Carlos Valentino

Have you ever been insanely nervous because you were so close to having your dream realized? It is such a powerful and over whelming feeling that it can make a sane person crazy. Now, what if you knew that a dollar would make someone’s dream a reality, would you donate? We can do it! We can help a fellow artist reach the highest peaks with just one dollar. This is the power of the social networking, working together for one common cause, it good karma, a blessing and sky’s the limit.

A few months ago I asked Cheryl Perdue Sage of Accents by Sage to create for a a bold bouquet for a photo shoot. I wanted it it be non-traditional and very true the season of fall which we were shooting in. Cheryl came back with a tight arrangement of deep dark reds and brunt orange highlights, very seasonal, very edgy and very chic. I must report that we worked really hard that day and when the night was over the bouquet looked just as good as when it came in the night before. I’m looking forward to posting Accents by Sage interview on the Sacramento Chic website, it should be a blast.

Thank you Cheryl for lending your talent to this venture which became the image for my ad campaign in Sacramento Bride and Groom.

Swopmeet last night at the Lion Gate Hotel was a blast; I heard over 195 vendors attended, fantastic! I met with friends that I haven’t seen in a while like Lora Ward from A Day to Remember, and I finally got to meet Ryan Douglas , which will soon be featured on Sacramento Chic. It was a great night to have a outside event and the Lions Hotel is such an elegant place to have an event. As I walked around the grounds I couldn’t help but feel like I was back on Miami beach, in fact the night was humid which is quite rare here. I look forward to the next event at Arden Hills where The Dream Wedding Show will be throwing a 10 year bash celebration.

Shout out to my new friends:

• Joel and Angela of SlideShowOnline.com
• Nykole of Adren Park Florist & Gift Gallery
• Wendy Primicerio of PrimoBar

This image of Allison and I was taken by the beautiful Andrea of Andrea Images

I read somewhere that one’s net worth can be best measured by the size of their network. I decided that it was time for me to share my wealth of friends by creating my own network. Welcome to Sacramento Chic where I interview wedding vendors and post their response on-line so Brides and Grooms can get to know them a little bit before they actually meet. Webster dictionary defines Chic as “Smart Elegance and Sophistication…” and my aim is to personally hand select and highlight “Sacramento’s Chic” Wedding Vendors.

I received a this entry as a blog comment a few days ago and I thought that it would service us best if it was it’s own blog entry.

It comes as no surprise to anyone that Sacramento Bride and Groom has had a disagreement with how Afwpi is structured, that was one of the reasons why we decided to withdraw from the association several years ago. Even though we did not receive a mailed letter that was sent to some members, we did get a copy. “THEY” said in their July 6, 2009 letter that they are a “for profit” Unincorporated Association and that many associations are structured the same way. However, most unincorporated associations are non-profit organizations and in the state of California, all unincorporated associations must be registered with the Secretary of State. My question… Is Afwpi registered as an unincorporated association, or are they simply running a business as husband and wife? Their business licenses taken out in 2008, indicate the latter. The letter continues with “We wanted to set the record straight on that”. Their explanation left things unclear, so I did a little research on just what an unincorporated association is, here is a portion of what I found.

A non-profit unincorporated association is any grouping of persons (i.e. a collective, an activist organization, etc.) uniting together for some special purpose or business other than making a profit. Most states will grant tax-exempt status to an unincorporated association or club, you will have to contact your state government to get information about applying for it. However, if you just take out a non-interest bearing account at a bank or credit union (i.e. a checking account) you will not have to file taxes for your association and, therefore, you can avoid dealing with the government at all. The main differences between an unincorporated association and a non-profit corporation is that the members of an unincorporated association can be held directly liable if someone were to sue the association and it is problematic for unincorporated associations to have paid employees. I don’t know about you, but it sounds a little risky to be a member of this type of association.

While I agree that most small businesses have encountered financial hurdles, the solution is not to incur more debt than you can pay. It’s difficult to imagine how adding more shows is going to solve the problem. In fact, adding shows that do not include a sufficient budget for advertising will only make matters worse for the very people they purport to help… the vendors. When a vendor does a show that does not bring in a significant number of quality brides, that vendor has less money to spend for other marketing avenues that does have an advertising budget. When a vendor buys an ad in a magazine they have a right to expect it to come out on time, be distributed as promised, and be of sufficient quality that brides will want to read. The letter suggests that a reason for the money woes is a “reduction in our home values”. Regardless of that, when money is collected for an event, that event must be paid for. These are standards that must apply to all. For the life of me I cannot understand how a group of people on an all expense paid trip to the Philippines …”to discover their country and to develop more members there”… will help pay the bills here. The Philippines Department of Tourism is hoping that the people in this group will send brides over to the Philippines for “destination weddings”. How does “developing more members there” help the Department of Tourism? Don’t we want to keep our brides here, using local venues and vendors? It sounds like a big boon-doggle to me.

I’m happy to hear that they are willing to take responsibility for their problems and I believe them when they say they never wanted to harm the members, however, the end result is the same, and people have been hurt. I also cannot figure out how “all” funds that come into the association are applied to its operations and advancement. Don’t they pay themselves a salary? Don’t they have a mortgage and other bills like the rest of us?

Now, about those “intentions”. We all know where that road leads and what it’s paved with. None of us ever set out to do harm to others, and over the years many of us have given AFWPI countless of hours support. But there comes a time when intentions are not enough, there must be concrete evidence that steps are being taken to correct the problems. Unfortunately, when those of us who have disagreed with their policies and lack of professionalism, we become a member of what is commonly known as the “dead meat society”. We are no longer welcomed and our letters to the ethics committee are never read or addressed. We are quite simply perceived as the enemy, which is unfortunate, because we really do not wish the association any harm. What we want is an organization that actually operates at a level commensurate with the standards of their own “Code of Ethics”, and I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

Like Carlos, we feel there are too few who stand up and tell it like it is… we are perceived as troublemakers and malcontents. Nothing could be further from the truth, we are in fact, just a few who are not afraid to stand up for ourselves and let the chips fall where they may. We “choose the harder right over the easier wrong” and we will “never be content with a half truth when the whole can be won.”

So where do we go from here? This Ladies and Gents is my last installment on this issue, it was bitter sweet and the end has arrived. I close this chapter the way I started it, announcing to the world that this is not a personal attack to those involved, but a demand for integrity. I think it’s a sad day when people who we put on pedestals let us down. I once held this organization in high regard and today the voice of history reminds me of how much of a fool I am for doing so. I will never ever ever mention this group in any of my blogs ever again unless, they decide to say a few words. I wanted this to be a fair conversation and though I know many have read the entries, no one has come in their defense. I hope this blog segment encourages others to speak out when things seem wrong and think twice where they place their loyalty.

Stay tune for Sacramento Bride and Groom response to the “Lame Apology”.

Many might think that this is an attack, however those that know me understand that I have faith in the vendors of Sacramento, but the old ways of doing business is dead. Some would say “What do you care?” Regardless, I don’t see anyone with the COJONES to speak about this publicly; so I made it my cause. This entry is for all those who are concerned of backlash if they make their voices heard. Read, comment and let’s create a dialog with the aim to find a fix. In business, actions speak louder than words, apologies smells like a empty office space for rent. Stay anonymous when replying, but tell the truth.

Before I begin, I ask that you think of the greater good when leaving your comments.

1. The faces of the torch holders must take a back seat. Your target audience is a bride between 23 – 35, the face of the group must fit demographic; pass the torch and stay as an advisor

2. Today’s bride is a savvy web user with little patience when it comes to bad websites. The current web page is not a web page but a ugly bulletin board that when out with Mc Hammer and the Atari 2600

3. The board members should be divided into Juniors and Seniors board members. The young members will bring new ideas because they have their thumbs on the pulse of style, fashion and the newest trends of the market, while the Senior members bring their experience and wise council

4. Partner up – Learn a lesson from those fortune 500 companies that are partnering and merging just to ride out this economic storm. Merge for 3 years and grow, while keeping your brand identity, like Chipotle and McDonald’s

5. Don’t nickel and dime your vendors. If you must make money be creative; for starters have different levels of membership, however you must under promise and over deliver

6. Lastly, focus on your local vendors. Your local vendors are your family and it’s they who wish to help and support you in times of economic insecurity

You made many mistakes but your biggest is not knowing when to let go; in fact your getting in the way of your business. If you continue on this path it won’t be long before the same economic hammer that is restructuring our global business giants knocks on your door. A hard pill to swallow, yes, but so is failure. Now that you have these ideas is time for you to examine and implement them. If you don’t know where to start you can always hire me; I’m known for Getting Things Done. What is your take on this matter, what would you change?

“Take the Red Pill you stay in Wonderland
and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”

Act 1 Act 2 Act 3 Act 4 Act 5

My history with a certain association, allows me to speak on this subject. Last week while at Sun City Roseville, it was announced that they would no longer be hosting any wedding vendor mixers. Many were shocked thinking that Sun City would be closing it’s doors due to the economy, but the truth is uglier than that. Word has it that a certain Association of Wedding Vendors had a party and failed to pay it’s bill. Birdies have told me that some among the ranks are pulling away from their leadership roles while others are just walking away after years of loyal commitment. So why kick them when their down? Because I believe that many great and wonderful vendors are going to be hurt by the deceit of a few. What kills me is that no one is speaking about this publicly. Loyalty is a noble cause and it should be commended but there comes a time when one must call things for what they truly are. The vendors of the Sacramento wedding industry are terrific and I implore them to stand with integrity and fix this wrong even if it means by force. Once a foolish man built a house on the sand and when the rain and wind came, the house fell with a great crash. Look out, gray skies are looming in the distance.

“Take the Red Pill you stay in Wonderland
and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”

Act 1 Act 2 Act 3 Act 4 Act 5

On June 20th I photographed a fund raiser in Loomis California for the Marello Youth Retreat Center and in the process auctioned off one of my portrait packages. There on the same floor with Pottery World and Hubacher Cadillac, SAAB, Buick, Pontiac and GMC sat one of my latest portraits; it felt good.

That is where I met this unique and fun Sacramento rock On Air. “…For more than twenty one years, On Air’s eleven-piece power horn, classic rock sound has captured audiences with classy musicianship, quality showmanship and an attitude of sheer joy. They play, and dance, up a rock ‘n’ roll storm! The group first appeared at the old Woodlake Inn on New Year’s Eve 1985. In previous years they have played such popular venues as the Sacramento Blues Festival, the California State Fair, the Vacaville Onion Festival, the Nevada County Fair and other regional events. On Air specializes in solid rockers that lean heavily toward the style of Chicago and Tower of Power. The repertoire ranges from hot Motown and Rhythm & Blues to favorites by Steely Dan, Van Morrison and The Doobie Brothers. The group can also pull out lots of popular frat rock and also includes a smattering of jazz, swing and soul. An On Air performance is a visual treat as well; the group’s showmanship is as superb as the music itself…” I look forward to working with them in the future.

I few moments ago I got the great pleasure of of working with Dawn & Nestor Clavijo of TLC Catering. Their food is fantastic and their service superb but what I love the most is their passion for food and customer service. I would recommend them for any and every event. I took a moment and asked them a few questions about who is TLC Catering and this is what they said”

“Each menu item is carefully created by our chef Nestor, who has been professionally trained, & has worked with Wolfgang Puck. Nestor’s experience includes a wide range of culinary talent. Utilizing this talent, one of TLC Catering specialties is in creating unique, custom menus for brunch, barbecues, holidays, fine dining, wedding receptions, & personal chef services.”

• Who is TLC? TLC is a family owned and operated business. TLC stands for our daughter Trinity Love Clavijo
• What does food represent to TLC? Nestor Clavijo is our chef and has been trained fine dining, food to him is love. He gets a joy out of life by creating for the event
• When did you know you wanted to be a Chef? Nestor changed his major from becoming a lawyer to the culinary arts in 1995. He was encouraged by his girlfriend, now wife and partner to go into the cooking field since he was talented and creative
• Where did you train? Pasadena City College, along with training under Chef Joachim and Chef Wolfgang Puck
• What professional in your discipline do you admireChef Wolgang Puck, the reason being as a resident of Austria he was able to come to the United States and create a niche in this field for himself
• When did you start your business? August 2001 we opened our doors to the public
• Do you belong to any professional wedding association? We belong to AFWPI
• What is your favorite dish to prepare for a wedding? Filet Mignon w/Black Cherry Sauce
• If you were a wedding cake, what flavor would you be? Chocolate (it is very sensual, silky, delicious, aphrodisiac)
• What’s dinner like in your home? Healthy lots of vegetables and made in 30 minutes, no fried food except for Platanos on occasion
• What questions a Bride in Groom ask when interviewing a caterer for there wedding? They ask about experience, what would my setup look like
• Where do you draw your inspiration from? Seasonal California Cuisine, (fresh, light) w/French influence
• A word that best describes TLC? Exceptional Catering
• Why should they hire TLC? Not only is our food exceptional, but our customer service is also
• Where or how can they find more about TLC? Our website is www.tlc4catering.com or they can call us at 916/454-0852
• If you were a shoe would you be Flats, Boots, Pumps, Sneakers, Thongs or Loafers? Pumps of course. The sexiness that a pump gives is exactly how we present our food what is pleasing to the eye