a personalized martini tagOther room decor included pink and zebra print pillows on the couch. Something as simple as pillow covers really transforms a space!After hours of shopping the guests were greeted with cold Cosmopolitan Martinis - the signature drink for the eveningI love these napkins from Social Couture which add just the right amount of color against the zebra print fur table runnerThanks again to my wonderful clients and the bride to be for allowing me to be apart of this fun girls weekend! I had so much fun working with all of you.

Shopping Theme Bridal Shower

I spent Fourth of July coordinating a fabulous bridal shower and bachelorette party. The bridesmaids hired me to design and plan a day that the bride would never forget! The day started with a shopping themed bridal shower at the NM Cafe inside of Neiman Marcus at Lenox Square Mall. All photos are courtesy of Photography by R. Harrington.The NM Cafe has a great private dining room that is perfect for bridal showers. Manager Steven Waugh and his staff really rolled out the red carpet for my clients.I found these adorable place card holders at Social Couture that went great with the shopping theme and added color to the table.
The table included centerpieces of pink hydrangea and peonies which Neiman Marcus provided from their store.

The menus were on pink and lavender menu holders and I loved the metal napkin rings.Each guest had waiting in their chair a leather Donna Karan tote from Neiman Marcus filled with goodies. On the walls of the private dining room were black and white vintage ads - perfect for our shopping theme!

This was my first event at the NM Cafe and I was so impressed with the level of service they provided. It made my job so much easier and all the details came together really nicely.
Stay tuned for part two....the bachelorette party!

Badda Bing

Today I am featuring Atlanta caterer Badda Bing. Erin Strroup, the catering manager at Badda Bing, has stopped by today to give us a look into this innovative catering company.
Lemiga: What is Badda Bing?

Badda Bing: Badda Bing is a Jersey slang which means to be done quick and easy. Many of our clients find weddings to be overwhelming. We break it down and walk our clients through step by step to put their minds at ease and create signature menus. Lemiga: What makes you different from other caterers in the Atlanta area?

Badda Bing: What makes us different is that there are few other Atlanta caterers that have the culinary background of our chef. Our chef, Michael Condon, has 20 years of Manhattan restaurant experience as well as a degree from the Culinary Institute of America which translates into customized menus. When writing menus we take into account ethnicity, season, likes and dislikes as well as theme. Lemiga: Do you specialize in any certain type of cuisine?

Badda Bing: We can and have done everything from French to Pan Asian to Brazilian. Our speciality is that we are eclectic.
Lemiga: What are some new trends for food in weddings and special events in 2008?

Badda Bing: The number one trend we have seen in events is the moving away from the formal sit-down dining to a tapas, active station style menu to keep things social and moving.
Lemiga: What is your favorite dish that you make?

Badda Bing: Rosemary garlic crusted prime rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding, roasted fingerling potatoes and truffle grilled asparagus with a horseradish au jus.
Badda Bing Catering will be giving away a $200 gift certificate towards a wedding at our Open House Soiree on August 24th at The Solarium. They will also be serving the following menu at the Soiree:

• Crab Cake station with avocado chimi churi coulis


• Falafel bites with a tadziki sauce, tomato rouix and shaved red onion


• Rosemary chicken satay with a roasted yellow pepper garlic aioli


• Miniature cream puffs

All I can say is yummy! Be sure to register for the Soiree today!

You Are Invited....

As you all know from my posts over the last few weeks, our 2nd Annual Open House Soiree will be Sunday, August 24, 2008, 4:00pm-6:00pm at The Solarium in Decatur. Here is your official invitation to join us for appetizers, live entertainment, fabulous giveaways, and meet some of Atlanta's most talented wedding and event vendors.

Registration is now open at http://lemiga.eventbrite.com/ - space is limited and you must be registered in order to win the giveaways - so be sure to register today!

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know a little about the participating event vendors from the blog posts and I will continue to "introduce" them to you over the next few weeks leading up to the Soiree.

Spa Flow

Today I am featuring Spa Flow, a studio and mobile massage company. I have had the pleasure of working with Spa Flow both professionally - I used them for a corporate Christmas party - and personally - my husband and I booked their Valentine's Day package which was heavenly! And each experience has been wonderful. The staff at Spa Flow are always on time, bring all the equipment that you need for a mobile spa party and definitely have the magic touch! Jeanetta Lambkin, co-owner of Spa Flow, has stopped by today to tell us more about Spa Flow.

Lemiga: Tell us a little about Spa Flow - why did you start your company?

Spa Flow: Spa Flow offers both mobile and studio massage service. I was introduced to the world of mobile massage through my first job as a therapist. I loved meeting new people and traveling to different places, so when I moved to Atlanta I decided to start my own mobile massage company . The mobile aspect is what makes us unique. Mobile massage is great because the number one drawback of massage is the drive home. The stress of driving and traffic not to mention the gas prices, can undo all the good gained from the massage. About 6 months ago we added the studio option.
Lemiga: What is the range of services you provide?

Spa Flow: We offer individual table massage in our studio or we will travel to homes as well as hotels. In addition we offer chair massage for events and at offices. And of course, we also offer spa parties which include massage and facial services. Lemiga: What are your packages for mobile spa parties?

Spa Flow: We offer 3 Spa Party packages:

(1) Relax - 15 minute chair massage and 15 minute pedissage(foot massage, sugar scrub and warm soothing towels);
(2) Renew - 20 minute chair massage and 20 minute facial; and
(3) Rejuvenate - 30 minute table massage and 30 minute facial.

We provide robes for the guests and packages can be customized for the party. Lemiga: What should potential clients look for when hiring a mobile spa?

Spa Flow: The number one thing clients should do is make sure your therapist is certified. Georgia just instated state licenses, so you can ask for the license number and verify it with the state. Also unfortunately the massage industry has been associated with the sex industry. So to make sure that your therapist is legitimate, stay away from companies with advertisements that say things like total body release or light touch massage.

Lemiga: For those that need a location for their spa parties, do you book parties in your studio?

Spa Flow: Yes we offer Spa Parties on the weekend at the Studio! We also allow clients to decorate and bring food and refreshments for their guests.Thanks so much Jeanetta for stopping by! I really need to book a massage : ) For those of you who also need a little pampering, please stop by my Open House Soiree on August 24th at The Solarium. Spa Flow will be offering mobile spa services and you can also talk to Jeanetta about booking your individual massage or spa party!

A New Look

Big changes are coming to Lemiga! I'm getting a new logo, new website and new blog. Also I'm shortening my long formal Lemiga Event Management to Lemiga Events. Last week my friends EJ and Janet at Blue World Studios did my head shots for my new website at Verve Lounge.

Verve Lounge is a restaurant and event venue in Midtown Atlanta. They have a great rooftop lounge area that has city skyline views. We took some pictures on the rooftop as well as inside the venue. Thanks to everyone over at Verve Lounge who were so accommodating to let me use their venue!

So stay tuned.... I can't wait for you all to see my new look!

Socially Write

Socially Write is an invitation studio located north of Atlanta in Buford, Georgia. All of their invitations are custom made. I have been working with Socially Write for about a year now and each time they exceed my expectations. Visiting the studio becomes so much more than just picking out invitations and event stationery, mainly because the owner of Socially Write, Julie McIntyre Campbell, makes it such a fun experience. I can spend hours with Julie just playing with paper and ribbon and coming up with ideas until we find just the right combination. Today, Julie has stopped by to tell us more about Socially Write and to also share some tips on how to choose an invitation studio for your wedding or special event.Lemiga: Why did you start your company?

Socially Write: There is just nothing in the world as satisfying as meeting with a potential client, listening to what they have envisioned for their invitation and then taking those ideas and bringing it to life for them...sometimes I wonder who is more excited! I am truly blessed to own a business that allows me to meet so many wonderful people and at the same time be the wife and mom I want to be.

Lemiga: What do you tell brides who are on a budget but still want amazing invitations?

Socially Write: First, let’s see what it is she has in mind. There are so many ways to put together an invitation that has the look and feel of a more expensive invitation without all of the cost. If a bride comes in with a friend’s invitation or perhaps something out of InStyle Magazine, the first question I ask is what do you really like about this invitation...is it the shape, color, texture. From there, we can take the most important aspects of the invitation and incorporate them into her invitation. Lemiga: What is your favorite new invitation trend?

Socially Write: I love it all...from simple eco-friendly papers to ribbon buckles, invitation boxes and colored envelopes! You will see all of these trends at the open house or when you visit my studio. Fun, Fun, Fun!!Lemiga: What has been the highlight of your career to date?

Socially Write: A few years ago, I would have answered this question much differently. At that time, it definitely would have been my weddings that had been published in magazines in the Dallas area. Today, I measure success a little differently. Not to say that having your work published isn’t great...it most definitely is. Life has a way of showing you what is really important and for me being able to express myself through my work while connecting with people is immeasurable.

Lemiga: What should potential clients look for when hiring an invitation designer?

Socially Write: Find out how long this person has been in business. That doesn’t mean to discount or overlook designers who are newer to the business. You want to know if this designer treats the work as a business or as a hobby. Your wedding or special event is not the time to invest money in a person who isn’t going to take this as seriously as you will.

· Visit the designer in their studio, if possible. Take a good look at their work...even designs that don’t apply to your event. You want to get a feel for their style. Do you see different projects at different price points? Is the design process going to be an open road full of possibilities or a two lane road with limited views?

· Find out what the design process entails. This is the nuts and bolts. What is the production time? What is the payment schedule? Do you get a sample of the invitation or, at the very least, a proof of the work before production begins? What is included in the cost of the invitation?

· Listen to your instincts! The most important aspect to hiring an invitation designer, or any professional, is the ability to trust this individual will perform the duties you have hired them to do and will do it well. Do you feel that you can communicate with this person and do you have a comfort level? If you are still unsure, this professional is not a good match for you.Thanks so much Julie for stopping by today! Socially Write is a participating vendor in my Open House on August 24th at The Solarium. Julie will be there to meet you and answer your invitation and event stationery questions. She will also be showcasing her work so you can see firsthand her beautiful custom invitations!