I’ve said it before and I will say it again – making connections and building relationships in your industry is SO important!

I am making connections left and right as I build my business. I am answering every phone call that comes in, and any time someone says “hey you should talk to this person…” I do it…. A few months ago, before venturing off on my own, I met some girls who work at The Bridal & Event Lounge in Tustin. They asked about my business and told me I should come by to see them. Fast forward 2 months and I was on my own in business. I remembered these girls and gave them a call. I went over to meet them and show them some of my work and heard a lot about what they offer to their clients. I loved their concept and I love their personalities and now I am on their vendor list! These girls can offer so much for your event, from linens and tableware to event coordinating and vendor referrals, this is your one stop shop. Check them out at http://www.bridalandeventlounge.com

Just yesterday I got a call from someone who is now working with the Bridal & Event Lounge and wanted to speak with me. Today I met Dino for coffee and learned all about his company: The Suit Club. All I could say was “WOW!” Dino’s business model is so impressive that after our meeting I made at least 4 phone calls and sent another 4 e-mails to people who I know could benefit from what he has to offer. The Suit Club offers custom fit suits at wholesale prices… yes wholesale. Absolutely gorgeous high quality suits at literally a fraction of what you’d pay anywhere else. You can buy a suit from Dino for LESS than you can rent one anywhere else! To make it even better, Dino comes directly to you. You don’t have to drive anywhere – he comes to your home, shows you his fabric samples, belts, ties, suit samples, etc, fits you for your suit and places your order. And as if this wasn’t already good enough – Deno is also a kick ass guy. He is full of energy and personality and has a warm Italian charm that makes you just want to hug him. Check out what he has to offer at http://www.TheSuitClub.net – – and make sure you tell him Brianna sent you!

A couple of weeks ago I got a call from Terri Norris at Events by Rustic Elegance. Terri got my number from a mutual friend and reached out to talk about how we might benefit each other in this industry. Like me, Terri is building her business and is doing everything she can to make connections. Her business is all about stylizing your event and offering decor rentals for any occasion. PLEASE call Terri for any rustic decor needs! Not only is her stuff adorable, but she is warm and friendly as are all of my favorite vendors. The one thing we all have in common is that we are here to serve our clients while doing what we love the most. Our clients happiness and satisfaction is our absolute top priority. For more information on what Terri can do for you please visit her website at http://www.eventsbyrusticelegance.com

Those are my top 3 favorite vendors right now. I highly recommend all of them! Very soon I will be creating my own vendor page on my website with these three highlighted as well as a few others.

It is just as important to build good relationships with other people in your industry as it is to build good relationships with your clients. Let’s face it, at the end of the day, your strongest and most reliable source of income is going to be your referrals. Every time I talk to a business owner about how they get their business they will mention places they advertise, but they always say that MOST of their business is referral based. If you do not take care of your clients, or your colleagues  – you will lose the opportunity for referral business. DO WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE THEM HAPPY! If you are a “clock worker” – then you should work a 9 to 5 job. If you love what you do, an extra 15 to 30+ minutes of your time (complimentary) will speak volumes to your client. RETURN PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS IN A TIMELY MANNER! It’s as simple as this – make your client your first priority. It is so important to care about your client as if they are your only client. If you don’t, the trail of leads ends there. If you do – it may turn in to 2 or 3 new clients. It’s as simple as that.

Enough jibber jabber… The following images are engagement photos from a couple who will have their wedding Wedgewood Vellano Country Club this weekend! I am so excited for Lindsay & Andrew! They are such a beautiful couple inside and out and I know their wedding will be just perfect. Lindsay & Andrew did a Black Tie engagement session and I am just in love with these images!

Would you believe me if I told you that these two claim to be “uncomfortable in front of the camera”? I don’t believe it either. They were made for the camera!! I absolutely love the Black Tie touch for this session… it’s so very James Bond isn’t it?? I wish these two the very best of luck and happiness as they tie the knot this weekend.

With love & hope,

Brianna