"LOVE BIRDS" Christmas Inspired Wedding Photo Shoot

This photo shoot was by far, one of the most fun and creative projects of my career. It is not very often when planning and designing events, you get complete creative freedom. Usually you are working around strict perimeters such as budget constraints, location issues, or difficulty conveying your vision to your client. This is probably the most difficult of all. When you plan someones wedding, we as the planners and designers are there to create the bride and grooms vision, not our own. When you are planning a stylized photo shoot, there are no constraints, the sky's the limit.

The Inspiration for this shoot was of course "Christmas". Christmas to me and I imagine to so many in the World symbolizes "Love" and "Giving" and "Sharing". I grew up celebrating this wonderful holiday and looking forward to the stories of Jesus' birth, the warmth of hot tea or cocoa, Decadent Dessert tables, Gorgeous decorations in shades of Golds and Reds, and most of all LOVE! The love of family and friends, neighbors, children and newly engaged couples dying to announce to the family around the Fireplace and Christmas tree that they would be starting a new life together.. Romance... Love Birds...... That is what Christmas means to me...

I had the awesome "luxury" to work with some of Orange County's finest Wedding and Event Industry professionals. Anything I asked for, I got, and that is what made the planning of this shoot so much fun! The Red Cardinal bird was the initial inspiration for this design concept. I called the design "Gothic Elegance with a hint of Christmas". The photographer www.christinebentleyblog.com encouraged me to "make it over the top" and so we did. I pushed everyone out of their comfort zones and asked them to create what they would love to see in the shoot, and what an amazing outcome it was. We picked San Juan Capistrano depot, because we wanted a train in the shoot. A train and boarding pass (as you can see in the background of the invitation book by www.social-savvy.com) symbolizes the many stages of life and marriage.



The Cardinal Love Bird is the Christmas bird, because of it's brilliant red color. It signifies the warmth and beauty of the holiday season.
From the Gorgeous trend setting florals, Stunning Designer gown and unexpected accessories, to the custom designed jewelry and headpiece, this is truly a Dream Come true wedding.













{Event Design and Coordination} Viviana Salvia of Bella Notte Weddings & Events
{Photography} Christine Bentley Photography
{Location} City of San Juan Capistrano
{Floral Design} emporaflora
{Linens} Fusion Linens
{Rentals} AFR Events
{Invitations, Stationery} Social Savvy Invitations & Fine Stationery
{Favors, Gifts} Dough a Deer
{Gown Designer} Enzoani
{Bridal Salon} Blush Bridal Couture
{Jewelry} Green Light Jewelry
{Hair Stylist} Shampoo Cocktails
{Formal Wear} Calvin Klein

The Sicilian Girl - Press Release Extreme Pr

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


The Sicilian Girl Los Angeles premiere opens at Nuart Theatre…



Italian Drama Based on True Events - Teenage Girl Breaks Mafia’s Code of Silence.



Music Box Films presents THE SICILIAN GIRL opening Sept 10, 2010 at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles for a one-week engagement.



THE SICILIAN GIRL is a fictionalized account based on the life and journals of Rita Atria, the determined 17-year-old daughter of a slain mob boss. Too young and powerless to take immediate revenge, she began keeping detailed notes of the crimes she saw. In 1991, during a period when the Mafia was under increasing pressure from the Italian judicial system, Rita gives evidence to famed anti-Mafia judge Paolo Borsellino against the “family business.” Sicilian native Veronica D’Agostino (Respiro) gives a compelling performance as the impetuous heroine, consumed by rage and grief. Gérard Jugnot (The Chorus) plays the thoughtful, hard-nosed chief prosecutor of Palermo, who has his hands full with the mercurial Rita. Both of them are constantly at deadly risk from the seemingly all-powerful mob. Like the recent hit Gomorrah, this film shows organized crime’s pervasive grip on the country, but is told from a more personal perspective. A native of Sicily, writer/director Marco Amenta has directed several documentaries about the Sicilian Mafia.



“**** (Four Stars)! An enlightening factual and atmospheric account of large-scale corruption and individual courage – Sunday Times (Australia)





“**** (Four Stars)! Highly recommended. Engrossing. As entertaining as any Hollywood Thriller.” – The Dominion Post (New Zealand)





Read the story on director Marco Amenta on indieWIRE:

http://www.indiewire.com/article/futures_the_sicilian_girl_director_marco_amenta/pem



The film’s running time is 110 minutes; it is not rated.



In Italian; fully subtitled in English. Digital images are available at:



http://www.musicboxfilms.com/the-sicilian-girl





Showtimes:

9/10/10: Red Carpet VIP Premiere at 7:00pm

*9:30-10pm Q&A – Marco Amenta (writer/director)



This kicks off an exclusive one-week showing from Friday September 10 through Thursday September 16, 2010. Show times: Fri- Sun at 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30 & 10:00; Mon- Thu at 5:00, 7:30 & 10:00



Location: Landmark’s Nuart Theatre is at 11272 Santa Monica Boulevard, just west of the 405 Freeway, in West Los Angeles. Program information: 310-281-8223; www.landmarktheatres.com



After Party: (10pm-12am) 1 hour hosted bar and pasta dinner!

VIA ALLORO RESTAURANT - PATIO – LOUNGE

301 N. Canon Drive - Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: 310.275.2900





For Press/Media:

Extreme Public Relations

Misty Griffey

Direct: (323) 570-1328

Email: mistyepr@gmail.com



Event Logistics And Design:

Bella Notte Events

Viviana Salvia

Direct: (951) 217-1028

Email: viviana@bellanotteevents.com

"THE SICILIAN GIRL" FILM PREMIER PARTY

The Sicilian Girl Movie premier party was held at the Institute of Italian Culture in West L.A. Tuesday, September 7, 2010. Planned and coordinated by Bella Notte Events. A beautiful venue with an opened courtyard and high rise building views. The party was catered by Pastina Restaurant, a local Italian eatery. Some of the vendors sponsors were DJ Tasos, Atmosphere Entertainment, Extreme Pr, Fusion Linens, Dough A Deer, Elegant Thorn, Classic Party Rentals, and Designer 8 furniture. The Private VIP Screening accommodated over 160 Celebrities including Peter Fonda, Quinn Family and many others. Celebrity and Media wall Pictures can be viewed at : http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/ab153/rockphotobygw/The%20Sicilian%20Girl/ and
http://ocpartypics.zenfolio.com/p787068034. Some press coverage of the event. http://www.la2day.com/
and http://www.lostinmovies.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3699:la-siciliana-ribelle-vola-a-los-angeles&catid=58:eventi&Itemid=162

Startup Professionals Musings: Seven Ways to Make People Feel Important

Startup Professionals Musings: Seven Ways to Make People Feel Important

BELLA NOTTE EVENTS: You wouldn't build a house without a contractor wo...

BELLA NOTTE EVENTS: You wouldn't build a house without a contractor wo...: "The business of event planning is just like every other business out there. It involves contracts, vendors, deposits and payments, deadl..."

You wouldn't build a house without a contractor would you? Then why would you plan an event without an event planner?

The business of event planning is just like every other business out there. It involves contracts, vendors, deposits and payments, deadlines, budgets, committees and schedules, to name a few. The effort it takes to plan an event can be tedious and exhausting. Communication is key and knowing the industry is crucial. I often tell my clients, if you pick good, reputable vendors that have been in the industry for more than 2 years and are well connected to other industry associates, then half the battle is over. However, hiring a professional planner first will save you many headaches, or, help you avoid the battle that may come later all together.

Unfortunately, many approach event planning as something anybody can do, which don't get me wrong, there are many talented people that are not professional planners that throw some pretty cool parties, but the risk is high and when dealing with thousands of dollars and multiple vendor contracts it is a risk that should be highly considered before taking the plunge.

Event Planners are submersed in the "party world", which means they will have close relationships with vendors, know who doesn't cut it in the industry (they can smell a rat from a mile away.) A planner can also give you cutting edge ideas that are unique to integrate into your event. You wouldn't build a house without a contractor would you? I know if I were building a house I would want a professional to give me ideas, references and guidance. You become a team. And that is the key to planning a successful event. We help your dreams become reality.

To name a few... A planner should be able to do the following for you:

1) Suggest association member, certified and licensed vendors
2) Review and understand contracts and ask vendors to add to or change the contract when needed
3) Be your liaison between venues and vendors
4) Offer guidance and advice
5) Keep your ideas organized and help integrate them into your event
6) Advise you on the "trends" and functionality of design elements
7) Execute your event with integrity, hard work and passion
8) Be able to handle high stress situations with poise and tact
9) Make it a fun and memorable experience for all involved
10)Be a team player and treat everyone with dignity and respect

the list goes on.... Hope that helps!

Ciao!
Viviana

Inland Living Magazine July Issue page 48

Ciao! It's Viviana. Check out this article that came out on one of my weddings http://www.inlandlivingmagazine.com/issues/july_10/. What a beautiful event. Anastasia and Marcus.. love you guys!

VOTE FOR ME FOR OPRAH'S NETWORK CONTEST!

Hey Everybody! Guess what. I need your support! It is every event planner's dream to produce a live event. SO.... I auditioned for Oprah Networks contest, "who wants to host their own talk show" . I need votes, Please view my video and vote vote vote as many times as possible. Please pass this e-mail to your friends, family, co-workers and ask them to view my video too. I need all the support I can get. Twitter it, facebook it, e-mail it! This is so much fun!! We only have until July 3rd.

VIEW AND CLICK MY VIDEO
http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=14581&promo_id=1

Here is my pitch...

Back To Life is destined to be an inspirational show dedicated to people whose lives have been hindered emotionally, spiritually and physically because of their obesity. This show is unique from currently produced weight loss shows because it will not focus on the guest trying to lose weight, because the weight has already been lost. It will get an up close and personal look at their struggles, lessons, and core motivation. The show will end with their debut as a new being showing off their talent proving to the world and themselves what they were destined to do all along. What activities or talents were they unable to do physically, or not willing to because of their weight? Dancing, singing, fashion, modeling? This show has the potential to change the world's view on weight loss and prove it's not just about fitting into a size 6 pair of jeans. A true way to connect to the human spirit and inspire so many for greatness.