In meeting Adi‘s there was a sense to passion that I look for in every photographer I refer. When looking for a photographer you want to make sure you find someone that fits not only your photographic style, but personality. Find a photographer who loves what they do. It’ll be sure to shine through their work. As I browsed Adi’s website I found myself getting wrapped up in the emotion. A wedding day consists of happiness, love, tenderness and passion… visit his website and see the emotion unfold. You’ll see his photo journalistic style, as he captures candid and emotional moments.

Champagne: When/how did you get into photography?

Adi:  I fell in love with photojournalism long before I knew how to shoot. It is, to me, an artistic yet powerful language. When I was in college studying advertising, I took a photojournalism class as an elective, but then I switched my major and haven’t looked back since.

Champagne: What are three things you love about being a photographer?

Adi: Privilege to witness and document life’s important events. Interact with different people. Being at different places.

Champagne: What sets your business apart?

Adi: I document the day as it naturally happens; a pure journalistic approach with necessary fine art touch.

Champagne: What’s your motto?

Adi: True stories. Real moments. Lasting memories.

Champagne: Through your work you truly express a love for capturing the day as it unfolds, anything else you’d want your potential clients to know?

Adi: I serve my clients with my photography and friendship. Check out my blog for the most recent work and get to know me more.

Thank you Adi for taking time to share with your work with us! We look forward to working with you again!

Cheers!

I met Francoise of Francoise Weeks about 5 years ago when I began my venture into the wedding world. I instantly fell in love with not only her floral design, but her sweet personality. When sending a client to Francoise I can always rest assured they are in good hands. Recently I had the pleasure of learning more about what inspires Francoise. Get cozy and read along with me…

Champagne: How did you decide you wanted to be a florist?

Francoise: I grew up in Belgium where flowers are part of every day life; there were almost as many flowershops as there were bakeries where I lived! Every week Mom brought flowers home from the farmers market and from the time I was a little girl I remember having so much fun helping her arranging those treasures. For her birthday or anniversary or for no occasion at all, I liked to surprise her with a fabulous arrangement that I picked out at Hendricks Florist, a few blocks away from our home.It was a family owned business and when when I was in my early twenties I trained with them for a few months. From then on my dream was to work in the flower industry; but it took a while before it became a reality. In 1996 I started my business specializing in weddings and events. My husband remodeled part of the basement; 4 years later the business outgrew the space and we had a fabulous studio built in the backyard - a true haven! What can I say but that flowers have always been magical ; they are like eye candy from Mother Nature and they feed my soul…
Photo by Evrim Icoz

Champagne: One of the most amazing pieces of working in the wedding and event industry are the vendors we meet and the true passion they share for their job! What do you love about being a florist?

Francoise: I love the creative process, from coming up with new ideas, to planning what to buy for an event, to figuring out the mechanics (with the help of my husband) of structural pieces. The flowers are such an intrinsic part of any celebration and they beautify and enliven any space! I completely agree, being in this business has given me so many opportunities to meet wonderful clients and fabulous vendors in the wedding/event industry.
Photo by: Brian Schumaker

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Francoise: The ideal client: someone who offers a good idea of the style and colors that she likes and then gives me creative licence to do the work.
Photo by: Jamie Bosworth

Champagne: What do you like to do when you’re not doing what you do?

Francoise: Gardening, weaving, reading, visiting with friends, time at the beach and in the mountains…even though most of the time the business seems all-consuming - I am sure you can relate to that Mandi!
Photo by: Joni Shimabukuro

Champagne: I can most definitely relate! One thing about loving what we do, it’s hard to take time out for the other things we love. Is there anything else you’d like to tell your potential clients?

Francoise: A couple of years ago a childhood memory (see my latest blog entry) triggered a whole new design direction: woodland arrangements. Mother Nature offers the best inspiration! It started with decorating logs with lots of texture (unusual foliage, lichen, berries, seedpods, small fruits and vegies, very few, if any flowers…) and evolved into translating this concept for centerpieces and bridal bouquets. As much as I adore flowers, this is a directions that I am totally entralled with now.

I have a teaching degree and all I can say is that teaching flower arrangements to adults is a lot more fun than teaching math and science to highschool kids!
*Seasonal flower arranging classes (max 8 students) : 2.5 hr classes focussed on one particular topic: woodland arrangements, topiaries, wreaths etc… I show many examples and pass on lots of information; during the second half of the class the students make their own arrangement after picking out the materials that they want to use
*Wedding course (max 4 students): 5 day workshop ((1 day (6hrs) or 2 evenings (3hrs ea) for 5 weeks or a 1 week course )- see schedule on website; students can take a selection or all of the classes Each day is devoted to one of these topics: wedding design, personal flowers, ceremony flowers, reception flowers and outdoor weddings. Hands-on classes and lots of practical information regarding sourcing and ordering of flowers, pricing, streamlining workload, consultations, marketing, delivery of wedding flowers and set-up
Photo by Robert McNair

I sell boxes of notecards (8 blank cards with envelope/set - 4 different designs) $15 each
Set 1: seasonal arrangements
Set 2: woodland arrangements

Thank you so much Francoise for taking time to tell all with us! We look forward to working with you again soon! For more from Francoise Weeks and to view class schedules visit her website. You’ll be sure to fall into love!

Cheers!

Throughout our website you’ll see pictures taken by Soul Mates Photo I’ve been dying to share more about, Melissa, the woman behind the camera. I met Melissa in November 2008 and instantly knew that I not only wanted to know her better, but I wanted to work with her more. She has a sense of style which makes a girl want to go shopping, a personality that makes you feel like you’ve known her forever, and a true passion for photography. When I began to design our website I asked Melissa if she’d be able to take some head shots. I brought a few extra items to the shoot and next thing I knew I was designing our website around her images. Check out Melissa’s work throughout our website. Now grab a cup of coffee, get cozy and come get to know Melissa at Soul Mates Photo...

3 things I love about being a photographer.
1. I love art, photography and people. I guess I used up all my answers in one go!
But really, I love photography and art– it’s nothing new to me. I’ve been involved in at least one form or studio art since I can remember (thanks mom and dad!) and have always gone back to it. I love meeting different people and helping them express themselves every day. It keeps life interesting and keeps me on my toes. I love that my job is continually changing. I’m a girl who needs change and challenge in my life. And I love emotion. If you’ve ever met me you know I’m passionate.

A few unique things about myself.
Well, I’ve recently learned I’m full of contradictions. Such as…
I like being creative but I shop at stores like Costco
I love rustic antique things but I also adore modern clean lines.
One day I’ve got curly hair and the next it’s straight.
I get bored easily but sometimes am afraid of change.
I love my puppy, Persay but don’t really love all the hair she sheds.
I love my work but I love my vacations!
I am a huge fan of nesting but think it would be super cool to travel the world.
I adore my husband but there are some things that I just don’t understand about men

Here are a few of my favorite images….

I love the one below because laughing is my favorite. There is something about laughing together that eases the soul. It’s right up there with spring blossoms.

I love this one more because I’ve been told the story behind the door. This is the door where the couple had their first kiss.

I can’t get over a serious face. Sarah is just stunning on this an

Passion. Enough said.

The different locations really fuel creativity and bring out the fashion vibe in me.

That’s a wrap!
Take a moment to stop by the Soul Mates Photo blog to see that I’m up to.
http://soulmatesphoto.blogspot.com

Thank you, Melissa for being a part of Champagne! Cheers!