Get to Know… Aaron Novak of Artisan Production

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

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

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.

fam photo

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.

ipa

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

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.

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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!

Get to know… Allie Phelps

A brand new year means a brand new monthly blog feature!  We decided to have some fun this year by getting to know some of our favorite vendors, as well as some new ones, on a fun and more personal level.  We’re so excited to hear each of their responses!

We are kicking off the month of January by featuring answers from our very own team.  First up is Allie!

Photo by Nirav Patel

Photo by Nirav Patel

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

 A: Double stick tape

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

A: Entertaining at home or at The Cooking School at Cavallo Point

Q: At which venue are you dying to work?

A: Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco and Flora Farm in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

The Garden at Flora Farm, photo by Chris Sands

The Garden at Flora Farm, photo by Chris Sands

Q: My go to snack is ________.

A:  Trader Joes Turkey Jerkey

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

A: Three Twins Lemon Cookie Ice Cream

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

A: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Parenthood, Revenge and Modern Family

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Season 4

Cast of RHOBH

Q: I can’t stand ________.

A: Poor manners

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

A: My Chelle Fruit Enzyme Cleanser

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

A: Britney Spears’ “Work Bitch” and all songs on Junip’s self titled album (my favorite song is ‘Your Life Your Call’)

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

A:  An animal print sequin vest I found at the Alameda Flea Market.  I wore it this Halloween when I dressed up as Diana Ross, and can’t seem to store it away – I love it so much!

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

 A: Kokkari Estiatorio, I dream about their Saganaki

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

A: Because they are the very best in the biz! 🙂

MORE Features?! Yes, please.

If you haven’t checked out the newest issue of Brides Magazine you NEED to rush to the nearest store and pick up a copy! Flipping through you may notice yours truly featured in the glossy pages in a gorgeous spread featuring Jess and TJ’s Colorado Ranch Wedding- and we couldn’t be more excited! We are so grateful to all of the amazing vendors who made the day possible, including the fabulous bride, Jess, who did all of the DIY projects. If you can’t get to the store soon enough head on over to 100 Layer Cake and browse the week long feature on the amazing blog! Here’s a sneak peek…

Planning & Coordination: Stacy McCain Event Planning, Event Design: Duet Events, Photography: Gia Canelli, Venue: C Lazy U Ranch, Florals: Sweet Pea Flowers, DJ: Smiles Davis, Dessert: Tee and Cakes, Lighting: Pink Monkey Solutions

Destination Inspiration: India

My obsession with Bravo’s new show Million Dollar Decorators has officially become out of control. It’s like Elle Decor come to life – what’s not to love?! The thing that took it over the edge? Nathan Turner’s Indian themed collaboration party with One King’s Lane that aired on last nights episode. Just look at him:

Adorable, right? And of course One Kings Lane launched the goods today and everything was amazing , and disappeared in the blink of an eye. BUT the inspiration lives on…


1. Invite, 2. Pillow, 3. Lantern, 4. Pouf, 5. Glassware, 6. Earrings, 7. Salt & Pepper Set, 8. Votives

Complete with marigold draping (just like Nathan) and voila!

fashion inspiration: coachella

With Stacy off at Coachella (jealous!) we are trying to bring you all a little piece of the festival. The lineup is amazing and we wish we could all be there, but sadly it is not in the cards. Here is a peek at some of the items that we would wear…


1. shoe, 2. shirt, 3. purse, 4. fedora, 5. ring 6. bikini

I would love love LOVE to wear all of these pieces while listening to my favorite coachella artists (or just Robyn – my fave). Could not be more jealous of everyone that is lucky enough to attend!