A R T I S T N E W S L E T T E R

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

4Let t e r From Gre tchen

6Featured Ar t i s t

7Around the Of f i ce

8Featured Wedd ing s

12Art i s t Rev i ews

14Year in Number s

17New Hire s & Reminder s

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Ali & JohnnyPhotography by Ashley B | Disc Jockey by Jason H

Floral Design by Jana W

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a l e t t e r f r om

G R E T C H E N

Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out.- Robert Collier

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Can you believe it’s September already? Where did the time go? Every year the State Fair hits me like a ton of bricks and I panic for just a second, thinking about how little time we have left.

For all of us, summers are even quicker. Our weekends are often spent with other people’s fami-lies and friends while we work with the couples that are getting married. There is no shortage of THANKS that needs to be said to all of you. With that said, remember to take a moment or two and pat yourself on the back.

Weddings are packed full of emotion and a flurry of timelines, communication and deadlines. And setting yourself up for success is the best thing you can do for yourself. Here are a couple quick tips that you can start now to keep your 2016 season on track!

1. Create a content management system. I know it sounds complicated but it doesn’t have to be! When youbook a new couple, create predetermined check-in points and have auto reminders set up that go to your email or phone. That way, no matter what pops up, you’re covered!

2. Create a timeline and Shot List template that works for YOU. Don’t be afraid to put a little pressure on your couples to make sure they are providing the information you need for a successful day. Send your templates over to the couples in advance of your meetings and follow-ups making it more convenient for them too. You can never be too detailed either!

3. SHARE that information with your fellow vendors. It doesn’t matter if you’re the DJ, Photographer or Event Planner – connect with everyone you can before the event. When I work an event where I know the vendors ahead of time, I feel less pressure and stress – plus I have way more fun!

4. Schedule your assistants and 2nd shooters in advance! Not all assistants want to take jobs too far in advance, but that shouldn’t stop you from asking. Trying to find an assistant last minute is a small detail that can cause a lot of stress during busy season!

5. Update your Headshot/Bio/Testimonials now! In the next few months hundreds of cou-ples will start their search for wedding services. Updating your Bellagala portfolio now, sets you up to be the most marketable and sellable you can be. Want your images updated? Let us know!

I hope all of you have a great month as September is one of my personal favorites! I will be at-tending the State Fair to try foods. Maybe I will see you there!

Gretchen GosnellDirector of Operations

l e t t e r f r om G r e t c h e n

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AUDRA | STUDIO PLANNER

I grew up in the Twin Cities and received my Bachelors of Arts Degree from St. Cloud State University. I have been planning weddings for 10 years and planning events since I was 16. I am one of those lucky ones that has turnerd my passion into a career. My family and I have a fun and busy household with a 6 year old boy and a 6 month old girl. Whether we are at the cabin, entertaining, boating, going to T-ball games or ice fishing, we love to stay active. I also enjoy kickboxing, mud runs, reading and cooking.

Why do you love Event Planning?Getting to know the couples and watching their personalities come out in their wedding! Making a bride and groom’s vision become a reality is what I love most! I love details! I was once asked in an interview if I am a details person or a big picture person. I said both, you have to look at the big picture to make sure all the little details are in place!

Tell us about your experience with BellagalaThough I just joined the Bellagala team this spring, I have been a believ-er in Bellagala’s mission since the early days. I have been sending my couples to book Bellagala’s services for as long as I can remember. I am proud to be part of a team of artists and professionals that share such high levels of expertise and standards.

What is your #1 advice for other Event Planners?I believe in making every couple or event feel like they are my only client. We all know how busy wedding season can be and some times obstacles come up during the process. But if you are making that couple feel like their day is the only thing that matters, then all the other details will work out and they will have faith in your expertise.

f e a t u r e d a r t i s t

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JENNA | A’BULAE SALES MANAGER

Hi friends, old and new! My name is Jenna and I have been a part of the Bellagala team since February 2010. I began my BG career as an intern, and soon transitioned to a sales & event planning role with the team. Sales is my passion! At Bellagala & A’BULAE, I feel our sales approach isn’t sales-y at all. While I never imagined myself in a sales role (I always thought I want-ed to be a teacher) I have found that educating brides & grooms to make the best possible planning decisions so they can enjoy a fun, stress-free and easy planning process is just as rewarding. I love my job!

Fast Facts:- I have met with over 700 Bellagala clients (and counting!) since 2010. I love being a part of the initial planning stage with clients and being able to edu-cate them on YOU, our fabulous artists!

- I officially transitioned from Bellagala Sales to A’BULAE Sales June 1, 2013 (The date of A’BULAE’s very first event.) In addition to my full-time A’BULAE Sales Manager role, I still maintain a relationship with the Bellagala sales team - I educate all A’BULAE clients on Bellagala services, helping them select artists that best suit their personality and style.

- I have led over 500 A’BULAE tours. More A’BULAE clients = More Bellagala bookings for YOU!

- My husband Adam and I recently got married this past January 2015 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. To add to the Bellagala/ A’BULAE tongue-twisters... my new last name is Zamjahn. (Zahm-Yin) You can call me Jenna Z ... :)

- When I’m not at work I love to spend time with family & friends, hangout with Adam and our sweet chocolate lab Emma, try new restaurants (Lyn65 is my current fave!), shop with my girlfriends, decorate our house, and Zumba weekly!

THANK YOU for all that you do as rockstar artists to make Bellagala the powerhouse team that it is. If you are interested in working events at A’BULAE, I’d love to meet you!

Cheers to (almost) completing another successful wedding season and I look forward to working with you all soon!

a r o und t h e o f f i c e

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f e a t u r e d w edd i n g

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JUSTINE & JINJ U N E 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

L A N D M A R K C E N T E R

Photography by Jeannine | Disc Jockey by Ted WEvent Planning by Marissa P

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f e a t u r e d w edd i n g

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NORA & GEOFFREYJ U N E 1 3 , 2 0 1 4

C A L H O U N B E A C H C LU B

Photography by Barclay | Live Music by Sarah

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a r t i s t r e v i e w s

MINDY M | STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHER

TED W | STUDIO DISC JOCKEY

“Mindy was a great balance of professionalism and spontaneity for our wedding. She followed up promptly when we had booked to introduce herself and give us an opportunity to provide her some idea about what we hoped for on our wedding day as far as a timeline, creativity and the gener-al atmosphere we were hoping to create for our guests. On the day of, she was punctual and friendly. She put us at our ease in front of the camera and prompted us and our families/friends during both formal and fun poses.”

- ANNE

“Ted was amazing, there was not a single song during out our ceremony or reception that I did not like. He did an amazing job of announcing special moments, and getting everyone to move towards the tables after the social hour. My wife and I did not have a particular set list of songs to play, and Ted did an amazing job of picking songs from the styles that we had mentioned we wanted. I have recommended him to my brother who is also getting mar-ried soon and to several friends who are also getting married.”

- JEN

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JEN D | STUDIO FLORIST

LORI S | HAIR

“We met with Jen about six months prior to our wedding. She got a feel for the style we wanted, color scheme and price points. If you don’t have a specific type of flower that you HAVE to have in your bouquets and your more concerned about color, I highly advise giving the florist control on the type of flower. That is exactly what Jen did for us. We told her we want bright pinks, oranges and yellows. And with that she crafted beautiful bouquets and bou-tonnieres with local flowers - that matched the summery style we asked for.”

- JESSIE

“Lori did an amazing job on my hair for my wedding! She was great at listen-ing to what I wanted, making a few suggestions of her own and then making it gorgeous! The experience and outcome were worth every penny!”

- KATE

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t h e y e a r i n

N U M B E R S

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246

715

201

3,820

314

120

WEDDINGS COLOR CORRECTED

YEAR-TO-DATEWEDDING COMPLETED

BELLAGALA ARTISTS

YEAR-TO-DATE LEADS

WEDDINGS BOOKED FOR 2016

APPOINTMENTS PER MONTH

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Samantha & DanPhotography by Kelly M | Disc Jockey by Mike H

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n e w h i r e s & r em i nd e rs

OF ALL THE HOURS, THIS IS THE HAPPIEST.

Come sip, socialize, and celebrate the end of a wonderful season. First drink is on us!

WHEN: Monday, September 14th @ 6:30PM WHERE: Barrio in St. Paul – (235 6th St E, St Paul, MN 55101)

Kalen G | Studio Event Planner

Tiffany B | Assistant Event Planner

NEW HIRES

B E L L A G A L A2 5 5 E A S T 6 T H S T R E E T | S T. PAU L , M N 5 5 1 0 1

6 5 1 . 2 2 7 . 1 2 0 2 | B E L L AG A L A . C O M