Get to Know… Aaron Novak of Artisan Production

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Stacy McCain Event Planning

Happy Summer, everyone! This month we’re getting to know Aaron Novak of Artisan Production. We love working with Aaron and his team, who create the most beautiful wedding videos for our clients. And on a 10+ hour event day, he and his second shooter, Matt, are definitely a sight for sore eyes! We hope you enjoy getting to know him as much as we have 🙂

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Name: Aaron Novak

Company: Artisan Production

Been in business for: Have been shooting weddings for 5 years. Matt Hall has been with me for 3 years, and what makes it so dynamic is that we have been the best of friends for 20 years.

Aaron Novak and Matt Hall of Artisan Production

Located: Orange County, CA.

Q: Which industry related tool can you not live without?

A: My camera, a Canon 7d: Im pretty much useless on the job without it.

Photo courtesy Wiki Media

Q: When you’re not on site at an event, what can we find you doing?

A: I am either editing at my office or spending quality time with my wife, Leslie, my 5 yr old daughter Lily, and 1yr son Wyatt. Planning our next
vacation or weekend getaway is always top on our list. Earlier this year, the four of us were able to travel to Europe throughout, France & Italy, for
5 weeks. We had the most amazing adventure together as a family.

Q: At which venue are you dying to work?

A: I have been able to work at some pretty amazing venues throughout my career. There’s no one particular venue that stands out, but if it is an
international location I am in!!

Q: My go to snack is ________.

A: Coconut water and a bag of nuts?

Q: What is/are your guilty pleasure(s)?

A: Beer, I love it!! I’m really enjoying the IPAs right now.

Photo courtesy Lake Effect Brewing

Q: TV wise, what are you watching right now?

A: It feels like we are kinda hitting a dry spell right now, but I am enjoying “The Leftovers” on HBO and “Ray Donovan” on Showtime.

Q: I can’t stand ________.

A: Bad drivers, traffic, opinion based news, messy environments – I’ll keep it short.

Q: What’s the last thing you purchased online?

A: A hotel stay for a weekend getaway to La Quinta Resort and Club.

Photo courtesy Waldorf Astoria

Q: Music wise, I am currently listening to ______.

A: It has been straight up electronic & dance beats; I made playlist, and it’s on repeat!

Q: Favorite thing I currently have hanging in my closet is ______

A: Being that it is summer, tank tops are in full effect.

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in the Bay Area?

A: Bottega in Yountville.

Q: What do you love most about working with the Stacy McCain Event Planning team?

A: I cannot speak more highly of Stacy and her amazing team, They are just so much fun to work with! With all the prep and planning they do, every wedding has been beyond gorgeous and seamless. It is an honor to be a part of Stacy McCain’s events!

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In case you missed it, be sure you Get to Know… Gaby Feuersinger of Cake Coquette!

Honeymoon Packing Guide with BB Style

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Stacy McCain Event Planning

The Big Day has come and gone in the blink of an eye! You are still running on adrenaline, feeling exhausted, and asking yourself how the wedding flew by so quickly. The good news is it’s finally honeymoon time! Say goodbye to your friends and family and take off on some much needed newlywed time to enjoy and celebrate being Mr. & Mrs.

Tackling your honeymoon packing can seem like a big task. With all of the other wedding planning and outfit styling leading up to the wedding, your honeymoon had felt so far away. I recommend packing ahead and being very strategic. It is definitely easier to pack for warm weather locations (as well as a very popular for honeymoon destinations), but you should still take time to plan ahead.

Tips on preparing and packing for your fabulous, tropical or otherwise warm weather honeymoon:

– Make a checklist before packing to keep yourself organized, making sure you don’t forget anything

– Keep in mind what activities or dinners you have planned to keep your packing focused on what you will actually wear and need – don’t just throw in every sundress or tank you own.

– Keep it simple! Lay out everything you think you might want to bring, then edit and edit again. Bring pieces that mix and match together so you can wear things more than once in different combinations

– Make sure to bring a few cute dresses that make you feel great and can be worn for daytime fun or dressed up for a romantic dinner

– Accessories don’t take up a lot of packing room, are an easy way to change up an outfit and make it feel different even if it’s the second time you’ve worn it

– Bring a beach tote and hat that fold up and are easy to squeeze in your suitcase so you don’t have to carry it on separately

– Don’t over pack shoes. During the day you will either wear sandals / flip flops for the beach or shoes to walk around and/or do activities. At night you really only need one pair of great wedges or dressier sandals to wear to dinner.

With my outfit recommendations, you can wear these fun, bright warm weather styles for the following:

Daytime activities- an excursion touring a cute beach town, visiting local sites, having lunch or doing some shopping

Relaxation Time- lounging by the pool, at the beach, doing spa treatments or on a great patio just hanging out together – enjoying some tropical drinks, reading or dozing

Romantic Dinner- Having drinks after a day in the sun followed by getting dressed up for a romantic newlyweds dinner.

Try to enjoy every minute and make sure to take advantage of all the honeymoon attention and perks!

Shop the looks below:

Relaxing Poolside-

Emamo Printed Kaftan Coverup

Calypso St Barth Maxi Dress J. Crew Beaded Rose Necklace

Supergoop Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 50

Anthropologie Floral Swimsuit

Essie Nail Polish “Sunday Funday”

Stella and Dot Travel Jewelry Roll

Romantic Dinner-

Calypso St Barth Ikat Maxi Dress

Jack Rogers Gold Sandals

Ray Ban Cat Eye Sunglasses

Elizabeth Cole Statement Earrings

Floral Bella Black Raffia Clutch

K.Jacques Fringe Sandals

Eberjey Crochet Romper Nightie

Daytime Activities-

Lemlem Stripe Gauze Scarf

Tibi Pink Silk Tank

J. Crew Printed Shorts

Flora Bella Large Raffia Beach Tote

Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Necklace

J. Crew Gold Bangles

Target Geometric Bikini

ban.do iPhone Case

Joie Embroidered Top

Metallic Floppy Sun Hat

White Fringe Cross Body Purse

J. Crew Linen Bandana Tee

Click here in case you missed our last installment with BB Style, featuring Post Wedding Day Brunch Style!

Rehearsal Dinner Style with BB Style

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Stacy McCain Event Planning

Welcome back to our style series featuring Brianne Binder with BB Style! Today, we have another exciting Wedding Style guide for those of you who have been thinking about what you’ll be wearing to your Rehearsal Dinner and/or are in panic mode to find the perfect something to wear on the eve of your big day.

Have no fear, Brianne has some great styles to inspire you and get you ready for your Rehearsal Dinner; whether it’s a Beach, Garden, Wine Country or City Wedding. This is the big kick off to your wedding celebration, and you’ll be surrounded by family and dear friends. Since you’ll be the talk of the party and glowing with excitement, you’ll want to look put together with all of the attention focused on you!

Here’s a few suggestions on finding the right look that fits your style and event:

– It’s always fun to wear white or cream, to feel very bridal. Brianne suggests adding some fun colorful jewelry or striking shoes. (glitter is always fun).

– Try a different silhouette than you would normally wear or a bold pattern that stands out.

– If you have a wedding theme, say, for example, Great Gatsby inspired, wear a dress that also goes along with the theme to get everyone excited for the details to come on the big day.

– Don’t be afraid to sparkle! Wear a dressy sequin dress in a flattering silhouette.

– You can’t go wrong with lace in any color! (Check out a couple of cute options here and here).

– Order options online so you can try them on at home and feel really good about your final decision. If you feel confident you will shine even brighter.

Have fun with it and try not to stress; everything will come together!

Rehearsal Dinner Style Board 2 _ BB Style

Beach Outfit– Milly Chiffon Halter in Coral | Kate Spade Pearl Studs | Zara Clutch | J. Crew Nude Wedge

Wine Country Outfit– Notte by Marchesa One Shoulder Dress | LuLu Frost by J. Crew cuff | Anthropologie Clutch | Kate Spade Sequin Bow Heels

Garden Outfit– J. Crew Lace Dress | Kate Spade Bridal Statement Necklace | Jeweled Cuff | Tory Burch Gold Clutch | J. Crew Pave Chain Link Flats Gold

City Outfit– Mango Sequin Dress | LuLu Frost for J. Crew Star Earrings | DVF Clutch | Kate Spade Heels

Find all styles on BB Style’s Pinterest board here.

Click here in case you missed our last installment with BB Style, featuring tips on Bridal Shower Style!

I love thee…

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Stacy McCain Event Planning

Photo by Anna Kuperberg

“I love thee, I love but thee

with a love that shall not die

Till the sun grows cold

And the stars grow old”

– William Shakespeare

Kate and Rob Tie the Knot

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Stacy McCain Event Planning

Welcome back for part two of our blog post dedicated to Kate and Rob tying the knot. If you missed our last post of their rehearsal dinner at The CIA at Greystone, check it out here.

For Kate and Rob, Beaulieu Garden served as the perfect setting for them to exchange vows, becoming man and wife amongst their loved ones. With the sun shining bright, their ceremony took place in the Sunken Garden. After sneaking away for a private moment in the surrounding vineyards, they celebrated with delicious food and wine below the terrace and then danced the night away under the stars.

The florals for this wedding were a perfect combination of modern and romantic. We were particularly fond of the bright color palette they chose for their bridesmaids’ bouquets and the long stem tulip bouquet Radeff Design Studios designed for the bride herself. Chandeliers combined with green and pastel colored floral arrangements created a picturesque setting for dinner and toasts. Additionally, freestanding ivy-adorned topiaries and orbs flanked pathways and aisles, luring guests towards the terrace and fireplace lounge. Kate and Rob most definitely tied the knot in style!