Preferred Vendor List

What makes my "Preferred Vendor List" different from any other list you will find?  It's simple . . . my candid evaluations!  You not only deserve to know who they are . . . but why I believe so much in them.  These people are not just a name and phone number to me.  They are highly regarded and accomplished individuals with a proven track record of success.  HIRE THEM and you are one step closer to having the perfect event team!  

(Note:  Vendors are listed in no particular order!)

PHOTOGRAPHERS

• Alison Ramsey Photography - I first met Alison when she worked for another photography company here on this list.  She didn't just pick up a camera one day and call herself a photographer.  She trained and studied her craft to perfection.  Since venturing out on her own more than a decade ago, she has become one of the most sought after photographers in the area.  She shoots digital and her work is amazing.  Her photo albums are breathtaking.  She is extremely dedicated to her craft, the wedding industry and her customers.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-265-5343

• JLM Creative Photography - I had the pleasure to work with Christie this past summer and she was an absolute delight to work with.  Besides her beautiful photographs, her personality simply shines!  We have had many great conversations since the first wedding we have worked.  We already have mutual clients for this year and we are both looking very forward to working with each other again.  It is so important to have vendors who work well together.  Christie and I have enjoyed a great mutual working relationship.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-331-8733

• Johnstone Studios - Tourine and Trevor Johnstone are extremely dedicated photographers of very high caliber.  They, along with two other area photographers, have created a networking group and educational resource entitled "Commonly Different".  This is the exact type of training and education that I feel all area photographers could benefit from.  Their wedding photography is phenomenal.  The fact that they are a husband and wife team has great advantages.  Expect great attention to detail and spectacular photos.    Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-722-8647

• Positive Images Photography - I chose owner Annette Phillips as my photographer when I got married in 2000 to my wife Selly.  She has been in this business, full time, since the early 90's.  I have probably worked with Annette more than any other photographer in the Reno / Tahoe area.  Besides her dedication and always upbeat personality, she is one of the few photographers out there who "let you keep the negatives".  This is a big plus for many wedding couples.  She will be as excited about your wedding day as you are!  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-782-0292

• Dita Photography - I began working with Sheri about 2 years ago and I must say, I am extremely impressed with her work and work ethic.  Her on-site manner at events is extremely cooperative and pleasant.  She too shoots digital and has a real eye for capturing some great spontaneous photographs.  Having worked with many photographers for 20 years, I know how difficult this can sometimes be.  I simply love her work.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  800-810-0888

• The Image Gallery - Owner Paula Leyba has to be one of the nicest people in the wedding business I have met in years.  We have only worked together a handful of times, but each time is just beyond enjoyable.  I personally hire Paula to photograph the portraits of my employees and myself.  She is a master at photo detailing and re-touching.  This is especially important for blemishes or other characteristics that need to be slightly altered to make for a better photograph.  She is very organized and easy to work with.  Plan on a stress-free day with Paula behind the camera.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-348-8011

• Michael Escalera Photography - Michael's photo-journalistic style is definitely a "stand-out".  One look at his work will certainly get your attention.  Besides being actively involved in "Commonly Different", a networking and educational training group, his work has been featured on a national scale on many different occasions!  He is very easy going and a pleasure to work with.   Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-835-1074

• Gary Robison Photography - I have worked with Gary through most of my 20 years in this business.  The consistency of his work ethic and quality offerings is absolute.  Whenever I learn I will be working with Gary I breathe a great "sigh of relief" because I know how smooth and professional the experience will be.  Check out his brand new studio in Carson City.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-888-9272

• Cooks Photography - Bob Cook has been in this business for years.  He has built up quite a reputation.  I find his low-key demeanor and style very easy to work with.   Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-356-7333

• Mir Image Photography - I have had the pleasure to share several great conversations with Stan over the past year.  What I like most about him is his dedication to education.  He has been a professional photographer for more than 20 years and still continues to partake in national photography educational conferences so he continues to perfect his skill and craft.  I have also seen first hand the great lengths he goes to for his clients, even after the wedding.  Great attention to detail.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-813-8524

VIDEOGRAPHERS

• Starling Video Productions - I am a big fan of videography for my Remarkable Weddings package.  Starling Video, who can shoot in high-def widescreen, can capture your celebration in a manner that is almost indescribable.  This is not Uncle Bob with a camcorder!  They can put together an amazing video movie of your event.  I have personally hired owners Rolf and Eileen for many projects over the years.  What I like most about them is how "stealth" they are at a reception.  They are in the background and your guests will hardly know they are there!  I cannot stress enough the importance of quality video.  Not having professional video is probably the number one "regret"  I hear wedding couples express looking back on their day!  They are members of WEVA - Wedding & Event Videographers Association International.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-883-2880

• Ever After Creations Video & Design - Craig and Vickie Musni have really worked exceedingly hard over the past few years at focusing on many aspects of their craft.  This has included; wedding organization involvement, vendor networking, seminar attendance and other levels of community involvement, interaction and education.  This sort of dedication is not often easy to find and compliments their work ethic.  The end result to such discipline and focus is a more satisfying experience for you, the customer.  They are also neighbors who live just up the street from my family.  They are a good family working very hard for their customers.   Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-624-1141

MINISTERS

• Rev. Michael Benke - Without a doubt, Michael possesses the richest, deepest and most beautiful "voice" I have ever heard from an officiant!  During ceremonies I sometimes just sit back and become entranced at how perfected his diction and delivery is.  His well-written ceremonies are thoroughly enjoyable.  For me . . . it's that voice!!!  WOW!!!  Contact Information:   e-mail  775-825-0588

• Rev. Ron Darby - Ron has been a very in-demand officiant in this area for years.  He has created some uniquely scripted ceremonies that have defined his craft.  Some people actually believe marrying someone is easy.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Great officiants make it look easy.  Ron's beautiful scripting and smooth delivery make for some unforgettable ceremonies.  Contact Information:  e-mail  775-747-6032

• David Beronio - David is one of the most hard-working people I have ever seen.  His cool demeanor, poised stature and appropriate mannerisms are the personification of what an officiant should be.  What I like most about him is the sincerity of his delivery.  He is a master of speech.   His emotional delivery will reel you in and having you hanging on every word.  This is a natural characteristic of vocal delivery that is very difficult to find.   David has it!!!  Contact Information:  e-mail  800-553-1022 ext. 3

WEDDING CAKES

• Deesigner Wedding Cakes - I have known owner Dee Moore for many years.  She has consistently remained one of the most dedicated people the Reno / Lake Tahoe wedding industry has ever had.  Now let's talk cakes . . . WOW!!!  Her cakes are delicious!  Her creativity is off-the-charts!  She actually studied cake design under world-renown cake designer Ron Ben Israel.  Her store front bakery is conveniently located in Sparks.  A little known fact about Dee is that she is also a "certified" wedding coordinator (with the Association of Bridal Consultants) and is one of the best wedding planners in the business.  Whether it's cakes or coordination . . . Dee Moore will be a great compliment to your event team.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-331-6464

RECEPTION FACILITIES  ( . . . and keep these facilities in mind for Rehearsal Dinners too!)

• Peppermill Resort Hotel & Casino - The Peppermill has raised the bar for all hotel/casino properties in Northern Nevada.  Since their multi-million dollar expansion, they are the leader in opulence, gaming, accommodations, conventions and yes . . . weddings!  The Peppermill is so massive, a tourist can come to their property - stay for a week, never leave the premises and still fully enjoy an unforgettable Northern Nevada experience.  It simply screams "class" on every level.  They offer a fully staffed full-time dedicated wedding department with two beautiful chapels, dozens of reception room choices, beautiful suites, an unbelievable spa and much more.   Ask for Margie McCaffrey.    Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-689-7325

• Genoa Lakes Country Club - Facility Manager Marie Stokes is clearly one of the nicest and accomplished facility representatives I have ever met.  She has served as President of the local Weddings Of The West - Wedding Organization.  She possesses a long history as a facility manager with an impeccable reputation.  She is as detailed oriented as I am.  I really like and appreciate that.  She has a wonderful staff, many of which have been with her for years . . . that says a lot!  You will find her to be very genuine and accommodating.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-782-6644 ext. 249

• David Walley's Hot Springs & Resort - I have been performing at David Walley's for 20 years.  Over the years, I have literally performed hundreds of events at this property.  It is beautiful and rustic with incredible views of the Sierras.  The south lawn of David Walley's offers the most breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony you could ever imagine.  Absolutely stunning.  Wendy Smith and her staff are very dedicated to customer service on every level.  This is the perfect property if you really want to experience the natural beauty of Genoa Nevada.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-782-8155 ext. 8123

• Montreux Golf Club - I simply love working with Candace, the facility manager at Montreux.  Talk about a class act!  She has a very determined work ethic.  I have seen many curve balls thrown her way and each time it is met with "whatever it takes, we'll get it done!"  Now that's great customer service!  She has assembled a great staff of people who work very hard to accommodate wedding guests.  A big plus for this facility is the beautiful waterfall that is located within clear view of the dining area.  Guests love it!!!  You can see photographs of this waterfall (with my daughter modeling as a flower girl) on my Remarkable Weddings website.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-849-9911

• Arrowcreek Country Club - In the early 90's I performed the very first grand opening welcome party at the Arrowcreek Country Club.  I have been performing incredible weddings there ever since.  They have a huge level lawn that overlooks the entire city of Reno.  The view is unbelievable!  The lawn, clubhouse and patio area is very accommodating, spacious and perfect for weddings.  Danielle Costella is the facility manager and can really relate well to wedding couples.  That's because she is getting married in July 2010.  Congratulations Danielle!!!  She and her staff are extremely qualified to assist you with everything for your wedding.     Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-850-4471

• Chateau @ Incline - I have been playing this facility since 1990.  Just a few years ago they constructed a brand new state-of-the-art facility.  It is absolutely beautiful with vaulted ceilings, fire places, large decking overlooking the golf course and Lake Tahoe.  The staff, surroundings, dining and opulence is exactly what you would expect from an upscale country club in Incline Village - Lake Tahoe.  In addition to this country club setting, the Chateau also handles Aspen Grove Park which is a beautiful park surrounded by pine trees and just steps away from the shoreline of Lake Tahoe.  Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  775-832-1353

• Hyatt Regency, Lake Tahoe - This is a beautiful hotel located on the shore of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village.  They have several ceremony and reception options for their customers.  I have been entertaining at this property for nearly 20 years.  They have offered a consistent level of service the entire time.  I have recently enjoyed working with manager Lisa Fischer.  I really enjoy the way she thinks and values "perceptions" and "details".  These are things that mean a great deal in the smooth execution of services for a wedding.  When you work with someone like that, you know they have your best interests at heart.   Contact details coming soon!

• Heavenly Mountain Resort - It most certainly is a breathtaking spot to have a wedding.  Adriann and her staff have the logistics and timing of operating this mid-mountain resort (accessible only by tram) down to an art.  I love this facility because it truly feels like you have an entire mountain all to yourself.  At approximately 7500 feet above sea level, it's as close to heaven as your wedding day can get . . . literally!!!   Contact Information:  Website  e-mail  530-542-5153

• Sunnyside Resort - This is a beautiful restaurant overlooking the water in Tahoe City.  When you get married you are on a decking that is just a few feet from the water.  It is amazingly beautiful.  It is also very casual.  Your guests will fell like they are at a seashore cafe in Key West.  It just has a wonderful ambience about it.  Sunnyside is located near a large pier where boats are docked.  Everyone will enjoy watching the water recreation from this shoreline hot spot.  The staff at Sunnyside is very well trained and versed in wedding celebrations.  It is always a pleasure to entertain there.   Contact details coming soon

• Garwoods Restaurant in Carnelian Bay, Lake Tahoe - details coming soon

• Holiday Inn, Sparks Nevada - details coming soon

• Circus Circus Hotel Casino - details coming soon

• John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks - details coming soon

• Arrowcreek Country Club - details coming soon!

• The Grove in South Reno - details coming soon

• 3 Ponds - details coming soon

PLANNERS - COORDINATORS - CONSULTANTS

• Felicia Ganter - details coming soon

MISCELLANEOUS WEDDING SERVICES

•  *** coming soon ***

 

Important Information - Please Read

A note about referral lists in general:  Just because a vendor you might be considering is not on a referral list, you should not be alarmed.  Often times, there might be a very good reason for this.  The company in question may not, as of yet, worked up a rapport with that referring vendor, the list might be based upon geographic locale or it could even be a list that requires a fee to be included.  What sets this referral list apart from others is the manner in which it is personalized.  Be cautious of referral lists offered by people who insist upon using their vendors.  Additionally, never pay a facility a fee for using someone who is not on their referral list!  A recommendation is one thing . . . an insistence or fee request should always send up a red flag!